News Briefs for the Week Ending08/13/2010
Docid:00020009Publication Date: 1008Publication Type: NEWS
Apple Considering Purchase of Chinese Game Developer Apple is in talks to acquire Handseeing Information Technology, according to Tian Bo, an executive with the Chinese game developer who spoke with China’s Xinhua News Agency. Handseeing was founded in 2005, and focuses on working “rich Internet” applications, with a focus on online gaming. The move could Source: Xinhua, 8/09/2010 Google Acquires Social Technology Company Slide Google announced that it has acquired Slide, a social technology company. While Google did not share any specific plans for the technology and assets acquired in this purchase, it did say that it would use the Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 IBM Announces Acquisition of Datacap IBM announced that it has acquired Datacap, makers of business information software. IBM says it will use the acquired company’s assets to expand its information management software offerings to industries with strict Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 Symantec Completes Acquisition of VeriSign Security Business Symantec completed its acquisition of VeriSign’s identity and authentication business, which includes the Secure Sockets Layer and Code Signing Certificate Services, the Managed Public Key Infrastructure Services, Source: Vendor, 8/9/2010 Teradata Buys Analytic Appliance Maker Kickfire Teradata has quietly purchased Kickfire, an analytic appliance maker, according to Computerworld. Commenting on the deal, Darryl McDonald, executive vice president of business development and marketing, said that Source: Computerworld, 8/11/2010 Verisign Closes Sale of Authentication Services Business to Symantec VeriSign announced that it has completed the sale of its authentication services business to Symantec for $1.28 billion in cash. The sale included VeriSign’s Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption certification Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 ALLIANCES & JOINT VENTURES
Cisco, Partners Named Suppliers for Chilean Data Center Cisco Chile, NetApp, and VMware were named technology suppliers for Entel’s on-demand services data center in Ciudad de los Valles, Chile. Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 DIRECTV Signs with Google for TV Ad Sales DIRECTV announced that it has entered into an advertising partnership with Google. The deal will allow the advertisers to purchase airtime on numerous DIRECTV-carried channels – Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 NEC Announces Distribution Deal with Shared NEC Corporation of America announced a distribution agreement with Shared Technologies (STI) – a converged voice and data communications solutions provider – whereby STI will sell and support NEC’s communications Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 Polycom, Microsoft Sign Strategic Agreement for UC Sales, Marketing Conferencing and unified communications company Polycom said it has signed a multi-year, strategic global agreement with software giant Microsoft to deliver integrated Source: Vendor, 8/9/2010 BIOMETRICS
New SDK from AuthenTec Assists in Biometric Applications AuthenTec released a software development kit (SDK) for developers to create applications around AuthenTec smart sensors and TrueSuite identity management software. Through the TrueAPI SDK, developers can create Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 Secure Communities Program Available at All Southwest Border Counties The Department of Homeland Security announced that the Secure Communities program has been deployed to all 25 US counties along the Southwest border. Secure Communities allows US Immigration and Customs Enforcement to use biometric information to identify criminal aliens in state prisons and local jails in an effort to identify and remove convicted criminal aliens who pose a public safety threat to Source: DHS, 8/10/2010 More Data Needed on Exit Capability for US-VISIT Program, GAO The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reviewed the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) US Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) program, which stores Source: GAO, 8/10/2010 CLOUD COMPUTING
AWS Announces Support for Default Root Objects in HTTP, HTTPS Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced that its CloudFront solution now supports default root objects in HTTP and HTTPS distribution. The company says this should make it easier for customers to distribute their static Source: Vendor, 8/5/2010 Google Adds Long-Awaited Update to Gmail’s Contacts Area Google announced the implementation of some long-awaited changes to its Gmail service. The company has revamped the contacts page to bring it more in line with the look and functionality of the rest of Gmail. The Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 Oracle Releases Virtual Desktop Infrastructure 3.2 Oracle announced the availability of version 3.2 of its Virtual Desktop Infrastructure. Updates in this release include global Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 VeriSign Announces Availability of Managed DNS Service VeriSign announced the availability of VeriSign Managed DNS, a cloud-based DNS (Domain Name System) service. The service is designed for companies that are concerned about maintaining a very high percentage of Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS & EQUIPMENT
