LONG BEACH, USA: Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. unveiled the BDR-2207, Pioneer’s most powerful and full-featured drive. The internal SATA drive can read and write to all BDXL disc formats, including BD-R and BD-RE triple-layer 100GB media, BD-R quad-layer 128GB media, as well as conventional recordable Blu-ray Disc (single-layer 25GB media and dual-layer 50GB media). In addition, the drive features PowerRead and Pioneer’s PureRead2, Auto Quiet mode, QuickStart, and Peak Power Reducer technologies.
The BDR-2207 is packaged with CyberLink software that gives users the ability to play standard Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D titles on correctly configured computers, as well as author and record high-definition Blu-ray Disc content and standard-definition DVD content.
“Consumers do so much with their computers that we wanted to create a drive that does pretty much everything you’ll need, whether it’s saving data or playing back content,” said Steven Cohn, director of Optical Sales for the Home Electronics Industrial Department at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “Plus, the BDR-2207 is extremely fast and powerful to match the processing capability and speed consumers are used to with today’s computers.”
BDR-2207 advantages
PowerRead – Through its PowerRead feature the BDR-2207 provides smoother movie playback when a disc is marked with fingerprints or has minor surface scratches. When the drive is not able to read through these obstructed areas of a disc, it will quickly move forward to the next available data point, resulting in smoother Blu-ray and DVD movie playback.
PureRead2 – Clicking or popping sounds that might normally occur due to minor scratches and fingerprints on CDs can be prevented on some discs with the drive’s PureRead2 technology, which allows the drive to dynamically adjust its optical playback settings through the use of a unique algorithm.
Auto Quiet Mode – The drive also features an Auto Quiet mode that minimizes its operating noise based on the type of use. The rotation speed changes to a quieter mode (slower speed) when watching Blu-ray and DVD titles or listening to conventional audio CDs.
QuickStart – The amount of time between inserting a disc and the disc being ready for use has been reduced by up to 42 percent over previous generation models.
Peak Power Reducer – Some computers do not provide enough power to the drive during operation. In the case of a write operation, an error will occur and cause the disc to become useless. To prevent this, the Peak Power Reducer feature, when enabled, monitors the power and can reduce the drive’s peak power to ensure stable operation.
Bundled Software – For additional convenience, the BDR-2207 is bundled with the following CyberLink software: PowerDVD 10 BD3D, PowerDirector 9 and Power2Go 7.
The Pioneer BDR-2207 will be available in early May with a suggested retail price of $99.99.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Essar Group unleashes power of cloud with Windows Azure
INDIA: In an effort to offer its customers Web-based applications with high performance and scalability while maintaining low infrastructure and management costs, multinational conglomerate Essar Group has implemented Windows Azure,Microsoft’s cloud services platform, to deliver some of its applications.
A leader in various business sectors, including steel, energy, power, communications, shipping ports, logistics and construction, and with operations in more than 25 countries across five continents and revenues at $17 billion, Essar remains competitive in an aggressive marketplace through a focused effort on superior customer service.With its enterprise customers in mind, the company sought to enhance its offerings with a cloud version of some of its applications.
Microsoft Services approached Essar with a cost-effective solution in Windows Azure that allowed the company to obtain the benefits of both public and private cloud computing while also reducing the level of IT maintenance required to manage the applications on-premises. Because it is hosted in Microsoft datacenters, Windows Azure is able to provide developers with on-demand computing and storage, as well as the ability to scale and manage Web applications.
Essar expects that the delivery of its applications through Windows Azure will enable the company to increase profitability and reduce costs by as much as 65 percent. Because IT staff members are also no longer allocating time to infrastructure management, they can devote more time to mission-critical operations.
A leader in various business sectors, including steel, energy, power, communications, shipping ports, logistics and construction, and with operations in more than 25 countries across five continents and revenues at $17 billion, Essar remains competitive in an aggressive marketplace through a focused effort on superior customer service.With its enterprise customers in mind, the company sought to enhance its offerings with a cloud version of some of its applications.
Microsoft Services approached Essar with a cost-effective solution in Windows Azure that allowed the company to obtain the benefits of both public and private cloud computing while also reducing the level of IT maintenance required to manage the applications on-premises. Because it is hosted in Microsoft datacenters, Windows Azure is able to provide developers with on-demand computing and storage, as well as the ability to scale and manage Web applications.
Essar expects that the delivery of its applications through Windows Azure will enable the company to increase profitability and reduce costs by as much as 65 percent. Because IT staff members are also no longer allocating time to infrastructure management, they can devote more time to mission-critical operations.
Zenith Infotech launches TigerCloud powered by Intel Xeon processor
MUMBAI, INDIA: Zenith Infotech announced the launch of its new product TigerCloud which is primarily aimed at mid-size organisations. TigerCloud is a high performance private cloud product that combines server, storage and network virtualization technology and allows customers to build and have their own sophisticated private clouds at costs lower than public clouds. Based on Intel Xeon E3 processor family, TigerCloud is a three-in-one product, combining private cloud, business continuity and backup, as well as scale out iSCSI storage.
As per IDC, though cost continues to be an important variable constraining technology adoption, small and medium businesses (SMBs) are also exhibiting a perceptible desire for customized solutions and products that cater to their unique requirements. IT spending in SMB will reach record levels in 2012 and as such this market presents huge opportunities. The growing role of "social, mobile, and virtual" will drive major SMB investments in Cloud.
