NetFlash: New server chips carry hidden cost

Server vendors are making great strides with multi-core processors, which have all sorts of heat and performance benefits. But the software that runs on those processors hasn’t caught up – that is, the licensing for the software hasn’t. Software vendors charge for a dual-core processor as if it were two separate processors, a fact that is catching some users off guard. And while such licensing might be fair right now, it’s not really a sustainable model. It’s time to look for a better way to charge for software. New server chips carry hidden cost http://www.nwfusion.com/news/2004/071904multicore.html?net

Server vendors are making great strides with multi-core processors, which have all sorts of heat and performance benefits. But the software that runs on those processors hasn’t caught up – that is, the licensing for the software hasn’t. Software vendors charge for a dual-core processor as if it were two separate processors, a fact that is catching some users off guard. And while such licensing might be fair right now, it’s not really a sustainable model. It’s time to look for a better way to charge for software.

New server chips carry hidden cost

https://www.nwfusion.com/news/2004/071904multicore.html?net

Is Microsoft changing its stripes?

Microsoft recently has been settling all debts and grievances – with the government, with competitors. It appears that the company is looking for a fresh start. Should we be suspicious? Grateful? Or neither?

https://www.nwfusion.com/news/2004/071904microsoftfriendly.html?net

Cisco buys earn mixed reviews

Analysts and customers give Cisco mostly passing grades on its acquisitions report card, as the network giant already has bought five companies this year. But none of the acquisitions will drive the company into the groundbreaking new directions Cisco has hinted at, observers add.

https://www.nwfusion.com/news/2004/071904infcisco.html?net

Aventail goes small with SSL VPN appliance

Aventail is wheeling out a scaled-down, less-expensive version of its Secure Sockets Layer VPN security appliance to make the technology more attractive to smaller customers.

https://www.nwfusion.com/news/2004/071904aventail.html?net

Today on Layer 8, where the inmates run the asylum:

A service for the not-so-smart iPod user; a new tool for helping you sing in the shower; Doom 3 goes gold; and a look at the accident-prone Los Alamos National Lab, home of the A-Bomb. Plus, we’ll announce our latest caption contest winner and post a new photo for you to poke fun at. That’s all on Layer 8, your source for not-just-networking news.

https://www.nwfusion.com/weblogs/layer8/?net