February 04, 2008 | Comments: (0)
Virtualization: The Management Take
I'm now in one of the breakout sessions at InfoWorld's Virtualization Executive Forum (I had an abbreviated form of the event name in my earlier post), where five executives are talking about deployment of blade servers and other virtualization hardware and software. There have been a couple of interesting take-aways so far:
First, the answer "it depends" is everywhere when you talk about virtualization. It's great to hear this when so many people get very religious about their choice of hardware or (especially) software for putting together and virtualized environment. Things are changing so rapidly that looking honestly at your requirements, then being open about which solutions you'll consider, will almost certainly give you a better solution than decided first that you'll use a particular platform then trying to mold your analysis to fit.
Next, the management issues are huge. I'm not talking about virtual machine hypervisors, but human managers who can't change their thinking to meet the new realities of a virtualized infrastructure. When you're considering virtualized deployment, you should absolutely build time to evangelize management into your planning process -- it will pay huge dividends as you roll out the production systems.
More from the Forum after lunch...
Posted by Curt Franklin on February 4, 2008 12:05 PM
August 15, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* Yahoo! gets the win in e-biz customer happiness. The University of Michigan just did a big study on customer satisfaction with e-biz services. Turns out Yahoo! took the win over Google. When you compare the finish on products like Yahoo! Mail vs. Google Mail, I can see why. (Source: PC World)
* Meanwhile, Microsoft isn't out, beefs up Hotmail. IN the continuing battle between online e-biz providers, Microsoft just announced a 5GB upgrade for all free Hotmail users and 5GB to 10GB for paying users. No word on how this affects Office Live users. (Source: InformationWeek)
* SAP makes another play for SMB. According to SAP reps, the company is finally about to launch its long-awaited SMB-oriented SaaS offering, called A1S. Wonder if the A-1 Steak Sauce people are going to sue them. (Source: eCRM Guide)
* Bandwidth.com announces triple play service for SMBs. Bandwidth.com has been a voice/data provider for some time, but they now announce a bundled service covering everything your SMB could want from its wires. Go to their site to get a quote and check availability in your area. (Source: Bandwidth.com)
Posted by Oliver Rist on August 15, 2007 08:14 AM
August 01, 2007 | Comments: (0)
Happy August!
* Laser printers a health risk? Ouch. An Australian professor just completed a study which he says proves that the emissions on certain models of laser printers are as unhealthy as cigarette smoke. Guess breathing toner isn't good for you. He cited a lot of big names, including Canon, HP and Toshiba. (Source: CNET)
* Payment card standard gets mixed reports. The payment card industry's latest Data Security Standard (DSS) just went to version 1.1 and definitely shows improved safety for consumers. But there's still folks questioning it. (Source: InfoWorld)
* Keyspan debuts USB server. This cute little box could be a boon for really small offices. Just plug it in and it allows you to share USB peripherals over a network. Not such a big deal for printers, but it also supports things like scanners, hard disks or digi cams. (Source: PC World)
* Microsoft releases some Mac friendliness. So if you're using Microsoft Office on the Mac, you're still on Mac Office 2004 which means you can't open files saved in Office 2007's new Open (not!) XML format. Well now you can. Just download this update and you're good. There's also an update that will let Mac machines access files on XP and Vista workstations. Worth a look if you're working in a mixed OS environment. (Source: InformationWeek)
Posted by Oliver Rist on August 1, 2007 09:07 AM
July 31, 2007 | Comments: (0)
Mortgage is due tomorrow.
* SAP buffs up BusinessOne. That's SAP's SMB package. Supposed to cover everything from accounting through inventory and HR. The new version is supposed to be easier and has new Web components. (Source: InfoWorld)
* Cisco not going to kill off Linksys brand. It goes like this: Chambers hints that Cisco might fold the Linksys brand into Cisco. The world freaks out. Cisco rushes to tell all us pundits that he was just joshin' and the Linksys brand is safe. So we can all breathe easy now. Whew. Geez. (Source: PC Mag)
* Adobe gets heat over Fedex/Kinko deal. Seems Adobe's added a button in its Acrobat software that lets users print docs directly to Fedex/Kinko locations. Cool. But smaller competitors are saying they should take it out because it makes it less easy for them to compete. Personally, I think they ought to suck it up. (Source: BetaNews)
* Gateway goes to Europe. The company is expanding into the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia with support coming from a European call center. Just good to know in case you SMB expands to these countries and needs value desktops. (Source: InformationWeek)
Posted by Oliver Rist on July 31, 2007 06:45 AM
July 24, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* The Dos and Donts of data breaches. This one was written for the enterprise set, but most of these tips work for businesses of any size--and we know that SMBs are as likely to be breached as anyone else. (Source: InfoWorld)
* Microsoft leaks Gatineau details. Seems Redmond is looking to release a new Web analytics tool later this summer. It's aimed at competing with Google's counterpart, and will allow you to analyze traffic by usage and user data. (Source: PC World)
* Cycle out old cells with Second Rotation. This newcomer will take your old consumer electronics gadgets off your hands and then resell them over eBay. Basically a gadget broker. (Source: CNET)
* Black Hat is next week. iPhone's the target. The annual Black Hat Vegas crack fest next week will show all kinds of new vulnerabilities, but you can bet the iPhone will be one of the bigger targets on display. (Source: BetaNews)
Posted by Oliver Rist on July 24, 2007 06:51 AM
July 20, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* SMB backup dilemma. Some grains of salt on the never-ending array of ddomsday SMB backup stats from our resident storage guru, Mario Apicella. (Source: InfoWorld)
* Xandros acquires Scalix. I was supposed to review the latest version of Xandros' SMB server package but...I didn't. Meanwhile, they've refined it and purchased one of our favorite Exchange competitors, Scalix, into the bargain. Could be a compelling new all-in-one package for small business. (Source: InformationWeek)
* Duke's iPhone problems solved. Neither Apple nor Duke are commenting on why, but I'm thinking it might have something to do with turning a bunch of iPhones off. HA! I had to go there. On a serious note, I'm not so sure it's an iPhone thing since this is the only documented case of iPhone WLAN flooding I've heard of. Guess we'll see when it slips out on someone's blog. (Source: NetworkWorld)
* Sprint rolling out WiMax? According to Business 2.0, Sprint-Nextel says it's ready to start rolling out a full WiMax network later this year. Man, forget about a phone-gadget-frenzy, as far as I'm concerned it's all about fast-data-network-frenzy. Soon as that comes out, Verizon's in my rear-view mirror! (Source: Business 2.0)
Posted by Oliver Rist on July 20, 2007 01:49 PM
July 19, 2007 | Comments: (0)
Is it a coincidence that 'summer malaise' and 'too much mayonnaise' kinda rhyme?
