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What Is Innovation in Business?

If employees are not being innovative, a business will only remain competitive for a short while. If the same game is played over years, months, or even weeks, the freshness of a business's products begins to stagnate, and practices that ...

an article by on May 2, 2013

'Voices' Presents the Best of IBM's Social Media Practitioners

The IBM Voices activity stream promises to tap into the wisdom of the crowd by delivering insight not only about ...

an article by on Mar 18, 2013

Mozilla Firefox OS for Two New Smartphones

Two new smartphones based on the open-source Mozilla Firefox OS platform will hit the shelves next month. The Mozilla phones, Keon and Peak, will join a new number of smartphones running on operating systems that rely heavily on the Web.Mozilla's ...

an article by on Jan 28, 2013

Windows Phone Store Adds 75,000 Apps

Last year Microsoft overcame the "volume" hurdle for its Windows Phone Store by achieving the milestone of 150,000 certified and published apps. It is worth applauding Redmond for achieving this milestone in a challenging market where Android and iOS are ...

an article by on Jan 28, 2013

Another Apple Option: iPhone Mini

Apple has a history of minis. After all, iPad, iPod and Mac minis have made it to market. The iPhone mini is rumored to be next. In what would be a big shift for the company, analysts say this newest ...

an article by on Jan 28, 2013

RIM Gets Near Field Communication Approval From Visa

Recently, as Research in Motion (RIM) has been gearing up for its huge new operating system and device release, the company received another piece of good news: Visa has approved the company's Near Field Communication (NFC) mobile payment program. The ...

an article by on Jan 23, 2013

Coming Soon: Two New Operating Systems

The already packed and competitive smartphone market will have two newbies to share shelf space with this year: Mozilla Firefox and Jolla Sailfish. One of the operating systems is expected to debut in Asia in the next three months.Two DebutsAccording ...

an article by on Jan 23, 2013

Galaxy S Smartphones Gaining Popularity

Samsung has announced that the Galaxy S series of smartphones have hit a milestone of 100 million sales. More and more Americans are switching to phones that offer data options. According to CNET, the Galaxy S3 version reached 30 million ...

an article by on Jan 22, 2013

Power Efficient Tablets to Get Star Power

The tablet of the future will be power efficient and have the stars to prove it. Energy Star, a joint effort between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy, will rate tablets on the Energy ...

an article by on Jan 22, 2013

Google Chrome Browser Update Boosts Speed, Swats Bugs

The most recent update of the Google Chrome browser adds a bit more speed. The newest update also patches 24 security vulnerabilities that Google engineers and other security specialists had detected in the last version of Chrome.More significant than the ...

an article by on Jan 18, 2013

Kingston to Release 1 Terabyte Flash Drive

US memory product manufacturer Kingston is slated to release a 1 terabyte Flash drive later this quarter, a move sure to intrigue IT professionals at midsize businesses who need local access to Big Data while on the go. The DataTraveler ...

an article by on Jan 10, 2013

HP Envy x2 Blurs Tablet/Netbook Lines

Like other "detachable" Windows 8 tablet/notebook hybrids, the new HP Envy x2 promises the "no-compromise" touch or laptop computing experience envisioned for Microsoft's latest operating system. But despite long battery life and a stylish package, performance compromises remain.The Envy x2 ...

an article by on Jan 10, 2013

Windows 8 Could Get Boost from Higher PC Prices

It may seem paradoxical, but one analyst argues that higher PC prices would be good news for Windows 8. Microsoft's latest operating system release has faced a tough debut. Opinions about its touch-screen user interface (UI) run the gamut from ...

an article by on Jan 10, 2013

Intel Previews Upcoming PCs at CES 2013

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is by name focused on consumers, not on the midsize business market. However, at a time when so many commentators are eager to write the obituary for the PC, the latest Intel PC offerings have ...

an article by on Jan 10, 2013

An Innovative Product Design Process Helps Keep You Competitive

The key to competing successfully is to identify product characteristics that existing or potential customers value, and to offer them at a price they are willing to pay. A product design process that finds such features, creates corresponding designs, and ...

an article by on Jan 10, 2013

Leap Motion, Gesture-Based Controller, Partners With Asus

Leap Motion, a unique gesture-based controller for peripherals, recently announced a partnership with manufacturer Asus and raised $30 million in Series B funding led by Founders Fund. According to an article in TechCrunch, "... the company is still planning to ...

an article by on Jan 10, 2013

CES 2013 Showcases Apps and Services

The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has - as the name suggests - traditionally been all about gadgets. This year, however, increasing focus at CES 2013 is going not to the gadgets themselves but to the apps and services that ...

an article by on Jan 10, 2013

Can Ultrabooks Make a Comeback in the Tablet Wars?

A year ago, many observers were calling Ultrabooks--ultrathin laptops - the next big thing in the PC world. Sales, however, fell far short of the hype, as consumers flocked to less expensive tablet devices instead. Now some analysts are calling ...

an article by on Jan 9, 2013

Light-field Cameras: Promise and Potential for Midsize?

Toshiba recently announced a light-field smartphone camera, one that may rival the Lytro light-field camera. According to an article in CNET, the Toshiba camera will take photos that can be "refocused" onto other parts of the photo or bring the ...

an article by on Jan 9, 2013

Oracle Java Platform Shows Promising Developments

The Oracle Java platform is showing signs of a strong 2013, after shaking off security struggles it faced last year. On tap are a host of upgrades, ranging from JavaScript support to cloud-oriented features. For the IT community at midsize ...

an article by on Jan 9, 2013

Google Chrome, Android, and the Great Market Divide

Google Chrome is an operating system (OS). So is Google-developed Android. This raises the question of why Google is developing two operating systems. This, in turn, raises another question: What are the implications for the IT community at midsize firms?Google ...

an article by on Jan 9, 2013

Mobile OS Tizen to be Released on Samsung Phones This Year

Fresh off the heels of a mobile operating system project called MeeGo, Samsung is diving head first into the mobile market with the open-source Tizen. Major players in the mobile business include Apple, with their closed-source iOS, and Microsoft, with ...

an article by on Jan 9, 2013

Windows 8 Uptake Lagging--or Gaining Traction?

Online figures for Windows 8 usage in 2012 show that it is lagging far behind Windows 7. At the outset it lagged even behind Vista. But the same data also hint that the latest version of Microsoft Windows might be ...

an article by on Jan 6, 2013

BaaS Providers Simplify Enterprise App Development

With employees eager to bring their own smartphones and tablets to work, the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) movement is as strong as ever. Unfortunately, employee-owned devices can expose a corporation to subpar security and privacy. This problem is made worse by carelessly ...

an article by on Jan 6, 2013

iPhone 6 Hinted at by Developer Logs

Is it too early for the tech world to start breathlessly speculating about the next iPhone? Apparently not, if developer logs are any indication. A tantalizing bit of code that turned up in one--"iPhone 6,1"--suggests that Apple is already at ...

an article by on Jan 4, 2013

Google Glass on Track for Developer Debut

Sometime in the coming weeks or months, Google Glass, the company's virtual-reality eyeglasses, could be headed for a developer near you. For the IT community at midsize firms the implications are uncertain - but they could be sweeping.The significance of ...

an article by on Jan 4, 2013

Riding the Product Development Life Cycle More Effectively

At one time, the idea of a product development life cycle, let alone product lifecycle management (PLM) was unknown. Product innovation was too rare and haphazard to evoke an organized process.Needless to say this has changed. Product innovations are the ...

an article by on Jan 4, 2013

Cobalt Iron Tackles Data Protection with Hybrid Solution

Cobalt Iron, a new entry in the data protection market, seeks to give customers the flexibility to mix and match ...

an article by on Jan 3, 2013

iPad Mini Has Vast Business Appeal

There is no denying that the Apple iPad has reinvented the corporate industry. A delicate balance of productive applications, an attractive user interface, long battery life, and a high resolution screen have led to its strong business success. Even more ...

an article by on Dec 31, 2012

The Product Launch Process – Building for a Successful Liftoff

No part of a product's life cycle is more critical than its launch into the marketplace. Enormous amounts of work and hope has gone into a product before it is ever ready for launch. But the product launch process will ...

an article by on Dec 31, 2012

Start-ups to Make Email The New Executive Assistant

A slew of start-ups have decided to bring new technology to an old friend, email. The basics behind email services have not changed in 40 years, and a few companies have decided it is time for a change. Email seems ...

