* Dr. Internet columnist Steve Blass says uDig is a good open source GIS package * Help Desk columnist Ron Nutter discusses using server virtualization to reduce the costs of running a test network
* Is there a good open source GIS package?
By Steve Blass
Q: We need to build a set of maps that show overlays of several geographic information systems’ (GIS) data sets. Have you seen any good open source GIS packages that we can start with before investing in something like ArcGIS?
A: Try the desktop GIS package called uDig, available free. The application offers sophisticated GeoSpatial GIS mapping capabilities in an Eclipse-based desktop application. Binary installers for Windows, Linux and Macintosh operating systems are available, along with source-code distributions for those who want to build Internet-enabled GIS applications based on uDig.
To read Steve’s response in its entirety, please click here.
* Reducing the costs of a test network with virtualization
By Ron Nutter
Q: In last week’s column, you make a point about the cost of a test network not being cheap. You didn’t mention the availability of virtual server software from VMWare and Microsoft that allow multiple virtual machines to be set up on a single workstation or server. This can significantly reduce the hardware and, with snapshots (VMWare), provide testing, quick “un-dos” and standby setups of servers.
A: You make a good point about using server virtualization software instead of multiple systems to construct a test network. There is definitely a cost savings to be had in this situation since you could theoretically run an entire test configuration on a single computer or maybe two with sufficient memory installed. Server virtualization provides for the ability to “move” a particular server’s functionality between servers with minimal work. Having virtualization as a part of your disaster recovery plan is a tool that could help you get critical services running quickly until you can get additional hardware in place to run it the way that you would prefer.
To read Ron’s response in its entirety, please click here.
