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News Snippets

April 2006 News

  • Do virtual machines mean virtual security?
  • Gartner warn focus on costs hurts outsourcing.
  • One size does not suit Philips
  • It's Wyse to be browser based

Do virtual machines mean virtual security?

With the IT world going virtual, new security exploits become interesting considerations. Although architected to be secure, the exploiter has some challenges to overcome but the rewards are large. Fundamentally, virtual machines are built to be totally segregated from each other but if a hacker could get to the kernel and modify the virtual machine monitor it could work as a switch between the virtual environments with nobody knowing. Highly unlikely but something to worry about amongst the other things to worry about. There is a Microsoft report that details the scenario.

Gartner warn focus on costs hurts outsourcing

Most companies cite cost savings as one of the main reasons for outsourcing according to a new survey by Gartner. Experts warn that too much emphasis on costs increase the risk of failure because other aspects of the outsourcer performance is ignored. Those companies that have outsourced are now looking for other benefits like: agility; flexibility and innovation but have "forgotten" that the contract focuses on cost reduction and improved efficiencies. The consequences are disappointment, mismatched expectations and friction.

One size does not suit Philips

A $700M five-year managed desktop service with Dell (supported by Atos Origin and Getronics) has been cancelled. The constraints of a standard "virtual global workplace" proved too much for the Philips employee base. An example of the requirements not meeting the needs.

It's Wyse to be browser based

If the IT strategy is to do everything through a browser then Wyse thin clients are a good option. With central management and services provided over a LAN it is possible to have a diskless PC being run by the new Wyse streaming manager (WSM). It is possible to be a W2K or an XP depending upon the configuration and all centrally controlled.

Snippets

  • The EC report recommends that EU funding is provided to the member states to further encourage the implementation of broadband networks.
  • Firefox 2.0 alpha available for testing. It contains some menu changes, searchable bookmarks, SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) support amongst other features like anti-phishing technology.
  • Portable Nand Flash-based solid state disks from Samsung Electronics will provide 32GB with faster access and using less power. It will even weight much less than existing equivalent disks.
  • Vista for the masses will not be in the Xmas stocking. Microsoft have admitted that quality issues will move delivery into 2007. The impact on the home market PC suppliers will cause some manufacturing and obvious profit issues.
  • The world has really gone mad when you read that XP runs on a Mac. It was an inevitability when Apple decided to use the Intel chip but the most important question must be why? It would be like buying a Ferrari and then putting a Honda engine under the bonnet. It can be done but why .......?
  • Tax-exempt status for home PCs in the UK ceased 5th April. It has been a great success and stopping it will have saved the Treasury £50m. Nice one Gordon - it will really help the UK become leaders in the information economy (not) but I'm sure that the savings will be put to good use.

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