Report: Apple 'likely to lose' App Store trademark case

Apple is likely to lose its court battle to prevent Amazon using the term Appstore for its mobile app offering, according to the judge presiding over the case.<br/><br/>Bloomberg reports that US District Judge Phillys Hamilton admitted that she is "probably" going to deny Apple's request following a hearing in Oakland, California on Tuesday.<br/><br/>Judge Hamilton says that Apple has been unable to demonstrate that Amazon's naming has created confusion among consumers.<br/><br/><strong>No evidence of confusion</strong><br/><br/>During the hearing, she said that Apple had so-far failed to offer "real evidence of actual confusion" among customers which is a "stumbling block" for the company<br/><br/>"I'm troubled by the showing that you've made so far, but that's where you're likely not to prevail at this early juncture," she added.<br/><br/>Amazon raised the ire of Apple back in March when it decided use the term Appstore for its Android app shop, claiming that its own App Store holds that trademark.<br/><br/><strong>Windows win?</strong><br/><br/>Amazon wants the trademark infringement case to be dismissed, clearing the way for them, and perhaps others, to use the term.<br/><br/>The court proceedings may have implications for Microsoft's ongoing battle to open up the name "Appstore" for its own Windows Phone platform.

Report: Apple 'likely to lose' App Store trademark case

Apple is likely to lose its court battle to prevent Amazon using the term Appstore for its mobile app offering, according to the judge presi...

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Opinion: The future of computing is ARM

<P align=center><img src="http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/6614/pcp00insight3laird20020.jpg"></P><br /><P>The future of computing isn't x86. It's not Windows-based either, condemning both halves of the 'Wintel' alliance to death row. But then it's been a long time since anything from Microsoft looked like the future rather than the past. </P><br /><P><br /><P>As it happens, Microsoft was partly responsible for the announcement that inspired my smell-the-coffee moment. I speak, of course, of the Windows-for-ARM announcement at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas back in January, where Microsoft head honcho Steve Ballmer revealed that the next version of its core Windows OS would support ARM processors as well as x86 chips. </P><br /><P>The other half of the equation was Nvidia's Project Denver, an attempt by the graphics specialist to create a high-performance ARM processor for desktops and servers. It's a catastrophic cliché, but when I put the two announcements together, I immediately knew my world of computing would never be the same again. </P><br /><P>Don't get me wrong. I'm not suggesting that Windows for ARM itself is going to be a big deal. On the contrary, it's probably best characterised as a lumbering giant's desperate attempt to remain relevant in a fast-changing world. Likewise, I've no idea whether Project Denver will be the success Nvidia needs it to be. </P><br /><P><STRONG>Established trend</STRONG></P><br /><P>Instead, it hit home because everyone instinctively knows that any trend behind-the-curve Microsoft is picking up on must already be well established and widespread. And Microsoft has seen that the future of computing might be ARM instead of x86. </P><br /><P>You might argue that this is hardly a profound observation. After all, ARM chips already dominate most mobile and embedded applications including the increasingly ubiquitous smartphone segment. But what the Microsoft and Nvidia announcements underlined was that ARM has a real shot at extending up into the traditionally performance-orientated desktop and server segments - x86 territory, in other words. </P><br /><P>Likewise, Windows for ARM and Project Denver put Intel's efforts to move down into ARM's traditional mobile and embedded segments with the Atom processor into new context. Previously, Atom seemed like a sensible tactic to get Microsoft into an ultramobile market experiencing explosive growth. </P><br /><P>What I hadn't truly considered was that Intel, and by extension AMD, was at risk in its core desktop and server market. The way I see it, the likely scenario goes like this. </P><br /><P>As transistors become smaller and smaller, the issue of outright performance in all computing devices becomes less critical. Already, you could argue that a decent quad-core desktop PC processor provides all the general purpose performance most consumers are likely to need. The fastest ARM chips remain a long way off the performance of any quad-core x86 CPU. </P><br /><P>But with the latest out-of-order Cortex A9 core and the emergence of multi-core ARM designs, it's only a matter of time before that gap is closed. That's not to say I expect processor technology to remain static - quite the contrary. But instead of ever more general purpose cores being added, future chips will sport a mix of special-purpose circuitry designed to accelerate specific tasks. </P><br /><P>Think graphics, media encoding, encryption and maybe even features like facial recognition, all accelerated in hardware. What future processors won't be are wall-to-wall general purpose cores. </P><br /><P><STRONG>Strong ARM</STRONG></P><br /><P>Massively multi-core is not the answer. To my mind, this scenario plays to the strengths of ARM chipmakers. ARM itself doesn't make chips - it licenses the IP needed to make ARM-based processors, leaving Samsung, Qualcomm, Nvidia and up to 15 other outfits to bring in their own tech and that of third parties to create a product tailored for an application. </P><br /><P>Intel and AMD's traditional approach has been a one-size-fits-all chip designed, manufactured and distributed by a single company. That demands both be experts in all areas of chip design, and compete with specialists in areas like graphics and multimedia. More recently, AMD has spun off its manufacturing arm, leaving it positioned halfway between ARM and Intel in terms of business model. </P><br /><P>Similarly, Intel revealed a deal with Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC to build Atom processors containing third-party IP. But the implications are clear enough. Desktops, laptops and servers are currently dominated by processors from just two companies. </P><br /><P>In five years or so, AMD and Intel could well look like the victims in a cheap horror flick, covered by and being consumed by a swarm of small nasties. Some kind of future, eh?</P>

Opinion: The future of computing is ARM

The future of computing isn't x86. It's not Windows-based either, condemning both halves of the 'Wintel' alliance to death r...

