Here is this week's Editors' Choice; look for Readers' Choice later this week.
EDITORS’ CHOICE
In depth
The six worst security mistakes
We asked the top security experts in the industry – people who consult with enterprise customers on a regular basis – to name the most common security mistakes that companies make. Here’s their list, as well as detailed advice on how to avoid making a major security gaffe.
XML propels security intelligence
Typical enterprises include task-specific security devices in heterogeneous environments that cannot easily communicate or coordinate mitigation strategies. Several proprietary approaches exist to facilitate this communication, but these are usually limited to single-vendor environments. To address this problem, a growing trend is to use XML to share security data.
From the front page
IBM takes ISS … for better or for worse
IBM’s $1.3 billion deal last week to acquire Internet Security Systems is fraught with pitfalls and possibilities: It gives Big Blue a major stake in the security game, but some wonder whether the company will know what to do with it.
IT execs feel the heat as security woes multiply
With security threats increasing and regulation tightening, companies are demanding greater IT accountability – and that can mean being forced to walk the plank after a breach.
A stroll across campus without leaving home
Ruiz, a public school teacher in Puebla, Mexico, is attending Appalachian State University’s Reich College of Education through a 3-D online world called Applied Education Technology Zone, or AET Zone.
Audio/video
Take NW to go: Our podcasts will keep you up to date on enterprise networking (see Jeff Caruso’s Network World 360) and give you the lowdown on all the cool stuff our editors get to play with (see Keith Shaw’s and Jason Meserve’s Twisted Pair).
Voyence CEO Susan Nash says the company’s configuration management tools can take a big bite out of compliance problems. Find out how in this week’s Network World Hot Seat.
From the blogs and forums
Debate and discuss our article on the growing career risks to IT professionals from security issues. Mark Gibbs ponders exploding batteries and low-cost laptops for our kids. Linda Musthaler says say good-bye to more American jobs thanks to CSC. Jason Meserve is loving his new iTunes toolbar for Windows. Adam Gaffin wonders about a study that claims you’ll soon have to worry about lawsuits from employees addicted to e-mail. James Gaskin begins to dig into desktop search tools.
How to
The experts at the Wireless Vulnerabilities and Exploits projects look at this old, but still widely used, protocol
More news
Open source companies to watch
Open source software is a given in most enterprise data centers, so it’s not surprising to see the ranks of open source companies and projects swell. It’s not just Linux anymore – community-developed software is offering alternatives for everything from databases to application servers to network management to disaster preparedness. How do you know which open source approach is right for you? We’ve pulled out a few start-ups that you might not be familiar with, but we think should be on your radar.
Microsoft reissues a patch it botched
Microsoft has reissued a critical security update for its Internet Explorer browser. The reissued patch is important because it fully resolves a security bug Microsoft introduced with the original update Aug. 8
New Edge adds class of service support
New Edge Networks says it’s poised to serve the needs of enterprise customers as it rolls out class of service for its MPLS IP VPN offering.
Investigator urges firms to report cybercrime
Companies that work with law enforcement agencies on cybercrime can get valuable information, including lists of hostile IP addresses and details on new types of attacks, a U.S. Air Force cybercrime investigator said Thursday.
Apparent pitches software to SMBs
Apparent Networks last week made available for small and midsize businesses software to monitor network performance across distributed links.
Riverbed streamlines Unix for faster WANs
Riverbed has upgraded its WAN optimization software so customers can reduce the time it takes to send Unix files across wide-area connections.
ProCurve announces new switch families
HP’s ProCurve Networking group is looking to draw corporate customers into buying ProCurve access gear with three low-price switch families that directly compete against models made by other vendors.
Vendors weigh data miniaturization
An Australian start-up is close to signing deals with two database vendors that plan to use its software to miniaturize data on handheld devices.
Verizon eases move to IP IVR
Verizon’s global enterprise services unit is putting the infrastructure for its toll-free and AVR services into its own network, letting customers plug into the services through any broadband connection or traditional leased line.
Citrix and Microsoft team up
Microsoft and Citrix have announced they plan to co-develop a line of branch-office appliances that will combine Microsoft’s Internet Security and Acceleration Server with Citrix’s upcoming WANScaler network acceleration technology
Distributed call center strategy pays off for McKesson Health Solutions
McKesson Health Solutions runs two fewer brick-and-mortar call centers than it did three years ago, and the Broomfield, Colo., company is set to shut down a third facility by the end of the year. McKesson’s business isn’t shrinking; its call center staff
Software upgrades improve mobile client controls
Three vendors have announced improvements to their products for managing and securing the growing numbers of mobile devices in the enterprise.
Experts divided over rootkit detection and removal
The detection and eradication of rootkits – the software code increasingly used to hide malware or adware – is either fairly simple or nearly impossible, depending on which security expert is bringing up the topic.
Alaska’s wireless net built for emergency
Under fire from oil pipeline problems and elevated terrorist levels, Alaska is benefiting from a new $120 million wireless network for emergency communications that was built through a one-of-a-kind partnership between federal, state and local government agencies.
Distributed call center strategy pays off for McKesson Health Solutions
McKesson Health Solutions runs two fewer brick-and-mortar call centers than it did three years ago, and the Broomfield, Colo., company is set to shut down a third facility by the end of the year. McKesson’s business isn’t shrinking; its call center staff is relocating – to their homes.
