Network Solutions

Network Systems Schools Provide a New Career Path

2008-08-28T22:23:00.001-07:00

Good Network Systems Schools provide students with a thorough understanding of network systems organization and management, as well as voice and data communications standards, components, topologies, and media for traditional and high-speed local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). Instruction begins with the foundations of network systems and network systems uses.

Bachelor degree programs in network systems prepare students with knowledge for advancing careers in information technology (IT) that includes fundamental network devices, systems, and routers; uses of technologies and applications for business; communication skills, analysis, critical thinking, and technical competencies required in the modern workplace. Network systems bachelor degree programs will present studies of uses of technologies and business applications; configuration and installation of network design, infrastructure, applications, and services; network operating systems and security; and problem solving and troubleshooting.

Master degrees in network systems and information technology programs may combine technology and Internet security with information management and administration courses. Master degree students can expect courses in digital technologies such as computers, high-speed control, smart devices; computer network management and network administration; wireless networking and network design; technological skills, theory, languages, and programming; security solutions for LANs in private and public network systems; and taking leadership roles in the development, applications, and management.

Incomes can vary widely according to specialization, and type and size of business. Graduates with bachelor degrees in network systems with concentrations in systems analysis, management, and IT can expect incomes of $40,000 to $50,000; master degree with specialties in security, database, or LAN administration will net about $15,000 to $20,000 more. Doctorate degree salaries can readily approach $95,000 annually.

If you are interested in learning more about Network Systems Schools, search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved
Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

Notice to Publishers: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Network Systems Schools at SchoolsGalore.com; meeting your needs as your educational resource to locate schools.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Bustamante

Network Marketing - Lifetime Residual Income

2008-08-22T03:30:00.002-07:00

What is network marketing?

Many of you might be asking yourself a question: what is network marketing? To describe what it is, it is necessary to describe what in includes. First of all, you are building a marketing network to promote some product or service. You will be creating a network marketing strategy, which will define how marketing network is created and what are the activities you will do to build the marketing network.

It is the most profitable to do the network marketing online. Internet allows you to build a larger marketing network that you will be able to use more effectively. The network marketing strategy still needs to be created for the online marketing network. You should study the available network marketing tip or tips before you write your network marketing strategy.

Network marketing tip: where to find.

You should look online to find network marketing tip or tips. It is a good ides to study someone else’s network marketing strategy and see if there are any network marketing tip or tips that can be derived from there. Also look at the companies that already built their marketing network, whether it is an online marketing network or regular marketing network. Each network marketing tip will be useful for you when you are creating your own network marketing strategy.

Marketing network: what’s next?

After you have created your network marketing strategy, you can start building your marketing network by collecting prospective clients’ contact information and informing your marketing network clients about your products or services. Remember each network marketing tip that you found as it will definitely help you.

Marketing truths, tips and strategies from a seven figure network marketing income earner http://www.network-marketing-review.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rolf_Rasmusson

Network Systems Schools Provide a New Career Path

2008-08-22T03:30:00.001-07:00

3 Mobile Phone - The Latest Technology in Mobile Phones

2008-02-14T01:44:00.000-08:00

Mobile phones are now the latest technology in the communication media and the wireless invention of the existing phone. Mobile phones work by networks created nationally and internationally. Every country is working on extending the network’s services to the mobile phones and UK has now come out the latest of networks and that is 3 Mobile.

About the 3 Mobile Phone

The "3" or "Three" is the latest mobile phone network that has hit the markets of the United Kingdom. The owners of the 3 Network and 3 Mobile Phone are Hutchison who were also the owners of the Orange network. Thanks to them selling the Orange network to a German company, the profit made on this selling soared so high that the owners are now able to bear the cost of the 3 Mobile Phone network as well as the license issued for the 3G that is very costly. Now the network is being built in the market to great heights and market shares for the same are doing great business that they can offer good deals for the dealers who wish to adopt the 3 Mobile Phone Network.

Features and more of 3 Mobile Phone

* This 3 Mobile phone network is UMTS-based.
* The 3 mobile phone are more complicated to handle.
* The 3 Mobile Phone has high capacity for coverage.
* The 3 Mobile Phone is also costly in comparison with other mobile phones.
* The charges for incoming and outgoing calls, video interactions and picturesque messages are billed differently than the other network services and therefore customers may need to pay additionally for the informative services.
* The tariff rates of a 3 Mobile Phone is known as Video, Talk and Text of off peak one thousand.
* You can buy only a SIM card if you have a 3 Mobile Phone with you or you can top up your 3 Mobile Phone and begin to operate your 3 Mobile Phone. You can buy only the SIM card for 3 Mobile Phone at ten pounds from the stores of 3 Mobile Phone.
* There are several base stations throughout the country of UK and for its customers the 3 Mobile Phone service has a tie-up with the O2 network that allows video coverage.

Data Storage Solutions

2008-02-14T01:43:00.001-08:00

Data storage solutions are a very smart choice for any company, no matter what stage it is in. Whether you are just starting out, or well on your way into expanding, there’s a data storage solutions perfect for you.

Data storage solutions for home-based and small businesses

No matter what you do -- entrepreneurial work, moonlighting, or freelancing – you should never take your home office for granted. Recovery and archive services are critical to your success, no matter what your office address is.

There are a lot of very affordable data storage solutions available to home-based and small businesses. These packages provide highly reliable backup, recovery and archiving solutions, such as high-quality drives that are perfect for small business and home office requirements. You can expect to install a fully functional and dependable data storage solutions package for less then $5,000.

Data storage solutions for medium businesses

If you have a medium size business, then you must know how difficult it is to balance managing data while working within a budget. You are lucky if you have in-house IT personnel, but even they need the help of reliable hardware in order to adequately protect your data files. You must invest in a system that grows with your business -- an expandable solution that comprehensively manages backup, recovery and archiving processes in a cost-effective manner.

Investing in standalone drives and tape autoloaders that perform automated backups is a wise decision. Many data storage companies offer scalable tape libraries that are perfect for businesses facing fast data growth.

Data storage solutions for big businesses

Bigger industries are faced with even more challenging data storage needs, such as compliance, data growth and transfer and process control. These industries need data storage solution providers that can act fast and meet industry standards.

Data Storage Solutions

2008-02-14T01:43:00.000-08:00

Networking Versus Network Marketing

2008-02-01T03:34:00.000-08:00

What's the difference between networking and network marketing?

Years ago when I first started in network marketing, I read a book by a lady from Malaysia who left corporate office to join the multi-level marketing industry. And I always remember what she wrote, though this may not be in her the exact words:

- Did you work hard enough?

- Did you network hard enough?

- Did you think hard enough?

What Is The Meaning Of 'Network Marketer'?

I thought what she wrote was rather profound and in fact, I often ponder over the meaning of ‘network marketer’ which is made up of two root words: networking and marketing.

Today, let's discuss the first root word: 'networking' which is totally different from network marketing. What's the difference? More on this later.

I came across many network marketers who do not network due to a lack of knowledge of business networking which can be defined as a group of people having some kind of commercial relationship such as the relationships between boss and employee, buyer and supplier, and colleague and colleague.

Networking experts say that business networking functions best when individuals offer to help others to find connections, rather than just "cold-calling" on prospects.

On the other hand, network marketing in a nutshell refers to the 'word-of-mouth' method of marketing products and services through a network of customers or distributors.

If you’re wondering: What has networking got to do with network marketing?

My answer is: A lot.

That’s because each of us has only a limited number of contacts in our warm market which consists of our extended family, relatives, friends, neighbors, ex-classmates and ex-schoolmates, business associates and contacts and colleagues.

So, what can we do when we run out of prospects?

The short answer is: Go and network consistently!

Then the next question is: How to network? For more information, check out the author's resource box below.

Network Performance Management - The 6 Pillars Of Network Management System

2008-02-01T03:33:00.000-08:00

Now that we are in the 21st century, most companies need to have some form of connectivity or another in order to have their business running well. In another word, network management can be the life line of these companies. Can you imagine Yahoo, Google, and Ebay going down for a few minutes? Millions of dollars could be lost during those few minutes. As such, the importance of network management in this type of companies cannot be underestimated.

In order to understand this better, we have to look at the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) which looks at security management, fault management, configuration management, accounting management and performance management.

Security Management

Security Management looks at alerting the personnel when resources are accessed. An example would be emailing or calling the network personnel that a resource is down and needed his attention or sending messages when certain files is accessed.

Fault Management

Fault Management is to log, find, and alert the network personnel of problems that will effect the systems operations.

Configuration Management

Configuration Management is to identify effects on network's operation after tracking the software plus the hardware on the network.

Accounting Management

This is to watch and determine the usage of information or resources for billing purposes. A typical company such as a mobile company or internet service provider would need these features in their business operations to bill their customer.

Performance Management

Monitoring, assessing, and adjusting the available bandwidth and network resource usage are tasks that are performed by network personnel as part of performance management system. This is to make the network run more efficiently.

In order to have a good system, the 6 pillars of network management need to be implemented by the network personnel in their companies.

Hard Drive Recovery Software

2008-01-31T05:08:00.001-08:00

The data on a computer hard drive is very important. And when a hard disk drive crashes, we feel like we are losing our heart. Fortunately, there are many ways to recover the data. Data recovery software solutions are available on the market. These software solutions can be used by individuals to recover their data without the help of experts.

Most of the hard drive recovery software solutions are non-destructive and read-only in nature. The disk recovery utility generally examines the inaccessible or malfunctioned hard disk drive for damage and corruption, corrects it if possible and recovers the data. These hard disk recovery software solutions provide data or file recovery utilities which help users in recovering important data lost after problems with a hard disk, like an accidental format, partition loss software malfunction, file or directory deletion or even sabotage. Most of these software solutions come with anti-virus solutions. These antivirus solutions check for malfunctions due to viruses, and remove viruses when necessary. Even if there is severe file system corruption, these software programs can locate, recover and restore the lost data on the hard disk. These programs are very efficient and provide a complete answer to data loss.

Most of the software providers are available on the Internet. The user can either buy the software or download and use the software at his convenience. These software solutions are the cheapest available option. They are compatible with all operating systems, hard disks and computers. They also provide special packages for big companies or for servers.

Network Security - Little Known Threats

2008-01-31T05:06:00.000-08:00

Little Known Network Security Threats

There are a number of common network security threats that can damage your network. Some prime examples include remote login capability, SMTP hijacking and backdoor entry to a computer network. There are however dozens of other ways someone can inadvertedly access your network and steal or damage your data. Here are just a few network security threats you should be aware of, whether you operate a private or corporate network.

DNS – DNS or denial of service involves a major attack on Websites. Usually this threat is reserved for large computer networks. When a denial of service attack occurs there is often little a company can do immediately to recover from the attack. When this happens a hacker connects to the server multiple times purposefully even though the hacker is denied access. Over time these repeated requests cause the system to slow and crash.

Macros – This is an application that allows someone to create a script of commands that can run on your network. These macros are capable of crashing computers and destroying data.

Virus – A computer virus is one of the most common threats any private or corporate network user faces. Fortunately viruses can usually be prevented using modern anti-viral software.

OS bugs – Operating system bugs occur when backdoors are accessed to operating systems. Usually a backdoor is left open to attacks when inadequate network security systems are in place. Fortunately adequate network security including use of firewalls can help limit ones exposure to this security threat.

Setting Up Your Network

2008-01-30T02:50:00.000-08:00

Configuring a LAN used to be a real pain. You had to manually assign a network address to each device on the network, and keep a record of them to make sure that you didn’t use the same one twice – if you did, both devices would stop working. However, modern LANs with routers using a system called DHCP.

DHCP stands for dynamic host configuration protocol. It’s a fancy way of saying that when a device connects to the network, it asks the router which addresses are free, and then the router allocates one to it for a limited amount of time. This allows you to connect and disconnect things from your network whenever you want, without having to configure them. Even if your laptop has never connected to a network before, you can just plug it in, and off you go, without needing to know anything about how the network is configured.

In general, to get a modern network up and running, all you need to do is wire up each computer to the router using an Ethernet cable. Often this will be enough to get the computers to see each other, but occasionally you need some extra configuration. In Windows, the easiest way to configure a network is to go to My Network Places on the desktop or the Start menu, and then click ‘Set up a home or small office network’.

Once you’ve done that, any printers or other devices that are connected to any of the computers, or to the router itself, will be automatically shared. If you want to share individual folders between computers, that’s also simple to do – just right click them in My Computer, choose Properties then the Sharing tab, and then put a tick in the ‘Share this folder on the network’ box.

Network Security - All About Firewalls

2008-01-30T02:49:00.000-08:00

The Importance of Firewalls to Network Security

Most networks should have a firewall in place before they are up and running. A firewall is the most common form of network security employed by companies large and small. If you own a personal computer your anti-virus software company may at one time or another have offered you firewall protection.

A firewall on a home network is just as important as one on a corporate network. Why? Most smaller networks have as many security issues that larger corporate networks have. A firewall helps protect a network against potential data loss, corruption and hackers.

What Is A Firewall

A firewall is nothing more than a fancy term used to describe a blockade that prevents outside forces from accessing your network. It is called a firewall because it prevent information or data loss from one place to another. Typically a firewall is some program or hardware that you have to install in your computer that helps filter information coming from the Web to your computer network. A firewall provides a series of filters that screens information allowing only safe information to pass through to your network.

In a large company, multiple computers are often linked using network cards. Companies usually provide multiple connections to the Internet. In order to protect all of these computers a firewall is necessary so that only certain people can access corporate computers through the Web (those that are authorized to do so). While a firewall is not foolproof it basically does a good job of protecting computers from Internet threats at their connection points.

Hard Drive Recovery Software

2008-01-29T06:20:00.000-08:00

Network Security - Little Known Threats

2008-01-29T06:19:00.000-08:00

There are a number of common network security threats that can damage your network. Some prime examples include remote login capability, SMTP hijacking and backdoor entry to a computer network. There are however dozens of other ways someone can inadvertedly access your network and steal or damage your data. Here are just a few network security threats you should be aware of, whether you operate a private or corporate network.

DNS – DNS or denial of service involves a major attack on Websites. Usually this threat is reserved for large computer networks. When a denial of service attack occurs there is often little a company can do immediately to recover from the attack. When this happens a hacker connects to the server multiple times purposefully even though the hacker is denied access. Over time these repeated requests cause the system to slow and crash.

Macros – This is an application that allows someone to create a script of commands that can run on your network. These macros are capable of crashing computers and destroying data.

Virus – A computer virus is one of the most common threats any private or corporate network user faces. Fortunately viruses can usually be prevented using modern anti-viral software.

OS bugs – Operating system bugs occur when backdoors are accessed to operating systems. Usually a backdoor is left open to attacks when inadequate network security systems are in place. Fortunately adequate network security including use of firewalls can help limit ones exposure to this security threat.

Your Support Network

2008-01-05T03:36:00.000-08:00

Quick. Who’s in your support network? Huh? What’s a support network? Do I have a support network? Honey, who’s in my support network?

Your support network is that group of people you can go to with problems, questions, to vent, to cry on their shoulders.

Friends, for starters. Who are your close friends? Are they available to you when you need them? If they’re not, why aren’t you looking for different close friends?

And family. Many people, like me, are fortunate to be close to a sibling and be able to talk and vent and share with them. Or it may be a cousin, or an aunt or uncle, or even a parent. If you have difficult relations with your family, do everything you can to mend your side of it. It’s worth it, especially if you later become close to a family member.

But I’m not talking just about the friends and family members who literally let you cry on their shoulders. If you’re running a business, your support network needs to include some specialized professionals who know you and know what’s going on in your business.

A web host provider is one member of your support network. Choose someone who is small enough to know you and notice when something’s wrong, but large enough to do what you need done.

You may also need a lawyer, or an accountant, a web designer or a search engine optimizer (SEO).

No matter who’s in your support network, make sure they have your best interests in mind.

Building a support network is not always easy, but it will be rewarding in the long run

Identity Management

2008-01-05T03:35:00.000-08:00

Protect and save information, enable business continuity and mitigate risks. Choose the right solution to identity management. Never late to address your network security issues. Choose IMAG from Apere and relax!

IMAG offers both Identity Management (IdM) and Access Control technologies in a single security solution. IMAG is designed to help IT management improve productivity and enhance network security while, meeting dynamic regulatory and compliance requirements for medium enterprises.

Data Security: The Prime Concern

In the digital environment where information is spilt all over, the challenge is to protect privacy, security of information and follow fair information practices that complement applicable compliances. This calls for the implementation of your identity management solutions appropriate to the system in question. Identity management is a hard requirement for any environment where information is a prized and high-value asset and this is precisely true in regulated environments. Identity management provides a significantly greater opportunity to an online business beyond the process of authenticating and authorizing users via cards, tokens and web access control systems, etc.

For several organizations identity management provides the focus to deal with system-wide data security, quality and integrity issues often encountered by fragmented databases and workflow processes. When examining your data risks and designing solutions to mitigate them, you need professionals who have the experience and knowledge to steer you on the right path.

Well then, who can enable secure business for you?

Anyone who calls himself a security solutions provider can do it, but how well that solution aligns with your current system of business is what differentiates the better ones. An expert like Apere can help businesses at every stage for business continuity by implementing identity management solutions that mitigate information risk in the long run and bring about consistent peace of mind to your organization.

What Apere does for you as information security experts?

• Evaluate your current security measures
• Examine your alignment with regulations such as GLBA, Sarbanes-Oxley, Privacy (EU, SB1), SB1386, etc.
• Help you identify and understand the current state of your security efforts:
• Internet Attack & Penetration
• Wireless Security Assessments
• System Vulnerability Assessments
• Internal Threat Analysis, etc.
• After which, Apere's Identity Managed Access Gateway - IMAG provides the actual solution.

Checkout IMAG right away!

Apere - Enabling Secure Business for your Enterprise with Identity Management and Access Gateway

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Anti-Cyber Squatting Consumer Protection Act Update

2007-12-20T00:13:00.000-08:00

Our law firm receives a lot of calls from people and companies who are being threatened with an Anti-Cyber Squatting Consumer Protection Act claim because they registered a domain name identical or similar to a trademark held by someone else. Inevitably, we hear the words “Network Solutions allowed me to register the domain, so there is no way someone can say that I did anything wrong.”

Of course, Network Solutions and the other registrars do little to ensure that a person registering a domain has legal right to do so. In fact, about the only thing registrars do is make each person who purchases a domain affirm that they are not interfering with some else’s legitimate trademark rights. The fact that you are able to register a domain doesn’t mean that you won’t get sued for having done so under federal law.

The ACPA is a federal law that took effect in November 1999, in order to preclude bad faith registration of domain names. This new domain name dispute law is intended to give trademark and service mark owners legal remedies against defendants who obtain domain names “in bad faith” that are identical or confusingly similar to a trademark or service mark. In order to win a case of cyber squatting, plaintiff must prove that defendant has a bad faith intent to profit from the mark that is identical or confusingly similar or dilutes plaintiff’s mark. The key element is that plaintiff must prove that defendant has“bad faith intent to profit from the mark.” What this means is that if defendant merely registers the domain and does nothing with it commercially, plaintiff will have a difficult if not impossible time proving bad faith. Typically, intent to profit is shown by the use of the domain as a commercial site which sells goods or services. For an alleged domain violator who does not develop a website, bad faith intent to profit is often shown when the defendant tries to sell the domain name to the trademark holder. Any transfer of the domain for consideration will typically satisfy the profit test.

Another bad faith factor is if the registrant provides false contact information to the registrar or fails to maintain correct contact information moving forward. Because of this bad faith factor, it is important for all domain name owners to check their domain registrations regularly in the Who’s database to determine if their contact information is correct.

If you should decide to file an ACPA lawsuit, you have a variety of remedies which are available to you under the act. The most important one is potential forfeiture or cancellation of the domain name or transfer of the domain name to the plaintiff. In lieu of actual damages, the plaintiff may elect statutory damages and has discretion to award between $1,000 and $100,000 in damages for bad faith registration. Attorney’s fees are also available for a bad faith registration. Sometimes, the domain owner cannot be found or served with a Summons and Complaint because they have provided false information or are not located within the United States. In these instances, a trademark owner may bring in “In Rem” action against the domain name in the judicial district in which the domain name registrar, domain name registry or other domain name authority that registered or assigned the domain name is located. Money damages are not available in an “In Rem” lawsuit. Typically, the trademark owner is more focused at having the domain name transferred to them.

One recent Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals case, Interactive Products, Corporation v. A2Z Mobile Office, No. 01-3590 (6th Cir., April 10, 2003), was not good news for trademark holders in our jurisdiction. The Court held that the “post-domain path of a URL (the sub-file directory). . . does not typically signify source (of goods or services). The post-domain path merely shows how the website’s data is organized within the host computer files.” Accordingly, the Sixth Circuit held that the presence of plaintiff’s trademark in the path of the domain name of a competitor was unlikely to cause consumer confusion. Interestingly, the Court reached this result even though the defendant, A2Z, was selling competing products. It should be noted that the Court did not hold that using some else’s trademark in the top level domain, on the website itself or in the meta tags is exempt from ACPA liability.