an article by on Dec 31, 2012

Android App Development Surging as Indicated by Andromo's Growth

One of the criticisms consistently leveled at Android has been the relative dearth of apps for the platform available in the Google Play store when compared with those available for the iOS in Apple's App Store. Judging from the amount ...

an article by on Dec 31, 2012

Samsung 14nm Process Technology a "Milestone", Company Says

South Korean electronics giant Samsung has announced that it's reached a "milestone" in the development of 14-nanometer (nm) process technology for semiconductor manufacturing and has signed agreements with for 14nm physical IP and libraries. The announcement was made on the ...

an article by on Dec 31, 2012

Reports Indicate a New iPad May Be Due in March 2013

Reports have indicated that a new iPad may potentially be released in March 2013. The new device will feature a 9.7 inch display screen, be similar to recently the iPad Mini, aand be thinner and lighter than current iPads, according ...

an article by on Dec 31, 2012

WebRTC to Allow Easy Conferencing and P2P Sharing Directly in Browsers

The WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communications) standard, while still in relative infancy, is promising to create a sea change in communications in the near future, moving Web-based video and audio communication from proprietary third-party software to the desktop and mobile browser. ...

an article by on Dec 31, 2012

iPad Rumor Hints at Thinner Model in March

The latest iPad rumor hints at the possibility of a thinner and lighter version of Apple's popular tablet computer hitting the marketplace this March 2013. News about this lighter iPad was reported on Christmas Eve at CNET. A smaller iPad ...

an article by on Dec 28, 2012

KiSSFLOW Extends Service to Midsize Business

Typically handled by IT departments, workflow construction and maintenance is slowly becoming consumerized for companies that strive for a simpler workflow design. Leading the charge is KiSSFLOW, a workflow product with Google Apps integration, which recently announced a new Business ...

an article by on Dec 27, 2012

HTC to Develop Windows 8-Based Tablets

There is no arguing that Apple and Google have dominated the growing tablet market space, a $63.2 billion industry that Microsoft desperately hopes to break into. After releasing their touch-optimized Windows 8 operating system, Microsoft is well on its way ...

an article by on Dec 27, 2012

BlackBerry Balance Draws the Line Between Home and Office

It's no surprise that Research In Motion's future is heavily dependent on the upcoming release of the BB10 smartphone line. Recognizing that the company's main appeal is with the corporate community, RIM is focusing its efforts on mobile application management ...

an article by on Dec 27, 2012

Amazon Web Services Announces Storage Snapshot to Enhance Disaster Recovery

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has added a new feature to its Elastic Block Storage (EBS) service. Aptly named the Snapshot Copy, this feature will help capture data, deploy apps, log files, and move storage volumes between multiple locations.Accomplishing the same ...

an article by on Dec 27, 2012

Pokki's Windows 8 Start Menu Is a Popular Add-On

While Microsoft deliberately excluded a Start menu from Windows 8, the company Pokki offers its own menu option for the OS that midsize businesses can download. Pokki's product has several downloads to date, and the offering has the potential to ...

an article by on Dec 27, 2012

Updated Windows Intune Expected to Be BYOD, Virtualization-Friendly

Microsoft is closing in on the release of the fourth version of Windows Intune, its fledging cloud-based PC management solution for small and midsize firms. The upcoming version of Intune will offer management and support not just for Windows 8 ...

an article by on Dec 26, 2012

Microsoft Surface Pro Will Soon Head to the Marketplace

The tech world's discussion about Redmond's Surface tablet device could be due for a reboot as Microsoft Surface Pro edges toward its debut. Unlike its RT-based cousin, Surface Pro will run a full-featured version of Windows 8. For the IT ...

an article by on Dec 26, 2012

Mobile Innovation: The "X Phone"

Behind closed doors, its inventors call their new mobile invention the "X Phone." Could it be the next big thing in smartphone technology? Could this product truly rival what's on the market today?Fantastic FeaturesAccording to a recent report, Google is ...

an article by on Dec 26, 2012

Google Apps Improves Microsoft Office Compatibility

Looking to up the ante in their perpetual competition with Microsoft, Google Apps now offers streamlined compatibility with Microsoft Office files through the integration of Google's Quickoffice tool into their office app suite. The new, easier to use Quickoffice technology ...

an article by on Dec 21, 2012

Product Lifecycle Management Software: Can It Help You Remain Globally Competitive?

Product lifecycle management software is the catalyst through which all other systems come together. It provides the tools for managing individual applications like CAD, computer-aided engineering (CAE), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and product design management (PDM), as well as ERP and ...

an article by on Dec 21, 2012

The CloudOn Microsoft Office App Now Supports the iPhone

After garnering praise as a worthy tool for creating and editing Office documents on the iPad, the CloudOn Microsoft Office app now supports the iPhone and iPod Touch, extending its range to the other two major iOS devices. News of ...

an article by on Dec 21, 2012

Amazon Web Services Extends Support to Windows Server 2012

Amazon has announced that it is now offering support for Windows Server 2012. Enterprise customers using Windows can now use the upgraded roadmap of Microsoft's cloud OS while still on Amazon Web Services (AWS).Amazon is not the first vendor to ...

an article by on Dec 21, 2012

Reshaping Microsoft Windows: Why Redmond Took the Leap

One thing that practically everyone will agree on is that Microsoft has gotten the tech world's attention. Dramatically changing the user interface (UI) for Microsoft Windows 8 has ensured that people are talking about it. Indeed, probably more people are ...

an article by on Dec 20, 2012

Google Clean Energy Investment Nears $1 Billion

Google is getting close to topping a billion dollars invested in renewable energy projects. Google's latest move is a $75 million equity investment in a 50-megawatt wind farm in Iowa, and the company is already in a position to sell ...

an article by on Dec 20, 2012

The Latest IBM Innovation: Sensory Computing

Within the next five years, a notable IBM innovation could be heading for midsize firms, their IT departments, and their customers: Computers that respond to sight, smell, taste, and other sensory information.This idea has been around in science fiction for ...

an article by on Dec 20, 2012

Windows Phone 7.8 Tipped for Early 2013 Release

There's been chatter lately about Microsoft not releasing updates for Windows Phone 7.5, especially since the widespread introduction of Windows Phone 8. Microsoft has finally broken its silence about updates to the Windows Phone (WP) 7.5 by announcing the release ...

an article by on Dec 17, 2012

Bing Desktop Updates Provide Speedy Alternative for Midsize Businesses

Bing Desktop has a makeover for users with Windows XP and higher. The newest version has browsing features that can increase speed of online activities for midsize businesses.Updates for the search engine are aesthetic as well as functional. For Version ...

an article by on Dec 17, 2012

Innovation Strategy Builds on Rock, Not Sand

Everyone wants to innovate. But successful innovation is not just about coming up with something new: A great innovation also has to fit the world around it. And while many a successful company has been built around a single great ...

an article by on Dec 17, 2012

WordPress 3.5, Named "Elvin," Is Released

WordPress 3.5, the latest version of the popular blogging and web publishing platform, was released late on Tuesday. News about the new edition of WordPress appeared on TechCrunch. The enhancements in this version of WordPress provide value to senior IT ...

an article by on Dec 17, 2012

Microsoft Surface Tablet Hits Retail Stores

Recently only available through its self-branded stores, the Microsoft Surface tablet computer is scheduled to hit retail outlets in time for the holiday season. According to an article in CNET, Redmond officials confirmed the Surface's appearance at stores over the ...

an article by on Dec 14, 2012

Google Maps Returns to the iPhone

IT professionals with iPhones have reason to be very happy as Google Maps has returned to the iOS platform. The news about the new map app appeared at the New York Daily News.Although Google's map app is compatible with the ...

an article by on Dec 14, 2012

System Biometrics: Power Consumption Changes Indicate Compromised System

The start-up company, Power Fingerprinting, is able to detect computer malware by discovering small changes in system biometrics. That is, system threats will show up as changes in power consumption by the computer's processor. According to an article in the ...

an article by on Dec 14, 2012

The Tablet Train Is Leaving the Station--Is Your Company On Board?

