Avaya Buys Konftel for Audio Collaboration Technology

Avaya acquired Sweden’s Konftel – which develops audio collaboration and conference telephone technology – for $15 million USD. The move should help extend Avaya’s desktop to
conference room audio collaboration portfolio. Avaya will combine Konftel’s products with its own multi-modal technologies. Konftel is now a wholly owned Avaya subsidiary.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

Bell Canada Completes Acquisition of xwave from Bell Aliant

Bell Canada announced that it has completed its $40 million acquisition of xwave from Bell Aliant. The company says the transaction will enhance its offerings in the areas of IT products and professional services for
corporate, government, and health-care clients cross Canada.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

Dell to Acquire InSite One for Cloud Based Archiving

Dell reported it will acquire InSite One, which develops cloud based medical archiving technology. The InSite One solution helps customers addresses longterm data storage and
migration, presumably to help medical professionals share images. Dell will combine the technology with Unified Clinical Archive, which it says helps medical staff access and share images, regardless of the technology deployed. InSite One manages nearly 55
million clinical studies and 3.6 billion medical images, in all, and supports almost 800 clinical sites.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

Dell to Acquire Security Services Firm SecureWorks

Dell announced it will acquire IT services provider SecureWorks, The SecureWorks portfolio of Security as a Service products includes managed security services, security and
risk consulting, and threat intelligence. Each day, it processes more than 13 billion security events and collects 30,000 malware specimens. It provides services for over 1,500 banks and credit unions. Dell says the acquisition will extend its global IT as
a Service and information security capabilities.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

Ericsson to Purchase OSS Services Firm Optimi

Ericsson reported it acquired Optimi, a US-Spanish telecommunications vendor that focuses on operations support system (OSS) optimization services. Ericsson will incorporate its
200 staff, and service and tool portfolio. It expects it will extend its capability for supporting multi-technology, multi-vendor, self organizing networks and OSS based network optimization.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

Ericsson Sells Federal Division, Now Called Oceus

Ericsson divested its 100 percent stake in Ericsson Federal – a division that focuses on the US government sector – to Tailwind Capital. It will now be known as Oceus
Networks, and will continue to offer Ericsson technology and support services. Tailwind will retain all of its staff, and president and CEO Douglas Smith will remain part of Oceus.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

GENBAND Buying Cedar Point Communications

IP infrastructure and applications provider GENBAND has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Cedar Point Communications, which makes IP switching solutions for cable
providers. The transaction is expected to close in January 2011, and is subject to customary approvals and closing conditions. The deal will add major tier 1 customers to GENBAND’s customer base. Cedar Point provides residential and business services
across a customer base that includes large cable system operators, CLECs, wireless operators, and universities. Financial terms of the acquisition were not released.

Source: Vendor, 1/5/2011

NTT DATA Completes Acquisition of Keane International

Keane announced that NTT DATA Corporation has completed its acquisition of Keane International. Following the closure of the agreement, Keane International, as well as its subsidiaries, will remain independent
entities. NTT DATA plans on using the acquisition to offer integrated IT services to customers in the US.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

Motorola Mobility Buys Streaming Software Startup Zecter

Motorola Mobility purchased Zecter, a startup that offers synchronization and streaming technologies for on demand digital media consumption, including streaming music and other multimedia content on the
go. Motorola says Zecter’s products – including ZumoDrive cloud based content syncing and ZunoCast personal media streaming – will enhance Motorola’s MOTOBLUR service by allowing consumers to stream content across the mobile device while accessing
wireless syncing, desktop integration, video transcoding, and thin-file retrieval services.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

Nokia Siemens Expects to Close Motorola Assets Buy Q1

Nokia Siemens Networks announced that it now expects to complete its acquisition of the majority of Motorola‘s public carrier wireless network infrastructure
assets in the first quarter of 2011. The company had expected, at the time the transaction was originally announced on July 19, 2010, to complete closing activities by the end of 2010 but the transaction has not yet received regulatory approval from the
Anti-Monopoly Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce of China, which is continuing its review process. All other necessary regulatory clearances have been obtained, the company said.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

Nokia Siemens Closes Agreement to Acquire IRIS

Nokia Siemens Networks completed the closing of an agreement to buy all shares of IRIS Telecom, a telecommunications and engineering services firm headquartered in Istanbul Turkey. The initial
share-purchase agreement was signed last October. IRIS’ network planning and optimization business will be integrated into Nokia Siemens’ global capabilities, presumably creating a top regional telecommunications services player.

Source: Vendor, 1/5/2011

PAETEC Completes Acquisition of Formula Telecom Solutions

PAETEC completed its purchase of assets and liabilities from Formula Telecom Solutions, including the Leap RevChain billing system. The company plans to rename the billing solution simply “RevChain” and will begin
offering it via its newly formed RevChain Solutions division. Formula Telecom Solutions itself was not included in the transaction, and will continue to operate as an independent company.

Source: Vendor, 12/28/2010

Qualcomm to Acquire Atheros for $3.1 Billion

QUALCOMM has signed a definitive agreement to purchase Atheros for US$45 per share, representing a total value of $3.1 billion, in an all-cash deal. The transaction has been
approved by the Qualcomm and Atheros boards of directors and is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of domestic and foreign regulatory approvals and the approval of Atheros’ stockholders. The acquisition is expected to close in
the first half of 2011. Atheros’ current president and CEO, Dr. Craig H. Barratt, is expected to join Qualcomm as president of Qualcomm Networking & Connectivity. Qualcomm said the acquisition is intended to help accelerate the expansion of its
technologies and platforms to new businesses beyond cellular, and offers “significant new growth opportunities.”

Source: Vendor, 1/5/2011

Raytheon Makes Cash Tender Offer for All Shares of Applied Signal Tech

Raytheon announced that it is making a cash tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of Applied Signal Technology. Upon the successful completion of the offer all Applied Signal stockholders would receive $38
per share. The offer has already been approved by the Applied Signal Technology board of directors, and only needs shareholder approval to proceed. The offer will expire at Midnight, January 28.

Source: Vendor, 12/30/2010

Rogers Completes Acquisition of Atria Networks.

Rogers announced that it has completed its acquisition of Atria Networks LP, operator of one of the largest fiber-optic networks in Ontario. The transaction was completed on January 4, 2011, following the approval of
the Canadian Competition Bureau. The company says the deal will allow it to enhance it data-centric services for customers in the area of Atria’s footprint. No financial terms were disclosed.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

Salesforce.com Announces Completion of Heroku Acquisition

Salesforce.com announced that it has completed its acquisition of Heroku, a cloud-based platform for writing Ruby-based applications. The company says it will use the purchase to add Ruby to the languages
supported by its Cloud 2 product. The company believes this will increase its share in the public cloud services market. No financial terms for the acquisition were announced.

Source: Vendor, 1/5/2011

Toshiba Buys Fujitsu’s Stake in Toshiba Storage Device Corp.