Zenith Infotech’s TigerCloud costs 70 percent less than similar converged infrastructure products from the major multinationals. Based on Intel Xeon E3 processor family, Intel DBS1200BTS board and Intel 320 series SSDs, TigerCloud is a high performance system and is built around Microsoft’s Hyper-V technology. Zenith Infotech has invested over Rs.200 crore on R&D for its private cloud products.
As per IDC, though cost continues to be an important variable constraining technology adoption, small and medium businesses (SMBs) are also exhibiting a perceptible desire for customized solutions and products that cater to their unique requirements. IT spending in SMB will reach record levels in 2012 and as such this market presents huge opportunities. The growing role of "social, mobile, and virtual" will drive major SMB investments in Cloud.
Zenith Infotech’s TigerCloud costs 70 percent less than similar converged infrastructure products from the major multinationals. Based on Intel Xeon E3 processor family, Intel DBS1200BTS board and Intel 320 series SSDs, TigerCloud is a high performance system and is built around Microsoft’s Hyper-V technology. Zenith Infotech has invested over Rs.200 crore on R&D for its private cloud products.
LG unveils BX503B and BX403B - high brightness semi shot-throw projectors
NEW DELHI, INDIA: LG Electronics have scaled to new heights with the launch of two high brightness projectors, BX503B and BX403B in India. These high resolution projectors provide short projection distance and uses DLP technology. Powered by DLP technology, these projectors are virtually immune to color decay and offer an extended lifespan lasting year after year.
The technology also boasts of a filter free design to eliminate the need for filter cleaning and filter replacement which not only reduces labor for support staff but also saves money for companies and schools.
“With the launch of these two models in India, LG’s focus would be expanding its portfolio. LG's customer-centric approach ensures industry-leading premium products with exceptional quality and the most relevant features and technology to make consumers' lives easier”, said Soon Kwon, president, South West Asia Region and MD, LG Electronics India Pvt Ltd.
“With super compact and ultra bright projectors, LG continues to develop and display products that lead the way in both design and capabilities.”
The projectors offer XGA native resolution of 1024x768 and a 2800:1 contrast ratio. While the BX503B projector packs 5000 ANSI lumens, BX403B offers 4000 ANSI lumens. The projectors have a 6 segment color wheel which results in vivid colors, a defined picture quality and easy detection of even subtle color differences. BX403B and BX503B comes with HDMI 1.3V deep color which eliminates on-screen color banding for smooth tonal transitions and enables increased color ratio.
The Brilliant Color technology infused with projectors breathes life into every picture and delivers incredible depth and color range. The VIDI technology enhances video performance, provides better contrast due to ‘dark pulse’ and has intelligent light control. Both the projectors are LAN enabled and have a lamp life of 2000 hrs (normal mode) and 2500 hrs (ECO mode). They also feature a quick power on/off so that the user can save the waiting time before and after usage.
These projectors light up the living rooms with their unbeatable picture quality and are ideal for home theatre enthusiasts. Both the projectors weigh 5.8 kg, and have a front exhaust and auto-altitude detection and are priced at Rs.1,65,000/-and Rs.1,10,000/-, respectively.
The technology also boasts of a filter free design to eliminate the need for filter cleaning and filter replacement which not only reduces labor for support staff but also saves money for companies and schools.
“With the launch of these two models in India, LG’s focus would be expanding its portfolio. LG's customer-centric approach ensures industry-leading premium products with exceptional quality and the most relevant features and technology to make consumers' lives easier”, said Soon Kwon, president, South West Asia Region and MD, LG Electronics India Pvt Ltd.
“With super compact and ultra bright projectors, LG continues to develop and display products that lead the way in both design and capabilities.”
The projectors offer XGA native resolution of 1024x768 and a 2800:1 contrast ratio. While the BX503B projector packs 5000 ANSI lumens, BX403B offers 4000 ANSI lumens. The projectors have a 6 segment color wheel which results in vivid colors, a defined picture quality and easy detection of even subtle color differences. BX403B and BX503B comes with HDMI 1.3V deep color which eliminates on-screen color banding for smooth tonal transitions and enables increased color ratio.
The Brilliant Color technology infused with projectors breathes life into every picture and delivers incredible depth and color range. The VIDI technology enhances video performance, provides better contrast due to ‘dark pulse’ and has intelligent light control. Both the projectors are LAN enabled and have a lamp life of 2000 hrs (normal mode) and 2500 hrs (ECO mode). They also feature a quick power on/off so that the user can save the waiting time before and after usage.
These projectors light up the living rooms with their unbeatable picture quality and are ideal for home theatre enthusiasts. Both the projectors weigh 5.8 kg, and have a front exhaust and auto-altitude detection and are priced at Rs.1,65,000/-and Rs.1,10,000/-, respectively.
More than one in five US households have TV connected to Internet
SCOTTSDALE, USA: At least 21 percent of US households (approximately 27 million) have either an Internet-ready TV, game console, standalone Blu-ray player, and/or smart set-top box connected to their home network. Of these four device categories, the game console is the most used device, reaching over 80 percent of these connected TV households, followed by Internet TVs (27 percent), standalone Blu-ray players (24 percent), and smart set-top boxes (13 percent).
“Game consoles got an early lead in the connectivity space when Microsoft’s Xbox 360 launched in late 2005. Multiplayer gaming, along with the attention devoted to features outside of gaming from all three key console manufacturers, Microsoft and Sony in particular, have helped catapult the game console to the top of the connected CE space,” says senior analyst, Michael Inouye.