* Google opens fee-based SMB custom search. Purty cool from the Googlers. Sign up for their new Custom Search Business Edition and you can build a customized search engine for your Web site. Microsoft should have thought of this for Office Live. (Source: PC World)
* So *this* is what Accenture's been doing. The $17 billion consulting company just released a digital Personal Performance Coach. Thing loads on a Windows Mobile smartphone and uses Bluetooth to talk you through everything from being a good conversationalist to exercising right. Just what we need--a giant corporation whispering its idea of good behavior into thousands of ears. Geez. (Source: Business 2.0)
* SMB wireless players form alliance. A group of smaller wireless players have formed the Alliance for Fair Roaming Access. This to keep the big players in line so everyone gets a fair shake with nationwide roaming. (Source: Network Computing)
* SunRocket takes a dive. Looks like VoIP service vendor, SunRocket, has shut its doors. Yet another telecomm vendor looking to survive solely on IP services--not a small one, either, ranked 4th behind guys like Vonage, Verizon & AT&T. SunRocket was the outfit that charged annually rather than monthly. Their site is still there, but they're not taking any new customers. Bad for us, good for the evil empire(s). (Source: NetworkWorld)
Posted by Oliver Rist on July 19, 2007 12:22 PM
July 09, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* Google buys Postini. Deal is worth $625 million and is most likely in response to Microsoft's offering the same kind of thing through ForeFront. Strange how the anti-Microsoft is behaving...just like Microsoft. (Source: Bloomberg)
* Don't pick your nose in NYC. In an effort to fight terrorism, the city is spending $90 million to beef up its street surveillance camera system. Anyone see Enemy of the State? (Source: CNET)
* Users getting cranky with MS Software Assurance program. Not an SB issue but certainly an MB issue, SA was supposed to save business customers money. But research firms are finding that Microsoft's unsteady release schedule may actually be making SA more expensive than a straight CAL option. (Source: InfoWorld)
* IceMail does hosted Exchange Email for iPhone. In case some of your execs walked into the office last week with that glazed I-just-bought-a-new-Apple-gizmo look in their eyes, here's a way to give them their Exchange email without any headache whatsoever. (Source: PC World)
Posted by Oliver Rist on July 9, 2007 11:32 AM
June 13, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* Glitz comes off the iPhone. Well, maybe maybe not. Jobs told programmers at Apple's Worldwide Developers' Conference that as far as mobile applications were concerned, the iPhone is a mobile Safari browser. Sounds cool when you mumble AJAX and Web 2.0, but Tom Yager makes some really salient points as to why it might truly and bodaceously suck (think 'no SDK'). Bottom line: Not enough info to truly pan it, but it's definitely not looking as cool as it was just two weeks ago. (Source: InfoWorld)
* More iPhone bummers: iTunes required. Yeah, that's right. Even though it's got a full OS X install running, you're not given free choice in music players. Or maybe you are, but you'll still need an iTunes account to activate the device. What the hell are they thinking in Cupertino?! (Source: PC World)
* Microsoft clarifies virtualization licensing. Important for SMBs considering a virtualization solution other then Redmond's. A new whitepaper details licensing with third-party virtualizing apps, but it's probably only good until Server 2008 hits the shelves. (Source: ComputerWorld)
* EC proposes unused TV spectrum for WiMax. Gotta love it when government and the phone companies actually work together to make things better. EC is proposing using ultra-high frequency spectrum swaths for WiMax since they're largely unused by the TV industry for which they're presently allocated. Could speed WiMax deployment. Though not on this side of the Atlantic. (Source: CNet)
Posted by Oliver Rist on June 13, 2007 10:41 AM
June 12, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* Senators looking to block patent overhaul. A group of senators (republicans) backed by a few large tech vendors are looking to delay a bill that would rework the much-maligned US patent system. Legal pending? (Source: InfoWorld)
* AVG mobile AV comes to Symbian. Usually the more reclusive of the cell phone operating systems, Symbian now has some malware protection from AVG. Released in beta. (Source: PC World)
* IBM shows off Cheetah. Code name for version 11 of its venerable Informix database. This one is notable because it's got all the advanced features but overlays that with a hands-free administration system. (Source: InformationWeek)
* TheStreet.com cancels investing contest. In case you were participating in TheStreet.com's $100K investing contest, you can stop. Seems some players cheated by taking advantage of the system, so contest one is canceled and its prize money will go to increase the purse in the [more] secure contest 2. (Source: CNet)
Posted by Oliver Rist on June 12, 2007 11:02 AM
June 08, 2007 | Comments: (0)
Sitting in an APC conference room listening to electrical engineers talk about power and cooling. Another hour of this and I'm going to peel my face off.
* Parallels Desktop goes to version 3. Now that the Mac is back, maybe I'll install this. Big news is that it's supposed to be 3D-graphics capable. Unfortunately, I drove over to APC with Sasquatch Venezia who tested this thing last night and while it'll play solitaire smoothly, it's still not enough juice to run Vista's Aero interface. Awwww. He's supposed to have a review up soon. (Source: InfoWorld)
* New H1-B immigration bill does face plant in the Senate. Lots of controversy on this bill. New cap of about 115,000 H1-B visas under the new law and a point system that was supposed to free these workers from the employers who bring them in. Gotta say, I'm not sorry to see it go because it read more than a little funny. (Source: CNet)
* More new software: new version of Ad-Aware. I've liked this spyware hunter-killer since it came out for two reasons: First, it's good; second, it's available in a free version. Updated personal privacy features, but the downside is that no Vista-compatible version will be available until August at the earliest. (Source: PC World)
* MIT shows off WiTricity. It's Friday so we end on a semi-weird one. Someone else in Philly talked about wireless electricity in the recent past, but the geeks from MIT just demoed it, lighting a lightbulb without cabled electricity. Also dubbed the name WiTricity. Wonder what they'll call the tumors this'll cause. (Source: InformationWeek)
Posted by Oliver Rist on June 8, 2007 10:10 AM
June 04, 2007 | Comments: (0)
UNBELIEVABLE!!!! How many articles have I written about the importance of *regular* backups?! Then I buy a new MacBook Pro with a piece of #$%^% Fujitsu hard disk and I don't back it up for four weeks straight because I'm waiting for a new storage toy from NDA-vendor-X. Now I've lost a month worth of emails, articles and BitTorrent music. Just enough to be really annoying, but not enough to warrant the $1000 it would cost for bit-by-bit disk recovery. There are days when you just feel like kicking your own butt.
Rant over. SMB news like this:
* Yahoo opens Panama ad platform. Yahoo started its Google-competing ad platform, codenamed Panama, back in February. But it just went live to third party. Yahoo's being a bit more open in how Panama works than Google is with its AdSense. They're also basing ad results on other things besides bid price--like search relevancy. Sounds like more targeted advertising for your SMB marketing buck. (Source: CNET)
* Intel provides sneak peek at 2008 laptops. At its recent developer conference in Beijing, Intel showed off next year's trends in mobile computing. Top of the list was mobile quad-core. Want one of THOSE! (Source: PC World)
* There *is* money in open source. According to a new market research study, open source software revenue topped $1.8 billion in 2006--and that's supposed to go up to $5.8 billion by 2011. Certainly something to think about for SMB development houses. (Source: Techworld)
* Xandros joins Novell in MS deal. Could be good news for SMBs using Linux, especially Xandros' new SMB server package. They've now entered into the same kind of joint licensing deal with Microsoft as Novell. Should cut down on any upcoming IP litigation nonsense for those users. (Source: InfoWorld)
Posted by Oliver Rist on June 4, 2007 10:16 AM
May 31, 2007 | Comments: (0)
Thursday. So close to the weekend. Yet so far.
