Windows Server System Magazine - Office 2003 is Smarter & Better Connected "You may wonder why you're encountering an article about Office in Windows Server System Magazine, since Office has traditionally been much more about clients and user productivity than servers, enterprise systems, and other facets of the server software stack. Office has expanded to a central role in Microsoft's overall strategy for "integrated innovation," however, and Office 2003 editions have a strong synergy with Windows Server System family members, including BizTalk, Exchange, SharePoint, and SQL Server.
To explain how Office complements the broader Microsoft platform strategy, this Trends & Analysis column provides an overview of key technologies that make Office smarter and more connected. Next month's column will explain how Microsoft's recently introduced Information Bridge Framework makes Office even more powerful as a client-side counterpart to Windows Server System."
My latest WSS Magazine article -- click on the links in the article body for screen shots, summary tables, etc.
Saturday, August 14, 2004
The New York Times > Technology > EBay Buys 25% Stake in Craigslist, an Online Bulletin Board
The New York Times > Technology > EBay Buys 25% Stake in Craigslist, an Online Bulletin Board "For its part, craigslist hopes its alliance with eBay will provide better strategies to deal with fraud and other challenges in the online world, its executives said. Founded in 1995, craigslist, based in San Francisco, has grown steadily to serve users in 45 cities, mostly in the United States, but also in London and three cities in Canada. The company said it had been profitable since 1999.
In July, craigslist estimated that it had 5.3 million visitors, up from around 3.6 million in July 2003. Craigslist, which has 14 employees, has had trouble coping with threats from classified advertising scam artists and spammers, according to company executives.
...
Craig Newmark, the founder of craigslist who now takes the title "customer service representative," said that eBay's stake would not affect the character of the site. Rather, he said, he would be able to continue to focus on building the operation, while spending less time dealing with scammers and spammers."
In July, craigslist estimated that it had 5.3 million visitors, up from around 3.6 million in July 2003. Craigslist, which has 14 employees, has had trouble coping with threats from classified advertising scam artists and spammers, according to company executives.
...
Craig Newmark, the founder of craigslist who now takes the title "customer service representative," said that eBay's stake would not affect the character of the site. Rather, he said, he would be able to continue to focus on building the operation, while spending less time dealing with scammers and spammers."
The New York Times > Technology > Google's Slow Search for a Good Share Price
The New York Times > Technology > Google's Slow Search for a Good Share Price "Yesterday, Google started its own search, one that will be far slower - it will take most of a week - and far less complicated, probably involving thousands of documents, or a few million at most. Indeed, Google is searching for just one number: the price at which it will sell stock to the public for the first time.
That number, and the subsequent price of the company's shares in the market, could well influence whether Google will continue its meteoric growth or start to stagnate as customers and employees begin to wonder whether its best days are behind it."
That number, and the subsequent price of the company's shares in the market, could well influence whether Google will continue its meteoric growth or start to stagnate as customers and employees begin to wonder whether its best days are behind it."
Friday, August 13, 2004
Jonathan Schwartz's Weblog: Communicating Corporate Priorities
Jonathan Schwartz's Weblog: Communicating Corporate Priorities "
I sent out a Sun wide email yesterday, reviewing Sun's corporate priorities for FY05. The priorities are pretty basic - and distill down to eleven words. Which I asked folks to try to remember - lest we have to resort to one of those awkward stickers to put on employee badges.
Notwithstanding the confidentiality breach, it's wonderful to see that some enterprising Sun employee made sure our global workforce and partner community could enlist their dogs and kids in helping them meet the objectives of priority 4..."
New for the fall line-up: Sun corporate strategy dog t-shirts and infant creepers... To save you the clicks, the 11 words are:
"1. Make money
2. Grow
3. Re-enlist champions
4. Leverage our partners
5. Simplify our business"
I sent out a Sun wide email yesterday, reviewing Sun's corporate priorities for FY05. The priorities are pretty basic - and distill down to eleven words. Which I asked folks to try to remember - lest we have to resort to one of those awkward stickers to put on employee badges.
Notwithstanding the confidentiality breach, it's wonderful to see that some enterprising Sun employee made sure our global workforce and partner community could enlist their dogs and kids in helping them meet the objectives of priority 4..."
New for the fall line-up: Sun corporate strategy dog t-shirts and infant creepers... To save you the clicks, the 11 words are:
"1. Make money
2. Grow
3. Re-enlist champions
4. Leverage our partners
5. Simplify our business"
Lotus Geek: Do you feel it? Do you see it? The future's so bright...
Lotus Geek: Do you feel it? Do you see it? The future's so bright... "I am a huge fan of the Google News aggregator site - I think it is the best compiled news site on the Web. One of the ancilliary features of this site is the News Alerts feature. You simply give it keywords to search for, and you will receive a daily email with news items containing your keywords. I have alerts set up for "Lotus", "Lotus Notes", and "Lotus Domino". I tell you this because over the last few months the news I have been receiving about Lotus Notes/Domino has given me reason to be extremely optimistic.
...
I have been watching these alerts for the last few months, and I have to tell you that you would be shocked at the number of third-party products being released, every day, for Lotus Notes. And an even more telling sign is that many existing products that were built to support Outlook/Exchange only are now being modified/ported to support Lotus Notes/Domino. I see announcements for security products, PDAs, content management, and so on all the time for Notes/Domino, and this is a good thing.
Another trend I am noticing is there are many, many positive news stories on Lotus Notes/Domino - and I don't mean the marketing/fluff pieces we all expect, but more articles that are in non-technology publications that mention new and innovative uses of Notes/Domino in successful projects. I see these types of stories every day, and I have to tell you it is really making me feel good about my career choices.
So, please indulge me in this moment of optimistic reflection and observation. I believe that we are in the midst of a renaissance of Lotus Notes/Domino in the marketplace, and I really do feel that the future is so bright I gotta wear shades."
...
I have been watching these alerts for the last few months, and I have to tell you that you would be shocked at the number of third-party products being released, every day, for Lotus Notes. And an even more telling sign is that many existing products that were built to support Outlook/Exchange only are now being modified/ported to support Lotus Notes/Domino. I see announcements for security products, PDAs, content management, and so on all the time for Notes/Domino, and this is a good thing.
Another trend I am noticing is there are many, many positive news stories on Lotus Notes/Domino - and I don't mean the marketing/fluff pieces we all expect, but more articles that are in non-technology publications that mention new and innovative uses of Notes/Domino in successful projects. I see these types of stories every day, and I have to tell you it is really making me feel good about my career choices.
So, please indulge me in this moment of optimistic reflection and observation. I believe that we are in the midst of a renaissance of Lotus Notes/Domino in the marketplace, and I really do feel that the future is so bright I gotta wear shades."
Bidding Opens New Chapter for Tech 'God' Google (washingtonpost.com)
Bidding Opens New Chapter for Tech 'God' Google (washingtonpost.com) "Google Inc. plans to open the bidding in its highly anticipated public offering of stock at 9 a.m. today, kicking off an unconventional auction that will help it set an initial share price next week on its way to becoming a public company.
Investors were required to register with any of more than two dozen investment firms by early yesterday evening in order to tender their bids. Google is not saying exactly when it will close the bidding, and it is reserving the right to adjust the initial share price for trading after the auction has ended. The company currently estimates its initial stock to be worth between $108 and $135 a share."
(New Web-based casino opening today...)
Investors were required to register with any of more than two dozen investment firms by early yesterday evening in order to tender their bids. Google is not saying exactly when it will close the bidding, and it is reserving the right to adjust the initial share price for trading after the auction has ended. The company currently estimates its initial stock to be worth between $108 and $135 a share."
(New Web-based casino opening today...)
Reuters to Move Editorial Jobs From U.S. and Europe to India (washingtonpost.com)
Reuters to Move Editorial Jobs From U.S. and Europe to India (washingtonpost.com) "Financial news service Reuters Group PLC said yesterday it will eliminate up to 20 editorial positions in the United States and Europe and hire up to 60 replacements in India in a move aimed at cutting costs.
The journalists, who will be based at a Reuters facility in Bangalore, will be responsible for compiling tables, writing short research alerts based on analyst reports and polling analysts for earnings forecasts, according to company spokesman Steve Naru."
Via Dan Gillmor, who adds: "I am a bit surprised to hear this. Surely local knowledge is useful in journalism."
The journalists, who will be based at a Reuters facility in Bangalore, will be responsible for compiling tables, writing short research alerts based on analyst reports and polling analysts for earnings forecasts, according to company spokesman Steve Naru."
Via Dan Gillmor, who adds: "I am a bit surprised to hear this. Surely local knowledge is useful in journalism."
CRN | Breaking News | Oracle Preps SMB App Server Assault
CRN | Breaking News | Oracle Preps SMB App Server Assault "Next month at Oracle World in London, Oracle plans to launch a Standard Edition of Oracle Application Server 10g that includes its application server plus its Web server and portal server, said Thomas Kurian, senior vice president, application server, for Oracle. Although Kurian declined to disclose pricing, he said the offering will be positioned squarely against Microsoft's Small Business Server and focused on small and midsize enterprises. "Microsoft is the primary competitor we see here," Kurian said during a briefing in New York, downplaying the ability of either of its fierce rivals in this sector, IBM Software and BEA Systems, to reach this market.
...
Oracle is keenly aware that most enterprises use more than one application server platform and hopes to displace its rivals with an aggressive total cost of ownership argument and its integrated architecture message. For example, Kurian estimated that 93 of BEA's top 100 customers and 92 of IBM's best accounts also use Oracle application server technology.
Depending on which market-share figures you cite, Oracle is the third-largest revenue contributor to the application server market with approximately 20 percent of the market, behind IBM and BEA, said Oracle Chairman Jeff Henley. Oracle's application server business grew 15 percent in the company's last fiscal year, or about 1,200 new customers per quarter, and the vendor hopes to maintain that rate.
"BEA continues to be the core competitor," Henley said. "We think that we are gaining real significant traction against them."
Oracle wants to be on Lintel what Microsoft is on Wintel.
...
Oracle is keenly aware that most enterprises use more than one application server platform and hopes to displace its rivals with an aggressive total cost of ownership argument and its integrated architecture message. For example, Kurian estimated that 93 of BEA's top 100 customers and 92 of IBM's best accounts also use Oracle application server technology.
Depending on which market-share figures you cite, Oracle is the third-largest revenue contributor to the application server market with approximately 20 percent of the market, behind IBM and BEA, said Oracle Chairman Jeff Henley. Oracle's application server business grew 15 percent in the company's last fiscal year, or about 1,200 new customers per quarter, and the vendor hopes to maintain that rate.
"BEA continues to be the core competitor," Henley said. "We think that we are gaining real significant traction against them."
Oracle wants to be on Lintel what Microsoft is on Wintel.
Sun's StarOffice suite to be offered on PCs from AOL - Computerworld
Sun's StarOffice suite to be offered on PCs from AOL - Computerworld "In an effort to get its StarOffice 7.0 productivity suite in front of more users, Sun Microsystems Inc. has signed an agreement with America Online Inc. to preload the software on the new $299 desktop computers that AOL will offer customers.
...
The new AOL Optimized PCs will sell for $299 and will require a 12-month AOL membership at $23.90 a month. Initially, the machines will be sold in Office Depot stores, with other retailers to follow, according to Dulles, Va.-based AOL.
The machines will offer a 2-GHz Intel Corp. Celeron processor, Microsoft Windows XP Home operating system, 256MB RAM, a 40GB hard drive, a 52x CD-ROM drive, a 56Kbit/sec. modem, built-in Ethernet capabilities, a 17-in. monitor and the latest version of AOL's online software."
...
The new AOL Optimized PCs will sell for $299 and will require a 12-month AOL membership at $23.90 a month. Initially, the machines will be sold in Office Depot stores, with other retailers to follow, according to Dulles, Va.-based AOL.
The machines will offer a 2-GHz Intel Corp. Celeron processor, Microsoft Windows XP Home operating system, 256MB RAM, a 40GB hard drive, a 52x CD-ROM drive, a 56Kbit/sec. modem, built-in Ethernet capabilities, a 17-in. monitor and the latest version of AOL's online software."
The New York Times > Technology > Circuits > All Thumbs, Without the Stigma
The New York Times > Technology > Circuits > All Thumbs, Without the Stigma "Having initially boomed in Europe and Asia, text messaging has now invaded the United States with full force. In the first quarter of 2004, 2.6 billion text messages were sent on cellphones in the United States, an increase from 1.2 billion in the comparable period a year earlier, according to the Yankee Group, a market research firm.
In the process, reliance on the thumb to type has re-established its place in the hierarchy of the hand. "The thumb is the new power digit," said Edward Tenner, a science historian for the Smithsonian Institution who has spent time thinking about the interaction between hand and machine.
Dr. Tenner, in "Our Own Devices: The Past and Future of Body Technology" (Knopf, 2003), said that the thumb's role in operating keyboards became prominent 250 years ago with the advent of the musical keyboard, but then was diminished in stature by banishment to the space bar of the typewriter. Now, he said, it is "enjoying a second renaissance."
Uh, if you say so...
In the process, reliance on the thumb to type has re-established its place in the hierarchy of the hand. "The thumb is the new power digit," said Edward Tenner, a science historian for the Smithsonian Institution who has spent time thinking about the interaction between hand and machine.
Dr. Tenner, in "Our Own Devices: The Past and Future of Body Technology" (Knopf, 2003), said that the thumb's role in operating keyboards became prominent 250 years ago with the advent of the musical keyboard, but then was diminished in stature by banishment to the space bar of the typewriter. Now, he said, it is "enjoying a second renaissance."
Uh, if you say so...
Microsoft Announces Windows XP Starter Edition
Microsoft Announces Windows XP Starter Edition "According to Microsoft sources I spoke with yesterday, XP Starter Edition is basically a modified version of XP Home Edition that includes some unique new features but supports only three open windows at a time and is limited to 800 x 600 resolution. The software ships with a new localized Help system called My Support, country-specific customization features, and most of XP's features. The OS doesn't support PC-to-PC networking, network-based printer sharing, or multiple user accounts, however."
800x600? I think my next phone will do better than that...
800x600? I think my next phone will do better than that...
WSJ.com - BEA Systems Profit Climbs 18%; CEO Says Firm 'Not in Jeopardy'
WSJ.com - BEA Systems Profit Climbs 18%; CEO Says Firm 'Not in Jeopardy' "BEA Systems Inc.'s net income rose 18% for the fiscal second quarter as growth in services to existing customers offset a decline in new software sales.
The results were in line with the software maker's reduced forecasts. Last week, BEA warned that total revenue and software-license sales fell slightly short of its targets for the three months ended July 31."
The results were in line with the software maker's reduced forecasts. Last week, BEA warned that total revenue and software-license sales fell slightly short of its targets for the three months ended July 31."
InfoWorld: Tool converts .Net code to Java
InfoWorld: Tool converts .Net code to Java "Stryon’s iNet product migrates applications and Web services from Visual Basic .Net, C#, and J# to Java without the need to rewrite the code, according to Stryon.