Toshiba Japan reported it acquired Fujitsu Japan‘s shareholding in Toshiba Storage Device Corp. (TSDC) to make it a wholly owned
Toshiba subsidiary. TSDC has approximately 1,000 staff members. The companies merged their hard disk drive business in 2009.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

ALLIANCES & JOINT VENTURES

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UniverSelf Joint Initiative Founded in France

The UniverSelf research initiative – a collaboration among 17 service providers, IT companies, and academic institutions – was launched in Villarceaux, France. Over the next three years, UniverSelf will
focus on autonomic technologies for managing the communications network, and network standards. It is supported within the scope of the EU’s 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development. Member companies include: Alcatel-Lucent,
France Telecom, Telecom Italia, Telefonica, NEC Europe, and Thales Communications. It will be located on the premises of Alcatel-Lucent Bell Labs.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

CARRIER SERVICES

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AT&T Wirelessly Hooks Up Pill Bottle Caps, BMWs

AT&T and Vitality announced that AT&T wirelessly-connected Vitality GlowCaps are now available through online retailer Amazon. The “intelligent” pill caps are designed to help patients take medications regularly by
sending reminder calls, weekly email reports, and monthly updates sent to patients and their physicians. The carrier also announced an agreement with BMW to wirelessly deliver a suite of safety and infotainment services to future BMW vehicle models.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

Report: AT&T Planning Branded Streaming Video Service

Fierce Wireless reported that Mark Collins, AT&T’s vice president of consumer voice and data services, said AT&T will continue to resell MobiTV’s streaming video service.
According to Fierce Wireless, which interviewed Collins at the Consumer Electronics Show, the company is also planning to launch a branded streaming video service powered by MobiTV. AT&T will launch that product later this year. Collins also said AT&T will
continue to offer its U-verse Mobile service. In October, the company launched a version of the service optimized for Android smartphones, making U-verse Mobile available on four operating systems.

Source: Fierce Wireless, 1/6/2011

AT&T Ramps Up Mobile Broadband Deployment Efforts

AT&T plans to aggressively expand its mobile broadband network deployment this year. In a press release,
AT&T said it is “the only US company committed to delivering 4G using both HSPA+ and LTE technologies.” AT&T said it expects its LTE network build to be “largely complete” by the end of 2013. The carrier plans to begin its launch of LTE service in mid
2011. AT&T said it has completed its deployment of HSPA+ to “virtually 100 percent” of its mobile broadband network, which “enables 4G speeds when combined with Ethernet or fiber backhaul.” The company said it is rapidly expanding Ethernet and fiber to
cell sites, and expects that nearly two-thirds of its mobile broadband traffic will be on expanded backhaul by the end of the year. The company has not released specific deployment details yet – launch cities and pricing, for example. The company also
announced the release of 20 new handsets at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show held this week, including devices from Motorola, HTC, and Samsung.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

BT Creates Tiered Data Delivery System for Video Content

BT is offering a new service to its broadband provider customers which could potentially be used to create a tiered Web, the Financial Times reports. The so called Content Connect service allows for the shaping of data
traffic to allow video content to take priority over other data. Additionally, the service allows those broadband providers to charge content owners additional fees to secure this preferential treatment of their video content. Content Connect is already in
use within the delivery infrastructure of the BBC’s popular iPlayer online video service. BT has stated that it does not see itself as creating a two-tiered Internet, but rather as improve the state of “over-the-top” Internet access.

Source: Financial Times, 1/3/2011

Clearwire, Sprint Roll Out 4G Services in San Francisco Bay Area

Clearwire and Sprint, which uses Clearwire’s high speed mobile broadband network, have rolled out 4G services in the San Francisco Bay area. Clearwire said the newly-launched
service extends around the Bay from San Francisco and Oakland to South Bay, including San Jose and the 680 corridor from Concord to Pleasanton, California.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

DIRECTV in Contract Spat with Northwest Broadcasting

DIRECTV is currently in another conflict over broadcast rights, this time with Northwest Broadcasting. The satellite TV company has hit a wall in its negotiations with the broadcaster, saying that Northwest is
refusing any offers below a 600% increase in fees over its previous agreement. Northwest has also demanded that all of its stations be taken off the air for the affected DIRECTV customers until a contract has been agreed on. This take-down affects
customers in Binghamton, NY; Medford, OR; Yakima and Spokane, WA; and Laredo, TX. DIRECTV says it will continue its efforts to negotiate a deal, but warns that the state of negotiations is currently very hostile.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

MetroPCS Drops Entry-Level LTE Plan Price to $40 per Month

No-contract wireless carrier MetroPCS announced new 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) plans starting at $40 per month. MetroPCS said the new plans are priced at $40, $50, and $60 per month and each one provides a
different configuration of “unlimited” talk, text, and Web browsing services.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

Sprint, BodyMedia Partner for Fitness Products

Sprint announced a partnership with BodyMedia that will expand that company’s product portfolio to include embedded devices. BodyMedia currently offers several devices that track an individual’s calorie burn,
activity levels, and sleep patterns. The new line of embedded wireless BodyMedia devices will launch in 2011 and will use Sprint’s M2M (Machine-to-Machine) platform to wirelessly send information to the users’ smartphones where mobile applications can
provide near real-time feedback and analysis.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

Time Warner Cable, Sinclair Announce Contract Extension

Time Warner Cable announced that it has reached an extension with Sinclair Broadcasting that will allow its customers to continue to receive all Sinclair Broadcasting stations uninterrupted through January
14th. The extension will allow the two companies to continue negotiating a long-term agreement. Time Warner Cable carries 33 Sinclair stations in 21 markets – among them Fox, NBC, CBS and ABC affiliates.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

Verizon Testing New Home Monitoring Service

Verizon unveiled a new Home Monitoring and Control Service. The service, currently being tested in New Jersey, will be demonstrated by Verizon at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas from
January 6-9. The service is expected to be available in the first half of 2011; it will enable Verizon customers to lock doors remotely; monitor a home via networked cameras; and set, adjust and control lights, smart thermostats, and appliances via
smartphone or computer, or through the carrier’s FiOS TV service.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

CHIP TECHNOLOGY

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Intel Unveils New Sandy Bridge CPUs

Intel unveiled its new line of desktop and laptop CPUs. The processor lineup known as Sandy Bridge, which the company is now calling 2nd Generation Intel Core, boosts performance by grafting a graphics chip onto the
CPU. Intel showcased the processors at the Consumer Electronics Show.

Source: Vendor, 1/5/2011

Microsoft Reveals Windows 8 Will Run on System on a Chip Architecture

Microsoft made an announcement regarding the hardware support included with the next version of Windows at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The company says the upcoming Windows 8 operating system will
be able to run on System on Chip (SoC) architecture, including ARM-based systems produced by NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and Texas Instruments. This technology could pave the way for non-PC, low-power systems to run a fully functional version of the Windows 8 OS.
Possible applications include tablets, entertainment devices, and other personal electronics. Microsoft says it will release more details about the operating system in the near future.

Source: Vendor, 1/5/2011

Verizon Using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon, LTE Chipset in New Devices

QUALCOMM and Verizon Wireless announced that Qualcomm’s Snapdragon MSM8655 processor and MDM9600 LTE (Long Term Evolution) modem chipset will be used in a variety of
new connectivity devices that will run on Verizon’s 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network. Verizon talked about the new devices this week at the Consumer Electronics Show. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon MSM8655 system-on-chip combines a 1.2 GHz CPU and low-power
architecture. Its MDM9600 chipset is Gobi-enabled and supports LTE data rates with backward compatibility to EV-DO Rev. A/Rev. B. Gobi is an embedded chipset from Qualcomm that combines broadband modem technology with GPS functionality.

