Communications News articles from April 2008

Communications News archives from April 2008

The new friend.(Viewpoint)(Viewpoint essay)
April 1, 2008... Losing touch with a long-time friend is difficult. You spend time together almost daily, learning strengths and weaknesses, tendencies and possibilities. You call them by a pet name, give them some friendly ribbing on occasion when their flaws...

The new IT mandate: go green.(GreenTech)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Going Green" seems to be the new mantra of technology manufacturers, with organizations like The Green Grid becoming popular as companies try to position themselves to customers as being environmentally friendly....

Customer friendly.(SHORT TAKES)(Quirk Auto Dealers used Mitel Networks Corp.'s Centrex lines )(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Quirk Auto Dealers, a family owned and operated automobile dealer in Massachusetts, is using Mitel unified communications solutions to improve the customer experience, ensure business continuity and enhance business processes and operational...

Wireless in AZ.(SHORT TAKES)(University of Arizona)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... NEC Unified has completed two major phases of one of the nation's largest wireless LAN deployments for voice and data at the University of Arizona, which serves more than 32,000 students in Tucson. "Access to cutting-edge technology is a key...

How to staff for social computing.(Web 2.0)
April 1, 2008... If your organization is planning to add social networking applications to its Web site, warns Forrester Research analyst Jeremiah Owyang, you will need at least two people dedicated to the task: the social computing strategist to lead the...

The disconnect on hiring.(Careers)(Survey)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... With technology and telecommunications companies still looking to lure talent using traditional compensation-based approaches, there is a disconnect between human resource practices and candidates' priorities, according to a new Deloitte...

Fool me once.(SHORT TAKES)(Krieg DeVault)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Krieg DeVault, a law firm headquartered in Indianapolis, now has disaster recovery for its voice services, thanks to the managed IP communications solution provided by Appia Communications. "In 2006, the high rise we were in was hit by...

Picture this.(SHORT TAKES)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Kodak has selected SecureMail from Voltage Security to secure its external e-mail platform. "Our business units regularly communicate with outside clients and some of the information shared is confidential," says Janel Egli, IS systems and...

Events.(Calendar)
April 1, 2008... SANS2008, April 18-25, Orlando, offers hands-on training programs in hacker techniques and how to respond to attacks, security essentials, intrusion detection, system forensics, security leadership and wireless network security....

Wireless Networking.(PUBLICATIONS)
April 1, 2008... Wireless Networking, by Praphul Chandra, explores topics such as mobile networks, Internet access, Internet telephony and high-quality multimedia content via the Web. www.books.elsevier.com

VMware ESX Server in the Enterprise.(PUBLICATIONS)
April 1, 2008... VMware ESX Server in the Enterprise, by Edward L. Haletky, is a complete, practical and solutions-focused guide to planning, deploying and managing ESX Server 3 in mission-critical environments. www.pearsoned.com

Patterns in Network Architecture.(PUBLICATIONS)
April 1, 2008... Patterns in Network Architecture, by John Day, bridges the gap between the original ARPANET and today's Internet to give a new perspective on networking. www.informit.com/ph

Debugging Your Information Technology Career.(PUBLICATIONS)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Debugging Your Information Technology Career, by Janice Weinberg, shows information technology professionals how to leverage their computer knowledge to enter alternative careers, while eliminating or reducing their exposure to offshore...

Mobile devices not protected.(Mobility)(Survey)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... More than three-quarters of mobile phone users surveyed by F-Secure are aware that malware can infect a mobile device via Bluetooth, but fail to have security software installed. On average, 28 per cent of all respondents said they use their...

Security in virtual environments.(Virtualization)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Server consolidation, faster provisioning, higher utilization and lower energy costs are among the benefits of server virtualization, but organizations venturing into the virtualization world would be wise to reflect on new security concerns...

Is your power supply redundant? Proper loading of cabinet power-distribution units can affect server operation.(Power Play)
April 1, 2008... Over the past decade, enterprise reliance on networks and data centers to provide information, run businesses, access and store data, and facilitate global commerce has grown considerably. As businesses and organizations plan for the next...

A new tool for small business: hosted VoIP call centers help SMBs avoid the upfront costs for equipment and software.(IP Connections)(Voice over Internet protocol)(small and medium business)
April 1, 2008... Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) has received continued attention for its increasing penetration of the business telecommunications marketplace. While the attributes of VoIP-lower cost, enhanced features, greater network flexibility-are...

Remain productive during disaster: accessing business systems and applications remotely is a key consideration during disruptive events.(Business Continuity)
April 1, 2008... Most of the recent focus around disaster recovery and business continuity has been on ensuring that host systems are resilient to all types of business disruptions. Equal attention, however, should also be given to ensuring that employees can...

Worms, slowdowns and viruses, oh my! Josh Erosky, director of network services for real estate investment trust UDR, faced network security issues head on.
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When leading multifamily real estate investment trust (REIT) UDR relaunched under its new name in early 2007, its marketing strategy included an interactive Web site. With the arrival of the New Year, however, came a...

