Here is this week's Editors' Choice; look for Readers' Choice later this week.
EDITORS’ CHOICE
Editor’s Note
If you’re curious how open source might play on your network – or you’ve gone beyond that and are looking for strategies and tips on open source – LinuxWorld is the place to be this week. If you can’t make it to the show, LinuxWorld.com will keep you up to date, from breaking news to site editor Don Marti’s daily blog. On NetworkWorld.com, check out our exclusive, in-depth look at how New Orleans telecom providers and enterprises are preparing for the next big disaster.
— Adam Gaffin, NetworkWorld.com executive editor, agaffin@nww.com
From the front page
How Cisco secures its own networks
For a year John Stewart has been CSO at Cisco. He’s in charge of a team of 60 information security professionals who play a role in IT architecture, policy, audit and incident response to protect an internal user base of about 48,000 employees worldwide. Stewart recently discussed Cisco’s risk-management strategy with Network World Senior Editor Ellen Messmer.
Microsoft won’t extend SA pacts for Vista
Microsoft won’t alter its software maintenance program to provide customers with expired or expiring contracts free upgrades to the oft-delayed Vista and Office 2007, according to company officials. Observers, however, say those customers will have some negotiating power if they choose to renew their contracts.
Following the horrific damage wrought by Hurricane Katrina last year, Network World recently sent a team to New Orleans to report on the efforts of service providers, city officials and enterprises to prepare for the next Katrina.
In depth
Data fabric keeps information consistent
As companies look to service-oriented architecture as a way to effectively coordinate services with partners, suppliers and customers, the importance of ensuring data accuracy and consistency is magnified.
Just a few years ago IT hiring was in the dumps, but now experts say it’s on a rocket ride – comparatively – with some industries showing plans for hiring growth well above national averages.
ITVideo
The biggest gotcha for voice over IP? Network engineering and the ability to continually adapt, says David Woodall, CEO of Qovia, on this week’s Network World Hot Seat.
How to
Wireless lessons learned at a hacker conference
Andrew Lockhart takes a look at the new hacking tools and techniques he saw at the recent Defcon conference.
Securing a network with RADIUS and a VPN
Ron Nutter answers the question: What are components and cost (initial and ongoing) involved in setting up and maintaining a RADIUS Server and a Virtual Private Network on a wireless network?
From the blogs and forums
James Gaskin wonders about all the pro-Microsoft e-mail he’s gotten from false addresses of late. Adam Gaffin wonders whether the president of Iran has the same Web-site consultants as Connecticut Sen. Joseph Leiberman. Paul McNamara looks at one e-commerce operation that could use some support. Mark Gibbs looks at a site that helps you find out whose behind those calls that don’t show up on your caller ID. Ken Fasimpaur explains why he’s sick of the pre-installed software on new PCs. Keith Shaw considers a service that lets you record podcasts for free. Melissa Shaw posts the latest results from her photo-caption contest.
More news
IBM may face challenges absorbing FileNet
Companies using content management software from FileNet may be concerned about the company’s pending $1.6 billion acquisition by IBM, but Big Blue is unlikely to scrap FileNet’s products, analysts say.
Brocade buys out storage switch rival
Brocade Communications’ $713 million buyout of McData last week could position the storage switch companies better vs. Cisco, although analysts say the vendors will have their hands full integrating products and figuring out what to do with the many that overlap.
Analysts: 3Com CEO must focus on Huawei
While last week’s CEO change at 3Com was abrupt, the move should not affect the company’s immediate operations, its joint venture with Huawei or it customer base, analysts and customers say.
Zimbra, Scalix upgrade messaging platforms
Messaging and collaboration vendors Zimbra and Scalix this week are expected to update their wares with new collaboration tools, XML-based integration features, synchronization technology and management controls.
Examining the CSO-CEO relationship
A key relationship in any organization with an effective security strategy is that between the CSO and the CEO, who must work together to ensure that security investments are mapped to the changing risk landscape. Network World President and Editorial Director John Gallant asked BT Radianz Acting CEO Laurie Bowen and CSO Lloyd Hession, via e-mail, to discuss how they handle this challenge at the financial-services industry connectivity provider.
When it’s time to bring in the feds
When do you call the police? Find out in the third in a four-part series on the toughest security issues affecting the enterprise.
Solix adds security features
Solix this week is expected to introduce a version of its archiving software that protects data by applying security such as masking or encryption.
Sprint Nextel backs WiMAX
By placing a $3 billion bet on mobile WiMAX last week, Sprint Nextel became the first U.S. wireless service provider to tip its hand about how it intends to provide customers with the transmission speeds needed for next-generation applications.
All-in-one security devices face challenges
The multipurpose security appliances that consolidate firewall/VPN, content filtering, intrusion prevention and more into a single box are winning favor as easy-to-manage devices. But the open secret about these unified threat management (UTM) appliances is that they take a bite out of bandwidth as they inspect content.
How one firm secures mobile workers
A small, fast-growing medical staffing company in Irving, Texas, has been learning as it goes about how to create and enforce secure computing for its traveling account managers.
Q&A: Masergy CEO discusses taking on telecom giants
Six-year-old service provider Masergy Communications, which offers global IP VPN, VoIP and Virtual Private LAN Services, can no longer be called a start-up. But it’s still a baby in the telecom industry compared to its main competitors. Network World Senior Editor Denise Pappalardo recently talked with Masergy CEO Barry Nalls about the company’s stability, how it remains competitive and what the carrier is most concerned about moving forward.