In total, nearly half of US households have at least one current generation game console, while almost 16 percent has an Internet-ready TV, a base similar for standalone Blu-ray players (smart set-top boxes comes in at under 5 percent).
Considering the aforementioned connect rates, it is clear that a relatively large number of consumers have not connected some of these devices to the network, most notably Internet-ready TVs. Looking out to 2017, the penetration rates are expected to exceed 60 percent for game consoles, TVs, and Blu-ray players, and while not all of these devices will be connected, there is certainly room for growth, as only 48.5 percent of consumers with a home network currently have one of these devices connected to the Internet.
Inouye adds: “As CE manufacturers increase the value proposition by adding new services and features to these connected devices, the connect rate will certainly climb. This in turn will lead to an increased amount of time spent on these devices, but currently ABI Research does not anticipate a significant shift away from traditional pay-TV services, although it is possible these devices will contribute to limiting pay-TV’s growth potential.”
“Game consoles got an early lead in the connectivity space when Microsoft’s Xbox 360 launched in late 2005. Multiplayer gaming, along with the attention devoted to features outside of gaming from all three key console manufacturers, Microsoft and Sony in particular, have helped catapult the game console to the top of the connected CE space,” says senior analyst, Michael Inouye.
In total, nearly half of US households have at least one current generation game console, while almost 16 percent has an Internet-ready TV, a base similar for standalone Blu-ray players (smart set-top boxes comes in at under 5 percent).
Considering the aforementioned connect rates, it is clear that a relatively large number of consumers have not connected some of these devices to the network, most notably Internet-ready TVs. Looking out to 2017, the penetration rates are expected to exceed 60 percent for game consoles, TVs, and Blu-ray players, and while not all of these devices will be connected, there is certainly room for growth, as only 48.5 percent of consumers with a home network currently have one of these devices connected to the Internet.
Inouye adds: “As CE manufacturers increase the value proposition by adding new services and features to these connected devices, the connect rate will certainly climb. This in turn will lead to an increased amount of time spent on these devices, but currently ABI Research does not anticipate a significant shift away from traditional pay-TV services, although it is possible these devices will contribute to limiting pay-TV’s growth potential.”
Friday, April 27, 2012
US Department of Defense counterfeit regulations impact global suppliers
EL SEGUNDO, USA:Stringent new counterfeit-part regulations contained in the 2012 US National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) may have broad international implications, impacting hundreds of overseas companies that have supplied billions of dollars’ worth of items to the American government.
Non-US-based suppliers accounted for more than $2 billion during the five-year period from 2007 to 2011, with European Union (EU) and Middle Eastern companies accounting for the bulk of the American government’s procurement spend, according to the IHS Haystack Gold service.
“There’s a perception that U.S. regulations such as 2012 NDAA, Section. 818. Detection and Avoidance of Counterfeit Electronic Parts,is only an issue for American companies, and that they don’t impact firms in Europe, the Mideast and elsewhere,” said Greg Jaknunas, senior product manager, supply chain solutions, at IHS. “However, the impact is beginning to be felt worldwide, as many international companies and global manufacturing facilities can directly participate in the defense supply chain and begin to see customer requests for counterfeit detection and avoidance measures that are flowed down through the supply chain.”
Even though the regulations in 2012 NDAA are from the United States, they will become an international issue as defense contractors place requirements on their suppliers, who then place similar demands on their suppliers, and so on, Jaknunas added
“The 2012 NDAA requirements will get pulled through the global supply chain,” Jaknunas observed. “Owing to the complex nature of the supply chain, it will become an international concern. In a way, this is similar to the EU’s restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) environmental directive, which called for the elimination of six hazardous materials in electronic components and systems, most notably lead. While RoHS requirements appeared to be European in nature, they had a ripple effect worldwide as suppliers all over the world changed their products in order to continue to do business in the key EU markets.”
IHS estimates that the 362 non-US companies worldwide that are supplying the US government could be directly impacted by the NDAA counterfeit regulations, with many more that could be indirectly affected.
The very real problem of counterfeits
Reports of counterfeit parts have soared dramatically in the last two years, presenting huge challenges for electronics manufacturing and especially the military and aerospace industry. Supply chain participants in 2011 reported 1,363 separate verified counterfeit-part incidents worldwide, a fourfold increase from 324 in 2009, according to IHS.
The bulk of these incidents were for commercial electronic components that have wide use across every major technology end market.
Counterfeit parts often are often cheap substitutes or salvaged waste components that fail to meet strict military and aerospace specifications, leading to potential failures.
To help combat the problem, President Obama on December 31, 2011 signed the fiscal year 2012 NDAA, which adds regulations for counterfeit part detection and avoidance. Members at all tiers of the defense supply chain must put counterfeit risk mitigation procedures in place, and certain steps must be completed within 270 days of the president’s signature.
Regional impact
Companies based in the European Union represent the largest group of foreign suppliers to the US government.
During the five-year period from 2007 through 2011, the region accounted for $1 billion in sales, or 51 percent of the total. The area, by a large margin, also had the most number of companies—283 firms.
Next was the Middle East with $951.2 million, representing 47 percent of the global total during the past five years. This revenue was generated by just 32 companies. The region, particularly Israel, is involved in extensive defense spending, and provides technology in this area to the United States. A major purchaser and user of U.S. military equipment, Israel is also involved in the joint development of military technology and regularly engages in joint military exercises involving United States.
Other regions trailed far behind, including Asia-Pacific, with the region’s 38 companies accounting for just 2 percent of global revenue.
