* Microsoft Research fights critics, targets innovation * How to roll out 180,000 VoIP phones * Disney protected with homegrown security, compliance software * Municipal Wi-Fi not just another utility * IBM targets service research * 12 Days of Wider Nets * Buzzblog: Can't registrars just say no to blatant phishers? * Today on Layer 8
Microsoft Research fights critics, targets innovation
When the word “innovation” is tossed about, many may look down their nose at the company sitting on top of the high-tech industry: Microsoft. The look is not without prompting given critics’ charges that the software giant has chased innovation born from competitors such as Apple and Google. And who can forget Bill Gates’ Internet Tidal Wave memo in 1995 that ushered Microsoft into an online world already in full bloom. But it’s not all tales of late to the party. Click here for more.
How to roll out 180,000 VoIP phones
Craig Hinkley is in the thick of a 180,000 IP-phone rollout at Bank of America, which is replacing more than 460 PBXs with a centralized Cisco VoIP system that serves 6,000 U.S. branches and back office locations. Hinkley, named last year to our list of the Most Powerful People in Networking, took time out from flipping on the VoIP switch to give a project update to Network World Senior Editor Phil Hochmuth. The following is an edited transcript. Click here for more.
Disney protected with homegrown security, compliance software
The Walt Disney Co. is locking down its applications with cutting-edge identity management innovations developed in-house that are helping the entertainment giant meet its security, compliance and auditing goals. Click here for more.
Municipal Wi-Fi not just another utility
A new report warns that cities considering municipal Wi-Fi shouldn’t fool themselves into believing that the experience will be as routine as running water, gas and electricity systems. Click here for more.
IBM targets service research
Services research is a hot area at IBM, as the corporate giant looks to eke greater profitability from its services division. The idea behind services research is to build a stable of repeatable industry offerings and capabilities using new and existing IBM technologies. By structuring services – taking out some of the judgment calls and reducing the emphasis on labor – IBM hopes to streamline delivery while at the same time improve the quality of its services engagements. Click here for more.
12 Days of Wider Nets
We’re kicking off our holiday series of the best of our offbeat stories with: What users can’t stand about IT pros: impatience, arrogance, and jargon – for starters. Click here for more.
Buzzblog: Can’t registrars just say no to blatant phishers?
Security expert Mikko Hypponen asks an interesting question: Why can’t domain name registrars simply refuse to accept the business of individuals who are trying to register names that would only be used for phishing? Example: A “Craig Smith” registering “signin-ebay-c.com.” Click here for more.
Today on Layer 8, where our lords are always a-leaping:
Nintendo investigates flying Wiimote phenomenon; idiot BlackBerry owner causes interstate pileup; woman jailed for using cell phone on her porch; and Zune – what, me worry?; all this today and more at your home for not-just-networking news.
For news updated throughout the day, go to Network World’s NetFlash news page.