Source: Vendor, 1/5/2011

Toshiba to Transfer Semiconductor Fab to Partner Sony

Toshiba Japan announced it will transfer its semiconductor fabrication facilities – operated by Nagasaki Semiconductor Manufacturing (NSM) – to Nagasaki joint venture partner Sony
Japan. Upon completion, the companies will terminate the NSM joint venture. The move is part of a recent restructuring initiative undertaken by Toshiba, through which it is allocating resources within its System LSI division, to focus on Logic LSI and
Analog and Imaging IC divisions.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

CLOUD COMPUTING

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AWS Launches Two New Support Plans, Cuts Existing Plan Prices by 50%

Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced the launch of two new support plans, and 50% reduction in the cost of existing Silver and Gold Premium Support plans. The new options include a Bronze support plan, which
offers a $49 per month price point, and is designed for developers; and a Platinum support plan, which features 15 minute response times, and dedicated Technical Account Managers. Basic AWS support remains a free service, and will not be affected by the
changes. More information about the new offerings and price drops is available from AWS’ Premium Support page.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS & EQUIPMENT

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AboveNet Extends Connectivity to Philadelphia Technology Park

AboveNet is extending network connectivity to the Philadelphia Technology Park. The Park, located at the Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) Navy Yard, is a carrier-neutral data center. AboveNet will provide Philadelphia
Technology Park customers with diverse, low-latency routes to other business centers in Baltimore, MD; Manhattan; and Weehawken, NJ. The Philadelphia Technology Park also represents an AboveNet IP POP (point-of-presence), which enables AboveNet to deliver
Tier 1 IP service to Philadelphia Technology Park clients.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

China Mobile to Begin Large-Scale Testing of TD-LTE

Total Telecom reported that China Mobile plans to start large-scale testing of its domestically-developed fourth-generation mobile communications technology, having
received approval from Chinese regulators. The global 4G mobile standard is called Long Term Evolution, or LTE; China Mobile’s variation on the standard is called TD-LTE.

Source: Total Telecom, 1/4/2011

Huawei Rolls Out LTE/3G/2G Triple-Mode Modem

Huawei Technologies launched its E398 triple-mode modem, which it says supports – and can seamlessly switch between – 2G, 3G, and longterm evolution access.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

Level 3 Activates New Fiber-Optic Routes in Europe

Level 3 announced it has launched ultra-low-latency fiber-optic network connections from London to Madrid and Frankfurt to Madrid. Level 3 will offer its European customers transport services on these
ultra-low-latency routes, with circuit speeds capable of up to10 Gigabits per second. Level 3 said it now offers ultra-low-latency routes to some of the world’s largest financial centers.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

NEC Details Contributions to NTT DoCoMo LTE Service

NEC Japan announced the details surrounding its contribution to NTT DoCoMo’s new “Xi” longterm evolution (LTE) mobile phone service, which recently launched commercial services in Japan. NEC – which is serving as a
total system provider – provided communications infrastructure and mobile terminals. Xi is the first commercial LTE service of its kind in Japan, with a maximum speed of 75M bps.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

Nokia Siemens to Manage HSPA Upgrade for Idea Cellular

Nokia Siemens Networks was commissioned by Idea Cellular to supply equipment and manage its high-speed packet access network in four circles in
India. The deployment should allow it to provide 3G services such as high speed mobile broadband, and improved voice and other services. Nokia Siemens will provide network implementation, project management, care, and maintenance services.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

Nokia Siemens to Upgrade SFR’s French 3G Network

Nokia Siemens Networks was selected by French operator SFR to upgrade the capacity of its existing 3G network to better accommodate the use of smart devices. Nokia Siemens will provide Flexi Multiradio
base station technology to support High Speed Packet Access services. SFR and Nokia Siemens have also given a live preview of a technology they say will provide 42M-bps download speeds. Nokia Siemens also announced it completed interoperability testing of
2.3 to 2.6-GHz frequency bands alongside chipset platform provider Sequans. The tests are expected to help advance time division – longterm evolution commercialization.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

CONFERENCING

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Alcatel Demonstrates New 4G Video Communications Services

Alcatel-Lucent demonstrated two video communications services that employ Verizon Wireless‘ 4G longterm evolution mobile broadband network, at CES 2011. The
services include: Augmented Reality Video Conferencing, an experimental service that lets participants access videoconferencing capabilities over a 4G LTE network; and Mobile Video Routing, for fast video switching and distribution.

Source: Vendor, 1/5/2011

CONSULTING & MANAGED SERVICES

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Motorola Extends Sprint iDEN Network Support Contract

Motorola Solutions announced an agreement, with Sprint, to extend support for its iDEN network by three additional years. The contract also covers the supply of software and
services.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

CYBERCRIME

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FinallyFast.com Forced to Pay Fines, Reimburse Consumers

Computerworld reported that the Washington State Attorney General’s Office has settled a lawsuit with Ascentive, a company that advertised performance enhancing and PC maintenance programs to consumers via
late night commercials. The Attorney General’s Office accused Ascentive of violating the state’s Computer Spyware Act, Consumer Protection Act, and Commercial Electronic Mail Act through the use of deceptive marketing methods including spam and
persistent pop-ups, misleading free scans, and warnings that suggest a computer has severe problems, unfair billing practices, and a cumbersome cancellation process. Ascentive, known for its FinallyFast.com commercials, will have to pay $78,000 in fines
and refund money to customers.

Source: Computerworld, 1/4/2011

Foreign Students Dupe Big US Companies, Consumers out of Millions

Minnesota’s Star Tribune reported that two Vietnamese exchange students at Winona State University have been arrested for helping a cybercrime ring steal millions of dollars from eBay, PayPal, Amazon, Dell, Apple, and Verizon Wireless as well as from consumers. The students stole identities from more than 180 eBay accounts and 360 PayPal accounts to sell merchandise online. They netted more than US $1 million via fraudulent
transactions and then wired the money to accounts overseas. The Department of Homeland Security‘s Immigration and Customs Enforcement had been investigating the cybercrime ring since
September 2009.

Source: Star Tribune, 1/3/2011

DATA BREACHES

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Watchdog Group Releases Stats on Data Breaches for 2010

The Identity Theft Resource Center recorded 662 data breaches in its 2010 ITRC Breach List. Highlights of the ITRC
Breach List analysis include: paper breaches account for nearly 20% of known breaches; malicious attacks account for more breaches than human error, with hacking at 17.1% and insider theft at 15.4%; and 412 breaches (62%) reported exposure of Social
Security Numbers.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

DESKTOPS

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HP Debuts Notebook, Desktop, Thin Client Offerings

Hewlett-Packard (HP) announced several new Compaq Elite business PC, Pavilion and ENVY laptop, T series thin client, and LCD monitor models. Its new Compaq Elite desktops come packaged with HP ProtectTools network and
data security software. Also of note are new laptops such as the Mini 210, Pavilion dm1, and ENVY 17, a 3D notebook.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

Lenovo Debuts IdeaCentre, All-in-One Desktops

Lenovo unveiled new A and C series IdeaCentre and all-in-one desktop systems. The Intel based systems were developed to accommodate high definition, multi-touch displays. They cost between $449 and $899 USD.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

ENTERPRISE APPLICATION SOFTWARE

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Novell Launches ZENworks 11

Novell announced the launch of ZENworks 11, its “single pane of glass” endpoint management solution. ZENworks 11 integrates ZENworks Configuration Management, ZENworks Asset Management, ZENworks Patch Management and
ZENworks Endpoint Security Management into a single system, with a unified control point. The software can manage patches, devices, secure endpoints, and software license compliance. It also functions on both physical, and cloud-based environments.
ZENWorks 11 is available now. More information about it can be found at Novell’s product page.