AboveNet Deploys Private Fiber Optic Metro Network in Denver AboveNet announced that it has extended service to Denver with the deployment of a new private fiber optic metro network. AboveNet’s Denver network will span 97 route miles of 432 and 216 fiber cables, delivering Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 Alcatel-Lucent Wins Contract to Upgrade China Telecom’s Network Alcatel-Lucent announced it has been selected by China Telecom to upgrade the service provider’s CDMA network in 56 cities across nine provinces in China. The Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 Alcatel to Build Communications Network for Washington Gas Alcatel-Lucent reported it will build a communications network for Washington Gas, to link its operations throughout Washington DC and the surrounding region. The network will use Alcatel’s IP/MPLS solution Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 Huawei Provides Router Cluster System for SingTel Huawei Technologies announced that SingTel deployed its NE5000E router cluster system in its converged IP backbone network in Singapore. Presumably, the installation will allow it to carry services such as VoIP, high Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 Motorola Demonstrates ASTRO 25 IP, Public Safety LTE Core Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions demonstrated interconnection between the ASTRO 25 IP core and a Public Safety longterm evolution (LTE) core, through the Motorola Public Source: Vendor, 8/09/2010 News Corp Sells Controlling Interest in Several Chinese TV Stations News Corp announced that it has signed an agreement with China Media Capital (CMC), whereby CMC will acquire controlling interest in News Corp’s Xing Kong, Xing Kong International, Channel [V] Mainland China and Source: Vendor, 8/9/2010 Nokia Siemens to Provide DWDM for First Communications Nokia Siemens Networks will provide a dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) system for First Communications, to expand its bandwidth services between Newark, NJ and Buffalo, NY, US. The Source: Vendor, 8/09/2010 Nokia Siemens to Deploy LTE Pilot for Telefonica O2 Nokia Siemens Networks will deploy a longterm evolution (LTE) pilot network for Telefonica O2 Germany. The LTE network will be built in the 2.6-GHz Source: Vendor, 8/09/2010 Nokia Siemens Unveils Feature to Double GSM Capacity Nokia Siemens Networks launched Dynamic Frequency and Channel Allocation (DFCA), a software-based feature it claims can double GSM network capacity within an existing spectrum without having to build Source: Vendor, 8/09/2010 PCCW Announces Dual Stack Support for IPv6 Protocol Pacific Century Cyber Works (PCCW) announced that it has enhanced its dual stack solution to aid customers in the upcoming transition to IPv6 protocols. The updates will allow customers to run both IPv6 and legacy IPv4 Source: Vendor, 8/9/2010 Telecom Italia Completes Second Test of LTE in Turin Region Telecom Italia announced that it has begun its second test of Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology. The company is conducting the tests across 17 sites in the Turin region using technology capable of theoretical Source: Vendor, 8/12/2010 Verizon Business to Upgrade Siemens Communications Infrastructure Verizon Business announced that it has won a contract for upgrading Siemens Enterprise Communications’ European communications infrastructure. The solution provided by Verizon Business integrates voice over IP Source: Vendor, 8/12/2010 CONSULTING & MANAGED SERVICES
Accenture Receives IT and HR/Payroll Transformation Contract from UNTS Accenture announced that it has received a contract from the University of North Texas System (UNTS) to assist in implementing an IT and HR/payroll shared services system. The goal of the project is to improve Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 HP to Develop Dealer Business System for Nissan NA HP Enterprise Services signed an agreement to develop a dealer business system (DBS) for Nissan North America (NNA), for better managing its retail dealership transactions. According to HP, the system will Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 Unisys Announces Server and Consultation Contract with Alpha Bank Unisys announced that it has signed a contract with Alpha Bank in Greece for two new Unisys ClearPath Dorado 790 and the continuation of a software licensing agreement to upgrade Alpha Bank’s existing systems. The Source: Vendor, 8/12/2010 CYBERCRIME
UK Bank Accounts Hit by Zeus Trojan M86 Security has revealed that customers of one of the biggest financial institutions in the UK have fallen victim to a sophisticated attack by cybercriminals using Web-based malware to rob money via the bank’s Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 ENTERPRISE APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Dell Announces Virtual Lab Software for Students Dell announced its Virtual Lab solution, presumably for helping higher education organizations scale access to on-campus computing and engineering laboratories. Dell claims it allows students to access lab based Source: Vendor, 8/09/2010 Micro Focus Announces Free StarTeam Express Software Config Manager Micro Focus launched its new StarTeam Express, a free version of its StarTeam software configuration management solution. The new freeware is designed to help users manage software delivery processes across both Source: Vendor, 8/9/2010 FINANCIAL