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Pervasive Computing

<P>Pervasive computing is the trend towards increasingly ubiquitous (another name for the movement is ubiquitous computing), connected computing devices in the environment, a trend being brought about by a convergence of advanced electronic - and particularly, wireless - technologies and the Internet. Pervasive computing devices are not personal computers as we tend to think of them, but very tiny - even invisible - devices, either mobile or embedded in almost any type of object imaginable, including cars, tools, appliances, clothing and various consumer goods - all communicating through increasingly interconnected networks.</P><br /><P>Modern devices that may serve the ubiquitous computing model include mobile phones, digital audio players, radio-frequency identification tags and interactive whiteboards. Other terms for ubiquitous computing include pervasive computing, calm technology, things that think, everyware, and more recently, pervasive Internet.</P><br /><P>Ubiquitous computing encompasses a wide range of research topics, including distributed computing, mobile computing, sensor networks, human-computer interaction, and artificial intelligence.</P><br /><P>HISTORY</P><br /><P>Pervasive computing is the third wave of computing technologies to emerge since computers first appeared:</P><br /><P>o First Wave - Mainframe computing era: one computer shared by many people, via</P><br /><P>workstations.</P><br /><P>o Second Wave - Personal computing era: one computer used by one person, requiring a</P><br /><P>conscious interaction. Users largely bound to desktop.</P><br /><P>o Third Wave - Pervasive (initially called ubiquitous) computing era: one person, many</P><br /><P>computers. Millions of computers embedded in the environment, allowing technology</P><br /><P>to recede into the background.</P><br /><P>BACKGROUND</P><br /><P>Eight billion embedded microprocessors are produced each year. This number is expected to rise dramatically over the next decade, making electronic devices ever more pervasive. These devices will range from a few millimeters in size (small sensors) to several meters (displays and surfaces). They may be interconnected via wired and wireless technologies into broader, more capable, networks. Pervasive computing systems and services may lead to a greater degree of user knowledge of, or control over, the surrounding environment, whether at home, or in an office or car.There have been calls for more widespread debate on the implications of pervasive computing while it is still at an early stage of development.</P><br /><P>PERVASIVE COMPUTING TECHNOLOGIES</P><br /><P>Pervasive computing technologies classified in to four converging areas</P><br /><P>- Mobile Computing</P><br /><P>- Embedded and Applied computing</P><br /><P>- RFID and Sensors</P><br /><P>- Mobile and sensor networking</P><br /><P>Mobile Computing</P><br /><P>The widespread use of mobile computing devices has changed the way people compute and vastly expanded research areas in distributed computing and networking. In fact, traditional distributed computing is actually a subset of the broad area of mobile computing. Many topics in "mature" areas like distributed databases, distributed fault tolerance, and resource management now require much additional study, because many traditional assumptions are challenged. Mobile computers operate in more hostile environments, are resource-constrained (limited power, frequent disconnection), and are peripheral-poor.</P><br /><P>Mobile computing is changing the way we live and work, as profoundly as the introduction of the automobile did almost a century ago. Key advances in mobile networking, wireless connectivity, mobile information access, content adaptation, data synchronization, technology for notebook and wearable computers, and innovative mobile e-business solutions have come from worldwide research laboratories..</P><br /><P>Some of the recent research in mobile computing includes:</P><br /><P>WEARABLE DISPLAY OF ATHLETES' STATISTICS</P><br /><P>TeamAwear is a basketball jersey that displays real-time information about its wearer's statistics such as their fouls, points, and scores and alerts players when the game is nearly over or when time is running out to shoot. Mitchell Page and Andrew Vande Moere at the Centre of Design Computing and Cognition of the University of Sydney developed the system, which consists of numerous colored electroluminescent panels. A small computer attached to the player's body controls the panels and communicates wirelessly with a server that tracks relevant game statistics. For example, panels on the jersey's side light up to show how many goals the wearer has scored, with each panel representing 10 goals Although the inventors developed the TeamAwear jersey originally for basketball, they claim that it could also work in other fast-paced sports in which player-specific data changes rapidly, such as soccer, volleyball, cricket, and baseball. It could also support emergency teams working in noisy environments where verbal communication is inefficient.</P><br /><P>SKYSCOUT</P><br /><P>If you've ever looked at the night sky and wondered what stars you were observing, Celestron's SkyScout might be for you. Especially useful for novice astronomers, this handheld device combines GPS technology with a map of the sky to identify, locate, and provide information about celestial bodies. To identify an object of interest, you simply view it through the SkyScout and press the Identify button. SkyScout's technology identifies the object and tells you what it is. To locate a celestial body, you select it from a reasonably easy-touse menu of objects and press the Locate button. SkyScout uses red directional arrows around the eyepiece to guide you to the object in the sky. A nice feature is that the menu shows only objects that should be visible. (Unfortunately, Sky- Scout has no way to know which of those objects are blocked by trees). Finally, the device can educate you about many of the more popular celestial bodies. The information is available both through audio and text and includes facts about the object and its history and mythology. SkyScout's release was delayed in 2006 because of manufacturing problems in one of the components.</P><br /><P>NOKIA NSERIES PHONES</P><br /><P>Nokia has announced three new mobile phones in its multimedia Nseries, each targeting a different market segment. The N71, N80, and N92 offer a long list of features. The N71, from the Nokia XpressMusic family, offers an FM stereo tuner, a five-band equalizer, and support for audio and video formats including MP3, AAC, eAAC+, WMA, JPEG, and MPEG-4. It offers a 240 _ 320-pixel display and two cameras, one 2-megapixel (1600 _ 1200 pixel) and the other VGA (640 _ 480 pixel). It operates on dual-mode wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA)/GSM and triband GSM. The N80 offers a 352 _ 416-pixel display and a 3-megapixel camera with features including four flash modes, 10 scene modes, manual exposure correction, and four color tones.</P><br /><P>Embedded and Applied Computing</P><br /><P>Embedded and ubiquitous computing is an exciting new paradigm that provides computing and communication services all the time and everywhere. Its systems are now affecting every aspect of our life to the point that they are hidden inside various appliances. This emergence is a natural outcome of research and technological advances in embedded systems. An Embedded Pervasive Computing Environment is equipped with hardware and software components that autonomously respond to the needs of its occupants. Embedded system is the core part of pervasive computing and it deals with various applications like wearable computer architecture and applications, sensor networks, real-time embedded operating systems, embedded servers, embedded system networking, address-free routing, smart spaces, dynamic service discovery, mobility and case studies. Some of the on-going researches in embedded systems include:</P><br /><P>ROLLABLE DISPLAY</P><br /><P>Who hasn't dreamt of a display that rolls up when not in use? Phillips took one step toward this dream on a commercial scale when it formed venture company Polymer Vision in January 2004. Polymer Vision recently reported that it can make a flexible display with a 2 cm bending radius. The display is an organics-based, QVGA (320 ??240 pixels) active-matrix display, 5 in. on the diagonal and 85 dpi. The display layers a 200-micron thick, reflective Electronic-Ink display from E Ink Corporation (www.eink.com) on top of a 25-micron thick, active-matrix plane.</P><br /><P>USING LANDLINES FOR CELLULAR CALLS</P><br /><P>Xcelis (www.xcelis.com) has developed an innovative product for coupling cell phones and landline handsets. The Pantheon (see Figure 3) plugs into a landline phone line and, using a Bluetooth connection, routes incoming and outgoing voice calls and data from users' cell phones to their landline handsets. The Pantheon indicates incoming mobile calls with a distinctive ring. While the mobile call is in progress, it doesn't tie up the landline, meaning you can still receive landline calls through your other telephones. <BR>You need one device for each landline telephone that you want to multiplex. When making calls from your landline, you can choose whether to use your cell phone or landline account. The Pantheon provides additional features, including conferencing a landline call and a mobile call, accessing a user's mobile phonebook from a landline phone, and switching mid-call from a landline phone to a mobile phone. The Pantheon is also compatible with voice over IP handsets.</P><br /><P>BIONIC ARM</P><br /><P>Todd Kuiken at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago at the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine has developed a thought-powered bionic arm. The arm is based on a pioneering muscle reinnervation procedure that takes an amputee's nerves and connects them to a healthy muscle. Doctors take nerves that used to go to the arm and connect them to chest muscles. The nerves grow into the chest muscles and can contract the muscle when the patient thinks, for example, "Close hand." Electrical signals from the chest muscles drive the arm. Surface electrodes sense these impulses from the pectoral muscle and carry them through to the arm, causing it to move. Jesse Sullivan, a high-power lineman who had both of his arms amputated after being severely electrocuted, is the first patient to be outfitted with bionic arms. The arms have enabled him to do daily activities such as put on socks, shave, eat dinner, take out the garbage, carry groceries, and vacuum. Future generations of the arm will incorporate the sense of touch and feeling.</P><br /><P>Mobile and Sensor networking</P><br /><P>Sensor mobility allows better coverage in areas where events occur frequently in many sensor networks, considerably more units are available than necessary for simple coverage of the space. Augmenting sensor networks with motion can exploit this surplus to enhance sensing while also improving the network's lifetime and reliability. When a major incident such as a fire or chemical spill occurs, several sensors can cluster around that incident. This ensures good coverage of the event and provides immediate redundancy in case of failure another use of mobility comes about if the specific area of interest (within a larger area) is unknown during deployment. For example, if a network is deployed to monitor the migration of a herd of animals, the herd's exact path through an area will be unknown beforehand. But as the herd moves, the sensors could converge on it to get the maximum amount of data. In addition, the sensors could move such that they also maintain complete coverage of their environment while reacting to the events in that environment. In this way, at least one sensor still detects any events that occur in isolation, while several sensors more carefully observe dense clusters of events. On going researches in sensor networking includes:</P><br /><P>WORLDWIDE BROADBAND WIRELESS ACCESS</P><br /><P>Option is offering a PC data card that can access wireless broadband worldwide. You can use the GlobeTrotter GT Max on the 850, 1900, or 2100 MHz HSDPA/UMTS (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access/Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) networks and the 850, 900, 1800, or 1900 MHz EDGE/ GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) bands. The card can support data speeds up to 1.8 megabits per second on HSDPA networks, 384 kilobits per second on UMTS networks, 247 Kbps on EDGE networks, and 85 Kbps on GPRS networks. It's a Type II PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association)-compliant 3.3-V PC card and includes a novel "Butterfly" retractable antenna that doesn't require users to remove the card when it's not in use. Numerous wireless carriers offer the card, including Cingular, which recently announced that it would offer it under two plans. One plan will cost users $110 per month and includes unlimited data use in the US and 100 Mbytes of downloads in Canada and Mexico. The other plan will cost $140 and will include unlimited use in the US and 100 Mbytes of downloads in 24 countries including Australia, China, France, Italy, and Germany.</P><br /><P>THE SELF-CLEANING HOUSE OF THE FUTURE</P><br /><P>The house of the future won't need cleaning. Not by humans, leastways. Every surface will be dirt-repellent and antibacterial; and on the floors the vacuum cleaner is buzzing around - all on its own. The outer walls are all glass which can be screened off entirely and the interior surface used as TV screen. The scenario of the self-cleaning house belongs in the distant future, maybe 20 years from now. With the rapidly increasing development of nanotechnology we have seen for the past few years, it is not easy to predict a specific time span and it will be not only self-cleaning but also self-sufficient, energy wise. Today, the Australians are already experimenting with nanoglass-houses where the glass can be treated with a pigmented coating rendering the entire house non-transparent - the roof included.</P><br /><P>WALL SENSORS</P><br /><P>The house of the future will be capable of alerting its owner if it's in need of repair. The building materials will, of course, be susceptible to wear and tear due to wind and weather, and they will therefore have built-in sensors. When these sensors appear, the house computer will receive a message that this particular section needs repair. A variety of conditions are similarly monitored. This way, house owners can cheaply repair worn materials and avoid major, expensive repairs after the damage has been done.</P><br /><P>THE INTELLIGENT HOUSE</P><br /><P>The intelligent house of the future will alert the fire brigade in case of fire when you're at work. Or, if you've got a leaky water pipe, it will get hold of the plumber. Multifunctional sensors throughout the house will keep an eye on heating, lights, indoor climate etc. The house of the future will comprise two major digital gateways. One gateway will be the media server which comprises the complete collection of the family's music, films, photos etc. Another feature will be the highly secure homegateway - a server communicating with the many sensors distributed all over the house to monitor heating, indoor climate etc. The two gateways are separate entities, as the security on the homegateway needs to be exceedingly tight. This gateway should not be exposed to hacking, which could have fatal consequences with respect to security. If, for instance, the motion detectors are tampered with, the burglar alarm might be disabled. Likewise, it would be an unpleasant experience to come home to a room temperature of 40 degrees Celcisus, because someone is mad at you and has hacked into your system to change the temperature settings Thus, each room in the house of the future will be equipped with small sensors. - Larger rooms may have several. They will measure the physical conditions in the room and communicate with the homegateway which will then take care of the Internet-based communication out of the house.</P><br /><P>RFID and Sensors</P><br /><P>Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology uses radiofrequency waves to transfer data between readers and movable tagged objects without line of sight. RFID holds the promise of real-time identifying, locating, tracking and monitoring physical objects, and can be used for a wide range of pervasive computing applications. To achieve these goals, RFID data have to be collected, transformed and expressively modeled as their virtual counterparts in the virtual world. RFID data, however, have their own unique characteristics - including aggregation, location, temporal and history-oriented - which have to be fully considered and integrated into the data model. The diversity of RFID applications pose further challenges to a generalized framework for RFID data modeling. Today, Radio Frequency Identification enjoys an enormous interest as the first widely deployed pervasive technology as not only from the standpoint of research <BR>but also from Corporate practices future. Some of the recent researches in RFID technologies include:</P><br /><P>TAGS EVERYWHERE</P><br /><P>The Ubiquitous ID Center provides the infrastructure for managing electronic tags embedded in or attached to objects in a ubiquitous environment. The center developed the ucode, a multicode tag that automatically identifies information stored in bar codes, RFID chips, smart cards, and electronic tags embedded in virtual entities such as software and electronic money. Comparable to the ISBN (International Standard Book Numbering) code used in the publishing industry, the UID Center assigns unique numbers to each tag and stores data relating to the object in database servers. The ucode tags use a 128-bit code that can be extended in 128-bit units, creating a virtually limitless string of numbers. To navigate this tagged environment, the UID Center developed the Ubiquitous Communicator, a PDA-like device that reads ucode tags and retrieves the relevant data from the UID Center's server database. The standard UC has a host of features, including wireless LAN, Voice over Internet Protocol, infrared data communication, and a biometric reader. Apart from the PDA-like version, the UID Center developed a cell phone model and a watch style. At home, it will serve as the remote control for home entertainment systems and appliances. In the office, it will read a printer's tag and order a replacement cartridge as needed</P><br /><P>FROM UPC TO RFID</P><br /><P>Smart packaging became a possibility with the introduction of small battery-free microprocessors called RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device) tags. Though these have been commercially available for a number of years, they have been too clunky and too expensive for use in packaging. This situation is changing rapidly: industry experts predict that the price per tag will fall to under 10 cents each in the course of five years or so. The new generation of RFID tags can take the form of a sticker like the classic bar codes, or they can be directly integrated into the packaging material itself. They consist of a silicon microprocessor and some form of radio antenna--conductive carbon ink is replacing the more expensive metal coil of earlier tag types. This radio antenna functions as both input/output channel and power source. Electricity is generated in the antenna by either a magnetic field or a radio signal; the tag responds by sending out a radio signal in turn. This reply signal contains metadata stored on the chip, typically an ID number .With the help of RFID readers--in our cell phones, in supermarket freezers and check-outs, in our private fridges--we will be able to retrieve information about a particular item based on its ID number. In fact, the first cell phones with built-in readers, based on NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, are already on the market.</P><br /><P>NEXT-GENERATION TAGS</P><br /><P>The smart tags which will soon begin replacing bar codes in our supermarkets are actually pretty dumb: their only ability is reciting their ID code on command. With the next generation of MEMS tags, the epithet 'smart' will be more fitting. MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) tags are able to perform measurements and calculations. MEMS tags are especially interesting in connection with extremely perishable goods like milk and meat. Studies have shown that the 'sell by' date on such products is dubious at best: milk only stays fresh until the given date as long as it is stored at the right temperature. Storage is the key term here; for example, that the temperature in around one-fifth of the meat and dairy cases in American supermarkets is three or four degrees too high. And what happens when we leave the milk out on the kitchen counter all morning? MEMS tags in smart packages will be able to take the milk's temperature every fifteen minutes. The measurements are then sent to a small microprocessor which calculates the milk's estimated freshness.</P><br /><P>FOOD SAFETY</P><br /><P>The fridge of the future will have a door with a built-in scanner for reading the digital tags on food packages. This way the refrigerator will always keep abreast of what is put into it; and the screen on the door can supply an overview of what's behind the door. By scanning all foodstuffs, you will always have an updated listing of your current supplies - canned and frozen food included. In other words: the refrigerator comes to play the part of digital administrator of the kitchen. Should you e.g. keep food approaching its expiry date, the fridge will alert you. The product can then be used at once, and you avoid having to throw away food. The screen is connected to the Internet, and each and every chip tagged to the packaging will represent a Web site which can be visited by the fridge as the food products are stowed away. Thus it can check for any warnings issued for this particular product. We all remember instances of contaminated food which, undetected by producers, have ended up in supermarkets and, consequently, household fridge or freezer. In such cases, an alert from the refrigerator could reduce the risks considerably. Since the fridge frequently runs automatic checks on the net, users are no longer dependent on radio and TV alerts.</P>

