Special Report: Early adopters

How organizations are exploiting the latest network technologies.

Not everyone is lying low, waiting for the economy to turn around. Plenty of companies are embracing technologies such as IP telephony, wireless LANs, optical networks and Web services in an effort to emerge stronger than ever - and stronger than more-conservative competitors - when the rebound comes. Look inside to find out how these innovators are cutting costs, smoothing operations, better serving customers and enabling new business opportunities.

Utility IT exec to explore power of Web services
Zimon, CIO and a senior vice president at energy company Nstar in Boston, has an atypical perspective on network technology. He sits down with NW's Bob Brown to discuss Nstar's key IT initiatives.

Making wireless LAN security air tight
All-in-one security gateways are helping to boost confidence in wireless networks.

Optical in the enterprise
Once the sole purview of carriers, beaming gigabits over glass is now taking root in corporate networks.

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Click to see: Early Adopters

Utility IT exec to explore power of Web services
Zimon, CIO and a senior vice president at energy company Nstar in Boston, has an atypical perspective on network technology. He sits down with NW's Bob Brown to discuss Nstar's key IT initiatives.

Making wireless LAN security air tight
All-in-one security gateways are helping to boost confidence in wireless networks.

Optical in the enterprise
Once the sole purview of carriers, beaming gigabits over glass is now taking root in corporate networks.

SIP passes taste test
Session Initiation Protocol is winning converts among the voice-over-IP crowd.

Under control
Route-control customers say they're experiencing unexpected benefits.

The customer is king
Four pioneers from different industries tailor CRM technology to better their customer relations.

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