“The way the product works is that you take the Microsoft intermediate code and convert it to pure J2EE code,” said Jim Stewart, CEO of Stryon. Major drivers for the product include users wishing to move .Net applications off Windows and over to Linux and consolidation of .Net applications on Linux-based mainframes, Stewart said. He said it is fast becoming the norm for shops to have both Java and .Net applications."
“The way the product works is that you take the Microsoft intermediate code and convert it to pure J2EE code,” said Jim Stewart, CEO of Stryon. Major drivers for the product include users wishing to move .Net applications off Windows and over to Linux and consolidation of .Net applications on Linux-based mainframes, Stewart said. He said it is fast becoming the norm for shops to have both Java and .Net applications."
Thursday, August 12, 2004
IBM to hire even more new workers | CNET News.com
IBM to hire even more new workers | CNET News.com "The company expects its headcount to be 330,000 by the end of the year, which will put it at its highest level since 1991.
At the beginning of the year, IBM expected that it would add about 10,000 employees. It later raised that amount to 15,000. On Thursday, Big Blue disclosed that strong demand from its professional services business has prompted the company to boost that number to 18,000. Those hires are exclusive of acquisitions.
"We see real demand in the marketplace," IBM spokesman Clint Roswell said. "Some of our competitors don't see that demand. But it might be about execution."
Okay, triply bad day for HP...
At the beginning of the year, IBM expected that it would add about 10,000 employees. It later raised that amount to 15,000. On Thursday, Big Blue disclosed that strong demand from its professional services business has prompted the company to boost that number to 18,000. Those hires are exclusive of acquisitions.
"We see real demand in the marketplace," IBM spokesman Clint Roswell said. "Some of our competitors don't see that demand. But it might be about execution."
Okay, triply bad day for HP...
WSJ.com - Dell's Profit Climbs 29% On Strong Demand for PCs
WSJ.com - Dell's Profit Climbs 29% On Strong Demand for PCs Dell Inc.'s profit rose 29%, boosted by a surge in shipments overseas and strong demand for its servers.
Rock, Texas, computer giant reported net income of $799 million, or 31 cents a share, for its fiscal second quarter ended July 30. That compares with a profit of $621 million, or 24 cents a share, in the same quarter last year.
...
The results were in line with analysts' expectations, according to a survey by Thomson First Call.
Global product shipments rose 19%, led by a 30% jump in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Asia-Pacific and Japan had a 28% increase in shipments.
Server shipments increased 31% and notebook shipments rose 28%. Revenue from software and peripheral products climbed 31%, driven by printer demand."
Doubly bad day for HP...
Rock, Texas, computer giant reported net income of $799 million, or 31 cents a share, for its fiscal second quarter ended July 30. That compares with a profit of $621 million, or 24 cents a share, in the same quarter last year.
...
The results were in line with analysts' expectations, according to a survey by Thomson First Call.
Global product shipments rose 19%, led by a 30% jump in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Asia-Pacific and Japan had a 28% increase in shipments.
Server shipments increased 31% and notebook shipments rose 28%. Revenue from software and peripheral products climbed 31%, driven by printer demand."
Doubly bad day for HP...
WSJ.com - H-P Posts Weak Results, Shakes Up Storage Unit
WSJ.com - H-P Posts Weak Results, Shakes Up Storage Unit "Hewlett-Packard Co. said its net income nearly doubled in the recent quarter but missed analysts' expectations, amid poor performance in its unit that sells corporate servers and storage systems. The company plans to shake up management in that division.
...
In a statement on the "preliminary" third-quarter results Thursday, Chief Executive Carly Fiorina said satisfactory performance at a number of H-P's businesses was overshadowed by "unacceptable execution" at the enterprise servers and storage unit, where third-quarter revenue of $3.4 billion was down 5% from last year.
"We therefore are making immediate management changes," Ms. Fiorina added. "We are also accelerating our margin improvement plans in this business. With these changes, we expect our server and storage business to return to profitability in the fourth quarter." She didn't immediately outline the personnel moves."
I guess the fact that HP's archrivals in servers aren't losing momentum precluded the usual "... global economic conditions" excuses...
...
In a statement on the "preliminary" third-quarter results Thursday, Chief Executive Carly Fiorina said satisfactory performance at a number of H-P's businesses was overshadowed by "unacceptable execution" at the enterprise servers and storage unit, where third-quarter revenue of $3.4 billion was down 5% from last year.
"We therefore are making immediate management changes," Ms. Fiorina added. "We are also accelerating our margin improvement plans in this business. With these changes, we expect our server and storage business to return to profitability in the fourth quarter." She didn't immediately outline the personnel moves."
I guess the fact that HP's archrivals in servers aren't losing momentum precluded the usual "... global economic conditions" excuses...
CRN | Breaking News | Lotus 'Jazz' To Pair collaboration, programming perks in Eclipse IDE
CRN | Breaking News | Lotus 'Jazz' To Pair collaboration, programming perks in Eclipse IDE "IBM's Lotus Software group strutted its R&D stuff Wednesday, showing off nascent 'Jazz' team collaboration tools for the Eclipse programming environment.
The Lotus team, working with IBM's Rational group, is building "in-context" collaboration onto the Eclipse integrated development environment (IDE), said John Patterson, an IBM Distinguished Engineer working out of the Lotus facility here in Cambridge, Mass."
Name recycling -- dunno if I would have chosen "Lotus Jazz," however, given the history of Lotus' Mac spreadsheet product of the same name...
The Lotus team, working with IBM's Rational group, is building "in-context" collaboration onto the Eclipse integrated development environment (IDE), said John Patterson, an IBM Distinguished Engineer working out of the Lotus facility here in Cambridge, Mass."
Name recycling -- dunno if I would have chosen "Lotus Jazz," however, given the history of Lotus' Mac spreadsheet product of the same name...
The New York Times > Technology > Circuits > In Search of a Browser That Banishes Clutter
The New York Times > Technology > Circuits > In Search of a Browser That Banishes Clutter ""If, say, in the next six months or thereabouts Microsoft is able to update I.E. with just a couple of features - tabbed browsing or a couple of other things that people have come to expect from some of these other platforms, I really think they could in large part stem the tide," said Stephen O'Grady, a senior analyst with the technology analysis firm RedMonk.
Microsoft appears to have heard, and heeded, such predictions. Their Windows XP Service Pack 2, which was released to computer makers last week and will soon be more widely available to XP users, includes an improved version of Internet Explorer that blocks pop-ups, stymies spyware and addresses recent security concerns, said Gary Schare, Microsoft's director of security product management for Windows. He added that other features - like tabbed browsing and Google toolbars - are widely available for downloading and that the company's next operating system, Longhorn, will "have all kinds of features that people would love to see in a browser." Longhorn will be available for testing next year."
Competition == good
Microsoft appears to have heard, and heeded, such predictions. Their Windows XP Service Pack 2, which was released to computer makers last week and will soon be more widely available to XP users, includes an improved version of Internet Explorer that blocks pop-ups, stymies spyware and addresses recent security concerns, said Gary Schare, Microsoft's director of security product management for Windows. He added that other features - like tabbed browsing and Google toolbars - are widely available for downloading and that the company's next operating system, Longhorn, will "have all kinds of features that people would love to see in a browser." Longhorn will be available for testing next year."
Competition == good
The New York Times > Technology > Circuits > Basics: An Online Supplier for Your Desktop Cineplex
The New York Times > Technology > Circuits > Basics: An Online Supplier for Your Desktop Cineplex "Going to the movies these days may simply involve a trip to your desktop, as video-on-demand Internet movie services help turn personal computers into multiscreen cineplexes.
A technological step beyond video rentals and pay-per-view cable movie channels, these online movie services provide a legal and reliable way to download and stream thousands of films, from recently released Hollywood blockbusters to vintage serials.
Several video-on-demand services operating with the blessings of the film industry, like Movielink, CinemaNow and Movieflix, have been online for some time. But these services, along with the newly introduced Starz Ticket service, are now gaining considerably in appeal as computer processing power and Internet access speeds reach the point where DVD-quality movies can be efficiently delivered to a mass audience."
Okay, this is now an official harmonic convergence meme-of-the-week...
A technological step beyond video rentals and pay-per-view cable movie channels, these online movie services provide a legal and reliable way to download and stream thousands of films, from recently released Hollywood blockbusters to vintage serials.
Several video-on-demand services operating with the blessings of the film industry, like Movielink, CinemaNow and Movieflix, have been online for some time. But these services, along with the newly introduced Starz Ticket service, are now gaining considerably in appeal as computer processing power and Internet access speeds reach the point where DVD-quality movies can be efficiently delivered to a mass audience."
Okay, this is now an official harmonic convergence meme-of-the-week...
IBM and Novell Join Mozilla for XForms
IBM and Novell Join Mozilla for XForms "The Mozilla Foundation, Novell and IBM announced today the formation of a project to implement the W3C's XForms 1.0 recommendation, which is part of the consortium's XHTML2 specification.
XForms 1.0 is intended to allow for the separation of presentation from XML-driven results. It also allows for increased accessibility that will bring Web transactions in line with U.S Federal government accessibility guidelines."
This could be very significant, if IBM is going to bake XForms into its strategic client-oriented platform products and tools.
On the other hand, the article continues:
"The XForms initiative is not the only forms initiative under way at Mozilla. At the end of May, Opera and Mozilla announced another initiative called Web Forms 2.0. It is essentially an extension of the way forms are defined in the existing HTML 4.01 forms chapter. IBM's Bassett for one doesn't believe that Web Forms and XForms compete in any way and that they are in some ways complementary efforts. The lead author of the Web Forms 2.0 initiative, Ian Hickson of Opera software, agrees."
... so maybe chaos will prevail regardless...
XForms 1.0 is intended to allow for the separation of presentation from XML-driven results. It also allows for increased accessibility that will bring Web transactions in line with U.S Federal government accessibility guidelines."
This could be very significant, if IBM is going to bake XForms into its strategic client-oriented platform products and tools.
On the other hand, the article continues:
"The XForms initiative is not the only forms initiative under way at Mozilla. At the end of May, Opera and Mozilla announced another initiative called Web Forms 2.0. It is essentially an extension of the way forms are defined in the existing HTML 4.01 forms chapter. IBM's Bassett for one doesn't believe that Web Forms and XForms compete in any way and that they are in some ways complementary efforts. The lead author of the Web Forms 2.0 initiative, Ian Hickson of Opera software, agrees."
... so maybe chaos will prevail regardless...
Microsoft's New MSN TV First Look - First Looks - Designtechnica
Microsoft's New MSN TV First Look - First Looks - Designtechnica "Microsoft is gearing up to unveil a new version of its MSN TV service and hardware with a completely redesigned broadband-enabled Internet receiver.
Working with Thomson, who provides the hardware, the new system is a complete overhaul of the existing device and service based on standard Microsoft technologies and incorporates new advanced technology from Thomson. The product will be available through major retailers in time for the 2004 holiday shopping season."
Quite a PC + TV theme emerging this morning... (Via Watching Microsoft Like a Hawk -- "More Microsoft News Than Necessary, Every Day")
Working with Thomson, who provides the hardware, the new system is a complete overhaul of the existing device and service based on standard Microsoft technologies and incorporates new advanced technology from Thomson. The product will be available through major retailers in time for the 2004 holiday shopping season."
Quite a PC + TV theme emerging this morning... (Via Watching Microsoft Like a Hawk -- "More Microsoft News Than Necessary, Every Day")
CRN | Breaking News | Microsoft Posts SP2 Blocking Tools
CRN | Breaking News | Microsoft Posts SP2 Blocking Tools "Microsoft on Tuesday posted a toolkit that blocks Windows' Automatic Update from grabbing Windows XP Service Pack 2, an option enterprises concerned about lack of testing time had been demanding.
The problem, said Microsoft, is that while it's recommending all users update to SP2 as soon as possible, some customers "would like to temporarily block the delivery of SP2 in order to provide additional time for validation and testing of the update," Microsoft said in a statement.
...
The disabling functions automatically expire in mid-December, after which SP2 will be deployed to all Windows XP machines whether the enterprise likes it or not."
The problem, said Microsoft, is that while it's recommending all users update to SP2 as soon as possible, some customers "would like to temporarily block the delivery of SP2 in order to provide additional time for validation and testing of the update," Microsoft said in a statement.
...
The disabling functions automatically expire in mid-December, after which SP2 will be deployed to all Windows XP machines whether the enterprise likes it or not."
MSN Movies Premieres New Star-Studded Offerings
MSN Movies Premieres New Star-Studded Offerings "The introduction of these new services is further evidence of the commitment by MSN to provide the best destination for broadband users and demonstrates the exceptional ability of MSN to deliver a premium online experience through strategic partnerships. Consumers and movie lovers can enjoy these enhanced services:
-- Door-to-door movies. MSN and Blockbuster have teamed up to bring BLOCKBUSTER Online (TM) , a new online DVD rental service, directly to MSN customers. Visitors to http://movies.msn.com/ can now get unlimited DVD movie rentals, three out at a time, by mail from Blockbuster for one low monthly fee of $19.99.
-- With the online service, there are no return dates, so MSN users can say "so long" to extended viewing fees, while choosing from more than 25,000 movie titles.
-- The service also includes two free Blockbuster in-store movie rental coupons per month for those last-minute "gotta have it now" rentals.
-- Consumers also can choose an option that allows them five DVDs at a time for $29.99 or eight DVDs at a time for just $39.99.
-- Movies on demand. CinemaNow and MSN have teamed up to enable MSN visitors to download and enjoy movies and television shows on demand. Via a co-branded site at either http://movies.msn.com/ or http://www.cinemanow.com/, consumers can download the latest pay-per-view movies starting at $3.99 for a 24-hour viewing period. CinemaNow boasts an extensive library of approximately 2,000 films as well as popular TV content from companies such as Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Disney, Fox, Lions Gate Entertainment and Miramax Film Corp.
-- For avid movie fans, MSN and CinemaNow will also offer subscription services: Premium and Premium Plus. A Premium subscription entitles a user to a limited set of nonfrontline content (films not in first release) for $9.95 per month or $49.95 per year. A Premium Plus subscriber gets access to the Premium set of content, TV and music content for $29.95 per month or $99.95 per year.
-- More theaters, more movies. MSN has renewed and expanded its alliance with MovieTickets.com. As a result of the deal, the number of theaters offering tickets to MSN users will increase from 600 to 750, and consumers can purchase tickets directly from 32 theater chains."
Oh, so it's kind of like Amazon's relationship with Toys R Us, with Blockbuster being the catalog and fulfillment operation...
-- Door-to-door movies. MSN and Blockbuster have teamed up to bring BLOCKBUSTER Online (TM) , a new online DVD rental service, directly to MSN customers. Visitors to http://movies.msn.com/ can now get unlimited DVD movie rentals, three out at a time, by mail from Blockbuster for one low monthly fee of $19.99.
-- With the online service, there are no return dates, so MSN users can say "so long" to extended viewing fees, while choosing from more than 25,000 movie titles.