Tablets are projected to outsell laptops in the fourth quarter and, at that rate, they will soon be the dominant computing device. Midsize businesses have the flexibility to respond to this development and turn it into a competitive advantage against ...

an article by on Dec 14, 2012

New Broadcom Chip Has Quad-Combo Support for Bluetooth, Wireless, FM Radio and NFC

Semiconductor manufacturer Broadcom this week announced the tech industry's first ever chip that integrates NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and FM Radio. According to ITWorld, the company believes the new Broadcom chip will allow for a wide variety of ...

an article by on Dec 14, 2012

Microsoft Deploys Windows Phone 8 Update Over the Air

Microsoft deployed a Windows Phone 8 update on Tuesday; it was the company's first over-the-air fix for their fledgling smartphone operating system. The enhancement focuses on some pesky reboot issues reported by customers over the past few months.Additionally, the install ...

an article by on Dec 13, 2012

RIM BlackBerry 10 Apps to Break Record

Research in Motion (RIM) has undergone a series of changes since its decision to bring its RIM BlackBerry 10 smartphone to a market dominated by Apple iOS and Android devices. The most promising of these changes is RIM's approach to ...

an article by on Dec 12, 2012

Microsoft Surface (Still) Leads Windows 8 Devices

The Microsoft Surface tablet device remains the most popular device for Windows 8, though its lead has fallen since last month. It is still very early going for both Surface and Windows 8, but industry observers are watching closely.A lot ...

an article by on Dec 12, 2012

Windows 8 Gets Critical Patches on Tuesday

Windows 8 and Windows RT are set to receive critical bug patches on "Patch Tuesday." The patches are also aimed at other existing versions of Windows, including XP, Vista, and Windows 7, as well as Server 2003 and 2008. This ...

an article by on Dec 11, 2012

Windows Classic: Is Windows 8 the New Coke, or Does It Just Need More Time?

Should releasing a "Windows Classic" be on minds of the Microsoft team, as suggested by one tech blogger? The sales results of the Windows 8 operating system, while not officially released by Microsoft, are reportedly reflecting a lack of interest ...

an article by on Dec 11, 2012

Apple's 27-Inch iMac Set to Ship in January

Shipping for the new 27-inch iMac will begin in January 2013, according to Apple. The all-in-one PC offers IT professionals at midsize businesses faster processing times than the previous model as well as other workplace benefits.While orders for the 27-inch ...

an article by on Dec 11, 2012

IBM's 90nm Optical Chips Push Compute Speed Limits

Technology giant IBM has advanced the field of silicon photonics by placing optical data links into 90-nanometer (nm) chips, allowing data transfer rates of 25 gigabits per second. Though not the first company to build these optical chips, the commercial ...

an article by on Dec 11, 2012

Samsung Galaxy S3 to Get More Premium Suite Upgrade Features

The Samsung Galaxy S3 phone will be getting a variety of new features as part of its Premium Suite upgrade. Outwardly most of these are consumer-oriented. They include a simplified "Easy Mode" and several camera-related improvements.But in the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) ...

an article by on Dec 10, 2012

IBM Photonics Chips Offer 25 Gigabit Optical Links

Photonics - the use of light rather than electrical signals to transmit data - has taken another step toward the mainstream. IBM has introduced chips using optical data links to achieve up to 25 gigabits per second.For the IT community ...

an article by on Dec 10, 2012

Cisco Shifts Gears from Hardware to Software and Consulting Services

Hardware manufacturing giant Cisco Systems, a leader in producing routers and switches used in IT departments all over the world, is seeking to diversify its revenue streams and prepare for in an increasingly mobile and cloud-focused environment by expanding its ...

an article by on Dec 10, 2012

The 3-D Printer: Making Biobots From Rat Hearts

Seemingly pulled from a science fiction movie, researchers have used a 3-D printer to construct a biobot created from a rat heart and hydrogel. According to an article in the Los Angeles Times, the result was an inchworm-like entity that ...

an article by on Dec 10, 2012

Mobile Interaction: Games Challenge the Limits for Android, iOS

Mobile-device versions of video games push the limits of user interaction with touchscreen devices. For IT, this technology has implications that go far beyond fun and games. Enterprise-strength business applications, from virtualization management to business analytics, call for much more ...

an article by on Dec 10, 2012

Unwalled Garden: Google Now Service Comes to Chrome Browser

Google Now, the Android alert and notification service, is coming to a Chrome browser near you. Google has confirmed that it has added a "skeleton" for the service to Chrome, though it stopped short of formally committing to the integration.For ...

an article by on Dec 10, 2012

BlackBerry 10 Begins Launch Program

With the upcoming release of BlackBerry 10, RIM is taking some significant steps to ensure that the launch is going to go as smoothly as possible. The move may not do much to change the mind of anyone who has ...

an article by on Dec 10, 2012

Android 4.1 Heads for Samsung Galaxy S3 Users on AT&T

Android 4.1, otherwise known as Jelly Bean, is now available for Samsung Galaxy S3 users on the AT&T carrier network. This marks another benchmark in the gradual but steady rollout of the latest version of Android - and a marketing ...

an article by on Dec 10, 2012

iPhone Coming to T-Mobile- But Can Its 4G Network Really Support it?

Some companies that allow BYOD might have felt a little spark of excitement this week when T-Mobile announced it will soon carry Apple products. With more and more networks partnering with Apple, there is a greater chance that more and ...

an article by on Dec 7, 2012

BYOD in Focus With Mobile Growth Predictions

Bring your own device (BYOD) is in the spotlight thanks to new research on mobile devices from CCS Insight. The firm predicts a healthy, growing mobile device market in 2013 and beyond. According to an article in Silicon Republic, the ...

an article by on Dec 7, 2012

Enterprise Apps: Google Isn't Just About Play

Google's public Android app store, Google Play, has a name that clearly targets consumers. But the store is no longer just about fun and games. Google is now allowing companies to establish a private store where employees can download enterprise ...

an article by on Dec 6, 2012

iSuppli Projections Show Chip Market Slump

Analyst firm IHS iSuppli has downgraded the chip market from "stagnant" to "in a slump." According to InfoWorld, the projected sales for chips worldwide is expected to drop 2.3 percent in 2012.Though the dip may not seem significant, it is ...

an article by on Dec 6, 2012

Windows 8 After 1 Month - The Verdict for Business

Before the launch of Windows 8 at the end of October it was clear that there were no compelling reasons for businesses to upgrade to the new operating system in the short term. Although Microsoft offered low-cost upgrades, even for ...

an article by on Nov 30, 2012

Google Nexus 4 Demand Creates Problems for Google Play Store

The advent of Cyber Week has put the pressure on e-commerce sites which have seen an uptick in demand for the latest technology at a discount price. But those customers eager to nab Google Nexus 4 from the Google Play ...

an article by on Nov 30, 2012

The Challenge of Indoor Mapping: Location and Interaction Inside Buildings

Indoor mapping technology is getting a workout, with a number of companies launching apps designed to help users navigate indoor spaces. A recent article in USA Today discusses an app for Atlanta's Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Smartphone users download ...

an article by on Nov 30, 2012

Gamification Suffering Epic Failure

Gamification, or the process of using game mechanics or design to increase loyalty or production in employees and customers, has been slowly gaining recognition as a powerful way to influence people and drive value for a business. Now, a new ...

an article by on Nov 30, 2012

Microsoft Surface Pro Price Lower Than Expected

Microsoft has announced the official pricing of its Microsoft Surface Pro tablet device, which unlike its Surface RT cousin, runs a full version of Windows 8. And starting at $899, the price is not cheap, but it is less than ...

an article by on Nov 30, 2012

A Self-Branded Google Chromebook on its Way?

Netbook computers remain a valid option for the budget-conscious IT executive looking to provide a minimum of computing function for the price. Google's Chrome OS garnered a measure of respect as a low-footprint operating system capable of web browsing and ...

an article by on Nov 28, 2012

Ubuntu 12.10 Takes on Windows 8

The Windows 8 debut - the thrills, chills, and spills - has been dominating the tech news. But Canonical, which released Ubuntu 12.10 "Quantal Quetzal" just a week earlier, is not standing still. Instead, Canonical is pushing back, brashly taking ...

an article by on Nov 27, 2012

Windows 8 UI: The Empire Strikes Back

The Windows 8 UI (user interface) has taken a beating from some analysts, who criticize it for imposing a steep learning curve even on experienced Windows users. But other industry observers have stepped up to argue that this is the ...

an article by on Nov 27, 2012

Could Open Source Java Come to Android?

The online newsgroup for OpenJDK, the official open source Java implementation, has been airing discussion of a Java version for Android. Such an option would allow Java developers to work directly within the most widespread mobile operating system.Android's native operating ...

an article by on Nov 26, 2012

How Midsize IT Professionals Can Help Develop a Strategy for New Product Launch

Many midsize businesses have a marketing person who is responsible for finding a creative and effective strategy for new product launch. However, more and more midsize companies are getting their IT professionals involved in new product launches. There are many ...

an article by on Nov 21, 2012

Windows 8 UI--Lost in Redmond?

