Communications News articles from September 2004

Communications News archives from September 2004

Yes we do.(Editor's Note)
September 1, 2004... As the staff of Communications News assembled this month's annual Network Security Buyers Guide (see page 22), what struck me was that this year's guide features about 50% more companies than in 2003. That increase reflects both the mushrooming...

Standard will aid fiber speeds.(Trends)
September 1, 2004... Currently, the legacy multimode fiber (MMF) installed in most enterprise LAN backbones severely limits capacity. Therefore, as the number of networked devices to be aggregated to the future backbone escalates and the volume of new desktop PCs...

IT salaries stabilize.(Trends)
September 1, 2004... A survey by Enterprise Systems, a Seattle-based provider of business and technology information, shows that IT salaries have stabilized, with modest growth for executives and IT staff. The survey of 1,130 enterprise IT sites, however, reported...

VoIP 'not quite there yet'.(Trends)
September 1, 2004... Organizations, on average, plan to more than double their expenditures on IP voice products and services this year over 2003, according to a survey conducted by Infonetics Research. "IP voice is going mainstream, but it's not quite there...

The Road to IP Telephony.(Publication)
September 1, 2004... The Road to IP Telephony: How CISCO Systems Migrated From PBX to IP Telephony, by Stephanie Carhee, outlines how the company moved its own organization to a converged, enterprise-wide network. Subjects include the implementation process, what...

Events.(Trends)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
September 1, 2004... TECHXNY, Oct. 5-7, NY, features keynotes, exhibitions and conferences for business solutions, including: PCs and PDAs, security. Internet and wireless solutions, database management, infrastructure mainframes, storage, networking, ERP. ASPs and...

Wireless dominates enterprises.(Trends)
September 1, 2004... Wireless data has been widely accepted in enterprise environments, according to a recent Communications News' reader survey, which shows widespread adoption of the technology. A full 71% of respondents say they currently use wireless LAN access...

Feedback.(Trends)(Letter to the Editor)
September 1, 2004... I found your editor's note ("Filter foibles") in the May 2004 issue of Communications News to be somewhat one-sided. While I'll agree that filtering systems are less than perfect, that may be only because SMTP is less than perfect....

Simply complex: security for a corporate network and the servers at its core was the issue for Dave Gillies, director of information services at Heating and Cooling Supply in San Diego.(Company Profile)(Cover Story)
September 1, 2004... The problem would not go away. Security for a corporate network and the servers at its core was the issue for Dave Gillies and his team at a subsidiary of the nation's largest distributor of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment...

Co-op farms out security functions: round-the-clock, robust capabilities requirement means using a managed services provider.(Network Security)
September 1, 2004... School Employees Credit Union of Washington (SECUWA) is a not-for-profit financial cooperative that has chosen to utilize technology as opposed to brick-and-mortar branch locations to provide greater savings--as well as 24-hour online access to...

The trade-off.(Network Security)
September 1, 2004... Companies in a variety of vertical markets are now faced with working in a unique business climate unlike anything experienced in the past. Today's business environment affords organizations vast amounts of opportunity, but also yields the...

The need for active protection.(Network Security)(intrusion-prevention systems)
September 1, 2004... Due to the millions of dollars lost because of security threats and the need to defend themselves against attacks before they impact the organization, enterprises are deploying more proactive security tools--known as intrusion-prevention...

Validating IPSec devices.(Network Security)
September 1, 2004... Security at the edge is growing with the need to prevent outside security threats and to accommodate a high corporate rollout of virtual private network (VPN) access to remote users and sites. Security within the LAN is also gathering momentum....

Buyers guide.(Special Focus: Network Security)(Buyers Guide)
September 1, 2004... The first portion of this Network Security Buyers Guide, the Product Guide, lists the various products in this category, and the companies that make those products. The second section, the Company Guide, provides phone and fax numbers, and Web...

Wireless AP security.(New products)
September 1, 2004... The BlueSecure intrusion-protection system includes a server application (BlueSecure Server) that provides WLAN administrators with an intuitive management interface to view all user activities, neighboring wireless LANs, rogue or unauthorized...

Secure mobile devices.(New products)
September 1, 2004... XcelleNet Afaria is a security manager for Windows mobile-based devices. It addresses security and device management for smartphones, hand-held devices, laptop computers and tablet PCs from a single console. The centrally managed, policy-based...

Perimeter security.(New products)
September 1, 2004... Security Linux is a comprehensive network security product for midsize to large businesses. It combines a firewall, VPN gateway, intrusion protection, virus protection, spam protection and surf protection (URL filtering). The software solution...

Protection appliance.(New products)
September 1, 2004... The Network Security 7100 Series is a line of intrusion-prevention appliances offering multigigabit intrusion protection and one-click-to-prevention capability. The product can be transitioned from a comprehensive monitoring device to a...