-- The service also includes two free Blockbuster in-store movie rental coupons per month for those last-minute "gotta have it now" rentals.
-- Consumers also can choose an option that allows them five DVDs at a time for $29.99 or eight DVDs at a time for just $39.99.
-- Movies on demand. CinemaNow and MSN have teamed up to enable MSN visitors to download and enjoy movies and television shows on demand. Via a co-branded site at either http://movies.msn.com/ or http://www.cinemanow.com/, consumers can download the latest pay-per-view movies starting at $3.99 for a 24-hour viewing period. CinemaNow boasts an extensive library of approximately 2,000 films as well as popular TV content from companies such as Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Disney, Fox, Lions Gate Entertainment and Miramax Film Corp.
-- For avid movie fans, MSN and CinemaNow will also offer subscription services: Premium and Premium Plus. A Premium subscription entitles a user to a limited set of nonfrontline content (films not in first release) for $9.95 per month or $49.95 per year. A Premium Plus subscriber gets access to the Premium set of content, TV and music content for $29.95 per month or $99.95 per year.
-- More theaters, more movies. MSN has renewed and expanded its alliance with MovieTickets.com. As a result of the deal, the number of theaters offering tickets to MSN users will increase from 600 to 750, and consumers can purchase tickets directly from 32 theater chains."
Oh, so it's kind of like Amazon's relationship with Toys R Us, with Blockbuster being the catalog and fulfillment operation...
The New York Times > Business > Toys 'R' Us Says It May Leave the Toy Business
The New York Times > Business > Toys 'R' Us Says It May Leave the Toy Business "Battered by intense competition from discounters like Wal-Mart Stores, Toys "R" Us announced yesterday that it might bow out of the toy business altogether.
The $11 billion company, which rose to become the nation's largest toy retailer by developing a once-successful formula that pushed its rivals out of business, said in a statement that it was determined to split its toy business and its faster-growing baby supplies division, Babies "R" Us, into two companies. It also said it planned "to explore the possible sale of the global toy business."
Woe R Us... No doubt they'll eventually try to blame it all on their failed Amazon.com parternship.
The $11 billion company, which rose to become the nation's largest toy retailer by developing a once-successful formula that pushed its rivals out of business, said in a statement that it was determined to split its toy business and its faster-growing baby supplies division, Babies "R" Us, into two companies. It also said it planned "to explore the possible sale of the global toy business."
Woe R Us... No doubt they'll eventually try to blame it all on their failed Amazon.com parternship.
WSJ.com - Race to Link Wi-Fi, Cellphones Picks Up Speed
WSJ.com - Race to Link Wi-Fi, Cellphones Picks Up Speed "Imagine walking to work while talking on your cellphone. Out on the street, you're using a cellular network and paying your mobile provider for each minute you gab. But once you reach the office, your cellphone detects a signal from your company's wireless Internet, or Wi-Fi, transmitter and automatically switches you from the cellular network to the Wi-Fi one. Your call is now being routed over the Internet, saving money on cellphone fees. You're also able to browse the Web on your cellphone at superfast broadband speeds.
Such technology -- under development in Japan and elsewhere -- stands to revolutionize telecommunications on two levels. For the consumer, the technology combines the convenience of cellular access with the low cost and high speeds of Wi-Fi, all in a single device. For the industry as a whole, this technology illustrates a new but increasingly common theme: how the convergence of once-discrete technologies -- in this case, mobile-phone service and the Internet – is pitting unlikely rivals against each other in a battle for chunks of a brand-new territory."
Another example of virtualized devices and a value shift from hardware to software.
BTW, if you don't create an uber-presence profile when using this type of device, your life will eventually become a constant stream of always-on (mostly poor signal-to-noise ratio) interruptions...
Such technology -- under development in Japan and elsewhere -- stands to revolutionize telecommunications on two levels. For the consumer, the technology combines the convenience of cellular access with the low cost and high speeds of Wi-Fi, all in a single device. For the industry as a whole, this technology illustrates a new but increasingly common theme: how the convergence of once-discrete technologies -- in this case, mobile-phone service and the Internet – is pitting unlikely rivals against each other in a battle for chunks of a brand-new territory."
Another example of virtualized devices and a value shift from hardware to software.
BTW, if you don't create an uber-presence profile when using this type of device, your life will eventually become a constant stream of always-on (mostly poor signal-to-noise ratio) interruptions...
WSJ.com - New Sony TV Chips Give Viewers Control; Can 'Pan and Scan'
WSJ.com - New Sony TV Chips Give Viewers Control; Can 'Pan and Scan' "New technology unveiled yesterday by Sony Corp. lets television viewers manipulate the images broadcast to their screens, allowing them to zoom into and pan around the picture as well as sharpen the resolution.
The features, some of which will be included in a new line of TV sets Sony plans to show for the first time next week, come as Japan's gadget king fights to prove it still has the innovative edge that created hits like the Walkman music player and the Trinitron TV."
The race is on -- will you prefer (PC + TV) or (TV + PC)? I think history suggests general-purpose digital devices win, assuming the form factors, user experience models, etc. don't suck.
The features, some of which will be included in a new line of TV sets Sony plans to show for the first time next week, come as Japan's gadget king fights to prove it still has the innovative edge that created hits like the Walkman music player and the Trinitron TV."
The race is on -- will you prefer (PC + TV) or (TV + PC)? I think history suggests general-purpose digital devices win, assuming the form factors, user experience models, etc. don't suck.
WSJ.com - Microsoft Joins With 3 Partners To Bolster Movies on MSN Site
WSJ.com - Microsoft Joins With 3 Partners To Bolster Movies on MSN Site "Aiming to draw more movie fans to its Web site, Microsoft Corp.'s MSN unit entered agreements with three companies to make it easier for consumers to rent or view movies over the Internet.
MSN plans to offer links from its Web site to both Blockbuster Inc., the Dallas movie-rental chain, and CinemaNow Inc., a movie-downloading site in which Microsoft and Blockbuster are investors. It also will expand an agreement with MovieTickets.com, a Web site that sells tickets to movies in cinemas. The three entertainment companies will share revenue with MSN for business drawn in from its site.
The deal with CinemaNow will enable MSN users to download movies to their computers. While online viewing of movies has gained more slowly than some studio executives expected, many analysts anticipate it will take off as more consumers gain high-speed Internet access. Another driver: homes networked for entertainment, in which the computer and the television are networked, allowing users to download a movie to their computer and then zap it to their living-room TV instead of watching it at a desk. The Yankee Group, a consulting company in Boston, expects 20 million U.S. homes will be networked for such entertainment by 2008, compared with 500,000 at the end of 2003."
So I guess Microsoft is one of the companies that plans to provide Internet-based movie alternatives to Comcast.
MSN plans to offer links from its Web site to both Blockbuster Inc., the Dallas movie-rental chain, and CinemaNow Inc., a movie-downloading site in which Microsoft and Blockbuster are investors. It also will expand an agreement with MovieTickets.com, a Web site that sells tickets to movies in cinemas. The three entertainment companies will share revenue with MSN for business drawn in from its site.
The deal with CinemaNow will enable MSN users to download movies to their computers. While online viewing of movies has gained more slowly than some studio executives expected, many analysts anticipate it will take off as more consumers gain high-speed Internet access. Another driver: homes networked for entertainment, in which the computer and the television are networked, allowing users to download a movie to their computer and then zap it to their living-room TV instead of watching it at a desk. The Yankee Group, a consulting company in Boston, expects 20 million U.S. homes will be networked for such entertainment by 2008, compared with 500,000 at the end of 2003."
So I guess Microsoft is one of the companies that plans to provide Internet-based movie alternatives to Comcast.
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
Barry Briggs: The Tablet PC Pill
Barry Briggs: The Tablet PC Pill "I pretty much thought first-generation tablets weren't much more than underpowered laptops with pens. But the new HP TC1100 has really changed my mind -- it really starts to realize the promise of an electronic "notebook." I even find myself no longer lusting for a Powerbook, and -- here's the truly amazing thing -- Mac users lust after my Tablet!"
Amazon.com : Portable Media Centers
Amazon.com : Portable Media Centers Amazon has a section on Portable Media Center devices, including an faq etc. The two devices offered for sale (both now with availability status "This item has not yet been released. You may order it now and we will ship it to you when it arrives.") are #6 and #8 on Amazon's "Early Adopter Product in Audio & Video" program as I type this. (Items 1, 2, 3, and 5 on the list are iPods at the moment...)
I plan to wait to see real-world battery life and other test dimensions before putting one of these on my holiday wish-list.
I plan to wait to see real-world battery life and other test dimensions before putting one of these on my holiday wish-list.
WSJ.com - Blockbuster Launches New Online DVD Rental Service
WSJ.com - Blockbuster Launches New Online DVD Rental Service "Blockbuster Inc. (BBI), moving to expand from its slowing in-store movie-rentals business in the wake of competition from Internet-based rivals, launched an online service allowing customers to rent up to three DVDs at a time that will be sent through mail.
Like online DVD-rental pioneer Netflix Inc. (NFLX), the Blockbuster service will have no return dates or extended viewing fees for DVDs. Blockbuster said in a press release Wednesday that subscribers will also receive two free in-store movie-rental coupons each month.
The Blockbuster Online service will charge a monthly fee of $19.99, which below the $21.99 fee currently charged by Netflix."
Too little, too late, at least for my needs. I switched to Netflix a long time ago and haven't been to Blockbuster more than once or twice since.
Now I'm thinking Netflix won't be a great option for much longer either. I've indoctrinated my kids to all of the classic Star Trek episodes via Netflix, for instance, and also discovered the utility of Comcast on-demand (with pause/restart, etc.) offerings when Outdoor Life Network was offering on-demand recaps of Tour de France stages.
Comcast is also now offering services for on-demand movies from premium channels such as HBO. I haven't subscribed to premium cable TV movie channels (nor have I often used traditional/scheduled pay-per-view) because they always seemed to be showing Forest Gump or slasher movies at the times I'm most likely to want to view a movie, but if I can get great content and the flexibility of on-demand at a reasonable price from Comcast (e.g., less than the $21.99/month Netflix fee), I won't be a Netflix customer anymore.
Ultimately, while I think PC-based, integrated home entertainment and communication products have great potential, I just can't see how Blockbuster and Netflix can compete with Comcast if Comcast has the channel (the box atop my TV...), the content, and the convenience. Maybe I'll revisit Netflix or Blockbuster in the future, when they offer Internet-based, on-demand/streaming, and when PC-based information/entertainment/communication products obviate Comcast's current set-top box advantage.
Like online DVD-rental pioneer Netflix Inc. (NFLX), the Blockbuster service will have no return dates or extended viewing fees for DVDs. Blockbuster said in a press release Wednesday that subscribers will also receive two free in-store movie-rental coupons each month.
The Blockbuster Online service will charge a monthly fee of $19.99, which below the $21.99 fee currently charged by Netflix."
Too little, too late, at least for my needs. I switched to Netflix a long time ago and haven't been to Blockbuster more than once or twice since.
Now I'm thinking Netflix won't be a great option for much longer either. I've indoctrinated my kids to all of the classic Star Trek episodes via Netflix, for instance, and also discovered the utility of Comcast on-demand (with pause/restart, etc.) offerings when Outdoor Life Network was offering on-demand recaps of Tour de France stages.
Comcast is also now offering services for on-demand movies from premium channels such as HBO. I haven't subscribed to premium cable TV movie channels (nor have I often used traditional/scheduled pay-per-view) because they always seemed to be showing Forest Gump or slasher movies at the times I'm most likely to want to view a movie, but if I can get great content and the flexibility of on-demand at a reasonable price from Comcast (e.g., less than the $21.99/month Netflix fee), I won't be a Netflix customer anymore.
Ultimately, while I think PC-based, integrated home entertainment and communication products have great potential, I just can't see how Blockbuster and Netflix can compete with Comcast if Comcast has the channel (the box atop my TV...), the content, and the convenience. Maybe I'll revisit Netflix or Blockbuster in the future, when they offer Internet-based, on-demand/streaming, and when PC-based information/entertainment/communication products obviate Comcast's current set-top box advantage.
DataPower Granted Patent for XML Processing Technology
DataPower Granted Patent for XML Processing Technology "DataPower Technology Inc. on Tuesday announced it has been granted a patent for its core XML processing and data interchange technology.
The Cambridge, Mass.-based company said it filed for the patent in 1999 and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted the patent covering DataPower's compiler techniques and dynamic code generation for data transformation, including XML processing."
Hmmm...
The Cambridge, Mass.-based company said it filed for the patent in 1999 and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted the patent covering DataPower's compiler techniques and dynamic code generation for data transformation, including XML processing."
Hmmm...
PCWorld.com - Click to See Your Neighbors' Politics
PCWorld.com - Click to See Your Neighbors' Politics "Fundrace also allows searches by first and last name. Enter "Jerry Seinfeld," for example, and up pops the comedian's campaign contributions, his occupation, and even his address. The site tracks contributions to candidates in the 2004 presidential campaign, including donations to national party committees as well as individual candidates.
To yield these results, the site mines publicly available data from the Web sites of the Federal Election Commission and the Census Bureau. By law, campaigns must report to those agencies contributions of at least $200."
Dubious -- check the rest of the story
To yield these results, the site mines publicly available data from the Web sites of the Federal Election Commission and the Census Bureau. By law, campaigns must report to those agencies contributions of at least $200."
Dubious -- check the rest of the story
Apple: How Sweet Is It?
Apple: How Sweet Is It? "All that is true enough, but Apple's history is a roller coaster that after going uphill always ends up lower than where it started. Apple continues falling behind as a platform, at least in terms of sales. While it may have “cemented“ some portion of the “lucrative creative market“ ask Adobe where their sales growth is coming from.
...
Apple makes great computers and has a great operating system, but until we hit another inflection point (Windows was the last one and Microsoft is doing all it can to delay the next one), Apple will remain an increasingly distant competitor.
Nevertheless, I love my Macs."
...
Apple makes great computers and has a great operating system, but until we hit another inflection point (Windows was the last one and Microsoft is doing all it can to delay the next one), Apple will remain an increasingly distant competitor.
Nevertheless, I love my Macs."
Microsoft Announces Windows XP Starter Edition Pilot Program
Microsoft Announces Windows XP Starter Edition Pilot Program "Microsoft Corp. today announced a five-country pilot program for Windows® XP Starter Edition, a low-cost introduction to the Microsoft® Windows XP operating system designed for first-time desktop PC users in developing technology markets. Designed as a result of Microsoft's ongoing collaborations with international governments, the Windows XP Starter Edition Pilot Program is part of Microsoft's comprehensive commitment to enable individuals, communities and countries to gain access to the technology tools, skills and innovation they need to realize their potential. Windows XP Starter Edition will offer an affordable and easy-to-use entry point to the Windows family of products that is tailored to local markets, in local languages, and is compatible with a wide range of Windows-based applications and devices."
Microsoft details on the program referenced below.