Cablevision Reports Second Quarter Gains, Lowered Net Income Cablevision reported its second quarter results for 2010. Revenues totaled $1.8 billion, up from $1.7 billion during the same quarter in 2009. Operating income rose to $417 million versus $338 million during the Source: Vendor, 8/5/2010 Cincinnati Bell Revenue Up 3 Percent Cincinnati Bell posted revenue of $330 million for its second quarter, up three percent over Q2 2009, while net income was $10 million. The carrier saw declines in legacy voice and data services but growth in Source: Vendor, 8/9/2010 Cisco Profits Up Despite Warning From CEO Chambers Cisco Systems posted strong profits for the quarter, as customers continued to catch up on delayed purchases. Still, according to CEO John Chambers, Cisco is seeing signs of the economic recovery slowing down. Cisco Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 Convergys Reports Disappointing Second Quarter Convergys announced its results for the second quarter of the 2010 fiscal year. Revenue totaled $528 million, down significantly form $610 million reported during the same quarter in 2009. Operating income also Source: Vendor, 8/9/2010 CSC Posts Flat Revenue, Modest Net Profit Gains in Q1 2011 Financials Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) released its financial results for the first quarter of its 2011 fiscal year, ending July 2, 2010. Revenues saw a modest uptick, rising to $3.94 billion from $3.89 billion during the Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 CSC Declares Quarterly Dividend of $0.15 Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) announced that its board of directors has approved a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share. This amount will be payable on October 15, 2010, to all stockholders of record by the close Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 DISH Network Reports Improved Financials, Subscriber Loss for Q2 DISH Network reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2010. The company posted a revenue of $3.17 billion, a 9.1 percent jump over its total of $2.9 billion for the same period in 2009. Net Source: Vendor, 8/9/2010 HP Raises Full Year Forecast After Q3 Preliminaries Hewlett-Packard (HP) raised its full year revenue outlook for fiscal 2010 after announcing preliminary revenues of $30.7 billion USD for the 2010 fiscal third quarter ended July 31st. These revenues would be up 11 Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 News Corp Reports Strong Gains in Q4 and 2010 Results News Corp announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2010. For the quarter, revenue rose to $8.1 billion, up from $7.7 million during the same quarter of 2009. Net income came in at $875 Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 Novell Lowers Guidance for Third Quarter Financials Novell announced that its has revised its financial guidance for the third quarter of its 2010 fiscal year. Changes include a drop in expected net revenue from a range of $205-$210 million to a range of $197-$199 Source: Vendor, 8/9/2010 Skype Files for Initial Public Offering Internet telephony and messaging company Skype has filed for an initial public offering (IPO) with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Skype said in a press release that it has filed a Form S-1 registration statement with the SEC; the number of shares to be offered and the price range for the offering have not yet been determined. Goldman, Sachs & Source: Vendor, 8/9/2010 Telstra Posts Slight Losses in FY 2010 Financial Results Telstra announced its financial results for the full year 2010. Revenue for the year fell slightly, from AU$25.6 billion to AU$25 billion even. Profits for the year were down a bit as well, coming in at AU$3.94 Source: Vendor, 8/12/2010 Telus Announces Positive Financial Results for Second Quarter 2010 Telus released its financial results for the second quarter of its 2010 fiscal year. The company’s revenue totaled C$2.39 billion, relatively flat with the C$2.37 billion it reported for the corresponding quarter of Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 Trend Micro Posts Financials for Q2 2010 For the second quarter of 2010, Trend Micro posted consolidated net sales of 23.5 million Yen (or USD $255 million). The company had a net income of 3.2 million Yen (USD $35 million) for the quarter. These Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS
Motorola Contracted for P25 for First Responders Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions announced a $13.3 million contract to provide a Project 25 communications system to improve interoperability with county and local public Source: Vendor, 8/09/2010 Raytheon Receives $90 BCS# Logistics Support Contract Raytheon announced that it has received a contract to provide total logistical support to the Battle Command Sustainment Support System (BCS3). Raytheon will provide field support, help desk services, system and Source: Vendor, 8/12/2010 SAIC Signs $49 Million Order with Naval Surface Warfare Crane Division Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) announced that it has been awarded a Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) from the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Division to provide research and development Source: Vendor, 8/12/2010 SAIC Receives Task Order for DHS Communications Update Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) received a task order from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), National Communications System (NCS). The contract calls for the company to provide system Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 SAIC Receives $52 Million Contract for Farm Service Agency Software Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) announced that it has received a contract from the US General Services Administration (GSA) to provide IT services to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). The contract Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 SAIC Earns $49 Million Contract from Navy Military Sealift Command Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) announced that it has received a contract from the US Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC). The deal calls for SAIC to provide data center, IT, and disaster Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 GRANTS
Windstream Wins Broadband Grant Windstream was the biggest recipient in the latest rural broadband grant round, receiving more than $66 million of the $1.2 billion in stimulus funds distributed through the Rural Utilities Service. The Source: Vendor, 8/12/2010 INTERNET
Google, Verizon Outline Vision for “Open Internet” Verizon and Google unveiled their vision of the “open Internet,” saying Internet service providers should be allowed to charge higher fees to route traffic for new premium Source: Vendor, 8/9/2010 Facebook rops Google Over Net Neutrality, eBay, Amazon Also Pipe UP Facebook has parted ways with Google over its recent “open Internet” proposal (with Verizon). The social networking giant released a statement calling Google’s attempt to create Source: NY Times, 8/12/2010 FCC Halts Closed-Door Net Neutrality Meetings The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) halted closed-door meetings with Internet content companies and access providers that were designed to reach a consensus on how to balance carriers’ network management Source: FCC, 8/9/2010 FCC Commissioner Faults Google, Verizon Proposal While the FCC did not immediately comment on the policy proposal by Google and Verizon concerning their vision of an “Open Internet,” agency commissioner Michael J. Copps did issue a terse statement, and it was not complimentary. Copps said: “Some will claim this Source: FCC, 8/10/2010 Global Crossing Gives Qualified Support to Verizon/Google Proposal Global Crossing weighed in on the debate surrounding the Verizon/Google legislative proposal that would establish a “second” Internet allowing faster transit for some types of data, calling it “a constructive Source: Vendor, 8/12/2010 Net Neutrality Group Slams Verizon/Google Proposal The SavetheInternet Coalition – a group comprising several advocacy groups including MoveOn.Org, Civic Action, Credo Action, the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, ColorofChange.org, and Free Press – has Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 Google Updates Chrome with Autofill, Extension Synching Google announced the beta release of version 6 of its Chrome browser. Features of this latest update include autofill support, the ability to sync extensions between installations, the simplification of the toolbar Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 Hitwise Announces New Rank by Audience Demographic-Based Metric Hitwise announced the launch of Rank by Audience, a new demographic segmentation tool for its analytics services. The new metric allows customers to examine the number of visits to a Web site by each specific Source: Vendor, 8/12/2010 Level 3 Expresses Reservations about Open Internet Proposal Level 3 has praised some aspects of the “Open Internet” proposal from Google and Verizon, while expressing significant concerns about other parts of the proposal. In a press release, Level 3 said: “While there is Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 Pew Reveals Slowing Broadband Growth, Resistance to Government Aid The Pew Internet & American Life project revealed its findings on broadband proliferation in the US. The primary revelation of Pew’s report showed that broadband growth, previously in the double digit Source: Vendor, 8/12/2010 LAPTOPS & TABLETS