Source: Vendor, 1/5/2011

FINANCIAL

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KPN Completes Year-Long Share Repurchasing Program

KPN announced that it has completed its 1 billion Euro share repurchasing program. The program was ended following a final purchase of approximately 2.6 million shares of the company’s stock between December 6 and 10,
2010. Over the course of the program KPN repurchased a total of 89.9 million shares, with an average market price of EUR 11.12.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

Wikimedia Meets $16 Million Donation Drive Goal

The Wikimedia Foundation, owners of Wikipedia, announced that it has met the $16 million goal for its 2010 donation drive. The foundation will use the cash to fund its projects for the 2010-11 fiscal year. Over the
50-day donation period, the group collected more than 500,000 donations, with the average gift coming in at $22. The amount collected will pay for the majority of the expected $20.4 million 2010-11 operating budget for the foundation.

Source: Vendor, 1/1/2011

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS

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FLIR Receives Contract to Secure US Southern Border

ICx Technologies, a subsidiary of FLIR has been awarded a US$101.9 million contract from the Department of Homeland Security‘s Customs and
Border Protection for its Mobile Surveillance Capabilities systems. The technology will be used in rugged areas of the US southern border, and the contract includes FLIR’s long-range thermal imaging cameras.

Source: Vendor, 1/5/2011

General Dynamics Wins $122 Million USAEUR Task Order

General Dynamics received a $122 million task order to support the US Army Europe (USAREUR). The company will be called on to supply IT support to the USAREUR headquarters and its associated staff elements
and organizations. The contract was awarded under the USAREUR Theater Warfighter Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) program. The agreement has a 5-year duration, if all options are exercised.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

Morpho Wins TSA Contract for Airport Explosive Detection Systems

Morpho Detection, part of Morpho, Safran Group‘s security business, has been awarded a fourth delivery order from the US
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for more than 1,200 additional Itemiser DX desktop explosives trace detection systems. The TSA delivery order is valued at more than US $32 million. The Itemiser DX is one of
the next-generation explosives detection offerings being used at US airports.

Source: Vendor, 12/20/2010

SAIC Receives $24 Million Task Order from NIH

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) announced that it has received a follow-on task order from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to provide software and technical support for its Center for
Scientific Review (CSR). SAIC will be tasked with supporting the CSR in areas such as software and web development, network administration, and desktop and help desk assistance. The contract has a six month base period, 9 six-month options, and a total
value of $24 million if all options are exercised.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

SAIC Announces Inclusion in $907 DOE Environmental Cleanup Contract

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) announced that it has received a contract from the US Department of Energy (DOE) to provide environmental clean-up services to the Office of Environmental
Management (EM). The company will provide services such as environmental restoration, waste management, regulatory support, and facility deactivation, decommissioning, decontamination and demolition. 11 companies included as awardees in the agreement. The
contract has a five-year period of performance, and a total value of more than $907 million for all awardees.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

Unisys Receives $28 Million Contract from NASA

Unisys received a contract from NASA for the provision of application development and systems integration services in support of its simulation and flight research projects at the Langley Research Center (LaRC).
Unisys will be responsible for software and hardware design, development, and testing; operations; and maintenance. The agreement has a three-year base period valued at $28 million, and a single two-year option, with a value of $20.5 million.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS

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Allscripts Announces Two New Meaningful Use Certifications

Allscripts announced that its Sunrise Acute Care 5.5 and Sunrise Emergency Care 5.5 products have been certified as Complete EHRs by the Certification Commission for Health Information Technology, an Office of
the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Authorized Testing and Certification Body (ONC-ATCB). This certification guarantees the products will qualify for 2011/2012 stage 1 meaningful use under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
(ARRA).

Source: Vendor, 12/28/2010

AT&T Adds MedApps’ CloudCare to ForHealth Portfolio

AT&T announced the inclusion of MedApps products in AT&T’s ForHealth portfolio of “mHealth,” cloud-based, and telehealth products and solutions. AT&T’s ForHealth products are intended to streamline healthcare data flow
and care delivery. Along with other providers and products, the inclusion of MedApps’ CloudCare product line will broaden the mHealth solution suite offered by AT&T, which targets the healthcare industry.

Source: Vendor, 1/5/2011

INTERNET

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Google’s Chrome Ends 2010 with 10% Market Share

Google‘s Chrome Web browser has finally reached double digits in market share. CNet reported that the Chrome browser finished 2010 with a 10% market share, its highest total to
date. Most of this growth came at the expense of Microsoft, which suffered a 5.6% loss over the past year, its largest single-year loss yet. Despite this, the combined versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer still
accounted for a 57.1% market share. Second place remained in the hands of Mozilla‘s Firefox, which held flat at 22.8%. Apple‘s Safari came in fourth, showing modest growth, to attain
a 5.9% share. Lastly, despite the best efforts of the Web developer community, and even Microsoft itself, the long-obsolete Internet Explorer 6 hung onto 13.1% of the market.

Source: CNet, 1/6/2011

Experian Hitwise Launches Internet Measurement Service in India

Experian Hitwise announced the launch of a new Internet measurement service in India. The service is designed to help both domestic and international marketers to improve their online marketing, content development,
affiliate strategies, and search tactics. More information about Hitwise India’s products and services is available from its Web site.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

ICANN Releases Results of DNS Security Response for CSIRTs Survey

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) released the findings of its survey on the DNS security
response operations for national computer security incident response teams (CSIRTs). The survey was sent to a total of 55 CSIRTs with national responsibility around the globe, with 26 responding. Unfortunately, the response was not comprehensive enough to
draw broad conclusions, ICANN said.

Source: Vendor, 12/23/2010

ICANN Posts Final Recommendations for Transparency

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) announced the release of the final recommendations of
its Accountability and Transparency Review Team (ATRT). These recommendations were developed from the draft released in November 2010, and take into
account all input received during the public comment period, and during the intervening ICANN meetings. The final recommendations will be posted for public
comment until February 14, 2010.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

Mozilla Releases Improved Firefox 4 Beta 8

Mozilla announced the release of the newest Firefox 4 beta edition. The latest iteration of the software includes a streamlined setup, increased support for hardware rendering of 3D graphics, a new Firefox Add-on
Manager, and automatic add-on updates. The latest beta release is available from the Mozilla download page.

Source: Vendor, 12/23/2010

LAPTOPS & TABLETS

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Asus Rolls Out Windows 7, Android Tablet PCs

Asus International unveiled four new tablet PC models: the EP121, EP102, EP101, and EP71. They measure between seven and 12 inches, and – with the exception of the EP71 Android-based model – come with Microsoft Windows
7. In addition, one of the models (the Eee Pad Transformer), features a detachable keyboard. The tablets were introduced at the CES 2011 trade show in Las Vegas. Asus is also preparing to release new Intel-based, 15-17 inch G53SW and G72SW laptops with
1-TB storage capacity.

Source: CES, 1/3/2011

Cisco, Verizon Announce 4G Cius, Wireless WAN Interface

Cisco Systems announced that Verizon Wireless will be the first service provider to deliver a 4G version of Cius, its mobile collaboration business tablet, which will be
available in the Spring. The companies also announced a 4G wireless wide area network interface on Cisco’s second generation Integrated Services Router. It will be available for Verizon’s 3G and 4G customers.