Scale smart to balance traffic: online event-registration company upgrades infrastructure to increase and improve services.(Special Focus: Testing & Monitoring)
April 1, 2008... In recent years, McLean, Va.-based Cvent has seen a 40 percent to 60 percent annual growth in traffic to its hosted, Web-based applications. Providing the infrastructure to handle this rapid growth--before customers feel any impact--is a top...

Close the loop on network problems: integration of change awareness enables correlation of network events with configuration changes.(Special Focus: Testing Monitoring)
April 1, 2008... Preventing network downtime and performance degradation is every IT manager's goal. Causes are not always preventable--major power outages and other external events occur--but a considerable amount of disruption can be prevented. Industry...

Buyers' guide.(Special Focus: Testing Monitoring)
April 1, 2008... Companies listed in this Testing & Monitoring Buyers' Guide can assist you in selecting the products and services that work best for your organization. CABLE WIRETEST Aeroflex 800-843-1553 www.aeroflex.com Agilent...

Hand-held spectrum analyzer.(Special Focus: Testing Monitoring)
April 1, 2008... Weighing 1 pound and measuring 6.7" x 3.8" x 1.85", the PSA2701T 1-MHz to 2.7-GHz spectrum analyzer offers sweep modes of continuous, single, peak hold and average (up to 256 sweeps) with unlimited storage for waveforms, setups and fully...

Application-performance test.(Special Focus: Testing Monitoring)
April 1, 2008... As a software solution for testing the network effect on application performance, Shunra VE Desktop Standard v4.0 emulates the WAN link, so users can test application performance under various existing and potential network conditions, such as...

Cable tester.(Special Focus: Testing Monitoring)
April 1, 2008... Designed to test Ethernet patch cables for continuity and common wiring standards, the PatchTest cable tester indicates Gigabit Ethernet straight-through, 10/100 Mb Fast Ethernet straight-through, 10/100 Mb Fast Ethernet crossover, and bad or...

WiMAX receiver.(Special Focus: Testing Monitoring)
April 1, 2008... The Agilent W1314A-E01 enables users to effectively deploy, optimize and troubleshoot WiMAX networks by identifying coverage and interference problems. The device supports up to eight frequency bands, which allows 2.3-GHz, 2.5-GHz and 3.5-GHz...

Performance monitor.(Special Focus: Testing & Monitoring)
April 1, 2008... Designed to deliver pre-emptive, service-aware business service management for IT operations, BMC ProoctiveNet Analytics is an early warning system that alerts IT administrators about impending performance abnormalities. The solution detects...

Environmental monitoring systems.(Special Focus: Testing & Monitoring)
April 1, 2008... Integrating with any network-management system via SNMP and including support for IP surveillance camera links, the Falcon F1000 and F3400 enable remote, Web-based environmental monitoring of critical operating parameters via embedded firmware...

Workgroup analyzer.(Special Focus: Testing & Monitoring)
April 1, 2008... To maintain network performance even as new technologies that require infrastructure changes are added at central and remote locations, the OptiView Series III Workgroup Analyzer is an "always-on" solution that identifies every device,...

Predeployment VoIP test.(Special Focus: Testing & Monitoring)
April 1, 2008... AutoVoIP Traffic Simulator helps determine if VoIP technology can be deployed into the current network infrastructure by stress testing and identifying limitations. The software offers predeployment test reports and provides access to VoIP...

Remote site monitor.(Special Focus: Testing & Monitoring)
April 1, 2008... For monitoring and maintaining computer, communications and specialized equipment, the Model 135 Site Monitor offers access to six devices connected to the serial ports. An intuitive Web-based interface simplifies setup and operations. Features...

Application traffic management.(Special Focus: Testing & Monitoring)
April 1, 2008... The Business Network Optimization Solution enables systems to adapt to changing network conditions that affect application performance. Congestion detection mechanisms evaluate optimum throughput rates for data in any direction, using actual...

Make the switch: traffic across a LAN is directed by a network switch, which enables computers to communicate and share resources. This month, Communications News looks at a representative sampling of the latest switches from leading vendors.(Local Area Networks)(briefs)(Korenix Technology)
April 1, 2008... 3Com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 3Com Baseline Switch 2900 Plus series delivers voice-ready Layer 2 enterprise-class gigabit switching with advanced features for network control and security. Key benefits include: out-of-the-box...

Firm future-proofs its infrastructure: IP system provides credit union with collaboration and unified communications capabilities.(IP Convergence)(Insight Financial Credit Union)(internet protocol)
April 1, 2008... Central Florida-based Insight Financial Credit Union has been enjoying rapid growth in recent years but found that productivity and customer service were being hampered by an aging communications infrastructure. Faced with continued costly...

Integrated communications hub.(GENERAL PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2008... Integrated Communications Package provides a hub where employees can access voice mail, control incoming and outgoing calls, manage their online presence, send text messages and synchronize contacts and calendars. The UC service also includes...