Microsoft can certainly claim to be innovative. Windows 8 is a major break from all previous versions of Windows. But some critics are saying that the Windows 8 UI (user interface) is a confusing muddle. More is at stake here ...

an article by on Nov 20, 2012

The State of Windows, an Overview

Businesses typically don't want to fall behind in their use of technology, but they also don't want to be so far ahead that they are the guinea pigs for new developments. With the launch of Windows 8, IT departments at ...

an article by on Nov 20, 2012

Google Maps About to Come to the Rescue

A new report claims that Google is in the final testing stages for its Google Maps application for iOS 6 devices, although an exact release date for the program remains unclear. If the app is approved by Apple, it should ...

an article by on Nov 20, 2012

AT&T Launches Microsoft Office 365 for Midsize Businesses

AT&T announces it will offer Microsoft Office 365 to midsize business clients. Delivery of the cloud-based service by the US multinational carrier has potential to alter IT infrastructure and network services of businesses that sign on. There are positive and ...

an article by on Nov 19, 2012

IBM Offers $4B in Financing to Support Cloud, Analytics

IBM announced will provide $4 billion in financing through its business partners to help clients acquire advanced technologies like cloud ...

an article by on Nov 15, 2012

Windows RT Gets a Google Search App

Windows RT users will naturally be able to Bing it, if they want to use Microsoft's own search engine to look for information. But that won't be their only choice. Google has released its own RT search app. Which is ...

an article by on Nov 15, 2012

Microsoft Surface Drawing a Modest Reaction?

According to a well-informed source, the Microsoft Surface tablet device is generating only "modest" sales. The source? Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. And his language seemed decidedly modest for a CEO talking about a major venture. For the IT community this ...

an article by on Nov 14, 2012

Bringing Intelligence to Lifecycle Management

As software becomes more and more integral to all aspects of business management, there is a growing need for solutions that can effectively manage the sprawl of complex code. IBM just announced a new set of software products designed to ...

an article by on Nov 13, 2012

SMB Success: Mobile Marketing

Small and midsize businesses should turn to mobile marketing for a competitive advantage. That's according to a new study which found small and midsize businesses can attract more local clients through mobile technologies.Mobile RevolutionThe study was conducted earlier this year ...

an article by on Nov 13, 2012

Nexus 10 Could Revitalize Android Tablet Apps

Now that Google's Nexus 10 tablet is in the marketplace, the next big question is whether it can get the app support it needs to build broad popularity. And there is reason to think it will. Sales of Android tablets ...

an article by on Nov 12, 2012

Windows RT: Microsoft Leading Its Own Race

If you are looking for a Windows RT tablet, your choices may all but narrow down to Redmond's own Microsoft Surface. Yes, the company is moving big into its own hardware. But no conspiracy theories are needed to explain the ...

an article by on Nov 9, 2012

Intel's 48-core Chip: Future Smartphones Will Get Even Smarter

Intel is developing a 48-core chip that may make it possible to give a cellphone or a tablet as much computing power as a very high-end computer. Researchers believe that the technology is 5 to 10 years away from market, ...

an article by on Nov 9, 2012

Does Your Company Need an Amazon Locker?

The next time you go into Staples, you might feel like you are in high school again when you see lockers lined up against the wall. Those lockers belong to Amazon and are a part of their latest customer delivery ...

an article by on Nov 8, 2012

Tablet Market: It Isn't Just the iPad Anymore

Not so long ago, the tablet market wasn't just dominated by Apple's iPad--it was the iPad. But now Android tablets are muscling their way into the marketplace, while Apple saw a bit of a summer slowdown.And a more competitive market ...

an article by on Nov 7, 2012

Google Maps - Will Apple Say Yes or No?

Will Apple allow a Google Maps app for the iPhone and iPad to make its way into the Apple App Store? Recently there were dueling answers to that question. And which answer is right matters to more than just iPhone ...

an article by on Nov 7, 2012

Windows Azure: Cloud Goes Mobile For Windows Phone 8

The cloud is on the move, at least at Microsoft. The company announced that its Windows Azure cloud-based operating system will be extended to support Windows Phone 8. Taking what feels like a page from Google's book, Redmond seems to ...

an article by on Nov 5, 2012

Computer Chips: IBM Looks Beyond Silicon

Silicon has been the basic material used in fabricating computer chips for decades. Indeed, "silicon chip" is all but synonymous with the core element of microprocessors. But our ability to pack more and more power onto one silicon chip will ...

an article by on Nov 2, 2012

Windows 8? Never Heard of It!

A new survey shows that 52 percent of adults in the U.S. have never heard of Microsoft's new Windows 8 operating system. Does this simply mean that fewer people follow tech news than those of us in the tech world ...

an article by on Nov 2, 2012

Google Announces a Better Business Nexus Range

Google has announced three new devices, all of which will run an updated version of Android, 4.2 Jelly Bean. The first of these is the Nexus 4, a smartphone created in conjunction with LG, which includes a 4.7 inch 320 ...

an article by on Nov 2, 2012

Nexus 10: Google Takes On the iPad

The Nexus 10, Google's (and Samsung's) most direct answer to the iPad, has gotten an unofficial unveiling, courtesy of the BriefMobile website. Whether Google and Samsung regard this as a courtesy is uncertain, though in this age of "authorized leaks" ...

an article by on Oct 30, 2012

Is the iPad Mini Ready for Business?

As tablets enter the business space, companies have to evaluate how to approach this new tool. Tablets hold the promise of increased employee productivity and job satisfaction while reducing costs. Apple's iPad Mini is the newest Apple entry into this ...

an article by on Oct 30, 2012

Microsoft Hardware: Surface Tablet Is Only the Beginning

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer may not be taking the "soft" out of the company's name. But he is putting a new emphasis on hardware, signaling that more Microsoft hardware gadgets are on the way. There is already talk of a ...

an article by on Oct 26, 2012

Intel Evangelist Says Wearable Computers Coming--What Does This Mean for IT?

Chip-maker Intel has been making the news rounds lately, in part for its recent sales losses as tablets start to gain ground and in part for the role of its Atom processor under the hood of new Windows 8 devices. ...

an article by on Oct 26, 2012

Windows 8: Gartner Expects No Business Stampede

Microsoft is sounding the fanfare for the release of Windows 8. But midsize firms and the enterprise world as a whole may be slow to answer the call. That is the sober assessment from research outfit Gartner.To be sure, this ...

an article by on Oct 24, 2012

Google Calendar for Android: A BYOD in the Hand

The Google Calendar app for Android has made its debut. And an early review finds it to be a good basic calendar tool, but with some decided limitations. This may tell us a lot about the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) trend in ...

an article by on Oct 24, 2012

Google Marketing: Planning for a Multi-Screen World

Once upon a time - not so long ago - people had "computers" they used to go online. Now they have a variety of devices, used for different needs in different circumstances. In response, Google marketing and content strategy is ...

an article by on Oct 24, 2012

As iPad Mini Looms, Microsoft Surface Is Back-Ordered

A mobile device and operating system war could be on the point of breaking out. And this time, Google and Android are strictly on the sidelines. Even as anticipation builds for the presumed impending launch of the iPad Mini, demand ...

an article by on Oct 23, 2012

New Nexus Rumors Set Scene for More BYOD Woes

Leaks abound when it comes to new mobile devices, and the latest leak suggests that a new Nexus tablet is in the cards from Google. The existing tablet is available in 8GB and 16GB varieties at $199 and $249 respectively. ...

an article by on Oct 22, 2012

Microsoft Surface: Straddling Two Worlds

Redmond has announced pricing for the Microsoft Surface hybrid tablet. And it has begun taking preorders ahead of an October 26 launch date. This initial pitch is aimed at consumers. But it has a couple of major implications for the ...

an article by on Oct 19, 2012

Can The New AMD Tablet Chip Compete In the Tablet Market?

Intel is the dominant player in the computer processor market. However, for many years, Advance Micro Devices, commonly called AMD, has successfully carved a small niche for itself in the computer processor market by providing processors at lower prices than ...

an article by on Oct 18, 2012

Is more IT always better for business?

