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You Need To Check Out The New Ultrabook Computers
First there were the luggable computers in the early 1980s such as the Osborne I, Kaypro II and the Compaq. Then came the clam-shelled laptop computers like the first Toshiba and the Data General LCD screened battery powered units in the mid to latter 1980s. From then on laptops settled into the general form factors we see today, but then came the tablets and the netbooks about three years ago. The netbook form factor already seems to be waning as the iPad tablet is clearly dominating the market.
When Our Next One Hits Are You Prepared?
The 7.2 earthquake two weeks ago in Turkey got me thinking again about disaster preparedness and IT. It reminded me of the 5.9 earthquake that occurred on the U.S. east coast, a region that is not supposed to get earthquakes. I just did a couple of walk-throughs at two different client facilities. One had server racking very well secured at the top and bottom that looked like it would withstand a pretty severe shaking while the other site did not have any fasteners at either the top or the bottom of the server racks. I could have pushed the racks over myself by leaning on them.
Gartner Held Their ITxpo In Orlando…
Gartner is making some dire warnings including one of another recession. Gene Hall, Gartner's CEO says IT managers are facing a period of "unprecedented uncertainty." While Alvaka Networks is having a robust year with surging revenues, I have to agree. The cautious footing, one of being prepared for a new recession is a smart posture to take right now.
Larry Bonfante Says “Being A CIO Is Not About You.”
At the Best of Breed Conference on October 25-26th, I had the privilege of listening to Larry Bonfante, CIO of USTA discuss how the position of IT has shifted from utility provider to the role of "trusted advisor/business enabler.” He mentions how to utilize technology to drive brand, revenue, and engage consumers. This topic points to the fact that CIOs must be business leaders and just not technologists. So, how can you make a difference? He answers, “By understanding your
Here Are Some Interesting Statistics Just Sent To Me From A Market Research Firm
The average number of PCs per IT employee is 25.
• The average IT budget $$ per IT employee is $220,000.
• Average number of data center sq ft per IT employee ranges from 40-150.
• 80% of organizations with 500+ deployed PCs are managing 5+ TB of data.
• IT budgets range from 1.5% to 8% of revenue, depending on vertical market.
• Over 90% of organizations with 10+ IT employees are supporting 15 or more servers.
Are You Properly Licensed To Use Ethernet Technology?
Some may call them legitimate patent enforcers protecting an inventor's rights under US patent law, others call them patent trolls. I write this column to draw your attention to disturbing patent enforcement activity that may unsuspecting come haunt you and your firm.
I have been very disturbed by recent e-mails I have gotten from peers across the country. Some are getting informed that their clients who use Ethernet technology are getting sued by the new entity that holds the 3Com patents for Ethernet. One such peer writes, “One of my clients has been pulled into this. Basically the assertion is that every non 3-Com Ethernet device is illegal due to patent infringement. They are not only going after manufacturers, but also end users as well.“
It seems some of the largest Ethernet vendors in the industry are girding for a fight with this outfit. In the meantime, end-user companies such as yours are getting caught up in the fight.
Here are a couple of links. This first one is pleasant sounding enough because it comes from U.S. Ethernet Innovations, LLC (“USEI”), the owner of the fundamental Ethernet technology developed by 3Com Corporation in the 1990s. The underlying message is ominous.
Here is a good slide deck from law firm Dorsey and Whitney who is fighting this sort of patent infringement case:
http://www.dorsey.com/files/upload/MP_CCS2010_Complete_Patent_Trolls.pdf
So I have now made you aware of a possible lawsuit against your firm, so now what do you do? I don’t have any specific recommendations at this time. I personally plan to keep tabs on this situation and see how it proceeds.
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