* Google and Salesforce.com to announce deal next Tuesday. Not too many specifics yet, but the duo is obviously aiming at Microsoft's hosted version of its CRM and ERP systems. Possible treasure chest for SMBs willing to do a little exploring. (Source: InfoWorld)
* Neat gadget for road penguins. The TurboLinux Wizpy should be selling next month. 2GB-4GB multimedia player for about $280 that also has a PC-bootable version of Linux installed. Should let you really screw up those kiosk machines at FedexKinkos. (Source: InfoWorld)
* Lenovo does new muscled ultraportables. The new ThinkPad X61 and X61s have a new wireless system with embedded pop-up antenna that's supposed to increase wireless performance up to 30% (presumably they're talking about range), and they also have a new rated battery life of up to 12 HOURS! Just hope the batteries don't go nuclear on your lap. (Source: InformationWeek)
* More Penguin power with Fedora 7. Red Hat gets Fedora 7 off the ground--definitely a viable desktop SMB OS, especially for small dev houses. Big news here is that Red Hat is actually a little less involved, instead opening the programming chain to the open source development community. Should mean more innovation and speedier releases. Also probably means an offshoot or two if history is any indicator. (Source: ComputerWorld)
Posted by Oliver Rist on May 31, 2007 10:45 AM
May 29, 2007 | Comments: (0)
Sometimes I really hate golf. I mean, just hate it. Ruins a perfectly good three-day weekend.
* The Penguin People fire back at Microsoft. In response to Microsoft hinting that it will be looking at patent litigation against Linux users soon (and Novell suddenly clamming up on the subject), BusinessWeek just pubbed an op-ed piece by Linux Foundation Executive Director Jim Zemlin firing back at Microsoft. Zemlin reminds Redmond that Linux isn't with out huge patent pile of its own--and an enthusiastic community to stand behind it. We could wind up watching a real nerd war this year. Just make sure your SMB apps don't get caught in the middle. (Source: BusinessWeek)
* NY thinks Google-DoubleClick merger is hinky. Sure it's worth $3.1 billion, but before he clears it, Spitzer wants Google to come clean on exactly how it runs the usage-tracking part of its advert business. Now that's going to make the Googlers cranky. (Source: ZDNet)
* Avaya on the block? According to the NYT, Avaya has engaged Credit Suisse to manage the sale of part or all of the company. Possible buyers would be both Cisco and Nortel--which could really bite for customers of its SMB product lines. (Source: CNet)
* Toshiba snuggles up to AMD. Toshiba announced it was entering into a purchasing agreement with AMD for mobile CPUs. Looks like one or more lines of Toshiba notebooks will be running these CPUs, which means we might be looking at a new line of value machines for the SMB set...? (Source: PC Mag)
Posted by Oliver Rist on May 29, 2007 05:00 AM
May 25, 2007 | Comments: (0)
Out of the badlands and back to work.
* NetSuite goes handheld. The company's ERP, CRM and e-commerce apps are now available via handheld mobile devices via partnerships with Antenna Software, Explore Mobile, and iEnterprises. (Source: NetworkWorld)
* Last bit of Interop news is pyromania. I'm ticked I missed this. A company that builds disaster-proof enclosures demoed their ability to protect hard drives from harm by setting an enclosure on fire in the parking lot then retrieving data off the disk after the flames died down. Cool series of photos. (Source: InformationWeek)
* FaceBook gets snaps for Web app extensions. Lots of talk on Web apps built around platforms, but FaceBook just unveiled one that really works. Built on straight HTML and scripting (PHP, etc.) extensions, the new platform will let SMBs build data gathering and other service apps around the FaceBook portal. (Source: BetaNews)
* Online shopping still growing. Loads of security SNAFUs aren't slowing down etailing growth according to a new study sponsored by RightNow.com. Worth reading if that's your SMB. (Source: RightNow.com)
Posted by Oliver Rist on May 25, 2007 10:08 AM
May 24, 2007 | Comments: (0)
SMB Tech News Today; INTEROP Day 4
I'm out of here in a few hours, and I'm one of the few press nerds who stayed this long. As a result, they're aren't many brand-spanking-new today press announcements this late in the show. So here are a few more SMB news bits from earlier this week.
* Netgear into SMB hardware spewage, too. I blogged on how D-Link was spewing out new SMB hardware, but they're not the only ones. Netgear is pumping out new products, too. They've got a new ProSafe Wireless Switch (OEM partner is rumored to be Trapeze who do this REALLY well), they hyper-COOL ReadyNAS that Negear got off its Infrant acquisition (this thing is fast, does 1-3TB and can be setup by almost anyone, tho probably not Sasquatch Venezia) and they announced a partnership with Avaya to provide a custom end-to-end VoIP bundle to SMB customers via their reseller channel. Not to mention some new stackable gigabit switches, updated WiFi access points and some other goodies.
* Samsung does SMB voice comm appliance. The family is the OfficeServ line and has both 7100 & 7200 model numbers. Basic specs for both are complete voice-in-a-box. VoIP and/or POTS, wired or wireless handsets, voicemail, PBX functions and even some unified messaging features like syncing vmail with users' Outlook inboxes. To be available near the end of Summer 2007. Price is apparently TBD.
* Raritan shows off new KVM super-box. These guys make some of the best keyboard/video/mouse (KVM) controllers in the biz. The new Dominion KX II does KVM over IP, has a new browser config/mgmt UI, a slick new virtual KVM desktop and supports things like remote USB on managed end points. Way cool, and they're even offering a trade-in discount program for existing Raritan customers.
* Wedge does SMB security appliance. It's called the BeSecure NDP-2040NX. Does gigabit-level networking, scans for AV and AM, does deep packet inspection, handles mucho protocols, etc. Real sweet little box with a price that's nice, tho most likely more for the MB set.
Posted by Oliver Rist on May 24, 2007 09:46 AM
May 23, 2007 | Comments: (0)
SMB Tech News Today; INTEROP Day 3
Tired. Fuzzy. Down $350 at the slots. But still walkin'!
SMB Interop News Today:
* VoIPShield Systems debuts voice security suite. Have to see how much of this is really voice-specific, but the suite claims to include components for things like VoIP NAC, VoIP IPS, and even VoIP anti-spam. Aimed at enterprises, but good for SMBers who have a consulting or VAR business around VoIP.
* Apani shows off EpiCenter 3.0. Big upgrade to the company's security suite. This is at least an MB-oriented product going up to enterprises, but they've gone to a lot of trouble to make it easier to use for IT generalists. New features include better policy-based management, AD and LDAP integration, and a big-time reporting upgrade among other things.