Innovations like cloud computing have made it easier than ever for small- and medium-sized businesses to offer advanced, IT-enabled services and support to their customers. But just because they can, does it mean they should? It’s become a given that ...

an article by on Oct 16, 2012

Dell Offers Windows 7 In Challenge To Windows 8

Microsoft's new touch-oriented Windows 8 operating system may be getting all the buzz. But Dell says that it will push back against touch mania by continuing to offer Windows 7. Redmond presumably won't be happy. But gamers--and midsize businesses--will be ...

an article by on Oct 16, 2012

Google's Latest Version of Web Page Speed Technology Sets Business Standards High

Google's mod_pagespeed 1.0 is now live. The corporation removed the Beta label after two years of refinements and multiple versions. The web page speed technology is already used by many companies and the release news will likely increase its use ...

an article by on Oct 16, 2012

Microsoft Surface Could Reshape Mobile--If It Works

The Microsoft Surface tablet drew some interesting commentary from an unexpected source: Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt. Surface, according to Schmidt, could have dramatic implications for the mobile marketplace. But only if it works as well as Microsoft is hoping ...

an article by on Oct 12, 2012

Is the New Intel Tablet Chip Ready for Windows 8?

Apple has dominated the tablet market since its introduction of the iPad. While most people are aware of this dominance, rarely is it mentioned that Apple also dominates the tablet processor market with its A5X processor for the iPad. However, ...

an article by on Oct 10, 2012

RIM BlackBerry 10 Phone Specs Leaked

Reports have surfaced online with specs of an "Aristo" device which is alleged to be a flagship RIM BlackBerry 10 phone. RIM has lost significant shares in the smartphone market as Google's Android phones and Apple's iPhone are rapidly increasing ...

an article by on Oct 8, 2012

Will Windows 8 Laptops Jump-Start A Slow PC Market

The Windows 8 launch on October 26, 2012, has been discussed for several months and many people have provided their opinions on the new Microsoft OS. However, the impact of Windows 8 goes far beyond Microsoft. Many PC makers are ...

an article by on Oct 5, 2012

Will Windows 8 Bugs Destroy Microsoft

Microsoft is almost ready to release its much hyped and highly discussed Windows 8 OS. The official release date is set for October 26, 2012, and rumors are circulating that Microsoft is currently correcting several Windows 8 bugs in preparation ...

an article by on Oct 4, 2012

Windows Phone: Microsoft Opts for Do-It-Yourself

If recent reports hold up, Windows Phone won't be just an operating system anymore. Just as Microsoft isn't just a software company. Redmond is apparently looking into building its own mobile phone to run its signature mobile operating system. The ...

an article by on Oct 4, 2012

Does Samsung's Galaxy S3 Out-Display the iPhone 5?

A study by IHS came up with news that Apple and its fan base will not want to hear. While the iPhone 5 display may be a big step up from earlier models, IHS argues that the Galaxy S3 comes ...

an article by on Oct 3, 2012

Oracle Updating MySQL to Handle the Web

Oracle is beefing up its popular open source MySQL database, along with related products, to handle the new demands of the web. Databases and database operations are one of the most crucial back-end components of the IT world at midsize ...

an article by on Oct 2, 2012

Intel Windows 8 Tablets Take on iPad

Microsoft is not the only tech company with a big stake in Windows 8. And it is not the only one taking aim at Apple and the iPad with a new generation of Windows tablets. Intel is also in the ...

an article by on Oct 2, 2012

Intel CEO Raises Windows 8 Questions

The Wintel alliance, made up of the Microsoft Windows operating system running on Intel processors, seems to be fracturing. Microsoft developed the Surface tablet with versions running on Intel and on ARM processors without telling Intel. Now, Intel CEO Paul ...

an article by on Oct 1, 2012

iOS 6--Is the Romance Wearing Off?

iPhone users may still love their new "latest and greatest." But the sizzling romance seems to be fading a bit--even apart from the Apple Maps fiasco. The fact is that the latest version of the Apple operating system, iOS 6, ...

an article by on Oct 1, 2012

To BYOD or Not to BYOD?

Could you imagine running your business today without internet access or mobile phones? For most mid-market companies, it’s unthinkable. How else could you reach tech support while you’re on the road? How else could a valued customer get in touch ...

an article by on Sep 28, 2012

Adobe Launches Adobe Edge Suite of HTML5 Tools

At its first "Create the Web" event, Adobe has unveiled the Adobe Edge Tools and Services suite, which has been in development for the last two years. Held in San Francisco on September 25, 2012, the Create the Web event ...

an article by on Sep 28, 2012

Arrival of Windows 8 Could Mean Fork in the Road for IT Professionals

In Robert Frost's poem, "The Road Not Taken," he takes the road "less traveled by" and concludes that it makes "all the difference." With the release of Windows 8, midsize IT professionals have been placed at a fork in the ...

an article by on Sep 27, 2012

Problems with iOS 6 Maps Program Could Teach a Valuable Lesson

One of the most talked about aspects of Apple's new mobile operating system, iOS 6, is Apple's own mapping program that has taken the place of Google Maps. The problem with iOS 6 Maps is that the company replaced a ...

an article by on Sep 26, 2012

Windows 8 Review: The Good and Bad Concerning Microsoft's Windows 8

Microsoft will release Windows 8 on October 26, 2012. In recent months, the technology giant has received both tremendous criticism and high praise for Windows 8. Therefore, the question left for many people to ponder about Windows 8 is whether ...

an article by on Sep 26, 2012

Can Microsoft's Surface Tablet Defeat The Apple iPad

Since the introduction of the Apple iPad, the tablet market has produced incredible sales numbers. The popularity of tablets has continued to rise each year with the Apple iPad firmly holding its dominant position as king of the tablet market. ...

an article by on Sep 25, 2012

Google Maps Now Allows Users to See Inside Businesses

Many people in the business world have come to love online map programs as a way to get door-to-door directions and to even see the color of the building they are going to via Google Earth. Now, the same company ...

an article by on Sep 24, 2012

T-mobile Adjusts to Evolving Sim Card Design

Cellular plan provider T-mobile does not sell iPhones, but many of its customers still prefer to use their iPhone devices to access the provider's network. As any agile business might do, the cellular plan provider offers SIM cards that fit ...

an article by on Sep 21, 2012

Kana Software Bolsters Customer Support Technology With Midsize Business-Friendly Features

Kana Software has launched Kana Express, its latest customer service solution with social analytics capabilities. The pay-as-you-go Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution is aimed at small and midsize firms that lack the enterprise-level contact center systems but share the same demands to ...

an article by on Sep 21, 2012

Lenovo Expands Lenovo ThinkServer Lines for Small and Midsize Businesses

Lenovo has announced the expansion of its server portfolio with the new ThinkServer line aimed at small and midsize businesses. This should come as welcome news for midsize firms because the new server line is designed to substantially increase computing ...

an article by on Sep 19, 2012

Microsoft Office 2013 Heads for Debut

Even as all the tech media oxygen is being sucked up by Apple's iPhone 5, old rival Microsoft is quietly laying groundwork for next spring's expected launch of Microsoft Office 2013. And for the IT community at midsize firms, the ...

an article by on Sep 19, 2012

iPhone 5 Speed: Enough to Take the Lead?

The tech media are delivering a mixed verdict on the newest iPhone. On the one hand, not all that much is really new. How could it be? Apple has shaped our thinking about smartphones, and the technology is relatively mature. ...

an article by on Sep 19, 2012

Is the iPhone 5 Boring?

The iPhone 5 tsunami has finally hit. After months of breathless anticipation, speculation, and artfully timed leaks, the new iPhone has made its official debut. But a good many tech observers are less than overwhelmed. Some are even saying that ...

an article by on Sep 18, 2012

Windows Phone 8 Draws Interest - Even Amid iPhone 5 Debut

The iPhone 5 is out, and the Apple Hype-O-Meter needle is pegged. But even as the iPhone uproar hits its peak, many tech leaders are looking past it. They are anticipating another debut, Windows Phone 8.Excitement and Microsoft Windows are ...

an article by on Sep 17, 2012

Apple iPhone 5 Launch Still Leaves BYOD Issues

The Apple iPhone 5 is finally out. There has been lots of jockeying for position over the last few weeks, with several major smart phone manufacturers rushing to beat Apple to the punch. Now that the wait is over, has ...

an article by on Sep 14, 2012

New Supercomputer Takes Green Tech to the Next Level

The focus on green computing may have fallen by the wayside over the past few years as more pressing economic concerns exploded onto the scene, but a new supercomputer collaboration by Intel and HP may be powerful enough to combine ...

an article by on Sep 14, 2012

iPhone Design: It's All About the Music

Industry observers are poring through documents released during the epic Apple-Samsung trial. Apple won big on its claims about iPhone innovations. But the released documents are also shedding new light on how the iPhone was developed.For the IT community at ...

an article by on Sep 13, 2012

HP Releases Open Source WebOS Mobile Platform

After discontinuing the production of devices based on the unsuccessful first version of webOS, HP has recently announced the beta release of an open source webOS mobile operating system (OS), hoping to put previous criticisms to rest. According to HP, ...

an article by on Sep 13, 2012

VMware Previews Multi-Device BYOD Workspace

Many companies are struggling with BYOD. There are security and standardization issues. Additional help needed by employees can overwhelm corporate help desks. Personal apps on devices used for business represent security, support, and control problems. Some companies allow employee devices ...

an article by on Sep 13, 2012

PC Market: From Death to Rebirth?