Acer Introduces Gateway LT32, LT22 Netbooks in Canada Acer Canada introduced its new LT32 and LT22 netbooks in Canada. Both AMD based systems offer high definition video. The LT32 series is 11.6 inches and weighs 2.98 pounds, while the LT22 netbook measures 10.1 inches and Source: Vendor, 8/09/2010 Agilent Releases OpenLAB ELN Version 4.1 Agilent Technologies released its OpenLAB Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) v4.1, a scalable, Web based system for helping scientists document and share experiments and results. It offers templates for viewing an Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 Amazon Launches Kindle, Kindle Store in UK Amazon announced the UK launch of its Kindle e-reader device and the Kindle Store. The store is launching with 400,000 titles available, including exclusive offerings from the BBC and several UK-based authors. Prices Source: Vendor, 8/5/2010 Amazon Sells Out of Both New Kindle Models, Offers Sep. 8 Ship Date Online retail giant Amazon posted an advisory at its Web site saying both the standard version and the Wi-Fi-only version of its latest Kindle models are sold out. While the first round of orders for the Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 Asus Introduces New Rugged, Commercial Laptops Asus International introduced new B Series commercial laptops for business. The laptops – equipped with anti-shock hard drives, smart card access, and fingerprint login capability – have been subjected to stringent Source: Vendor, 8/09/2010 Dell Releases Streak Tablet Computer maker Dell unveiled its new tablet PC, called the Streak, which runs under the Android operating system. The device features a 5-inch screen, 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 2GB internal memory plus a Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 Dell Announces Inspiron Ultra-Portable Notebook Dell announced its ultra-portable Inspiron M101z laptop, a system that weighs less than four pounds and – according to Dell – can fit inside a handbag or backpack. It offers high definition streaming. Prices begin at Source: Vendor, 8/09/2010 Hewlett-Packard Introduces the Mini 5103 Netbook Hewlett-Packard (HP) introduced its new Mini 5103 business netbook, which includes a model with optional touchscreen. The 10.1 inch, Intel powered system will retail in Italy for 439 EUR ($565 USD). Availability will presumably follow in other markets, Source: Vendor, 8/09/2010 LEGAL
Google Offices Raided for Street View Data in South Korea Google‘s South Korean offices have been raided by police, the New York Times reports. The search was conducted as part of that country’s investigation into whether Google had illegally collected and stored any Source: NY Times, 8/10/2010 Skype, eBay, IDT, Net2Phone Settle Lawsuits Skype, eBay , IDT, and Net2Phone announced they have settled all outstanding disputes among the parties, Source: Vendor, 8/9/2010 MALWARE WATCH
Android Phones Hit with Trojan Malware CNET reported that the first Trojan to hit Android-based smartphones is in circulation and is being distributed via an unknown rogue Web site. The malware prompts users to install a fake media player action, and once Source: CNET, 8/10/2010 New Facebook Scam Lets Hackers into Users’ Accounts A vulnerability in Facebook could be used by hackers to grab users’ information and other personal details, according to an article in PC World. If a user enters in his or her Source: PC World, 8/11/2010 Malware Threats at All Time High, Says McAfee Report Security vendor McAfee said its most recent threats study found that the first six months of 2010 have been the most active half-year ever for total malware production. The company’s threats report found that malware soared – with 10 million new pieces cataloged in the first half of this year. Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 Sophos: Don’t Be Fooled by Facebook Snake Message — It’s Malware Sophos has produced a video warning computer users about a new survey scam that is spreading virally across Facebook. The attack involves a rogue application that automatically Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 MOBILE APPS
AT&T Launches U-verse App for iPhone AT&T announced that its AT&T U-verse Mobile App is now available from Apple’s App Store. The free application gives U-verse subscribers the ability to download and watch U-verse TV content on their Apple iPhone. Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 Google Releases Expanded Voice Controls in “Voice Actions for Android” Google announced the release of Voice Actions for Android. The new app expands on the mobile operating system’s Source: Vendor, 8/12/2010 Google Launches Chrome to Phone Extension and App for Android Google launched its new Chrome to Phone browser extension. The add-on uses the Cloud to Device Messaging (C2DM) API to send links, maps, and phone numbers from a Source: Vendor, 8/12/2010 OPERATING SYSTEMS
Debian Project “Freezes” Version 6.0 “Squeeze” The Debian Project announced that its next operating system, dubbed “Squeeze,” has been frozen. This means the new version, which will constitute the sixth full release, has reached the point in its development where Source: Vendor, 8/6/2010 PERIPHERALS
NCR Licenses Two-Sided Thermal Printer IP to SNBC NCR announced that it has signed and agreement to license its two-sided thermal printer technology to Shandong New Beiyang Info-Tech (SNBC). The deal gives SNBC full rights to make, sell, and use the two-sided printers. Source: Vendor, 8/5/2010 Sprint Introduces 4G Modem for PCs, Macs Sprint introduced the 4G USB Device U1901. The device is a small modem compatible with both PC and Mac computers, connecting laptops or netbooks to Sprint’s 4G network in areas where it is available. Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 PERSONNEL AND ORGANIZATION