Managing NDAA
To manage the wrenching changes wrought by the NDAA regulations, companies throughout the world must have tools that allow them to identify components at risk of counterfeits.
IHS provides content, software and expert analysis about worldwide electronics for component selection, sourcing, and logistics, as well as integrated obsolescence management, bill-of-materials management, environmental compliance and counterfeit risk mitigation.
IHS Haystack provides critical, integrated and interpretable logistics information to the government and contractors so that processes can be automated, labor and research costs saved, and new levels of efficiency as well as return on investment realized.
IHS Haystack allows users to locate a part number, determine its manufacturer, research past award histories, conduct competitive analyses, identify alternative sources, and find parts and manufacturers qualified against military specifications. Companies can use IHS Haystack’s Qualified Products Dataset to locate the most current information on certified government manufacturer and supplier sources of qualified products, in order to stay within a trusted supply chain of authorized suppliers.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
Non-US-based suppliers accounted for more than $2 billion during the five-year period from 2007 to 2011, with European Union (EU) and Middle Eastern companies accounting for the bulk of the American government’s procurement spend, according to the IHS Haystack Gold service.
“There’s a perception that U.S. regulations such as 2012 NDAA, Section. 818. Detection and Avoidance of Counterfeit Electronic Parts,is only an issue for American companies, and that they don’t impact firms in Europe, the Mideast and elsewhere,” said Greg Jaknunas, senior product manager, supply chain solutions, at IHS. “However, the impact is beginning to be felt worldwide, as many international companies and global manufacturing facilities can directly participate in the defense supply chain and begin to see customer requests for counterfeit detection and avoidance measures that are flowed down through the supply chain.”
Even though the regulations in 2012 NDAA are from the United States, they will become an international issue as defense contractors place requirements on their suppliers, who then place similar demands on their suppliers, and so on, Jaknunas added
“The 2012 NDAA requirements will get pulled through the global supply chain,” Jaknunas observed. “Owing to the complex nature of the supply chain, it will become an international concern. In a way, this is similar to the EU’s restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS) environmental directive, which called for the elimination of six hazardous materials in electronic components and systems, most notably lead. While RoHS requirements appeared to be European in nature, they had a ripple effect worldwide as suppliers all over the world changed their products in order to continue to do business in the key EU markets.”
IHS estimates that the 362 non-US companies worldwide that are supplying the US government could be directly impacted by the NDAA counterfeit regulations, with many more that could be indirectly affected.
The very real problem of counterfeits
Reports of counterfeit parts have soared dramatically in the last two years, presenting huge challenges for electronics manufacturing and especially the military and aerospace industry. Supply chain participants in 2011 reported 1,363 separate verified counterfeit-part incidents worldwide, a fourfold increase from 324 in 2009, according to IHS.
The bulk of these incidents were for commercial electronic components that have wide use across every major technology end market.
Counterfeit parts often are often cheap substitutes or salvaged waste components that fail to meet strict military and aerospace specifications, leading to potential failures.
To help combat the problem, President Obama on December 31, 2011 signed the fiscal year 2012 NDAA, which adds regulations for counterfeit part detection and avoidance. Members at all tiers of the defense supply chain must put counterfeit risk mitigation procedures in place, and certain steps must be completed within 270 days of the president’s signature.
Regional impact
Companies based in the European Union represent the largest group of foreign suppliers to the US government.
During the five-year period from 2007 through 2011, the region accounted for $1 billion in sales, or 51 percent of the total. The area, by a large margin, also had the most number of companies—283 firms.
Next was the Middle East with $951.2 million, representing 47 percent of the global total during the past five years. This revenue was generated by just 32 companies. The region, particularly Israel, is involved in extensive defense spending, and provides technology in this area to the United States. A major purchaser and user of U.S. military equipment, Israel is also involved in the joint development of military technology and regularly engages in joint military exercises involving United States.
Other regions trailed far behind, including Asia-Pacific, with the region’s 38 companies accounting for just 2 percent of global revenue.
Managing NDAA
To manage the wrenching changes wrought by the NDAA regulations, companies throughout the world must have tools that allow them to identify components at risk of counterfeits.
IHS provides content, software and expert analysis about worldwide electronics for component selection, sourcing, and logistics, as well as integrated obsolescence management, bill-of-materials management, environmental compliance and counterfeit risk mitigation.
IHS Haystack provides critical, integrated and interpretable logistics information to the government and contractors so that processes can be automated, labor and research costs saved, and new levels of efficiency as well as return on investment realized.
IHS Haystack allows users to locate a part number, determine its manufacturer, research past award histories, conduct competitive analyses, identify alternative sources, and find parts and manufacturers qualified against military specifications. Companies can use IHS Haystack’s Qualified Products Dataset to locate the most current information on certified government manufacturer and supplier sources of qualified products, in order to stay within a trusted supply chain of authorized suppliers.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
Hitachi Unified Storage embraced by partner ecosystem
BANGALORE, INDIA: Hitachi Data Systems Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd, announced broad global partner support for the company’s new Hitachi Unified Storage family.
The ecosystem includes support from strategic technology partners and the Hitachi TrueNorth Partner community, and complements Hitachi Data Systems solutions and services organizations to help customers successfully and efficiently manage their critical business applications and meet their growth requirements.
The new Hitachi Unified Storage, with a single management framework, redefines unified storage by storing multiple data types with more flexibility and balanced scalability than any other midrange solution, and without compromising performance, scalability or cost efficiency.