Pervasive Computing

Pervasive computing is the trend towards increasingly ubiquitous (another name for the movement is ubiquitous computing), connected computin...

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Cloud Computing Security

<br /> <p>One of the greatest game-changing innovations of this decade is cloud computing. The shift away from pure on-premises applications and data storage is already well underway, with consumers, small and midsize businesses, and even large enterprises putting applications and data into the cloud. The ever-present question however, is whether it is safe to do so. Cloud computing security is by far the biggest concern among those considering the technology. And if you're an IT manager, it's good to be paranoid. Losses from cybercrime and attack can be enormous, and the 2008 CSI Computer Crime and Security Survey show an overall average annual loss of just under $300,000.</p><p>It may seem like a leap of faith to put your valuable data and applications in the cloud, and to trust cloud computing security to a third party. Yet faith is not a part of the equation, nor should it be. Every enterprise needs to know that its data and applications are secure, and the question of cloud computing security must be addressed.</p><p>In fact, the cloud does have several security advantages. According to NIST, these cloud computing security advantages include:</p><p>o Shifting public data to a external cloud reduces the exposure of the internal sensitive data<br /><br>o Cloud homogeneity makes security auditing/testing simpler<br /><br>o Clouds enable automated security management<br /><br>o Redundancy / Disaster Recovery</p><p>All four points are well taken. Cloud providers naturally tend to include rigorous cloud computing security as part of their business models, often more than an individual user would do. In this respect, it's not just a matter of cloud computing providers deploying better security, the point is, rather, that they deploy the precautions that individual companies should, but often don't.</p><p><b>A common security model</b><br /><br>Most application providers impose some level of security with their applications, although when cloud application providers implement their own proprietary approaches to cloud computing security, concerns arise over international privacy laws, exposure of data to foreign entities, stovepipe approaches to authentication and role-based access, and leaks in multi-tenant architectures. These security concerns have slowed the adoption of cloud computing technology, although it need not pose a problem.</p><p>The very nature of a cloud platform is that it imposes an instance of common software elements that can be used by developers to "bolt on" to their applications without having to write them from scratch. This advantage is especially useful in the area of security. The cloud "platform as a service" brings an elegant solution to the security problem by implementing a standard security model to manage user authentication and authorization, role-based access, secure storage, multi-tenancy, and privacy policies. Consequently, any SaaS application that runs on the common platform would immediately benefit from the platform's standardized and robust security model.</p><p><b>Superior physical security through cloud computing provider</b><br /><br>Lack of physical security is the cause of an enormous amount of loss, and insider attacks account for a surprisingly large percentage of loss. And while the specter of black hats hacking into your network from a third world country is very much real, very often, the "black hat" is in reality a trusted employee. It's the guy from the Accounting department who you have lunch with. It's the lady who brings you coffee in the morning and always remembers that you like two sugars. It's the recent college grad with so much potential, who did such a great job on that last report.</p><p>Of course, insiders can attack your network and data regardless of where it is located, given enough incentive and information, but physical proximity of the actual hardware and data makes it much easier to gain access, and cloud data centers tend to have better internal physical security protocols, including locked rooms, regulated access, and other protections against physical theft and tampering.</p><p><b>Conclusion: Superior security through the cloud</b><br /><br>Besides physical security, technical security is of the utmost importance. Hosting your own servers and applications requires extra measures. A larger organization may need to deploy dedicated IT staff to security only. Cloud computing, on the other hand, builds cloud computing security directly into the cloud platform. While the company still must maintain in-house security in any case, the provider ensures that the applications and data are safe from attack.</p><p>We tend to think that retaining control over everything is inherently more secure, when this is not the case. Smaller companies especially may lack the skilled security staff in-house, and even larger firms often just don't have the resources to dedicate to implementing rigorous security on an ongoing basis. A cloud computing provider on the other hand, which offers a detailed service level agreement and retains skilled security staff in-house, will often provide superior security when compared with the in-house alternative.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p>For more information about cloud computing, please visit <a href="http://www.cloudipedia.com" target="_new">http://www.cloudipedia.com</a> for a free copy of "Cloud Computing Made Easy." Cloudipedia is a property of Virtual Global, a provider of cloud-enabled enterprise IT solutions and the TeamHost? cloud computing platform for building SaaS applications without programming.</p> <br />

Cloud Computing Security

One of the greatest game-changing innovations of this decade is cloud computing. The shift away from pure on-premises applications and da...

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Is Cloud Computing Really a Good Idea?

<br /> <p>Those of us in the IT world are generally in favor of all the latest developments in the computer technology field. For instance, the explosion of the Internet from a handful of local bulletin boards to a global network was universally accepted by geeks the world over. We were equally impressed with HTML, Java, scalable servers, and the new tablet computer. But one emerging technology has some of us a little nervous. The technology I'm referring to is cloud computing.</p><p>In the simplest possible terms, cloud computing is Internet computing. In other words, the typical desktop PC is a self-contained unit with its own GUI, applications, drivers, and so forth. But with cloud computing the PC is really non-existent. The box on the user's desk is nothing more than a modem which connects to an internet mainframe where all function takes place.</p><p>Perhaps you've heard the hype regarding Google's attempt to create its own operating system called Chrome OS. If you're confused between Chrome OS and Google's Chrome web browser, don't worry; that's the intent. Chrome OS, and its open source twin, Chromium OS, are both cloud-based operating systems. They consist of a modified Chrome web browser which connects you to a cloud. The cloud is where all your applications reside and work. Your email, media player, office suite, and productivity software are all in the cloud.</p><p>This may sound like a great idea to a lot of people. But the concept is rife with dangers and pitfalls, not the least of which is personal privacy and security. We already face a mountain of privacy invasion just based on the fact that we use the Google search engine which mines data from our machines and uses it to target us for advertising. We also continue to hear the horror stories of corporate computer systems being hacked and compromised.</p><p>The fact is that while centralization may improve efficiency and cost, it also opens the door for exponentially increasing problems. Take retail business for example. In the traditional environment, every store in a national chain operates its computer systems independently. If one store goes down none of the others are affected. In a centralized model, a main server that goes down may cripple every store along the east coast. This very scenario happened with a major retailer just a few weeks ago.</p><p>Where computing is concerned, centralization requires more complicated technology and infrastructure to accommodate the needs of everyone involved. And the more complicated a system becomes, the easier it is to bring the entire system down. Cloud computing is just a scenario.</p><p>If the whole world were to be operating in a handful of clouds, it would take very little effort to bring it all to a screeching halt. Until security experts demonstrate a consistent ability to stop attacks from hackers and malware within our current framework, moving to the cloud is a big risk many of us are unwilling to take.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p><a href="http://www.rackspacecloudreview.com/" target="_new">Rackspace Cloud</a> is one of the most reputable cloud computing companies out there. It has revolutionized the business by introducing utility billing of computing resources from a centered cloud pool. Alternatives include managed VPS hosting, in which, <a href="http://www.wiredtreecouponcode.com/" target="_new">WiredTree</a> is one of the best.</p> <br />

Is Cloud Computing Really a Good Idea?

Those of us in the IT world are generally in favor of all the latest developments in the computer technology field. For instance, the exp...