Microsoft details on the program referenced below.
The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: Spin the Payrolls
The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: Spin the Payrolls "When Friday's dismal job report was released, traders in the Chicago pit began chanting, "Kerry, Kerry." But apologists for President Bush's economic policies are frantically spinning the bad news. Here's a guide to their techniques."
A fun summary at the intersection of macroeconomics and media manipulation...
A fun summary at the intersection of macroeconomics and media manipulation...
WSJ.com - Dell Hires Gruzen Away From H-P For Notebook Arm
WSJ.com - Dell Hires Gruzen Away From H-P For Notebook Arm "In another sign of their bitter rivalry, Dell Inc. has hired the former head of Hewlett-Packard Co.'s notebook and hand-held personal computers to help manage its notebook-PC and consumer-electronics product development.
...
Mr. Gruzen was one of the 35 original members of the joint H-P/Compaq team of managers appointed to sort out product lines and strategies in advance of the stockholders' vote on the acquisition. H-P completed its purchase of Compaq in 2002. Before joining Compaq in 1996, he spent six years at Japanese consumer-electronics behemoth Sony Corp."
...
Mr. Gruzen was one of the 35 original members of the joint H-P/Compaq team of managers appointed to sort out product lines and strategies in advance of the stockholders' vote on the acquisition. H-P completed its purchase of Compaq in 2002. Before joining Compaq in 1996, he spent six years at Japanese consumer-electronics behemoth Sony Corp."
WSJ.com - Microsoft to Offer Budget Windows
WSJ.com - Microsoft to Offer Budget Windows "The software maker Tuesday announced a 12-month pilot program to provide personal computers running stripped-down versions of Windows XP to Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia starting in October. The company says it is in discussions to start similar programs in two other countries.
Microsoft isn't selling the software separately from the PCs, or disclosing how much it is charging computer makers. The company expects the PCs to be priced as low as $300, a Microsoft spokesman says. In the U.S., low-end home computers typically start at around $400; Windows XP Home Edition by itself typically costs about $99 for users that are upgrading to the product, or $199 for a first-time installation."
Reminder: commodity != devoid of value...
Microsoft isn't selling the software separately from the PCs, or disclosing how much it is charging computer makers. The company expects the PCs to be priced as low as $300, a Microsoft spokesman says. In the U.S., low-end home computers typically start at around $400; Windows XP Home Edition by itself typically costs about $99 for users that are upgrading to the product, or $199 for a first-time installation."
Reminder: commodity != devoid of value...
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Microsoft XP SP2 Blog Watch
Microsoft XP SP2 Blog Watch "Microsoft watchers turn to Redmond's bloggers for info that never makes it into the tight-lipped company's official communications.
In one post today, a Norwegian Microsoft manager published an e-mail from Redmond to partners detailing its distribution plans for the service pack. In a separate blog, a Microsoft developer explains how the team honed its vision for what XP SP2 should encompass."
Fascinating snapshot -- clearly lots of enterprises will be formulating (and enforcing) more precise blog policies in the not-too-distant future.
In one post today, a Norwegian Microsoft manager published an e-mail from Redmond to partners detailing its distribution plans for the service pack. In a separate blog, a Microsoft developer explains how the team honed its vision for what XP SP2 should encompass."
Fascinating snapshot -- clearly lots of enterprises will be formulating (and enforcing) more precise blog policies in the not-too-distant future.
Google Search: vonage pronounced
Google Search: vonage pronounced Apparently I was one of the last people on the planet using the French pronunciation; a quick Google search suggests it's actually "VOH-nij"/"von-udge"/"VAHN-udge"/"Vone-ej". Whatever... Meanwhile, the Vonage service continues to work okay but not great for me; I'll probably drop it when I can get a consistently high-quality wireless service provider that offers reasonably-priced, unlimited data and voice service (so... maybe I'll be using Vonage indefinitely...).
IM Interoperability: It's the Business Model, Stupid
IM Interoperability: It's the Business Model, Stupid "Last month marked a turning point in the ability for users to communicate across the largest IM networks. Microsoft Inc., Yahoo Inc. and America Online Inc. forged an agreement for letting messages and presence information move between Microsoft's forthcoming Office Live Communications Server 2005 and the three big networks—MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger and AOL Instant Messenger
While a far cry from broad interoperability, the deal shone more light on the fact that business issues, and not technological ones, are the major bottleneck to interoperability. As part of the deal, Microsoft officials have said, the IM networks will receive a share of license revenue from the interconnection feature in LCS."
While a far cry from broad interoperability, the deal shone more light on the fact that business issues, and not technological ones, are the major bottleneck to interoperability. As part of the deal, Microsoft officials have said, the IM networks will receive a share of license revenue from the interconnection feature in LCS."
BBC NEWS | Technology | Pupils bear spam e-mail overload
BBC NEWS | Technology | Pupils bear spam e-mail overload "The first week of a project to filter the e-mails travelling across the London Grid for Learning has revealed that 75% of the messages are junk.
The most popular subjects for the spam were the drugs Viagra and Valium. Much of the remaining mail was pornographic.
The network provides more than a million school children access to net-based learning aids."
The most popular subjects for the spam were the drugs Viagra and Valium. Much of the remaining mail was pornographic.
The network provides more than a million school children access to net-based learning aids."
BW Online | August 10, 2004 | Windows of Vulnerability No More?
BW Online | August 10, 2004 | Windows of Vulnerability No More? "Many of the most significant changes in SP2 affect the Internet Explorer Web browser, which has emerged as the source of Windows' most serious vulnerabilities. IE was designed to make it very simple and convenient for Web sites to download programs to Windows PCs. But the mechanisms designed to keep such downloads safe have proved hopelessly inadequate, and the bad guys have found all sorts of ways to take advantage of the vulnerabilities to deposit spyware, Trojan horses, and assorted other nastiness onto PCs, sometimes without requiring any action by the user.
WARNING SIGNS. The new browser, which is only available for Windows XP and only as part of SP2, behaves very differently. It starts by blocking any attempt by a Web site to download to a PC any file other than an image or a sound that's part of the Web page itself unless the user has explicitly requested the data. Instead of delivering the file, IE beeps and puts up a notification just below the toolbar saying "To help protect your security, Windows Explorer has blocked this site from downloading software to your computer. Click here for options." When you click, you can tell IE to proceed with the download. If the file is a program, you will then be asked if you want to run it or, in some cases, whether you want to save it to disk. You will face a third level of challenge if Windows cannot determine that the software was digitally signed using a valid digital certificate."
WARNING SIGNS. The new browser, which is only available for Windows XP and only as part of SP2, behaves very differently. It starts by blocking any attempt by a Web site to download to a PC any file other than an image or a sound that's part of the Web page itself unless the user has explicitly requested the data. Instead of delivering the file, IE beeps and puts up a notification just below the toolbar saying "To help protect your security, Windows Explorer has blocked this site from downloading software to your computer. Click here for options." When you click, you can tell IE to proceed with the download. If the file is a program, you will then be asked if you want to run it or, in some cases, whether you want to save it to disk. You will face a third level of challenge if Windows cannot determine that the software was digitally signed using a valid digital certificate."
The New York Times > Technology > Seeing Google With the Eyes of Forrest Gump
The New York Times > Technology > Seeing Google With the Eyes of Forrest Gump "When the makers of the 1994 movie "Forrest Gump" sought a plot device that would render its main character fabulously rich, they cast him as an early investor in what Forrest Gump described as "some kind of fruit company": Apple Computer. By dumb luck, the movie suggested, its guileless hero had amassed so many millions that he could finance a Gump Medical Center, build a Baptist church and allow the family of his fallen friend Bubba to live in luxury.
In the real world, though, Apple would hardly make anyone's list of Wall Street's greatest hits, despite its considerable business accomplishments. Like Google today, Apple was a young but profitable company celebrated by the media when it made its stock market premiere in December 1980. But because much of its future potential was already factored into its initial offering price, few other than the company's founders and its venture capitalists can boast they got rich off Apple."
Interesting and timely reality check; definitely worth a read.
In the real world, though, Apple would hardly make anyone's list of Wall Street's greatest hits, despite its considerable business accomplishments. Like Google today, Apple was a young but profitable company celebrated by the media when it made its stock market premiere in December 1980. But because much of its future potential was already factored into its initial offering price, few other than the company's founders and its venture capitalists can boast they got rich off Apple."
Interesting and timely reality check; definitely worth a read.
Boxes and Arrows: The Information Architecture of Email
Boxes and Arrows: The Information Architecture of Email "As Gmail comes out of Beta, Google may find itself with a product that users are slow to adopt. People may find the subtle change in the email paradigm more dramatic than Google anticipated. Perhaps this speaks to the dangers of bad design: a bad product can just as easily become entrenched as rejected, such that when a better one comes along, users are reluctant to adopt it.
It may be difficult to think of email applications as “bad design,” and before I started using Gmail it never occurred to me that they were. On the other hand, Google’s different approach to email has led to some stark revelations about my email behavior. At the most basic level, managing email — an activity whose necessity rates somewhere between scheduled car maintenance and eating — requires too much thinking under current models. Users may be pleased to have to “think less.”
The paradigm shift, however, will be the least of Google’s problems. With its search engine advertising practices under constant scrutiny, Google faces myriad new issues by attaching targeted advertisements to emails, potentially a gross invasion of privacy. At the same time, the advertisements for mandolin dealers and instructors that come attached to posts to the mandolin mailing list are almost as valuable as the posts themselves."
Via Tomalak's Realm
It may be difficult to think of email applications as “bad design,” and before I started using Gmail it never occurred to me that they were. On the other hand, Google’s different approach to email has led to some stark revelations about my email behavior. At the most basic level, managing email — an activity whose necessity rates somewhere between scheduled car maintenance and eating — requires too much thinking under current models. Users may be pleased to have to “think less.”
The paradigm shift, however, will be the least of Google’s problems. With its search engine advertising practices under constant scrutiny, Google faces myriad new issues by attaching targeted advertisements to emails, potentially a gross invasion of privacy. At the same time, the advertisements for mandolin dealers and instructors that come attached to posts to the mandolin mailing list are almost as valuable as the posts themselves."
Via Tomalak's Realm
Monday, August 09, 2004
CRN | Breaking News| Analyst: Microsoft Rules Another Market With Small Biz Server
CRN | Breaking News| Analyst: Microsoft Rules Another Market With Small Biz Server "Microsoft's Small Business Server is a remarkable hit, said a research firm Monday as it released the results of a survey that claimed an astounding 86 percent of small- and mid-sized businesses either use the server bundle or are planning to deploy it.
...
"These customers don't care about the brand name," said DiDio. "Linux is not even on their radar, and actually, they don't even much care that SBS comes from Microsoft. They just want something that will be the most cost-effective and efficient."
...
"These customers don't care about the brand name," said DiDio. "Linux is not even on their radar, and actually, they don't even much care that SBS comes from Microsoft. They just want something that will be the most cost-effective and efficient."
Microsoft Shares Connectors
Microsoft Shares Connectors "Microsoft (Quote, Chart) released the source code of three software toolkits designed to tie its collaboration software with applications built by the competition, officials announced Monday.
The company has been relatively quiet about its SharePoint product line since it launched SharePoint Services for Windows Server 2003 last October. The technology allows business users to share data files across the network for business projects or other collaborative efforts.
Now companies using OASIS' WSRP (Web Services for Remote Portlets) standard can begin to tie in non-Microsoft applications to SharePoint Server 2003 and SharePoint Services sites and vice versa. Passed last September, WSRP is an XML-based technology that allows for the development of portlets from one vendor on another's platform.
...
In March, Microsoft and other OASIS members showcased WSRP's abilities, demonstrating portlets made by one member on another platform. Officials said the adoption of the Web services technology by application vendors will free enterprise developers from manually coding integration between different software platforms.
To date, however, only about 10 organizations have come out and publicly announced applications that support WSRP 1.0; Microsoft is one of four companies that has been conducting interoperability testing of its WSRP implementations."
Subtle but very significant
The company has been relatively quiet about its SharePoint product line since it launched SharePoint Services for Windows Server 2003 last October. The technology allows business users to share data files across the network for business projects or other collaborative efforts.
Now companies using OASIS' WSRP (Web Services for Remote Portlets) standard can begin to tie in non-Microsoft applications to SharePoint Server 2003 and SharePoint Services sites and vice versa. Passed last September, WSRP is an XML-based technology that allows for the development of portlets from one vendor on another's platform.
...
In March, Microsoft and other OASIS members showcased WSRP's abilities, demonstrating portlets made by one member on another platform. Officials said the adoption of the Web services technology by application vendors will free enterprise developers from manually coding integration between different software platforms.
To date, however, only about 10 organizations have come out and publicly announced applications that support WSRP 1.0; Microsoft is one of four companies that has been conducting interoperability testing of its WSRP implementations."
Subtle but very significant
U.S. may be left behind in open-source technology, Red Hat's Szulik warns - Computerworld
U.S. may be left behind in open-source technology, Red Hat's Szulik warns - Computerworld "Portraying his company as part of a global effort to create a larger worldwide software industry, Red Hat Inc. CEO Matthew Szulik opened the LinuxWorld Conference & Expo here today with a warning that the U.S. runs the risk of missing out on the move toward open-source.
Szulik implied that the U.S.'s attitude toward open-source, as witnessed by recent developments in U.S. law and copyright, education and patent policies, could threaten this country's pre-eminence as a technology supplier. "The United States is increasingly becoming a fast follower," he said."
Maybe somebody should point out to this guy that his company looks and acts a lot more like Microsoft than an organization truly committed to free or open source software. Actually, that's probably (at least selectively) unfair to Microsoft, in terms of promoting the global goals Szulik espouses -- e.g., I think Microsoft is probably doing more than Red Hat or any other (increasingly oxymoronic) "commercial open source" vendor to make information technology available to all schools etc.
Szulik implied that the U.S.'s attitude toward open-source, as witnessed by recent developments in U.S. law and copyright, education and patent policies, could threaten this country's pre-eminence as a technology supplier. "The United States is increasingly becoming a fast follower," he said."
Maybe somebody should point out to this guy that his company looks and acts a lot more like Microsoft than an organization truly committed to free or open source software. Actually, that's probably (at least selectively) unfair to Microsoft, in terms of promoting the global goals Szulik espouses -- e.g., I think Microsoft is probably doing more than Red Hat or any other (increasingly oxymoronic) "commercial open source" vendor to make information technology available to all schools etc.
Economist.com | Technology conferences: The new networking
Economist.com | Technology conferences: The new networking "Normally, a blog—short for web log—is a sort of online diary where people record their thoughts and post links to their favourite web pages for friends to see. But at tech conferences, the blogs, in the form of internet chat rooms, can also be projected on to a large screen next to the stage. Attendees can now look up from their laptops and, without making eye contact with the people sitting next to them, read what everybody else is saying about the panel discussion. The appeal is obvious.
