Chrome makes itself felt across the Internet

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:02:47 -0400

It has only been days since Google's Chrome browser was released. Reactions are mixed across the Internet and blogosphere. While everyone likes its isolated tab model--a crash on a tab will not affect the other tabs--it has been called a memory "pig" and not suitable for lower-end machines with slower processors and less memory. ZDNet listed five reasons why Chrome will crash and burn, while CNET News came up with an objective list of 10 things that they would like to see added into Chrome. Whatever the case, some sites like TechCrunch, whose readers are more likely to be early-adopters, is already seeing more than 6 percent of its readership logged by Google Analytics as using Chrome.

To find out more:
- check out this article

Data security now accounts for 10 percent of IT operating budgets

Paul Mah — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:22:46 -0400

Companies are increasing their security budgets in response to growing concerns over the number and severity of data breaches, according to analyst Khalid Kark from Forrester Research. As a result, data security now averages 10 percent of overall IT operating budgets for 2008. Indeed, this figure represents an increase of 8 percent from last year. Furthermore, a survey of more than 1,200 security decision makers in the United States shows that 21 percent expect to increase their security-related budget in 2009; another 6 percent believes that their security spending will decrease. Kark notes that these figures are impressive numbers bearing the current economic climate in mind It certainly appears that CEOs and CIOs are starting to understand the importance of giving greater attention to security needs.

For more on this:
- check out this Network World article

Study claims Internet capacity growing faster than usage

Paul Mah — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:18:17 -0400

For those concerned that the Internet is running headlong into a monstrous traffic crunch, Internet monitor TeleGeography Research has released a report that should give some reassurance on this front. TeleGeography notes that while Internet traffic grew 53 percent between mid-2007 and mid-2008, Internet capacity grew faster, resulting in lower utilization on many Internet backbones.

However, utilization on the international links in the United States, Canada and Latin America rose as demand for the outpaced deployment of additional Internet bandwidth. Despite this fact, the findings could halt an effort in the U.S. that has put pressure on Internet Service Providers (ISP) to stop any form of bandwidth throttling. Then again, it could be argued that the only factor preventing even faster growth in Internet usage is the use of throttling.

For more on the growth of Internet traffic:
- check out this InformationWeek article

Dell looking at selling its factories

Paul Mah — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:14:07 -0400

Dell is attempting to sell its computer factories located around the world as part of an overhaul of its production strategy. Reports are coming in that Dell is in negotiation with "major contract manufacturers" to sell of most of its facilities. This could happen as early as within the next 18 months, according to reports. Other factories would just close.

The swift transition away from built-to-order PCs--or corporate customers ordering large numbers of desktop PCs--to laptops has left Dell, once the industry leader, lagging behind rivals. By outsourcing the manufacturing, Dell hopes to bring down manufacturing costs. Indeed, investors were left disappointed by quarterly profits that were reported as down 18 percent.

For more on how Dell is doing:
- check out this Wall Street Journal article

Sun releases second version of xVM VirtualBox

Paul Mah — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:10:17 -0400

The second version of xVM's VirtualBox desktop virtualization software has been released. VirtualBox is a general-purpose full virtualizer for x86 hardware that is targeted for server, desktop and embedded use. This open-sourced software supports Solaris OS, OpenSolaris, Windows, Macintosh OS X, and Linux. Sun claims that it is finding traction, especially among Apple Macintosh users. According to the Steve Wilson, VP of xVM at Sun, "VirtualBox has deep integration with the Mac operating system's approach to networking." Round the clock support for VirtualBox is available for enterprise customers. Alternatively, you can download the code here, or visit its website for more information.

To read up more about this story:
- check out this InformationWeek article

Multiplayer online games pose threat

Judi Hasson — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:01:22 -0400

If you are trying to protect your passwords, prevent identity theft and avoid aggravation and possible loss of money, stay away from multiplayer online games like "World of Warcraft," "Everquest'' and "Lineage." McAfee's Avert antivirus labs found 24,600 versions of one type of malicious code aimed at stealing passwords from a variety of "massive multiplayer" online games during the first half of 2008.

This compared with 26,000 aimed at stealing banking passwords. McAfee researcher Igor Muttik said the goal is to gain possession of virtual in-game property and currency and resell it on auction sites like Hong Kong-based IGE.com. He said many individual gamers have built up accounts of in-game funds worth more than $10,000. "It's very visible that online games are the bad guys' focus," Muttik said.

Gary McGraw, a security consultant with Dulles, VA-based Cigital, said games often aren't as well protected. "As in the real world, a few people try to rob banks, but knocking over a 7-11 takes a lot less gunpowder and less planning," he said.

For more on cyber threats:
- see this Forbes.com article

Developing a wise technology strategy

Judi Hasson — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:55:55 -0400

A technology strategy is just not about determining what servers or networks should be deployed. It requires a framework to deploy a set of business applications. CIOupdate.com advises that there are three things CIOs need to know when developing a technology strategy: An in-depth understanding of the business strategies the company is pursuing; a vision of how technology will add value to business processes; and technology use principles.

Business strategy is key, with the publication noting that "building a technology strategy without understanding the business strategy is like building a dam in a dry gully and hoping it will rain. You might get a lake, but more likely you'll get a muddy pond.''

It is important to choose technology that is efficient, meets the needs of the user and provides a competitive advantage. And the technology principles chosen must be understood by technical and non-technical users, and focused on reliability, consistency, and maintainability.

For more advice:
- see this CIOupdate.com article