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Cloud Computing - A Win For Everyone

<br /> <p>Cloud Computing is a form of computing in which all applications, information and resources are managed in a virtual environment.  The term cloud computing, specifically the use of the word "cloud", it meant to represent the nature and structure of cloud computing. Cloud computing involves virtual hosted environments allowing users to connect to the services being hosted over the internet.</p><p>Google Apps is a great example of cloud computing as companies to no longer require the need for installed word processing software, in house email servers, multiple IT personnel and many more cost saving advantages. Google Apps allows companies to access all services including email, website hosting, calendar, document editing/creation and much more directly through a web browser. The advantage to using Google Apps is increased productivity, security, lower IT costs and data backup. Microsoft has also entered the cloud computing realm by integrating its current software such as Word and outlook with online storage and easy accessibility.</p><p>Many hosting companies and even a few internet retailers are beginning to offer cloud hosting services. Rackspace, an internet hosting company, has begun to offer cloud hosting for clients who wish to have personal cloud applications in an environment controlled by them. Amazon.com is also offering cloud hosting services due to its large infrastructure and internet bandwidth capabilities. Most cloud hosting companies offer easy setup and creation of private cloud hosting with simple user interfaces. Most cloud hosting companies have per usage pricing instead of flat rate pricing. Users simply pay for the amount of processing, bandwidth and storage that they use. This pricing method benefits both cloud hosting companies and end users.</p><p><b>There are three main variations of cloud computing:</b></p><p><br />IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): The need for expensive equipment is outsourced. Instead of companies purchasing expensive equipment including servers, hard drives and networking equipment, they would instead be used over the Cloud and hosted by a cloud computing company. The business entity would use the virtual equipment on a cost usage basis.<br /> PaaS (Platform as a Service): Applications are run off of cloud servers hosted virtually. A small company selling cloud applications to businesses will use PaaS to "host" the sold cloud applications and have them run off of the cloud servers instead of having them run off of in-house servers. The company selling the applications pays for the services based on a processor/bandwidth basis.<br /> SaaS (Software as a Service): Cloud applications are paid for on a per use basis and not sold in bulk licenses. This allows small companies to purchase a la carte licensing for applications they may use infrequently. Instead of purchasing 15 licenses a company can instead only pay when the software is used and removing the limits on how many machines the software can be installed on.<br />IaaS, Infrastructure as a Service, is currently the most widely used cloud service. IaaS allows small, medium and even large companies to cut costs considerably. Companies can completely remove the need for expensive network equipment, expensive bandwidth to support their network, expensive network storage equipment and much more. A company only pays for what they use from the cloud infrastructure thus eliminating the capital lost due to lack of usage from in house network equipment, bandwidth, etc. As IaaS gains more popularity and more cloud hosting companies emerge, costs can potentially drop even more due to oversupply and increased cloud hosting competition.</p><p>PaaS, Platform as a Service, is second to IaaS in terms of popularity and consumer adoption. A small company selling cloud applications and/or cloud services does not have to host the applications but can instead have them hosted elsewhere. Platform as a Service saves the company selling the applications/services as expensive network equipment, bandwidth and the need for additional IT personnel are instead outsourced to a cloud hosting company. This allows cloud application companies and even small developers the ability to enter the cloud application market without the need for considerable startup capital. PaaS has the potential to overtake IaaS in terms of consumer adoption and overall use.</p><p>SaaS, Software as a Service, is the least used cloud hosting service. It is a win-win for both consumers and the software companies. Consumers save money as heavily priced software licenses are no longer necessary due to the fact that consumers are only paying when the software is used. The need to purchase software in bulk is removed and every consumers' software needs are custom suited based on usage. This is also a win for cloud software companies as it will attract more consumers due to the custom pricing model. Consumers who could not afford the high cost of bulk software licenses will now be able to purchase based directly on their software usage needs. SaaS has the potential to completely revolutionize the software industry and may even curb software piracy.</p><p>The customized nature of cloud computing is what makes it such a popular and newly adopted internet technology. It will revolutionize the way that networking and everyday computing is run. It is a great win-win situation for both cloud companies and consumers.</p><p><b>Potential Disadvantages</b></p><p>There are also disadvantages to cloud computing, specifically in online storage and client applications. A company which utilizes cloud computing to host its email, document editing, calendars and other applications can be shut down if a cloud hosting company experiences downtime. This specific disadvantage was the case on February 24th, 2009, when Google Apps as well as Gmail were down for several hours. The downtime also reiterated that if Google can go down so can any other hosting companies. Confidence in cloud computing may have been hindered after this specific downtime although Google has assured it will not happen again. Google Apps services over 1million business around the world and is the leader in cloud computing applications.</p><p>Security is also a potential disadvantage to cloud computing. Companies that are willing to adopt the ability to host their services on the cloud may be reluctant to do so until the security of cloud computing has been heavily demonstrated and thoroughly tested. Large companies may consider the additional costs of in-house network hosting outweigh the potential security risks associated with cloud hosting. A security breach involving a companys' cloud information storage has the potential for disaster. However, hacking and security breaches are rampant for in-house IT hosting such as millions of credit card numbers being stolen as well as detailed customer information. If cloud computing can prove that its security is much better than any in-house hosting this may help it to grow and overtake the percentage of companies that have in-house IT infrastructures.</p><p>Cloud computing is still in its infancy and is expected to grow and revolutionize the way of everyday computing. Many theorize that cloud computing will one day take over today's desktop computing altogether. Until intense applications are developed for use over the cloud, desktop computing will remain the staple of everyday computing. Cloud computing innovation is rapid and as new cloud technologies emerge more people will start to adopt the cloud.</p><p>Current browser technologies are not up to date with cloud computing capabilities, especially in the mobile computing world. Cloud applications require several browser technologies including Adobe Flash, JavaScript, Adobe Flex and much more. Until browser technology evolves to fit the capabilities of cloud computing, cloud computing will remain a relatively simple method of computing.</p><p><b>Overall Benefits</b></p><p>The advantages of the cloud heavily outweigh the disadvantages. As better cloud computing technologies are developed and redundancy is fine tuned, the disadvantages will slowly become obsolete. As mentioned, cloud computing is in its infancy and new cloud technologies are growing exponentially. One day we will all use the cloud. In-house IT hosting as well as desktop computing may become a thing of the past.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p>Ryan Wood <br> Synergy Chat <br> <a href="http://www.synergychat.com" target="_new">http://www.synergychat.com</a></p> <br />

Cloud Computing - A Win For Everyone

Cloud Computing is a form of computing in which all applications, information and resources are managed in a virtual environment.  The te...

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Important Internet Safety Rules for Secure Computing

<br /> <p>Do you know that nothing on the Internet is private? Don't get astonished. If you think logically, you will find how true the statement is. The number of cases regarding identity theft and hacking is on the rise. Computer users from across the globe are concerned about their online security. Here come Internet safety rules into the picture. This informs you about some certain guidelines with which you can keep your Internet activities safe and private.</p><p>Whether you are a businessman, executive, student or a housewife, if you go online it is a must to be aware of Internet Safety Rules. In this article you will find some important rules. For better PC security support, you can always get in touch with a computer repair services company.</p><p>The computer users must know the importance of using a difficult password. Hackers use different types of password breaking software to break into the user's account. So, to stop their effort, a strong password bears great importance. Remember, the password should not reveal any private information like your telephone number, credit card number, etc.</p><p>Many a times question is asked what is a strong password. A strong password should comprise upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols. You should also change your password in regular interval to protect your account from hacking, phishing and spamming.</p><p>It is strongly recommended not to access sensitive information like bank accounts through a public computer. If necessity arises, do make sure that you have signed out and closed all tabs when you are done.</p><p>Social networking has become hugely popular in the recent times. More and more computer users are logging in different social networking sites and the hackers are exploiting the ignorant users. To avoid falling prey to them make sure your Internet privacy settings are in place on all your social networking sites.</p><p>You should not divulge your private information like your address, phone numbers, and credit card numbers alike on internet by any means. It is also recommended to avoid all the chat rooms that deal with sex, violence and drugs. Most of the times, hackers take the advantage of these sites.</p><p>Last but not the least, to protect your computer you must install a powerful and authentic anti-virus, anti-spy and anti-malware software. If you are using Windows operating system, make sure the Windows Firewall is turned on. It acts as a filter and blocks intruders from the network. You can also go for a third party firewall for better protection.</p><p>To save yourself from the hackers and at the same time to enjoy all the benefits of technology, you must follow all the above mentioned Internet Safety Rules.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p>For secure computing, you can get in touch with a <a href="http://www.mytechsupportstore.com/remote-computer-support.html" rel="nofollow" target="_new">remote computer support</a> provider. There are many <a href="http://www.mytechsupportstore.com/pc-support.html" rel="nofollow" target="_new">PC support</a> service providers that offer PC security support at a very reasonable cost.</p> <br />

Important Internet Safety Rules for Secure Computing

Do you know that nothing on the Internet is private? Don't get astonished. If you think logically, you will find how true the stateme...

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Cyber Security Professionals - Necessities In The 21st-Century Computing Environment

<br /> <p>The vast network of cyber-space presents - or, can harbor -- major threats to the security of personal computers; LAN and WAN networks; and wireless Internet networks. Trained computer networking specialists who are experts in cyber-security are needed to secure networks and computer systems for effective data storage and retrieval. Just as importantly, they are needed to secure the privacy and integrity of personal and corporate identities. These professionals can find work in private firms, in consulting, or at the state and federal government levels. Most individuals complete at least a bachelor's degree before working in the cyber-security field.</p><p>Hackers pose special threats to computer network security. These technology and networking experts use their insider information to grant themselves access to computer networks, without permission. Our modern computing environment is an open one, and individuals with systems and software knowledge - or, even, persons with the gumption to steal data or computing devices - can easily get their hands on very sensitive information.</p><p>Much information should be kept private, and serious damage can ensue if this information falls into the hands of hackers. One of the greatest risks to business computer and personal computer users who are working on unsecured networks is identity theft. A cyber-thief can use a personal or company address; financial and credit card information; or even a personal social security number to steal money from individual or corporate accounts. This is a serious crime - one with far-reaching consequences, including ruined credit records -- and increasingly easy to commit in today's open-computing, technology-heavy environment. Cyber-security professionals who are adept at designing secure, hack-proof information systems and networks are needed to win the fight against identity theft.</p><p>Spyware and viruses pose another threat to the integrity and security of computer data. Spyware is installed on a computer without the user knowing, and can collect personal data or interfere with computer applications or run-time. Viruses are computer programs that replicate themselves to infect the machines, often damaging files or even hard drives in the process. There now exist several types of anti-virus and anti-spyware software that can be installed on a personal computer or on networked office computers for low or no cost. Security professionals on IT repair teams might be trained in the use of this software. Some professionals might provide security consulting services to businesses and individuals, as well.</p><p>Skilled cyber-security professionals also know how to install and maintain firewalls. These pieces of software or computer appliances are security devices that monitor activity between networks - usually, networks with different levels of security and access. Firewalls might restrict permissions to various Internet activities or Web sites. The level of security firewalls provide on large business networks can be changed or altered by security administrators. There exist many types of firewalls, including network layers and proxy servers. Understanding what each type of firewall does, and when it should be applied are main responsibilities of a cyber-security student; typically, he or she will take several classes about firewalls to complete a network security degree.</p><p>Design and evaluation of secure computer network systems are special skills, in which cyber-security information systems professionals must be proficient. Secure network architecture is imperative in preventing hacking and threats to information integrity. Some cyber security professionals will be employed as business consultants, routinely evaluating system security software, and creating and testing secure network systems.</p><p>Finally, some cyber-security professionals might be employed to work on major projects and contracts where information privacy and integrity is vital. The U.S. Department of Defense or the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in Washington, D.C., for example, need cyber-security specialists to create networks that will protect highly sensitive or classified data. Similarly, cyber-security specialists are needed in biology and scientific research centers, such as those found in universities and hospitals, to make sure data and findings remain secure. Specific federal regulations outline how these findings should be secured, so specialists can help these research centers stay compliant.</p><p>The field of cyber-security is a constantly evolving and important area of information systems science. Individuals pursuing an education in this challenging and lucrative field will be sure to find fascinating work and a lifetime of learning throughout their careers.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p>Potomac College, an adult learning school [http://www.potomac.edu/articles/adult-learner-college.php] with campuses in Washington, DC and Northern Virginia, offers a <a href="http://www.potomac.edu/degree_programs/bach_info_manage.php" target="_new">bachelors degree program in information systems</a>, with a concentration in cyber-security. For more information, visit the school's Web site, <a href="http://www.potomac.edu/" target="_new">www.potomac.edu</a>.</p> <br />

Cyber Security Professionals - Necessities In The 21st-Century Computing Environment

The vast network of cyber-space presents - or, can harbor -- major threats to the security of personal computers; LAN and WAN networks; a...