Source: Vendor, 1/5/2011

Dell, T-Mobile Introduce Portable 4G Android Tablet

Dell introduced Streak 7, a 4G-capable, seven-inch Android tablet that will use the T-Mobile USA 4G mobile broadband network. It will also feature Dell’s Stage interface, for
storing and syncing photos, contacts, calendars, and other content across Stage equipped tablets, PCs, and other devices connected to a home network.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

Google Shows Video Demo of Android 3.0 Honeycomb for Tablets

Google provided a video demonstration of its Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system for tablet devices at this year’s Consumer
Electronics Show. The new OS features a new user interface optimized for larger tablet displays, new widgets, a tablet-optimized version of Gmail, a customized version of Google’s e-reader application, and access to the Google eBooks store. Google has not
yet set a date for the release of the new operating system but several upcoming tablets are on display at CES already running a version of Android Honeycomb.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

Lenovo Introduces Several New Laptops

Lenovo unveiled a new Intel based family of IdeaPad laptops, ThinkPad X120e “ultra-portable” laptops, new Windows 7 E220s and E420s laptops for SMBs, and other ThinkPad Edge models. The former – which includes new Y,
Z, S, V, G, and B series models – employ the Windows 7 operating system (OS) and cut battery consumption by 30 percent, Lenovo said. Lenovo is also rumored to be preparing to release the LePad, a tablet based on Google’s Android operating system and
expected early this year, as well as other tablet models specifically for business users. The new systems range in price from $329.99 to $899.99 USD. Lenovo also announced an IdeaPad U1 hybrid with LePad slate, a two-in-one device that combines a slate
interface – with access to Android apps – and a keyboard base.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

LG, T-Mobile USA Introduce G-Slate Tablet Device

LG and T-Mobile USA announced the “upcoming” launch of a new tablet device, named T-Mobile G-Slate. The device will run under the Google Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) operating system and
support a range of Android-based applications. T-Mobile USA said additional product details will be disclosed “at a later date.” Release date and pricing are yet to be determined.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

Motorola, Verizon Wireless Showcase XOOM Tablet at CES

Verizon Wireless and Motorola Mobility used the Consumer Electronics Show as the stage for unveiling the new
Motorola XOOM tablet, which they say will be the first device to run the Google Android 3.0
(Honeycomb) operating system, an OS designed from the ground up for tablet devices. The XOOM – considered a legitimate competitor to the Apple iPad – has a dual core processor, with each core running at 1 GHz, delivering up to two GHz of processing
power, and 10.1-inch widescreen HD display. Motorola Mobility said XOOM will launch as a 3G/Wi-Fi-enabled device in the first quarter of 2011 with an upgrade to 4G LTE in Q2. Starting in the second quarter of 2011, the Motorola XOOM will be a 4G
LTE/Wi-Fi-enabled device, the company said. It is not yet clear if Motorola Mobility will release a Wi-Fi-only version of XOOM. Pricing for the new tablet has not yet been announced. The XOOM is one of a slew of new tablet devices introduced at the
technology trade show.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

RIM’s PlayBook to Run on Sprint Network

Research in Motion (RIM) has filled in more details about its upcoming tablet launch. The Wi-Fi-only version of PlayBook – a 7-inch touchscreen tablet – will launch in March. A 4G version of the device will launch this
Summer on the Sprint network. A RIM spokesman said the iPad competitor is generating huge interest in the enterprise sector, adding that corporations are viewing the PlayBook “as a tool as essential to employees as a phone or a PC.” The PlayBook boasts a
dual-core processor and supports Flash – unlike the Apple iPad.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

Toshiba to Roll Out 10-Inch Netbook with Six-Cell Battery

Toshiba Japan is preparing to release a new NB550D netbook with 10-inch LED screen. It will feature the Windows 7 Home Premium operating system. According to Toshiba, its six-cell battery provides up to 9.5 hours
of life per charge. It is rumored for a Spring 2011 release.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

Vizio to Introduce New Android Tablet, Smartphone Products

Vizio, an electronics firm best known for high definition TVs, announced it will introduce an Android tablet PC and smartphone, at CES 2011. One or both devices are expected to feature Honeycomb, the next generation
Android operating system.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

LEGAL

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Apple, LG, Others Sued for Video Compression Patents

The Alcatel-Lucent backed Multimedia Patent Trust filed a suit against several firms, accusing them of infringing on its video compression patents. The suit – filed against Apple, LG Electronics Mobilecomm, LG Electronics USA, Canon, and TiVo in California US District Court – seeks royalty payments on several video-capable products.

Source: US District Ct., 1/3/2011

MALWARE WATCH

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Trojans, Adware Main Web Threats in December Says Kaspersky

Kaspersky Lab reviewed malware activity on the Web for December and found that social engineering and the
exploitation of vulnerabilities in legitimate software remained the main methods used by cybercriminals. The Trojan-Downloader.Java.OpenConnection family remained a major force behind the month’s malware, but the adware program AdWare.Win32.HotBar.dh was
December’s top Web-based threat.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

White House Greetings Sting Many; Botnet to Blame

According to an article at Krebs on Security, the Kneber botnet has returned with a vengeance, stealing sensitive data from government agencies and contractors, while disguising itself as an innocent holiday
greeting card from the White House. Users who clicked on the links in the fake card had their PCs infected with a Trojan that stole personal data and uploaded them to a server based in Belarus. The Massachusetts State Police, the National Science
Foundation’s Office of Cyber Infrastructure, and the Financial Action Task Force were among the groups hit by this malware, which looks much like the Kneber botnet that reared its head last February.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

New Trojan Targets Chinese Android Mobile Devices

Lookout Mobile Security has found that Android-powered smart phones in China have been hit with malware that appears to have the features of a botnet. The malware, dubbed “Geinimi,” is a Trojan that can swipe
personal data from an Android phone and send it to remote servers. Once Geinimi is downloaded to a phone, a remote server can send commands to the phone, essentially taking over control of the device.

Source: Vendor, 12/29/2010

McAfee Warns of Possible Web Threats for 2011

Researchers at McAfee have released a report entitled 2011 Threat
Prediction, which details the top threats expected for 2011. Apple’s Mac OS X platform, which has seen few attacks in the past, is expected to be a major target of future threats. McAfee also predicts that mobile devices will be hacked in the coming
months and social networking sites will face crafted attacks from cybercriminals.

Source: Vendor, 12/28/2010

Botnet Starts Off New Year with Circulating Malware

ShadowServer, a watchdog group, has discovered a new botnet that is in circulation on the Web. The botnet, which mimics others from the past, sends out spam emails with attached links, and some of those links
direct users to hacked Web sites and malicious domains. The malware began as a spam campaign with fake ecards celebrating the new year. Researchers believe the botnet has ties to the cybercriminals behind the Storm and Waledac bots.

Source: Vendor, 12/30/2010

New Worm Winding Its Way into an IM Message Near You

A new variant of an Instant Messenger worm is spreading, according to SonicWALL. The malware is circulating via applications includingAIM, Yahoo Messenger, MSN, and Facebook, and sends users messages to view pictures. Once the user clicks on the “continue” button, he or she is directed to
a malicious Web site.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

MOBILE APPS

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Amazon Releases Kindle App for Windows Phone 7

Amazon announced that its Kindle e-reader application for the Windows Phone 7 is now available. The app features all of the same functionality as its predecessors on other platforms, as well as personalized
recommendations, and the ability to recommend books to friends from within the app. More information about the app is available at Amazon’s newly launched Kindle for Windows
7 Phone page.