* Unlimi-Tech has a couple of large file transfer systems out. This is a mite confusing, but here goes. Seems Unlimi-Tech makes one software package called FileCatalyst 2.0 which manages large file transfers across the globe sans FTP or email attachment headaches. But they're also showcasing Files2U, which seems to be the same thing offered...as a service. Real nice for small businesses with big file transfer needs.
* Reflex Security does gigabit IPS. These guys are taking the wrappers off a gigabit-capable IPS appliance that uses quad-core Xeons but still manages a $28K street price. MB-level definitely, but handy for companies who really need to watch the network.
Posted by Oliver Rist on May 23, 2007 08:10 AM
May 22, 2007 | Comments: (0)
SMB Tech News Today; INTEROP Day 2
A little hung over but significantly richer due to some success at Voce Communication's Texas Hold 'em Tournament done with Barracuda Networks and NetIQ. Just keeping you up-to-date.
SMB Interop News
* Xirrus and DiVitas show interoperability. As we previewed in our recent DiVitas hands-on review, that company is now showing their MMC stuff in real life. They're running on Xirrus, the main Interop WiFi provider, and doing seamless roaming between that network and T-Mobile's data/voice network. See? We weren't making it up.
* Bluesocket shows new software. Just because DiVitas and Xirrus are kicking booty, don't forget about the rest of the WLAN landscape. BlueSocket just released new management software for their BlueSecure Controllers. Better security, better roaming and even some endpoint scanning built-in.
* Zoho shows off Notebook app. No press kit to link to as yet...BUT: For those SMBers into the Web 2.0 trend, Zoho's new Notebook app is cool. Looks like a OneNote clone at first glance, but also adds loads of Web features -- online collab, whiteboarding, even the ability to aggregate content or create content directly from Notebook. Worth checking out for sheer glitziness.
* Loads of stuff from D-Link. They're just spewing new hardware out of their booth. Stuff includes, "first-to-market wireless Smart switching, fully-managed IPv6 switching, iSCSI storage arrays, TAA compliancy, security, and next-generation telephony for small business." Not sure what all of that means, but it does include a sexy new Internet video portal and a sweet little small biz VoIP phone system.
Posted by Oliver Rist on May 22, 2007 09:33 AM
May 21, 2007 | Comments: (0)
SMB Tech News Today; INTEROP Day 1
Just coming off of TWO WEEKS of blissful vacation and I'm thrust headlong into the chaotic bloodsport that is Spring Interop (no longer with the "Networld+" appendage...only for the last three years...shows you how aware I am). Today the show floor is stll being built by various vendor engineers and some friends of mine: Brian Chee our Geeks in Paradise lab director and my generous Vegas landlord, Padre aka The Tech Stop aka Father Ballecer.
So presently I'm wading through carnage caused by dozens of SEs given free reign to setup the latest equipment, management software and geek toys. Pallet crates all over the floor, little golf carts laden with tools, cables and various shiny boxes loaded with eth ports, bubble wrap wisping around on air conditioned slip streams like tumbleweeds in a nerd desert. Some geeks are positioning webcams on the cat walks to zoom in on the best booth babes, others are kidnapping an opposing team's routers and sending ransom notes as trouble tickets and still more are playing with nerd toys like Padre's bunnies (below; weenie scammed FOUR of these things; I can't even get ONE! They're utterly useless but stuffed with geek toys and APIs, like RFID, 802.11x, SNMP, RSS, lights the sync, ears that rotate according to scripted directions, way more. Data center toys worth hours of wasted time). Oh yeah, and all of them are building a hugely complex network interconnecting hundreds of vendors' latest wares--and they're doing it in a week. All this against the backdrop of girls, gambling and debauchery that is Vegas. Yeah, I've got a headache, but it's okay.
So the show floor may be closed, but that's not stopping vendors from making loads of announcements and bombarding my inbox with them. So here goes from the SMB perspective:
* 3Com announces new SMB security platform. Called the X family, they're actually for both enterprises and SMBs, apparently. Combination smart IPS with firewall, VPN and content filtering built-in. Nothing to make the nether regions tingle, but good for competition.
* SecureWave does Sanctuary 4.2. Latest iteration of their endpoint security client. Does custom reports, script & macro protection, pasword lockout & recovery and offline temp permissions. Hey, this is the year of security so check it out.
* But watch out for NAP & TCG. Microsoft's pushing its Network Access Protection endpoint security HARD. Using Interop to announce that: "they will provide customers and partners interoperability of TCG's Trusted Network Connect (TNC) architecture and Microsoft Network Access Protection (NAP)". In other words, NAP's coming to networks near you.
* Netreo does traffic management as SaaS. This is cool for SMBs who want more sophisticated traffic flow analysis, but don't want to pay for additional infrastructure or software clients. Netreo's OmniCenter Flow does all the analysis, but in a SaaS delivery model. Sign up, simplified software setup and go.
* Critical Links is unveiling its Office-in-a-Box appliance. Not well named, but it's a well-featured edge appliance for SMBs. Official name is edgeBOX, and it does the whole firewall/edge router thing, but combines it with VoIP gateway and PBX thing. All in one box for the SMB set.
More news as the day goes on...