Each ACPA case turns on the particular facts presented. It should also be noted that the Interactive Products plaintiff did not present any evidence that the presence of its trademark in the post-domain path caused actual confusion or was likely to cause consumer confusion. If such evidence existed and was presented, the outcome could have been different. The ACPA in an important weapon for trademark holders in protecting their intellectual property in the online world. If you do not protect your trademarks, you may lose rights in those marks altogether. Besides, if you don’t protect your marks, who will?

Make Internet Money Marketing Network Solutions

2007-12-20T00:10:00.000-08:00

Marketing is an art that combines the dance of the offer and the sale, with the science of ascertaining a client's needs and wants, not necessarily in that order, without having to ask the question. As a marketer it is your goal to provide your client with the solution to a perceived need, real or imagined, and sell her or him on the idea that only you, your business, or by extension your website will be able to adequately meet the need. Does this sound cold? Perhaps so, but this makes the reality of marketing no less compelling to the savvy individual. Similarly, it will not dissuade a client from doing business with you.

To make Internet money marketing network solutions you will first need to understanding what kind of network solutions you may offer. Computer users are always on the lookout for that bit of code that will make the machines run faster or more efficiently while at the same time protecting them viruses or hacker attacks. Similarly, those using databases always look for the software that is more germane to their actual business rather than broadly applicable as the usual database software that comes as part of a bigger package. Therefore anyone wanting to market network solutions will do well to address the needs of a niche rather than the wants of the market as a whole.

Understanding the concept of Internet money may be a little harder to grasp. Many a company has an advertising budget which also includes marketing their product online. In the same way, many a company has a hardware and software budget, that to a certain extent also includes Internet related aspects such as service contracts, subscriptions, and even the standing order of toner that is done via the 'Net every 60 days. This kind of money is considered Internet money because it is either spent on something purchased on the Internet, via the 'Net, or for the company's 'Net presence.

To make Internet money marketing network solutions you need to find out where your potential clients' Internet money is spent and then offer to provide the same or a similar service. In essence the goal is for the client to transfer the money that was paid to vendor A to you instead and have you take over as vendor A's substitute. This is easier said than done if you do not know your way around the network solutions business. Those who are computer savvy, however, and who know how to cultivate the right contacts and contracts in order to operate for a business in lieu of vendor A, even if it means outsourcing the job or service at a lesser price that will still allow you to make a healthy profit on the deal, will find that there is no limit to the profitability that may be found in this business.

If you are still unsure of the entire business concept, consider the term "reseller" and you will come to understand how - even without an inventory or a specific IT skill set - you can make Internet money marketing network solutions.

Websites and beyond: 5 tips for choosing a web solutions provider

2007-07-25T00:06:00.000-07:00

Your website is integral to your business, whether you're a brick-and-mortar store looking to attract Local customers through the web, an online retailer or any business in between. Your web solutions provider should be a good partner and a strong source of support for your online needs. Check out these tips for entrepreneurs who are either looking for their first provider or are looking to switch to a provider that better suits their business. Who you choose will have a big impact on your and your customer's web experience.
1 You shouldn't have to be a technology whiz to get your business's website up and running. Look for a provider that offers a variety of templates to help get your site online. Templates should be easy to use and customizable. A wizard interface that walks you through the template is a great way for users who are new to building websites to get comfortable and get a professional-looking website up quickly. A provider that has experience with small businesses will understand your needs and be able to guide you through the process.

2 It's not just about having a place to park your website. Look beyond the basics to see what extras a provider offers. Free domain registrations, transfers and renewals are great bonuses with a year long contract. An e-mail solution as part of your hosting package will give your communications a professional edge that is a must for businesses today, since it allows you to use your own business's name instead of that from a free e-mail provider like Yahoo!. Be sure it comes with virus and spare protection to help keep your company safe. Search engine submission is another helpful feature to look for. Finally, look for a web solutions provider that can give you statistics tools. Those can help you monitor your website's performance and find out information Like where your visitors are coming from and at what times your site is busiest.
3 Your business is growing, and your web solutions provider needs to be able to grow with you. Your website might start out as a basic informational site, but you could decide you want to sell your products online or want to offer more advanced services to your customers. Check out what packages and services a provider offers. You should be able to move up to more sophisticated packages as your business needs increase. Look for the availability of e-commerce services and more advanced e-mail services that can handle your customer and employee growth as needed.

4 You know how important reliability is when it comes to dealing with your customers. Make sure you find a web solutions provider that knows that, too. Uptime, the amount of time your website is up and running and viewable online, is a great measure of reliability. Don't settle for anything less than 99.9 percent uptime. Also, ask what your potential provider does to protect your website data. Regular data backups are an absolute necessity.

5 In an online world of bits and bytes, it's still people who make things happen. Customer service should be a top priority for a web solutions provider. Whether you're just looking for more information on product offerings or have a question about your site, find a provider that has actual people there to help. Network Solutions, for example, goes beyond e-mail support to offer free 24/7 phone support that connects its customers to a real, live and understanding customer service consultant. That sort of dedicated service is worth seeking out. Entrepreneurs can't afford to wait hours on hold or days for an e-mail response. When it comes to your business, you need to be able to handle your web solutions on your own schedule.

VeriSign Resurrects Network Solutions; Subsidiary to Operate Out of Herndon

2007-07-25T00:03:00.000-07:00

Global Internet services company VeriSign Inc. plans to announce today that it will open a Herndon subsidiary to handle its domain name retailing business.

The subsidiary, Network Solutions Inc., has the same name as the company that VeriSign bought in June 2000 to become the world's largest seller of Internet addresses.

"Network Solutions needs to be a separate and independent entity because it is truly different than the rest of VeriSign," said W.G. Champion "Champ" Mitchell, who will be president of the wholly owned subsidiary. VeriSign, of Mountain View, Calif., is a major provider of Internet security and telephony products.
The domain name retailing unit, or "registrar," is the only VeriSign business that caters to a mass audience, including individuals and small businesses, Mitchell said.

VeriSign's main clients include tens of thousands of corporate customers, whereas Network Solutions "offers Web presence services to millions of customers," he said.

Mitchell would not speculate on the future of Network Solutions, but noted the recent creation of VeriSign's Herndon office as evidence of the subsidiary's commitment to running a successful operation. That office is to house about 650 Network Solutions employees and some of VeriSign's East Coast employees.

VeriSign stopped using the Network Solutions name for its addressing operation in the summer of 2001, Mitchell said. But in a 2002 survey of Internet address buyers, VeriSign found that 87 percent of them were familiar with the name "Network Solutions" and could identify it as a domain name seller, while few recognized the name "VeriSign," Mitchell said.
In addition to owning one of the world's largest Internet registrars, VeriSign controls the sole registry of names ending in .com and .net. As the registry operator, VeriSign collects $6 per name for each address registered in .com or .net, regardless of which registrar sells the address.

Network Solutions once encompassed the registry and registrar functions, but the registry is not be part of the new subsidiary. VeriSign's registry operation will remain in Dulles.

Domain name retailers as a whole -- and VeriSign in particular -- were hit hard in the aftermath of the dot-com shakeout. After growing unabated from the early 1990s, the universe of Internet addresses ending in .com, .net and .org shrank for the first time in November 2001 and continued hemorrhaging names until July 2002.

That trend has leveled off, but some observers have questioned the fundamentals of the registrar business model and of the business line that Network Solutions has taken over.

"It's a market that's marked by incredible competition, and it just so happens VeriSign is one of the most expensive" providers, said Chris Kwak, an analyst at Bear Stearns who follows VeriSign.

"The total number of names might be starting to grow again, but the total number of dollars isn't necessarily growing," Kwak said. "These guys [registrars] are going to beat each other up for a long time."

ENMAX Envision offers optical broadband services to Calgary with Nortel Networks Optical Ethernet solutions - Network News - Brief Article

2007-07-04T01:58:00.001-07:00

Nortel and ENMAX Corp., through ENMAX Envision, a member of the ENMAX group of companies, announced completion of one of the first metro area networks in Canada based entirely on Optical Ethernet. The network leverages ENMAX Envision's extensive fiber infrastructure, simplifying operations and facilitating delivery of optical broadband services to local businesses.Using the Optical Ethernet network, ENMAX Envision offers high-bandwidth data services targeted to customers' specific needs, such as private line in, transparent LAN extension, dedicated Interact access and business continuity/disaster recovery solutions. ENMAX Envision recently added Nortel Networks OPTera Metro 1400 Ethernet Service Module to the network, expanding the service offering to include Ethernet Virtual Private Network (VPN) capabilities. These capabilities provide greatly increased scalability while ensuring security and quality of service.

Network Device targets cellular backhaul applications

2007-07-04T00:54:00.000-07:00

Providing Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, DS1/E1 and DS3/E3 client interfaces, RadioNode is used for multiplexing TDM and Ethernet traffic between cell sites and base station controllers. It offers support for Low Order UPSR/SNCP rings, up to 28 DS1/E1 ports, and 8 Ethernet ports. Device's 0:2 SONET/SDH interface protection used in conjunction with VCAT and LCAS allows Ethernet traffic to be split over 2 diverse links for resiliency to radio link interruptions.

OTTAWA, Canada - August 29, 2006 - Galazar Networks[R] Inc., announced the expansion of its broad portfolio of multi-service transport solutions with the introduction of its RadioNode(TM) product. This multiprotocol infrastructure solution is targeted at carrier grade networks for radio transmission and cellular backhaul applications.

Service providers are migrating their radio based access network from copper facilities carrying DS1/E1 to fiber facilities utilizing SONET/SDH signals to deliver richer packet services to their cellular customers. An efficient method of transporting a mix of Ethernet and TDM traffic between cell sites and base station controllers is required for a smooth transition from ATM over DS1/E1 connectivity to Ethernet over SONET/SDH connectivity in the radio access network.

Radio transmission products that primarily provided DS1/E1 or DS3/E3 transport over radio links are now being required to support the proliferation of Ethernet interfaces on today's network equipment to increase bandwidth capacity and add support for Ethernet services. Next generation SONET/SDH features such as the Generic Framing Procedure (GFP), Virtual Concatenation (VCAT) and Link Capacity Adjustment Scheme (LCAS) are ideal for multiplexing TDM and Ethernet traffic for transmission over radio links. SONET/SDH capable radio transmission products inherit all of the carrier grade attributes of SONET/SDH such as reliability, performance monitoring and secure remote management while providing the capability to mix radio and wireline segments to form a SONET/SDH ring network.

"New packet-based services are placing higher bandwidth demands on cellular backhaul networks and radio transmission links," said Richard Deboer, CEO, Galazar Networks Inc. "The world is migrating to Ethernet interfaces and the ability to transport Ethernet simultaneously with existing TDM signals is critical to the migration of the transport network infrastructure required to support new services."

The unique combination of Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, DS1/E1 and DS3/E3 client interfaces make RadioNode ideally suited to providing efficient multiplexing of the variety of signal formats in today's radio access networks. Inherent support for Low Order UPSR/SNCP rings allows efficient sharing of bandwidth and minimizes ports at the Radio Network Controller (RNC) and the Base Station Controller (BSC) when aggregating traffic from multiple cell sites. Support for up to 28 DS1/E1 ports and 8 Ethernet ports allows for continued growth of the existing DS1/E1 infrastructure while supporting the transition to Ethernet capable cell station equipment. SONET/SDH fiber infrastructure in the radio access network also provides increased immunity to costly service interruptions caused by tower lightning strikes.

In radio transmission applications, RadioNode's 0:2 SONET/SDH interface protection used in conjunction with VCAT and LCAS allows Ethernet traffic to be split over two diverse links providing resiliency to radio link interruptions and effectively doubles the contiguous transmission capacity to 311 Mbps.

Building on Galazar's reputation of delivering more than just devices with rudimentary software, our co-located team of experienced IC, hardware, software and system designers minimize customer time to market by working together to define, develop, verify and support these solutions as end-to-end systems. Through proprietary tools and processes we are able to provide extensive software, documentation, troubleshooting tools, reference platforms and application design information to customers.

Galazar offers comprehensive device management software, including advanced capabilities such warm start, interrupt management and a wide variety of troubleshooting tools that are field proven by our customers' deployments. This device management software, extensive hyperlinked documentation and customer system support have established Galazar's reputation as a design partner and supplier of choice to our customers.

Cox Communications selects Ciena's ONLINE multiservice solutions for nationwide network - Business - Brief Article

2007-06-19T00:39:00.001-07:00

Ciena announced that Cox Communications has selected Ciena's ONLINE Metro and ONLINE Edge platforms to support data services on its multiservice broadband communications network. Ciena's ONLINE platforms are helping Cox to deliver video-on-demand, storage area networking and Gigabit Ethernet services to its customers.The Ciena solution gives Cox flexibility and reliability in metro area networks as it moves to collapse its voice and data platforms to a common infrastructure. Consolidating its existing infrastructure with Ciena's ONLINE multiservice solution will create greater capacity, flexibility and service support across the network. Ciena's ONLINE platform: successfully meet both service provider and enterprise requirements for scalable, high-capacity metropolitan networks. The solutions support cost-effective metropolitan access ant edge multiservice delivery, and offer flexible options for dense service aggregation in fiber rich network environments.

Print under management: a real graphic solutions provider with a network and a skateboarder's attitude

2007-06-19T00:38:00.002-07:00

When computer to plate first found its way into production environments, many prepress companies invested in the strategy of making the printing plates and then delivering them to printing companies. The plates were physically driven to the customer. As these companies wondered how to deal with two-in-the-morning breakdowns of 24/7 presses, a family-owned prepress business in Winnipeg, called Embassy Graphics, was taking an entirely different approach to the new world of digital workflow.

They actually encouraged their printing clients to install CTP technology, while Embassy instead focused on transmitting crisp digital files. As the industry confirmed its shift from film, hundreds of prepress firms found themselves in jeopardy. Most of the ones that did not go out of business were bought by, or became, printers. As a result, a lot of frontend expertise has slipped out of the industry.

This, however, is not an entirely dire situation because as the frontend continues to advance - with the likes of PDFx - the software used to drive it is slowly becoming a commodity. This may change many of the ideas that printers have formed around the value-added promise, a strategy for the new economy that few companies seem able to actually derive significant revenues from.

"And here's where a lot of people in the industry in the past have been thinking," says Bryan Payne Jr., president and CEO of Embassy. "Well, sell value-added... that is a bullshit term. Give them some magic pixie dust, then they are in a haze, they are in the ether, like they don't know you are getting a premium. That is crap."

CoreDirector, MetroDirector K2 helping global managed network service provider reduce network operating expenses - Business - Infonet Services has sel

2007-06-19T00:38:00.001-07:00

Ciena announced that Infonet Services, a provider of global communications services for multinationals, has selected Ciena solutions for use on Infonet's wholly-owned The World Network, accessible from more than 3,000 cities in 180 countries around the world. Specifically, Infonet has selected Ciena's CoreDirector intelligent core switch and MetroDirector K2 multiservice platform for deployment across multiple U.S. and European network sites.Infonet's deployment plans call for more than 30 CoreDirector systems across the network, in addition to MetroDirector K2 switches in more than 40 cities. Deployment is already underway. Infonet selected Ciena based on its experience with cost-effective, dynamic mesh networks, as well as the ability of Ciena's LightWorks solutions to enhance the efficiency of the existing global backbone and local metropolitan networks, In addition, Ciena's professional services offering met Infonet's criteria to manage the engineering and implementation of the solution.

The BPO opportunity: hosted 'total service' solutions offer benefits to both enterprises and network operators

2007-06-18T23:52:00.000-07:00

Business process outsourcing (or BPO) will, without doubt, be one of the major themes talked about in business during 2004. BPO is driven by fundamental changes in the international business environment in the last decade; most European companies, albeit in many cases reluctantly, now realise that they must embrace it if they are to move forward.

Take IT companies. According to research analysts Ovum Holway, the general IT market--including consultancy, supply, implementation and development--declined 6.6 per cent in 2003 with further decline predicted for 2004 before a market pick-up in 2005. By contrast, double-digit IT BPO/outsourcing growth is forecast through to 2007. If you're in the IT sector, it's sensible to have at least one foot in BPO.

BPO works because outsourcing 'basic' and 'repetitive' business functions to companies that either have specialist expertise or that enjoy economies of scale, if not both, makes perfect economic sense--especially at a time when international companies are chasing the bottom line like never before.

With the basic premise of BPO both accepted and established, the question companies must now ask is, "What functions can I successfully outsource?"

Next-generation optical solutions from Nortel designed to increase service velocity, network intelligence. 6500

2007-06-07T03:26:00.000-07:00

Nortel introduced advanced, next-generation features for its optical network solutions that make it possible for service providers and cable operators to more rapidly and affordably deliver dynamic, high-bandwidth content and application-based services such as video on demand.

These new features address customers' increasing requirements for more adaptive, intelligent, all-optical networks, and represent a significant step forward in addressing operational expense reduction and service delivery velocity requirements for the deployment of dynamic 'on demand' and bandwidth-intensive services. Nortel estimates that its new features can result in savings of up to 55 percent in operating costs for service providers.Integration of these next generation features into our optical solutions enables remote delivery of any wavelength with any service to any location at any time without the need for intensive optical planning or engineering," said Philippe Morin, general manager, Optical Networks, Nortel. "We are excited to help service providers and cable operators implement an intelligent, adaptive optical network to support introduction of the disruptive new services their customers demand."

New core features to Nortel's optical portfolio include enhanced Reconfigurable Optical Add Drop Multiplexing (eROADM) functionality to enable reduced costs associated with redirecting wavelengths, and electronic Dynamically Compensating Optics (eDCO) to extend wavelength distances while enabling reduced network planning and engineering costs. Both of these new features are supported by the Domain Optical Controller (DOC), an end-to-end intelligent provisioning and management software platform.
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The eROADM is a functional module included in Nortel's 40Gbps-ready Common Photonic Layer (CPL) platform, employing wavelength-selective switching (WSS) to enable all-optical switching and redirection of a wavelength to up to five different rings in the network. This limits the need for costly fiber interconnection points with optical-to-electrical-to-optical (OEO) conversions, and creates more simplicity and flexibility in managing wavelengths across the network.

Nortel's new eDCO functionality, first introduced on Optical Multiservice Edge (OME) 6500, complements and enables increased benefits of the eROADM module by providing increased automation when deploying new or redirected optical wavelengths. Traditionally, redirecting individual wavelengths to a new network path required extensive planning and reengineering of the optical line to ensure proper power levels and modulation adjusted for the new path. eDCO capabilities in OME 6500 enable the platform to dynamically adjust the modulation of individual wavelengths when they are redirected to a new path, over a different fiber type, or over a longer distance. In addition, eDCO enables fiber spans of up to 2,000 kilometers as well as tunable lasers for reduced sparing requirements.

Nokia launches new network services and solutions initiatives

2007-06-07T03:24:00.000-07:00

Our industry is now in the midst of a major transition, with the key drivers being convergence, IP, the take-off of WCDMA, and the arrival of new competition. On top of this, mobile subscriber growth continues unabated, especially in Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. By 2010, the total subscriber base will have swelled to 3 billion.'' ''To capitalize on the opportunities brought about by this transition, operators will need to be exceptionally agile and efficient," continued Beresford-Wylie. "The products Nokia is launching today will help our operator customers by giving them the tools to do just that." The Nokia Unified Charging Suite, launched at the Singapore event, combines different Nokia products to form a fully convergent charging solution that lets operators offer the same services, rate-plans and loyalty programs to all subscribers, regardless of whether they are prepaid and postpaid, whether the services are for voice and data content, or whether the network is fixed or mobile, 2G or 3G. The solution will support the entire customer base including consumers, businesses and service providers. The Nokia Service Delivery Framework is a holistic approach to help operators build an optimal service delivery platform in order to seize new service opportunities by delivering new services in a rapid and cost-efficient manner. The Nokia framework alleviates operators' often-complex service delivery environments that have been built up incrementally, resulting in heavy OPEX overhead. The Nokia Network Expert Club is an innovative learning environment for nurturing mobile network experts. It creates a flexible environment that allows experts in Nokia's operator customers' organizations to develop their chosen competences at their own speed, contributing to the effectiveness and efficiency of their operations. Nokia continues to enjoy strong leadership in networks, supplying 33 out of the world's 73 commercial WCMA networks. Nokia has 48 WCDMA references, and 47 EDGE references, by far the most EDGE references of any vendor. Nokia is also the market leader in mobile soft switches, as the only company with a 3GPP Release 4 MSC Server System (MSS) for combined 2G/3G networks on the market. Nokia has over 50 customers for the Nokia MSS, of which over 30 are already commercially rolling out the system in GSM and WCDMA networks. Moreover, Nokia has demonstrated that it's in the services business to stay by building an experienced team this year recruited from the leaders of the IT industry. Services currently comprise about one-third of the Networks business group's headcount and over a quarter of its business. About Nokia Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations

Next-generation optical solutions from Nortel designed to increase service velocity, network intelligence. 6500

2007-06-06T05:10:00.002-07:00

Kyoto, Japan, Oct 30, 2006 - (JCN Newswire) - Sharp Corporation has increased annual production capacity for solar cells at its Katsuragi Plant in Nara Prefecture by 100 MW (megawatts) to meet burgeoning demand in Japan and abroad, and has constructed a system that will be able to enter full production by November 2006. As a result, solar cell production capacity at the Katsuragi Plant will reach 600 MW per year, the world's highest.