Geeks sometimes want to shut up other geeks, but don't know how to do it gracefully. So now they can blog it on to the screen. This is how Steve Mills, the software boss of IBM and, to some attendees, a sort of buttoned-down, corporate geek, was dispatched during his keynote address at AlwaysOn, a conference in Palo Alto last month."
(Subscription required for full article)
Geeks sometimes want to shut up other geeks, but don't know how to do it gracefully. So now they can blog it on to the screen. This is how Steve Mills, the software boss of IBM and, to some attendees, a sort of buttoned-down, corporate geek, was dispatched during his keynote address at AlwaysOn, a conference in Palo Alto last month."
(Subscription required for full article)
The Seattle Times: Business & Technology: Options blossom for mobile Internet access
The Seattle Times: Business & Technology: Options blossom for mobile Internet access "The number of ways to get on the Internet wirelessly and at high speeds is growing and likely to get almost dizzying.
Cellular carriers, including Verizon Wireless and AT&T Wireless, are beginning to launch high-speed 3G networks (for third-generation of wireless development) to support mobile data services.
Operators such as Clearwire, owned by telecommunications tycoon Craig McCaw, are starting to offer broadband wireless to compete with DSL and cable-modem services.
Nextel Communications has launched a unique breed of wireless Internet service in the Raleigh, N.C., region — a mobile, high-speed option known as FLASH-OFDM.
...
With the Flarion-based service, Nextel can market higher speeds and lower costs than cell carriers' offerings. "It leapfrogs 3G and competes with DSL," Nextel's Schaefer said.
Recent research supports her claims. A report from Parks Associates found that 43 percent of Internet users said they would be interested in replacing their DSL service with a wireless Internet service if it was priced in the $30 to $40 range."
Cellular carriers, including Verizon Wireless and AT&T Wireless, are beginning to launch high-speed 3G networks (for third-generation of wireless development) to support mobile data services.
Operators such as Clearwire, owned by telecommunications tycoon Craig McCaw, are starting to offer broadband wireless to compete with DSL and cable-modem services.
Nextel Communications has launched a unique breed of wireless Internet service in the Raleigh, N.C., region — a mobile, high-speed option known as FLASH-OFDM.
...
With the Flarion-based service, Nextel can market higher speeds and lower costs than cell carriers' offerings. "It leapfrogs 3G and competes with DSL," Nextel's Schaefer said.
Recent research supports her claims. A report from Parks Associates found that 43 percent of Internet users said they would be interested in replacing their DSL service with a wireless Internet service if it was priced in the $30 to $40 range."
Microsoft Releases XP Service Pack 2; Public Will Get Update Over Time
Microsoft Releases XP Service Pack 2; Public Will Get Update Over Time "Windows XP SP2 will also be the subject of a massive marketing campaign, with Microsoft attempting to get the update into as many users' hands as possible. This campaign will include free SP2 CDs, both via Web order and at retail stores, and an effort to get electronics retailers to update already stocked XP machines to SP2. PC makers will begin shipping new PCs with XP SP2 in the next 6 to 8 weeks, and Microsoft intends to deliver over 25 localized versions over the next two months.
So what's the big deal? Despite its service pack moniker, Windows XP SP2 is nothing short of a major new version of Windows. The only real difference between this release and a full Windows upgrade is that SP2 focuses almost exclusively on security updates. "Service Pack 2 is a significant step in delivering on our goal to help customers make their PCs better isolated and more resilient in the face of increasingly sophisticated attacks," said Microsoft chairman Bill Gates. "It is the result of sustained investments in innovation and extensive industry collaboration. It also reflects a broad recognition that as the security environment changes, the industry needs to work together to respond."
XP's security updates focus on three key areas. First, the product includes stronger base security settings than the initial version of XP, with a variety of technological changes aimed at protecting users against broad types of electronic attacks. Second, XP SP2 provides new and simpler security management tools, both for end users and administrators. And third, SP2 includes a number of updated components, all of which have been designed to offer better security than their predecessors; these components include a new wireless client, Bluetooth support, and new versions of Windows Media Player and DirectX."
So what's the big deal? Despite its service pack moniker, Windows XP SP2 is nothing short of a major new version of Windows. The only real difference between this release and a full Windows upgrade is that SP2 focuses almost exclusively on security updates. "Service Pack 2 is a significant step in delivering on our goal to help customers make their PCs better isolated and more resilient in the face of increasingly sophisticated attacks," said Microsoft chairman Bill Gates. "It is the result of sustained investments in innovation and extensive industry collaboration. It also reflects a broad recognition that as the security environment changes, the industry needs to work together to respond."
XP's security updates focus on three key areas. First, the product includes stronger base security settings than the initial version of XP, with a variety of technological changes aimed at protecting users against broad types of electronic attacks. Second, XP SP2 provides new and simpler security management tools, both for end users and administrators. And third, SP2 includes a number of updated components, all of which have been designed to offer better security than their predecessors; these components include a new wireless client, Bluetooth support, and new versions of Windows Media Player and DirectX."
The New York Times > Technology > A Digital World With Analog as Its Workhorse
The New York Times > Technology > A Digital World With Analog as Its Workhorse "Most people think that the world has gone digital and analog is old and not hip," said Gregg A. Lowe, the senior vice president who oversees most of Texas Instruments' analog business. "On average, there's probably 15 analog chips needed for every digital processor you use."
WSJ.com - Wireless Carriers Leave Many Callers in Dead Zone
WSJ.com - Wireless Carriers Leave Many Callers in Dead Zone "U.S. cellular carriers are aggressively promoting a new generation of phones that have everything from built-in cameras to Web surfing. But there's another, less-welcome wrinkle to the latest phones: Many are missing their old analog gear, and that can make it harder to place and receive calls in many areas.
As wireless carriers make the transition from analog to digital networks, many consumers are discovering that their fancier digital phones simply can't complete a call in a lot of places where their old phones worked just fine. Problems with blocked calls and dead zones are afflicting callers in big cities, including New York and Los Angeles, but they are especially pronounced in rural areas."
As wireless carriers make the transition from analog to digital networks, many consumers are discovering that their fancier digital phones simply can't complete a call in a lot of places where their old phones worked just fine. Problems with blocked calls and dead zones are afflicting callers in big cities, including New York and Los Angeles, but they are especially pronounced in rural areas."
Sunday, August 08, 2004
The New York Times > Travel > Practical Traveler: Logging On at 30,000 Feet
The New York Times > Travel > Practical Traveler: Logging On at 30,000 Feet "The price of a stress-free flight - Lufthansa's Connexion by Boeing service costs $30 for a long-haul flight (six hours or more), or $10 for 30 minutes - is perhaps more than some are willing to pay. But Connexion is at the leading edge of a trend that analysts and executives said will gain momentum this year, and is likely to lead to lower prices, a greater selection of vendors and much more mouse clicking on flights.
..
The service is only available to those with wireless Internet connections for their laptop or handheld computers."
So much for the folklore about wireless laptops causing problems for aircraft systems, apparently.
..
The service is only available to those with wireless Internet connections for their laptop or handheld computers."
So much for the folklore about wireless laptops causing problems for aircraft systems, apparently.
The New York Times > Business > Your Money > Techno Files: Programmers Devise New Ways to Make the Pieces Work Together
The New York Times > Business > Your Money > Techno Files: Programmers Devise New Ways to Make the Pieces Work Together "Four months ago, I wrote in this space about the growing variety of programs that in one way or another could be considered tools for thinking. Some of them enhanced the part of thought that involves factual recall by making it easier to retrieve information from the recesses of your computer's hard drive. Others allowed you to put existing information together in ways that might stimulate new perceptions and ideas.
In the brief period since that column appeared, the lineup of contenders and offerings for Windows-based machines has changed significantly - in one case for the worse, but generally in more positive and useful directions."
Timely snapshot.
In the brief period since that column appeared, the lineup of contenders and offerings for Windows-based machines has changed significantly - in one case for the worse, but generally in more positive and useful directions."
Timely snapshot.
Saturday, August 07, 2004
ongoing: Patents and Linux
ongoing: Patents and Linux "The Lesson In software, assume that everything is already patented. You can’t build anything, no matter how new it is, without infringing someone’s patent.
...
But what I really worry about is the basic broken-ness of the US Patent system. It’s sucking money and time and resources out of the whole technology ecosystem; it’s a bleeding sore on our business and our culture and our people. It’s way past time to fix it. "
Read the entire post -- excellent insights from Tim Bray. Via Miguel de Icaza.
...
But what I really worry about is the basic broken-ness of the US Patent system. It’s sucking money and time and resources out of the whole technology ecosystem; it’s a bleeding sore on our business and our culture and our people. It’s way past time to fix it. "
Read the entire post -- excellent insights from Tim Bray. Via Miguel de Icaza.
Friday, August 06, 2004
Microsoft Releases Windows XP Service Pack 2 with Advanced Security Technologies to Computer Manufacturers
Microsoft Releases Windows XP Service Pack 2 with Advanced Security Technologies to Computer Manufacturers "Microsoft Corp. today announced the release to manufacturing of Windows® XP Service Pack 2 with Advanced Security Technologies. This free service pack delivers the latest security updates and innovations from Microsoft, establishes strong default security settings, and adds new proactive protection features that will help better safeguard computers from hackers, viruses and other security risks."
Okay, so maybe it won't be 6 - 8 more weeks...
Okay, so maybe it won't be 6 - 8 more weeks...
Yahoo! News - Early 'Seinfeld' Episodes Coming to DVD
Yahoo! News - Early 'Seinfeld' Episodes Coming to DVD "The first three seasons of "Seinfeld" are coming to DVD Nov. 23, just in time for Festivus.
The episodes will be available in two four-DVD volumes as well as combined in a boxed gift set. Each volume will include about 12 hours of new content and have a suggested list price of $49.95, said the set's Sony-owned distributor, Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment."
Global productivity for Q1 2005 just went down ~20%...
The episodes will be available in two four-DVD volumes as well as combined in a boxed gift set. Each volume will include about 12 hours of new content and have a suggested list price of $49.95, said the set's Sony-owned distributor, Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment."
Global productivity for Q1 2005 just went down ~20%...
MSN Tests Web-Based IM Client
MSN Tests Web-Based IM Client "MSN has launched a beta version of a Web-based instant messaging client in five markets, including the United States.
...
The MSN Web Messenger beta, available here, runs on Windows 98, 2000, Me and XP. It supports Microsoft's Internet Explorer as well as alternative browsers. It supports IE 5.0 or later, Mozilla 1.6 or later and Netscape 7.0 or later.
Also, users are able to run the beta on Apple Computer Inc.'s Safari browser for Mac OS X, but MSN does not officially support it, the spokeswoman said."
...
The MSN Web Messenger beta, available here, runs on Windows 98, 2000, Me and XP. It supports Microsoft's Internet Explorer as well as alternative browsers. It supports IE 5.0 or later, Mozilla 1.6 or later and Netscape 7.0 or later.
Also, users are able to run the beta on Apple Computer Inc.'s Safari browser for Mac OS X, but MSN does not officially support it, the spokeswoman said."
CRN | Breaking News | IBM Technologist Sees Expanded Role For Databases
CRN | Breaking News | IBM Technologist Sees Expanded Role For Databases "Selinger: I spent the first 27 of my 29 years in database looking at data that's very structured, with a definition of databases that were tied to things like warehouse inventory, banking and other kinds of very structured, classic kind of databases, which was then extended to some extent with the object relational model. But another 85 percent of the data in the world is stored in other formats. My job as a database expert is really to extend the power of searching provided by this high level specification to all of the things that need to be done to all of the data that you have, whether it's in Word documents or spreadsheets or presentations or e-mail. That's really where the understanding and the ability to deal with XML will come in. I see us extending that database to store other kind of data, to be able to do archiving of an e-mail, for example, and to have that managed by a database engine and to be able to search it using database searching techniques so you can find all the e-mails sent to a certain person or you can find all the e-mails referencing a certain stock transaction. This is something you need to do for managing your business, something you need to do for understanding your customers and something you may need to do for regulatory compliance.
...
Selinger: What I would like to see is the ability for a large number of people who today are using file systems in their applications, particularly in the small and medium business area, to recognize the value that a database brings to them and be able to easily use one with no more trouble and no more fuss than using file systems today. The database has to be very easy to program to, it has to manage itself, it has to do things like automated backups, it has to add value beyond a file system with automatic recovery so if there is a corruption on the disk, for example, you could recover your data. Companies today, particularly the small to medium ISVs that write to file systems, will be able to access the database system just as easily and have all this benefit of this automation and not require a database administrator for all of those applications until the day they get big enough and heavy enough and mission critical enough to require an IT staff."
It's only a matter of time; DBMSs rule...
...
Selinger: What I would like to see is the ability for a large number of people who today are using file systems in their applications, particularly in the small and medium business area, to recognize the value that a database brings to them and be able to easily use one with no more trouble and no more fuss than using file systems today. The database has to be very easy to program to, it has to manage itself, it has to do things like automated backups, it has to add value beyond a file system with automatic recovery so if there is a corruption on the disk, for example, you could recover your data. Companies today, particularly the small to medium ISVs that write to file systems, will be able to access the database system just as easily and have all this benefit of this automation and not require a database administrator for all of those applications until the day they get big enough and heavy enough and mission critical enough to require an IT staff."
It's only a matter of time; DBMSs rule...
InfoWorld: Yahoo to take on Microsoft in desktop search
InfoWorld: Yahoo to take on Microsoft in desktop search "Yahoo Inc. is hoping to leapfrog Microsoft Corp. by releasing a tool that allows users to quickly and easily search for information on their PCs as well as in their personal files stored at Yahoo's online services, a source familiar with the plan said Wednesday.
...
Yahoo is developing a similar tool but plans to take its capabilities a step further, according to a person familiar with the plan. In addition to letting users search their local mail and hard drive, Yahoo's tool will extend the search to include personal files stored at its online services, such as e-mail, calendar, and picture hosting, the person said."
The most amazing part of this trend, to me, is the fact that local search has been so awful for so long, for most people. I remember Lotus Magellan (now spiritually resurrected as X1) in the waning MS-DOS days; seems the industry hasn't made a lot of progress for local search in the interim, for mainstream users.
...
Yahoo is developing a similar tool but plans to take its capabilities a step further, according to a person familiar with the plan. In addition to letting users search their local mail and hard drive, Yahoo's tool will extend the search to include personal files stored at its online services, such as e-mail, calendar, and picture hosting, the person said."
The most amazing part of this trend, to me, is the fact that local search has been so awful for so long, for most people. I remember Lotus Magellan (now spiritually resurrected as X1) in the waning MS-DOS days; seems the industry hasn't made a lot of progress for local search in the interim, for mainstream users.
WSJ.com - Games Industry Rev Seen At Historic High In 2007 - Report
WSJ.com - Games Industry Rev Seen At Historic High In 2007 - Report "With the three 128-bit consoles launched in all the major markets and with software sales to increase accordingly, 2003 represented the best year ever for the games industry at $33.2 billion. This figure will be bettered in 2004, with sales forecast at $33.8 billion, and will gradually rise until the peak of $52.1 billion 2007 when sales of next generation consoles are likely to be their highest.
