Communications News articles from January 2008

Communications News archives from January 2008

Is it a crowd or a mob?(Viewpoint)
January 1, 2008... Most of us have seen the Western movie, where the crowd lathers up at the saloon, grabs weapons and rope, and marches, mob-like, down to the sheriff's office, ready to string up some alleged villain down at the livery. The villain wants the...

Power play in the data center.(Power Management)(Energy conservation)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Seems like everyone's concerned about data center power-management issues, and everyone seems to have a solution--from virtualization to hot/cold aisle configurations to thinner cabling. Chatsworth Products, for...

Faster data.(SHORT TAKES)(Nice Shoes moves to new site)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... When Nice Shoes' multiple divisions expanded into new offices on either side of Manhattan's Park Avenue South, it needed a cost-effective, reliable means of networking its data. The company chose the Canobeam DT-130 Free Space Optics...

Mobile messaging.(SHORT TAKES)(British Airways has chosen CommuniGate Pro from CommuniGate Systems)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... British Airways has chosen CommuniGate Pro from CommuniGate Systems to drive communications for the company's diverse and worldwide mobile employee base. The scalable communications platform connects the airline's 30,000 frontline employees via...

Traffic analyzed.(SHORT TAKES)(Belron US)(NetQoS SuperAgent)(Belron US, uses NetQoS SuperAgent and ReporterAnalyzer)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Belron US, an automotive glass and claims management service, is using NetQoS SuperAgent and ReporterAnalyzer to enhance network and application performance over its WAN to 7,000 employees and more than two million customers across the United...

Managed services.(SHORT TAKES)(Deltek contracted with Verizon Business)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Deltek, a provider of enterprise applications software, is employing a wide range of Verizon Business services to support its rapid growth and portfolio expansion. Verizon Business is providing managed private IP, managed IP PBX, Web center,...

The myths of e-mail governance.(Security)(managing data and internet security)
January 1, 2008... The "Top Seven Myths for Enterprise E-mail Governance," according to MessageGate, which provides e-mail governance service: 1. My company does not have a data leakage problem. In reality, all companies experience some form of data leakage....

High costs concern SMBs.(Budgeting)(Small and medium sized companies managing IT cost)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Keeping budgets under control is the most pressing technology challenge facing small and midsize businesses (SMBs) today, according to research commissioned by the Computing Technology Industry Assn. (CompTIA). In a survey of 724 businesses...

Events.(conference of information technology services industry and telecommunications industry)(Brief article)(Calendar)
January 1, 2008... 2008 BICSI Winter Conference, Jan. 14-17, Orlando, offers forward-looking seminars in information transportation systems, as well as the latest products, methods, practices and solutions. www.bicsi.org 2008 ACUTA Winter Seminar, Jan. 27-30,...

Network Management: Accounting and Performance Strategies.(PUBLICATIONS)(accounting services uses network management software)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Network Management: Accounting and Performance Strategies, by Benoit Claise and Ralf Wolter, maintains that professionals responsible for network accounting or billing need to understand network performance and effectiveness as being crucial to...

Tricks of the Microsoft Windows Vista Masters.(PUBLICATIONS)(Brief article)(Book review)
January 1, 2008... Tricks of the Microsoft Windows Vista Masters, by J. Peter Bruzzese, offers tips on using Windows Vista more efficiently, customizing configurations, troubleshooting problems and securing data. www.safari.quepublishing.com

Network troubleshooting in 2008.(Network Monitoring)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Network Instruments has pulled its crystal ball out of mothballs and offers its view on trends that will impact enterprise networks in 2008. Retrospective network analysis (RNA). RNA solutions, TiVo-like devices that store and play back...

Enterprises still balkinq at UC.(Convergence)(business enterprises use unified communication)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Business executives say unified communications technology can help global enterprises address challenges they face. Yet, cost and complexity are seen as barriers to implementation by more than half the respondents to a survey recently conducted...

Small steps to a greener data center: energy efficiency demands have forced managers to consider something known as managed density.(Power Play)
January 1, 2008... In today's world of ever-present concerns over greenhouse gases, carbon footprints and energy consumption, the data center stands as a key area of focus for conservation and improved energy efficiency. According to the Lawrence Berkeley Labs,...