Despite concerns in the photovoltaic (PV) power generating market about a shortage of processed silicon (the raw material for solar cells), PV systems are increasingly being used in Japan for industrial applications and are being installed on new residential construction in collaboration with home builders. In Europe and the U.S.A., demand is expected to expand even further in the future, centered on industrial and commercial uses thanks to the introduction of subsidies and implementation of policies mandating power buy-back programs by utilities.

To more effectively utilize raw materials, Sharp is working to make solar cells even thinner and improve thin-film solar cells which use minimal amounts of silicon, as well as establish highly efficient production systems and expand and upgrade its production lines. For the future, Sharp has set a goal to further expand its solar energy business, which holds out tremendous potential as clean energy that does not generate substances that place a burden on the environment.Integration of these next generation features into our optical solutions enables remote delivery of any wavelength with any service to any location at any time without the need for intensive optical planning or engineering," said Philippe Morin, general manager, Optical Networks, Nortel. "We are excited to help service providers and cable operators implement an intelligent, adaptive optical network to support introduction of the disruptive new services their customers demand."

New core features to Nortel's optical portfolio include enhanced Reconfigurable Optical Add Drop Multiplexing (eROADM) functionality to enable reduced costs associated with redirecting wavelengths, and electronic Dynamically Compensating Optics (eDCO) to extend wavelength distances while enabling reduced network planning and engineering costs. Both of these new features are supported by the Domain Optical Controller (DOC), an end-to-end intelligent provisioning and management software platform.
Advertisement

The eROADM is a functional module included in Nortel's 40Gbps-ready Common Photonic Layer (CPL) platform, employing wavelength-selective switching (WSS) to enable all-optical switching and redirection of a wavelength to up to five different rings in the network. This limits the need for costly fiber interconnection points with optical-to-electrical-to-optical (OEO) conversions, and creates more simplicity and flexibility in managing wavelengths across the network.

Nortel's new eDCO functionality, first introduced on Optical Multiservice Edge (OME) 6500, complements and enables increased benefits of the eROADM module by providing increased automation when deploying new or redirected optical wavelengths. Traditionally, redirecting individual wavelengths to a new network path required extensive planning and reengineering of the optical line to ensure proper power levels and modulation adjusted for the new path. eDCO capabilities in OME 6500 enable the platform to dynamically adjust the modulation of individual wavelengths when they are redirected to a new path, over a different fiber type, or over a longer distance. In addition, eDCO enables fiber spans of up to 2,000 kilometers as well as tunable lasers for reduced sparing requirements.

Technical Community Network Provides Manufacturing Solutions

2007-06-06T05:10:00.001-07:00

SME's Technical Community Network (TCN), now one year old, has some things to celebrate. To date, nearly 12,000 people participate in communities relevant to their specific technology interests. Together they discuss, explore, and advance technologies to their own personal benefit, and to the benefit of the entire manufacturing enterprise. The Technical Community Network experience has also helped these members address and solve specific problems within the companies and industries they serve.Working with The Boeing Company (Chicago) and LockheedMartin (Bethesda, MD), GKN Aerospace (Herndon, VA) ran into problems with hand-deburring tasks related to the production of its F/A-22 mid-fuselage airframe structures. The company wanted to find a better way. As part of the solution, SME's TCN helped bring GKN engineers together with others they would, otherwise, have never met. Through the Machining and Material Removal Community, specifically, its Deburring, Edge Finishing & Surface Conditioning (DESC) tech group, GKN engineers were able to link with others able to help them develop a process that solves a number of issues, while incorporating mass finishing techniques and meeting Boeing's needs for the F/A-22, an impressive and extremely flexible fighter.

Big deployments, better solutions: legacy wireless LAN solutions may not provide adequate coverage for today's network users

2007-06-06T05:09:00.001-07:00

Many organizations are looking at extensive wireless LAN (WLAN) deployments throughout their facilities. Most WLAN vendors, however, offer access points (APs) and controllers based on hardware technology that has not changed significantly since the days when WLAN meant one AP, and users are realizing that legacy AP technology presents major challenges when stretched to deliver pervasive coverage in large facilities.

Initial WLAN applications were limited to e-mail or network access, but companies are now rolling out voice-over-IP (VoIP) and mission-critical corporate applications on their wireless networks. As these applications multiply, so does the need for broader and more robust wireless coverage. Assuming that any organization wanting to deploy a large-scale WLAN wants also to support any current or future applications, the requirements for wireless infrastructure can be grouped into five categories:he system should provide complete, continuous coverage of the entire facility, including hallways, stairwells, lobbies and even outdoor patios. Once users begin using applications like VoIP, they will be unhappy to have their calls disconnected anywhere.

High user density. Many business workers already own at least two wireless-enabled devices (a PDA and a laptop), and the trend toward more devices is increasing. As tethered users see the benefits of wireless mobility, they will add to the device count. The WLAN infrastructure should be able to support a high number of users on any AP.

Appropriate quality of service (QoS). With multiplying applications and users, the network will need to support different levels of QoS. Voice users should have continuous access, for example, while e-mail users can do with best-effort access. 802.11g users will expect faster connections than 802.11b users on the same network.

Seamless roaming. Any organization planning to deploy wireless IP voice will need a WLAN infrastructure that allows seamless roaming from one AP coverage area to another. Cellular phone users are not aware when they move from one base station's coverage area to another, and the WLAN should support similar transparency.

Deployment and management simplicity. Like any other piece of IT infrastructure, the WLAN system should not be unnecessarily complex or expensive to deploy and maintain.

Continuous coverage. Placing two APs adjacent to one another is not possible if they are both broadcasting on the same channel, since the resulting co-channel interference confuses clients within range (causing them to flip-flop from one AP to the other), corrupts packets in the air and typically makes reliable connections impossible. Since APs can broadcast on different channels (three channels for 802.11b/g and 11 channels for 802.1 la), however, arranging adjacent APs using alternating channels to minimize co-channel interference is possible, as is routing traffic from them through a WLAN controller. Some vendors also allow users to regulate the power output of APs to further minimize the potential for co-channel interference.

Alternating channels and adjusting AP power levels helps facilitate the placement of adjacent APs to provide broader coverage, but there will always be coverage gaps in such an arrangement. In addition, with only three channels to work with (in 802.11b and 802.11g), alternating channels is a limited solution because, eventually, adjacent APs will be on the same channel. While reducing AP power outputs can help reduce co-channel interference in such cases, it can also exacerbate the problem by increasing signal-to-noise ratios, leading to higher packet corruption and lower performance.

User density. Legacy WLANs all use the same collision-avoidance mechanism to enable multiclient access, and the mechanism makes supporting more than five or six clients per AP difficult. WLAN throughput drops off significantly when more clients than this are present.

Quality of service. Legacy WLAN APs do not distinguish between the needs of one client and another. If one client is connected via 802.11b and another is connected via 802.11g, the faster 802.11g client's access and throughput will be slowed by the lower performance of the 802.11b client. In addition, a VoIP user gets the same level of service from the AP as a data user, even though IP voice requires a far more consistent level of packet delivery to ensure voice quality.

Seamless roaming. Because legacy APs are not aware of each other, wireless clients make roaming decisions and must re-authenticate with the network as they move from one AP coverage area to the next. This requirement causes delays or interruptions in access that can degrade the quality of voice calls or even disconnect them.

Deployment and management simplicity. Because legacy WLAN systems use APs that were not designed to work together and which do not deliver high user density or per-user QoS, a lot of planning, configuration and management is involved in making them work together. To manage co-channel interference, engineers must conduct site surveys and map out alternating channel AP deployments, for example.

Zhone announces comprehensive passive optical network products supporting full-featured triple-play solutions - New Products/New Services

2007-06-02T03:58:00.001-07:00

Zhone Technologies announced a comprehensive suite of products that allow telephone companies to provide voice, data, video and entertainment services to their subscribers over either the existing outside plant or new fiber deployments and over their subscribers existing inside wiring. Zhone's Single Line Multi-Service (SLMS) architecture is a complete, end-to-end solution that allows telephone carriers to deliver the triple-play of voice, data and video services to their subscribers over a single network using entirely existing facilities. SLMS has proven cost effective for carriers worldwide and encompasses any deployment scenario, whether greenfield networks, migration from old copper plant or an overlay.

In the carrier network, Zhone's Single Line Multi-Service product family utilizes the carriers existing copper wiring while providing an elegant migration to new fiber deployments using common hardware and a common management system. This media agnostic approach allows the carrier to use existing copper loops and outside plant facilitates for rapid deployment while progressively evolving to a fiber based build-out. This managed migration to fiber ensures sustained revenue while stemming the erosion of the carriers' customer base to competitors.

The SLMS architecture delivers services to the home or business using the Multiple Access Line Concentrator (MALC). The new MALC PON OLT line cards enable field upgrades to new high bandwidth optical services in addition to a broad range of broadband and narrowband copper based services. Designed for CO, RT, outdoor cabinet or basement deployment, the MALC family of media-and protocol-agnostic packet loop carriers can be configured for traditional and next generation applications including ATM packet loop carrier, optical line termination unit, ATM/IP DSLAM and traditional DLC. Carriers can mix technologies down to the circuit pack to meet their subscribers specific requirements.

The MALC's cost-effective design, with common line cards across a range of different chassis designs, helps manage the cost of ownership and makes for price competitive deployments from POTS to PON. With the introduction of its PON solution, Zhone is delivering on its SLMS architecture's protocol and media agnostic vision with a broad range of either IP or ATM uplinks including T1/E1 IMA, DS3, E3, OC-3, STM-1, OC-12, STM-4, 10bT, 100bT, and GigE. In addition to PON and DSL services, Zhone's SLMS architecture supports the industry's broadest array of narrowband and special services available, and all on common platforms and cabinets.

Software aids development of network management solutions

2007-06-02T03:56:00.000-07:00

Developed on Linux, Java(TM)-based Open EMS Suite contains built-in applications, open application program interfaces, and developer tools for building various kinds of element and network management solutions for different types of networks, such as those in wireless, transmission, and broadband areas. Instant adaptation architecture cuts time of integrating new network element versions into network management environment down to hours.

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Sun Microsystems Joins Nokia's Initiative to Slash the Cost of OSS Deployment

NICE, France and ESPOO, Finland, May 16/- Nokia (NYSE: NOK) today launched a new software platform that will let network equipment providers, independent software vendors and system integrators develop network management solutions more cost efficiently, leading to faster market entry.

The Open EMS Suite's unique instant adaptation architecture cuts down the time of integrating new network element versions into the network management environment into hours. This will accelerate innovation in the industry, helping mobile service providers meet the challenges of ever-toughening markets.

The Open EMS Suite will be released in the fourth quarter of 2006.

The Suite is a Java (TM) technology-based software platform product developed on Linux. It contains built-in applications, open application program interfaces (APIs), and developer tools for building various kinds of element and network management solutions for different types of networks, e.g. in the wireless, transmission and broadband areas.

"With this move Nokia aims to boost cooperation across the industry, freeing up resources for innovative new solutions by lowering overall R&D costs and cutting down the 'systems integration tax'," said Nokia's Jyrki Holmala, Vice President, Software, Networks.

"The Open EMS Suite provides similar benefits for other vendors as it does for Nokia - a future-proof platform and a flexible multi-technology, multi-vendor integration framework for third-party applications. We believe that success is built on industry collaboration - true innovation happens when solutions are developed with a multitude of companies and developers."

The Suite has already sparked industry interest, with Nokia announcing at the TeleManagement World (TMW) fair in Nice that it will collaborate with Sun Microsystems in the Operations Support System (OSS) technology space. At TMW, Nokia and Sun are showcasing a Solaris(TM) 10 Operating System (OS)-based implementation of Open EMS Suite.

"Nokia's move is a very positive step for the industry. We are glad to see that Nokia is expanding its EMS technology platform to include Sun's carrier-grade Solaris 10 OS, which is the most widely-used operating system in the telecommunications industry," said Joe Heel, Senior Vice President, OEM Business Unit, Sun Microsystems, Inc.

The initial feedback from network equipment providers has also been positive.

"Ceragon Networks provides solutions for broadband wireless networking, and we have implemented the Instant Adaptation architecture to our Polyview network management system by using components from Open EMS Suite. The goal for Ceragon was to build a robust northbound interface for integration to higher level systems that are based on Instant Adaptation architecture. By building the solution with these components, we were able to considerably reduce the R&D effort required," said Shuki Levy, Director of Product Management, Ceragon Networks.

"Nera Networks is a world class provider of wireless point-to-point products for transmission networks, mobile satellite communication, and wireless broadband access. We fully support Nokia's architecture vision and have decided to implement the Instant Adaptation architecture in our NetMaster network management system using the Open EMS Suite," says Eirik Nesse, VP Product Management, Nera Networks.

Nokia is showcasing and demonstrating both its Linux- and Solaris-based implementation of Open EMS Suite at the TeleManagement World event in the Acropolis Convention Center, Nice, May 16-18, 2006. Contact Nokia booth #94 for more information. A press event will be held in Nice on Tuesday, May 16th at 1300 CET.

About Nokia

Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. www.nokia.com

Sun, Sun Microsystems, Java and Solaris are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

You Don’t Need To Pay For IT!

2007-04-21T02:44:00.001-07:00

IT Support has never been such a minefield. With new technologies always entering the marketplace it is now possible to have a corporate-standard IT system without having the financial headache of purchasing a server or even software such as Microsoft Office. For one small monthly payment, companies with 1-50 users can have their whole IT infrastructure based in a secure location, safe in the knowledge that should their office be burgled, damaged or even burned down, the only thing required to be reconnected to your office system and data is a new PC, Laptop, Thin Client or any internet-connected terminal such as in Internet Cafes. This is perfect for disaster recovery.

As your IT system is centrally managed in a safe and secure hosting environment, your IT support requirements are minimal or non-existent due to the power of remote IT support where an IT engineer or technician can actually “take over” control of your mouse and keyboard actions from anywhere in the world. This is a very crucial factor as you can even be taught and shown how to perform a particular task and it also removes the usual time-delay involved when requiring “hands-on” IT support. With a remote desktop your life will be much easier.

There are a great many advantages with remotely-hosted IT & network systems and another great benefit is the fact that you can literally work from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection. You could be working on a train via wireless or 3G, sending and retrieving documents via Blackberry devices or PDAs, catching up with work on the beach, the list is just endless. As access to your data is mobile, you do not have to worry about synchronising data and carrying data on USB flash drives etc, this all saves you time and ultimately money and the freedom and mobility you will gain from such a system will only benefit your company and it’s staff, allowing for home-working and emergency access 24 hours a day.

Microsoft licensing is a major change that has occurred over the past 18 months and it is no longer necessary for companies to spend vast sums of money on hardware, software and server-related network support. In fact, companies no longer have to pay large sums of money for Microsoft Office, Adobe, Kaspersky and a growing list of software suppliers thanks to a change in the way licensing can be paid for. A great benefit of this is that you can pay monthly for a software product and receive free upgrades when new releases or patches become available.

Cableorganizer.com First To Carry Platinum Tool's Next-Generation Hand Tool The EZ-E Punchdown

2007-04-21T02:42:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2006
Contact: Diana Laverdure, dlaverdure@reevespr.com, 561-391-8717
Noah Davis, ndavis@reevespr.com, 561-391-8717

CABLEORGANIZER.COM FIRST TO CARRY PLATINUM TOOL’S
NEXT-GENERATION ELECTRONIC HAND TOOL, THE EZ-E PUNCHDOWN
Advanced hand tool’s electronics offer audible and visual feedback

Deerfield Beach, Fla. – Cableorganizer.com, the leader online retailer for cable management and hand tool solutions, recently announced that it will be the first retailer to carry the next generation of hand tool: Platinum Tool’s new EZ-E Punchdown. The EZ-E Punchdown is the first punch down hand tool to incorporate an electronics package into the unit, allowing for audible and visual confirmation of a successful termination.

The EZ-E Punchdown hand tool also features an adjustable force thumb wheel for selecting the optimal punch down force for Insulation Displacement Contacts (IDC). The new features make termination simple: turn the thumb wheel to the desired force setting, seat wire in IDC block, listen and look for sound and light. Once sound and light are activated, the correct force has been achieved and the wire is terminated correctly.

This next-generation punch down tool is powered with a single 9V battery. The industrial-strength housing protects the unit from physical damage and vibration. It’s the ultimate hand tool for all your electrical, networking, cabling, and telecommunications needs.

In addition to the Platinum Tools EZ-E Punchdown tool, Cableorganizer.com offers a wide range of hand tools, including models from Klein, Greenlee and HellermanTyton, as well as hand tool kits, benders, installation and termination tools, hole cutters, toolboxes, and more. Cableorganizer.com is the premier online store for cable management systems and hand tools, increasing safety, performance and protection of cables, and offers tips and “how-to” guides to get the most out of your hand tools.

Keep Your Data Safe Behing a Firewall

2007-04-21T02:41:00.001-07:00

Firewalls

Computer viruses! Worms! E-mail viruses! Trojan Horses! The media is always full of stories about computer viruses infecting computers all over the world, or companies scrambling to fix security holes in their software by releasing security updates. What can businesses or individuals to protect their computer? Installing a firewall may be one answer.

The Importance of Having a Firewall

While the first computer viruses were transported from computer to computer by floppy disks, computer viruses today can cover the globe in the blink of an eye over the Internet. And they’ve probably made it to your computer. You have likely had to deal with the consequences of spyware and other malicious programs that had have crawled onto your computer while you were browsing the Internet. And as a consequences, you’ve probably spent hours and hours trying to get rid of all the spyware and other malicious programs that have taken up residence on your computer.

Even if you think your computer is viruses free, you are probably wrong. That is why spyware and viruses are so dangerous; you could be using your computer with no idea that they’re there.

Firewalls Will Protect your Computer

A firewall puts a wall between your home network and the Internet. Just like a real firewall keep fire from spreading from one area to another, a software firewall tries to keep computer viruses from spreading form the Internet onto your home computer or home network.

The firewall itself is a piece of software that is usually run on your router or cable moden. By attaching itself to this hardware, the firewall is the first thing any incoming traffic from the Internet meets.

The firewall’s job is to act is to filter all of the traffic from the Internet that comes onto your home network. Whenever a network packet tries to come onto your home network, it has to make it by the firewall first. The firewall will analyse the packet to make sure it isn’t a viruses or some other undesirable communication. If the firewall gives it the all clear, it will let the packet continue on its journey to your home network.

How does a Firewall Know what Traffic is Good?

The firewall will use user-defined parameters and automatic parameters to decide whether the traffic should be let through or labelled dangerous and blocked. As the user, you could configure the firewall to block all traffic coming from a specific IP addresses. Obviously, you won’t be able to do this for all the malicious sites on the Internet – this list would be far, far too long!

For this reason, the firewall will automatically screen incoming traffic to make sure it corresponds to the kind of traffic you would want to receive by running it through a set of predetermined parameters. For instance, the firewall will usually let traffic sent from a website through to your computer, but it will not let someone remotely login to your computer.

No matter what software or hardware you use, you will always be putting your computer at risk when you connect it to the Internet. You can limit this risk as much as possible, however, by using a firewall. A firewall will let you access all the wonderful resources of the Internet without staying awake all night worrying about your home network.

Enslaving the Airwaves: The Repercussions of Insecure Wireless Networks

2007-04-21T02:40:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt that wireless technology has evolved the way we communicate. With the popular 2.4 GHz frequency being unlicensed and inexpensive, people all around the world have been able to do things that were nothing short of impossible in the past. While this may be the case, the same also applies to hackers; wireless technologies have allowed them to not only penetrate the impenetrable, but also break into personal networks with blazing speed (as in minutes and even seconds if the wireless network's access point [AP] is completely unsecure).

So what can happen if someone breaks into your network? Well for starters, it acts as a gateway for hackers to break into your system. On top of that, they can install sniffers (which allow them to steal such things as passwords and other sensitive information), adware, spyware, trojans, viruses, worms, backdoors, rootkits, and other malware as well as pursue wireless jamming attacks, encryption attacks, DoS attacks, and other various attacks. In short, given enough time, the sky is the limit on what a hacker could do when they get inside your AP.

At this point, many may say to themselves “Well, I have nothing of value on my computer, so I don't care if they hack into it”. This couldn't be any farther from the truth. If hackers compromise your computer, they'll turn it into something called a “zombie” (in other words, their slave), which will do anything the hacker wants it to. This could be anything from helping crack (or decipher) passwords, to breaking into websites, to even breaking into other computers.

Here's the kicker: if the hacker uses your computer to break into something and gets caught, guess who faces the consequences? Well, it was your computer that did the attacking, so it will be your fault, no matter if you knew about the attack or not. Whether it leads to fines or even jail time, you are stuck with a mess trying to prove that you are innocent, all while the hacker carries on with his life and pursues more targets.