However, the console cycle will see a fall in both hardware and software sales by 2010. The PC software sector will continue its steady decline - falling by $2 billion or 40% between 2000 and 2010. The highest growth will come from broadband, mobile and interactive TV, which are together forecast to generate revenues of $13.1 billion by 2010 - up from $3.9 billion in 2004.
...
About 15.5 million console hardware units were sold in the U.S. in 2002, but this level is expected to fall to 11.3 million in 2004 and 9.9 million in 2005 despite anticipated price cuts. Lifetime hardware sales for the PlayStation 2 in the U.S. are expected to reach 46 million, with the last hardware unit sold in 2010. This compares with 12.7 million for the present Xbox model and 8.0 million for the GameCube.
The next generation Xbox console is assumed to go on sale in the U.S. in late 2005. Console software sales breached the 100 million mark in 2003, and will continue to stay above that level. Handheld sales will decline steadily until 2005 when the PSP and Nintendo DS will start to make a significant impact."
However, the console cycle will see a fall in both hardware and software sales by 2010. The PC software sector will continue its steady decline - falling by $2 billion or 40% between 2000 and 2010. The highest growth will come from broadband, mobile and interactive TV, which are together forecast to generate revenues of $13.1 billion by 2010 - up from $3.9 billion in 2004.
...
About 15.5 million console hardware units were sold in the U.S. in 2002, but this level is expected to fall to 11.3 million in 2004 and 9.9 million in 2005 despite anticipated price cuts. Lifetime hardware sales for the PlayStation 2 in the U.S. are expected to reach 46 million, with the last hardware unit sold in 2010. This compares with 12.7 million for the present Xbox model and 8.0 million for the GameCube.
The next generation Xbox console is assumed to go on sale in the U.S. in late 2005. Console software sales breached the 100 million mark in 2003, and will continue to stay above that level. Handheld sales will decline steadily until 2005 when the PSP and Nintendo DS will start to make a significant impact."
ENT News | News: Virtual Server 2005 Released to Manufacturing
ENT News | News: Virtual Server 2005 Released to Manufacturing "Virtual Server 2005 is released to manufacturing, a Microsoft spokesperson said Thursday. RTM marks the final development milestone in the server virtualization software's odyssey from a third-party beta version to an official Microsoft product.
...
Virtual Server 2005 will be available in a standard edition that supports up to four processors and an enterprise edition supporting up to 32 processors. Although Microsoft frequently discusses pricing at RTM, the company was not immediately ready to disclose its price plans. Bob Muglia, senior vice president for Microsoft's Windows Server Division, has promised that Virtual Server will be the lowest cost way of virtualizing servers in the industry."
...
Virtual Server 2005 will be available in a standard edition that supports up to four processors and an enterprise edition supporting up to 32 processors. Although Microsoft frequently discusses pricing at RTM, the company was not immediately ready to disclose its price plans. Bob Muglia, senior vice president for Microsoft's Windows Server Division, has promised that Virtual Server will be the lowest cost way of virtualizing servers in the industry."
Thursday, August 05, 2004
A couple points about my blog
A couple points about my blog A quick note on this blog's format, purpose, etc., after the linked post incorrectly attributed something I quoted on my blog to me: this blog is primarily a news filter; I use it to share pointers to articles and other stuff I find useful/interesting/entertaining/etc., but I'm not using it (at least at this time) as a personal soapbox. I try to consistently use quotation marks when I'm capturing others' text; you should only assume I've added my own $.02 when you see paragraphs that aren't in quotes.
Jonathan Schwartz's Weblog: IBM's Pickling Continues
Jonathan Schwartz's Weblog: IBM's Pickling Continues "I'm heartened to note that SuSe has added in an application server to their linux distribution - increasing the pressure on IBM to defend its increasingly curious linux strategy. Why bother with WebSphere when you get an app server in Solaris, Red Hat, Windows, and SuSe? Great question for IBM customers and ISV's to ask before they re-up on WebSphere - you've never had stronger pricing leverage.
I particularly enjoy the jockeying between the companies on the definition of "low-end" vs. "high-end" application servers. I wonder whose definition will matter most when their sales reps are trying to close a big app server deal."
(Continues with the requisite patent FUD etc.)
Perplexing, considering the source. Gee, do you suppose good-enough/"low-end" open source also applies in domains such as directory and messaging? And what does that mean for Sun's server software suite?
I particularly enjoy the jockeying between the companies on the definition of "low-end" vs. "high-end" application servers. I wonder whose definition will matter most when their sales reps are trying to close a big app server deal."
(Continues with the requisite patent FUD etc.)
Perplexing, considering the source. Gee, do you suppose good-enough/"low-end" open source also applies in domains such as directory and messaging? And what does that mean for Sun's server software suite?
msn.com - home page in IE (mystery solved)
msn.com - home page in IE (mystery solved): "... If you use ad-aware, that is where your problem comes from. For some reason, this program sees your home page set to blank as a potential threat, and, if you don't set your exclusions properly, will reset your home page to the default (msn).
Next time, place this particular entry in your 'ignore list', this will take care of the problem."
Surprise! It wasn't Microsoft... (Thanks to Bob Balaban for the hint)
Next time, place this particular entry in your 'ignore list', this will take care of the problem."
Surprise! It wasn't Microsoft... (Thanks to Bob Balaban for the hint)
MSN Web Messenger
MSN Web Messenger Looking good -- almost 1:1 with native client MSN Messenger. Thanks to dwergs for the status update and the pointer to a site focused on MSN Messenger tricks and toys.
MSN.com annoynance
MSN.com annoynance Something is regularly resetting my IE home page to MSN.com (from my norm of a blank page) -- started happening a couple weeks ago. Frustrating...
Perspectives on the June, 2004, Radicati Group
Perspectives on the June, 2004, Radicati Group "The Radicati Group recently issued a "Corporate Messaging Market Analysis." The report contains many inaccurate and misleading statements. In this document, IBM Lotus clarifies its position relative to Radicati's analysis. Our response contains two sections -- 1) deconstruction of some of the key points in the report; and 2) a view of the strengths of Lotus Notes and Domino."
Mitch Kapor: We the Media
Mitch Kapor: We the Media "Dan Gillmor, the Technology columnist for the San Jose Mercury News, has a new book entitled, “We the Media: Grassroots Journalism By the People For the People.” This is a great book dealing with the impact of the Internet on politics and the news media written by an author (and a personal friend) who has covered the electronic revolution for the past decade and who has even longer experience in the traditional news business. It is available from bookstores and also for download via a Creative Commons license."
See post for links. You might also want to read TNR's thoughtful review of Paul Starr's "The Creation of the Media: The Political Origins of Modern Communications" for some longer-term historical context.
See post for links. You might also want to read TNR's thoughtful review of Paul Starr's "The Creation of the Media: The Political Origins of Modern Communications" for some longer-term historical context.
Apple settles with patent holder on iTunes | CNET News.com
Apple settles with patent holder on iTunes | CNET News.com "Apple Computer has become the latest in a line of companies licensing patents from the relatively obscure E-Data, a company that claims to hold property rights on the process of selling music online.
E-Data said Wednesday that it had reached a European agreement with Apple that gave the company worldwide rights for its iTunes Music Store. It has now launched a new round of patent infringement suits against 14 companies including Amazon.com and The New York Times."
E-Data said Wednesday that it had reached a European agreement with Apple that gave the company worldwide rights for its iTunes Music Store. It has now launched a new round of patent infringement suits against 14 companies including Amazon.com and The New York Times."
The Seattle Times: Business & Technology: Microsoft delays release of Windows XP update
The Seattle Times: Business & Technology: Microsoft delays release of Windows XP update "A long-awaited update kit for Microsoft's Windows XP software faces further delays and may take until October to get fully worked into the supply of new computers, a spokesman said yesterday.
Microsoft plans to make the XP "service pack 2" available by download or on free update discs by the end of this month. It was originally scheduled to ship by June 30.
It will also provide computer makers with a new version of XP that incorporates the updates, but it may take up to six or eight weeks longer to appear on new PCs, said Greg Sullivan, lead product manager with Microsoft's Windows Client division.
One factor in the delay is testing to see how the kit affects other software. The kit may interfere with some applications, and Microsoft has acknowledged it will cause problems with its own business customer-relationship management product.
More than 210 million copies of Windows XP are in use, and it's now the standard operating system sold on new PCs."
Microsoft plans to make the XP "service pack 2" available by download or on free update discs by the end of this month. It was originally scheduled to ship by June 30.
It will also provide computer makers with a new version of XP that incorporates the updates, but it may take up to six or eight weeks longer to appear on new PCs, said Greg Sullivan, lead product manager with Microsoft's Windows Client division.
One factor in the delay is testing to see how the kit affects other software. The kit may interfere with some applications, and Microsoft has acknowledged it will cause problems with its own business customer-relationship management product.
More than 210 million copies of Windows XP are in use, and it's now the standard operating system sold on new PCs."
WSJ.com - Microsoft Delays Update On Windows Security
WSJ.com - Microsoft Delays Update On Windows Security "People waiting for Microsoft Corp. to make their personal computers safer from computer viruses, worms and hackers are going to have to wait a little longer.
The Redmond, Wash., software maker said yesterday that it would delay the release of "Service Pack 2," a long-awaited update to Windows XP that is expected to address security concerns with the widely used operating system.
Microsoft had planned to announce late yesterday that the software was being transferred to its manufacturing plants and was ready for users to download. Instead, the company then reversed course, stating that to ensure the software meets quality standards, it now plans to make the product available at an unspecified future date."
The Redmond, Wash., software maker said yesterday that it would delay the release of "Service Pack 2," a long-awaited update to Windows XP that is expected to address security concerns with the widely used operating system.
Microsoft had planned to announce late yesterday that the software was being transferred to its manufacturing plants and was ready for users to download. Instead, the company then reversed course, stating that to ensure the software meets quality standards, it now plans to make the product available at an unspecified future date."
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
CRN | Breaking News | IBM Exec Zisman Leaves The Fold
CRN | Breaking News | IBM Exec Zisman Leaves The Fold "Michael Zisman, a respected IBM executive, is retiring from Big Blue, after nearly a decade with the company.
Zisman confirmed his departure by e-mail, saying he will continue to consult with the computing giant, and maybe other clients. He will also teach at the University of Pennsylvania."
Zisman confirmed his departure by e-mail, saying he will continue to consult with the computing giant, and maybe other clients. He will also teach at the University of Pennsylvania."
IBM Software news: IBM Lotus Notes and Domino roadmap -- customers can chart their own course (2004-8-3)
IBM Software news: IBM Lotus Notes and Domino roadmap -- customers can chart their own course (2004-8-3) "“Like Lotus Workplace, Domino 7 will support DB2 as an alternative data store,” he says. “The support includes API compatibility, so that any application written to use one of our public Domino APIs will work without modification to the design of that application if you change the application to use a DB2 back-end; it also includes DB2 administration features. Leveraging DB2 will benefit application developers who want to access their Domino data using SQL, easily integrate DB2 data or take advantage of other DB2 capabilities. The Notes 7 client will include increased presence awareness throughout the inbox, discussion forms, and databases as well as improved interoperability with Lotus Workplace Instant Messaging and Web Conferencing. And the release will include the Notes application plug-in, which will let users run existing, native Notes and Domino applications without modification within the upcoming IBM Workplace Client Technology, therefore extending the reach and viability of those applications without making any additional investments in modifying the design of those applications. This is just another example of how we are protecting the investments our customers have made in the Notes/Domino platform.”
Dumont ticks off a list of other features in Notes 7:
The ability to paste Notes urls (doclinks) into instant messaging (IM) windows. Now someone can paste a link in an IM chat window and the IM client will render it as a link you click.
Sort by subject in the inbox and provide disclaimers on outbound internet mail. Both of these features have been frequently requested for the Notes client.
Improved Microsoft integration. Smart Tags support allows you to send mail, create an invitation, show details and take actions on names that appear in Office documents and Office 2003 viewers.
Productivity enhancements. - The improvements include (1) asynchronous database open allows you to work while a database with a big view index opens up in the same way you can work while a big attachment is saved, ( 2) Autosave of docs in edit mode (3) Ability to view a mail thread from within a message.
...
“Remember, Lotus Workplace is a relatively young offering, and while it’s evolving quickly it doesn’t yet offer the breadth and depth of Notes and Domino’s existing collaboration capabilities. So the more a customer depends on Notes and Domino applications and key advanced features in the product set, the longer that user may want to wait to take advantage of Lotus Workplace. The same goes for customers using non-Lotus messaging and collaboration tools – the more deeply they rely on the advanced features of their messaging and collaboration feature set, the more likely they will be to choose Notes and Domino initially as part of a plan that brings them to Lotus Workplace technology. On the other hand, customers with existing portals, customers using WebSphere, customers who use more browser-based clients, or customers pursuing open standards as a priority might move more aggressively to Lotus Workplace.”
...
“Eventually, IBM Workplace will include innovations you just won’t be able to get in the Notes and Domino platform,” says Dumont."
This and the following post via Bruce Elgort
Dumont ticks off a list of other features in Notes 7:
The ability to paste Notes urls (doclinks) into instant messaging (IM) windows. Now someone can paste a link in an IM chat window and the IM client will render it as a link you click.
Sort by subject in the inbox and provide disclaimers on outbound internet mail. Both of these features have been frequently requested for the Notes client.
Improved Microsoft integration. Smart Tags support allows you to send mail, create an invitation, show details and take actions on names that appear in Office documents and Office 2003 viewers.
Productivity enhancements. - The improvements include (1) asynchronous database open allows you to work while a database with a big view index opens up in the same way you can work while a big attachment is saved, ( 2) Autosave of docs in edit mode (3) Ability to view a mail thread from within a message.
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“Remember, Lotus Workplace is a relatively young offering, and while it’s evolving quickly it doesn’t yet offer the breadth and depth of Notes and Domino’s existing collaboration capabilities. So the more a customer depends on Notes and Domino applications and key advanced features in the product set, the longer that user may want to wait to take advantage of Lotus Workplace. The same goes for customers using non-Lotus messaging and collaboration tools – the more deeply they rely on the advanced features of their messaging and collaboration feature set, the more likely they will be to choose Notes and Domino initially as part of a plan that brings them to Lotus Workplace technology. On the other hand, customers with existing portals, customers using WebSphere, customers who use more browser-based clients, or customers pursuing open standards as a priority might move more aggressively to Lotus Workplace.”
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“Eventually, IBM Workplace will include innovations you just won’t be able to get in the Notes and Domino platform,” says Dumont."
This and the following post via Bruce Elgort
When Analysts Astroturf
When Analysts Astroturf "There's been a bit of fun happening over at Ed Brill's blog. And it's spilling over to his work blog. Ed has had a long career at Lotus and IBM--he's been the Notes/Domino brand manager, and now he's the head of worldwide Notes/Domino sales. His personal weblog became the target of some anonymous drive-by sniping(read the comments) after he publicly questioned the fairness of a report by the Radicati Group. Then, lo and behold, it turned out that the comments had been posted from an IP address at Radicati Group."