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How Cloud Computing Can Cut Data Center Costs

<br /> <p>Cloud computing is the use of computer resources over the Internet, utilizing a remote, dynamic, and scalable computing system. Computer servers provide managed IT services to users remotely, offering a technology infrastructure without requiring an investment in physical computing resources. Essentially, computing systems are available through Internet access rather than expensive in-house systems.</p><p>Data center services -- from data storage to data protection and disaster recovery -- are available without a costly, dedicated IT department. Instead of having a server room and a complex assortment of computing devices to run business systems, all IT services are available remotely. This paradigm is a massive cost saver because it eliminates the large up-front capital expense of an in-house data center as well as the ongoing operational expense of computer and software maintenance and upgrades, and the IT staff to manage them. Companies that take advantage of cloud computing leverage efficiencies to reduce their operating costs and pass those savings onto their clients.</p><p><strong>Eliminating Capital Expenditures</strong></p><p>The use of cloud computing eliminates the need for capital expenses involved in information technology. Through cloud computing, IT infrastructure including hardware, software, and services are offered on a utility or subscription plan. This enables any company to have world-class IT infrastructure without having to set up a single piece of hardware or install any software. These benefits nearly totally eliminate barriers to end-user access to necessary services. With managed IT services delivered through the Cloud, costs are tied to use, not physical assets; there is not an up-front set-up or operational cost that would be commensurate with actual use.</p><p>With remote access to managed IT services through cloud computing, the burden of infrastructure and management are removed from the end user company. World-class design, implementation, and management are handled by the IT service provider as are hardware, software, and firmware. The cloud computing option can more easily adapt to technology innovation and eradicates downtime by employing virtualized resources and redundant systems. Cloud computing offers leading edge capabilities, allowing users to take advantage of technology innovation without the risk inherit in an in-house roll-out. Generally, the cloud computing IT service provider features an expert IT support and service department available 24x7x365 to monitor, report, and correct any issues. This eliminates the risk that the end user organization will be crippled by a problem which their potentially smaller IT department could not immediately resolve.</p><p><strong>Managing Operating Expenses</strong></p><p>In many rental or leasing programs, the operating costs for the equipment is roughly identical if the equipment was instead bought out-right; the fundamental savings are on the capital expense side. However, with cloud computing, operating expenses can actually be lower than a similar system installed in-house.</p><p>For example, the average business runs its data center 10 hours a day. During off-hours, the system is typically idle. With cloud computing, IT infrastructure and managed IT services can be utilized around the clock. Computing power is constantly available, maximizing efficiency. This cost savings is passed on to the cloud computing customer. This setup is similar to having a traditional IT department leasing their services during off-hours, reducing costs for everyone involved.</p><p>Personnel costs are streamlined in the same manner. Most IT implementations do not require a full IT department for routine support, but do need more manpower during outages, upgrades and turnarounds, peak usage loads, or when problems arise. With cloud computing, the IT service provider offers a dedicated. 24x7x365 workforce for data center and managed IT services fields a constant volume of work, offering further reductions to operating costs in relation to in-house technology systems.</p><p><strong>Security</strong></p><p>Data security has rapidly moved into the forefront of most people's minds. From identity theft to corporate espionage and the vandalism of government websites, the safeguards on computer systems have become as important as the lock on the front door.</p><p>A data center or colocation facility is well-suited to handling the latest security threats and viruses. They are inherently more responsive and flexible because it is their core business. In addition to managing against malignant attacks and natural disasters, data protection, backup, and disaster recovery are vital to any business and its critical customer and operational data. . After just one incident where months or years worth of information is lost, any manager readily appreciates the need for meticulous backups and redundancy.</p><p>Ultimately, cloud computing leverages technological efficiencies to offer remote services with lower operating costs while eliminating an end user's capital investments. The managed IT services provided are of top quality and are readily accessible through always-on Internet portals. Dedicated staff, hardware, and software solutions are utilized in an on-demand configuration for safe, secure, and effective data storage and management.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p>Steve Bulmer is CTO and an author for Consonus, a solutions provider of <a href="http://www.consonus.com/" target="_new">data center services</a>, IT consulting and infrastructure and managed services. Consonus offers <a href="http://www.consonus.com/data-centers/data-center-virtualization.aspx" target="_new">cloud computing</a> virtual systems tailor-made to fit any business need.</p> <br />

How Cloud Computing Can Cut Data Center Costs

Cloud computing is the use of computer resources over the Internet, utilizing a remote, dynamic, and scalable computing system. Computer ...

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Cloud Computing - What it is and How it Works

<br /> <p>Nowadays, the concept of Cloud Computing is an emerging IT delivery model. It is a rising computing technology that uses both the Internet, and central remote servers, located within the Internet, to maintain data and applications. The technology lets consumers, enterprises and businesses, to use applications, without having any need for software, or hardware installation, providing an always on access capability, to their files at any computer with Internet access, at any place and any time.</p><p>The Internet is basically the, "cloud" for all the applications, and services that are available to be accessed by subscribers. A person simply has to log into their desired computer application - for example, a sales force or office automation program, a web service, a data storage service, spam filtering, or blog sites. Usually, you get access to these programs by monthly or annually paid subscriptions. This technology allows for far more efficient computing by centralizing storage, memory, and processing.</p><p>Cloud computing, basically consists of hardware, and software resources, which are made available on the Internet. These are specifically known as cloud computing services. These services normally, provide access to advanced software applications, and high-end networks of server computers. The services of this technology can be chiefly divided into three categories: Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).</p><p>Cloud computing has become very significant, in the IT and business world. This is due to the countless benefits driven from this concept. Advantages can be obtained from this massive web infrastructure by both small and medium sized businesses. Moreover, many huge enterprises and governments are now shifting towards cloud computing, because of its greater significance and importance.</p><p>Cloud Computing, is in frenzy these days, because it can considerably reduce IT costs and other technology complexities, whilst improving workload optimization, and service delivery. The technology is extremely scalable. It provides a superior user experience.</p><p>Furthermore, it hardly requires any time to be arranged, and established since there is no need to buy hardware, software licenses or their implementation services. Also unlike other services, there are only skilled practitioners, dealing in cloud computing. Normally, whenever any technology becomes all the rage and is recognized, a lot of people start to become more interested in it. In the case of cloud computing, vendors; specifically the more reputable ones, offer their customers very reliable services, with unlimited storage and computing capacity. Some of these vendors include Microsoft, Google, IBM, Yahoo Inc. etc.</p><p>In cloud computing, there are two basic general types of clouds: public cloud and private cloud. A public cloud, typically sells services to anyone on the Internet. Anyone can use it. There is usually no or very little privacy as such involved in it. A private cloud on the other hand, is usually a proprietary network, or a data center that provides hosted services to a restricted number of people. When a service provider uses public cloud resources, to create a private cloud, the result is often called a virtual private cloud or a hybrid.</p><p>Cloud Computing offers a significant amount of potential benefits but at the same time a balance has to be maintained on the downsides of using this technology such as diminished privacy and control of your data.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p>Please read more at <a href="http://theCloudComputingAdvisor.com" target="_new">http://theCloudComputingAdvisor.com</a> the blog that has been created to answer your questions. Please submit your comments and feedback.</p> <br />

Cloud Computing - What it is and How it Works

Nowadays, the concept of Cloud Computing is an emerging IT delivery model. It is a rising computing technology that uses both the Interne...

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Introduction to Cloud Computing

<br /> <p><strong>1. Introduction to Cloud Computing</strong></p><p>Cloud computing refers to both the applications delivered as services over the Internet and the hardware and systems software in the data centers that provide those services. The data center hardware and software is what we will call a Cloud. Cloud computing is relatively new concept and it has become popular recently. Cloud leverages virtualization technology and in the essence of Cloud computing there is a logical separation between different nodes, each node appears as a different physical machine to the user. Unlike grid computing, it makes several distributed computers connected together to form a big logical computer which can handle large amount of data and computation. In case of Cloud computing the virtualization technology makes it possible to have each node appear as separate physical machine allowing user to load custom software and operating system on each node and configure custom rules for each node.</p><p>The idea of Cloud computing is evolved from parallel processing, distributed computing and grid computing. There is a bit similarity between them but they work differently. Although Cloud computing is an emerging field of computer science, the idea has been around for a few years. It's called Cloud computing because the data and applications exist on a "cloud" of Web servers. To simplify the concept, Cloud computing can be defined as simply the sharing and use of applications and resources of a network environment to get work done without concern about ownership and management of the network's resources and applications. According to Scale, with Cloud computing, computer resources for getting work done and their data are no longer stored on one's personal computer, but are hosted elsewhere to be made accessible in any location and at any time.</p><p><strong>2. Related Technology Comparison</strong></p><p>2.1. Grid computing A form of distributed computing and parallel computing, whereby a 'super and virtual computer' is composed of a cluster of networked, loosely coupled computers acting in concert to perform very large tasks</p><p>2.2. Utility computing The packaging of computing resources, such as computation and storage, as a metered service similar to a traditional public utility, such as electricity.</p><p>2.3. Autonomic computing</p><p>Computer systems capable of self management.</p><p>3. General mechanism</p><p>Cloud computing using information technology as a services over the network. The concept generally encompasses of Infrastructure as a service (IaaS), Platform as a service (PaaS) Hardware as a Service (HaaS) and Software as a service (SaaS). It can be the ability to rent a server or servers and run a geophysical modeling application available anywhere. It can be the ability to (S Rupley, 2009) rent a virtual server, load software on it, turn it on and off at will, or clone it to meet a sudden workload demand. It can be storing and securing large amounts of data that is accessible only by authorized applications and users. It can be supported by a cloud provider that sets up a platform with the ability to scale automatically in response to changing workloads. It can be using a storage cloud to hold application, business, and personal data. And it can be the ability to use a handful of Web services to integrate photos, maps, and GPS information to create a front page in customer Web browsers.</p><p>In a cloud computing system, there is a significant workload shift. Local computers no longer have to run applications. The network of computers that make up the cloud handles them instead. In this situation the demand of hardware and software on the user's side is decreased. Let the cloud take care of it. The only thing that local computers should aware is the interface software that will run the application. Today's, a Web Browser such as Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer 8 is widely use as an interface software in cloud computing system.</p><p>The truth is, internet users already used some form of cloud computing. If they have an email account with a Webbased email service like Hotmail, Yahoo! Mail or Gmail, then they had some experience with cloud computing. Instead of running an email program on a local computer, user will log in to a Web email account remotely. The software and storage for the account does not exist in the local computer it is on the service's computer cloud.</p><p>4. Key characteristic of Cloud Computing</p><p>Currently, there is no standard definition or specification for Cloud Computing. It may take some time to define the key characteristics of Cloud Computing based on practices in the field.Based on practices in the areas of service provisioning and solution design, the following two key enabling technologies could play a vital role in this revolutionary phase of cloud computing:</p><p>4.1. Virtualization technology</p><p>Virtualization technology works to handle on how the image of the operating system, middleware, and application procreated and allocated to a physical machine or part of the server stack away. The virtualization technology can also help reuse licenses of operating systems, middleware, or software applications, once a subscriber releases their service from the Cloud Computing platform.</p><p>4.2. Service Oriented Architecture (SOA).</p><p>A service oriented architecture is essentially a collection of services. These services communicate with each other. The communication can involve either simple data passing or it could involve two or more services coordinating some activity. Some means of connecting services to each other is needed. The evolution of a system or software architecture is now moving towards services oriented, unlike several decades ago most of the application is stand alone and purposely for single use. Recently, the gigantic growth of the internet user and internet technology availability the use of software now can be rented. Giant company such as Google, Microsoft, Sun or even Amazon have this capability provide software services instead of selling the software directly to user. The SOA is software or system architecture that addressing componentization, reusability, extensibility, and flexibility. These entire characteristic is a fundamentals need for company that are looking for reducing cost and opt to rent instead of purchase.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p><a href="http://www.zuraidin.com/2010/04/cloud-computing.html" target="_new">Cloud Computing full document</a></p> <br />