Source: Vendor, 1/5/2011

Amazon to Launch Android and Windows Tablet Version of Kindle App

Amazon announced that it plans to release specifically tailored version of its Kindle e-reader application for both Android and Windows-based tablet devices. Both apps will have a feature-set identical to existing
Kindle applications, and will allow users to browse Amazon’s Kindle Store. More information about the upcoming applications can be found at the Amazon Kindle Apps page.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

Amazon Opens Submissions to Its Android App Store

Amazon opened its planned Android app store to application submissions. Although many details of the store are remain unknown, it is apparent that Amazon will be controlling the app store more tightly than Google‘s own Android Marketplace. This includes controlling both the applications which are available, and controlling the pricing for those applications. Membership as an app store merchant requires a $99 fee, and grants
developers access to 70% of the purchase price, or 20% of the list price of each application purchase, whichever is greater. The Amazon Appstore is expected to launch later this year.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

Opera Offers Peak at New Browser for Tablet Devices

Opera announced that it plans to debut a new tablet-specific version of its browser at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. Details on the new software remain sparse but Opera has posted a demonstration of the software running on a Samsung Galaxy Tab, essentially guaranteeing that an Android version will be available at launch. More details on Opera
for Tablets will be available in the coming weeks.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

Skype Adds Video Calling to iPhone App

Skype has released a two-way video application for Apple iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. Skype’s first iPhone app offered only voice and text.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

Skype Launches New iOS App with Video Calling over Wi-Fi or 3G

Skype announced the launch of a new and improved application for iOS devices. The revamped Skype Mobile app allows iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch users to make and receive video calls on compatible devices. The service
is also available over both Wi-Fi and 3G, unlike the built-in iOS video chat application FaceTime, which is limited to Wi-Fi connections. The new app is fully compatible with the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and iPod touch 4th generation with iOS 4.0 or above. It
can also be used to receive video calls on iPod touch 3rd generation and iPad. The new Skype Mobile app is available for free from the Apple App Store.

Source: Vendor, 12/30/2010

PERIPHERALS

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Barnes & Noble Nook Store Takes Top Spot on Christmas Day

Barnes & Noble‘s Nook e-reader spurred its online e-book sales into first place on Christmas day, Reuters reported. The boost, presumably the result of users trying out their new
Christmas gifts, pushed the Nook store ahead of the Amazon Kindle store with more than 1 million downloads over the course of the day.

Source: Reuters, 12/30/2010

Microsoft Launches its Own Multi-Touch Sensitive Mouse

Microsoft unveiled its Touch Mouse at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The new mouse functions similarly to a normal PC mouse, but also features a multi-touch sensitive surface on its back. This
surface allows for functions such as scrolling, panning, window management, desktop navigation, and zooming, as well as numerous other gesture-based functions. The Microsoft Touch Mouse is expected to launch some time in June 2011, and will retail for
$79.95.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

PERSONNEL AND ORGANIZATION

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Pierre Nanterme Takes Over as CEO of Accenture

Accenture announced that Pierre Nanterme has assumed his new role as Chief Executive Office of the company, effective January 1. He replaces William D. Green, who served in the role since 2004, while also serving
as Chairman of the Board of Directors since 2006. Green will continue with the company in the Chairman position. Nanterme has been with Accenture since 1983.

Source: Vendor, 1/1/2011

Alcatel Appoints New Head for Global Defense Markets

Alcatel-Lucent named Frederic Sutter as global head for Defense Markets, with the exception of the US Federal Government, which is managed through LGS. Sutter has held several positions at Alcatel, within
managed services and corporate strategy, and has also served as a consultant within KPMG Peat Marwick.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

AOL Appoints Eric Singleton as New SVP of Technologies

AOL announced that it has appointed Eric Singleton as Senior Vice President, Technologies for its Paid Services Division. His responsibilities will include the creation of a unified platform for the discovery, trial,
purchase and management of AOL’s Paid Services, as well as overseeing his division’s technology roadmap. Singleton comes to AOL after four years spent as an IT Strategy & Implementation Executive.

Source: Vendor, 1/5/2011

Apple Opens New Mac App Store

Apple opened its new Mac App Store, which features more than 1,000 free and paid apps. It is available for Snow Leopard users through Software Update, as part of Mac OS X 10.6.6.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

eBay Hires Andrea Linett as Creative Director for eBay Fashion

eBay announced that it has hired Andrea Linett as a creative director for its eBay Fashion business. Her responsibility will be to work with the division’s marketing and communications teams to drive the company’s
image, voice, and editorial style. Linett has more than 20 years of experience in the fashion business, and co-founded Lucky magazine.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

Motorola Completes Split

Motorola has completed its split into two companies: Motorola Mobility and Motorola Solutions. The split was
officially completed January 4, 2010. Motorola Mobility is home to the company’s mobile phone, home set-top box, and video solutions businesses. Motorola Solutions will sell two-way radios and accessories used primarily in the public safety sector, barcode
scanners, mobile computers, RFID solutions, private radio systems, and wireless network infrastructure equipment. Motorola last year sold most of its telecom infrastructure business to Nokia Siemens Networks, a 50-50 joint venture between Nokia and
Siemens. That acquisition is expected to close this quarter. Greg Brown will serve as CEO of Motorola Solutions and Sanjay Jha is CEO of Motorola Mobility. Motorola Solutions shares began trading January 4th on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker
symbol “MSI.” Motorola Mobility’s ticker symbol is “MMI.” In a press release, Motorola Solutions said Motorola, Inc. stockholders as of the close of
business on Dec. 21, 2010 received 1 share of Motorola Mobility Holdings common stock for every 8 shares of Motorola, Inc. common stock they held. Immediately following the distribution of Motorola Mobility Holdings common stock, Motorola, Inc. completed a
1-for-7 reverse stock split.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

Northrop Grumman Appoints Pair to Help Grow UK-Based Businesses

Northrop Grumman announced a pair of executive appointments for its UK business. Graham Wright and Kathy Salyan have both been appointed to positions designed to expand the company’s intelligence-related business
and strengthen its technology footprint in the country. Both will be tasked with identifying new business opportunities, and developing strategies to expand the various business segments operating in the UK. The pair has a combined 55 years of experience
in the UK defense industry.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

Rose Stuckey Kirk Named President, Verizon Foundation

Rose Stuckey Kirk has been named president of the Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, effective immediately. Kirk succeeds Patrick Gaston who this month
will join the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund as an executive in residence for one year to assist with Haiti relief efforts. Kirk’s new position builds on her most recent experience as Verizon’s vice president of public affairs, policy, and communications.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

PUBLIC SAFETY

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FCC Considers Expanding Information Shared with Public

Source: FCC, 12/30/2010

REGULATORY & GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

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Alcatel Concludes Settlement with US SEC, DoJ

Alcatel-Lucent concluded settlement agreements with both the US Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Justice, following investigations into possible violations of the Foreign Corrupt
Practices Act. Initial agreements in principle were disclosed in public filings last year. Alcatel-Lucent SA entered a deferred prosecution agreement – with the DoJ – to be charged with violations of the books, records, and internal controls provisions,
however prosecution will be deferred for a three year period. In addition, three Alcatel subsidiaries will plead guilty to a criminal information charging one count of conspiracy to commit anti-bribery, books and records, and internal controls violations.
Alcatel also agreed to resolve related civil anti-bribery, books and records, and internal controls charges filed by the SEC.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

CenturyLink, Qwest Reach Agreement with Washington State Officials

CenturyLink and Qwest Communications have reached a settlement agreement with the staff of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission and the Public Counsel
Section of the Washington State Attorney General’s Office on the proposed merger of the two companies. The parties to the settlement agreed to recommend that the UTC approve the transaction, subject to certain conditions. The UTC must review the settlement
and may approve, reject, or change the conditions. Hearings are scheduled for Jan. 5-7, 2011. Under the agreement, CenturyLink and Qwest said the combined company would invest a minimum of $80 million in broadband infrastructure in Washington over five
years, with a significant portion dedicated to improving broadband service in unserved and underserved areas. The agreement also resolves certain retail and wholesale issues, freezes some rates for at least three years, and commits the merged company to
provide regular updates and reports to the commission regarding the integration of the two companies. CenturyLink is in the process of obtaining federal and state regulatory approvals for its acquisition of Qwest; it expects to complete the acquisition in
the first half of 2011.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

Nebraska Regulators Approve CenturyLink, Qwest Merger

The Nebraska Public Service Commission has unanimously approved the proposed merger between CenturyLink and Qwest Communications. As part of the approval process, the telcos
committed to investing a minimum of $10 million in broadband infrastructure in Nebraska over five years. Sixteen states and the District of Columbia have now approved the proposed merger. CenturyLink and Qwest must receive approval from five additional
states and the Federal Communications Commission. CenturyLink expects the merger to be completed in the first half of 2011.