Allscripts Taps Kent Alexander for VP and General Counsel Role Allscripts announced that Kent Alexander will be joining the company as corporate vice president and General Counsel in September, 2010. Alexander has more than 25 years of experience in the legal field, with the Source: Vendor, 8/9/2010 Apple’s Papermaster Resigns Following Antenna Issue Mark Papermaster – Apple‘s SVP of Engineering for the iPhone and iPod – has left the firm, according to a report published by the New York Times and confirmed by Apple spokesperson Steve Dowling. It is rumored that Papermaster’s departure is related to the recently Source: NY Times, 8/09/2010 Avaya Names Presidents for Global Svcs, Govt Solutions Avaya appointed Joachim Heel as SVP and president for Avaya Global Services, and Christopher Formant as SVP and president for Avaya Government Solutions. Both will report directly to president and CEO Kevin Kennedy, Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 CA Appoints Jon Hunter as Senior VP of North American Sales Computer Associates (CA) announced that it has appointed Jon Hunter as its new Senior Vice President of North American Sales. His responsibilities will include managing customer relationships, heading the sales team, and Source: Vendor, 8/12/2010 Cablevision Appoints James A Blackley VP of Engineering and Technology Cablevision announced that it has appointed James A. Blackley to the office of executive vice president of corporate engineering and technology. He will report directly to Cablevision’s Chief Operating Officer Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 Clearwire Expands Call Center Facility in Florida 4G network provider Clearwire announced plans to expand its East Milton, Florida customer care call center facility at the Santa Rosa Industrial Park. Clearwire said the expansion will allow it to better support Source: Vendor, 8/12/2010 Harris Corp Names New CIO and President of IT Services Harris Corp announced the appointment of two executives. Ted Hengst will be the company’s new corporate vice president and chief information officer (CIO), while John Heller will become president of its IT Services Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 HP Appoints SVP for Global Information Technology Hewlett-Packard (HP) named Ahmed Mahmoud as SVP for Global Information Technology, effective immediately. He will report directly to CIO Randy Mott, and will lead the IT teams responsible for hp.com, e-commerce, and Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 HP CEO Mark Hurd Steps Down After Presumed Misconduct Hewlett-Packard (HP) disclosed that chairman and CEO Mark Hurd has resigned, effective immediately. CFO and 24-year HP veteran Cathie Lesjak will step in as interim CEO until a replacement is named. The decision Source: Vendor, 8/09/2010 Lockheed Martin’s Savi Technology Relocates to Alexandria, VA Lockheed Martin‘s Savi Technology announced that it would be moving its headquarter to Alexandria, Virginia. The goal of the move is to place the company close to the epicenter of public sector customers in Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 Northrop Grumman Appoints Sam Shekar, MD, MPH as Chief Medical Officer Northrop Grumman announced that it has appointed Sam Shekar, MD, MPH as its new chief medical officer within its Information Systems sector. Shekar’s responsibilities will include determining the strategy of the Source: Vendor, 8/12/2010 PUBLIC SAFETY
Orlando Airport Lands $23 Million for Security Bag Screening System Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano allocated $23 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding for an inline baggage screening system at Orlando International Airport. Inline Source: DHS, 8/6/2010 FCC Urges Broadcasters to Join Emergency Info Program The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is encouraging radio and television broadcasters who have not yet voluntarily enrolled in the Commission’s Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) to do so. The DIRS Source: FCC, 8/9/2010 REGULATORY
Saudi Arabia, RIM Reportedly Near Deal to Restore BlackBerry Service Dow Jones news service reported that Saudi Arabia’s telecom regulatory agency and mobile operators in that country have reached a preliminary agreement with Research In Motion (RIM) over the handling of BlackBerry data. Saudi Arabia last week banned the BlackBerry over security concerns; i.e., not being able to read BlackBerry users’ encrypted email messages. Reportedly, a formal deal between the Source: DowJones, 8/9/2010 Indian Government Threatens to Shut Down BlackBerry Services Reuters reported that Research in Motion‘s encrypted BlackBerry email and instant messaging services will be shut down in India if RIM does not address Indian national security Source: Reuters, 8/12/2010 Verizon Wireless Lauds Rockefeller’s Public Safety Spectrum Bill Verizon Wireless announced its support for public safety spectrum legislation introduced by US Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va). Rockefeller’s bill, the Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Source: Vendor, 8/9/2010 SEARCH