Introduction to Cloud Computing

1. Introduction to Cloud Computing Cloud computing refers to both the applications delivered as services over the Internet and the hardwa...

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Fog - Bringing Cloud Computing Down to Earth

<br /> <p>Many business executives are probably wondering why their IT staff has such a sudden interest in the weather. On a sunny afternoon, they're equally perplexed by all the references to clouds. In this perspective, we'll help you decipher what they're talking about, why you should care, and how you should proceed.</p><p>What is the Cloud?</p><p>First the "Cloud" is not a thing; it's a method of delivering IT computing services. There is no new device called the "Cloud". But, a cloud delivered solution does have a physical presence; it sits on hardware and runs software just like the servers sitting in your data center today. The difference is how it's done as much as where it's done.</p><p>Cloud computing relies on the virtualization of servers (taking a physical server and subdividing it into a number of virtual servers which each operate independently on the same physical device), storage virtualization through SAN's (storage area networks), and networking (internet, VPN, LAN, WAN). These technologies are combined and engineered to then provide a solution that provides the experience of independent, physical infrastructure.</p><p>Second, while there are a variety of experts and providers talking about Cloud Computing, you're not going to find a single definition. One man's cloud is another's hosted server farm. We're not going to claim our definitions are the final answer, but they are consistent with what you will find in the marketplace today and where it is likely to be moving toward.</p><p>In our view, Cloud computing comes in a few flavors; Public Clouds, Private Clouds, and Multi-tenant Clouds.</p><p>Public Clouds have been with us for a while. If you use Gmail, Google Applications, Hotmail, or host your website with Microsoft (as UPi does), you're using Cloud computing. The hardware and applications are residing someplace else and you're sharing those resources with a lot of other people. You connect (typically over the internet) and make use of these services at dramatically lower cost than you could ever hope to duplicate them yourself. Think if we all had to run our own Exchange servers for email or keep technicians on staff to support a small business website, not practical.</p><p>Private Clouds are the other end of the spectrum. A business has a group of servers and business applications that its various departments, operating units and sites all connect to. These connections can be over the internet, VPN, local area networks, or wide area networks, it doesn't matter. The computing resources are centralized and everybody in that business is using them. It also doesn't matter where these servers are, they can be in a company's data center, at a co-location data center owned by somebody else, or even running on hardware provided by a 3rd party in that company's data center. What makes the Cloud the Cloud in this case, versus just a central data center, is the nuances of how the servers, storage and networks are configured and interconnected to achieve the benefits of Cloud computing.</p><p>Multi-tenant Clouds are the hybrid answer and where we will truly start so see something radically different from how we've traditionally thought of IT. In this Multi-tenant environment, you're sharing resources, but think of it more as a car pool than a public bus. The Multi-tenant Cloud provider subdivides the Cloud resources amongst its customers. This subdivision method varies by provider and is a key consideration when a business goes looking for these services. All the customers on the Cloud are sharing the big pool of resources but with "fences" and "swim lanes" and other methods of security and control, customer data and processing is separated and protected.</p><p>Lastly, you may also hear talk of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Cloud computing is one type of IaaS. A hosted server model in which the provider owns the equipment, hosts it at their data center, and provides the services to manage the infrastructure would also fall under the IaaS umbrella. The pricing model, availability, and flexibility would be different than a Cloud, but its still infrastructure provided as a service vs. physically delivered and owned or leased by you.</p><p>Why do I care?</p><p>Now that we've confused you and you're reaching for the aspirin bottle, let's take a second to say why a business should care about this. The answer is three fold: Availability, Flexibility and Cost.</p><p>A properly engineered Cloud solution is highly available. Individual servers share the load with other servers and if one fails the other one picks up the slack. In theory, you would never experience any down time due to server failure so long as the Cloud itself still exists (remember the Cloud does reside on physical devices and can be destroyed or incapacitated just like any physical thing). Similarly, data storage is configured using RAID (not the bug spray) technologies that allow for redundancy of the data so that a single hardware failure on the storage device won't bring your business to a halt. This is really cool, but really complicated stuff that requires very experienced technical engineers to design, configure, build and maintain. In other words, don't try this at home unless you have a very talented staff.</p><p>Now, we just said the Cloud is highly available unless something happens to the Cloud. This is not meant to be an oxymoron. The Cloud lives on servers and sits in a data center some place. That data center could become unusable; fire, weather destruction, extended power loss, loss of connectivity. If that occurs, your highly available Cloud isn't so available. In this case, you either need a traditional disaster recovery solution, or a provider who offers a more robust solution such as data replication to a second Cloud in a second (distant) data center. With a replicated solution, you could quickly (think an hour or less not days) bring your systems back up on the second Cloud with limited data loss from the point the first Cloud went puff.</p><p>Along with Availability, Cloud computing can provide a high degree of Flexibility. Since the Cloud is a pool of resources, a business could spin up new servers in minutes not days. No need to go acquire a new piece of server hardware, wait for delivery, install it in a rack, connect it to your network, and load your system. In a Cloud environment, you should be able to just create the new server environment on the already existing physical infrastructure in a matter of minutes. Similarly, if you only need the environment for a short period of time, say a test environment for some project, when you're done you can just turn it off and go back to using what you need without having an expensive asset sitting there unused. For businesses with wide swings in processing demands due to seasonality, new product launch or other business drivers, this flexibility can be very effective. Turn on the new servers for the peak holiday season, then turn them off in January and quit carrying that cost.</p><p>This then leads us to the third benefit, Cost. We already talked about the cost saving from not having to have infrastructure sitting around for peak seasonal demand, but even without a seasonal demand driver, studies have shown that as much as 80% of available server capacity sits idol at any point in time. That means that on average your business has a huge amount of capacity (and investment) doing nothing most of the day/week/month/year.</p><p>With virtualization technologies, you can squeeze some of this excess capacity out by simply sharing the servers among your own applications. A Private Cloud would achieve the same result except that you would have a 3rd party providing the platform to your business with possibly greater efficiency and effectiveness than you might be able to achieve with a limited in-house IT organization. Multi-tenant Cloud computing takes it one step further by allowing that sharing to be among multiple enterprises.</p><p>Ultimately, the true nirvana state will be when you pay for only what you use, a "Utility" model. The industry isn't quite there yet so any Cloud you get today will have some excess built into it, but the direction is clear.</p><p>The end result is lower capital cost, lower software and maintenance costs, and lower operating costs. Add these direct cost savings to the intangible savings associated with high availability and less business disruption from unplanned outages, and the business case for moving to a Cloud environment can be compelling.</p><p>How do I get there?</p><p>At the beginning of this Perspective, we said that there wasn't a single definition of the Cloud. One man's Cloud is another's hosted solution. Therefore the trick in moving to the Cloud is really determining if that's what you're getting or is it just a more sophisticated hosted services solution. Not to say the latter is bad, just that the key thing to understand is what you're buying.</p><p>Therefore, ask these key questions:</p><p>1. What is/are the unit(s) of measure that I would be billed for?<br /><br>2. How do you determine how many I need to start with?<br /><br>3. How do you/I determine if the amount is sufficient for my needs now and as time goes on and my business changes?<br /><br>4. In what increments can I obtain additional capacity as my business grows?<br /><br>5. How often can I add/subtract capacity and what is the lead time?<br /><br>6. What redundancy for the Cloud is offered and how do I assess what's right for my business?</p><p>The answers to these questions will help you quickly identify if you're looking at a Cloud.</p><p>In addition to determining the real service being offered, you'll need to do the same due diligence as any traditional hosting services contract; review the providers processes for managing the service, visit the data centers and ensure they are adequately configured/secured, review the providers service level agreements, and check references closely. Because of the shared nature of the Cloud, you'll also need to delve a little deeper into a few areas; security and data protection, roles and responsibilities for management of the various layers of technology, and technology refresh and advancement approach and commitment. Finally, since you'll be moving from where you are to a new environment, you'll need a good explanation and understanding of the migration process; approach, checks and balances, time frames, your labor commitment, and costs. To move an enterprise of any size is going to be a complex undertaking, make sure you and your provider have a firm understanding of what's entailed.</p><p>Summary:</p><p>To recap, in this Perspective we provided a definition for the Cloud and outlined three types (Public, Private and Multi-tenant). We talked about the advantages of moving to a Cloud environment and the key things to consider in moving in that direction.</p><p>As we said, the concept of the Cloud is really quite simple but the underlying technologies and their integration is quite complex. To create a truly Multi-tenant environment with all of the protections and security found on independent servers and the assurances of performance, availability, and redundancy required is a very complex undertaking. Selecting the right provider with the expertise to do this is ultimately the key to achieving the promised benefits of the Cloud.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p>Mr. Urban is the Founder and Managing Partner of UPi> Urban Partners, Inc. UPi is dedicated to maximizing the success of all involved parties by creating and utilizing a collaborative environment between our team members and clients and within our communities. Leveraging the experience of our team in the service of our clients, we bring to mid-size businesses and organizations the deep business and IT knowledge and experience typically only available to much larger enterprises. We provide the level of experience that can be found in the large consulting firms to the small and midsized organization. UPi's mission is to provide senior executive level experience on, and only on, an as needed basis to its clients and make its charges proportional to the value delivered. With over 25 years of business management experience, Gary has delivered high value to his broad range of companies across multiple industries. He has held executive positions with global consulting organizations (Accenture and Capgemini) and multi-national corporations, including the position of VP IT for Ryder Transportation Services. In addition, he has established UPi and been a partner in another startup business that was later sold to a global company. During his career he has worked with companies in a variety of industries. His experience includes work on strategic business planning, IT management, outsource services management and delivery, business process design, operations strategy, and general project management. Gary holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Florida.</p> <br />

Fog - Bringing Cloud Computing Down to Earth

Many business executives are probably wondering why their IT staff has such a sudden interest in the weather. On a sunny afternoon, they...