Knowing about the consequences that can come from insecure AP's, there are many things you can do to prevent outsiders from trying to break in. Ideally, you'll use a “Defense in Depth” methodology, which means setting up multiple layers of security to try and deter hackers from breaking in. Now, some of these things discussed will not really add much in the way of security, but it is additional security nonetheless. Hackers love easy targets, so every layer of security you add makes it more difficult for them to break in, and thus acts as a deterrent. That being said, use the following security measures on your personal AP:

1.) Hide your SSID broadcast. Your SSID is simply the name of your AP. Without it, hackers will not know the difference between your AP and other ones in the vicinity.
2.) Change the name of your SSID. This may not sound like much but, the name can tell a hacker a lot about your AP. Using the default name probably means you are also using the default password, which can easily be found on the internet.
3.) Use MAC address filtering. A MAC address is simply an address burned into each wireless card. Using this filtering means that only the entered MAC addresses can access your AP.
4.) Enable Encryption. Use the WPA or WPA2 (if available) security mode as well as the AES algorithm. This makes it way more troublesome for hackers to eavesdrop your communications.
5.) Use both hardware and software firewalls. Chances are there is a firewall embedded right in your AP, so make sure it is enabled as well as firewalls on the networked computers.
6.) Keep learning about new wireless security threats. Technology keeps evolving, so it is in your best interest to research computer protection articles and other related news sources.
7.) Invest in computer security tools. While it is important to use layered security on your AP, it is even more important to do the same for your computer in case the hacker breaks through.

When it comes to wireless networks, deterrence can be one of the most powerful things working for you, providing you implement a Defense in Depth methodology like described above. With the large amount of weak and insecure AP's that are live today, layered security will play a vital role in whether or not outsiders try to break into your wireless network. In the end, taking the time to secure your AP now could be the difference of legal repercussions or identity theft down the road.

Integration of SAP Netweaver

2007-04-21T02:39:00.000-07:00

In the present era, where SAP companies are struggling to fuse the various heterogeneous environment in their organization and maintain a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Netweaver comes as a solution to all their problems. SAP Netweaver is the latest advancement in the SAP Technologies, which was developed as an Artificial Intelligence (AI) shell that accepts standard comments literally as they are spoken by domain experts.

Modularity is the unique feature of Netweaver that makes it stand out amongst other software technologies. The knowledge engineer can more easily create "digestible chunks" of modules or sub-dependency networks, which help to keep the overarching dependency network from becoming potentially incomprehensible because of obvious complexity. The following plain text is aimed at expanding SAP Netweaver architecture and its interoperability with Microsoft.NET and IBM WebSpere.

In simple words Netweaver is an application and Integration platform in which Web Services plays a major role and which is open for Non-SAP applications and platform. Using Netweaver to improve the organizations productivity and enhance efficiency by making all the resources that are available in an enterprise to work collectively. To bring heterogeneous environment at one platform SAP Netweaver can be used. In addition, by using this technology we can use the existing systems without putting in much investment. Further in the near future, the various SAP Companies and Organizations have to take a decision for some common platform; could be Microsoft .NET, IBM Websphere or SAP Netweaver. Irrespective of making selection, SAP Netweaver is the one that integrates with all the three technologies.

SAP Netweaver attains the process of integration by integrating all the available heterogeneous resources of the existing system and combining them into a homogeneous form. This integrated information forms the basis of total, comprehendible, focused solution as preferred in an enterprise.

Advantages of SAP Netweaver

Enhanced Adaptability: Enhanced adaptability actually refers to the adaptability of SAP Netweaver towards the existing Business System in any organization without investment. It provides a heterogeneous environment, by integrating the various applications; databases and making available open technologies like web services readily available to the user. It saves money and time on unnecessary customization of the existing business System.

Lower TCO: SAP Netweaver instead of replacing the existing system interweaves the various resources like databases, legacy systems; Internet based Information and provides a heterogeneous Environment for the user to get the maximum from the new unified system. It will also prevent the unnecessary customization of the entire system. Moreover, it reduces complexity and makes the system more comprehendible and flexible to the frequently changing business processes. All of these lead to reduce the total cost of ownership.

Better ROI: SAP Netweaver increases the return on investment in a shorter period of time. As mentioned earlier, by using this SAP Netweaver technology IT strategies can be synchronized with SAP solutions. This synchronization makes the system more reliable and it leads to better assessment services, which in turn lead to financial benefits.

Netweaver uses a very transparent process to provide the ability to trace the logic structure right from the raw data to information, which can be used for analysis. Developing portal content on your preferred platform is possible. Interoperability of SAP Netweaver with Microsoft .NET and IBM Hemisphere takes at People, Information and process level. For Microsoft .NET, Sap’s .NET connector provides a vastly scalable and reliable communication infrastructure, as well as a Microsoft Visual Studio .NET Add-In to simplify development. SAP customers and SAP partners will easily build SAP enabled components using Java Using Sap’s Java middleware and the SAP Java Connector. Thus, helping decision makers to interpret and manipulate the output of the decision model that provides precisely robust knowledge about complex problems. Hence, making SAP Netweaver is a Complete Solution and Integration with various applications and platforms that are used in various organizations.

NetIron MLX fuels Foundry vs. Cisco Battle

2007-04-21T02:38:00.003-07:00

San Francisco, California January 30, 2007: With internet traffic increasing at unprecedented rates, service providers are ramping up their networks to support the bandwidth intensive applications of the ever-growing web. According to a recent Dell’Oro report, the worldwide market for service provider routers is projected to approach $9 billion by 2011. Targeted at Internet service providers (ISPs), cable network operators, as well as triple and quadruple play operators, Foundry Networks has made a power play for the metro network space with the NetIron MLX routers. Based on the flagship XMR series router, the MLX offers the highest 10GbE and GbE density available to address current and forthcoming service provider capacity requirements. With Foundry’s compelling price of only $600/Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) port, industry leader Cisco Systems is starting to take notice.

After more than four years in development, the Carrier Routing System, or CRS-1 was released by Cisco in 2004 at a development cost of $500M. However due to changes in the IOS (Internetwork Operating System) and cost of almost $450,000 upon release, it only offered a rare glimpse of light for competition in the metro network space. Not surprisingly, competitors Foundry and Juniper quickly jumped into the ring.

Built on newer chip technology and advanced processors, Foundry’s XMR series edge routers answered the demand for a comparable router that is almost 1/5th of the price. Released in 2006, the MXR 3200 and MLX-32 MPLS enabled routers were developed to
offer the highest 10GbE and GbE density and provide up to two billion packets per second (Bpps) of IP/MPLS routing in a 128-port system. These improvements targeted the Triple and Quadruple play service providers who host bandwidth intensive applications, such as video on-demand, broadcast television, and large scale Voice over IP (VoIP).

Just this month, semiconductor developer Cadence Design Systems announced they would be integrating the NetIron MLX as part of their new centralized data center network. With a price/performance level that rivals any router on the market, Foundry has raised the stakes in the competitive 10Gbe market. Rival Cisco has already started to position itself as a provider of a broad range of management solutions targeted towards the coveted triple-play sector. The release and initial positive market response to the MLX series will likely prove a challenge to Cisco’s previously uncontested dominance.

Working The Third Shift: Tips To Avoid Counterfeits When Buying And Selling Used Cisco

2007-04-21T02:38:00.001-07:00

San Francisco, California January 17th, 2006: If you've ever strolled down the streets of New York, you’re familiar with the enterprising street vendors offering imitation Gucci handbags and fake Rolex watches at a fraction the price of retail. Don’t be surprised if you’re offered a Cisco router on your next stroll down Canal Street. While clear statistics specific to the network hardware market are not available, according to a white paper by AGMA and consulting company, KPMG, counterfeit products account for nearly 10% of the overall IT products market. So whether it’s luxury goods or high-end data networking, illicit manufacturers have seized the opportunity to flood the market with fake merchandise.

Third-Shift

Recently, there has been an explosion of counterfeit hardware that has hit the market. While these items can be poorly made knock-offs, in some cases are actually made by companies licensed by Cisco and other companies to manufacture their hardware. Only the discerning eye of an experienced reseller can hope to detect the physical subtleties between the Cisco original and fake. Companies in China, for example, already have the experience, manufacturing capacity, and technical know-how to produce Cisco's products. And sometimes they run extra shifts or a "third shift" to produce a surplus of product, which they distribute illegally on the black market. The result has been a surge in the level of counterfeit products available on the US market. Often, these products can be traded unknowingly to either the buyer or seller. That is until a problem arises.

These counterfeit products have a dramatically higher failure rate due to lax manufacturing controls. Buyers often find out they've been duped when exercising a warranty. Naturally, Cisco will refuse to honor a warranty on counterfeit product hence the end user is stuck with a lemon. Sometimes users will find out an item is counterfeit when they attempt to register a serial number, only to discover that what they have is a duplicated number, which has already been assigned to another buyer.

Gray-Market Deals

While savvy buyers will sometimes be wary of fire sale pricing on new Cisco hardware, counterfeiters have become increasingly smarter and have started marketing these products as "used" and leaking these products to the secondary market. Following the dot-com bust, buyers became accustomed to buying new out-of-box equipment at liquidation prices. This created a new channel for counterfeit sellers to slip their wares into the gray market with less scrutiny. By selling a new "counterfeit" item, as used, deeply discounted prices are less likely to raise a red flag for buyers.

Safe Tips

Most buyers don't realize they have counterfeit Cisco hardware until it's installed and begins to have issues. Excessive network outages and failures are often a signal that something in your network is a fake. This begs the question of how to protect yourself from buying counterfeit equipment.

1. Be wary of anything being sold from China. Sometimes Chinese sellers will even use fictitious names and pose as an American company. Typically English language skills can be a tip-off. If it sounds like an ad or email was written by Borat, don't buy.

2. Develop relationships with trusted vendors. Companies that have a long-standing reputation and extensive client base will most likely only buy from trusted sources. By working with someone you know and trust, you are less likely to encounter issues with fake gear.

3. Make sure your vendor checks serial numbers in the vendor database for EVERY piece they purchase.

4. Use your eyes, and look for anything unusual. Inspect the item carefully for irregularities in logo size, packaging materials, holograms and chip sets.

How to choose your favourite networking book

2007-04-21T02:37:00.000-07:00

How many people and professionals try to get tons of computer networking books to read and did not satisfy with them. I am a person who read a lot of networking book and realise that it is not very easy to find the right networking books as there are many of writing styles by many authors, level of difficulty about the content as well as how well the book present example of the lesson consisted in side the book itself. No matter in which topics of network you looking for; basic network, home and small network, LAN, WAN, wireless network or even the Internet. There are some guidelines about how to choose he good networking book that I would like to recommend to you;

1. Read review
This is a very common and easiest way for everyone who are looking for a book, not strict only for a networking book, but all kind of books. Just type in the name of the networking book that you are interested in the Google search box, then you will see how people who have read think about the book you are looking for. However, reading a lot of reviews perhaps make you become more confused as there will be both positive and negative comments. So try to pick up the highlight what readers have mentioned in the key point that you focus on, for example, if you are interested in the topic of wireless network, just only see how people comment about what they have read on this topic, dot get any information about how they feel about the price of the book or how they personally feel about the author.

2. Content
I am talking about the level of difficulty of the detail inside the book. Of course, there are different levels of computer network knowledge and you will have to choose the right content correspond to your need. If you go to a book shop and looking for a networking book on computing section, you will be able to see the content inside the book very easily. Apart form that, many of books also specify level of knowledge of the reader that the book is designed to, which mostly indicated at the back cover. Unfortunately, not all books has such a description and sometimes you have no chance to go to the book store then pick up and see the content inside, for example buy networking books online. So I recommend that you may have to mainly rely on reviews, which I mentioned above and the book’s snapshot provided by the online shop.

3. The author
It is very rare case to see people buy a networking book just because of the reputation of the author. However, in fact, there are some people actually do! There is a case that you can rely only on the book was written by whom. If you have favourite computer network writers and you love their content as well as their writing style. I recommend that you just go for it. I believe that if you committed to get all of series of networking books written by you favourite author, it‘s no matter how well the book written and how other people said about this book. You still buy it because you love the author and this is fair enough to buy as you will enjoy reading and I believe that you will gain knowledge of computer network as much as you can with very enjoyable reading atmosphere.

ADC announces completion of Fiber Optic Network Solutions acquisition

2007-04-16T23:23:00.000-07:00

ADC of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, announced it has completed its acquisition of Marlborough, Massachusetts-based Fiber Optic Network Solutions (FONS) Corp. (www.fons.com), a leading manufacturer of high-performance passive optical components and fiber-optic cable packaging, distribution, and connectivity solutions.

With the addition of FONS, ADC now becomes one of the largest suppliers of fiber-to-the-x (FTTX) solutions in the United States, according to proprietary market share estimates.

"We are excited to add the innovative technologies that FONS has developed into our portfolio of FTTX solutions," said Robert E. Switz, president and CEO for ADC. "As a combined company, we can more fully leverage our strengths to deliver on customer demands for fiber in the central office, the outside plant and at the customer premises. In addition, the acquisition enhances our capabilities to capitalize on an FTTX market that has significant future growth potential."

ADC's OmniReach(R) Solutions are the industry's first platforms designed from the ground up to meet the unique requirements of FTTX networks. By building network infrastructures using ADC's OmniReach Solutions, service providers nationwide are accelerating deployment and maximizing operational efficiency from the central office to the outside plant. Through its Professional Services organization, ADC also provides a suite of service solutions to plan, deploy, and maintain FTTX networks.

The FONS acquisition approximately doubles ADC's FTTX outside plant business to greater than 10 percent of total ADC sales and will be accretive to earnings per share, excluding acquisition-related charges, acquired intangibles amortization and FONS employee retention payments. The acquisition was completed for approximately $172 million in cash. This amount is inclusive of a retention bonus pool that will be paid to most of FONS's current employees. FONS has approximately 60 employees worldwide and estimated calendar 2005 sales of $95 million. In addition to a facility in Marlborough, Massachusetts, FONS has strategic partnerships and outsourcing relationships in countries including Mexico, Japan, and China.

"ADC's acquisition of FONS is strategically important as equipment vendors continue to consolidate in the industry," said Matt Davis, director of Broadband Access Technologies for Boston-based Yankee Group. "As they were, both entities gained considerable market penetration as fiber deployments began to ramp up in 2004 and deployments continue to broaden today. The combination makes sense as service providers look to equipment providers that can quickly scale to enable mass-market deployments."

ADC expects to take a charge for various acquisition-related expenses the amount of which has not been determined. Excluding the charge, amortization of acquired intangibles, and scheduled payments of a FONS employee retention pool, ADC expects the acquisition to be around $0.00-$0.01 accretive to diluted earnings per share from continuing operations in its fiscal fourth quarter ending October 31, 2005, and around $0.05-$0.10 accretive to diluted earnings per share from continuing operations in fiscal 2006.

Hitachi Software and KDDI Network & Solutions to Market English HIBUN Information Security Management Solutions Overseas

2007-04-16T23:22:00.000-07:00

Hitachi Software Engineering Co. Ltd. (HitachiSoft) and KDDI Network & Solutions Inc. (KNSL) have agreed to collaborate on the overseas marketing of HitachiSoft's HIBUN series of information security management systems in North America, Europe and Asia, and will be releasing English-language versions effectively this month.

The implementation of Japan's Personal Information Protection Law has spurred the introduction of measures to enhance information security management in Japan and demand for security measures is growing among overseas branches and subsidiaries. Following this demand, KNSL and HitachiSoft will release the HIBUN series, already with 1,700 corporate users and 1.5 million licenses in Japan as of July 31, 2005, overseas.

HitachiSoft has developed English-language versions of three products in its HIBUN range of information security management solutions - HIBUN AE Information Cypher, which encrypts drives, media and files, HIBUN AE Information Fortress, which controls transfer to external media and printing, and HIBUN AE Server, which provides logging and user control functions - to be released in November. As primary agent, KNSL will provide support services in Japanese and English to overseas sales companies, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The products will be marketed by a US subsidiary of KDDI Corporation, while HitachiSoft's US subsidiary Hitachi Software Engineering America, headquartered in San Francisco, will handle sales, implementation and configuration and SE support services to customers.

The new solutions will initially be marketed from bases in the United States, Europe and Asia, targeting local subsidiaries of Japanese companies in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia,, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Australia, while marketing activities will gradually be expanded. From September, promotional activities such as seminars will be conducted overseas, and the products will go on sale at promotional prices. KNSL and HitachiSoft aim to sell 200,000 licenses over a three-year period.

FiberNet leveraging the growth of "on-demand" network solutions segment

2007-04-16T23:20:00.000-07:00

Provides customized translational cross connect to meet FLAG's protocol conversion needs

FiberNet Telecom Group Inc., a provider of complex interconnection services, announced that it has successfully implemented a customized translational cross-connect for FLAG Telecom, a leading provider of international network transport, connectivity, and data services.

"An increasing number of our clients like FLAG are demanding customized services and solutions that go beyond the portfolios of traditional service providers," said Jon A. DeLuca, President and CEO of FiberNet. "FiberNet, with its flexibility and willingness to cater to non-standard requests, is well-positioned to leverage the growth of this on-demand network solutions segment."

FLAG required a network solution that would allow them to leverage the next-generation Ethernet services available in North America while also conforming to the international transmission protocol standards. In response, FiberNet recommended a highly customized translational cross-connect solution which allows FLAG to establish interconnections between varying means of data exchange.

"We have seen a tremendous increase in demand for wavelength capacity across the Atlantic in the first half of 2005," said Peter Boland, SVP Engineering and Network Planning of FLAG. "To meet this demand, we needed to extend bi-directional STM-1 to GigE protocol conversion across the network and also extend our Gigabit Ethernet circuit on the metro network in New York City. FiberNet has been our FA-1 SONET/SDH interconnection partner for many years, and we awarded these new projects with full confidence in their innovative capabilities. The solution implemented by FiberNet is not provided by many players in this industry. By delivering this solution, FiberNet has gone beyond the traditional service provider role. They have demonstrated, once again, their expertise and commitment to provide customer-focused solutions."

"FLAG is one of our most valued customers, and we are pleased to have met their requirements once again," added Jon DeLuca. "We strive to meet the evolving needs of all of our customers and are proud to have delivered an efficient and reliable solution to FLAG's complex request."

FiberNet provides a broad spectrum of complex interconnection services, including custom-designed private networks, low-latency Ethernet networks, integrated co-location facilities, and physically diverse transport routes. These services deliver greater control, improved performance, and lower costs for customers' network and Internet operations.

Zhone announces comprehensive passive optical network products supporting full-featured triple-play solutions - New Products/New Services

2007-04-16T23:19:00.000-07:00

Software aids development of network management solutions

2007-04-16T23:18:00.000-07:00

4 Things to Look for When Choosing an Internet Host

2007-04-06T05:07:00.001-07:00

With so many choices for technology out there it’s easy to get lost in the hype. You should be spending your time making your business grow, not fixing problems with your email or wondering why your website is down. Our goal with this article is to cut through the hype and give you the information you need to make an informed decision.

4 Things to Look for when Choosing a Domain Registrar

2007-04-06T05:06:00.001-07:00

With the flurry of companies offering domain registration recently it is very easy to get lost in the maze of bikini-clad commercials and bottom-basement pricing. After all is said and done there is a handful of things that make a good Registrar. In this article we will show you what a Registrar is, what a Registrar’s responsibilities are and what you should look for when choosing one.

Connecting Outlook to Exchange 2003 using HTTP-RPC with Sharepoint installed.

2007-04-06T05:05:00.002-07:00

There are two main problems with connecting Outloook and Exchange over HTTP when you have Sharepoint installed on the same server under the same Web site.

1) When you try to use Microsoft Outlook Web Access to browse the Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 client, you may receive the following error message:
Page not found
This problem may occur after you install Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services on a server that is running Microsoft Exchange Server. The Windows SharePoint Services ISAPI filter handles all incoming URLs. When you browse one of the Exchange Server 2003 virtual directories, the ISAPI filter does not locate the URL path of the folder.
Solve this by following the instuctions to exclude directories here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/823265 but there is an extra directory you need to exclude that is not listed. Make sure you exclude the “rpc” directory.
After solving the first problem and you are still having issues, move on to the next problem:
2) Problems occur when a user installs Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 2.0 on a computer running both Exchange Server 2003 and Microsoft Windows Server 2003. The deployment causes Kerberos authentication to be disabled in Internet Information Services (IIS) and can result in incorrect handling of Outlook Web Access and HTTP over RPC requests to a server running Exchange.

Repeat after me: We are all individuals

2007-04-06T05:05:00.001-07:00

These days in the web hosting industry, it seems that one host is much the same as another. The same uptime guarantees, the same “friendly” support staff, 30 day money back guarantee, and often the same ridiculously high storage and bandwidth allowances. People need to start thinking outside the square they live in when it comes to choosing a host.

So what if a host has an uptime guarantee? Sure it’s important that your website is available all the time, but there’s another million and one web hosts who provide a similar uptime guarantee. So what if they provide XX/X support? So does everyone else. So what if they provide more storage than you know what to do with? So what if they provide enough bandwidth to serve 99% of the civilized world? It seems every other host has turned to mass overselling* these days. So what DO you look for? Look for all of the basics. A good uptime guarantee, fast, friendly support, and enough storage and bandwidth for your needs.