A funny thing has happened on the way to the PC's funeral. The (presumed) deceased is climbing out of its casket, saying "I'm not dead yet!" Far from it. Instead of fading away, the personal computer is taking on new ...

an article by on Sep 11, 2012

Apple, Microsoft, Google, VMware, Major Players Go Open-Source

Global brands in the enterprise computing market continue to look at open-source solutions to inspire higher rates of innovation. Even companies that typically have not been considered as open-source friendly, including Apple, Microsoft, Google, and VMware, have now started contributing ...

an article by on Sep 10, 2012

IBM Watson Set to Blast Past Siri?

The IBM Watson technology has long been at the head of the class when it came to artificial intelligence. But the supercomputing horsepower needed to support Watson put it out of reach of mobile users. Now, however, this may be ...

an article by on Sep 10, 2012

Kindle Fire: Are Entry-Level Tablets Ablaze?

If you want to buy the Kindle Fire online, you are out of luck - at least for now. Amazon says that its popular small tablet is out of stock. But, probably by no coincidence, a new model may debut ...

an article by on Sep 10, 2012

iPad Mini--A Boost For Small Tablets?

By offering the forthcoming iPad Mini at a low price, say analysts, Apple may "reset" the market for smaller tablet devices. As with all things Apple, the aroma of breathless hype can be overpowering.But for midsize firms, the growing focus ...

an article by on Sep 7, 2012

Why Windows 8 Prices Have Not Been Revealed By Microsoft

Microsoft is preparing for one of its most important series of product launches in recent memory. In October 2012, Microsoft will release its Windows 8 OS, which will be followed later by the release of its Surface line of tablets ...

an article by on Sep 7, 2012

Apple iPhone 5 Release Spurs Google, HTC, Samsung, Nokia, Microsoft into Action

iPhone fanatics aren't the only ones eagerly following the Apple iPhone 5 release rumors. Apple's adversaries have been just as keen to hear the tech giant set an announcement date for the iPhone 5 release. If the rumors are true, ...

an article by on Sep 7, 2012

New Collaboration Features for Google+

It was easy to sign up for Google+ but, once they joined, many members found there was little activity in their Google circles. The best feature was the Google Hangout where you could video conference simultaneously with a bunch of ...

an article by on Sep 7, 2012

IBM Talks Up Watson Supercomputer as Your Next Business Partner

IBM has been busy in the last few years getting on board with cloud computing, upgrading its mainframe technology, and of course, winning on television game shows. The triumph of Big Blue's Watson supercomputer over human opponents on television quiz ...

an article by on Sep 7, 2012

Near Field Communication is Coming--Just Maybe Not to the iPhone 5

When the iPhone 5's release date was finally announced earlier this month, discussions of what features--old and new--it would have once in consumers' hands began to heat up. Among the most publicized of supposedly new features was near field communication ...

an article by on Sep 7, 2012

Better IT promises ‘intelligence-guided’ online shopping

Does it still amaze you how well the ads on your Yahoo, Facebook and other web pages reflect which products and services you’ve recently searched for online? Small, mid-market and large businesses looking for even smarter ways to connect with ...

an article by on Sep 6, 2012

Google: Android Not Threatened By Apple's Lawsuit Win

Samsung may be the immediate loser from Apple's big legal victory. But many observers have argued that the real target all along has been the Android operating system and, therefore, Google. Android may not be central to the search giant's ...

an article by on Sep 6, 2012

Dropbox Tries Out New Authentication Process

Dropbox has announced the addition of a new two-step authentication process for its popular cloud storage and file sharing facilities, in the wake of security breaches revealed last month.The new feature is in a beta phase and offers an optional ...

an article by on Sep 5, 2012

Evernote Unleashes Business Version of Popular Note-Taking App

The BYOD movement has largely been propelled by the vast number of applications available for the smartphone market. IT has recognized these applications as a way to simplify tasks, save time, and increase employee productivity. An app that meets all ...

an article by on Sep 4, 2012

Microsoft's SkyDrive Cloud Service Receives Major Enhancements

Microsoft is looking to the cloud as its next area to conquer in the computer industry. They've revamped the SkyDrive cloud service in preparation for the upcoming release of several major Microsoft products.According to ComputerWorld, Microsoft has made major enhancements ...

an article by on Sep 4, 2012

Is the iPhone 5 a BYOD Nightmare?

Apple aficionados are eagerly awaiting the launch of the iPhone 5, and the tech press is getting in on the act with regular roundups of the latest rumors. The latest information sets the likely announcement date at September 12, with ...

an article by on Aug 28, 2012

Apple vs Samsung Court Saga: Why Apple's $1 Billion Win Is a Loss for IT

As the ongoing series of Apple vs Samsung court battles continue across the globe, this week a federal jury in California put forward a recommendation that Apple get an award of about $1 billion from Samsung after the jury concluded ...

an article by on Aug 28, 2012

What New iPhone 5 Features Help Businesses with BYOD Technology

The latest on the new iPhone 5 has been released. The new iPhone information comes less than a year after the iPhone 4 was released during Christmas 2011. Apple has listened to consumers, and the company has reverted back to ...

an article by on Aug 27, 2012

Tablets versus PCs - are tablets a panacea?

I was reading the MidSize Insider and came across an interesting commentary published by Sharon Hurley Hall, Is it Time to Swap Your Dell PC for a Tablet?, and thought I'd like to respond. The good Ms. Hall reviewed Dell's ...

an article by on Aug 27, 2012

Microsoft Unveils Trial Version of Windows 8 Enterprise

For most businesses, the transition to the Windows 8 operating system will be a difficult task. The upgrade will not happen overnight, requiring significant planning, relentless testing, employee re-education, and finance management. In an effort to convince IT professionals that ...

an article by on Aug 27, 2012

Adobe Muse update features contact forms and direct file-download links

Adobe's open web publishing tool, created for those with little to no web coding experience, has been updated with new contact forms, an alignment tool, better CSS, and improved widgets. The Adobe Muse update will also enable Japanese locality features ...

an article by on Aug 23, 2012

Mobile Payment System to be Developed by Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and Target

Mobile payment systems are undeniably in the future of smartphone technology. However, few technology companies have capitalized on this currently untapped market with the exception of the Android-based Google Wallet. Anxious to attract smartphone-wielding customers, more than a dozen retailers ...

an article by on Aug 23, 2012

RIM Makes Blackberry 10 Prototypes Available to Mobile Carriers

Research In Motion (RIM) has undeniably entered a downward spiral; highlighted by a $500 million first quarter loss and a 70-percent dip in share prices over the past 12 months. Trading hands at below $8 a share, this figure is ...

an article by on Aug 22, 2012

AT&T Tablets Are No Longer Subsidized

Smartphones and tablets are fundamentally two different devices. However, with smartphones doubling as a web surfing tool and an all-inclusive entertainment package, this distinction has begun to blur. Not surprisingly, smartphones and tablets have been historically sold in the same ...

an article by on Aug 22, 2012

New Startup SimpliVity to Offer Data Center in a Box

New startup SimpliVity has unveiled its first product offering, the OmniCube, an all-in-one "data center in a box." The OmniCube, which debuted Aug. 20, can act as primary storage, backup storage, a VMWare server as well a deduplication appliance.While the ...

an article by on Aug 21, 2012

Leap Motion Hands-Free Control Device Receives Tremendous Public Response

Once only considered a dream, a small start-up company in San Francisco, California, might soon be providing computer users with hands-free computer control.According to PCWorld, the Leap Motion hands-free control device called the Leap, which was recently introduced by Leap ...

an article by on Aug 16, 2012

Retina Display: Raising the Bar?