Secure mail services.(New products)
September 1, 2004... The 602LAN SUITE 2004 is an all-in-one network software suite providing secure email services, with antivirus and antispam, fax support, built-in firewall with NAT, and proxy for controlled Internet sharing. Enhancements to the previous version...

Application security.(New products)
September 1, 2004... The ScanDo Web-application scanner and InterDo Web-application firewall products offer a solution for creating an integrated security process throughout the development, deployment and maintenance of Web applications. The integrated security...

Secure optical storage.(New products)
September 1, 2004... Control access to sensitive, confidential, proprietary or classified data stored on disc with SecureDISC. Used in conjunction with any CD/DVD recorder, the system encrypts data as it is being written to the media, thus protecting sensitive data...

Cross purposes: consulting firm experiences lower costs and better communication with IP communications.(Unified Communications)
September 1, 2004... Created in 2003 when Oliver Wyman & Co. was acquired by Mercer Management, Mercer Oliver Wyman (MOW) is a major global consulting group that focuses on financial services clients. The firm is headquartered in New York, with staff working out of...

From voice mail to UC.(Unified Communications)
September 1, 2004... Unified Communications (UC) allows administrators to conduct user administration, system backups, network alerts, remote management and other functions through common network tools. For example, day-to-day user administration can be completed...

Remote office VoIP.(New products)
September 1, 2004... The Tenor AS MultiPath Switch is designed to support remote office/SOHO deployments on enterprise WANs. With new features and enhanced remote-management capabilities, the two- and four-port switches enable enterprise customers to extend the...

IP phone system.(New products)
September 1, 2004... The TeleniumIP is a LAN-based phone system for small to midsize business customers. Previously available with up to 96 ports, the expanded TeleniumIP now supports up to 300 ports, with any combination of stations (250 maximum) or CO lines (200...

Advanced voice mail.(New products)
September 1, 2004... The Strata CTX28 digital business telephone system is an all-in-one, turnkey solution aimed at small companies. Delivering up to six CO lines with built-in caller ID interface, the system supports up to 16 digital telephones; two analog ports;...

Open systems IP-PBX.(New products)
September 1, 2004... TeleVantage 6.0 is an open systems IP-PBX for midsize businesses, branch offices and call centers. A new version of the system's graphical interface, TeleVantage ViewPoint, allows users to visually manage their calls and messages from any PC....

Fiber cabling improves throughput: change in operating system and increase in data traffic spur choice over Category 5.(Infrastructure)
September 1, 2004... When ThyssenKrupp EnCoke in Bochum, Germany, switched to the Windows NT operating system, the amount of data traffic increased--with resulting delays and data loss. A feasibility study showed that installing Category 5 would have required extra...

Rugged CAT 6 cable.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... SuperCAT1000 is a 4-pair UTP, all-weather Category 6 cable. It supports next-generation applications utilizing up to 250-MHz bandwidth and features a fully waterproof construction, with a durable jacketing system for outdoor installations. This...

High-power chassis.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... The S32-RH high power PXI chassis features rugged construction, plug-in power and cooling modules, and RS-485 monitoring. The S32-RH was designed for test systems requiring Low weight, high strength and high power. Advanced laminate-welded...

Net-generation Ethernet.(Infrastructure)
September 1, 2004... The emerging 10GBase-T standard for 10Gbps Ethernet over unshielded twisted pair (UTP) media represents the future of the Ethernet LAN standard. The emerging IEEE 10GBase-T standard promises a combination of performance, low cost and the...

Adjustable beam clamp.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... The CADDY BC/SN Beam Clamp is an alternative to classic beam clamps. The new design features a finger close "smart nut," which allows for easy installation of 3/8" threaded rod. The clamps allow for up to 1/2" beam flanges and can be installed...

Industrial-strength Ethernet cable.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... DataMax IE Cable includes a rugged polyurethane jacket for tough, reliable, industrial Ethernet patch cords. The polyurethane jacket is pressure extruded over the 4-pair core, binding it in place and providing electrical stability during harsh...

WAN analysis: awareness is good ... but analysis and troubleshooting are necessary to maintain performance.(Wide Area Networks)
September 1, 2004... Given the business costs of downtime or slowdowns, IT managers need to keep their WANs in peak operating condition. Typically, companies put most of their budget into management systems that offer broad, high-level functions, such as network...

Web meetings save firm $1.9m: sales presentations, customer training are among the work tasks improved.(Web Conferencing)
September 1, 2004... The need for enterprise organizations to find and procure qualified, temporary employees has become increasingly important and difficult to fulfill, especially for companies that are spread across many geographic regions. Based in Chicago,...