Several strategic partners, including technology partners Brocade, Cisco, Intel, Microsoft Corp. and VMware, and Hitachi TrueNorth Partners including ASG, Datalink, HighVail Systems, Intel Corporation, Lumenate and ViON, have provided their perspectives on the new Hitachi Unified Storage.
Built on a heritage of market-leading innovation, Hitachi Unified Storage provides organizations with a reliable, dynamic and open architecture that lets them meet their service level objectives more efficiently, save costs and protect their long-term investments. HUS is supported by a proven services organization and a network of partners to help reduce operational and capital costs:
HUS integrates with industry-leading strategic alliance partner technologies to deliver to customers the highest performing, most scalable solutions that address data growth and help customers reduce CAPEX and OPEX while meeting rigorous SLA requirements.
HUS enables Hitachi TrueNorth Partners to help their customers do more with their data than ever before. The offering aligns with the Hitachi TrueNorth Partner Program which is committed to enabling partners to build a sustainable, agile and profitable Hitachi Data Systems business supported by industry proven technology.
The ecosystem includes support from strategic technology partners and the Hitachi TrueNorth Partner community, and complements Hitachi Data Systems solutions and services organizations to help customers successfully and efficiently manage their critical business applications and meet their growth requirements.
The new Hitachi Unified Storage, with a single management framework, redefines unified storage by storing multiple data types with more flexibility and balanced scalability than any other midrange solution, and without compromising performance, scalability or cost efficiency.
Several strategic partners, including technology partners Brocade, Cisco, Intel, Microsoft Corp. and VMware, and Hitachi TrueNorth Partners including ASG, Datalink, HighVail Systems, Intel Corporation, Lumenate and ViON, have provided their perspectives on the new Hitachi Unified Storage.
Built on a heritage of market-leading innovation, Hitachi Unified Storage provides organizations with a reliable, dynamic and open architecture that lets them meet their service level objectives more efficiently, save costs and protect their long-term investments. HUS is supported by a proven services organization and a network of partners to help reduce operational and capital costs:
HUS integrates with industry-leading strategic alliance partner technologies to deliver to customers the highest performing, most scalable solutions that address data growth and help customers reduce CAPEX and OPEX while meeting rigorous SLA requirements.
HUS enables Hitachi TrueNorth Partners to help their customers do more with their data than ever before. The offering aligns with the Hitachi TrueNorth Partner Program which is committed to enabling partners to build a sustainable, agile and profitable Hitachi Data Systems business supported by industry proven technology.
Point Grey launches HD 6.0 MP FireWire camera with industry leading CCD sensitivity
RICHMOND, CANADA: Point Grey, a world-leading designer and manufacturer of digital cameras for industrial, scientific, and traffic applications, announced the addition of new 6.0 megapixel models to its Grasshopper Express IEEE 1394b (FireWire-b) digital cameras series. Building on Point Grey's experience with Sony EXview HAD CCD II technology, the new Grasshopper Express GX-FW-60S6 uses the Sony ICX694 to deliver high resolution and extreme sensitivity in a compact and low-cost package.
Following the successful release of the ICX674 used in the GX-FW-28S5, the ICX694 applies EXview HAD technology to higher resolution, multi-tap image sensors. Compared to other CCD devices, EXview is known for higher quantum efficiency, reduced smear, and increased near infrared sensitivity. The ICX694 is a full 1" CCD that features 4.54 micron square pixels and is capable of sending 2736 x 2192 images at 11 FPS.
Every Grasshopper Express camera is equipped with a tripod mounting bracket, on-board temperature and power sensors to monitor camera status, and Point Grey's rich feature set. Also included with every camera is the FlyCapture SDK software library, which provides a common control interface for all Point Grey cameras under both Windows and Linux. The Grasshopper Express camera utilizes the FireWire-b interface. The 800 Mbit/s of bandwidth delivers low latency, deterministic image transfer without CPU loading. Industry-leading pricing and best-in-class image quality make the new GX ideal for applications in machine vision, bioscience, traffic and GIS applications.
"Applications imaging fast moving objects will benefit from improved sensitivity, shorter exposure values to eliminate motion blur, and post capture gain," says Michael Gibbons, director of Sales and Marketing. "With its high infrared response, this new Grasshopper Express allows customers to detect features and defects at higher wavelengths."
The Grasshopper Express GX-FW-60S6M-C (monochrome) and GX-FW-60S6C-C (color) models are list priced at $3,995 and are available to order now from Point Grey and its network of distributors.
Following the successful release of the ICX674 used in the GX-FW-28S5, the ICX694 applies EXview HAD technology to higher resolution, multi-tap image sensors. Compared to other CCD devices, EXview is known for higher quantum efficiency, reduced smear, and increased near infrared sensitivity. The ICX694 is a full 1" CCD that features 4.54 micron square pixels and is capable of sending 2736 x 2192 images at 11 FPS.
Every Grasshopper Express camera is equipped with a tripod mounting bracket, on-board temperature and power sensors to monitor camera status, and Point Grey's rich feature set. Also included with every camera is the FlyCapture SDK software library, which provides a common control interface for all Point Grey cameras under both Windows and Linux. The Grasshopper Express camera utilizes the FireWire-b interface. The 800 Mbit/s of bandwidth delivers low latency, deterministic image transfer without CPU loading. Industry-leading pricing and best-in-class image quality make the new GX ideal for applications in machine vision, bioscience, traffic and GIS applications.