Can you see me now? A Baltimore credit union needed to communicate with and relay information to all of its employees simultaneously.(Municipal Employees Credit Union of Baltimore used videoconferencing systems for employee training)(Cover story)
January 1, 2008... Historically, training at the Municipal Employees Credit Union of Baltimore (MECU) was conducted on a rotating schedule, with trainers presenting the same topic at each of MECU's seven branch locations and the downtown headquarters. As the...

Manage data center density: proper planning and best installation practices are important for efficiency and growth.(Special Focus: Cabling Infrastructure)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Managing growth in the data center is not as simple as installing new servers and racks. There really is a limit to the number of ports that can be added before the ability to reconfigure, upgrade, and replace...

Power distribution unit.(INFRASTRUCTURE PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2008... Available for single- and three-phase applications up to 17 kW, Powerware Enclosure Power Distribution Units (ePDU) are designed for mixed IT environments, including blade servers, network and storage applications. The ePDUs provide advanced...

24-port PoE switch.(INFRASTRUCTURE PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2008... The xStack DES-3228PA is a managed 24-port 10/100 stackable Layer 2 power-over-Ethernet switch with four gigabit copper ports, including two combination SFP slots for connection to fiber-based gigabit or 100BASE-FX media, along with an optional...

Label printer.(INFRASTRUCTURE PRODUCTS)(RHINO 6500)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Offering PC connectivity, the RHINO 6500 label printer can create label files on a computer using the included RHINO CONNECT software or other Windows-compatible software (e.g., Excel) and print directly to the RHINO 6500 or download the file...

Metal floor boxes.(INFRASTRUCTURE PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For an aesthetic and functional cabling solution, SystemOne Modular In-Floor System metal floor boxes feature a universal cover assembly and a variety of application sub-plates that install on both Hubbell flush...

Camera enclosure.(INFRASTRUCTURE PRODUCTS)(D2-XC camera )(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... To extend surveillance camera life, the watertight D2-XC camera enclosure prevents components from freezing in temperatures down to -40[degrees]F with a heating system that provides warm airflow within the enclosure. A built-in defrosting...

Overcome the input/output pitfalls: centralized storage caching can accelerate operations by delivering real-time response.(Virtualization)
January 1, 2008... While consolidated server deployments in a virtualized server environment can crank up utilization rates, this practice also allows large numbers of clients (real and virtual) to access data simultaneously on a single storage system. This can...

The data center transformation.(Virtualization)
January 1, 2008... Server virtualization is transforming how organizations design and deploy services within data centers. While server virtualization can reduce hardware and operational costs, the agility of a virtualized infrastructure unlocks new ways to...

Mobile devices impact WLANs: make certain that the devices used for business purposes have been certified for interoperability.(Wireless LANs)
January 1, 2008... With the proliferation of new communication devices on the market, enterprises face a challenge to their networks as they implement wireless local area networks (WLANs). Increasingly, businesses can expect to have many workers bringing their...

Wireless outdoor AP/bridge.(WIRELESS PRODUCTS)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Compliant with IEEE 802.11b/g, the Falcon FW0-712 Wireless Outdoor Access Point features a 54-Mbps data rate and operates in five modes; access point, point-to-point bridge, point-to-multipoint bridge, AP client and repeater. The wireless unit...

Outdoor AP/bridge.(WIRELESS PRODUCTS)
January 1, 2008... Enclosed in a rugged IP67/68-certified weatherproof casing, the IP68-rated AWK-1200 Access Point/Bridge operates in temperatures from -20 to +70[degrees]C, is compliant with IEEE802.11b/g and supports the IEEE802.3af PoE protocol. Featuring...

Turn to the Web for meetings: videoconferencing and online collaboration suites with VoIP can maximize the return on investment.(Conferencing)
January 1, 2008... Videoconferencing can be implemented in two basic ways. When used as a peer-to-peer system, the bandwidth available to any one participant affects the performance and viability of the entire system. In contrast, on a centralized client/server...

Make IP PBX part of the solution.(Conferencing)
January 1, 2008... The conventional wisdom of voice over IP (VoIP) is that conversion to VoIP calls for IP phones and CAT 5e/6 LAN cable to support the bandwidth requirements of voice and data. New "VoIP adapter" technologies, however, enable enterprise VoIP...

