Software licensing woes still dog Microsoft – and more

EDITORS’ CHOICE

From the front page

Software licensing woes still dog Microsoft

Five years after Microsoft sparked a firestorm with new volume licensing and upgrade programs, customers are still struggling with a system many say is delivering less than promised.

It’s raining IT security surveys

If it feels like you’re getting bombarded with surveys about network security threats, that’s because you are. Leading security vendors, looking to scare up interest in their products, pumped out more than twice as many of these surveys last year as in 2004, and this year are on an even more aggressive pace.

What’s Google’s network plan?

Most of the gab around Google focuses on a possible desktop slugfest with Microsoft, but the real action may be on the WAN, where Google might be gearing up for a donnybrook with ISPs, telcos and cable operators.

Review

New version of Windows NAS makes the grade

In our Clear Choice Test of Microsoft’s latest version of its file-pinching network-attached storage software – dubbed Windows Storage Server R2 – we found it to be fast, difficult to misconfigure, highly efficient and a useful storage operating system for both local drop-and-add NAS boxes and branch office storage devices.

How to

Problems connecting to a specific Web site

Ron Nutter helps a user figure out what might be wrong with his router configuration.

Should SMBs ditch Exchange?

James Gaskin says there may be better alternatives.

ITVideo

Securing the database

On Network World’s Hot Seat this week, Ted Julian of Application Security talks about the new threats to database security and what you need to do to protect your company’s information and reputation.

From the blogs

Paul McNamara explains why you should care about the fate of the San Jose Mecury News. Mark Gibbs writes about RBOC idiocy. Ken Fasimpaur looks at the moral overtones of wireless access. Linda Musthaler writes on the need for banks to tighten online security. Adam Gaffin continues his fixation with robots only a mad scientist could love.

In depth

Security pros push for secure code

Analysts say the benefits of writing secure code in the first place – rather than conducting vulnerability scans after the software has been deployed and having to patch holes – far outweighs the extra effort required.

Federated database manages change

One alternative is a federated configuration management database (FCMDB), in which configuration data is segmented by type. When needed, relevant information is pulled out of each segment to provide a big-picture view of whatever issue is being addressed. This approach eases data entry and lets data be accessed as needed from any of the databases.

Healthcare system juggles upgrades

For Community Medical Centers, a recent move to a filmless environment has had multiple business benefits. The traditional method was expensive and time-consuming. Two years ago the nonprofit hospital group began moving to a system that would let those images traverse the network so technicians, doctors and other medical staff from just about anywhere could gain access to them.

More news

IP telephony deployments struggle with power/heat issues

While the IP telephony market heats up, thermometers are literally spiking in some wiring closets and computer rooms where VoIP and power-over-Ethernet (PoE) gear is being installed, users say.

VON speakers debate net neutrality

Politics, not technology, dominated the Spring 2006 VON show last week, with calls from Internet innovators to support proposed legislation they say would protect the next generation of ‘Net-based businesses.

Microsoft focusing on small business

During Microsoft’s first summit for its small-business customers last week, the company showed off the forthcoming upgrade to its Small Business Server 2003 that includes new health and maintenance tools.

CA, Dell bolster mgmt. software

CA and Dell have or are expected to announce new and upgraded products that customers say will help them better manage client and server systems, with fewer tools and more automation.

More, more more!

Our This Week page will also link you to: Blue Coat couples security, acceleration on appliance; Does Novell still have mind share?; IEEE, vendors press forward on speedier wireless LANs; Vendor’s servers aren’t one-size-fits-all; Redback touting low-end edge router; Manufacturing show to spotlight wireless, network automation in plants; ScanSafe debuts instant-message security service; Red Hat lays out plans for virtualization; Azaleos adds e-mail backup option; GENI looks to conjure up next-generation network; CopperEye aims to help customers downsize databases.