Bing Adds Wolfram|Alpha Technology to Search Answers Microsoft‘s Bing has joined forces with plain-language search engine Wolfram|Alpha to provide a new set of instant answers. The alliance will allow users to search being for Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 blinkkX Signs with Source Interlink Media for Special Interest Content blinkX announced that it has formed a partnership with Source Interlink Media. The deal will allow for the inclusion of media from the MOTOR TREND and DIRT RIDER properties on its video search engine. As usual for Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 SECURITY FLAWS & FIXES
Issues Found in Adobe Flash Player, Media Server Adobe Flash Media Server has some reported vulnerabilities requiring an update to version 3.5.4 or 3.0.6. The vendor has posted an advisory. Source: Secunia, 8/11/2010 Apple Updates iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad Apple released iOS 4.0.2 for the iPhone, the iPod Touch, and iOS 3.2.2 for the iPad to fix critical vulnerabilities that were reported last week. Further details for the iPhone and iPod Touch are available from an article on the vendor’s Web site. Information and update instructions about the update for the iPad are also available online. Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 Google Fixes Chrome Google has issued an update for the Flash plugin for Chrome to fix various security issues. An advisory instructs users to Source: Secunia, 8/11/2010 Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday Bulletin Covers a Whopping 34 Flaws Microsoft‘s Patch Tuesday Security Bulletin was the vendor’s biggest patch ever, fixing 34 flaws within 14 different advisories. Eight of those 14 advisories are considered "critical" while the other Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 Advisories from Microsoft Detail Critical Flaws Microsoft issued a security bulletin regarding a vulnerability in TLS/SSL that could allow spoofing. An earlier advisory was posted about this flaw back in February. The security update is rated critical for all supported editions of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003; and important for all Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 Microsoft Fixes Earlier Hole in Movie Maker, Producer 2003 A security update to fix a flaw in Windows Movie Maker and Producer 2003 is now available from Microsoft. The vulnerability could Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 Opera Users Must Update to Mitigate Risks A critical vulnerability and some security issues have been found in Opera. Users are advised to immediately update to version 10.61. Opera has listed several pertinent advisories on its Web site regarding these Source: Vendor, 8/12/2010 Oracle Product Has Critical Flaw A critical vulnerability was discovered in Oracle Siebel Option Pack for IE. Few details are available except that users should set the kill-bit for the affected ActiveX control. Source: Secunia, 8/6/2010 Red Hat Fixes Flash-Plugin Red Hat has released an update for flash-plugin. Two advisories can be found on the Red Hat Web site and updates are available from the Red Hat Network. Source: Vendor, 8/12/2010 SECURITY PRODUCTS & COMPANIES
New Check Point Appliance Extends Software Blades to Small Offices Check Point Software launched the Series 80 Appliance, a security gateway designed for remote and branch offices. The new Series 80 Appliance is based on the Check Point Software Blade Architecture and includes Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 Check Point Security Blades Designed for Multi-Domain Management Check Point Software rolled out its Multi-Domain Management software blades – Global Policy and Security Domain. The new software blades enable businesses to segment their security management into virtual Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 Citrix Announces FIPS Certification for NetScaler MPX Appliance Citrix announced that its NetScaler MPX appliance has achieved Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2, Level 2 certification. This will allow the US Department of Defense, and federal civilian agencies Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 Global Crossing, Bivio Announce Technology Partnership Network security company Bivio Networks and Global Crossing announced a technology partnership to deliver managed security services for US government customers. Global Source: Vendor, 8/9/2010 March Networks Helps to Secure United Arab Emirates The Abu Dhabi Department of Transport in the United Arab Emirates is using March Networks‘ VideoSphere application in a new customer care facility. The application includes VideoSphere Video Management System Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 McAfee: Companies Need Be More Proactive when Fighting Cybercrime A new report published by McAfee stresses the need for the security industry to take a more proactive position against cybercriminals. The report, Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 OnSSI Technology Used in Wartime-Simulation Military Training Strategic Operations (ST/OPS) is using OnSSI‘s IP video software to enhance its tactical military training. ST/OPS stages military training exercises employing Hollywood-style special effects and actors