Posted by Oliver Rist on May 21, 2007 09:08 AM
May 02, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* More SMB declarations from IBM. IBM's CEO, Sam Palmisano, said in a keynote speech that he expects Big Blue's SMB business to become its biggest industry focus in the next few years. 'Course IBM defines SMB as "1000 employees and down" so I don't think SOHO businesses will see to much action off this for a while. (Source: InfoWorld)
* T.J. Maxx SNAFU to top out at $4.5 billion. Security expert IPLocks says T.J. Maxx's problems will amount to $100 per compromised record. Sucks for T.J., but hopefully a message to beef up security. (Source: InformationWeek)
* Verizon offers VoIP assessment service. So it's for their MPLS customers (mostly larger bizzes, but some SMBers there) and it allows them to better quantify their voice quality. For the prices they charge, Verizon ought to do that themselves. (Source: NetworkWorld)
* Next big bets for VCs. The business school mind set is that venture capitalists are bouncing back from the post-bubble depression. With the Googlers and similar companies dropping a couple of billion every few months, they seem to feel better about their ability to cash out--at least for certain segments like SaaS. Gotta love greed. (Source: Knowledge@Wharton)
Posted by Oliver Rist on May 2, 2007 10:32 AM
May 01, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* Nokia adds security appliances. Two new models, including low-end job aimed at SMBs. Not just better speeds and feeds, but improved protection against smart malware threats, too. (Source: InfoWorld)
* IT salary survey. Just in case you need some more metrics on what to pay your geek staffer. Or consultant. Or that high school kid who runs your network. (Source: InformationWeek)
* Google to unveil "iGoogle" brand. Man, I hope this is a hoax, otherwise it's sad, sadder, tears-launching-themselves-in-suicidal-frenzy--from-my-ducts SAD. Oh yeah, and it refers to their personalized home page. Still sad. (Source: BetaNews)
* Boston hotel offers thin clients to guests. If you're a constant road warrior, then mayhap this offering from the Seaport Hotel near Boston might appeal: In-room thin clients running Windows XP with hi=speed Internet access. So as long as they've got USB support and you make good use of stuff like online storage, you might be able to travel without any notebook at all. (Source: ComputerWorld)
Posted by Oliver Rist on May 1, 2007 09:07 AM
April 30, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* Dell thinking about more than direct. In a leaked memo, Dell's CEO outlines a number of 'steps to success' one of which is looking at sales opps in an 'indirect' channel. (Source: InfoWorld)
* Cyber-currency business under federal indictment. A federal grand jury later last week unsealed an indictment against the three founders of E-Gold, an online currency operation. The charges claim the company was laundering money for kiddie porners, identity thieves and similar slime. Maybe the government is finally getting wise to the Web's convoluted process strands. (Source: InformationWeek)
* Brandjacking on the rise. Home users falling for the male enlargement ads aren't the only ones at risk from cyber-bad guys anymore. According to a study by MarkMonitor, corporations face threats from cyber-squatters, clickfraud and other abuses aimed specifically at businesses. (Source: PC World)
* Microsoft beats AT&T on patents. In a major upset, Microsoft wins a 7-1 decision on a patent infringement lawsuit against AT&T. So software coupled with hardware can't be patented. Ironically, this will be a big boost for open source folks and it's also going to turn a whole bunch of other patents on their ears. (Source: BetaNews)
Posted by Oliver Rist on April 30, 2007 07:39 AM
April 27, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* AdWords need supervision. Google's advertising engine is a quick source of revenue for many SMBs. But its AdWords system seems to have been hacked by malware dorks and is now distributing said evil code to unsuspecting recipients. Which would be your customers. Google better get on the stick with that. (Source: InfoWorld)
* McKinnon says hacker damage exaggerated. The pathetically infamous "NASA hacker", Gary McKinnon just went on record saying that businesses are exaggerating the amount of damage hackers cause. Then again, he's awaiting deportation for computer crimes, so I'm guessing he's not entirely objective. (Source: Silicon.com)
* AOL betas Yahoo-copy home page. In line with its new Web-only direction, AOL just betaed a look at its new home page. And it's Yahoo. Like almost a pixel for pixel copy. Doesn't AOL have any creative people of its own over there? (Source: BetaNews)
* Wikipedia for the legal set. This is cool for SMBers who need to catch up on legislation that may be affecting their business. WashingtonWatch.com is a Wikipedia-style site designed to explain new legislation and trends as well as engender discussion. (Source: PC World)
Posted by Oliver Rist on April 27, 2007 10:33 AM
April 26, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* Dell gets into solid state, too. The Dell guys won't let Sony get the best of 'em, so they're introing a solid state disk option on the Latitude line of notebooks. Hey, solid disks are nice, but I wish they'd get this exploding battery thing under control first. Seems to me that solid disks could take a back seat until they make sure my crotch doesn't catch fire. (Source: InfoWorld)
* Web 2.0 security rears ugly head. It had to happen sometime. So much work in getting Web 2.0 glitz up on the Web that security has taken a back seat. So now, things like the Samy worm pop up and exploit the new tech. If your SMB is based on that, better pay attention now rather than get fried later. (Source: PC World)
* New Internet speed record set. Some Internet2 researchers just set a new speed record: 9.08Gbps. Hithertofore (it's a word!), achieved only in LAN settings using 10Gbps + fiber tech. Wonder how long it'll take Verizon to make this part of their backbone. Probably be beaming to work by then. (Source: BetaNews)
* Hitachi releases new enterprise hard disks. UP to 1TB in capacity (want one of THOSE!!) and speeds up to 10K rpm. What's 'enterprise' seems to be size and the channel they're selling through. (Source: DailyTech)
Posted by Oliver Rist on April 26, 2007 05:46 AM
April 25, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* TJMaxx shopping for KY. This is going to hurt. But aside from nuking a company that seems to deserve it, this is also going to open the floodgates of data security lawsuits across all manner of businesses. Gonna mean a boom for both security vendors and lawyers. Hopefully, it'll put some pressure on data thieves, too. (Source: InformationWeek)
* FaceTime does Skype manager. I doubt many businesses are running Skype as a primary phone service; but I bet there are a bunch using it as backup voice. For those, FaceTime just came out with a management console. Should help with control and security. (Source: InfoWorld)
* More digital wallet news. This time it's Nokia partnering with...well everybody except anyone we care about in the US. Digital payment plan for use with cell phones, initiated by Nokia, also including LG and Samsung as handset makers, MasterCard as payment processor, and a whole pile of Euro and Asia cell phone providers. Naturally, no cell phone providers in the US because Nokia's plan requires sharing and that's against the evil empire's number 1 rule. (Source: PC World)
* Wanna know if you're getting paid enough? This site will tell you. Called PayScale and it dynamically compares your paycheck numbers with those of other folks doing the same job. Always collecting data, so the comparisons get more accurate over time. (Source: CNET)
Posted by Oliver Rist on April 25, 2007 09:48 AM
April 24, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* HP has new inkjet cartridges. Three new types: 'standard', 'value', and 'specialty'. Designed for people who print a little, print a lot and print specialty items. For all those who haven't moved to color lasers yet. (Source: HP)
* Salesforce does SaaS. Wish they'd had this when we were building our CRM. But folks into that today can begin using Salesforce's platform and dev language to build SaaS apps of their own. (Source: InfoWorld)