Source: Vendor, 1/5/2011

US, Qatar Join Forces to Boost Security

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano signed an agreement with the Minister of State for Internal Affairs of Qatar in an effort to enhance security for American and Qatari citizens. Sharing information about
individuals with ties to terrorism and passenger airport screenings are among the initiatives that were outlined in this collaboration.

Source: DHS, 1/2/2011

New FBI Forensics Lab Opens for Business in California

The FBI has opened the Orange County Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory in Santa Ana, California. The new lab will be used to examine digital evidence in support of criminal and terrorism investigations.

Source: FBI, 1/5/2011

NIST Releases Security Publications

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has released two special publications. The first document, identified as Special Publication
800-119 describes the deployment of next-generation IPv6. The second paper, Special Publication 800-135, provides recommendations for application-specific key derivation
functions.

Source: NIST, 12/28/2010

NIST Issues Report, Draft Publication on Security Topics

An interagency report, IR-7502, that describes a specification for the Common Configuration Scoring System, a set of standardized measures for the severity of software
security configuration vulnerabilities is available from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). In addition, the NIST has released Draft Special Publication 800-70 Revision 2, which describes security configuration checklists and their benefits.

Source: NIST, 12/22/2010

Security Assessment Deadline Looming for Federal Agencies

The director of the US Office of Management and Budget (OMBB) has informed federal agencies they have until January 28, 2011 to complete initial security evaluations on how their offices protect classified
documents. OMB announced in November that agencies would need to create assessment teams to evaluate safeguarding procedures following the WikiLeaks release of confidential government information. According to OMB director Jacob Pew’s memo, the Director of the Information Security Oversight Office and the National Counterintelligence Executive within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence
“will evaluate and assist agencies to comply with the assessment requirement and provide assistance to agency assessment teams.”

Source: OMB, 1/3/2011

Utah Gives Green Light to CenturyLink, Qwest Merger

The Utah Public Service Commission has unanimously approved the proposed, pending merger between CenturyLink and Qwest Communications. As part of the approval process, the
combined company committed to investing a minimum of $25 million in broadband infrastructure in Utah over five years. Including Utah, 17 states and the District of Columbia have approved the proposed merger. The companies also must receive approval from
four additional states and the Federal Communications Commission.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

RFID

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Motorola Solutions Details Retail RFID Tagging in Whitepaper

Motorola Solutions announced the publication of a new white paper it says details item-level RFID tagging within the retail sector. The report – entitled Item-Level RFID Tagging in Retail – outlines applications and potential target areas in which retailers can use RFID to their advantage, and, according to Motorola, reveals how
these retailers have achieved and maintained status by emphasizing and adopting new visibility technologies such as RFID. Motorola is offering the report to retailers.

Source: Vendor, 1/5/2011

SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS

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KT Successfully Launches New Broadcast Satellite

Telecompaper reported that South Korean telecommunications operator KT has successfully launched a new broadcast satellite from the Guiana Space Center in French Guiana.
The satellite, called Olleh 1 after the firm’s flagship brand, will transmit HD digital content and 3D programming across Korea, beginning in February. KT plans to expand the service area to other countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa by 2013
through cooperation with overseas satellite firms. KT currently operates four broadcast and communication satellites, including Olleh 1.

Source: Telecompaper, 1/3/2011

SEARCH

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blinkX Adds FORA.tv to its Search Engine

blinkX announced the formation of a partnership with FORA.tv a human interest online video library. The deal will see 3,500 videos from the FORA library being made available on the blinkX search engine. As usual,
blinkX will leverage its AdHoc platform to place contextually relevant advertisements within the FORA videos. No financial terms for the agreement were disclosed.

Source: Vendor, 1/5/2011

SECURITY FLAWS & FIXES

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HP Photo Creations Requires Update to Alleviate Risk

HP Photo Creations contains a vulnerability, which has been confirmed in build 4281, bundling ContentMan.dll version 1.0.0.4281. Users should update to build 5162, bundling ContentMan.dll version 1.0.0.5162 for issue
resolution.

Source: Secunia, 1/34/2011

Microsoft Advises on Zero-Day Windows Flaw

Microsoft has released Security Advisory 2490606, which addresses a zero-day vulnerability affecting the Windows Graphics Rendering
Engine on Vista, Server 2003, and Windows XP. To target this vulnerability, an attacker must convince a user to visit a specially-crafted malicious Web page, or to open a malicious Word or PowerPoint file. A security update for this flaw is in the works
and is expected at a later date.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

Flaw Discovered in Windows Fax Cover Page Editor

An input validation error in the Microsoft Windows Fax Cover Page Editor component (fxscover.exe) has been deemed highly critical. The vulnerability is confirmed in fully patched versions of Windows XP
Professional SP3, Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition SP2, and Windows 7 Professional.

Source: Secunia, 12/27/2010

Microsoft Warns of Attacks on Office, Instructs Users to Update

Microsoft reported that a vulnerability in Office that was patched in November is being attacked once again with a newer form of malware. Microsoft recommends immediately applying the November patch to mitigate risks.

Source: Vendor, 12/29/2010

Microsoft Sees Attacks Against Explorer

Targeted attacks against Microsoft Internet Explorer have resulted in a vendor-issued advisory. The main impact from this attack is
remote code execution. Internet Explorer versions 6, 7, and 8 are all affected by the vulnerability.

Source: Vendor, 12/31/2010

Microsoft Updates Explorer Security Bulletin

Microsoft updated a security bulletin for Internet Explorer from December that detailed seven vulnerabilities. The bulletin was updated to reflect a detection change. No changes were made to the security
files.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

WordPress Gets an Update to Fix Security Bug

Version 3.0.4 of WordPress is available for update, fixing a critical security bug in the HTML sanitation library, called KSES.

Source: Vendor, 12/29/2010

SECURITY PRODUCTS & COMPANIES

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Kaspersky Lab Expands with New Netherlands Office

Kaspersky Lab has opened a new territory office in Utrecht, the Netherlands, to serve the Benelux countries. The Managing Director of the new Benelux office will be Martijn van Lom.

Source: Vendor, 12/27/2010

Sourcefire Buys Immunet for $21 Million

Sourcefire announced that it will acquire Immunet, a provider of cloud-based anti-malware technologies for US $21 million. This acquisition enables Sourcefire to provide endpoint protection from client-side
attacks and Advanced Persistent Threats.