playing enemy Source: Vendor, 8/4/2010 Proofpoint Enterprise Archive Supports Exhange Server 2010 Proofpoint has upgraded its SaaS email archiving application, Enterprise Archive. It features full support for Microsoft Exchange Server 2010. Source: Vendor, 8/9/2010 QinetiQ Receives Australian Contract for Engineering Services QinetiQ has been awarded a five year contract by the Australian Department of Defense, to provide engineering services to the Defense Science and Technology Organization (DSTO) at their Melbourne facility. The Source: Vendor, 8/5/2010 Symantec Adds New Features to Backup Exec 2010 Symantec has updated its Backup Exec 2010. The latest version of Backup Exec 2010 includes new wizards, delivers in-product guidance for optimal Windows data recovery, and provides additional platform support, Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 Toshiba Announces SED Hard Drive Wipe Technology Toshiba Japan announced its Wipe for Toshiba Self Encrypting Drive (SED) technology for securely erasing user data when a system is powered down or the hard disk drive is removed. It can also be used to totally Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 SERVERS
Sybase Announces Release of Latest Update to Replication Server Line Sybase announced the release of the latest version of its Replication Server. The server – designed to capture, distribute, and synchronize data across several heterogeneous databases – features the company’s High Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 SMARTPHONES
AT&T & Samsung Debut Two “Quick Messaging” Handsets AT&T and Samsung Mobile announced the upcoming availability of two quick messaging devices – the Samsung Eternity II, a touchscreen device featuring AT&T Mobile TV, and the Source: Vendor, 8/9/2010 AT&T to Launch Sony Ericsson Xperia Smartphone AT&T and Sony Ericsson announced that the Android-based smartphone Xperia X10 will be launched on August 15. The Xperia X10 sports a 4-inch touchscreen, 1GHz Snapdragon Source: Vendor, 8/9/2010 Verizon Launches Motorola DROID 2 Verizon Wireless and Motorola announced that the DROID 2 smartphone will be available online from Verizon Wireless on August 11, and will be in Verizon Wireless Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 Verizon Wireless Launches Samsung Gusto Verizon Wireless and Samsung Mobile announced that the Samsung Gusto is now available online and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores in the coming weeks. The Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 SOCIAL MEDIA
comScore Reports 109% Year-Over-Year Growth for Twitter in June comScore released its latest numbers on the volume of visitors who accessed Twitter in June. The statistics showed a total of 93 million visitors to the site during the month. Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 Facebook Updates Photo Album Viewer Facebook announced its latest improvements in its effort to revamp its photo album functionality. The company added a new dynamic thumbnail page to all albums. Rather than the previous 20 images per page users were Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 Twitter Adds “Fast Follow” Accountless Method of Receiving SMS Updates Twitter announced a new SMS, or text-message, service for mobile users. Anyone, even those without a Twitter account, can now text a Twitter user name, without the accompanying @, to 40404 to instantly be added to a Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 Twitter Creates Official “Tweet Button” Twitter announced the launch of an official Tweet Button. The new tool will let Web site owners and administrators add an official button to their pages similar to third party “tweet this” and “retweet” buttons that Source: Vendor, 8/12/2010 STANDARDS & PROTOCOLS
ASIS International to Develop Resilience Model Standard ASIS International will develop a new American National Standard Organizational Resilience Maturity Model – Phased Implementation, based on an ANSI/ASIS standard. The new standard will enable organizations to Source: Vendor, 8/5/2010 STORAGE
Toshiba Introduces New Single, Multi Level Cell NANDs Toshiba America Electronic Components is introducing a 32 nanometer NAND with single and multi level cell versions of between 32 and 128GB. It claims the new Toggle Mode NAND features a faster interface than Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 SUPERCOMPUTERS
DARPA Developing ExtremeScale Supercomputers The US Department of Defense Projects Agency (DARPA) announced it is developing an ExtremeScale supercomputer system under its Ubiquitous High Performance Computing (UHPC) program to support new, advanced Department Source: Vendor, 8/09/2010 WEB COMMERCE
comScore Reports E-Commerce Spending Results for Q2 2009 comScore announced its quarterly findings on e-commerce spending. The second quarter of 2010 shows 9 percent growth year-over-year, with a total of $32.9 billion in spending. This marks the third consecutive Source: Vendor, 8/10/2010 eBay UK Starts Beta Test for Shopping Basket Checkout Option eBay UK announced a beta test for its new Shopping Basket feature. The new option lets customers maintain a shopping basket of the items they’re intending to Source: Vendor, 8/11/2010 ©2010 Faulkner Information Services |