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Chasing the Clouds - Distributed Computing and Small Business

<br /> <p>As a young boy, I always wondered what it would be like to be a weatherman on TV. I'd sit with my mom and dad, watching the local news from San Francisco and marveling at the way Pete Giddings on Channel 7 always seemed to know exactly what was going to happen. I thought to myself that this would be a cool thing - to know the future ahead of time! More than two decades later, I actually did get the opportunity to be a TV weatherman, though just as a fill-in for the vacationing regular on a tiny station on Cape Cod, Massachusetts in my former life as a sports reporter. Of course, by then, I realized that there wasn't so much magic in the forecasting, but a lot of science. I still was fascinated by the science of weather, though, and especially found the variety and function of clouds to be most interesting.</p><p>Now, about 25 years later, clouds have reached a whole new level of significance in my life as a technology advisor and consultant. Like the effect of the naturally-occurring namesakes in the sky, the emergence of the cloud in the computing world seems to have signaled a change in the climate of business computing. But just what is this notion? And what are the good and bad consequences of adopting this growing trend to your business, especially with the tenuous economy and the more pronounced effects on the small to midsized business.</p><p>First of all, we need to understand exactly what is "cloud computing." Since the early days of ENIAC, man has thirsted for ways to get more and more processing power to perform increasingly complex tasks. Early machines relied on faster internal workings to do this, until the trend became combining many different machines in a cluster on one site to maximize the load sharing. But in the 1990's, Ian Foster and Carl Kesselman had a different take. They postulated that setting up a "grid" over many machines connected remotely to each other could be a better way to share the load over many more CPUs. Unfortunately, since the machines could be separated by huge distances, delays in accessing the data stores or latency kept the concept from gaining any major traction in the business world.</p><p>So the acceleration of the Internet and its adoption allowed for a logical next step into "cloud" computing. It is thought that the phrase comes from the long-used symbol in flow charts and diagrams that used a cloud to designate the Internet. Thus, cloud computing takes the grid computing concept and adds a level of decentralization inherent in what the Internet is. Cloud computing can be both private and public. Private clouds are built, used and maintained by an individual organization for internal use or private resale. Public cloud computing is sells services to anyone on the Internet. At this time, the Amazon Web Services called S3 (Simple Storage Service) is the largest public cloud provider, though Microsoft's Azure platform is gaining rapidly, as well as EMC.</p><p>The public cloud marketplace has been divided into three types by some - Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS). In the Software-as-a-Service cloud model, the vendor supplies the hardware infrastructure, the software product and interacts with the user through a front-end portal. SaaS is a very broad market. Services can be anything from Web-based email to inventory control and database processing. Infrastructure-as-a-Service, including Amazon's S3, provides virtual server instances with unique IP addresses and blocks of storage on demand. Customers use the provider's application program interface (API) to start, stop, access and configure their virtual servers and storage. The third menu item, Platform-as-a-service, is a set of software and product development tools hosted on the provider's infrastructure. This allows developers to create applications on the provider's platform over the Internet and not build and maintain costly testing environments. PaaS providers may use APIs, website portals or gateway software installed on the customer's computer. Force.com, developed by Salesforce.com, and GoogleApps are examples of PaaS. Potential developer customers should be aware that currently, there are no standards for interoperability or data portability in the cloud. Some of the providers will not allow software created by their customers to be moved off the provider's platform. Kind of defeats the purpose, doesn't it?</p><p>Recently, enhancements to several key factors have accelerated the shared computing concept to what cloud computing is today. The ever-growing availability of higher-speed connectivity, along with advances in data storage and increased input/output efficiency has allowed this previous notion of grid computing to evolve. Today, cloud-based applications and storage are being touted as the next wave of business tools to leapfrog us well past where we are today. Many larger enterprises have already leveraged the concepts of the cloud to realize great savings, as describe in the applications in the previous paragraph.</p><p>How does the cloud create these savings and improvements? There are several technologies and applications that come into play here. One is the ever-growing adoption of virtualization in the data center. Taking many, or even thousands, of servers out of service, replaced by "virtual" servers in a larger host environment is becoming more and more the standard by which data centers are being built or rebuilt. Do the math - fewer servers means less equipment and power to run it, and smaller rooms requiring less cooling. All of that costs money, so there are built-in savings. In addition, with less hardware come fewer points of failure and lower licensing purchases and renewals. Not to mention enhanced disaster recovery with more robust offsite storage options.</p><p>While setting up an internal cloud structure is a preferred methodology for some, there are organizations large and small that have opted for an even more radical shift to the third party "cloud services" providers, like Amazon, etc. In many cases, why go through the expense of building your own if you can get all the benefits for a monthly fee? There are of course trade-offs in that using the Internet does expose the data and applications to the potential of breaches, but more secure tunneling methods are making those worries minimal. And with more powerful endpoints, computing power at the desktop can handle the load.</p><p>Of course, it makes sense for the largest enterprises and government entities to be embracing these technologies in the tighter economic situation we live in. But the real question is, can the SMB marketplace ride their coattails? The answer is "definitely, maybe". Sure, also the title of a completely mediocre recent romantic comedy in the theaters, but also indicative about the split between expert opinions. A Forrester Research study in May of 2009 reported that an estimated 2% of small businesses (categorized as under 100 employees) were using cloud computing. But with the ever-growing selection of premier providers and regional options, it would appear that this number is poised to see dramatic growth.</p><p>In our own practice in the Philadelphia area, we are leveraging cloud-based services in every area of what we do. For a small customer with limited budget or a new startup without huge amounts of seed capital, we can steer them into the Microsoft Business Productivity Online Suite, or BPOS. This recent Microsoft offering provides anything from simple email hosting right up through hosted Instant Messaging and SharePoint site. And with mobility being paramount for many, these solutions can be integrated with the smartphone of choice to make it accessible from anywhere.</p><p>In some cases, a more traditional server/client approach is needed, and this we provide either through an onsite implementation at the customer location, or completely cloud-oriented with virtual servers in our hardened data center. We have revolutionized this concept with our flagship Managed Environment program. Provided on a per-user basis is all the hardware, software and labor services necessary, based upon the custom solution. This allows the client to avoid a substantial capital expenditure, create a tax-benefitting operating expense, and cancel the need for expensive full-time IT staff. There are firms that have scrapped their aging network infrastructure and moved lock, stock and barrel to this model. In many cases, they've added services that didn't make sense with their old solutions, including internal instant messaging and presence, hosted VoIP telephony, multi-layered backups and disaster recovery. Essentially, the small business now has access to enterprise-class technology and security without the astronomical investment.</p><p>Whether it be specific cloud services, or a full-blown all-encompassing solution, it is apparent that this revolution is just in its nascent stages. Despite recent failures in the marketplace, like Amazon's days-long outage, it would seem clear that the direction of both small and large organizations is clearly headed up in the cloud. The potential for cost savings, productivity enhancements, and increased employee mobility and satisfaction will drive the providers to even greater levels of reliability. And even though the Jetson's "air cars" are a long way from reality, it would seem in the short term that the future of IT network infrastructure lies clearly in the air above. Who knew? What's even more amazing is that I didn't even need Accu-Weather to predict it!</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p>SecurElement delivers a comprehensive blend of essential hardware, software, technical personnel, support and maintenance through the innovative Managed Environment program. Offering unparalleled value at a controlled cost, businesses of any size are able to leverage leading-edge technologies and services that maximize productivity, drive bottom line success and solve critical business issues.</p><p>For more information regarding SecurElement solutions, interested parties can contact the sales department at 484.323.1629 or via email at <a href="mailto:sales@securelement.com">sales@securelement.com</a>.</p> <br />

Chasing the Clouds - Distributed Computing and Small Business

As a young boy, I always wondered what it would be like to be a weatherman on TV. I'd sit with my mom and dad, watching the local new...

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Internet Computing - Learning Outcomes & Career Opportunities

<br /> <p><strong>What is Internet?</strong></p><p><strong>Ans.Network of all networks is called internet.</strong></p><p><strong>What is computing?</strong></p><p><strong>Ans.Computing means to compute something or value.</strong><strong>Computing</strong> is also defined as the activity of using and improving computer technology, computer hardware, software and digital calculations.</p><p><strong>Internet Computing Science:</strong></p><p>The Internet was the result of some visionary thinking by people in the early 1960s that saw great potential value in allowing computers to share information on research and development in scientific and military fields. The development of the Internet has been the most important innovation in computing since the origins of the field itself. All the evidence suggests that the Internet will continue to grow and evolve for the foreseeable future as the technology becomes increasingly significant. The current and anticipated growth, in the use of the Internet has been accompanied by a corresponding growth in the demand for graduates with Internet related skills.</p><p><strong>Learning Outcomes:</strong><br /><br><br />Knowledge and understanding of the essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to Computer Science in general, and Internet Computing in particular.<br />A good understanding of how to recognize and critically analyze criteria and specifications appropriate to problems to be solved by computer, and plan innovative strategies for their solution.<br />Knowledge of the criteria and mechanisms whereby traditional and Internet base computer systems can be critically evaluated and analyzed to determine the extent to which they meet the criteria defined for their current and future development.<br />A deep understanding of the appropriate theory, practices, languages and tools that may be deployed for the specification, design, implementation and evaluation of both traditional and Internet based software systems.<br />Present succinctly (orally, electronically or in writing) rational and reasoned arguments that address a given problem to be solved by computer.<br />Person will learn depth understanding of the field of Internet computing and related sub-fields.</p><p><strong>Career Opportunities:</strong></p><p>The program is directed at all career opportunities but specifically:<br /><br><br />Database Administrator<br />Database Programmer<br />Database Designer<br />Object Oriented Programmer<br />Hardware Analyzer etc.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p>Global SEO Consultants is an honest an reliable <a href="http://www.globalseoconsultants.com/CraigslistAdsPosting.html" target="_new">Craigslist Ads Posting Company</a> that is focused on providing its quality ads posting service to help any online business experience the power of prominent, relevant rankings.</p> <br />

Internet Computing - Learning Outcomes & Career Opportunities

What is Internet? Ans.Network of all networks is called internet. What is computing? Ans.Computing means to compute something or value. C...