Yacht builder's sales set sail: service provides flexibility to conduct impromptu, reservationless sales calls and Web conferences.(Web Conferencing)(Company Profile)
September 1, 2004... Founded in 1928 in Southwest Harbor, Maine, The Hinckley Company is one of the oldest yacht builders in the country. Its success stems from the personal attention it pays to customer sales. Unlike other boat manufacturers, Hinckley eschews the...

Expandable and secure.(Products Spotlight: KVM products)
September 1, 2004... The 8-port 1U Rackmount Console KVM Switch controls multiple PCs or servers, and can expand to control up to 504 PCs or servers in just 1U of rack space. The all-in-one compact design includes a keyboard, 15" LCD screen, touch pad and 8-port...

Rack-mounted drawer.(Products Spotlight: KVM products)
September 1, 2004... Control up to eight remote PCs with a GFA 1718B FoldAway KVM switch. Featuring a 17" LCD display, the system allows access and control of up to eight separate PCs from a single shared display, keyboard and touchpad pointing device--saving the...

Wireless KVM.(Products Spotlight: KVM products)
September 1, 2004... The AutoView Wireless solution provides wireless connectivity between computers and monitors, keyboards, and audio devices. The wireless transmitters and receivers are the building blocks for a user-definable 2x16 KVM switching and/or...

Industrial console.(Products Spotlight: KVM products)
September 1, 2004... Built for space-constraining environments and simple organization, the SMK-590R features a 19"-wide, 1U-high console drawer with a 17" monitor, keyboard and mouse pad. The unit can handle up to 16 computers, servers and devices or be...

Compact switch.(Products Spotlight: KVM products)
September 1, 2004... The Matrix KVM switch, part of the ALTUSEN line of enterprise-class KVM solutions, allows four users to directly access and control up to 32 computers simultaneously and independently. The system provides the capability to link 32 users and...

Compact backup power.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... The K-Charge Power System provides the power of lithium-ion with enhanced safety performance for telecom, utility and enterprise applications. The system uses a cathode material different from most lithium-ion batteries for increased safety....

Fiber-optic pavement cable.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... The Fiber Optic Pavement Cable can be used for enterprise applications, such as metropolitan and campus sidewalks, roadways and parking lots. Available in up to 72-fiber count, the cable utilizes a gel-filled central tube cable encased in a...

Cisco device management.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... WinAgents IOS Config Editor is designed to help administrators manage Cisco devices. The software simplifies access-control list management, creating configuration backups, and the editing of running and startup device configuration files. The...

Fiber-optic enclosures.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... The Opt-X 250 panel and Opt-X 500 enclosures are designed to support small to medium-size installations. They are compatible with all Leviton fiber adapter plates and splice trays, and offer flexibility and accessibility while utilizing minimum...

Remote server control.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... Server Remote Control provides administrators with BIOS-level remote control and the ability to monitor servers from anywhere using a LAN connection or over the Internet. On properly equipped servers, an entire operating system can be remotely...

Hardened Ethernet switches.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... Designed to operate in industrial environments, the 524TX and 526FX2 Series Industrial Ethernet Switches offer advanced performance and ease of use for Ethernet-enabled industrial and security equipment. The switches are equipped with extended...

Ceiling antenna.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... Designed as an above-ceiling mounted in-building antenna for Wi-Fi applications operating at 802.11 b and 802.11g frequencies, the Michelangelo model UFOD24003PT diversity antenna combines two ultra-flat omnidirectional antennas. The unit is...

E-911 call management.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... The E-911 Manager enterprise software solution is designed for organizations that operate private phone systems and want to be notified simultaneously when a building occupant dials 911 in an emergency. The phone system solution is equipped to...

High-density, slim switch.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... The Slice is a network switching product in a compact 1U rack-mountable package. Designed for stand-alone or remote applications, the switch features both domestic and international gateway capabilities. The device can operate as a...

All-in-one appliance.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... The IT-500 IT IN A BOX all-in-one network appliance addresses the needs of businesses with up to 75 networked users. The IT-500 introduces a faster CPU, more memory and hot swap disk technology for increased performance over the company's...

Compact UPS.(New Products)
September 1, 2004... The S2K Series is a line of ultra-compact, line-interactive uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) featuring automatic voltage-regulation (AVR) topology and data-line protection. The UPS prevents highly sensitive equipment, such as PCs,...

Trends in WAN outsourcing: considerations reach beyond the perceived associated cost and risk factors.(Guest Column)
September 1, 2004... The line of demarcation between the LAN and WAN continues to blur, driven by the corporate shift toward "just-in-time business" that requires instant access to critical corporate data anytime, anywhere around the world. Applications are...