Network World Explores the Latest Anti-Spam Products for Combatting Today's Corporate Menace
Annual Buzz Issue Highlights This and Other Hot Network Technologies for Improving Productivity, Saving Money and Increasing Efficiencies

SOUTHBOROUGH, MA — September 29, 2003 – Network World, Inc., the Leader in Network Knowledge, today published its annual Buzz Issue, an in-depth look at some of the most talked-about technologies and trends in the networked world. Spam, creating a deafening buzz among Network IT Executives, is one of the hottest technology concerns today. Once just a nuisance byproduct of e-mail, spam has become an epic problem for most businesses. The Buzz Issue reports on some of the latest technologies designed to protect legitimate e-mail and make exterminating spam a more manageable task for Network IT Executives.

Real-time collaboration is again the buzz around the water cooler due to the dramatic expansion of audio and videoconferences, e-meetings and instant messaging among business workers. Also drawing more attention to the subject is Microsoft, (NasdaqNM: MSFT)) which has designated real-time communication and collaboration as a key initiative for its current fiscal year. With this push, Microsoft joins IBM (NYSE: IBM), the market leader with its Lotus Instant Messaging and Web Conferencing software, creating a heightened awareness of real-time collaboration technologies throughout the network industry.

The Buzz Issue also examines the building interest around improving supply-chain management through the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. RFID tags on merchandise or other goods can automatically transfer data wirelessly, triggering actions such as reordering from a supplier. The real promises of the technology are to provide very accurate information on product availability and to automate processes that are performed manually today. Network World also reports that a controversy around privacy in the consumer sector is creating buzz of another kind. Some opponents suggest companies implementing RFID technology will be using it for more nefarious purposes such as tracking individual customers and their purchases.

Other topics explored in Network World’s annual Buzz Issue include:

  • the "ultimate" in mobile computing, with voice and data traffic passing seamlessly among cellular, Wi-FI and other wireless networks, and one device for all your wireless needs.
  • Fiber to the Premises as the high speed, better performing alternative to DSL for home and business.
  • All-in-one security appliances for keeping corporate data safe from hackers.
    "Network IT Executives play the critical role of assessing and acquiring leading-edge technologies for their companies," says Beth Schultz, editor, Signature Series. "As they look to keep their companies competitive, many of the hot technologies we explore in the Buzz Issue will make it onto their short lists."

The Buzz Issue is one of six Signature Series published bimonthly by Network World. These award-winning issues explore the most important challenges facing Network IT Executives today. For more on the Buzz Issue, visit www.nwfusion.com/buzz/2003
About Network World
Network World, Inc., the Leader in Network Knowledge, empowers Network IT Executives through education, information and community. Network World is the leading provider of news, analysis, reviews, events and education on information technology. Network World publishes the leading newsweekly, Network World, hosts the most active online community, Network World Fusion (http://www.nwfusion.com), and produces educational seminars and events worldwide. Network World’s portfolio of strategic marketing programs provides marketing and agency professionals with the tools to generate
high-quality leads, optimize marketing campaigns, and create new revenue opportunities.

About International Data Group
Network World, Inc. is a division of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research and event company. IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers and offers online users the largest network of technology-specific sites around the world through IDG.net (www.idg.net), which comprises more than 330 targeted Web sites in 80 countries. IDG is also a leading producer of 168 computer-related events worldwide, and IDG’s research company, IDC, provides global market intelligence and advice through 51 offices in 43 countries worldwide. Company information is available at www.idg.com.
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TerryAnn Croci
Director of Marketing
Network World, Inc.
Phone: (508)490-6420
Fax: (508) 490-6417

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