* Need money? Go online. Seems the growing community of Web moola lenders is still hungry for customers. Turns out they're wooing a potentially riskier class of borrowers than their brick and mortar counterparts. Hey, maybe I should re-fi again. (Source: PC World)
* VA best tech job state. The AeA just pubbed a study showing that Virginia leads the union in concentration of tech jobs. And that's tech jobs in teh private sector, not just because there's loads of gov there. (Source: InformationWeek)
Posted by Oliver Rist on April 24, 2007 08:22 AM
April 23, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* PC games coming back. With all the attention going to the console wars, PC-based games seem to have been taking a hit. Turns out that's changing. Might it have something to do with consoles costing as much as PCs? (Source: NY Times)
* RIM readies client software. Hey, if Microsoft can do it for Exchange, the RIM guys figure they can do it for the Blackberry. Announced for later this year, so far confirmed to run on Windows Mobile 6. That's the easy road, tho. Be better for the non-Exchange-using world if they got it running on Palm and Linux, too. (Source: InfoWorld)
* Microsoft to double PCs by 2015. Another big goal from the guys in Redmond. Forget the spiraling economy. Forget global warming. Microsoft's going to double the number of PCs on people's desks in the next 8 years. (Source: InformationWeek)
* Your SMB successful? Take a lesson from David Hayden. A model of the dot-com entrepreneur, Hayden's in deep doo doo right now because the very people entrusted with his wealth are now looking to take him for all he's worth. (Source: NY Times)
Posted by Oliver Rist on April 23, 2007 08:30 AM
April 20, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* RIM explains the outage. Just in case your road warriorness came to a screeching halt last Tuesday-Wednesday, the RIM guys are offering an explanation. Read and regain the warm and fuzziness. (Source: InfoWorld)
* Open Source going mobile, too. The Googlers and Apple have been pushing hard into the mobile world, so now it's the Penguin's turn. The guys behind the popular Gnome open source user interface have announced that they're going for the mobile segment, too. (Source: PC World)
* Google chasing collab tech big-time. First it's Google Apps, then CRM and Google Talk and now they've bought video conferencing software from a Swedish company, called Marratech. Looks like the want to stomp on Office Live in a big way. (Source: InformationWeek)
* Lenovo axing 1400 workers. Move to Taiwan, fire off the fat. Lenovo announced it was cutting 1400 jobs throughout its worldwide operations in an effort to 'streamline' operations. Hope it doesn't streamline ThinkPad product and service quality into the bargain. (Source: DigiTimes)
Posted by Oliver Rist on April 20, 2007 11:13 AM
April 19, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* New legislation to revamp patent system. FINALLY! The Patent Reform Act was introduced yesterday. Grants patents to those first to file rather than first to invent, limits damages and has a new procedure for challenging patents. (Source: ComputerWorld)
* Salesforce.com goes political. The Salesforce.com guys just introduced Campaignforce--a version of their CRM software designed specifically for politicians. They've got an optional PromiseTracker to keep your candidate up-to-date on lies and even an interface to QuickBooks to track bribes. KIDDING! (Source: CNET)
* More useful to SMBs: Symantec offers disaster recovery. Symantec just announced its first software-as-a-service product, called the Symantec Protection Network-Online Backup Service (marketing-challenged). Disaster recovery is all over the description, but it boils down to online backup. (Source: Network Computing)
* Numara updates Track-It. Long-time favorite help desk and asset tracking app for my SMB customers, Track-It just went to version 8. Now has a redesigned and supposedly much more intuitive interface and also updated reporting so Track-It can better...track. (Source: Numara Software)
Posted by Oliver Rist on April 19, 2007 06:57 AM
April 18, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* IBM announces new Web 2.0 portal. IBM is announcing a WebSphere Portal redesign with new tools designed to let businesses do quick mashups with disparate software, including both Web-based and enterprise silo-type software. Testing to follow. (Source: IBM)
* Ray of hope for Vonage? Vonage is in trouble with Verizon over patents. But now, third-party telecomm experts (who admittedly still have ties to Vonage) are questioning the validity of Verizon's patent claims. Maybe Vonage won't need to find a workaround. (Source: InfoWorld)
* Porn on 1 in 4 corporate PCs. Rather surprising in this day and age of desktop audits and content filtering, but a new study shows nudie pix on 25% of corporate PCs. Definitely a case for corporate big brother. Then again, the study was commissioned by a software firm that specializes in keeping desktops clean. And 25% seems more than a little high. Grain-of-salt alert. (Source: InformationWeek)
* Adobe releases Creative Suite 3. It's out and about and rewritten for Intel Macs. Do it all from conception to final rich media presentation. (Source: IT Wire)
Posted by Oliver Rist on April 18, 2007 08:16 AM
April 17, 2007 | Comments: (0)
First, our sincere condolences to the victims' families of yesterday's senseless violence at Virginia Tech.
* Vonage customers better have a backup. They'll most likely figure something out, but for now, SMB Vonage customers are working without a net. The company has admitted it has no workaround on continuing operations without continuing to infringe on Verizon patents. Means a shutdown unless they come up with something fairly fast. (Source: InfoWorld)
* Google CRM out and about. CRM for Google was built by Etelos and attempts to combine CRM features with Google Apps and Google Desktop. It's got 1500 beta customers, but is going commercial as of today. Should be an enterprise version in the works, too. (Source: PC World)
* Windows Live Hotmail going live in US next month. The new mail client that's supposed to put Microsoft back on top of the Web 2.0 cool list. It's going to be leaking in a few features at a time, starting in Europe and India. But it should be fully available in the US by mid-May. (Source: BetaNews)
* Talk again about Internet sales tax. In case your SMB is a Web e-tailer, this is for you. Senatorial legislators and the National Governors Association have formed a powerful alliance arguing that out-of-state Web retailers shouldn't be immune to state sales taxes. Gonna be a fun fight. (Source: CNET)
Posted by Oliver Rist on April 17, 2007 08:58 AM
April 13, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* IBM teaming to get into hosted apps. IBM is teaming up with mid-sized Indian hospitals on hosted applications. Supposedly a growing market opportunity in off-shore software. (Source: InfoWorld)
* Apache scrapping with Sun. The Apache folks are getting into a donnybrook with Sun Microsystems about the Java Technology Compatibility Kit required for the Apache Harmony project--an open source implementation of Java 5. Not smart on Sun's part to start battening those hatches now. (Source: PC World)
* T-Mobile goes low-cost with Sidekick. Just in case your salesfolks have been wanting a high-priced Sidekick, now you can give them a low-cost job. Should be about $99 with HTML capabilities and full AIM/Yahoo/MSN IM features. (Source: BetaNews)
* Google getting deeper into voice. A self-described 'Google watcher' says the company just got deeper into speech with a patent being filed for voice-controlled search technology. More hints at an eventual Google phone interface. (Source: InformationWeek)
Posted by Oliver Rist on April 13, 2007 09:51 AM
April 12, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* Oracle CRM goes BlackBerry. Oracle announced that its taking its Siebel CRM software mobile. Idea is to provide a Siebel-compatible mobile interface, tho whether it'll be full-powered or not remains to be seen. (Source: InfoWorld)
* Vista betas coming to a close. If your SMB is running one or more Vista machines on late beta versions of the OS, then your feebie time is coming to a close. MS is reminding folks that those betas expire June 1. And that's not support...that's the beta. As in, you try and logon and all you get is a prompt to buy a full license key or re-install the OS. (Source: ComputerWorld)