Mobile thin clients.(GENERAL PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2008... Wyse Xg0L and X90Le mobile thin clients offer GbE and 802.11b/g/n wireless LAN connectivity, as well as Cisco CCX compatibility to support existing wireless infrastructure. Each unit features a 15.4" widescreen WXGA TFT screen, DVI and VGA...

E911 for VoIP.(GENERAL PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2008... Centralizing location tracking and 911 call routing for enterprises deploying IP telephony, E911 Anywhere tracks the location of IP telephones inside and outside the enterprise and routes 911 calls to the correct local public safety answering...

SSL VPN appliance.(GENERAL PRODUCTS)
April 1, 2008... Optimized for a range of mobile devices, platforms and network authentication options, WatchGuard's SSL 1000 and SSL 500 appliances offer clientless SSL VPN access for secure, remote connectivity to corporate networks. The SSL 1000 and SSL 500...

Expand security for IP-based threats: the hackers' objective is to steal private financial information and remain undetected.(Network Security)
April 1, 2008... The increasing speed of business is forcing enterprises to keep pace by relying on a combination of traditional electronic communication vehicles like e-mail and real-time communication methods, including instant messaging (IM), as well as Web...

Wireless network spoils grocer: mesh technology helps keep track of temperature fluctuations in refrigeration systems.(BUILDING AUTOMATION)
April 1, 2008... Perishable food begins the process of deterioration the moment it is picked, bottled or packaged. Milk can turn sour, meat spoils. Ice cream can melt and vegetables wilt. In the constant war against spoilage, no factor is more critical than...

Wireless access point.(Product Spotlight: Wireless)
April 1, 2008... The mesh-enabled AP-7131 802.11a/b/g/n Access Point integrates three 802.11n radios that simultaneously support high-speed client access, mesh backhaul and dedicated dual-band intrusion protection to support high-speed wireless voice and data...

Wi-Fi enclosures.(Product Spotlight: Wireless)
April 1, 2008... Constructed of UV-stabilized ABS, the BWIE-100 indoor enclosure measures 14" x 10" x 4", while the BWOE-100 outdoor enclosure is a 14" x 12" x 7" unit constructed of molded fiberglass-reinforced polyester with stainless steel quick-release...

Wireless device networking.(Product Spotlight: Wireless)
April 1, 2008... To securely connect RS-232 serial devices to a 802.11b/g Wi-Fi or 10/100BASE-T Ethernet network, the single-port Hello Device Pro110 and the two-port Hello Device Pro210 wireless device servers feature WPA2-and 802.11i-compliant wireless...

Cellular router.(Product Spotlight: Wireless)
April 1, 2008... The MBR1000 802.11 draft N Mobile Broadband Router includes an express card slot for cellular modems, two USB modern ports and three external 802.11 antennas for optimum WLAN coverage. Compatible with a range of network devices, the router...

Mobile asset tracking.(Product Spotlight: Wireless)
April 1, 2008... The Location Object Field Tracking (LOFT) solution helps organizations visualize people, vehicles and infrastructure to protect and account for mobile assets. The solution provides contextual views of objects tracked from three sources-overall...

Wireless modems.(Product Spotlight: Wireless)
April 1, 2008... As serial cable replacements, the XTend and XStream stand-alone wireless modems operate within the industrial, scientific and medical radio frequency bands and require no configuration to provide a wireless link right out of the box. The XTend...

Serial-to-Wi-Fi adapter.(Product Spotlight: Wireless)
April 1, 2008... Designed for connecting serial devices to IP networks, the MultiConnect WF wirelessly IP-enables devices to facilitate remote monitoring, control and configuration of any system. The adapter is equipped with two interfaces, one conforming to...

Wireless AP/bridge.(Product Spotlight: Wireless)
April 1, 2008... Operating in access point, repeater, point-to-point bridge and wireless client modes, the NWA570N 802.11n Draft 2.0 Wireless Access Point offers throughput of up to 300 Mbps. The AP supports MAC address filtering to limit access to the wireless...

Wi-Fi connectivity monitor.(Product Spotlight: Wireless)
April 1, 2008... DOT11 Monitor 1.1 permits enterprise network administrators to monitor wireless client device connectivity. The application queries wireless access points for individual device signal strength and signal-to-noise ratio. These metrics are...

Fixed-mobile convergence router.(Product Spotlight: Wireless)
April 1, 2008... To extend desk phone features to mobile phones for up to 1,000 simultaneous users, the RoamAnywhere Mobility Router enables voice-over-802.11 wireless LANs (VoWLAN) and data applications, while remaining agnostic to choices of mobile carriers...

10 GbE and the data center.(Up to Speed)
April 1, 2008... Prior to its inception as a task force, the IEEE 802.3 higher-speed study group received input that service provider networks, Internet exchange networks, consumer broadband access networks, content provider networks, enterprise networks, data...

Green IT is in style: technology companies begin showing their eco-friendly side.(Green Tech)(information technology)
April 1, 2008... The recent focus on global warming seems to have sparked a renewed interest in the environment, and, in the process, has brought a great deal of attention to the IT industry. Instead of saving trees by producing the long-sought-after paperless...