Then look for individuality. Look for things that set one particular host apart from another. What do they do differently? What do they do better? What value added services do they offer? Do they cater to your specific needs? Not sure? Contact them, talk to them and see what they can do for you. See how they can help your hosting work for you. Look for reasons why a host deserves your hard earned cash over the hordes of other hosts out there. By finding a distinction between hosts, you will not only become a more informed customer, but your hosting experience will be much more enjoyable.

* overselling: A tactic employed by web hosts whereby they sell more storage and bandwidth than they could provide if every single client used their entire allocation. Properly managed overselling doesn’t negatively impact clients - in fact quite the opposite. It can allow the host to provide cheaper services while more fully utilizing their resources. The problem is when hosts start going over the top with overselling - e.g. offering hundreds of GB’s of storage and almost unlimited bandwidth for prices that boggle the mind (e.g. prices under the $10 mark).

Network Access Solutions Sheds Some More Fat - Company Business and Marketing

2007-03-23T04:21:00.000-07:00

As part of its ongoing fiscal fitness plan, Network Access Solutions [NASC] finessed a deal with SBC Communications [SBC] that relieves the Herndon, Va.-based DSL systems provider of a $75 million debt.

NAS will give 400 unused central offices, which it owns in the southern and western United States, to SBC in exchange for SBC's cancellation of the debt. SBC acquired that debt last March when it purchased 2.6 million shares of NAS preferred stock, then valued at $31 per share. The Series B 7-percent preferred stock will be converted to common stock worth about $2.3 million.

On Friday, NAS was trading at 87 cents per share. It has traded as high as $40 in the past year.

Last November, NAS laid off 145 employees as part of a belt-tightening plan designed to slow down the company's cash-burn rate. The arrangement with SBC fits in with NAS' long-term plan to eventually turn a profit, said NAS spokeswoman Debra Arrington.

"If you look at the pattern of what we've been doing, we've been totally focused on profitability," Arrington said. She said NAS' "game plan" is to reduce cash requirements, trim its work force and balance its books in keeping with the company's stated goal of getting into black ink by early 2003.

The deal looks like a winner for SBC as well, said Cahners In-Stat ISP strategies analyst Daryl Schoolar.

"It's good for SBC because they get more COs up online for DSL. It looks like they are putting their money where their mouth is when it comes to being committed to DSL rollout," said Schoolar.

The Bottom Line

This looks like a win-win deal for both companies. SBC can more aggressively pursue its high-speed ISP program, and NAS gets to join a very select club of troubled DSL systems providers that have actually been able to sell off some surplus assets at less than fire-sale prices.

Now, if NAS can just get its hands on the additional $70 million it says it needs before the third quarter of this year, maybe it can make a financial turnaround.

ARINC, Inc.'s recent partnership with BroadWare Technologies, Inc., will allow it to deliver "more powerful security solutions" for transportation cus

2007-03-23T04:20:00.000-07:00

ARINC, Inc.'s recent partnership with BroadWare Technologies, Inc., will allow it to deliver "more powerful security solutions" for transportation customers. The company is integrating the digital BroadWare Media Platform with the ARINC Advanced Information Management (AIM[R]) security platform. This will allow rail users, for example, to "instantly access every video camera on a network from every AIM workstation in each facility, resulting in a single wired and wireless solution for viewing, storing, and managing realtime video."

Custom Machining Centers provide multi-axis solutions

2007-03-23T04:19:00.002-07:00

FlexCenter FC350, FC450, and FC630 feature respective work cubes of 14, 18, and 25 in. and can be supplied with horizontal or vertical spindle and turret or basic platen. Model FC350 can be configured with 40-taper or HSK63 tool interface; FC450 with 40- or 50-taper, HSK50, or 63- or 100-tool interface; and FC630 with 50-taper, HSK63, or HSK100 tool interface. Machines feature centralized maintenance, vertical axis counterbalance with air recovery system, and CNC options.
- SETCO wants to be your partner in building special machines with our standard Multi-Axis FlexCenter modules. Available in 3 sizes, FC350, FC450 and FC630, the FlexCenter is the perfect solution for applications looking for a reliable high-performance multi-axis module that can be easily integrated with a variety of dial, transfer line, and cell applications. Built from a standard building block design, the FlexCenter is offered in three sizes and can be provided in a variety of horizontal and vertical configurations.

FlexCenter modules are available with work cubes from 14" to 25", and offered with a horizontal or vertical spindle, horizontal or vertical turret, or a basic platen (flat mounting surface). As a standard module, these machines are not equipped with integrated CNC, but CNC options are offered.

The FlexCenter FC350 is the smallest model, featuring a 14" work cube and can be configured with a 40-taper or HSK63 tool interface. The FC450 has an 18" work cube and can be configured with 40 or 50-taper, HSK50, 63 or 100 tool interface. The largest standard FlexCenter features a 25" work cube and can be configured with 50-taper or HSK63 or HSK100 tool interface.

The FlexCenter is equipped with many standard features that competitors consider extra-cost options or do not offer at all. These include centralized maintenance, hardened ways with Trabon auto-lube, steel way covers, way and valley wipers, steel tubing for lube and air lines, vertical axis counterbalance with air recovery system, waterproof electrical enclosures, and more.

As options, to meet special application needs, the FlexCenter can be configured with linear bearing ways, extended travels, a choice of CNC control with standard control interface packages, a portable hand-held setup controller, and more. When the FlexCenter is equipped with an AirShield spindle seal system, SETCO provides a standard 3-year warranty against spindle bearing contamination.

For many suppliers, customization requires extensive special engineering and long lead times, which increase the price, but that's not the case with the MASTER/ SETCO FlexCenter, which is designed as a standard modular product.

Designed on Pro/Engineer, rapid modeling and prototyping has reduced the time to make parts from months to weeks, and weeks to days. Building a machine from a standard platform with pre-engineered modules lowers costs, enables custom configuration and extended travels with less custom engineering, and shortens lead-time to ship product.

All models of the FlexCenter can be configured with a variety of spindle and slide arrangements to meet horizontal and vertical machining applications. The FlexCenter's modular design allows components to be mixed and matched to provide the perfect amount of processing capacity for any application - making the FlexCenter competitive with other processing solutions.

SETCO Sales Company is a world leader in the design, manufacturing, and service of SETCO brand spindles, POPE brand spindles, WHITNON brand spindles, and MASTER/SETCO brand precision slides and multi-axis modules used in automotive, aerospace, construction, die/mold, cabling and winding, plastics, woodworking and general metalworking industries.

IBM, partners producing new blades, solutions

2007-03-23T04:19:00.001-07:00

IBM's BladeCenter ecosystem has gotten a little larger, and IBM officials say companies including CipherOptics, Cisco, Nominum, QLogic and SANRAD will introduce new blades and solutions for IBM eServer BladeCenter. This expanding ecosystem is helping IBM quickly address customer needs with new products based on the open specification of BladeCenter.

Since IBM and Intel opened the BladeCenter specification in September, more than 260 companies have secured the BladeCenter specification. Further, more than 350 technology and solution partners are part of the BladeCenter Alliance Program.

IBM and Cisco are collaborating with the intent to deliver an Open Standards based end-to-end iSCSI solution for BladeCenter. This solution will incorporate Quality of Service and security features and will utilize Cisco's data and storage networking intelligence to connect BladeCenter to iSCSI or fiber channel storage devices.

IBM and Cisco have defined two reference architectures to support a variety of workloads, one for web, file or print serving and the other for transaction processing. Together, IBM and Cisco intend to deliver an iSCSI environment that allows customers to extend their existing TCP/IP and Ethernet investments to the storage area network.

Also, QLogic Corp., a provider of iSCSI host bus adapters (HBA) and member of the BladeCenter Alliance Program, has announced it would provide its QLogic iSCSI expansion card for BladeCenter. The iSCSI adapter is powered by a single-chip TCP/IP and iSCSI offload engine designed to deliver user-friendly, high performance storage networking while preserving CPU In addition, several companies are announcing new blades built to the BladeCenter open specification.

SANRAD, a provider of intelligent IP storage networking, has developed a new storage switch for BladeCenter based on the open specification.

CipherOptics, a provider of multigigabit-speed Internet protocol security (IPsec) encryption technology used to secure data in motion, has announced that it will develop an IPsec encryption blade for IBM BladeCenter. The initial CipherOptics BladeCenter solution will support data encryption speeds of up to 1.9 gigabits at wire speed, with virtually no latency and completely transparent to the network. With this solution IBM customers can now protect their data with little or no impact on their applications.

Nominum, a provider of IP address infrastructure solutions, will deliver a new blade offering that combines its carrier grade DNS and DHCP solutions with BladeCenter to meet customers' growing network demands. The new, scalable solution will enable server consolidation and is designed for telecommunications companies and service providers.

Software provides real time network discovery capabilities

2007-03-23T04:18:00.001-07:00

Designed for small to medium businesses, DID Collector Lite obtains inventory of all network elements and associated properties. By providing detailed and searchable physical network topology map of IT infrastructure, software enables definition of authorized devices, and identifies and locates unauthorized devices. Software detects changes made to IT infrastructure and its inventory in real-time and sends alerts as events occur.

ATLANTA, February 22 / --Insightix, the developer of the most easy-to-use real-time IT discovery, monitoring and auditing solutions, announced today the release of its DID Collector Lite product. DID Collector Lite is the only product available today that provides small to medium sized enterprises with advanced, real-time network discovery capabilities in an easy-to-install Windows-based application.

DID Collector Lite offers an advanced set of network discovery capabilities that are not found even in costly enterprise network discovery solutions. DID Collector Lite fills this important IT management gap by providing complete, accurate and real-time network discovery in an affordable Windows-based application without compromising performance or capabilities.

The simple implementation of DID Collector Lite enables IT managers of small to medium sized enterprises to gain for the first time a real-time view of their networks.

"The need for quality IT management tools is not limited to large enterprises with complex IT infrastructures," said Edo Yahav, Insightix Vice President of R&D. "We are excited to offer our Dynamic Infrastructure Discovery (DID) technology in an affordable solution for small and medium sized organizations to achieve full visibility and control of their IT networks."

DID Collector Lite is available for evaluation and purchase online at www.insightix.com.

Insightix's other network discovery applications, DID Collector Enterprise and DID Management Center, contain more advanced discovery features targeted at large, complex IT networks and are available exclusively through Insightix's channel partners.

Key DID Collector DID Lite features include:

o Inventory Discovery - obtains a complete and accurate inventory of all network elements and their associated properties, such as element type, MAC address, IP address, domain, hostname, operating system, open services, connected switch, connected port, OS hotfixes (Windows) and more.

o Topology Mapping - provides a precise, detailed and searchable physical network topology map of the IT infrastructure, including routers, switches, hosts, NAT devices, VMWare elements and more.

o Alerting - detects changes made to the IT infrastructure and its inventory in real-time and sends alerts as events occur.

o Unauthorized Device Detection - enables the definition of authorized devices and identifies and locates unauthorized devices as they are introduced to the network.

o Hotfix Detection - detects hotfixes installed on Windows-based elements and validates successful installations of patches.

o Reporting - creates detailed reports on the IT infrastructure inventory and topology.

o Information Sharing - extracts infrastructure information into different exportable formats for information sharing and integration with third party systems.

"Enterprises in the small to mid-sized market no longer need to consider asset management and related IT initiatives to be expensive and complex,"

explained Ken Seefried, President of Ontic Data. "DID Collector Lite enables us to implement IT management solutions that previously relied on expensive systems beyond the financial reach of our small to mid-sized customer base."

Ontic Data is an information technology consulting firm based in Atlanta and an Insightix partner.

About Insightix

Insightix is a pioneer in the development of the new generation of IT infrastructure discovery, monitoring and auditing solutions. Insightix strives to solve the growing and ongoing problems faced by IT management by delivering solutions that enable enterprises to achieve comprehensive visibility of their network environments.

Insightix's patent-pending Dynamic Infrastructure Discovery (DID) technology provides an innovative approach to network discovery, enabling enterprises to unobtrusively obtain complete, accurate and real-time infrastructure information. Insightix's DID-based solutions allow enterprises to successfully manage their IT environments and control IT processes, such as asset management, patch management and vulnerability assessments. As a result, Insightix's DID-based solutions enable enterprises to control IT resources, reduce IT expenses, protect organizational assets and improve business processes.

Optical Solutions scores GPON contract with Pinnacle Communications

2007-03-23T04:16:00.002-07:00

Optical Solutions Inc. will support its newest customer, Pinnacle Communications, in deploying the state of Arkansas's first FTTH network in the city of Lavaca. The fast-growing river valley community--15 miles east of Fort Smith--is being completely refurbished with an all-fiber infrastructure, enabling a range of state-of-the-art communication and entertainment services powered by Optical Solutions' FiberPath system.

Family owned and operated, Pinnacle Communications prides itself on being at the forefront of telecommunications technology and on working hard to earn customers' loyalty.

Pinnacle will deploy Optical Solutions' FiberPath 500 system to 1,800 customers in its Lavaca exchange. The FiberPath GPON system offers superlative bandwidth--1.2Gbps downstream and 622Mbps upstream--for delivering advanced voice services, symmetrical high-speed data service, and Internet Protocol TV (IPTV). The FiberPath system is fully compliant with ITU FSAN standards, and is the only residential GPON platform that is widely deployed and available today.

Bifurcation and Singularity Analysis of a Molecular Network for the Induction of Long-Term Memory

2007-03-23T04:16:00.001-07:00

Withdrawal reflexes of the mollusk Aplysia exhibit sensitization, a simple form of long-term memory (LTM). Sensitization is due, in part, to long-term facilitation (LTF) of sensorimotor neuron synapses. LTF is induced by the modulatory actions of serotonin (5-HT). Pettigrew et al. developed a computational model of the nonlinear intracellular signaling and gene network that underlies the induction of 5-HT-induced LTF. The model simulated empirical observations that repeated applications of 5-HT induce persistent activation of protein kinase A (PKA) and that this persistent activation requires a suprathreshold exposure of 5-HT. This study extends the analysis of the Pettigrew model by applying bifurcation analysis, singularity theory, and numerical simulation. Using singularity theory, classification diagrams of parameter space were constructed, identifying regions with qualitatively different steady-state behaviors. The graphical representation of these regions illustrates the robustness of these regions to changes in model parameters. Because persistent protein kinase A (PKA) activity correlates with Aplysia LTM, the analysis focuses on a positive feedback loop in the model that tends to maintain PKA activity. In this loop, PKA phosphorylates a transcription factor (TF-1), thereby increasing the expression of an ubiquitin hydrolase (Ap-Uch). Ap-Uch then acts to increase PKA activity, closing the loop. This positive feedback loop manifests multiple, coexisting steady states, or multiplicity, which provides a mechanism for a bistable switch in PKA activity. After the removal of 5-HT, the PKA activity either returns to its basal level (reversible switch) or remains at a high level (irreversible switch). Such an irreversible switch might be a mechanism that contributes to the persistence of LTM. The classification diagrams also identify parameters and processes that might be manipulated, perhaps pharmacologically, to enhance the induction of memory. Rational drug design, to affect complex processes such as memory formation, can benefit from this type of analysis.

Bus Coupler connects CC-Link network to entire I/O system

2007-03-23T04:15:00.000-07:00

When installed, BK7150 Bus Coupler connects to one CC-Link I/O node with up to 64 I/O terminals and one bus end terminal. K-bus extension technology allows for connection of multiple nodes of up to 255 I/O bus terminals that are spatially distributed to one coupler. Unit recognizes connected I/O terminals and automatically generates configuration and affiliations of all inputs and outputs to bytes of system's process image.

MINNEAPOLIS, March 2, 2006 - The new, compact BK7150 Bus Couplers from Beckhoff Automation cost-effectively connect the CC-Link network to the entire Beckhoff I/O system. CC-Link is an open fieldbus system with baud rates up to 10 Mbaud that can be selected via a switch, so that transfer speeds can be adapted to unique process requirements.

In addition to CC-Link, additional Beckhoff Bus Coupler solutions are fully compatible with DeviceNet, Profibus, Ethernet TCP/IP, SERCOS, ControlNet, CANopen, Lightbus and several others. When installed, one CC-Link I/O node consists of a Bus Coupler, up to 64 I/O terminals and one Bus End Terminal. Beckhoff's K-bus extension technology allows for the connection multiple nodes totaling up to 255 I/O Bus Terminals that are spatially distributed to one Bus Coupler.

The BK7150 recognizes connected I/O terminals and automatically generates the configuration and affiliations of all inputs and outputs to the bytes of the system's process image. During this process, inputs and outputs are clearly separated by the Bus Coupler.

Complex signal processing for analog I /Os, position measurement

Analog and multi-functional Bus Terminals can be adapted to each specific application using Beckhoff KS2000 I/O configuration software. Depending on the type, analog Bus Terminal registers contain temperature ranges, gain values and linearization characteristics. Using the KS2000 software, required parameters can be set on a PC. The Bus Terminals permanently store settings internally in a fail-safe manner.

Optionally, Beckhoff Bus Terminals can also be controlled and configured by the higher level control system. Via function blocks (FBs), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) or Industrial PCs (IPCs), can configure the custom register settings to the I/O during the start up phase. Further adjustments are not necessary in the event of the replacement of a Beckhoff I/O Bus Terminal. Like all Beckhoff Bus Couplers, the BK7150 controls I/O based on the master PLC or IPC master image. Configuration of the I/O image is automatically generated after applying power to the Bus Coupler.

Beckhoff Automation provides advanced, open automation products based upon proven technologies so that customers can implement high performance control systems faster and at a lower overall cost than traditional PLC and motion control systems. Beckhoff's "New Automation Technology" product range includes PC based control, industrial PCs, automation controllers, operator interface, I/O, servo drives and motors. With representation in 50 countries, Beckhoff is well positioned to provide global sales and service to its customers. Sales and service are handled directly, with no intermediaries involved to provide faster response and improved communications.

Resistor Ladder Network is designed for A/D, D/A conversions

2007-03-23T04:14:00.002-07:00

Series BCN31L and 628L thick film resistive R2R resistor ladder networks come in 2512 chip size and medium small-outline SMT packages, respectively. Series BCN31L 8-bit, 10 terminal ceramic devices feature ladder accuracy of [+ or -]1/2 LSB, and have power rating of 25 mW/resistor, with package power rating of 400 mW. Series 628L 16-lead networks offer ladder accuracy of [+ or -]1/2 LSB for 8-bit and [+ or -]1 LSB for 10-bit networks. Resistor power rating is 40 mW/resistor, with package power rating at 640 mW.

GLENROTHES, SCOTLAND (March 1, 2006) - Providing design engineers with a cost-effective means of implementing A-to-D (analog to digital) and D-to-A (digital to analog) conversions in a variety of circuits, TT electronics BI Technologies SMT Division has released a series of 8-bit and 10-bit R2R resistor ladder networks for automotive, industrial, building monitoring and process automation applications. Designated the BCN31L and 628L Series, the thick film resistive ladder networks are packaged in space-saving 2512 chips and medium small-outline surface mount packages, respectively.

According to Jim Rieley, Sales Director for BI Technologies' SMT Division, the BCN31L and 628L Series ladder networks provide an economical and accurate means of data conversion for design engineers. "The output accuracy of an R2R ladder network, when it oerates as an array of voltage dividers, is a function of how closely each resistor is matched to the others in the network," Rieley explained. "Because our ladder networks consist of resistor arrays that are printed directly onto a single substrate using a single film, they share similar electrical characteristics, giving them an inherent accuracy advantage over discrete solutions."

Additional applications for the R2R resistor ladder networks include auto calibration circuits, slope generators, function generators and motor speed control.

The BCN31L Series, in 2512 chip configuration, is one of the smallest ladder networks on the market, Rieley continued. The 8-bit, 10 terminal, 2512 BCN31L Series ceramic devices feature a ladder accuracy of [+ or -]1/2 LSB (least significant bit). The networks have a power rating of 25mW/resistor, with a package power rating of 400mW.

The 628L Series networks are available in a 16-lead SO-M body style plastic package. Ladder accuracy is [+ or -]1/2 LSB for the 8-bit networks and [+ or -]1 LSB for the 10-bit networks. Resistor power rating for the 628L devices is 40mW/resistor, with package power rating at 640mW.

Resistance range for both the BCN31L and 628L networks is 1Kohm to 100Kohm and [+ or -]2% absolute tolerance, with TCRs to [+ or -]100ppm/[degrees]C. Operating temperature range is -55[degrees]C to +125[degrees]C.

BI Technologies will also produce devices outside these specifications to meet customer requirements, with comprehensive application engineering and design support available for customers worldwide.

Typical pricing for the BCN31L and 628L ladder networks starts at $0.18 and $0.39 respectively in quantities of 12K. Lead times are from stock to 8 weeks. Samples are available immediately for engineering evaluation and customer prototypes.

