CenterBeam
Computerworld, 12/16/02: Predictions
CELLULAR REFRIGERATORS
"Can I get it with side-by-side doors, an ice dispenser and a GSM connection in harvest gold?"
There's always been a lot of talk about networking home appliances, but little action due to the difficulties of pulling wire or making networking run over power lines. But inexpensive networking running over public cellular networks will finally make possible next-generation applications, like a refrigerator that hosts a Web site listing what groceries a family needs and accepts bids from the local stores that want their business.
And, of course, a screen on a refrigerator represents an amazing advertising opportunity for Duncan Hines, Kraft and every other food company. Retailer Fry's Electronics already has a refrigerator with an RJ45 jack installed. Cellular is just around the corner.
Sheldon Laube, chairman, CenterBeam Inc., Santa Clara, Calif.
Outsourcing
TechWeb, 12/16/02: Overseas Outsourcing A Possibility For Federal IT Projects
Eric Chabrow, InformationWeek
In an interview with InformationWeek editors, Rep. Tom Davis, the Virginia Republican who chairs the House Subcommittee on IT and Procurement Policy, says contracting overseas programmers to write nonsensitive, nonstrategic government software could be a way to save taxpayer money. "I don't have a problem if work for the government--if it's done cheaper, same quality, talking about best values--is going offshore." Davis points out that most of the overseas work would likely be part of outsourcing contracts awarded to American firms. "I see my job as trying to be an honest broker here to get the best value for the country."
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WLAN Security
Network Computing, 12/1/02: WLAN Security: Five Simple Truths
By Dave Molta
If you see someone driving with what looks like a Pringles potato chip can pointing out of the passenger window, don't be alarmed. It's probably just a local war-driver looking for unsecured wireless access points. The second WorldWide Wardrive wrapped up on Nov. 2. The last such event, which took place a few months ago, documented nearly 10,000 APs. Of these, more than 70 percent were running with no encryption. If you find this shocking, let me remind you of five simple truths:
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Digital Lifestyle
The Wall Street Journal, 12/16/02: Dilemma: Killer Commute or Couch; Broadband's Looming Killer Apps
NEW YORK -- The specter of a transit strike has the city's mayor buying a bicycle and encouraging residents to pick up strangers on their way to work and share hard-won cabs. Meanwhile, companies are renting buses and vans to get employees to the office, while allowing certain employees to telecommute. Most of these plans sound a bit suspect, both practically and aesthetically -- but telecommuting looks better all the time.
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