Networking & Communications News

Despite the success of voice communication in today's Internet-driven business environment, Microsoft has never warmed up to the idea. Now, that situation is about to change. The company released a Unified Communication Product Roadmap and Partner Ecosystem document that calls for integrating data and voice in many of its applications. Included will be voice-over-IP call management, audio and videoconferencing capability, and instant messaging. PC World outlines the action and provides a direct link to the information on the Microsoft site. A number of communications and PC makers have spoken up in support of this move. So, what do you have to say to Microsoft's plan?

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IT availability and reliability are critical corporate issues in today's demanding, mission-critical environments. To address this need, Eaton designed the Powerware 42U x 600 mm(w) modern enclosure specifically for IT applications. The Powerware Enclosure offers strength, stability, and a vendor-neutral environment to house any IT equipment and allows for ultimate baying flexibility to create additional space in any situation.

Rugged EnviroNET™ industrial-networking equipment delivers voice, video, and data communication services in harsh environments. Expand the boundaries of your network with hardened Ethernet extenders, VoIP gateways, and T1/E1 transport extenders enclosed in in NEMA-4, environmentally-sealed, and thermally-controlled enclosures. Rugged communications gear is tough and ready-to-rumble.

L-com's Web site now lists the RoHS status for its entire line of external communications components including connectors, adapters, and complete cable assemblies.

Check L-com's product announcements for a sampling of innovative connectivity equipment available from a RoHS-conscious retailer.

Determined to support the growing number of computer users who forego either Microsoft Windows or Apple Macintosh operating systems, IBM demonstrated its support by introducing a version of Lotus Notes that runs on Linux. Open-source platform Linux is less expensive, and many users prefer its flexibility and world-wide acceptance. A TechNewsWorld article discusses the implications.

Working with vendors can prove a stressful activity, especially when you don't know if your vendor is providing the best products, the best services, and (sometimes most importantly) the best price. Here, anEnterprise Storage Forum columnist explores the issues and recommends techniques and guidelines to yield the most satisfactory results.

One consequence of the information-driven society is that pockets of the population have no access to it. Fortunately, local governments are making strides to alleviate that imbalance. This piece from Network World describes efforts to give even homeless people access to critical services, including low-cost housing and substance-abuse assistance.

The performance of Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) networks can degrade significantly, partly because of the lack of clear-to-send and request-to-send signals. This white paper from the EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communication and Networking describes the issues in detail and proposes a technique for improving the situation by sending tones over the out-of-band busy-tone channel.

The NetGuard RJ45 Plug-In protector from PolyPhaser provides network administrators a quick way to protect their investment. With easy grounding and two-step installation the only thing left to do is sit back and watch your network zoom; not snap, crackle, and pop.

With products ranging from IP core solutions to last-mile connectivity, RF signal management, HD-quality broadcast solutions, and professional service, ADC offers unique expertise in voice, video, and high-speed data convergence that can help you deploy sensible IPTV solutions today with the flexibility needed to meet future demands.

TIL-TEK, a world leader in the design and manufacture of base station, CPE, omni, and directional antennas announces adjustable electrical downtilt antennas to the MMDS 2.5-2.7 GHz band as well as an expanded selection of antennas in the MMDS band.

High-speed, single-chip, inline security system for next-generation networking devices. Includes complete IPSec packet processing, flow classification, control plane security, data plane security, VPN security, firewall, and crypto engines. Benefit from award-winning security technology that delivers high throughput, low power dissipation, and reduced BOM cost. About the SafeXcel-51x0. Download application note "Designing IPSec Gateways with SafeXcel-51x0."

NetworkWorld reports that Time Warner Telecom — unrelated to the more well-known Time Warner, Inc. — has acquired Xspedius Communications, increasing its coverage from 44 to 75 markets (in 30 states and D.C.) around the country. The company provides managed network services that include local and long-distance voice-over-IP and Ethernet services to small and mid-sized businesses and other carriers.

Monitoring network performance means comparing network analyzer measurements with reference conditions from a calibration kit. Unfortunately, the kit is not always available for certain connectors, and adapters can compromise signal integrity. Here, Agilent Technologies presents a comprehensive discussion on how paying attention to adaptors and assumptions can overcome these limitations.

Sometimes the drive to make our electronic lives safer proves counterproductive. Countries such as Germany already use microchip-based radio-frequency identification (RFID) on passports to prevent theft and forgery. But, not all personal information on the chip is adequately encrypted. This report from Red Orbit serves as a wake-up call on this sensitive issue.

One reason that Microsoft is touting Windows Vista to replace XP is that Vista will provide greater security. Unfortunately, despite all efforts to prevent it, the currently circulating beta version of Vista remains vulnerable to attack by pernicious malware. Information Week reporter Larry Greenemeier describes the vulnerabilities and assesses their potential impact.

The JetNet 3705f comes equipped with four PoE injector switch ports, with each port delivering power up to 15.4 watts in maximum, and one 10/100Base fiber Up-link port transfering data to the remote end. The Power Over Ethernet technology can power up PoE enabled powered devices in full capability. See more from Korenix Technologies Co., Ltd.

The M4121 from Electro Standards Laboratories is ideal for fallback operation. Data, handshake, and clock lines of the RS232 interface are supported. Front panel LEDs display the connectivity status and verify power connection at all times, and its rugged aluminum case provides shielding. Find out more.

DiceEngineering.com offers thousands of quality engineering jobs at top technology and engineering companies. Find jobs in your area of expertise. Search now.

Sometimes it seems that the only way to get ahead in your career requires compromising your principles. How do you respond to a sniping co-worker or someone who takes credit for your ideas without sinking to that level? In her Business Week column, Liz Ryan discusses the pitfalls and provides some ideas on how to deal with them.

Considered by many experts to be an early sign of economic slowdown, recent figures show fewer jobs than expected are being created and unemployment has begun to creep upward. Although of concern to anyone looking for work, the statistics may also portend a slowing of interest rate increases. The International Herald Tribune examines the trends and their implications.

Remember the rings that changed color to match your mood? BBC News reports on a digital painting technology that allows artwork to do the same. If your face is angry, you see darker colors and violent brush strokes. A happier person would see brighter shades and softer lines. The developers promise an interactive experience for art lovers.

Conventional TV on the Internet? A few years ago the idea would have been dismissed as absurd. But according to an Electronic Engineering Times report, the number of subscribers will increase by a factor of 12 by 2010. By that time, more than 63 million people will take advantage of this "absurd" idea.

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