For more information, contact the TT electronics - BI Technologies SMT Division at +44-1-592-662200; via mail at Telford Road, Eastfield Industrial Estate, Glenrothes, Fife, Scotland, KY7 4NX; e-mail at sales@bitechnologies.co.uk or visit the BI Technologies Web site at http://www.bitechnologies.com.

BI Technologies is a global manufacturer of power resistors and resistor networks, chip resistor arrays, integrated RC passive networks, trimming and precision potentiometers, position sensors, transformers, inductors, and hybrid microelectronics for communication, computer, automotive, medical and industrial application, serving a global customer base with manufacturing locations in the United States, Mexico, Scotland, Japan, China and Malaysia.

CC Communications builds future-proof service delivery infrastructure with ADC fiber solutions

2007-03-23T04:14:00.001-07:00

OmniReach Fiber Distribution Terminals designed to support IP video services in FTTX networks

ADC, a leading supplier of infrastructure solutions for fiber-to-the-x (FTTX) networks, announced that CC Communications of Fallon, Nevada, has installed OmniReach(TM) Fiber Distribution Terminals (FDT) for its passive optical network (PON).

CC Communications, the only county-owned telephone company in the U.S., made the strategic decision to extend fiber throughout the outside plant and provide capacity for up to 100Mbps service for each customer. The company now offers basic telephone, long-distance, Internet, and interactive TV over its fiber-to-the-home network. In fact, CC Communications is one of only dozens of service providers offering IP video services instead of an RF overlay for delivery of basic TV, video on demand, and other video services.

"We sought to build a future-proof infrastructure so that the outside plant won't become obsolete as we change electronics and add applications," said Dave Tilley, broadband supervisor for CC Communications. "By centralizing splitters in neighborhood cross-connect cabinets, we will be able to quickly adapt the outside plant as we add subscribers and continue to add new services such as voice over IP, security, surveillance, and others for our owner/subscribers."

ADC's OmniReach FDTs allow CC Communications to centralize splitters in the field. Designed specifically for FTTX applications, the OmniReach FDT provides physical-layer access to feeder and distribution networks with integrated bend-radius protection, logical cable routing, and complete physical protection for cables and jumpers. The FDT offers multiple splitter options as well as a choice of connectorization or splicing options of input fiber.

To deliver 100Mbps service to each home, CC Communications required FDTs to house 1X8 splitters instead of 1X32 splitters. Even when the current ATM platform achieves Gigabit speed, 1X32 splitters would still limit bandwidth per household. To make sure each FDT could properly manage up to four splitter input pigtails, ADC developed engineering changes and deployed a field modification for FDTs before service turn-up.

"We are proud of the responsiveness and flexibility we have developed in our engineering and manufacturing processes," said Pat O'Brien, president of the Global Connectivity Solutions Business Unit for ADC. "As a result, we are able to provide FTTX solutions that match the unique network requirements for any service provider."

It is estimated that $1.5-3.5 billion will be spent annually by telecommunications service providers during the next five years as FTTX networks are deployed in the United States. New FTTX projects initiated by carriers and municipalities have increased by more than 100 percent since 2000.

The Future of Social Networking Websites-Target Niche Groups

2007-02-15T22:19:00.001-08:00

From virtual communities that allow members to upload and share their media to social content websites that permit users to “tag” and communicate their favorite blogs, articles and websites with one another, social networking websites are popping up everywhere we turn.

A social networking website is defined as a community of individuals that share common relationships and connect to one another through various social interests and close-knit bonds. Some of today’s most popular social networking website brands are MySpace, Facebook, Friendster, Technorati, Digg, Delicious, Orkut, Xanga, Yahoo 360, Webshots, and Classmates.com. These sites all have different features and functionality but they share one common goal – that is to create a large community of members that possess common social interests and relationships.

However, as the Internet continues to bring more competition, it will be increasingly difficult for future social networking websites to compete with the “big dogs” and make a name in the world of social networking. I believe that we’ve only touched the surface of social networking on the Internet and predict the next ten years to bring some innovative and exciting new ideas that will further shape the Internet as we see it today.

Nevertheless, in order for future social networking websites to become a success, they must adapt and change with the times. With all the competition that is already present, I believe all future social sites must focus on targeting a niche group of people rather than aiming for everyone, like many of the social websites online today. In my opinion, there are too many MySpace, Digg and Delicious types of sites already in competition (literally thousands). In order to make a future social networking website a success, it must not replicate what these sites have already done but focus on targeting specific niche groups of people instead. By targeting niche groups, future social networking websites will become more of a resource and less of impracticality for their members.

No.1 Industries is a company who is already doing this to a “T”. They have created a few social networking websites that target specific niche groups of people. Here are some of their already flourishing communities – No.1 Artist, No.1 Band and No.1 Talent.

Let’s take No.1 Artist for example. Their focus is to provide a social network for artists that allow them to interact with other artists, sell their artwork off their portfolio, gain more exposure in the art industry and just have fun. It makes more sense for an artist to signup for No.1 Artist than it does for them to signup as a member of MySpace because in the end, they will receive better targeted exposure. I spoke to a representative of No.1 Industries yesterday and they are in the stages of launching three more social networking sites within the next 6 months.

By focusing on a niche, it will be easier for social websites to launch features for their community that provide resources and exposure for their members rather than just trying to target a wide range of individuals. By targeting everyone, it will just be replicating what has already been done. By targeting specific niche groups, it will be creating value and providing essential benefits for the members of their social network.

Upgrading an Online Article Submission Website for the New Social Networking Medium

2007-02-15T22:18:00.002-08:00

Social Networks on the Internet are nothing short of brilliant and their performance is down right stellar in every regard. Social Networks have taken the Internet by storm, but how can an online article submission site cash in on this seemingly unending trend?

I believe that a top online article submission sight ought to get with the NEW MEDIA trend and lead the way. The reader, consumer and authors are better served and can join as one to learn from each other in a net-centric way to promote the forward progression of the species and thought.

Failure to sieze this opportunity is a mistake in my humble opinion. This is why a top online article submission site needs to pony up and watch the changes and take advantage of the needs and desires of the readers, authors and their own future. Sometimes change and innovation requires a daggar into the old, in order to maintain the forward progression of both the individual and the whole.

Upgrading an Online Article Submission Website for the New Social Networking Medium is not impossible. Indeed if the article site had enough volume, traffic, authors and was well respected, it could easily implement additional features to allow it to venture into the domain of social networking sites. No it will not be easy, nothing good in life ever is.

The Shocking Truth About Wireless Networks

2007-02-15T22:18:00.001-08:00

A couple of months ago I purchased my first wireless enabled laptop. As I switched it on and began setting it up I was shocked when I realized that my laptop had found and connected to my neighbours wireless modem and I was able to freely browse the internet and download data using his modem and internet connection. If I were a hacker it would not be difficult for me to hack in to his computer using this connection to his network.

The Shocking Truth
The shocking truth is that many wireless network users out there, and you could be one of them, are not securing their wireless modems at all. This is further confirmed by a television program I saw in which a television presenter drove down a street until he found a signal from an unsecured wireless router being used in a nearby house. He then hacked into this mans computer and recorded his entire Internet activity including websites visited, items purchase, holidays booked, passwords and even credit card details. When the unsuspecting computer user was confronted with the information gathered about him he was understandably upset. He had been sold the modem with security software by a high street store that had told him that this would provide adequate security. They were wrong!

How to Secure Your Wireless Network
Although every wireless router is different and will have its own instructions these can sometimes be hard to follow, the steps below will help to guide you through the process.

Set Up Your Modem Password
Every router can be set-up by using your browser to access it by typing in its IP address. This IP address can be found in your router instructions and will be something like this:

http://192.168.1.1

When you have input this address into your browser and pressed enter you will be taken to a login page where you must input the user name password. By default the router will have a generic password which you will also find in your instructions. Login using the default details and then navigate to the ‘change password’ page where you can change it to your own secret password.

If you do not do this, a hacker could gain access using the generic password. After any changes have been made you must apply the changes and restart your router. Your instructions will tell you how to do this.

2. Configure Your Router for Data Encryption
Login to your router as outlined above and browse to the security page where you can set-up your security type and input a cipher key. Most of the settings in these pages should be left as they are if you don’t know what you are doing. You can usually choose between different types of security, such as WEP, 802.1 or WPA. There are different opinions as to, which is best, I personally use WEP. If there is an ‘enable WEP wireless security’ check box or similar you must check it. You will then need to make up a cipher key using hexadecimal digits, which consist of random numbers from 1-9 and letters from A-F. I recommend a minimum of 128 bit encryption which will need a 26 digit key. If you wish to use 256 bit encryption your key will have to be 58 digits long. Input this key into the form provided and make a note of it for setting up your other computers. As stated above you will now need to apply any changes made and restart your router.

3. Configure Your Wireless Enabled Computers
After setting up the above encryption on your wireless network you will then need to input your new cipher key into each wireless computer that you want to connect to the network. Your other wireless enabled computers will search for any wireless network it can find and then ask if you would like to connect. If you attempt to connect to a newly set-up encrypted network it will ask you for the cipher key. Input the cipher key you made up in the previous section and click ‘connect‘. When doing this for the first time it may take a while for the new configuration to take effect so be patient before trying to use it. The next time you boot up your wireless computer it will connect automatically.

4. Install Internet Security Software
Whether you have a wireless network or not, it is essential nowadays to protect you computer by using good quality internet securities software. Purchasing this from a reputable security company is recommended to ensure that your software is kept up to date with the most recent virus signatures. If you are not up to date, an unrecognised virus will not be stopped by the software. It is not advisable to use a free anti-virus service as these do not provide adequate protection and are a false economy. Security software will also detect and block any attempt to hack into your computer via the internet or local network. Recommended internet security software companies are - Norton, McAfee and others.

West Central Telephone moves from copper to fiber infrastructure with ADC OmniReach FTTX solutions

2007-02-10T04:57:00.002-08:00

ADC announced that West Central Telephone Association in Sebeka, Minnesota, will deploy ADC's OmniReach(TM) FTTX Solutions to support its all-fiber network infrastructure.

By converting entirely to fiber-optic cables and by putting every customer within 12,000 feet of one its 88 digital loop carriers, West Central Telephone is readying its 602-square-mile service area in rural Minnesota for high-tech jobs in the digital economy. West Central Telephone provides long-distance, Internet, and cable TV to its customers, in addition to local phone service. The rural telecommunications cooperative also provides interactive TV for area schools.

"Our investment in a fiber infrastructure, including ADC OmniReach FTTX solutions, allows us to offer our customers state-of-the-art technology," said Anthony Mayer, general manager for West Central Telephone. "As a result, we've recruited new businesses to this part of Minnesota that would otherwise not have been attracted to this rural area. Our investment in fiber is what allows us to offer cutting-edge communications technology and positions us for future economic growth."

West Central Telephone's FTTX deployment includes ADC OmniReach Fiber Distribution Terminals for centralization of splitters in the field. This outside plant cabinet is designed specifically for FTTX applications, with features that directly impact the reliability, functionality, and operational cost of the network, including 1X32 splitters with strain relief for the output pigtails and connectorization and splicing options of the input fiber.

"As a global company with its world headquarters in Minnesota, ADC is proud to work with West Central Telephone and other rural cooperatives in promoting economic development for their communities with the installation of fiber infrastructures," said Pat O'Brien, president of the Global Connectivity Business Unit for ADC. "Minnesota's telecommunications companies and cooperatives with the foresight to install fiber in their communities do so as a way to stay viable in the new information-based economy. Our FTTX solutions are the perfect fit for rural telcos who want to make an investment in their futures and ensure that their networks can efficiently scale to support new telecommunication services vital to community development and long-term economic viability."

It is estimated that $1.5-3.5 billion will be spent annually by telecommunications service providers during the next five years as FTTX networks are deployed in the United States. New FTTX projects initiated by carriers and municipalities have increased by more than 100 percent since 2000.

Capitol Infrastructure deploys FONS' Pathway FTTH solutions, delivering high-speed broadband services to communities in the Southeast

2007-02-10T04:57:00.001-08:00

Fiber-optic Network Solutions (FONS) Corporation, a leading manufacturer of passive connectivity solutions for the fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) market, announced that Capitol Infrastructure, working in conjunction with new home developers, property management companies, and service providers in the Southeast region, is deploying FONS' Pathways FTTH solutions in North Carolina and Florida, with expansions planned in several other states later this year. Capitol Infrastructure is deploying FONS' solutions to enable the delivery of true high-speed voice, video, and data services to new single-family and multi-family homes in the Southeast. Headquartered in North Carolina, Capitol Infrastructure is working with developers of new communities to build all-fiber network infrastructures designed to deliver cutting-edge services to community residents and is scheduled to deploy service capabilities to 50,000 homes. FONS is providing a full range of fiber-optic connectivity hardware and optical components, allowing Capitol Infrastructure to accelerate construction and deployment of these community fiber-optic networks, bringing new and improved services to their customer, the home developer, and ultimately the homeowner.

The home developer market is one of the fastest-growing market segments to embrace fiber deployment as the right solution for building and expanding access networks. Through FTTH networks, home developers are able to provide that additional service "edge" to differentiate their communities from others and to present a long-term value proposition to their homeowners. Pathways provides Capitol Infrastructure the most innovative solution for installing and connecting FTTH networks quickly, economically, and with the greatest reliability. "We are very excited to partner with FONS to be able to install the most sophisticated voice, video and Internet technologies to residential communities," stated Glen Lang, Principal and CEO of Capitol Infrastructure. "We chose FONS' Pathways solution because it allows us to install a very high-performance, flexible and economical network that effectively reduces both our installation and operating costs. FONS' easy to install solutions allow us to significantly reduce our deployment time so we can speed delivery of true broadband services to our customers, ensuring their communities have access to the very best voice, video and data services available today."

FONS is supplying Capitol Infrastructure with a wide range of its Pathways solutions, including Outdoor Fiber Distribution Hubs (Outdoor FDH), RC(TM) Fiber Drop Terminals, RC adapters, RC Fiber Drop Cables, Controlled Environment Vault Fiber Distribution Hubs (CEV FDH), and WDM and Optical Splitter Cassettes. FONS' Outdoor FDH will be used in Capitol Infrastructure's network to facilitate service connection and provide a primary convergence point for locating optical splitters in the outside plant. The RC Fiber Drop Terminals, each equipped with FONS' environmentally hardened RC adapters designed to reduce time and expense of connecting a residence, will be used in the network to interface between distribution and drop cables. The flexible design of these terminals allows for diverse installation options including underground, pedestal, pole, and strand mounting. The RC Fiber Drop Cables, environmentally sealed and factory-terminated, utilize FONS' RC rugged optical connectors to provide a reliable and high-performance interface for drop cables in the outside plant environment. These assemblies reduce the time and expense of drop cable deployment for Capitol Infrastructure, while providing superior durability and reliability in the resident connection segment of the network. FONS' CEV FDH, a recent addition to its Pathways solutions, configured for full Fiber Distribution Hub functionality similar to the Outdoor FDH, will be used in remote terminal frame applications where frames are mounted indoors. Within the Central Office segment of the network, FONS' plug-and-play modular optical component cassettes, ideal for FTTH applications where quadruple-play service capabilities are required, allow optical components such as WDMs and splitters to be quickly integrated into Capitol Infrastructure's network.

According to Michael Noonan, President and CEO of FONS, "It is clear that Capitol Infrastructure is committed to deploying infrastructures that accommodate the rapidly changing advancements in the communication industry. Their industry-leading approach for deploying FTTH networks essentially 'future proofs' the homeowner's decision to invest in one of the communities they serve. Homeowners that are connected via fiber-optic infrastructure are virtually unlimited in their ability to take advantage of even the most bandwidth-rich content available today and tomorrow. FONS is proud to have been selected by Capitol Infrastructure to help enable their innovative and creative community deployments."

VeriFone Develops Payment Industries' First SNMP-Equipped POS Solutions; Brings Sophisticated Network Management Capabilities to Electronic Payment Sy

2007-02-10T04:56:00.002-08:00

announced today that it has completed development of electronic payment systems equipped with Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), another industry first. The use of SNMP allows point-of-sale payment systems to be controlled remotely from central locations and to be integrated with sophisticated network management systems.

The first SNMP-equipped versions of its Vx Solutions countertop and wireless systems will be shipped to an international customer engaged in a major POS network rollout. SNMP will be generally available worldwide on select VeriFone solutions by spring 2006.

Network administrators use SNMP to monitor and map network availability, performance, and error rates, and to find and solve network problems. In a POS environment, network managers are able to determine what TCP/IP-capable devices are running and their level of performance.

"As POS solutions transition from dialup connectivity to the IP world, they are able to take advantage of remote management and sophisticated network management," said William C. Nichols, VeriFone vice president of Emerging Markets. "VeriFone is the first to offer SNMP capabilities in POS solutions, which provides card transaction acquirers with a wide variety of tools to manage their merchant portfolio."

SNMP provides the acquirer with a wide variety of tools to manage their merchant portfolio. Benefits include the ability to perform preventive diagnostics remotely without technician field visits, manage always-on connectivity and monitor data in real time for later backup analysis. Utilizing SNMP, a network manager could monitor and manage multiple remote POS systems, monitor transaction volumes, disable a terminal and even determine "out of paper" status.

SNMP encompasses a set of standards for communicating with devices connected to a TCP/IP network, including routers, hubs, and switches. VeriFone upgraded its TCP/IP libraries and CommServer libraries to support SNMP and also developed an SNMP software "agent" that resides on the Vx Solutions payment system and can respond to SNMP messages. SNMP enables corporate network managers to integrate payment devices with management systems such as Hewlett-Packard's OpenView.

About VeriFone Holdings, Inc. (www.verifone.com)

VeriFone Holdings, Inc. ("VeriFone") (NYSE: PAY), a global leader in secure electronic payment technologies, provides expertise, solutions and services for today with a migration strategy for tomorrow. VeriFone delivers solutions that add value to the point of sale, resulting in improved merchant retention and the generation of new sources of revenue for its partners and customers. VeriFone solutions are specifically designed to meet the needs of vertical markets including financial, retail, petroleum, government and healthcare.announced today that it has completed development of electronic payment systems equipped with Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), another industry first. The use of SNMP allows point-of-sale payment systems to be controlled remotely from central locations and to be integrated with sophisticated network management systems.

The first SNMP-equipped versions of its Vx Solutions countertop and wireless systems will be shipped to an international customer engaged in a major POS network rollout. SNMP will be generally available worldwide on select VeriFone solutions by spring 2006.

Network administrators use SNMP to monitor and map network availability, performance, and error rates, and to find and solve network problems. In a POS environment, network managers are able to determine what TCP/IP-capable devices are running and their level of performance.

"As POS solutions transition from dialup connectivity to the IP world, they are able to take advantage of remote management and sophisticated network management," said William C. Nichols, VeriFone vice president of Emerging Markets. "VeriFone is the first to offer SNMP capabilities in POS solutions, which provides card transaction acquirers with a wide variety of tools to manage their merchant portfolio."

SNMP provides the acquirer with a wide variety of tools to manage their merchant portfolio. Benefits include the ability to perform preventive diagnostics remotely without technician field visits, manage always-on connectivity and monitor data in real time for later backup analysis. Utilizing SNMP, a network manager could monitor and manage multiple remote POS systems, monitor transaction volumes, disable a terminal and even determine "out of paper" status.

SNMP encompasses a set of standards for communicating with devices connected to a TCP/IP network, including routers, hubs, and switches. VeriFone upgraded its TCP/IP libraries and CommServer libraries to support SNMP and also developed an SNMP software "agent" that resides on the Vx Solutions payment system and can respond to SNMP messages. SNMP enables corporate network managers to integrate payment devices with management systems such as Hewlett-Packard's OpenView.

About VeriFone Holdings, Inc. (www.verifone.com)

VeriFone Holdings, Inc. ("VeriFone") (NYSE: PAY), a global leader in secure electronic payment technologies, provides expertise, solutions and services for today with a migration strategy for tomorrow. VeriFone delivers solutions that add value to the point of sale, resulting in improved merchant retention and the generation of new sources of revenue for its partners and customers. VeriFone solutions are specifically designed to meet the needs of vertical markets including financial, retail, petroleum, government and healthcare.

NetApp storage solutions added to Mistral Internet product portfolio

2007-02-10T04:56:00.001-08:00

INTERNET BUSINESS NEWS-(C)1995-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Mistral Internet, a UK-based Internet service provider, has announced that it has integrated a network-based storage solution from Network Appliance (NetApp) into its existing product portfolio, which will be available to all Mistral clients, deploying web servers and Internet and intranet application servers.

The new service from NetApp will be deployed on a virtual hardware platform, eliminating storage related problems, and initial deployments can be completed within hours, Mistral claims.

The high availability of the NetApp storage system and the multiply redundant Mistral network infrastructure will reportedly ensure that the uptime of a virtual server can be as high as possible. In addition, the load balancing and recovery options of the system mean that standby capacity can be shared between multiple users.

No pricing information was available.

Real-Time Network Solution detects and prevents intrusions

2007-02-10T04:55:00.000-08:00

Closed-loop solution provides architecture for detecting, reporting, and thwarting attacks across entire network infrastructure. It combines benefits of sFlow real-time traffic monitoring solution, IronView Network Manager (INM), and Snort[R] open source intrusion detection and prevention system. INM tracks and performs configuration changes and software updates, while sFlow packets are logged for every switch and router port in network and sent to INM.