"Applications imaging fast moving objects will benefit from improved sensitivity, shorter exposure values to eliminate motion blur, and post capture gain," says Michael Gibbons, director of Sales and Marketing. "With its high infrared response, this new Grasshopper Express allows customers to detect features and defects at higher wavelengths."
The Grasshopper Express GX-FW-60S6M-C (monochrome) and GX-FW-60S6C-C (color) models are list priced at $3,995 and are available to order now from Point Grey and its network of distributors.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
China will overtake US in connected TV sales in 2014
BOSTON, USA: The global connected flat-panel TV (FPTV) market will increase to 91 million units in 2012, according to the Strategy Analytics Connected Home Devices service report, “Global Flat-panel TV and Connected TV Forecast 2012.”
By the end of 2011, nearly 100 million households worldwide owned at least one Connected FPTV, 6 percent of global household penetration. Strategy Analytics projects that the number of global connected FPTV households will reach 502 million by 2016.
Content providers and Pay TV operators will increasingly leverage the growing presence of connected TVs to reach consumers, driving the growth of connected TVs. Nearly 40 percent of all FPTVs sold in 2012 are projected to be internet-enabled; and this figure will rise to 80 percent in 2016. The United States will remain the largest market for connected TVs in 2012, with sales projected to reach 18 million units.
However, China will soon seize the top spot of the connected TV market, as it is expected to exceed US connected TV sales in 2014. The Asia Pacific region, driven by China and India, will account for 42 percent of all connected TV sales in 2016.
Jia Wu, director, Connected Home Devices (CHD) at Strategy Analytics, commented: “Consumers are starting to enjoy services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer on their internet-enabled televisions. The increasing availability of a broad range of other services, like Skype and YouTube, will make the proposition of connected TVs more compelling.”
Kantideep Thota, CHD Analyst, added, “Despite rapid connected TV growth in China, its household penetration of connected TVs will remain low, with less than one-third of Chinese households owning a connected TV by the end of 2016.”
By the end of 2011, nearly 100 million households worldwide owned at least one Connected FPTV, 6 percent of global household penetration. Strategy Analytics projects that the number of global connected FPTV households will reach 502 million by 2016.
Content providers and Pay TV operators will increasingly leverage the growing presence of connected TVs to reach consumers, driving the growth of connected TVs. Nearly 40 percent of all FPTVs sold in 2012 are projected to be internet-enabled; and this figure will rise to 80 percent in 2016. The United States will remain the largest market for connected TVs in 2012, with sales projected to reach 18 million units.
However, China will soon seize the top spot of the connected TV market, as it is expected to exceed US connected TV sales in 2014. The Asia Pacific region, driven by China and India, will account for 42 percent of all connected TV sales in 2016.
Jia Wu, director, Connected Home Devices (CHD) at Strategy Analytics, commented: “Consumers are starting to enjoy services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer on their internet-enabled televisions. The increasing availability of a broad range of other services, like Skype and YouTube, will make the proposition of connected TVs more compelling.”
Kantideep Thota, CHD Analyst, added, “Despite rapid connected TV growth in China, its household penetration of connected TVs will remain low, with less than one-third of Chinese households owning a connected TV by the end of 2016.”
Microsoft security intelligence report warns of ongoing conficker threat and clarifies reality of targeted attacks
REDMOND, USA: Microsoft Corp. released the Microsoft Security Intelligence Report volume 12 (SIRv12), which found that the Conficker worm was detected approximately 220 million times worldwide in the past two and a half years, making it one of the biggest ongoing threats to enterprises. The study also revealed the worm continues to spread because of weak or stolen passwords and vulnerabilities for which a security update exists.
According to the SIRv12, quarterly detections of the Conficker worm have increased by more than 225 percent since the beginning of 2009. In the fourth quarter of 2011 alone, Conficker was detected on 1.7 million systems worldwide. In examining the reasons behind Conficker’s prevalence in organizations, research showed that 92 percent of Conficker infections were a result of weak or stolen passwords, and 8 percent of infections exploited vulnerabilities for which a security update exists.
“Conficker is one of the biggest security problems we face, yet it is well within our power to defend against,” said Tim Rains, director of Microsoft Trustworthy Computing. “It is critically important that organizations focus on the security fundamentals to help protect against the most common threats.”
The SIRv12 also revealed that many of the threats often referred to as Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are no more advanced or sophisticated than other types of attacks. In most cases, these attacks leverage known vectors such as exploiting weak or stolen passwords and vulnerabilities for which security updates exist, but their success lies in the persistence and determination in trying different tactics to compromise the target. This is why Microsoft refers to these types of threats as Targeted Attacks performed by Determined Adversaries, rather than APTs.
Microsoft recommends that customers and businesses adhere to the following security fundamentals to help ensure they are protected:
* Use strong passwords and educate employees on their importance.
* Keep systems up to date by regularly applying available updates for all products.
* Use antivirus software from a trusted source.
* Invest in newer products with a higher quality of software protection.
* Consider the cloud as a business resource.
According to the SIRv12, quarterly detections of the Conficker worm have increased by more than 225 percent since the beginning of 2009. In the fourth quarter of 2011 alone, Conficker was detected on 1.7 million systems worldwide. In examining the reasons behind Conficker’s prevalence in organizations, research showed that 92 percent of Conficker infections were a result of weak or stolen passwords, and 8 percent of infections exploited vulnerabilities for which a security update exists.
“Conficker is one of the biggest security problems we face, yet it is well within our power to defend against,” said Tim Rains, director of Microsoft Trustworthy Computing. “It is critically important that organizations focus on the security fundamentals to help protect against the most common threats.”