Apple's Retina display is certainly eye-catching. Indeed, argues one tech columnist, it is so eye-catching that it makes other current screens look downright ugly. This may be pleasing news for iPad owners. It is certainly good news for Apple, giving ...

an article by on Aug 16, 2012

Microsoft Office 13 Will Encourage Web Development

Microsoft Corp. has been in the news for a variety of upcoming product launches in 2012 including Windows 8 and its new Surface line of tablets. However, almost going under the radar are Microsoft's plans for its new Office version, ...

an article by on Aug 16, 2012

Surface is Microsoft's Only Reply to Dominant Apple iPad

It's no surprise that the Microsoft Surface is the most exciting innovation in the tablet scene. Sporting a touch-enabled interface and an accessible keyboard, its integration with Windows 8 puts the device over the top. Despite the apparent positives, Acer ...

an article by on Aug 14, 2012

Vidyo Inc. to offer Free Interconnectivity Between Conferencing Systems

Vidyo Inc., one of the world's fastest-growing video conferencing companies has announced a free video interconnectivity service, VidyoWay, designed to support multi-vendor video conferencing for multi-party or point-to-point meetings. This software-based service is interoperable among companies with various disparate video ...

an article by on Aug 10, 2012

Microsoft Surface Undeterred by Acer Threat

Top executives at Acer have issued a barely veiled threat to Microsoft: "Think twice" before pushing ahead with the Microsoft Surface tablet. But Microsoft is ignoring the warnings from its hardware partners, and for good reason. The threats are empty, ...

an article by on Aug 10, 2012

Consumers and Developers Prefer Apple iPhone to Android

It's no secret that Android isn't too popular among enterprises. Across all four quarters in 2011, more than 70 percent of mobile devices in the workplace used iOS, while Android lagged behind at 30 percent, according to AppleInsider.It looks like ...

an article by on Aug 9, 2012

Windows 8 Release: Preparing to Upgrade

For each new Windows operating system, the last big step before the software goes to the public is the release to manufacturing. Microsoft recently announced that Windows 8 has reached that milestone, setting the stage for an official release date ...

an article by on Aug 8, 2012

Windows 8 Launch Set For October 26, 2012

The computer industry has waited in anticipation for over a year to learn the date of Microsoft's Windows 8 launch. The highly publicized and talked-about Windows 8 comes at a time when Microsoft is attempting to rejuvenate sales for its ...

an article by on Aug 8, 2012

Google Welcomes Kapow Software Into Enterprise Partner Program

Kapow Software, a leading vendor in the application integration market is now part of the Google Enterprise Partner program (GEP), extending the reach of Google Search Appliance to enhance the relevance and quality of Google's search results, according to a ...

an article by on Aug 7, 2012

Windows Upgrade on Tablets Challenges Our Business Model, Says Microsoft

Until now, tablets didn't run Windows. Since the number of tablets shipped is increasing rapidly, and since some of the work being done on tablets is not being done on desktop computers, some tablets are likely to replace PCs. The ...

an article by on Aug 7, 2012

Apple Purchases AuthenTec for $356 Million: Brings Fingerprint Technology to Mobile Payments

In the world of business, company takeovers and acquisitions are a common occurrence. However, Apple Inc., is one of the few tech giants that has focused on its own product developments rather than purchasing the patents and hardware of others. ...

an article by on Aug 7, 2012

Windows 8 Features That Will Excite Business Computer Users

Microsoft will release Windows 8 later this year and even though the official release date has not arrived, many people are already up in arms over the new operating system. People are upset with the entirely new interface, which is ...

an article by on Aug 3, 2012

The Microsoft Surface Tablet

First, Apple introduced the iPad, which created the tablet revolution. Recently Google could not resist the temptation to enter the booming tablet market with the introduction of its Nexus 7 tablet brand, and now Microsoft is ready to enter the ...

an article by on Aug 3, 2012

New Hardware for Windows 8

IT at midsize businesses get ready: Your office area is about to get that much more streamlined. Not only does Microsoft plan to debut Windows 8 in October 2012 as well as the new Microsoft Surface Tablet, but the computer ...

an article by on Aug 3, 2012

iPad Mini: Resizing the BYOD Movement?

The iPad Mini, much speculated about, may debut in September, just after the anticipated release of the iPhone 5. While Apple remains closemouthed as always, the Mini could reinforce the apparent popularity of smaller tablet devices.This trend, seen in the ...

an article by on Aug 1, 2012

Smarter computing, 3D models speed up reconstructive surgery

Waiting days or even weeks for reconstructive surgery can be agonizing for patients dealing with face- or skull-disfiguring injuries or diseases. So any time saved in producing a perfect fit for a bone implant is welcome, both by the patient ...

an article by on Jul 27, 2012

iPhone 5 Release Will Be Historic

A new report shows that demand for the upcoming iPhone 5 is reaching new levels, which could make the next release of the popular smartphone one for Apple's already impressive record books. For midsize IT departments who are taking advantage ...

an article by on Jul 27, 2012

Are You Ready for the Apple iPhone 5

The Apple iPhone has become a marketing sensation. Its popularity continues to grow with the introduction of each new model. Beyond the amazing sales numbers, the advance demand and anticipation for each new model continues to reach new heights. Moreover, ...

an article by on Jul 27, 2012

OS X Mountain Lion: Could It Mean Business?

Apple is not a name we associate with enterprise computing. And over the years, Apple has been very happy to keep it that way. Nor does offering OS X Mountain Lion for $19.99 at the Apple App Store seem to ...

an article by on Jul 26, 2012

Is the iPad 3 Hearing Nexus 7 Footsteps?

In the very short term the news was a bit embarrassing for Google: The Nexus 7 was out of stock at the Google Play store. But this also suggests that Apple and the iPad 3 may no longer have the ...

an article by on Jul 24, 2012

iPhone 5 Slims Down as Business App Options Widen

It's going to be an interesting year for Apple, according to a number of Web sources. The company appears on track to release yet another iPhone in the fall, just a year after their popular iPhone 4S. But while the ...

an article by on Jul 24, 2012

Is the Nexus 7 a Viable Business Tool?

Everyone has been getting excited about Google's budget tablet, the Nexus 7, but could this low-cost 7-inch tablet be a useful tool for midsize businesses?There's no denying that this tablet has a lot to offer. For a start, it ships ...

an article by on Jul 24, 2012

Firefox version 14 Provides Better Online Security for Your Internet Browsing Experience

Online security is a popular topic of discussion for business executives and IT professionals in the business world. Generally, when online security is discussed, the topics relate to website security and password protection.However, one of the most important aspects of ...

an article by on Jul 23, 2012

Google's New Tablet Making Apple's Sauce

Small and midsize businesses are becoming more aware that in order to stay competitive, they need to stay mobile in the increasing BYOD world. Though the Apple iPad is generally still the tablet to beat in many areas, the device ...

an article by on Jul 20, 2012

Google SPDY Gains More Ground

The Google SPDY project, the company's bid to reshape the backbone of the World Wide Web, is picking up support from major firms ranging from Akamai to Facebook. But the effort to upgrade something so basic as the Hypertext Transfer ...

an article by on Jul 20, 2012

The keys to future-proof IT

Small and mid-sized business owners who want their information technologies to be as future-proof as possible might want to borrow a page or two from government playbooks. While not always recognized for their forward thinking, a few government agencies – ...

an article by on Jul 19, 2012

Symantec Unveils Android Antivirus Software for Business Users

After releasing a consumer-targeted antivirus software named Norton Mobile Security for Android, Symantec has shifted its attention to the corporate community. Acknowledging the BYOD movement and the corresponding security issues on mobile devices, the company has unveiled an enterprise-friendly version. ...

an article by on Jul 19, 2012

Apple MacBook Pro Gets Sketchy "Green" Stamp of Approval

Just a few days after Apple reversed a controversial decision to stop participating in the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) green product registry, the company decided to give a "gold" rating to its new Retina MacBook Pro devices. The ...

an article by on Jul 19, 2012

FCC Reregulation of Special Access Business Lines

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is proposing reregulation to revise its current policy that allows for flexibility of business line telecommunication pricing, according to a recent PCWorld article. The FCC pricing reforms previously allowed large telecommunication companies flexibility in ...

an article by on Jul 19, 2012

Newest Version of Android OS is Safest Yet, but Still Doesn't Compare to iOS

The Android OS has long had a reputation as a veritable wasteland when it comes to security. The free-for-all Google Play landscape as well as the endless variants on the OS itself have long been cited as reasons why Google's ...

an article by on Jul 19, 2012

Windows 8 With Low-Cost Upgrades Available in October.