Integrated Solution Binds sFlow(R) Network Monitoring and Snort(R) Intrusion Detection to Secure Entire Network

SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 20 - Foundry Networks(R), Inc. (NASDAQ:FDRY), a performance and total solutions leader for end-to-end switching and routing, today announced a network-wide closed loop solution for network intrusion detection and prevention. The solution is built upon three key elements -- sFlow, an industry standard for real-time traffic monitoring supported on Foundry's switch and router product lines, Foundry's IronView Network Manager (INM) and Snort, an open source industry standard for intrusion detection and prevention. The complete solution provides a powerful and cost-effective architecture for detecting, reporting and thwarting network attacks across the entire network infrastructure.

Snort is an industry leading network intrusion detection technology for monitoring network traffic in real time and detecting dangerous payloads and suspicious anomalies. Supporting a database of over 4,900 attack signatures, Snort provides coverage against a wide range of attack types. With IronView's sFlow preprocessor and advanced event management capabilities, sFlow data collected from the network is piped to the Snort engine, where attack vectors identified by Snort can be readily isolated and acted upon by IT network and security managers. This provides a fast resolution for network security, and immediately isolates users who may be in the process of attacking valuable resources and applications. Foundry's integrated architecture provides a scalable, network-wide intrusion detection and prevention system without the cost or performance penalties of external sensors.

"In today's environment, network security is a top priority for all IT managers," said Bob Schiff, vice president and general manager of the enterprise business unit for Foundry Networks. "A huge challenge has been deploying scalable security solutions that are cost-effective and do not degrade or interfere with network performance. In the latest release of our IronView Network Manager, we are leveraging the power of sFlow's scalability and wire-speed operation and the strengths of Snort intrusion detection systems to deliver a network-wide solution for detecting and stopping network attacks without impacting application performance. This is a significant advantage over alternative solutions that are limited in their scope and scale and can impact performance when implemented as in-line appliances."

About IronView Network Manager (INM)

Foundry's IronView Network Manager allows network operators to effectively track and perform configuration changes and software updates, and identify and resolve network failures. Changes to complex network-wide features such as Access Control Lists (ACL) and VLANs, software and configuration updates, and network alarms and events, are becoming impossible to track and deploy consistently without intelligent centralized network management applications. IronView Network Manager empowers network operators to seamlessly control software and configuration updates for all Foundry products from a centralized location, dramatically simplifying network provisioning, network diagnostics and problem resolution.

sFlow packets are logged for every switch and router port in the network and sent to INM. INM pre-processes the sFlow packets and sends the formatted samples to the Snort intrusion detection engine. The Snort engine searches the packets for matches with signatures it has defined in its intrusion signature file. Upon a successful search, the Snort engine reports the match to INM. INM alerts the network operator to the detected intrusion for immediate action.

About Snort

Snort(R) is an open source network intrusion prevention and detection system utilizing a rule-driven language, which combines the benefits of signature, protocol and anomaly based inspection methods. With millions of downloads to date, Snort is the most widely deployed intrusion detection and prevention technology worldwide and has become the de facto standard for the industry. Currently there are over 4,900 rules defined in the Snort database, with new rules being added daily. www.snort.org

About sFlow

sFlow(R) is an industry standard technology for monitoring high speed switched networks. It gives complete visibility into the use of networks enabling performance optimization, accounting/billing for usage, and defense against security threats.

NAS Gateways simplify file serving for Windows environments - Storage Management - Network Attached Storage Gateways

2007-02-10T04:54:00.001-08:00

Deploying a NAS (Network Attached Storage) Gateway is the intelligent approach to solving a broad range of network-based file-serving issues that enterprise customers are facing, especially in large Windows environments. These users are challenged by the inherent limitations of the traditional approach of deploying dozens of servers or forced to utilize appliances that don't offer optimal NAS functionality. As a result, administrators are faced with multiple storage management issues, including:

* Proliferation of File Servers

* High acquisition, deployment, support and management costs of standard servers

* Inefficient usage of available storage resources

* Low availability of server and data (non-clustered)

* Difficult and cumbersome backup and restore

* NAS appliances running proprietary operating systems not optimized for specific OS environments

* Standalone solutions with built-in storage leading to vendor lock-ins for storage upgrade

New NAS Gateways versus Traditional Filers and Appliances

The traditional NAS server is simply a general-purpose application server based on a PC-class architecture running an operating system with a file system that supports Windows or Unix clients. The hardware platform provides no special capabilities or advantages for running storage applications--such as NAS--more efficiently than any other host-based applications--such as database or messaging software. These standard servers require highly skilled IT resources for maintenance, upgrade and troubleshooting, thereby dramatically increasing the cost of operating these systems. Most enterprises have invested in a variety of storage arrays; however, traditional NAS solutions are designed only to work with the respective vendor's own storage. This not only results in under-utilization of existing investments, but also in vendor lock-in that reduces the users' ability to select the best storage resource that fits their needs in the future.

NAS appliances were designed to eliminate the high cost of managing general-purpose servers, but have the same pitfall of poor storage resource utilization. SANs (Storage Area Networks) were designed for the dual purpose of improving performance during storage and retrieval of data and also of reducing traffic over a LAN. Since NAS appliances are deployed as independent storage devices, they do not take advantage of SANs, making backup and convergence of storage networks more complex. And because NAS appliances are based on a proprietary OS that has not been optimized for large Windows environments, they do not provide sufficient native support for devices to become full members of existing domains.

A simple yet high-value NAS solution must start with a versatile hardware platform optimized for running storage applications as an appliance. An enterprise-class solution must also address the requirements of data centers that need scalable NAS solutions to connect to a heterogeneous SAN, as well as departmental requirements for the system to connect to lower cost storage resources. NAS Gateways were developed to address all of the limitations of traditional approach with fully integrated solutions that deliver high-performance, high-availability file serving, NAS-SAN integration and server consolidation. Enterprise-class NAS gateways enable customers to achieve improved ROI by increased utilization of existing Fibre Channel SAN storage. Consolidating NAS files onto SAN-based storage can significantly reduce storage TCO (total cost of ownership) by enabling centralized management of all storage assets.

Highly Available, Interoperable Solutions for Heterogeneous Storage

Users can simplify the installation process with NAS Gateways that are fully preintegrated with the NAS software and required system-specific middleware software layer for a plug and play exper-ience. Customers are better served with NAS systems designed and tested for compatibility with third-party SAN products and are interoperable with most storage networks. These NAS Gateways connect to heterogeneous disk array systems, preventing vendor lock-in and giving customers the freedom to choose the vendor and class of storage that best fits their specific requirements.

The ideal NAS systems are designed for maximum availability and reliability, including redundant hardware architecture and the additional availability functions that provide hardware and software monitoring. NAS gateways can be easily deployed as clustered systems to protect against the complete failure of any individual system. Dynamic multi-pathing of Fibre Channel ports and link aggregation on Ethernet ports provides redundant connections between the appliance and storage or the appliance and the host. The system, while optimized to exclusively run network storage applications, must also meet the 99.999 percent uptime demands of enterprise storage environments. Built-in middleware software layer provides hardware and software monitoring and a set of utilities to ensure that the system operates at enterprise-class availability.

Optical Solutions secures GPON contract from Buckland Telephone Company of Northwest Ohio

2007-02-10T04:53:00.003-08:00

FTTH market leader Optical Solutions Inc. has secured a contract with Buckland Telephone Company of Buckland, Ohio. Buckland is replacing its copper infrastructure with an advanced Gigabit passive optical network (GPON) that will feature IPTV as part of a triple-play service offering. The rural carrier selected Optical Solutions' leading FiberPath 500 GPON system to support its transition to IP-based services.

Century-old Buckland Telephone Company serves a six-square-mile agricultural region approximately 60 miles north of Dayton. The carrier is among the first in the state to offer IPTV service.

"When you add up the 200 channels, video-on-demand and pay-per-view service in our IPTV package, along with direct-fiber data speeds up to 768Mbps and multiple lines of voice service, we're giving customers a powerful argument for choosing Buckland for all their communication and entertainment needs," said Dave Simons, network administrator at Buckland. "Optical Solutions' GPON gave us the bandwidth we were looking for, and it has a proven track-record in the industry--especially for delivering IPTV."

Optical Solutions' FiberPath 500 system offers superior bandwidth--1.2Gbps downstream and 622 Mbps upstream--for delivering bandwidth-consuming services such as Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) and symmetrical high-speed data services. The FiberPath system is fully compliant with ITU FSAN standards, and is the only residential GPON platform that is widely deployed and available today.

F5 launches one-stop resource portal to help customers evaluate and deploy application optimization solutions

2007-02-10T04:53:00.001-08:00

F5 Networks, Inc., the global leader in Application Traffic Management, today announced that it has set up a comprehensive resource portal, http://www.f5.com/solutions/ AppOpt.html, where customers and potential customers can learn more about F5's application acceleration technology, see the benefits it can provide in their particular environment, and learn how to deploy it to improve the performance of specific applications. The resource portal includes (1) a detailed explanation of the performance improvement metrics obtained using the Gomez Performance Network, an award-winning third-party tool for analyzing application performance under real-world conditions; (2) a compression tool that evaluates the results that F5 compression technology can deliver under different connectivity scenarios, including calculations of end-user response time improvements and the resulting bandwidth savings; and (3) solution overviews and step-by-step deployment guidelines for using F5's family of BIG-IP products to improve the performance of enterprise applications from Microsoft, Siebel, Oracle, and BEA.

To verify the degree of optimization and acceleration that these technologies deliver, F5 used the Gomez Performance Network to compare results before and after installing BIG-IP. This tool, consisting of a network of over 10,000 distributed computers around the world, differs from most other performance-measurement tools in that it is based on actual end-user Internet connections. Therefore, its measurements take into account such real-world problems as latency and out-of-order-packets. In addition, the tests simulate complete user sessions, averaged over several days and thousands of repeated tests, rather than consisting of single-page hit requests. The real-world nature of these tests means that the results are much more realistic than tests made under lab conditions and promoted by WAN optimization vendors.
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To further simulate real-world conditions, F5 chose to run the tests on applications that enterprises commonly use over a WAN. These included BEA WebLogic Portal, Microsoft Internet Information Server, Microsoft Outlook Web Access, Microsoft SharePoint Portal Services, and Siebel Business Applications. While the tests were run specifically on BIG-IP Application Accelerator, customers can expect to achieve these same results running any BIG-IP platform running v 9.0.5.

According to the Gomez Performance Network, on average the BIG-IP system improved end-user response times by two times or more, reduced bandwidth utilization by more than 75%, reduced the occurrence of browser timeouts over slow links by more than 80%, and offloaded up to 98% of connections from the servers. In addition, BIG-IP offloaded an average of 36% of the content serving and 95% of the TCP connections from backend servers, enabling servers to handle twice the workload that they could before. It also provided a 322% average increase in bandwidth utilization efficiency and reduced the number of TCP timeouts and resets seen by clients by up to 50%.

"Well defined, real-world performance testing is critical to the continued growth of the application acceleration market," adds Mark Fabbi, Vice President & Distinguished Analyst, Enterprise Communications at Gartner, Inc. "It's difficult to make a major purchase decision without a thorough understanding of the benefits provided. Support for an open, standard test methodology will help to justify a purchase decision. Documenting test results, configurations and solutions clearly help enterprises make the most effective use of their resources."

The F5 Resource Portal includes an online compression tool that potential customers can use to find out the performance improvements they will realize by using BIG-IP before making a purchase decision. The compression tool asks for the URL of the Web page to be tested for compression and then generates a report showing how much smaller the compressed page is and how much faster end-user response time is with compression, as well as providing estimates of how much bandwidth will be saved by deploying this technology.

Also included in the F5 Resource Portal are Solution Briefs and Deployment Guides that will help customers fine-tune BIG-IP technology to get the best performance out of several popular applications, including BEA WebLogic Portal, Microsoft Internet Information Server, Microsoft Outlook Web Access, Microsoft SharePoint Portal Services, and Siebel Business Applications. For each of these applications, a solution brief provides a high-level overview, outlining the performance needs of that particular application and the benefits provided by BIG-IP. The deployment guides provide step-by-step guidelines for implementing BIG-IP so as to maximize performance. By following these guidelines, companies are able to reproduce the results obtained through the Gomez Performance Network.

"F5's application optimization resource center is one more example of F5's continuous efforts to help our customers understand and maximize the benefits of our technology," says Erik Giesa, F5 Vice President of Product Management and Marketing. "It's not enough to know that it will interoperate with their existing IT applications; they want to find out what specific benefits they can realize and how to implement the technology. Now they have one place they can go to get all the information they need--from real-world evidence of performance improvements, to calculations of response time and bandwidth savings, to deployment documentation explaining how to get the best results with specific applications."

Kobelco Eco-Solutions Develops Fuel Gas Generator That Uses Sewage Sludge

2007-02-10T04:52:00.000-08:00

Kobelco Eco Solutions, a Kobe Steel group company, announced on July 25 that it has developed a fuel gas generator in collaboration with the city government of Kobe.

The new device can produce fuel gas from sewage sludge, namely methane gas generated through the sewage treatment process.

The company has named the gas Bio Natural Gas. Since last year, Kobelco Eco Solutions has supplied the gas to buses and trash collector trucks running in Kobe City on a trial basis.

Kobelco Eco Solutions plans to exhibit the gas generator and make presentations of the generator at Sewage Works Exhibition 2005 Tokyo to be held at Tokyo Big Sight from July 26 to 29.

In addition, the company will support a test-drive event with Bio Natural Gas buses to be sponsored by Kobe City on the same venue.

ARINC, Inc.'s recent partnership with BroadWare Technologies, Inc., will allow it to deliver "more powerful security solutions" for transportation cus

2007-02-10T04:51:00.000-08:00

Network Appliance And Escene Networks Provide Comprehensive Streaming Solutions - Company Business and Marketing

2007-01-04T03:40:00.000-08:00

Network Appliance, Inc., a provider of network-attached data access and content delivery solutions, and eScene Networks, Inc., a leading provider of advanced streaming media applications and solutions for business, has announced a strategic relationship that includes joint marketing and sales. Network Appliance content delivery solutions and eScene's robust streaming application, StreamLine 2.0, enable the next generation of streaming and content delivery networks to easily manage, distribute, and monitor rich data.

Working effectively with Network Appliance's principal products, ContentDirector software and NetCache appliances, StreamLine 2.0 enables enterprise businesses to successfully publish, manage, and distribute video and other rich media content online. Together, the Network Appliance suite of products and StreamLine 2.0 provide a comprehensive content management solution. Network Appliance and eScene will collaborate on sales and marketing activities to deliver this robust solution to the enterprise market.

StreamLine 2.0 is a hosted streaming application that allows businesses to focus on their core competencies rather than streaming complexities. Using StreamLine 2.0, businesses can instantly establish new means of generating revenue through e-commerce channels, build more effective marketing initiatives, and strengthen corporate training and communications. A configurable feature set and a scalable and secure platform make StreamLine 2.0 an ideal streaming solution for enterprise businesses and growing companies.

Parts industry being redesigned: in this issue, Automotive Industries explores changes in supply chain management for the parts industry, Ed Richardso

2007-01-03T03:40:00.000-08:00

Automotive industries (AI): What are the changes in the business environment for parts as you see it?

Sjolinder: Four major evolutions in the business environment for parts have become apparent. Firstly, there has been the development of a parallel spare parts market. OEM's are facing increased competition from their own suppliers--OEM's are increasingly outsourcing the components used in their cars. Inevitably, this means increasing amounts of "genuine" spare parts are also produced by third parties. The OEM's do not have the same--if any--control over these suppliers as they do over in-house suppliers.

Secondly, there has been an improvement in the quality of new vehicles. In the last 15-20 years, the maintenance intervals for "the average new car" in mature markets have increased three to five times (from roughly every 7 500-10 000 kilometres in the eighties to every 30 000-50 000 kilometres today). This means fewer visits to the dealers and hence less frequent demand for spare parts.

The third change in the business environment for parts has been the increased complexity of cars. Cars contain increasing amounts of components and technology (for example active safety systems, GPS, electronic engine management), which means a higher number of spare parts need to be available for repair and maintenance.

Storage Digest: News from Interwoven, Data Protection Solutions, Maxtor, FCIA

2007-01-02T03:39:00.000-08:00

SATA is front and center this week, with related announcements from Maxtor, Data Protection Solutions and the Fibre Channel Industry Association. Also on deck is Interwoven's collaborative agreement with several storage leaders.

Maxtor's New Hard Drives Stress Scalability, Flexibility

Maxtor Corp. of Milpitas, Calif. has introduced a new family of disk drives with a SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) interface that allows SAS and SATA (Serial ATA) disk drives to be configured in the same enclosure.

The Atlas line of drives offers a 3GB per second data transfer rate, dual ports, multi-initiator capability allowing multiple hosts to access a drive at the same time, point-to-point connectivity, scalable bandwidth and full duplex capability.

The drives support 1.5G per second SATA and 3G per second SAS devices.

Pharma needs some TLC: cost pressures and patient safety issues head a long list of challenges. Packaging innovations provide some solutions

2007-01-01T03:37:00.000-08:00

Despite a lot of negative press these last 12 months, sales were strong for most pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals--thanks, in part, to the aging population and an emphasis on health and wellness.

Some manufacturers posted profits by successfully introducing new products. Others boosted their bottom line with acquisitions, divestitures, spinoffs or marketing agreements.

Our State of the Industry report analyzes the specific market issues and packaging trends in three subcategories:

1. Prescription (Rx) drugs.

2. Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.

3. Vitamins/dietary supplements.

RX DRUGS

In May 2005, the House Appropriations Committee approved the Food and Drug Administration's 2006 budget of $1.48 billion. This represents a $30 million increase from last year. An amendment also provides for an additional $5 million in funding for the "highest priority drug safety needs," which shows FDA's commitment to America's health concerns.

Patient safety is the industry's No. 1 priority, but cost containment is next on the list. And satisfying both at the same time has been most challenging.

What's a controls warehouse? And can I really buy integration solutions from one?

2006-12-31T03:35:00.000-08:00

Even though I have my head deep into industry integration solutions, I have to admit that I did not see this one coming, or at least not so fast. I think that if I had thought about it, I would have predicted that "buying integration solutions from a controls warehouse" would occur four or five years after the integration industry matured. But integration solutions are becoming sought-after commodities, and the market for them is here now.

What the heck am I talking about? Let me explain. It started with an interview in the May issue of AutomatedBuildings.com with Jim Hayman, who is part of the management team at Controls Group North America (CGNA) (http://www.cgnacontrols.com) in Brea, CA. CGNA is a national network of 34 independent wholesale HVAC/R controls distributors with 118 branches throughout the United States and Canada.

Laurel Highland Telephone Company signs exclusive GPON contract with Optical Solutions Inc

2006-12-30T03:33:00.000-08:00

Optical Solutions Inc., the market leader in GPON access solutions, announced that Laurel Highland Telephone Company (LHTC) of Stahlstown, Pennsylvania, has signed an exclusive agreement to purchase the FiberPath 500 GPON system through 2007. The contract coincides with the independent carrier's plan to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network that will serve nearly 5,400 homes and businesses across the remote Laurel Highlands region 50 miles east of Pittsburgh.

For nearly a century, LHTC has evolved to meet the voice, video, and data needs of its two-county customer base. The upgrade to FTTP will enable the carrier to enhance and build on its current service offering, while also fulfilling Pennsylvania's progressive Chapter 30 telecommunications law. Chapter 30 was passed more than a decade ago to spur broadband deployment across the state, and was recently amended to provide incentives to companies that deliver high-speed Internet service before the original 2015 goal year.

"With higher data speeds and a greater selection of CATV channels, we're giving customers more ways to enjoy and benefit from our services," said LHTC President and CEO Jim Kail. "We're also giving others a compelling reason to relocate their family or business to Laurel Highlands."

Managing The Customer Experience With Logging & Monitoring Solutions

2006-12-29T03:32:00.000-08:00

During the mid-to-late 1990s, one technology executive used a title from an old Western movie to describe two types of technology companies. Challenged with rapid scientific advances, and pressured with aggressive competition, you either had to be "quick," or you would end up "dead." Similar to the gun fighters in the Old West, these firms had to quickly release state-of-the-art products or become obsolete. This theory proved itself true, as many slower companies disappeared from the competitive landscape while the quick ones grew and prospered. Similarly, organizations with contact centers must be "responsive" or they will suffer the same fate as those now-defunct technology companies. With the proliferation of e-business, prospects have many options. Today's savvy consumers expect and demand superior customer service, and they have little tolerance for anything less.

winner so far: CardSystems Solutions, The

2006-12-28T03:32:00.000-08:00

We have a new leader in the race to see which vendor can quantitatively show the least regard for the people whose data they hold. CardSystems Solutions, a third-party credit card processor, now has admitted disregarding the credit card industry security rules they should have been following. In light of such a willful disregard of mandated rules, I do not understand why CardSystems is still in the credit card processing business (for a related story, see page 72).