(See post for links)
(See post for links)
Transform Magazine - When the Music Stops, Collaboration Will Go Back to Basics
Transform Magazine - When the Music Stops, Collaboration Will Go Back to Basics: "There's a game of musical chairs under way in the world of collaboration, with content management, document management, records management and knowledge management increasingly overlapping with messaging, conferencing and workflow (as well as other applications whose terms are no longer in vogue, such as groupware and teamware). There will be a significant shortage of chairs when the music stops, and some of the categories will be subsumed into others and in some cases into underlying platforms from IBM, Microsoft and others. Industry standards will accelerate the consolidation, with especially strong industry momentum behind XML and XML Schema.
The consolidation of content and collaboration technologies will produce both challenges and opportunities for enterprise planners. There will be the inevitable disruption, but with it will come compelling new capabilities, pricing, licensing and management models; it's all lining up to become a classic 'do more with less' scenario. Consolidation will also produce stark new realities for software vendors that already are having trouble differentiating their products. The strikingly similar marketing material on the Web sites of Documentum (with eRoom), FileNet, Interwoven, Open Text, Plumtree and Vignette, for example, is indicative of the challenges some vendors now face.
The industry is on the verge of a major back-to-basics phase in all things related to content and collaboration. There will be an industry-wide shift toward a new communication and collaboration foundation based on the following concepts:..."
The consolidation of content and collaboration technologies will produce both challenges and opportunities for enterprise planners. There will be the inevitable disruption, but with it will come compelling new capabilities, pricing, licensing and management models; it's all lining up to become a classic 'do more with less' scenario. Consolidation will also produce stark new realities for software vendors that already are having trouble differentiating their products. The strikingly similar marketing material on the Web sites of Documentum (with eRoom), FileNet, Interwoven, Open Text, Plumtree and Vignette, for example, is indicative of the challenges some vendors now face.
The industry is on the verge of a major back-to-basics phase in all things related to content and collaboration. There will be an industry-wide shift toward a new communication and collaboration foundation based on the following concepts:..."
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
The Onion | CIA Asks Bush To Discontinue Blog
The Onion | CIA Asks Bush To Discontinue Blog "In the interest of national security, President Bush has been asked to stop posting entries on his three-month-old personal web log, acting CIA director John E. McLaughlin said Monday.
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Bush said he could not understand McLaughlin's anger, characterizing his blog as a "personal thing written for friends and family or whoever" and therefore "none of the CIA's business."
More fun fiction from The Onion
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Bush said he could not understand McLaughlin's anger, characterizing his blog as a "personal thing written for friends and family or whoever" and therefore "none of the CIA's business."
More fun fiction from The Onion
Netscape 7.2 CD & Guidebook | Netscape Store
Netscape 7.2 CD & Guidebook | Netscape Store "Start running the Internet's best browser on your computer and receive the invaluable 7.2 Guidebook. The 7.2 Guidebook makes it easy to use all of Netscape's powerful features including Pop-up blocker and Spam control.
Netscape 7.2 CD & Guidebook $14.95"
I am not making this up -- got the offer via email today.
Netscape 7.2 CD & Guidebook $14.95"
I am not making this up -- got the offer via email today.
NOVELL: Novell and JBoss Expand Partnership to Accelerate the Adoption of Open Source in the Enterprise
NOVELL: Novell and JBoss Expand Partnership to Accelerate the Adoption of Open Source in the Enterprise "Novell and JBoss, Inc. today announced a new licensing and joint support agreement whereby Novell will bundle and support the open source JBoss® Application Server with SUSE® LINUX Enterprise Server and Novell® exteNdTM. The widely deployed JBoss application server is the first open source application server to achieve J2EE* 1.4 compliance, a significant milestone for JBoss and the open source and J2EE communities. Together, Novell and JBoss will deliver the powerful combination of open source, Linux* and J2EE to the enterprise."
Cloudscape Version 10: A technical overview
Cloudscape Version 10: A technical overview "The IBM® Cloudscape™ lightweight, pure Java™ technology-based embeddable architecture makes it the ideal database engine for deploying database-driven Java applications. With Cloudscape, the database engine becomes part of the application so the user never has to install or manage it. This article highlights the Cloudscape embeddable SQL database engine for Java technology, and provides you with an overview of some of the Cloudscape technical features."
I think the open-sourcing of Cloudscape (as Apache Derby) is a very significant milestone for the DBMS market. Cloudscape can be used as a program library or as a stand-alone server; it's a true DBMS, targeted at applications supporting up to 50 concurrent users and up to 20 gigabyte databases. While the most obvious synergy is for Java application development, Cloudscape also works with PHP, Perl, and Microsoft tools, so it has implications for everything from desktop database tools (today dominated by Apple Filemaker Pro and Microsoft Access) to Web/departmental database applications. It's also part of IBM's Workplace Client Technology, so in many respects Cloudscape is to IBM's architecture what SQL Server 2005 Express is to Microsoft's architecture.
I think the open-sourcing of Cloudscape (as Apache Derby) is a very significant milestone for the DBMS market. Cloudscape can be used as a program library or as a stand-alone server; it's a true DBMS, targeted at applications supporting up to 50 concurrent users and up to 20 gigabyte databases. While the most obvious synergy is for Java application development, Cloudscape also works with PHP, Perl, and Microsoft tools, so it has implications for everything from desktop database tools (today dominated by Apple Filemaker Pro and Microsoft Access) to Web/departmental database applications. It's also part of IBM's Workplace Client Technology, so in many respects Cloudscape is to IBM's architecture what SQL Server 2005 Express is to Microsoft's architecture.
Domino users fuming over Radicati report
Domino users fuming over Radicati report: "A recently published white paper questioning IBM Lotus' long-term strategy has ignited a firestorm of controversy in the Domino community. While an established research firm claims that the Workplace product line represents the end of the line for Domino, Lotus vehemently says otherwise.
In June, the Radicati Group Inc. of Palo Alto, Calif., published a white paper entitled, 'IBM Lotus & Microsoft -- Corporate Messaging Market Analysis.' It harshly criticized Lotus' long-term plans, suggesting that its Workplace collaboration platform represents an 'end-of-life' strategy for Domino and will cause Lotus' share of the messaging market to decline during the next four years."
Good recap of the controversy. Clearly there is a lot of energy in the Notes community these days.
In June, the Radicati Group Inc. of Palo Alto, Calif., published a white paper entitled, 'IBM Lotus & Microsoft -- Corporate Messaging Market Analysis.' It harshly criticized Lotus' long-term plans, suggesting that its Workplace collaboration platform represents an 'end-of-life' strategy for Domino and will cause Lotus' share of the messaging market to decline during the next four years."
Good recap of the controversy. Clearly there is a lot of energy in the Notes community these days.
What's Next? A Schwartz Poll on Buying Novell?
What's Next? A Schwartz Poll on Buying Novell? "Seems like the guy who is supposed to save Sun from obscurity can't quite decide how to go about it. And running a company isn't supposed to be a popularity contest. Still, I'll try to help him decide:
Unless something significant happens neither Sun nor Novell are going to exist five years from now. A case can be made that Novell barely exists now, unless you happen to still be running NetWare. Sun talks about its great cash position for doing acquisitions but what that really means is Sun still has enough cash to try to buy its way into some new business it can't develop on its own. But the company is also bleeding cash, better spend it (wisely) now than lose it later."
Unless something significant happens neither Sun nor Novell are going to exist five years from now. A case can be made that Novell barely exists now, unless you happen to still be running NetWare. Sun talks about its great cash position for doing acquisitions but what that really means is Sun still has enough cash to try to buy its way into some new business it can't develop on its own. But the company is also bleeding cash, better spend it (wisely) now than lose it later."
Boston.com / Business / Technology / Terra to sell Lycos unit for $95m
Boston.com / Business / Technology / Terra to sell Lycos unit for $95m "Four years after being bought by Spanish owners for $12.5 billion, the Lycos Inc. Internet operation formerly based in Waltham is now set to be acquired for just $95 million by a South Korean company.
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Terra said in a filing with Spanish securities regulators that Daum is paying a total of $105 million, which includes Daum assuming $10 million worth of real-estate lease guarantees for Lycos's US operations."
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Terra said in a filing with Spanish securities regulators that Daum is paying a total of $105 million, which includes Daum assuming $10 million worth of real-estate lease guarantees for Lycos's US operations."
The Seattle Times: Business & Technology: Microsoft shifts 70 researchers to software work
The Seattle Times: Business & Technology: Microsoft shifts 70 researchers to software work "In the largest shift of personnel ever from its advanced-research group, Microsoft moved 70 researchers into the Windows division to help improve the company's software-development practices.
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The group is headed by Amitabh Srivastava, one of the company's distinguished engineers. In 1999, he created the research division's Programmer Productivity Research Center.
Srivastava moved to Windows about six months ago, and 70 other researchers moved last month to create the Center for Software Excellence. Twenty-five others remained at the productivity center."
Also see the PPRC Web site
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The group is headed by Amitabh Srivastava, one of the company's distinguished engineers. In 1999, he created the research division's Programmer Productivity Research Center.
Srivastava moved to Windows about six months ago, and 70 other researchers moved last month to create the Center for Software Excellence. Twenty-five others remained at the productivity center."
Also see the PPRC Web site
WSJ.com - Loose Wire: OneNote Wonder
WSJ.com - Loose Wire: OneNote Wonder: "The folks at Microsoft aren't renowned for innovation, but it's time we took our hats off to them for OneNote.
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From what I can gather, everyone uses OneNote a little differently. Some use it as a sort of holding pen for ideas until the idea takes shape into a real document. Others use it for storing bits and pieces they need to get to easily -- phone numbers, credit-card details, the name of their spouse. OneNote works well for both approaches and anything in between because loading the program will load all your tabs and whatnot automatically: In other words, you don't need to remember where you put something or what name you gave the file. OneNote is the file. Another smart move."
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From what I can gather, everyone uses OneNote a little differently. Some use it as a sort of holding pen for ideas until the idea takes shape into a real document. Others use it for storing bits and pieces they need to get to easily -- phone numbers, credit-card details, the name of their spouse. OneNote works well for both approaches and anything in between because loading the program will load all your tabs and whatnot automatically: In other words, you don't need to remember where you put something or what name you gave the file. OneNote is the file. Another smart move."
WSJ.com - BEA Expects to Miss Forecasts
WSJ.com - BEA Expects to Miss Forecasts "BEA Systems Inc. said total revenue and software-license sales fell slightly short of forecasts for the quarter ended July 31, amid a continuing exodus of top executives.
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BEA has been hit by a wave of high-level departures as its shares have slid from a high of $15.50 last September. The latest to go are Scott Dietzen, chief technology officer, who plans to join a software start-up company, and Rick Jackson, senior vice president of product marketing, who is joining Borland Software Corp., the company said. Last month, Adam Bosworth resigned as BEA's chief architect to join Google Inc. The company said it is consolidating its sales, service and marketing operations under Tom Ashburn, who has been promoted to executive vice president of world-wide field operations."
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BEA has been hit by a wave of high-level departures as its shares have slid from a high of $15.50 last September. The latest to go are Scott Dietzen, chief technology officer, who plans to join a software start-up company, and Rick Jackson, senior vice president of product marketing, who is joining Borland Software Corp., the company said. Last month, Adam Bosworth resigned as BEA's chief architect to join Google Inc. The company said it is consolidating its sales, service and marketing operations under Tom Ashburn, who has been promoted to executive vice president of world-wide field operations."
WSJ.com - Red Hat Jumps Into a New Market
WSJ.com - Red Hat Jumps Into a New Market "Red Hat Inc., the fast-growing Linux vendor, today plans to announce its entry into a new market for business software led by vendors that include International Business Machines Corp., Microsoft Corp. and BEA Systems Inc.
The Raleigh, N.C., software maker will begin selling so-called application-server software designed to work with its version of the Linux operating system. The move signals Red Hat's ambition to find growth beyond its core business of selling Linux and services associated with it.
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Competitors, such as Sun Microsystems Inc. President Jonathan Schwartz, argue that the new product will pit Red Hat against some of its allies, such as IBM, which makes a popular application server known as WebSphere. Not so, says Mr. Szulik. He says IBM, BEA, Oracle Corp. and others actually helped Red Hat refine its software so that it will work with theirs."
Red Hat goes from more complementor to competitor with IBM, BEA, Oracle, and others.
The Raleigh, N.C., software maker will begin selling so-called application-server software designed to work with its version of the Linux operating system. The move signals Red Hat's ambition to find growth beyond its core business of selling Linux and services associated with it.
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Competitors, such as Sun Microsystems Inc. President Jonathan Schwartz, argue that the new product will pit Red Hat against some of its allies, such as IBM, which makes a popular application server known as WebSphere. Not so, says Mr. Szulik. He says IBM, BEA, Oracle Corp. and others actually helped Red Hat refine its software so that it will work with theirs."
Red Hat goes from more complementor to competitor with IBM, BEA, Oracle, and others.
Technology Review: Sellout or Savior
Technology Review: Sellout or Savior "There’s a sense of dissonance in the office of Miguel de Icaza. On one hand, here is the celebrated hacker—as in programming whiz, not virtual trespasser—wearing a T-shirt, looking boyish and rail-thin, and resembling an impoverished graduate student who has been living on coffee. But here also is the vice president of product technology for staid software giant Novell, entirely at ease as he takes command of a plush corporate conference room in Cambridge, MA, with a view of the Charles River and the Boston skyline. It’s a dissonance, however, that de Icaza is quick to wave away. “There are a lot of motivations in the open-source community, like the freedom to choose software platforms and the chance to innovate,” he says, referring to the global community of programmers who write software that others are free to download and modify. “Now one of my motivations is that I’m being paid to do this, and I have to deliver products.
...To some in the open-source software community, de Icaza is a fallen angel—a legendary hacker who has strayed from the good and pure. One gripe within the community: Mono enlists code that appears dangerously similar to .Net code heavily patented by Microsoft. More generally, some worry that de Icaza represents the breakdown of the once strong barrier between open source and the corporate world. In fact, Microsoft has apparently come to deeply regret spurning de Icaza back in 1997. Microsoft software architect Don Box even wrote a song imploring de Icaza to join the company and sang it to him in front of a large audience at a party late last year. But even though he didn’t heed Box’s siren song, de Icaza has essentially been accused of selling out to the corporate world.
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If Mono achieves its goal, then Linux and other open-source programs are likely to continue to gain favor at the expense of Windows. Microsoft might then very well lose its long-standing domination of the computing world altogether, which would likely lower the cost of computing and, theoretically, provide more and better choice in software. That, at least, is the open-source vision. But revolutions seldom go according to plan. To know how the odyssey of de Icaza, and his fellow open-source programmers, will turn out, you’ll just have to stay tuned."