Loopback test.(Infrastructure Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Designed for testing electrical signals in high-speed networks and systems, the High Speed Serial Data Connection 2 (HSSDC2) loopback is a small copper-based test fixture, featuring an HSSDC2 interface, a rugged...

Cable management.(Infrastructure Products)
January 1, 2008... Featuring tool-free snap-in mounting, CableTek Management Systems support cable bundles and individual cables in 19" data racks. The management systems maintain the proper cable bend radius for CAT 5e, 6 and 6A cables, are available in...

Cable tie cutter.(Infrastructure Products)
January 1, 2008... Made from heat-treated alloy steel, the ACT cable tie remover features a cutting head with smooth, curved tips that slip behind the cable tie to pull it away from the wire harness and simultaneously cut it without nicking or damaging cables....

Multimedia qualification tester.(Infrastructure Products)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The SIGNALTEK-FO measures copper and fiber-optic cabling system performance according to IEEE 802.3 standards. Along with Gigabit Ethernet bit error rate testing capability, features include active LAN diagnostic...

Server switches.(Infrastructure Products)(Hewlett-Packard Co. Server Console Switches)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... KVM over CAT 5 Server Console Switches, available with eight or 16 ports, integrate KVM and serial devices into a single management console for all servers, including blades, network devices and infrastructure products, even in heterogeneous...

Outdoor UTP cable.(Infrastructure Products)(Mohawk Wire and Cable Corp. information on twisted pair cables)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... LAN-Trak Category 5e outdoor UTP cable is suited for runs under concrete slabs, in exterior applications, moist locations and for aerial lashing. The cable features a black UV-resistant polyethylene jacket and employs a craft-friendly semidry...

Security brought to light: IPSec VPN provides users with either Web-delivered "thin client" or clientless browser access.(The Distributed Enterprise)(Seattle Lighting Fixtures Co.)
January 1, 2008... Like many rapidly growing retailers, Seattle Lighting has had to ramp up its technology to meet its expanding business goals. The secret, says IT manager Pat Beemer, is in finding solutions that users will adopt--and IT can deploy--without...

How secure is your data?(The Distributed Enterprise)
January 1, 2008... Enterprises need a WAN infrastructure and risk-management strategy that can support risk and compliance requirements, as well as drive efficiency and productive collaboration within and among internal organizations. This same WAN infrastructure...

Audio/video/Web conferencing.(General Products)(Microsoft Corp.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Microsoft RoundTable provides a 360-degree view of the conference room, wideband audio, and video that tracks the flow of conversation between multiple speakers. RoundTable provides remote meeting participants with a panoramic video of everyone...

Web services gateway.(General Products)(Alcatel-Lucent information on OmniAccess 8550 Web Services Gateway )(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... To meet corporate governance obligations, protect sensitive data and provide audit trails, the OmniAccess 8550 Web Services Gateway (WSG) allows controlled access to sensitive information across multiple IT systems by implementing stateful...

Day/night surveillance camera.(General Products)(Samsung Company Ltd.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... With an IP65 weather rating, the SIR-4150N high-resolution day/night IR LED bullet camera is suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations. An ICR filter provides day/night switchover. For around-the-clock surveillance, even in low light...

Unified communications software.(General Products)(Objectworld Communications Corp.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Providing businesses with end-to-end communications solutions for the Microsoft platform, Unified Communications Server 4.2 features drag-and-drop call routing, out-dialing, SIP trunking, active call queues, teleconferencing and integrated...

NAC appliance.(General Products)
January 1, 2008... CounterACT combines network access control and signatureless intrusion prevention to ensure all connecting devices are in compliance with network security policies and are free of malware. To remediate non-compliant systems, CounterACT includes...

Communication system.(General Products)(Toshiba Corp. information on Strata CIX40 )(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Accommodating a mix of IP and digital endpoints, the Strata CIX40 business communication system supports up to 24 IP telephones, in addition to 16 digital phones, for a total of 40 users on a single system. The scalable, upgradeable solution...

Portable storage security.(Product Spotlight: Storage/Data Recovery)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... In addition to allowing only administrator-authorized portable storage devices to be used on a PC, Secure it Easy 1.2 also traces and records all copied data in order to prevent threats, such as data theft and accidental or intentional data...