The SIRv12 also revealed that many of the threats often referred to as Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are no more advanced or sophisticated than other types of attacks. In most cases, these attacks leverage known vectors such as exploiting weak or stolen passwords and vulnerabilities for which security updates exist, but their success lies in the persistence and determination in trying different tactics to compromise the target. This is why Microsoft refers to these types of threats as Targeted Attacks performed by Determined Adversaries, rather than APTs.
Microsoft recommends that customers and businesses adhere to the following security fundamentals to help ensure they are protected:
* Use strong passwords and educate employees on their importance.
* Keep systems up to date by regularly applying available updates for all products.
* Use antivirus software from a trusted source.
* Invest in newer products with a higher quality of software protection.
* Consider the cloud as a business resource.
New Norton Secured seal is most recognized trust mark on the Internet
USA: Symantec Corp. announced that it is combining the power of the VeriSign checkmark with the industry-leading Norton brand, to create the most recognized trust mark on the Internet – the Norton Secured Seal. It will be displayed more than half a billion times per day in 170 countries on websites and in search results on enabled browsers. The Norton Secured Seal provides consumers and businesses with the assurance that the website is highly-trusted and secure.
Together with the combined brand equity strengths, Symantec and Norton have created the most trusted global brand for protecting information and identities online. Since the acquisition of the VeriSign Authentication Services business, Symantec has expanded its authentication business, integrating rigorous website security and anti-malware technologies, to develop market-leading solutions. The company builds on its leadership, as the world's largest and most trusted provider of Security Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates, into offering comprehensive website security solutions.
Business customers will value the Norton Secured Seal, for its proven ability to enable a secure online experience while increasing visibility and transactions. The seal can attract new visitors and potential customers that are crucial to a website’s success. This may result in increased traffic, more click throughs and higher rankings in search results. A U.S. online consumer study1 found that recognition of the Norton Secured seal is high.
* 94 percent of consumers are likely to continue an online purchase when they view the Norton Secured Seal during the checkout process, more than other seals or when no seal was displayed.
* 77 percent of consumers recognized the Norton Secured Seal, more than competitors' trust seals.
* 65 percent of consumers agree that a website displaying the Norton Secured Seal is “safe to browse and won’t give me a virus,” more than any other online trust mark.
* 90 percent of respondents indicated they would not continue a transaction if they saw a browser warning page indicating the absence of a secure connection.
Protecting consumers’ information and preserving their trust is central to Symantec’s business. And the Norton Secured Seal provides further assurance to businesses that their customers’ online information and transactions are protected at all stages of their engagement online.
Norton helps consumers stay safe online
* Symantec’s consumer products are used by more than 150 million people worldwide and Norton products ship on more than 60 percent of Windows-based consumer PCs.
* The Norton Secured Seal is already familiar to consumers who use Norton Safe Web, a site ratings service that makes it easy for consumers to differentiate between a safe and risky site. In addition, Norton Safe Search leverages Safe Web technology to provide users visual site ratings within search results before they visit a site.
* For consumers, seeing the Norton Secured Seal lets them know it is safe to communicate, transact and exchange information on that site.
Together with the combined brand equity strengths, Symantec and Norton have created the most trusted global brand for protecting information and identities online. Since the acquisition of the VeriSign Authentication Services business, Symantec has expanded its authentication business, integrating rigorous website security and anti-malware technologies, to develop market-leading solutions. The company builds on its leadership, as the world's largest and most trusted provider of Security Sockets Layer (SSL) certificates, into offering comprehensive website security solutions.
Business customers will value the Norton Secured Seal, for its proven ability to enable a secure online experience while increasing visibility and transactions. The seal can attract new visitors and potential customers that are crucial to a website’s success. This may result in increased traffic, more click throughs and higher rankings in search results. A U.S. online consumer study1 found that recognition of the Norton Secured seal is high.
* 94 percent of consumers are likely to continue an online purchase when they view the Norton Secured Seal during the checkout process, more than other seals or when no seal was displayed.
* 77 percent of consumers recognized the Norton Secured Seal, more than competitors' trust seals.
* 65 percent of consumers agree that a website displaying the Norton Secured Seal is “safe to browse and won’t give me a virus,” more than any other online trust mark.
* 90 percent of respondents indicated they would not continue a transaction if they saw a browser warning page indicating the absence of a secure connection.
Protecting consumers’ information and preserving their trust is central to Symantec’s business. And the Norton Secured Seal provides further assurance to businesses that their customers’ online information and transactions are protected at all stages of their engagement online.
Norton helps consumers stay safe online
* Symantec’s consumer products are used by more than 150 million people worldwide and Norton products ship on more than 60 percent of Windows-based consumer PCs.
* The Norton Secured Seal is already familiar to consumers who use Norton Safe Web, a site ratings service that makes it easy for consumers to differentiate between a safe and risky site. In addition, Norton Safe Search leverages Safe Web technology to provide users visual site ratings within search results before they visit a site.
* For consumers, seeing the Norton Secured Seal lets them know it is safe to communicate, transact and exchange information on that site.
IBM addresses big data with best in class search, and partners with Cloudera
Mike Davis, Ovum Senior Analyst
AUSTRALIA: IBM has announced that it is to acquire next generation search vendor Vivisimo, and is expanding its big data platform to run on other distributions of Hadoop, beginning with Cloudera.
Mike Davis, Ovum senior analyst, said: “If people didn’t think big data was in the mainstream of information management before – it is now.
