NetFlash: Will major vendors dilute open source?

Will major vendors dilute open source?

As IBM, Oracle and other vendors buy up open-source start-ups, what happens to the culture of open-source software? More importantly, what happens to the code? As one observer put it, “Does it remain open source? Is the acquiring company going to make sure it’s even better tested and quality assured and provide services around it? Or are they worst case going to cannibalize it and integrate it into something else they’re doing and in a sense the open source product goes away?” See our story for a full examination of the issues.

Test shows VoIP call quality can improve with SSL VPN links

Network World took 10 SSL VPN products and tested how well they could carry voice calls. Can VoIP and SSL VPNs coexist? See the full results.

Microsoft sends SMS R2 to beta

Microsoft Tuesday released the first beta of System Management Server R2 and said the software would be generally available in May. Click here for more.

Businesses should pay more attention to software security

Most businesses aren’t doing enough to build and buy securely written software, according to a panel of corporate security executives, academics and professional software developers speaking at the RSA Conference last week. Click here for more.

Users weigh Exchange mobile messaging

Administrators have concerns about whether Microsoft’s messaging can match the ease of use of RIM’s BlackBerry, as well as its network efficiency. Some also wonder when their current cellular carriers will offer Windows handhelds that can support the Microsoft messaging feature. Click here for more.

Virtualize and automate

We explore the best products for your next-generation net in our third annual New Data Center series. Click here for more.

Today on Layer 8, where we’re eagerly awaiting Spring:

We’ve got our usual dose of Caption Contest goodness; a tip for traveling iTunes users; potential bad news about Sony’s PlayStation 3; and, a quick and dirty data back-up solution. Get it all at your home for not-just-networking news.

For news updated throughout the day, go to Network World’s NetFlash news page.