E-mail archiving.(Product Spotlight: Storage/Data Recovery)(GFI Software USA L.L.C.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... GFI MailArchiver 5 includes an auditing function to ensure archived e-mails have not been tampered with and a migration tool that provides access to old PST files on client machines. The program archives all company e-mail, allows access to old...

Removable disk cartridge.(Product Spotlight: Storage/Data Recovery)(Imation Corp.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... As a backup, data security and expandable storage solution, the 300 GB RDX removable disk cartridge features a 2.5" hard disk drive with a shock-proof design-tested to withstand up to a one meter drop. The cartridge inserts into a dock, which...

Server backup.(Product Spotlight: Storage/Data Recovery)(Peer Software Inc.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... With the ability to perform scheduled, up-to-the-minute, incremental backups or continuous capture of various types of data, Peer DRS v1.2 enables the centralized management of Microsoft SQL database and Microsoft Exchange backups, and...

NAS RAID solution.(Product Spotlight: Storage/Data Recovery)(MicroNet Technology Inc.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Available in capacities of 1 TB, 1.5 TB and 2 TB, the Fantom Drives G-Force MegaDisk NAS includes dual SATA300 disk drives and features an integrated print server and zero-touch automated backup. All functions are managed and monitored via a...

SAS storage array.(Product Spotlight: Storage/Data Recovery)(EqualLogic Inc.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... The PS3700X serial-attached SCSI storage array provides an option for IT organizations to balance capacity and performance requirements for priority workloads such as Microsoft Exchange Server, SQL Server, Oracle databases and server...

Disk array storage.(Product Spotlight: Storage/Data Recovery)(International Business Machines Corp.)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... The entry-level disk array IBM Storage System DS3300 supports SAS hard disk drives and expansion for up to 14.4 TB of raw capacity-up to 48 hard disk drives. Supporting nearline and secondary storage in a single enclosure, the 2U rackmount...

Storage router.(Product Spotlight: Storage/Data Recovery)(Voltaire)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... The Voltaire SR4G High-Performance Storage Router improves the performance of applications accessing Fibre Channel storage and simplifies the connectivity of InfiniBand fabrics to existing SANs to eliminate I/O bottlenecks, reduce data center...

Clustered storage.(Product Spotlight: Storage/Data Recovery)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Leveraging operating system software in combination with a dozen 1 TB SATA-II disk drives in each 2U node, the IQ 12000 and the EX 12000 are scalable to more than 1.6 petabytes in a single file system and single volume. In addition to balancing...

NAS solutions.(Product Spotlight: Storage/Data Recovery)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Designed to scale in storage capacity, file directory size and performance, the SGI InfiniteStorage NEXIS NAS series features an appliance manager GUI, which optimizes storage resources, manages growth and allows the...

Encrypted hard drive.(Product Spotlight: Storage/Data Recovery)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Designed for mobile users, the 2.5-inch Aegis Vault features AES-128 bit hardware encryption with password protection, keeping data safe even if the drive is removed from the enclosure. Encrypted partitions are accessed by entering an...

Virtualized storage.(Product Spotlight: Storage/Data Recovery)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... For storing, managing and protecting data, the Pantera 5000 Scalable Clustered NAS supports up to 112 drives per RAID controller and can scale up to 672 TB across eight nodes. With global namespace technology, enterprises can expand the...

Disaster-recovery appliance.(Product Spotlight: Storage/Data Recovery)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... For deploying, managing and testing disaster-recovery solutions, PlateSpin Forge includes prepackaged and preconfigured hardware, software and virtual infrastructure to provide complete protection for up to 25 physical or virtual workloads (2.5...

Energy-efficient hard drives.(Product Spotlight: Storage/Data Recovery)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Offered in capacities of 500 GB, 750 GB and 1 TB, GreenPower WD RE2-GP Hard Drives use 4-5 watts less than similar-size and format drives by balancing spin speed, transferring rate and caching algorithms for power savings and heat reduction....

The all-mobile (vs. all wireless) office: combining both a wired and wireless infrastructure addresses enterprise network connectivity.(Up to Speed)
January 1, 2008... Businesses are finally recognizing the value mobility brings, not only in terms of augmenting employee productivity, but also in decreasing the time needed to respond to shifts in market dynamics or competitive threats. With each generation of...