Some industry leaders have told Congress it would be a bad idea to require that credit card companies tell people their private data might be at risk after a failure of computer or organizational security They have claimed that people would soon become overwhelmed by all the notices and give up.

The industry seems determined to test that hypothesis. For the last few months there has been a steady drumbeat of announcements, most but not all driven by a California law that requires such announcements when the privacy of people's financial information is at risk.

SIP VoIP Server helps IP telephony survive network failure

2006-12-27T03:31:00.000-08:00

MultiVOIP(TM) SS SIP survivability server provides basic features of centralized IP telephony system to remote locations during IP network failures. It also provides gateway functionality by bridging Public Switched Telephone Network to IP network, connecting up to 8 analog trunks. Also able to connect analog phone and fax machines, product has all features needed to provide basic IP telephony to smaller offices during WAN failure.

For a company implementing IP telephony, a network failure can cut off branch offices and cause major headaches. Solutions like installing IP PBXs in each office would solve the problem, but their expense can defeat the cost-cutting purposes of implementing IP telephony. What is needed is a cost-effective way to provide headquarters IP PBX capabilities to remote offices via a WAN with built-in survivability if the WAN fails. Multi-Tech(R) Systems, Inc., a leading data communications and telecommunications company based in suburban Minneapolis, is announcing a SIP Voice over IP (VoIP) server that does just that.

The patent-pending MultiVOIP(TM) SS SIP survivability server provides the basic features of a centralized IP telephony system to remote locations during IP network (i.e. WAN) failures, and also provides gateway functionality by bridging the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to the IP network by connecting one or more analog trunks. The MultiVOIP SS will also connect to analog phone and fax machines.

Stepper Module is compatible with distributed I/O network

2006-12-26T20:57:00.001-08:00

Exploring the module's other benefits; Sales Manager Leo Brennan explains "The 3401 has the lowest per axis cost of all the motion control modules available for Allen Bradley PLCs. We found customers were looking for a motion control solution that provided all of the functionality of a standard motion controller but had some of the cost advantages of the Point I/O system. AMCI responded by designing the 3401. The unique design of the Point I/O system allows the I/O to be distributed throughout the machine instead of being located in one central panel. This provides overall savings in wiring and can lead to a more modular machine design."

The 3401 Point IO card marks AMCI's fifth stepper motor controller module solution for Allen Bradley PLCs. When asked how AMCI is able to develop so many integrated PLC module solutions, Sales Engineer Matthew Tellier stated "As the original third party supplier with Rockwell Automation, AMCI's long standing partnership with Allen Bradley enables our company to quickly engineer solutions for new platforms, providing a more complete control system for our customers. This close relationship guarantees a finished product that is 100% compatible with Allen Bradley PLCs for true plug and play functionality."

AMCI's 10 years of experience in developing stepper modules has led to an efficient programming structure that capitalizes on user-friendly commands that are simple to implement. A relative move, absolute move, or a manual move can be executed with just one rung of logic.

Capitol Infrastructure deploys FONS' Pathway FTTH solutions, delivering high-speed broadband services to communities in the Southeast

2006-12-25T21:01:00.000-08:00

Network Time Servers meet Next-Generation-Network needs.

2006-12-24T21:00:00.000-08:00

With secure, scalable architecture, SyncServer[R] S200/S250 GPS (Global Positioning System) network time servers synchronize clocks on network computers and servers. They deliver throughput of 3 independent 10/100Base-T Ethernet ports with IPv6 support and under 10 [micro]sec NTP timestamp accuracy, while Web interface provides set-up wizards needed to support NGNs. Products also offer 50 nanosecond accurate clock to UTC for worldwide time synchronization.

Precise, Versatile NTP Time Server Provides Accurate and Secure Time for Today's and Tomorrow's Network With IPv6 Support and State-of-the-Art Web Interface

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 5 / -- Symmetricom, Inc. (NASDAQ:SYMM), a worldwide leader in precise time and frequency products and services, today announced its new high-performance GPS (Global Positioning System) network time servers, SyncServer(R) S200/S250. These precise and versatile network time servers synchronize clocks on computers and servers for large or expanding networks and are optimized for the ever-demanding high-bandwidth next-generation networks (NGNs). Numerous design features include scalability and security, high availability and throughput of three independent 10/100Base-T Ethernet ports with IPv6 support, and extreme ease of use with an intuitive web interface with various set-up wizards, all needed to support an NGN.

"As Next-Generation-Networks grow in size and speed, the need for accurate, reliable and secure time becomes more critical," said John Hirsekorn, vice president of sales and marketing for Symmetricom. "Security concerns, VoIP deployments and new regulations are forcing organizations to pay strict attention to their records and operational performance. High-performance and flexible network time servers are now essential since accurately synchronized clocks are critical for network log file accuracy, filling systems, electronic transactions, database integrity, VoIP and many more applications."

Network Access Solutions Sheds Some More Fat - Company Business and Marketing

2006-12-23T20:59:00.000-08:00

NetApp storage solutions added to Mistral Internet product portfolio

2006-12-22T20:59:00.000-08:00

Optical Solutions secures GPON contract from Buckland Telephone Company of Northwest Ohio

2006-12-21T20:58:00.000-08:00

F5 launches one-stop resource portal to help customers evaluate and deploy application optimization solutions

2006-12-20T20:58:00.000-08:00

Kobelco Eco-Solutions Develops Fuel Gas Generator That Uses Sewage Sludge

2006-12-19T20:56:00.000-08:00

Tokyo, Japan, July 26, 2005 - (JCNN) - Kobelco Eco Solutions, a Kobe Steel group company, announced on July 25 that it has developed a fuel gas generator in collaboration with the city government of Kobe.

The new device can produce fuel gas from sewage sludge, namely methane gas generated through the sewage treatment process.

The company has named the gas Bio Natural Gas. Since last year, Kobelco Eco Solutions has supplied the gas to buses and trash collector trucks running in Kobe City on a trial basis.

Kobelco Eco Solutions plans to exhibit the gas generator and make presentations of the generator at Sewage Works Exhibition 2005 Tokyo to be held at Tokyo Big Sight from July 26 to 29.

In addition, the company will support a test-drive event with Bio Natural Gas buses to be sponsored by Kobe City on the same venue.

ARINC, Inc.'s recent partnership with BroadWare Technologies, Inc., will allow it to deliver "more powerful security solutions" for transportation cus

2006-12-18T20:55:00.000-08:00

Custom Machining Centers provide multi-axis solutions

2006-12-17T20:55:00.000-08:00

FlexCenter FC350, FC450, and FC630 feature respective work cubes of 14, 18, and 25 in. and can be supplied with horizontal or vertical spindle and turret or basic platen. Model FC350 can be configured with 40-taper or HSK63 tool interface; FC450 with 40- or 50-taper, HSK50, or 63- or 100-tool interface; and FC630 with 50-taper, HSK63, or HSK100 tool interface. Machines feature centralized maintenance, vertical axis counterbalance with air recovery system, and CNC options.

CINCINNATI, OH (July 15, 2005) - SETCO wants to be your partner in building special machines with our standard Multi-Axis FlexCenter modules. Available in 3 sizes, FC350, FC450 and FC630, the FlexCenter is the perfect solution for applications looking for a reliable high-performance multi-axis module that can be easily integrated with a variety of dial, transfer line, and cell applications. Built from a standard building block design, the FlexCenter is offered in three sizes and can be provided in a variety of horizontal and vertical configurations.

FlexCenter modules are available with work cubes from 14" to 25", and offered with a horizontal or vertical spindle, horizontal or vertical turret, or a basic platen (flat mounting surface). As a standard module, these machines are not equipped with integrated CNC, but CNC options are offered.
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The FlexCenter FC350 is the smallest model, featuring a 14" work cube and can be configured with a 40-taper or HSK63 tool interface. The FC450 has an 18" work cube and can be configured with 40 or 50-taper, HSK50, 63 or 100 tool interface. The largest standard FlexCenter features a 25" work cube and can be configured with 50-taper or HSK63 or HSK100 tool interface.

The FlexCenter is equipped with many standard features that competitors consider extra-cost options or do not offer at all. These include centralized maintenance, hardened ways with Trabon auto-lube, steel way covers, way and valley wipers, steel tubing for lube and air lines, vertical axis counterbalance with air recovery system, waterproof electrical enclosures, and more.

As options, to meet special application needs, the FlexCenter can be configured with linear bearing ways, extended travels, a choice of CNC control with standard control interface packages, a portable hand-held setup controller, and more. When the FlexCenter is equipped with an AirShield spindle seal system, SETCO provides a standard 3-year warranty against spindle bearing contamination.

For many suppliers, customization requires extensive special engineering and long lead times, which increase the price, but that's not the case with the MASTER/ SETCO FlexCenter, which is designed as a standard modular product.

Designed on Pro/Engineer, rapid modeling and prototyping has reduced the time to make parts from months to weeks, and weeks to days. Building a machine from a standard platform with pre-engineered modules lowers costs, enables custom configuration and extended travels with less custom engineering, and shortens lead-time to ship product.

U.S. Department of Defense taps Spirent to help test deployment of next-gen Internet network - Moonv6 Project

2006-12-16T20:52:00.000-08:00

Spirent Communications (NYSE:SPM)(LSE:SPT) has announced its involvement with the U.S. Department of Defense to provide network testing expertise and equipment to help the department evaluate next-generation Internet technology known as Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) in order to support network-centric military operations.

The Defense Department has announced plans to migrate its existing Global Information Grid network to the new IPv6 technology by 2008. The next-generation Internet deployment is an important component of the department's goal of network-centric military operations.

This first Department of Defense testing series, called the Moonv6 project, is being coordinated by the Joint Interoperability Testing Command of the Defense Information Systems Agency and includes participation from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. The tests will occur between national military and research networks located across the country, with support and participation from Spirent, the University of New Hampshire InterOperability Lab (UNH-IOL), the North American IPv6 Task Force and Internet2.

"IPv6 technology provides better security and increased flexibility and mobility," said Major Roswell Dixon, United States Marine Corp., and tactical networks test officer for the Joint Interoperability Testing Command. "These tests are important in helping ensure the U.S. military stays ahead in technology to support its mission of protecting the country."

KDDI, TOKYO FM Develop IP Network Environment fro Digital Broadcasting

2006-12-15T02:50:00.001-08:00

KDDI Corporation, Keio University and TOKYO FM Broadcasting Co., Ltd. today announced its collaboration in setting up IP over digital broadcast, IP Network environment for digital broadcasting.

IP over digital broadcast enables IP data transfer on digital broadcasting. Through this internet contents are easily distributed at the same time as broadcast programs. The application of the technology involves a 2 way system which enables the audience to look at the same website with the broadcasting personality from the live radio station, while the broadcasting personality surfs and explains about the things on the website. In addition, the audience could also introduce the same site to others using the viewer participant service program. Not only would this technology useful in works that require editing internet contents, but it can also be used for disaster warnings.

Software facilitates network management

2006-12-14T02:49:00.000-08:00

Monitoring any networked device on Internet, corporate intranet, or TCP/IP LAN, IPMonitor v6.0 alerts users via audible alarm, message, email, or third-party software when connection fails. Software allows for customization to suit single server, small-office LAN, or corporate network, and is compatible with Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003.

Haifa, Israel, October 18, 2006 - Tsarfin Computing Ltd today announces the availability of IPMonitor 6.0, the company's flagship product in the network monitoring software market.

IPMonitor is a sophisticated network monitoring solution that allows network administrators, webmasters, and Internet service providers to monitor any networked device on the Internet, corporate intranet, or TCP/IP LAN and receive alerts immediately via audible alarm, message, e-mail, or third-party software when a connection fails.

An essential addition to any network administrator's personal toolkits, IPMonitor allows users to tailor it to their particular area of responsibility, from a single server to a small-office LAN to hundreds of devices within a large corporate network. Corporate network managers can use IPMonitor to distribute responsibility among IS staffers and complement existing network management systems. Small businesses can afford to employ IPMonitor for monitoring critical e-mail and Web servers.

Desktop Computers provide stable, secure platform

2006-12-13T03:16:00.001-08:00

The ThinkCentre[R] M51 series offers a blend of essential features and technology, including Intel(TM) Graphics Media Accelerator 900 performance, eight USB 2.0 ports, numerous security features, and powerful software tools to backup and protect your data.

Leadership design

Innovative tool-less mechanical design for easy upgrades and service support

Durable steel enclosure supports optional large-screen TFT flat-panel and CRT displays (sold separately)

Support for up to 4 GB of double data rate 1 (DDR1) SDRAM memory1

Easy to use and manage

Rescue and Recovery(TM) software: One-button recovery solution that lets you restore your previously saved system image including data, applications, and operating system

Access IBM software: Easy access to key ThinkVantage(TM) technologies and IBM service and support2

The easy-to-service desktop and tower chassis design: Helps maximize uptime, make upgrades easy, and make repairs fast with tool-less cover removal, tool-less slots, and internal bays that flip up and allow components to slide in on rails

Easy-to-access high-speed USB 2.0 ports

Optimized for connectivity

Integrated gigabit Ethernet

IBM service and support

Worldwide service and support3

For up-to-date marketing and technical information, visit http://www.pc.ibm.com

1 Maximum capacity may require the replacement of the standard component with the largest supported component available.

2 Requires Internet access account, not included. Support is available during the limited warranty period.

3 International Warranty Service (IWS) is available in any country in which this product is sold and serviced. Service delivery methods and parts availability vary by country, may be different from that in the country of purchase, and are subject to change without notice. Fees and restrictions may apply in some countries.

Ethernet Switch provides dual network access capability

2006-12-12T03:16:00.000-08:00

As security and uptime concerns become more prevalent across the industrial landscape, the need for effective redundancy strategies in industrial applications has increased. Industrial engineers can now economically connect any device to GarrettCom(TM), Inc.'s new Magnum(TM) ESD42 Dual-Homing Switch to provide dual-network-access (dual-homing) capability at the edge of any industrial network - providing high-availability for critical monitoring and control devices.

Typical dual-homing applications include surveillance cameras, substation power relays, badge readers, production scanners, and mission-critical SCADA devices in manufacturing lines where unplanned interruptions can cost upwards of $1 million per minute. With models priced as low as $230, the ESD42 switch dedicates two peer ports to provide two network access points to protect against any single point of failure for those devices located at the edge of an industrial network. Detection of a media connection fault or an upstream switch failure simply causes the ESD42 to transfer upstream network activity to the other port - typically within 300 milliseconds.

GarrettCom's dual-homing Ethernet Switch allows the dual-homing function to be moved from the edge device into the ESD42 switch. Few manufacturers offer PLCs and IEDs with dual connectivity built in, and the rare dual-NIC devices available - typically computers and some SCADA devices - require complex software to manage the NIC-switching logic and have been prohibitively expensive for many applications.

"Older industrial connectivity options such as serial lines did not support redundancy," said Frank Madren, GarrettCom President. "As a result, the typical redundant solutions have been expensive and rare. Today the sophistication, scope, and security requirements of industrial applications have increased. Ethernet is much more accommodating to redundant topologies, and the timing is right for us to introduce plug-and-play dual-homing technology for cost-effective redundant connections wherever required in industrial applications," he said.

GarrettCom has adapted and updated dual-homing technology for industrial applications. To provide redundancy for any device on a network, it is simply plugged into one of the local-device ports of an ESD42 switch, while the two dual-homing Ethernet ports of the switch are connected upstream. GarrettCom's patent-pending technology will detect Link Loss (from a failed wire or a failed upstream switch) on the Operating Port and automatically switch all data transfers to and from the connected devices to the Standby Port (which then becomes the Operating Port).

Up to snuff: nanotube network fights flames

2006-12-11T03:17:00.000-08:00

Plastics readily burn. That's why their makers add fire-suppressing chemicals. But some of these additives have been shown to be harmful to animals and are being phased out. In an upcoming Nature Materials, researchers describe another way to smother plastic's fiery potential: Include a network of carbon nanotubes.

Brominated fire retardants, which are in everything from computers to furniture, have proved effective, but they accumulate throughout the environment, showing up even in breast milk. Two subclasses of the chemicals have already been banned by the European Union, and, beginning in 2008, they will be illegal in the state of California.

During a fire, plastic melts as the polymer chains within it break down. As the burning progresses, some of the polymer vaporizes, forming gas bubbles that feed and intensify the flames, says Takashi Kashiwagi, a materials engineer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, Md. One way to decrease the material's flammability is to slow production of these flame-feeding bubbles.

To achieve this, some researchers have added a thin layer of nanoscale particles made of alumina silicate to polymer samples. The layer traps bubbles but tends to crack, creating escape routes for some of the bubbles, Kashiwagi notes.

Past work by Kashiwagi indicated that carbon nanotubes--carbon cylinders just a few nanometers in diameter--might be more effective than alumina silicate nanoparticles. For the new experiments, Kashiwagi and Jack F. Douglas, also of NIST, and their colleagnes blended various amounts of the nanotubes into polymer samples. "The tubes are like a bunch of stiff coat hangers that you've squeezed into the polymer," says Douglas, a polymer physicist.

When the researchers exposed the tube-riddled polymers to the material's usual kindling point, bubbles reached the surface more slowly than they did in the tubefree polymers. Plus, the bubbles that did form were smaller. The best tube-filled samples burned only about 40 percent as fast as tubefree samples did.

MPC Computers introduces the ClientPro 375 desktop

2006-12-10T03:15:00.000-08:00

MPC Computers, a wholly owned subsidiary of HyperSpace Communications, Inc. (Amex: HCO), today announced the ClientPro 375 desktop computer. The new ClientPro 375 features the Balanced Technology Extended (BTX) form factor, which results in a cooler, quieter chassis design. Additionally, the ClientPro 375 also delivers enhanced management features by utilizing Intel's new Active Management Technology (AMT) hardware and optional LANDesk software technologies, which provide improved asset management and hardware security.

"This new desktop system empowers customers to better manage and support their technology investment through the utilization of Intel's AMT hardware, LANDesk's management technologies, and the new BTX form factor," said Paul Petersen, MPC's vice president of product marketing and development. "The ClientPro 375 will become MPC's mainstream, scalable desktop."

The ClientPro 375's BTX chassis supports Intel's Quiet Cooling Technology, in which the system's fan speed is automatically adjusted depending on the internal chassis temperature. In addition, high volume fans spin at a slower rate resulting in improved system acoustics and more efficient cooling. The unique airflow design of the BTX chassis features a ducted airflow, which directly cools the highest heat-producing components of the system. For example, the new design positions the CPU and chipset for direct cooling, eliminating the need for a fan on the CPU heat sink.

Patient monitoring in the fast lane: New York emergency department uses a virtual local area network within their existing AP network to continuously

2006-12-09T03:14:00.000-08:00

At Samaritan Medical Center (SMC) in Watertown, N.Y., we needed to continuously monitor patients' vital signs as we moved them from the emergency department (ED) to radiology. To maintain the monitoring signals, we planned to implement wireless technology, but we had to balance competing data demands across a finite bandwidth within our hospital. Several years of research and development led us to achieve a Wi-Fi solution that prioritizes critical monitoring data from the ED while continuing to service other departments in the hospital.

Traditionally, patient monitoring has required its own separate, dedicated network to guarantee security and performance. Now, using a virtual local area network (VLAN) within our existing network, we can put critical patient monitoring data in the "fast lane," ahead of administrative applications.

In 1999, we purchased a wired monitoring system for the ED from a business unit of Siemens Medical Solutions that later became part of Drager Medical of Telford, Pa. However, our long-term plan was to improve upon our previous wireless monitoring system and replace the wired system with wireless. Our previous wireless system had used radio frequency (RF) transmission, and although the antennae were correctly positioned throughout the ED and radiology, the lead walls in the diagnostic area caused complete loss of signal when moving patients into radiology rooms for X-rays and scans. The signal was also subject to cellular phone and electrical equipment interference problems.

When Drager Medical came to install the wireless technology for ED monitoring at Samaritan in 2003, they realized that there would be duplication of the wireless access points that the hospital's IT department was already in the process of installing to support the hospital information system (HIS). Everyone at SMC agreed that the wireless initiative had to happen, but installing two wireless network infrastructures would cause major problems.

Unlike RF antennae, which only receive signals from devices, wireless access points both receive and send information from and to each device. With two access points in the same area, patient monitors or laptops would not be able to lock on to just one. The device would try to "talk" to both access points, bouncing from one to the other, and never be able to transmit its data.

Too Much Traffic

Our IT steering committee, which included senior management and physicians, had to carefully balance different interests throughout the hospital, blending both biomedical and information technologies, and always keeping in mind the bottom line goals of improving patient care while maximizing the use of our existing infrastructure.

The key challenge that we needed to address was that there were too many data applications or "vehicles" potentially trying to use the hospital's "information highway" (the network). Since we knew we could not simply add new access points to successfully go wireless, the various departments would have to share the bandwidth. Over the course of 2003-2004, through research into standards-based wireless technology and application data traffic management solutions, we determined that patient monitoring and other HIS applications at Samaritan could co-exist. Because this technological feat had never been accomplished before, it took a full six months to get these systems to work together.