...To some in the open-source software community, de Icaza is a fallen angel—a legendary hacker who has strayed from the good and pure. One gripe within the community: Mono enlists code that appears dangerously similar to .Net code heavily patented by Microsoft. More generally, some worry that de Icaza represents the breakdown of the once strong barrier between open source and the corporate world. In fact, Microsoft has apparently come to deeply regret spurning de Icaza back in 1997. Microsoft software architect Don Box even wrote a song imploring de Icaza to join the company and sang it to him in front of a large audience at a party late last year. But even though he didn’t heed Box’s siren song, de Icaza has essentially been accused of selling out to the corporate world.
...
If Mono achieves its goal, then Linux and other open-source programs are likely to continue to gain favor at the expense of Windows. Microsoft might then very well lose its long-standing domination of the computing world altogether, which would likely lower the cost of computing and, theoretically, provide more and better choice in software. That, at least, is the open-source vision. But revolutions seldom go according to plan. To know how the odyssey of de Icaza, and his fellow open-source programmers, will turn out, you’ll just have to stay tuned."
The New York Times > Technology > In Competitive Move, I.B.M. Puts Code in Public Domain
The New York Times > Technology > In Competitive Move, I.B.M. Puts Code in Public Domain ".B.M. is handing over the code for Cloudscape, a database written in Java, to an open source group, the Apache Software Foundation. Within the open source group, the database will be called Derby.
The Apache organization is best known as the steward of the Apache Web server, which is the software that powers most Web sites, though it also oversees many open-source Java projects. In the open source model of development, the code is distributed free and programmers are free to modify and debug it, within certain rules.
Apache will hold the licensing and intellectual property rights to the Cloudscape code. By transferring its technology into the public domain, Janet Perna, general manager for data management software at I.B.M., said, "We hope to spur the further development of the Java community.
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The $85 million value that I.B.M. placed on its code contribution is the price Informix, a database company, paid in 1999 for Cloudscape, a small start-up company. In 2001, I.B.M. acquired Informix for $1 billion."
The Apache organization is best known as the steward of the Apache Web server, which is the software that powers most Web sites, though it also oversees many open-source Java projects. In the open source model of development, the code is distributed free and programmers are free to modify and debug it, within certain rules.
Apache will hold the licensing and intellectual property rights to the Cloudscape code. By transferring its technology into the public domain, Janet Perna, general manager for data management software at I.B.M., said, "We hope to spur the further development of the Java community.
...
The $85 million value that I.B.M. placed on its code contribution is the price Informix, a database company, paid in 1999 for Cloudscape, a small start-up company. In 2001, I.B.M. acquired Informix for $1 billion."
Monday, August 02, 2004
WSJ.com - Symbian Grabs Bigger Market Share
WSJ.com - Symbian Grabs Bigger Market Share "Symbian Ltd., the consortium backed by large cellphone maker Nokia Corp., has widened its lead against Microsoft Corp. in the race to dominate the global market for software used in high-end handsets, research figures show.
Software supplied by London-based Symbian controlled 41% of the personal organizers and smart phones shipped world-wide in the second quarter, compared with 37% in the same quarter a year ago, according to research firm canalys.com Ltd. of Reading, England. A smart phone is a cellphone that can run computer-style programs, such as three-dimensional video games or spreadsheets.
The research figures show that Microsoft's share remained steady at 23%, while PalmSource Inc. of Sunnyvale, Calif., saw its share fall to 23% from 31%.
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Research in Motion Ltd. of Waterloo, Ontario, was the fastest-growing device maker in the second quarter, according to canalys. The research firm said shipments of RIM's BlackBerry devices, which mainly are used by companies to give employees access to e-mail, quadrupled to 488,000. A spokesman for RIM declined to comment on that figure, but confirmed that his company's sales have grown rapidly. RIM uses its own software in the BlackBerry."
Software supplied by London-based Symbian controlled 41% of the personal organizers and smart phones shipped world-wide in the second quarter, compared with 37% in the same quarter a year ago, according to research firm canalys.com Ltd. of Reading, England. A smart phone is a cellphone that can run computer-style programs, such as three-dimensional video games or spreadsheets.
The research figures show that Microsoft's share remained steady at 23%, while PalmSource Inc. of Sunnyvale, Calif., saw its share fall to 23% from 31%.
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Research in Motion Ltd. of Waterloo, Ontario, was the fastest-growing device maker in the second quarter, according to canalys. The research firm said shipments of RIM's BlackBerry devices, which mainly are used by companies to give employees access to e-mail, quadrupled to 488,000. A spokesman for RIM declined to comment on that figure, but confirmed that his company's sales have grown rapidly. RIM uses its own software in the BlackBerry."
Netline Groupware for Linux Goes Open Source
Netline Groupware for Linux Goes Open Source "Netline Internet Service GmbH, of Olpe, Germany, will announce at LinuxWorld this week that it is open-sourcing its Open-Xchange Server, the core technology behind its Linux-based groupware, collaboration and messaging application, under the GNU General Public License.
That move will let customers and partners download the code for free and contribute to the project.
Open-Xchange Server, which is also the engine behind Novell Inc.'s SuSE Linux Openexchange Server, is a modular, standards-based communications tool featuring a Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning interface that speeds information flow between workstations and the server."
That move will let customers and partners download the code for free and contribute to the project.
Open-Xchange Server, which is also the engine behind Novell Inc.'s SuSE Linux Openexchange Server, is a modular, standards-based communications tool featuring a Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning interface that speeds information flow between workstations and the server."
Jonathan Schwartz's Weblog: IBM is in a Pickle (Again)
Jonathan Schwartz's Weblog: IBM is in a Pickle (Again) "
IBM has a problem. The problem is called history, and in its current incarnation it's called Red Hat.
The 'history' to which I refer is the experience of a former IBM CEO, John Akers. Akers and his staff had the wisdom to enter the PC market in its early days, but the short sightedness to suggest customers source their PC operating system from a little company in the Pacific northwest. The company turned into Microsoft, and they continue to generously return the fruits of their coup to their stockholders.
A few years back, IBM and HP both hopped onto the social movement called linux. It's a wonderful movement. But the bad news for IBM is that the vast majority of enterprise datacenter deployments are now occurring on Red Hat's linux. 100 to 1, depending up on where you look. And with Red Hat increasing price, while adding in an application server that competes with WebSphere, IBM's finding itself in the uncomfortable position of having lost control of the social movement they were hoping to monetize. They're beginning to look like the IBM of Mr. Akers's era - having missed the forest for a tree, and finding themselves without an operating system.
...
IBM is in a real pickle. Red Hat's dominance leaves IBM almost entirely dependent upon SuSe/Novell. Whoever owns Novell controls the OS on which IBM's future depends. Now that's an interesting thought, isn't it?
But if IBM preemptively acquires Novell/SuSe, the world changes: linux enters the product portfolio of a patent litigator not known for being a social-movement company. But where else will IBM go? With it's current market cap, Red Hat seems unacquirable - but absent action, IBM's core customers will be eroded by Red Hat's leverage. And Sun's ability to leverage our open Solaris platform (on industry standard AMD, Intel or SPARC), or Java Enterprise System, even on IBM's hardware, gives us a significant - and sustainable - competitive advantage. With the demise of AIX, IBM is once again vulnerable.
Me, I'd keep a close eye on the Novell/SuSe conversation. If IBM acquires them, the community outrage and customer disaffection is going to be epic... but where else does IBM go?"
IBM has a problem. The problem is called history, and in its current incarnation it's called Red Hat.
The 'history' to which I refer is the experience of a former IBM CEO, John Akers. Akers and his staff had the wisdom to enter the PC market in its early days, but the short sightedness to suggest customers source their PC operating system from a little company in the Pacific northwest. The company turned into Microsoft, and they continue to generously return the fruits of their coup to their stockholders.
A few years back, IBM and HP both hopped onto the social movement called linux. It's a wonderful movement. But the bad news for IBM is that the vast majority of enterprise datacenter deployments are now occurring on Red Hat's linux. 100 to 1, depending up on where you look. And with Red Hat increasing price, while adding in an application server that competes with WebSphere, IBM's finding itself in the uncomfortable position of having lost control of the social movement they were hoping to monetize. They're beginning to look like the IBM of Mr. Akers's era - having missed the forest for a tree, and finding themselves without an operating system.
...
IBM is in a real pickle. Red Hat's dominance leaves IBM almost entirely dependent upon SuSe/Novell. Whoever owns Novell controls the OS on which IBM's future depends. Now that's an interesting thought, isn't it?
But if IBM preemptively acquires Novell/SuSe, the world changes: linux enters the product portfolio of a patent litigator not known for being a social-movement company. But where else will IBM go? With it's current market cap, Red Hat seems unacquirable - but absent action, IBM's core customers will be eroded by Red Hat's leverage. And Sun's ability to leverage our open Solaris platform (on industry standard AMD, Intel or SPARC), or Java Enterprise System, even on IBM's hardware, gives us a significant - and sustainable - competitive advantage. With the demise of AIX, IBM is once again vulnerable.
Me, I'd keep a close eye on the Novell/SuSe conversation. If IBM acquires them, the community outrage and customer disaffection is going to be epic... but where else does IBM go?"
The New York Times > Business > Your Money > Digital Domain: It's BlackBerry Season, but Maybe Not for Long
The New York Times > Business > Your Money > Digital Domain: It's BlackBerry Season, but Maybe Not for Long "Today, the BlackBerry faces formidable competition. A well-financed Silicon Valley start-up, Good Technology, has developed software that is arguably superior to BlackBerry's. It is the first to continuously and wirelessly synchronize every module of Outlook, needing no cradle to connect gadget to computer. The BlackBerry has yet to catch up.
Most significantly, Good has written its software to run on an array of phones and hand-held devices - whatever runs Palm or Microsoft software. Danny Shader, Good's chief executive, compares his company with the BlackBerry this way: "We're a Windows application - they're the Macintosh.
...
While Good does not risk alienating hardware partners, its name is not a great asset, not even a good one. "We're competing against Kleenex," says Mr. Shader. "We should have chosen a noun."
Most significantly, Good has written its software to run on an array of phones and hand-held devices - whatever runs Palm or Microsoft software. Danny Shader, Good's chief executive, compares his company with the BlackBerry this way: "We're a Windows application - they're the Macintosh.
...
While Good does not risk alienating hardware partners, its name is not a great asset, not even a good one. "We're competing against Kleenex," says Mr. Shader. "We should have chosen a noun."
WSJ.com - Study Identifies Patent Risks Facing Linux Operating System
WSJ.com - Study Identifies Patent Risks Facing Linux Operating System "A new study has quantified potential patent problems facing the Linux operating system.
Open Source Risk Management Inc., a start-up that plans to offer insurance against litigation for users of Linux, said the study found 238 U.S. software patents that could be used to support claims against the Linux kernel, the technological core of the popular software.
About one-third of those patents are held by Linux backers, which wouldn't be likely to enforce patents against users, the company said. But 27 of the patents are held by MicrosoftCorp., an outspoken Linux opponent, and the rest are held by individuals or companies that may have little to lose by making legal threats against Linux users, OSRM said."
Open Source Risk Management Inc., a start-up that plans to offer insurance against litigation for users of Linux, said the study found 238 U.S. software patents that could be used to support claims against the Linux kernel, the technological core of the popular software.
About one-third of those patents are held by Linux backers, which wouldn't be likely to enforce patents against users, the company said. But 27 of the patents are held by MicrosoftCorp., an outspoken Linux opponent, and the rest are held by individuals or companies that may have little to lose by making legal threats against Linux users, OSRM said."
WSJ.com - Sun Microsystems Weighs Takeovers
WSJ.com - Sun Microsystems Weighs Takeovers "Sun Microsystems Inc., emboldened by improving sales and flush with cash, is considering acquisitions to outflank rivals, Sun's president said in an interview.
The long-ailing computer maker has looked at "a number of acquisitions," including software maker Novell Inc., said Sun President Jonathan Schwartz, as part of efforts to bolster its business in server systems and to angle for advantage against International Business Machines Corp. and Red Hat Inc., which sells the most popular version of the Linux operating system.
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If Sun controlled Novell, Mr. Schwartz said, it could thwart IBM's strategy. "Maybe it's time we close the noose," Mr. Schwartz said of a possible Novell acquisition."
The long-ailing computer maker has looked at "a number of acquisitions," including software maker Novell Inc., said Sun President Jonathan Schwartz, as part of efforts to bolster its business in server systems and to angle for advantage against International Business Machines Corp. and Red Hat Inc., which sells the most popular version of the Linux operating system.
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If Sun controlled Novell, Mr. Schwartz said, it could thwart IBM's strategy. "Maybe it's time we close the noose," Mr. Schwartz said of a possible Novell acquisition."
Sunday, August 01, 2004
CNN.com - Computer glitch grounds two U.S. airlines - Aug 1, 2004
CNN.com - Computer glitch grounds two U.S. airlines - Aug 1, 2004 "An airline computer system that clears aircraft for takeoff failed Sunday morning, grounding at least two carriers at all U.S. airports for more than two hours, a spokesman for American Airlines said."
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Jonathan Schwartz's Weblog: eBay as a channel
Jonathan Schwartz's Weblog: eBay as a channel "
We've been running an experiment recently - putting computers up for sale on eBay. We've been doing it for a couple reasons.
First, to get an unvarnished view of the 'market' price for our systems (where system is defined by hardware, operating system and service contract - not the "assemble in your own garage" premium that Dell charges). Which is why we've started listing them with reserve prices of $1.
Second, to start working out the kinks in selling our systems as a web service. Given how our supply chain is architected, we've got a serious price advantage over companies that lack our design expertise (ie, those masquerading as computer companies that are really just reselling other people's computers). Our view is that by adding an operating system, we ought to be able to directly connect our outsourced manufacturers to eBay, sell through our entire capacity with a reserve price at $1 -- and never touch a box."
We've been running an experiment recently - putting computers up for sale on eBay. We've been doing it for a couple reasons.
First, to get an unvarnished view of the 'market' price for our systems (where system is defined by hardware, operating system and service contract - not the "assemble in your own garage" premium that Dell charges). Which is why we've started listing them with reserve prices of $1.
Second, to start working out the kinks in selling our systems as a web service. Given how our supply chain is architected, we've got a serious price advantage over companies that lack our design expertise (ie, those masquerading as computer companies that are really just reselling other people's computers). Our view is that by adding an operating system, we ought to be able to directly connect our outsourced manufacturers to eBay, sell through our entire capacity with a reserve price at $1 -- and never touch a box."
InfoWorld: IBM gives CICS a kick
InfoWorld: IBM gives CICS a kick "Coinciding with its 35th anniversary, IBM has updated its venerable CICS (Customer Information Control System) technology by shipping a new set of integrated mainframe tools designed to optimize the performance of applications working in mixed environments.
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IBM officials have said they plan to port CICS and its accompanying tools over to Linux sometime by the end of 2005."
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IBM officials have said they plan to port CICS and its accompanying tools over to Linux sometime by the end of 2005."
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