Microsoft is trying to leverage its market-dominating position in PC operating systems to get a foothold in mobile computing. The key is its Windows 8 release, which has the same type of tile-based user interface whether you are using a ...

an article by on Jul 18, 2012

The Trouble With Microsoft Office

Microsoft is feeling the heat. Both private and business users who at one time spent most of their computer time in the Windows/Office/Internet Explorer universe are defecting. Microsoft Office still dominates the market for full-featured productivity software, but an increasing ...

an article by on Jul 18, 2012

Microsoft Declares Hardware War On Apple

Perhaps the most storied business rivalry of the personal computing era is about to expand to a new battlefield. Microsoft is taking its long-running battle against Apple to hardware. It represents a notable shift for the Redmond giant, whose very ...

an article by on Jul 17, 2012

Google Compute Engine: A New Player in IaaS

Google is joining the fast-growing cloud infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) market by launching its latest service, Google Compute Engine at the most recent Google I/O 2012 developer's conference held in San Francisco, California. This conference featured highly technical in-depth sessions focused on ...

an article by on Jul 13, 2012

The Microsoft Comeback Trail?

Once upon a time late in the last millennium, Microsoft was the evil empire that threatened to rule the world. In the first years of this millennium, however, it often looked more like the Western Roman Empire around AD 475: ...

an article by on Jul 9, 2012

Patent Office Opens Silicon Valley Branch

Going where the inventions are, the US patent office is opening a branch office in the heart of Silicon Valley. The tech industry has been pushing for such a branch, and now it has one. At stake is more than ...

an article by on Jul 6, 2012

Huddle iPad App Has the Ability to Think and Make Recommendations

Huddle, an enterprise company that creates cloud collaboration software, launched a new innovative iPad app on June 26. Capabilities of the Huddle iPad app as noted on TechCrunch include forecasting abilities to predict workers' needs and tracking and delivering relevant ...

an article by on Jul 6, 2012

Microsoft Surface Increases Urgency for Updating BYOD Policies

The recently announced Microsoft Surface tablet offers features that might make it more corporate friendly compared to other tablets on the market. The Surface will come with a keyboard and USB and HDMI ports, in addition to its compatibility with ...

an article by on Jul 3, 2012

As SMB Mobility Takes Center Stage, Sprint Rolls Out New Services

With certain events looking to shake up much of the SMB mobility space over the coming months, Sprint decided that it was the perfect time to revamp their offerings for small and midsize businesses. This revamp highlights the importance of ...

an article by on Jul 2, 2012

Open-mindedness key to innovative, efficient future

Changes in technology and the marketplace are driving a growing number of midmarket executives to explore more open, transparent ways of doing business. And that’s a good thing for many reasons. In an ever-more competitive market, it’s the companies willing ...

an article by on Jun 27, 2012

Microsoft Announces MDOP Updates for Business Users

Microsoft announced its latest product updates for enterprise users at the annual TechEd conference held on June 12, 2012, in Orlando, Florida. According to a Microsoft press release, the company's corporate vice president for Windows Web Services, Antoine Leblond, is ...

an article by on Jun 25, 2012

Near-Field Communication: Windows Phone 8, Surface, Windows 8 Reveals Microsoft's Broad Vision

Microsoft revealed their vision for near-field communication (NFC) support across their hardware platforms including the Windows Phone 8 tablets and PCs. As previously announced by Microsoft, the Windows 8 operating system supports NFC. Microsoft recently demonstrated how the devices and ...

an article by on Jun 25, 2012

Hadoop Summit Ushers In New Products and Enhancements

The recent Hadoop Summit held in San Jose has seen a wave of new products from vendors that support Hadoop's open-source platform for data analysis. The conference saw over 2,000 attendees and was sponsored by some of the biggest names ...

an article by on Jun 21, 2012

AT&T's Toggle to Become a Multi-Device BYOD Solution

AT&T has set its sights on solving the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) conundrum by augmenting its dual-personality software, known as Toggle, to include devices beyond mobile phones. Currently, the software is one of many options that allow employees to use their personal ...

an article by on Jun 20, 2012

Near-Field Communication Making Smartphones Smarter

Samsung Electronics introduced the forthcoming Samsung Galaxy S III, a Near-Field Communications (NFC) enabled smartphone, and programmable stickers called TecTiles. Touching the smartphone to the sticker causes the phone to act in a programmed way without the need to manually ...

an article by on Jun 20, 2012

Is the Chromebox the New Business PC?

When Google first introduced the Chromium operating system concept in 2009, it was little more than a glorified browser. Samsung and Acer brought out Chromebooks in 2011; these netbook-type laptops ran the Chrome OS version of Chromium that uses hardware ...

an article by on Jun 20, 2012

Microsoft Pushes Windows 8 to Businesses

While it's not set to ship until later this year, Microsoft is already making a case as to why businesses should invest in a Windows 8 upgrade. Officials made a keynote speech touting the operating system's benefits at TechEd North ...

an article by on Jun 19, 2012

Grilled Cheese Meets Mobile Payment Technology

A midsize restaurant company, The Melt, owned by Jonathan Kaplan, successfully melds grilled cheese sandwiches and mobile payment technology. And it may well be the technology-driven model for future fast-casual dining businesses or possibly for selling other kinds of goods ...

an article by on Jun 18, 2012

Windows XP Costs Five Times More Than Windows 7

A new report, commissioned by Microsoft and prepared by IDC, shows that support costs are significantly higher for Windows XP when compared against similar costs for Windows 7. The report is the latest in a line of releases from Microsoft ...

an article by on Jun 4, 2012

Before you hit ‘print’: Efficient document strategies for business

Thanks to innovations like ever-faster and more affordable PCs, smart phones and cloud computing, a small or mid-sized business today can enjoy an advanced IT infrastructure unimaginable even five or 10 years ago. One “perk of the future” that has ...

an article by on May 31, 2012

Google Verdict: A Big Win for Technology

Google scored a solid victory in its court battle with Oracle, but the biggest winner from the Oracle-Google verdict could be technology itself. The trial outcome suggests that patent and copyright claims regarding software have a high hill to climb.For ...

an article by on May 30, 2012

Beyond PUE: Other ways to grade ‘green’ data centers

Mid-sized businesses that operate their own data centers, as well as data center operators that provide outsourced services to mid-market companies, tend to focus a lot of attention on PUE, or power usage effectiveness. But there are other ways to ...

an article by on May 25, 2012

Loose Lips Sink Ships

Technology makes life easier. And more often we are less aware of what we are giving away for that ease. Beyond the privacy concerns of the big social platforms, businesses are struggling with the confluence of pervasive communications, Big Data, consumerization of IT, privacy ...

an article by on May 24, 2012

Oracle's Java Trial Heads for Deeper Tangle

Oracle has won a partial victory in its epic Java trial pitting it against Google and Android. But the victory may end up so partial that it will amount to a setback. Judge William Alsup admonished Google, saying that its ...

an article by on May 23, 2012

Now Get Gigabit Speeds With 5G Wi-Fi

Wireless networks have always lagged one step behind wired Ethernet in terms of speed. Even smaller businesses often have to transmit large files or large amounts of data across their networks. When wireless is much slower, they run the cables. ...

an article by on May 22, 2012

Top resources for the energy-efficient office

Go online and do a search for “energy-efficient office” and you’ll get results numbering in the millions … an overwhelming output for the average entrepreneur who’s just looking for simple, straightforward advice on how to make technology at work more ...

an article by on May 18, 2012

Big Data: Is The Answer 42?

Large enterprises have wrestled with massive amounts of data for a long time. As technology migrates out of the IT department and into the boardroom for many businesses, it’s creating complications and confusion in many areas. There is a rush ...

an article by on May 5, 2012

8 green computing myths

Greening your business computing strategies is not only a smart way to enhance your brand in the eyes of customers: it can save you money in both electricity costs and equipment wear-and-tear. In fact, an overwhelming majority – 71 percent ...

an article by on May 1, 2012

What's in a name?

Companies in the midmarket face a complex range of choices when trying to chose a supplier. Companies such as Dell, ...

an article by on Apr 30, 2012

What Do I Do With All This Stuff?

I have a system for keeping stuff in my house. When not actively in use, most of my stuff ends up piled on the floor in my home office. When that fills up I move it to more permanent storage ...

an article by on Apr 23, 2012

Taking business into the green — or not so green — cloud

There’s little doubt the cloud is helping businesses of all sizes — mega, medium or small — do a lot more than they used to. Cloud-based software, platforms and infrastructure are making it possible for organizations to provide more information ...

an article by on Mar 27, 2012

Smart-city tech promises easier, more efficient business

Smart grids and smart cities are supposed to make our lives easier and more efficient in the future, but what exactly do they promise for small and midsize businesses? Many entrepreneurs are already getting a taste of what smarter business ...

an article by on Mar 21, 2012