* Google cuts into a ClickBot. Seems the Googlers ar trying to make the world aware of its click-fraud woes. They dissected a clickbot back in the summer of 2006 and did a white paper on the result. Seems they're losing $50,000 because of this thing, tho they can't say at what interval. Considering how many billions those guys have coming out of their ears, I'm having a hard time feeling urgent about this. (Source: InformationWeek)
* Franklin Covey does Vista Gadget. The world's biggest time managers announced a new version of their PlanPlus application along with a Task List gadget so you can track things next to a clock and scrolling pics of your kids. (Source: Franklin Covey)
Posted by Oliver Rist on April 12, 2007 08:25 AM
April 11, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* IBM and HP make new SMB plays. It's the final frontier and the big vendors are chasing it. IBM's introing a new server line, while HP is releasing a new storage platform. (Source: InfoWorld)
* Darwin launches online data loss calculator. Need to impress the suits with the potential financial pain of a data loss incident? The folks at Darwin Underwriters just launched an online calculator for just this purpose via Tech/404. (Source: Darwin)
* Microsoft not the only one with Patch Tuesday. Seems both Oracle and Symantec had/will have a patch release on Tuesday. Symantec was yesterday, and fixed a flaw that affects all Enterprise Security Manager installations. Oracle's is coming next Tuesday and will fix 37 little boo-boos ranging across all its product lines. (Source: InformationWeek, ZDNet)
* Retailers and FBI team up on crime database. They're calling it the Law Enforcement Retail Partnership Network (LERPnet), and it's a secure database that will let retailers nationwide share information on crimes, scams and other dangers not just with the FBI but with each other, too. For SMBs in retail, this is a must-look. (Source: Dark Reading)
Posted by Oliver Rist on April 11, 2007 04:46 AM
April 10, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* 5 patches today. Microsoft is releasing 5 patches today, including four security patches one of them ranked 'critical.' There's also an update to the Malicious Software Removal Tool. Get 'em while they're hot. (Source: RedmondMag)
* Salesforce.com releases new tool. They're calling it Salesforce Content and it's designed to let workers do that all-powerful buzzword: collaboration. Share email, docs, videos, etc. just like the wiki folks or the SharePoint guys. (Source: InformationWeek)
* A coming inkjet revolution? There's some new inkjet technology on the horizon. It's called Memjet and could allow manufacturers to put out $200 inkjet color printers that can churn up to 60 pages per minute--30ppm for photo-quality color. Love the concept, but at those speeds, their cartridge disposal methods better be pretty green. And cheap. (Source: PC World)
* Sony comes out with mini-Vaio. The PS3 may be getting hammered, but Sony's still a power in notebooks. Just came out with a 12.1-inch sub-notebook, the Vaio Type-G, that's not only small but carries 32GB of flash storage instead of a hard disk. (Source: Gizmodo)
Posted by Oliver Rist on April 10, 2007 06:07 AM
April 09, 2007 | Comments: (0)
I'm operating as though today isn't a holiday. So if it happens to be one for you...well, pretend.
* Vonage gets a reprieve. Vonage has been under fire from Verizon for using some patented tech it shouldn't have. Now they have a reprieve. But if you'd like the full history of the problem as well as an explanation of what this means to your Vonage service, then hit those links. (Source: InfoWorld, NetworkWorld)
* Citrix getting into desktop virtualization. Guess that makes sense. Their marketing play was similar to virtualization, just using remote access. Since that's on its way out, moving into true desktop-v is a logical move. (Source: TechWeb)
* KDDI to offer cell net in US. KDDI is the second largest mobile phone operator in the Japan, for those who don't recognize the name. They'll be renting pipes and bandwidth from Sprint/Nextel, but their marketing will be targeting mainly Japanese workers visiting the US. Look for a full roll-out by the middle of this month. (Source: ZDNet)
* Dash hands out free GPSes. Dash Navigation is handing out 2000 GPS units for a free six-month test drive. Just got over to the Dash.net Web site to sign up. I'm going there now. (Source: TGDaily)
Posted by Oliver Rist on April 9, 2007 06:25 AM
April 06, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* Need Vista deployment tome ships. For those who are rolling out Redmond's next big thing and struggling with the anemic amount of help material for it on Microsoft's site, fret no longer. Redmond just shipped the 1500-page Windows Vista Resource Kit. If you can't find help there, you're hurting. (Source: PC World)
* VeriSign to raise domain fees. Not a big change, so no practical need to freak. 7% increase for .com names and a 10 cent increase for .net names. Not gonna break anyone's budget. (Source: CNET)
* Thinking about a notebook? Think Acer. Yep, Acer's managed to move up in the rankings enough to become the third biggest player in notebooks. I've reviewed a couple of them in the past year, and it's no joke. Check them out. (Source: InfoWorld)
* Parallels Desktop nuking Mac batteries. Ouch. I'm a devout Parallels user, so I hope they fix this quick. Seems a noted Mac/Windows compatibility site, MacWindows, has pubbed a series of reports that indicate that Parallels, build 3188, is disabling batteries on MacBook and MacBook Pro notebooks. They shut down on battery power and won't restart until hooked to main power. 'Course, it hasn't actually happened to me yet, so it's not a universal problem. (Source: ITWire)
Posted by Oliver Rist on April 6, 2007 06:48 AM
April 05, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* MS email customers looking at instability. Microsoft has this problem with all their hosted services--especially during my time on Spaces. Now it's Hotmail, which is related to their Office Live email services. Seems Microsoft is increasing capacity to steal some of Yahoo's thunder. The upgrade'll be good but users are going to be suffering from some services glitches for a while. (Source: InfoWorld)
* Cisco introes new SMB certification & products. Cisco announces a new certification, called 'Select,' which will focus on its SMB-oriented products and services. They also showed off a new line of voice and data products aimed at companies with 50 or fewer employees.--called, appropriately for once, the Small Business Communications System. Gonna steal some thunder from Microsoft's Response Point. (Source: eChannel Live)
* Lenovo announces consumer unit. The folks smart enough to buy the ThinkPad line are fighting to sell PCs outside their home area and core expertise (business). So they've announced a new consumer division, tho we haven't seen specific products out of it yet. (Source: InformationWeek)
* Kiss that VGA port goodbye. Still a couple of years out before they actually disappear, DVI and VGA ports for monitors and projectors are nevertheless dead in the water. That's because the VESA org just approved the DisplayPort 1.1 spec. Faster, supports hi-def, smaller plugs and more. Downside is that it also integrated Blu-Ray's DRM, tho I'm not sure what that's doing in the vid port. (Source: BetaNews)
Posted by Oliver Rist on April 5, 2007 06:35 AM
April 04, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* The FBI's ongoing hunt for virtual crime. Seems the explosive growth in virtual worlds is prompting the FBI to check into gambling on Second Life. Maybe they'll check into illicit wagering on hobbit-tossing contests in World of Warcraft, too. (Source: CNET)
* Cisco oozing into Linksys brand. Seems Cisco is looking for new ways into the small biz market, so expect resellers to offer new 'synergies' between Linksys and Cisco-branded products aimed at SMBs real soon. (Source: InfoWorld)
* Microsoft expressing its love for Expressions. Seems the Redmondites originally decided to keep its Expressions Web dev tool from its mainstream developer community. And it further seems that the developers in that community expressed massive irateness at this obviously benighted move. So Microsoft has shifted back into the light and will offer Expressions to its MSDN developer community. Durn tootin'. (Source: ZDNet)
