Solutions for Industrial Computing News

Technology-wise, venture capitalists are starting to give the go-ahead to computer startups because of their specific potential. This reverses the trend brought on by the current economic crisis. Data management and virtualization are two technologies that experts find most promising, as this recent Technology Review article relates.

An Electronics Weekly article says ARM cores will power six million computers in 2010. That's what ARM CEO Warren East predicts, plus 20% of Netbook designs. He notes that when Linux becomes as good as Microsoft, it will be more cost-effective. He claims the approach uses 10x less energy than Intel's Atom for desktops.

Intel and others are researching various mobile device and wireless technologies that they believe will bring future success. Projects being worked on include: advancing wireless networking via better regional WiMax, maximizing mobile device processing power and minimizing power consumption, transmitting power wirelessly, and more.

IBM claims that 83% of users surf the Web without a PC. Forecasts predict an increase to one billion users by 2011. That's why IBM is committing $100 million to research mobile communication and business technologies over five years. Advanced operations on smartphones and other handhelds is the prime target.

Using PLM software, Lockheed Martin aided a digital infrastructure for design, maintenance, and manufacturing for the JSF (Joint Strike Fighter). The solution supports 'build anywhere' capabilities through improved collaboration. The system accommodates timely design and manufacturing changes, while meeting production quotas.

Parallel processing can speed the tasks that computer-aided-manufacturing (CAM) software routinely performs. This article in Dr. Dobb's presents real improvements. A 60% time savings in tool path calculations using a quad core processor (vs a single processor) equates into 72 days saved — an estimated $28,800 annual savings.

Of the power consumed in a data center, about one third is used to cool the servers. Cooling needs have always been a concern and this need is expected to increase as newer and faster (hotter) processors are introduced. To dissipate heat in the 10 MW range, researchers are optimizing heat transfer to slash power by 15%.

Why not rate computer servers via Energy Star ratings? Well that's exactly what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did in a hopeful attempt to boost energy efficiency by 30%. The move is part of the green data center initiative, which is designed to save server owners $800 million/yr. How much will the savings cost?

Do you know one of the fastest growing causes of on-the-job injuries? No, it's neither metacarpal syndrome nor vision anomalies. Rather, it is tripping, falling, and colliding with computer hardware that is to blame. As reported by Information Week, acute computer-related injuries increased 732% over 13 years. That turns out to be >2x the number of new computer owners in the same period. Beware of the most dangerous monitors at 37% of injuries.

Let's help all those police computers and keep a straight face about it. Not many people like their driver license photos. Who does? Now you are not supposed to smile when you get your photo taken for a state of Virginia license. According to the Commonwealth's DMV, facial recognition software works best with a neutral expression. So, to support upcoming security enhancements, those expressing 'exuberance or warmth' are persona non grata (watch the video) — and you may be sent to the back of the line for a retake.

Handhelds or Smartphones on the Job

A lot of away-from-the-office jobs require answering e-mails, text messaging, and more. If you need a computer, would you prefer a pocket-sized version with functionality equivalent to a laptop or desktop?