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Who Invented Personal Computing? Celebrating the Thirtieth Anniversary of Microcomputing

<br /> <p>A generation of young people just leaving college and going out to seek their fortune have grown up with computers, and their computers have always been personal. They've always used a keyboard to enter data and have always viewed their work on a screen that reacted pretty much instantly to their input. Increasingly, they use a small portable computer with a flat high resolution screen, or maybe even a hand-held device, with a user interface they've customized to their own liking. Personal computing. Where did it come from?</p><p>I've had reason to think about this, having been involved in the early software business and having recently published a book about my experiences selling software in the late 1970s. The book is called Priming the Pump: How TRS-80 Enthusiasts Helped Spark the PC Revolution. In the book, co-authored with my husband David, we talk about how Steve Leininger, a newly-hired engineer and computer hobbyist, and Don French, a company insider, created this ground-breaking product for Tandy Corporation for under $150,000 in development costs. Tandy, parent of the nationwide chain of Radio Shack stores (3500 at the time) sold the TRS-80 for $599.95. It was the most expensive product Radio Shack had ever sold, and it was a phenomenal success, so successful that Radio Shack was overwhelmed with orders it couldn't fill. People had to go on waiting lists to get one.</p><p>So was the TRS-80 the first truly personal computer? We do make the claim that it was the first mass produced (all made in factories in the US) off-the-shelf microcomputer. But in 1977, exactly thirty years ago, the TRS-80 was only one of three microcomputers introduced. There was also the PET from Commodore and the Apple I and II, designed by the guru of geekdom, Steve Wozniak. These three microcomputers hit the market that year, and for the TRS-80, it was the beginning of a series of upgrades and add-ons that eager users snapped up over the next seven or eight years. For Apple, their Apple II computer, which had color from the beginning and was a superb game machine, had an even longer run and sold in huge numbers. In fact, Steve Wozniak, in her new book, iWoz, claims that he "invented the personal computer" (iWoz: How I invented the personal computer, co-founded Apple, and had fun doing it, by Steve Wozniak and Gina Smith, Norton & Company, 2006). But did anyone really "invent" the personal computer?</p><p>Before there were personal computers, there were big corporate computers. In the 1960s, computers were large and expensive and did not have a screen. The input/output device was likely to be a teletype machine, itself a large, clunky and expensive machine. Or it may have been connected to a "terminal," another expensive machine that did have a TV-like screen and a keyboard. You might think that this type of computer somehow evolved into the smaller ones we use today, but that is not so.</p><p>Small computers, known initially as microcomputers, arose in the 1970s as a result of developments in electronics, specifically the microprocessor, which let many components that used to be individually mounted on a board be part of one integrated device. This was a technology that moved fast once the principles were in place. Intel founder Gordon Moore observed the fast pace and declared a proposition: Moore's Law stated that processing power would double every 18 months, and he's proved right in this observation. But it was more than technical advances that brought about personal computing. It was also a pent-up desire on the part of many people to own their own computer. This is what drove Ted Nelson to write his self-published book, Computer Lib, in 1974 and later write that he sought "the freedom of people to do their own thing with computers." It is what drove Ed Roberts to build the Altair, the first microcomputer, which appeared on the cover of Popular Electronics in January 1975. Roberts was once quoted as saying that he "lusted" after a computer of his own and that "to have a computer was better than sex."</p><p>When the Intel 4004 chip came out, it was a beginning, but only a concept, as this first microprocessor did not do enough to power a computer. Then came the 8008 and finally the 8080, the one that became the brains of the Altair and the IMSAI, kit computers that found an eager following. These chips were expensive but soon there were other microprocessors, like the 6502 from MOS Technologies and the Z80 from Zilog. Among the fruit trees of northern California soon to be known as Silicon Valley, a young Steve Wozniak had obtained two 6502 microprocessors at a computer show for the incredibly cheap price of $20 each. The man selling them was Chuck Peddle, who had designed them. I recently heard Chuck give a talk (via internet) to the Vintage Computer Festival in New Jersey in which he stated that his company, MOS Technologies, had experienced many quality control problems and a lot of the chips did not work. He wanted to conceal the problems and make it look like he had produced the chips in abundance, so he filled a barrel with them, but only the ones on top actually worked! Good thing Woz got two that worked, because with those he built the first Apple.</p><p>Chuck Peddle sold out to Commodore, which began work on a microcomputer project. Wozniak says in his book that Peddle came to see the prototype Apple II in Steve Jobs' garage and was considering buying the rights to it, but Commodore decided to do their own design. The Commodore PET, released in 1977, had a keyboard for input and a tape cassette for storage; it was a complete system.</p><p>In 1976, another Steve - Steve Leininger - was working at National Semiconductor and moonlighting at Paul Terrell's Byte Shop, where Wozniak's Apple I models were for sale. Terrell launched Jobs and Wozniak into a real business with a $50,000 order for the hand-built computer, which had no keyboard or monitor; it was really just a board that hobbyists could make into a real computer with add-ons. Leininger found himself talking one day to some buyers from Tandy Corporation, parent of Radio Shack. He later received an offer of employment and was flown to Fort Worth Texas to meet with John Roach, company CEO, and the man who would be his partner in designing the TRS-80, Don French.</p><p>The TRS-80 Model I, introduced in August 1977, had some features that the others lacked. Unlike the annoying "chiclet" keyboard of the PET, the TRS-80 had a full size keyboard. The PET came with a monitor, but the TRS-80 had a larger one. Most importantly, the PET was an all-in-one case model, with no expandability, but the TRS-80 was designed for expansion; the tape cassette recorder (the storage device) and the monitor were separate and could be replaced with something else. Eventually, Radio Shack released an "expansion interface" that let users connect a disk drive and add more memory. The TRS-80, with the BASIC language built-in, could accomplish many useful tasks, and its popularity went well beyond the enthusiastic hobbyist market. Small business owners were among the most eager buyers.</p><p>The initial events that made the personal computer possible were about technical advances - better, faster microprocessors - and hardware innovations, such as the five-inch disk drive. But the next wave of innovation that made computers essential to modern life was software, all kinds of software that helped people do common tasks more efficiently. Word Processing. Accounting. Mail lists. Database. And the first "killer app" - spreadsheets, beginning with VisiCalc. At the same time, microcomputers were a new form of entertainment. Games were tremendously popular; some mimicked the arcade games of the day and others were analogies to board games like chess. Some broke new ground for gaming, like Scott Adams' Adventure games, and the popular Oregon Trail. Without all the programmers out there creating useful applications, the computer would never be personal. In our case, David created a word processor called Lazy Writer. It received rave reviews in the many computer magazines that reviewed popular software. We sold copies all over the US and the world, with many buyers in Australia (who used a TRS-80 clone machine called the Dick Smith System 80). We never got rich selling software, but we felt the excitement of being part of something that really was a revolution.</p><p>So who invented personal computing? Was it Steve Wozniak, with his amazing designs, or was it Ed Roberts, who believed people lusted after a kit that let them build a computer called Altair, was it Chuck Peddle who gave the world a cheap microprocessor, or was it Leininger and French who built the TRS-80, a machine that had so many fans? Notice that I have not even mentioned Bill Gates or the IBM PC. Gates was there from the beginning, and he too has a claim on inventing personal computing. It was Gates who created the version of the BASIC language that was in the Altair and who later supplied the operating system for the IBM PC, the machine that first gave us the term, "Personal Computer." But it seems clear to me that the vision of a personal computer was out there long before IBM got into the act. In fact, it seems unlikely that we can ever name one person who deserves the credit for "inventing" personal computing. A computer as a personal tool - an idea that was in the ether, as they say, and that had many inventors, both through breakthroughs in hardware and creativity in software.</p><p>The tremendous strides we've made in how we use our computers is exemplified for me in two remarks from family members. The first was something my daughter, born in 1985, said to me some years back. She said that when she first heard that computers were once huge machines that filled a room, she pictured in her mind a giant modern computer, with a gigantic screen filling a whole wall and a huge keyboard, with a person jumping from one enormous key to another. She couldn't see how else a computer could fill a room. The other remark was just recently made by my sister, who is relatively new to computer ownership. She had finished reading my book, which she said she enjoyed despite her lack of computer savvy, and I was pleased because we did not intend our book just for geeks. Then she said, "I always thought early computers would be kind of like modern ones only maybe slower, but now I see that they were completely different." My first reaction to this was wanting to say "No they weren't," but I didn't say that because I wanted to think about why she would make this remark. I realized that the way a user interacts with a PC today really is completely different from looking at a screen displaying a blinking cursor and the word "Ready." That's what we used to see on our TRS-80 when we turned it on. It was ready for us to give it a command and until we did, it would do nothing. And it could only do one thing at a time. Just look at the graphics, sound and interactivity of modern personal computers and, even though they are the descendants of the blank screen with a blinking cursor, the way we use computers and take their amazing abilities for granted is completely different from the era of microcomputers that dazzled us thirty years ago.</p><p>You can buy Priming the Pump from the book website at <a href="http://www.microcomputerpioneers.com" rel="nofollow" target="_new">http://www.microcomputerpioneers.com</a> or from amazon.com.</p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <p>Theresa Welsh is co-author of Priming the Pump: How TRS-80 Enthusiasts Helped Spark the PC Revolution (www.microcomputerpioneers.com) and two other books. She and her husband David started a software business selling TRS-80 software in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and she continued working in IT, first at EDS and later as a contract worker at Ford Motor Company. She currently is a free-lance writer and editor and operates a book review website at <a href="http://www.theseekerbooks.com" target="_new">http://www.theseekerbooks.com</a></p> <br />

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