NetFlash: Cisco looking to broaden security role

Cisco looking to broaden security role

Cisco has 1,500 engineers working solely on security – and they are about to bring out more of the fruits of their labor at next week’s RSA Conference. Here’s a sneak peek – and a Q&A with Cisco’s security chief on the company’s strategy.

Nortel re-enters broadband access world

Network World’s Jim Duffy analyzes the deal recently announced between Nortel and Huawei Technologies – examining what the deal means to Nortel and to the carriers that might use the DSL gear coming out of the deal. See Jim’s story for full details.

Google, Skype join investors to pump cash into Fon

Google and Skype have teamed up with two venture capital firms, Index Ventures and Sequoia Capital, to invest $21.6 million in Fon Technology, a Madrid-based start-up that wants to build a global network of Wi-Fi hot spots. Click here for more.

Riverbed thinks small with WAN optimizer hardware

Riverbed plans this week to release two new WAN optimization boxes for offices with fewer than 20 people. Click here for more.

IBM pumps up DB2 lineup

IBM is working to expand the adoption of its DB2 database server, giving users three new options: a specialty processor designed to handle data-intensive workloads on the mainframe, an upgrade of DB2 for z/OS and a free version of DB2. Click here for more.

Radio: Pod slurping revisited

Abe Usher of Sharp Ideas joins the program again to talk about his updated tool – Slurp Audit – that illustrates how quickly an iPod or similar device can be used to pick clean a hard drive of business documents and data. Listen in.

Today on Layer 8, where we’re nursing a Super Bowl hangover:

We’ve got Caption Contest goodness – a new winner and new picture to make fun of; a look at what ISS residents do for fun; and a potential George Jetson sighting. Join the fun.