Source: Vendor, 1/5/2011

Symantec Secures HP PCs for Small Businesses

Norton Internet Security 2011 from Symantec is now shipping on select HP PCs targeted at small offices and small businesses. The complimentary 60-day subscription of Norton Internet
Security protects against viruses, spyware, and other online threats.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

SMARTPHONES

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AT&T, Bell, Motorola Mobility Introduce Dual-Core Processor ATRIX 4G

Motorola Mobility and AT&T unveiled the Motorola ATRIX 4G, a powerful new smartphone that includes a dual core processor, full Adobe Flash Player support, and a full
Mozilla Firefox 3.6 Web browser. The Motorola ATRIX 4G supports access to emails, files, and media. While using the webtop application, business users with an existing Citrix account can use the smartphone’s integrated Citrix Receiver application for
access to virtual desktops as well as Windows, Web, and office applications hosted on Citrix XenDesktop. ATRIX 4G also supports access to such Web applications as Salesforce.com, Google Docs, and any HTML application or service from the full desktop
browser. The smartphone runs Android 2.2 and will be available in the US exclusively through AT&T. In Canada, the Motorola ATRIX will be available exclusively to Bell Mobility clients “in the coming months,” according to a
Motorola Mobility press release. Pricing for the smartphone has not been set.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

comScore November Mobile Stats Show Android Rising

comScore released its US mobile subscriber numbers for November 2010. The OEM list remained relatively steady with Samsung still on top with a 0.9% growth in market share since
August, leaving it with 24.5%. LG came in second with 20.9%, losing 0.3%; Motorola followed in third losing 1.8% and dropping to 17% of the market; fourth place was taken by RIM with 8.8%; and Nokia rounded out the top 5 with 7.2%. On the platform end of the market recent trends continued. RIM is still hemorrhaging users losing another 4.1% since August to
leave it with 33.5% of the market, and a rapidly shrinking lead. Google continued its rampage up the charts, with its Android OS gaining 6.4% to control 26% of the market. Apple saw a
gain of 0.8%, bringing it to an even 25%. Microsoft‘s launch of its Windows Phone 7 series did not reverse its fortunes this month: the company still lost 1.8% share, and fell to 9% of the market. Lastly, in fifth
place, Palm dropped another 0.7% to hold onto just a 3.9% share.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

New Motorola CLIQ 2 Smartphone Coming Soon to T-Mobile USA

Motorola Mobility and T-Mobile USA announced the upcoming availability of the Motorola CLIQ 2, a 3.7-inch touchscreen smartphone with a slide-out keypad. The CLIQ 2
runs on Android 2.2, supports Adobe Flash and access to the Android Market, as well as a range of business applications. The CLIQ 2 will be available January 19 in the US exclusively through T-Mobile USA. Pricing was not released.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

Galaxy Smartphone Reaches 10-Million-Sold Landmark

Samsung Electronics, which is headquartered in South Korea, has sold 10 million of its Android-powered Galaxy S smartphones. The milestone was reached in less than seven months after the device was launched in June
2010. Samsung sold more 1.4 million Super Amoled (Super Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode) devices per month since the launch, Samsung Electronics’ president and head of Mobile Communications Business JK Shin said.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

Sprint Debuts 4G-Ready HTC Evo Slider, Novatel MiFi Device

Sprint announced it will launch on January 9th the HTC Evo Shift 4G, an Android 2.2-based smartphone with a slide-out, four-row QWERTY keypad. The Evo Shift will sell for $149 with a two-year contract. The Shift will
connect to Sprint’s 4G network, as does the original Evo smartphone. Other features include stereo Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, a digital compass, and a microSD memory card slot (supporting up to 32GB of additional storage). Sprint also announced an updated
version of Novatel Wireless’ portable MiFi hotspot for use on Sprint’s 4G network. The three-ounce MiFi 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot supports up to five connected Wi-Fi devices at a time. It will be available in February for $49 with a new two-year Sprint
contract.

Source: Vendor, 1/4/2011

New DROID BIONIC to Flex Dual-Core Muscles on Verizon’s Network

Verizon Wireless and Motorola Mobility introduced the DROID BIONIC, a new Android-based smartphone with a dual core processor and 512 MB of RAM designed to run
over Verizon’s 4G LTE network. The latest DROID supports Flash and HTML5, rendering graphics faster than previous generation, single-core devices, the companies said. DROID BIONIC comes equipped with corporate email, remote “wipe,” and data security and
encryption capabilities. It is also pre-loaded with such productivity tools as Quickoffice for document review and editing, calendar management, one-click access to conference calling, and a suite of Google applications and services. No release date or
pricing details have been announced.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

SOCIAL MEDIA

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Facebook Raises an Additional $500 Million, Gets $50 Billion Valuation

Facebook has raised another $500 million in capital as part of its efforts to remain a private company, according to the Wall Street Journal. The agreement includes Goldman Sachs,
as well as Russian firm Digital Sky Technologies, and reportedly values the social networking site at $50 billion. The deal will also allow customers of Goldman Sachs to purchase equity in the company via the financial firm’s private wealth-management
division. However, Goldman customers wishing to buy shares in the new investment fund set up by the brokerage are required to invest no less than $2 million, and to sign an agreement requiring that they retain ownership of the shares until at least 2013.
The Journal says Facebook is only the latest tech company to join the new trend of avoiding an initial public offering, and its inherent dangers.

Source: WSJ, 1/4/2011

STREAMING MEDIA

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Cisco Introduces Cutting Edge Videoscape TV Platform

Cisco Systems unveiled Videoscape, a TV platform it says will help service providers combine digital TV and online content with other communications applications, including social networking tools. It includes an IP
set top box and Cisco Conductor technology, for linking a cloud network to client devices.

Source: Vendor, 1/5/2011

Toshiba Demonstrates 3D TV Streaming Without Glasses

Toshiba Japan demonstrated two new commercialized 3D LCD TV prototypes it says do not require traditional dedicated 3D viewing glasses, at CES 2011 in Las Vegas. The TVs employ an imaging system and perpendicular
lenticular sheet and proprietary image processing technology to create nine parallex images from content, then convert them to 3D. They are already available in Japan.

Source: Vendor, 1/6/2011

VOIP

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Skype Posts Crash Post-Mortem

Internet telephony company Skype has posted a detailed explanation for the cause of its recent outage, which effected millions of users worldwide for more than a day. Skype’s Chief Information Officer said that, on
December 22, a cluster of support servers responsible for offline instant messaging became overloaded. As a result of the overload, some Skype clients received delayed responses, and in version 5.0.0152 of the Skype for Windows client, the delayed
responses from the overloaded servers were not properly processed, causing Windows clients running the affected version to crash. Users running other versions of Skype were not affected by the initial problem but – overall – about 50% of all Skype users
globally were running the 5.0.0.152 version of Skype for Windows, and the crashes caused approximately 40% of those clients to fail. These clients included 25-30% of the publicly-available supernodes, which also failed as a result of the problem. Skype
vowed to use lessons learned in the incident to improve its software.

Source: Vendor, 1/3/2011

WEB COMMERCE

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comScore Reports Record-Setting 2010 E-Commerce Holiday Season

comScore posted its final numbers for the 2010 online holiday shopping season in the US, recording a total of $30.81 billion in online spending during the period between November 1 and December 26. The final week
of spending prior to the Christmas holiday, which brought in an additional $2.4 billion, pushed the year to a record setting total, representing a 13 percent rise compared with 2009. The categories that saw the most growth during the period included
computer hardware at 23 percent, books and magazines at 22 percent, and consumer electronics, with 21 percent growth.

Source: Vendor, 12/29/2010

Counting Software Downloads, 65% Pay for Online Content

Pew Internet & American Life Project revealed that 65% of people polled in a recent survey have paid for some type of online content. In a fairly significant disconnect from what many think of as “online
content,” however, “software downloads” were tabulated in the survey as "content" paid for online. The most popular category of “content” purchased, according to the survey, was a tie between "digital music" and "software" –
both at 33%. Other popular categories included cell phone and tablet apps, digital games, digital magazines, videos, and e-books. The survey results were based on interviews with 1,003 US adults, 755 of which were Internet users.

Source: PewInternet, 12/30/2010

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