* Google debuts Mac tools. I should have reviewed this. Damn! Almost two years after releasing Google Desktop for Windows, the Googlers have just released the Google Desktop for the Mac. These guys do the hands-on I should have done. (Source: Ars Technica)
Posted by Oliver Rist on April 4, 2007 04:40 AM
April 03, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* Vista gets new licensing options. The Redmondites just issued two new licensing options for Vista Enterprise customers. Option one covers diskless computers, option two covers a client version of Windows on servers so users can run them elsewhere virtually. (Source: InfoWorld)
* Online ads to surpass radio. This is good news for both SMBs and InfoWorld, which just went online-only as of yesterday's last print issue. Meantime, a study from ZenithOptimedia is forecasting that Internet advertising will grow another 28.2% in 2007 which will put it ahead of radio--though I think those are UK numbers. (Source: PC World)
* Spam soars and targets SMBs. MessageLabs just issued numbers stating that spam levels have jumped 76.3% just in Q1 of 2007. And guess who most of it is aimed at: that's right, we hapless SMBers. I hate those guys. (Source: InformationWeek)
* Deepfish followed closely by Minimo. Actually, Deepfish is following Minimo, because the latter is actually being released while Deepfish is only an early beta. But Minimo is definitely behind in terms of press. But it is available and does support Windows Mobile 5 or higher, so give it a shot. Available here. (Source: PC World via Yahoo)
Posted by Oliver Rist on April 3, 2007 06:40 AM
March 30, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* 5 Coolest Gadgets from CTIA. In video form. Includes a couple of cool new cell phones from Pantech and Samsung, a new media player and more. (Source: NetworkWorld)
* ICANN shoots down .XXX again. The concept of a separate porno domain has been floated before...and shot down before. But ICANN just did it again at its 28th International Public Meeting in Lisbon. Again, the ICANNers said that because .XXX is a content-based domain, it would have set them up as a content-regulating body, which isn't their mandate. (Source: PC World)
* Online gambling booming...offshore. Last September, Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act--basically an anti-Internet gambling law. They figured that would kill online gambling, but apparently, all it's done is prompt the gambling entrepreneurs to move offshore. (Source: InformationWeek)
* New target for burgeoning game designers: retirees. Seems there's a new trend in the video game market and that's the over 50 and even the over 60 crowd. These folks have time on their hands, money in their pockets and a need to to maintain hand-eye coordination. And, again, it looks like the Wii is out front here. (Source: CNET)
Posted by Oliver Rist on March 30, 2007 08:42 AM
March 29, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* Yahoo's really upping the email ante. Yesterday it said it intended to offer unlimited email storage by May. Now Yahoo says it's opening its email API to outside developers. That means third-party Web 2.0 collab apps on an email client with much of the flexibility of Outlook. (Source: CNET)
* ThinkFree and Zimbra go offline. Both companies used O'Reilly's Emerging Technology Conference to announce they were readying offline clients for their online productivity suites. So the idea is to keep basic productivity features local and move collab and other Web 2.0 features online. Gonna be tricky beating MS in that department. (Source: PC Mag)
* Facial recognition as local biometric. Canadian company, Bioscrypt, uses a smart WebCam with infrared capabilities to let a user's face take the place of his thumbprint when accessing a local desktop. Good for desktop users, but most likely a pain for road warriors. (Source: ZDNet)
* HP makes big SMB push with 12 new products. The company announced all 12 new products plus other SMB online initiatives at its "The Art of Small Business" event at SF's Modern Museum of Art. The new products range from new notebooks, to servers, switches, printers and other platforms. They've also added a new Small Business Connection section to its SMB site. Loads more info in the complete press kit. (Source: HP)
Posted by Oliver Rist on March 29, 2007 08:11 AM
March 28, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* Tech companies want TV spectrum for WiFi. Tech giants, including the Googlers, the Intelzoids and the Microsoftees, are asking the FCC to let them utilize unused portions of the TV spectrum to offer wireless networking, wireless services (including potential partner possibilities) to the public. FCC will think about it, but probably won't decide until this stuff is up for sale in 2009. (Source: InfoWorld)
* Dell wants to be friendly with Web 2.0 SMBs. If your company is banking on Web 2.0 and/or SaaS, Dell wants to design your data center. And to prove it, the company's put together a consulting service specializing in just that. (Source: PC World)
* Cool SMB marketing: Blurb intros BookSmart Beta. Blurb.com is an online self-publishing service that can be a real boon to SMB guerilla marketing types. The company's just introed a beta of BookSmart a new suite of authoring tools as well as a back-end networking boost to help speed up file transfers. (Source: Blurb.com)
* TI intros cell phone projector. Texas Instruments used the CTIA Wireless Show in Orlando to demo this handy future gadget: a cell phone that can double as a video projector. Could mean the world to wandering salesfolk tired of lugging around notebooks and mini-projectors. (Source: DailyTech)
Posted by Oliver Rist on March 28, 2007 05:30 AM
March 27, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* SMBs still have security worries. Latest report from security vendor Finjan, is that the US is still the malware capitol of the planet. And that's usually because of zombie botnets infecting thousands of compromised PCs without their owners' knowledge. Desktop security is NOT a done deal boys and girls. (Source: InfoWorld)
* Which might be why ID theft DOUBLED in two months. That's right, not a misprint. A study done by Web security monitoring firm, Cyveillance, says that malware and phishing instances jumped by 50% and 200%, respectively. Desktop security, boys and girls and that means both software AND education. (Source: Dark Reading)
* Novell takes Microsoft InfoCard tech open source. Novell's taking advantage of its alliance with Redmond with identity information. InfoCard, now called Windows CardSpace, is Microsoft's next-gen PassPort technology--part of Vista. Novell's taking that code and porting it into a format that'll run on both Linux and the Mac. Could be an important development for e-tailers looking for a common authentication/payment platform. (Source: NetworkWorld)
* The Evil Empire relents...a little. I've given Verizon a lot of brown stinky stuff on its business practices--mainly the part where we're stuck with aging broadband technology lagging behind other hip, technophile-type countries like, say, Slovenia. Well, they've had a change of heart. Announced a $6 billion 3-year deal with Alcatel-Lucent to upgrade their wireless data network. 'Course, most likely means we'll all need to get new phones to take advantage, but I guess that'll be all right in three years. Still, no warm-and-fuzzies with Verizon until I see actual benchmark tests. (Source: PC World)
Posted by Oliver Rist on March 27, 2007 08:06 AM
March 26, 2007 | Comments: (0)
* Music albums no longer the hot ticket. Seems the digital download phenom is having a tangible effect on the music industry after all. This story follows a new band signed by Universal--but not for an album, just for a couple of songs to test out the iTunes-dominated digital waters. (Source: New York Times)
* See, now the Web 2.0 office guys are thinking. I've dumped all over the Office 2.0 crowd (Zoho's the best, Google's the giggle). What's the point of offering Office 97 in a Web browser. Fortunately, that's not what the smartest of the Web 2.0 crowd is looking to build. The Under the Radar conference showcased a number of new productivity applications designed to make use of the newest Web technologies, including social networking, tagging, Web-based app sharing and other forms of smart data associations. An interesting new term out of all this is 'Cognitive Intelligence'. Nice summary of articles on this topic here. (Source: CNET)
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