“As predicted in our 2012 Trends to Watch research, vendors are now clearly seeing the benefits of investing in tools to help organisations navigate big data. Since its inception, we’ve highly rated the search technology from privately held Vivisimo. Cloudera is respected for providing not only a distribution of the Open Source Hadoop platform for Big Data, but also for delivering the support, professional services and training that enterprises require before they will deploy open source software.
“Vivisiomo’s Velocity search compliments IBM’s analytic tools for discovering the information ‘nuggets’ that are often obscured by the rapidly increasing volumes of corporate and associated social media data.”
AUSTRALIA: IBM has announced that it is to acquire next generation search vendor Vivisimo, and is expanding its big data platform to run on other distributions of Hadoop, beginning with Cloudera.
Mike Davis, Ovum senior analyst, said: “If people didn’t think big data was in the mainstream of information management before – it is now.
“As predicted in our 2012 Trends to Watch research, vendors are now clearly seeing the benefits of investing in tools to help organisations navigate big data. Since its inception, we’ve highly rated the search technology from privately held Vivisimo. Cloudera is respected for providing not only a distribution of the Open Source Hadoop platform for Big Data, but also for delivering the support, professional services and training that enterprises require before they will deploy open source software.
“Vivisiomo’s Velocity search compliments IBM’s analytic tools for discovering the information ‘nuggets’ that are often obscured by the rapidly increasing volumes of corporate and associated social media data.”
Norton and Facebook to make the web safer
MOUNTAIN VIEW, USA: Norton by Symantec and Facebook announced a partnership to help protect Facebook users and make the web a safer place to connect with friends and family.
As a member of the Facebook AV Marketplace, Norton will provide Facebook users with a six-month trial to the award-winning Norton AntiVirus 2012. Norton will also work with Facebook to detect and alert users to potentially malicious URLs on the site, helping to provide a safer experience for members.
"As the world's largest online community, Facebook is committed to ensuring security for our members," said Joe Sullivan, chief security officer, Facebook. "Norton has long been a trusted brand in security and through our partnership, we will help ensure our members are protected from threats on Facebook and any other site they visit."
Facebook and Symantec have also released a joint whitepaper, "Scams & Spam to Avoid on Facebook," illustrating the most prevalent security issues and threats targeting Facebook today and how users can protect themselves. The whitepaper can be accessed at the Facebook Security Blog.
Facebook members who are PC users can obtain their six-month trial subscription to Norton AntiVirus 2012 by visiting the Facebook AV Marketplace, which features a variety of consumer security offerings to protect against online threats. Mac users can obtain a six-month trial subscription to Norton AntiVirus 12 for Mac. At launch these partnership offerings will be available in English.
"Norton and Facebook share a common goal of protecting consumers online," said Marian Merritt, Norton Internet Safety Advocate. "This partnership brings the industry's best security to the Facebook community and is one more step in Norton's effort to protect consumers and the stuff that matters to them, whatever device or platform they choose."
As a member of the Facebook AV Marketplace, Norton will provide Facebook users with a six-month trial to the award-winning Norton AntiVirus 2012. Norton will also work with Facebook to detect and alert users to potentially malicious URLs on the site, helping to provide a safer experience for members.
"As the world's largest online community, Facebook is committed to ensuring security for our members," said Joe Sullivan, chief security officer, Facebook. "Norton has long been a trusted brand in security and through our partnership, we will help ensure our members are protected from threats on Facebook and any other site they visit."
Facebook and Symantec have also released a joint whitepaper, "Scams & Spam to Avoid on Facebook," illustrating the most prevalent security issues and threats targeting Facebook today and how users can protect themselves. The whitepaper can be accessed at the Facebook Security Blog.
Facebook members who are PC users can obtain their six-month trial subscription to Norton AntiVirus 2012 by visiting the Facebook AV Marketplace, which features a variety of consumer security offerings to protect against online threats. Mac users can obtain a six-month trial subscription to Norton AntiVirus 12 for Mac. At launch these partnership offerings will be available in English.
"Norton and Facebook share a common goal of protecting consumers online," said Marian Merritt, Norton Internet Safety Advocate. "This partnership brings the industry's best security to the Facebook community and is one more step in Norton's effort to protect consumers and the stuff that matters to them, whatever device or platform they choose."
CTS awarded four new automotive production programs in Asia
ELKHART, USA: CTS Corp. announced that its Automotive Products group has been awarded three new production programs to supply pedal modules for major Japanese and Chinese vehicle manufacturers.
CTS Automotive has also been awarded a new production program to supply exhaust gas recirculation sensors for a leading EGR valve supplier serving the Chinese and Korean markets. These new business wins further demonstrate CTS’ continuing success in the rapidly growing Asian markets.
Total revenues from these awards are expected to exceed $17 million over the five-year life of these programs. The pedal module programs have expected revenues of approximately $10 million with first deliveries in 2013 and will be manufactured in CTS’ Zhongshan, China facility. The EGR program has expected revenue of approximately $7 million and will be manufactured in CTS’ Elkhart, Indiana facility starting this year.
CTS Automotive has also been awarded a new production program to supply exhaust gas recirculation sensors for a leading EGR valve supplier serving the Chinese and Korean markets. These new business wins further demonstrate CTS’ continuing success in the rapidly growing Asian markets.
Total revenues from these awards are expected to exceed $17 million over the five-year life of these programs. The pedal module programs have expected revenues of approximately $10 million with first deliveries in 2013 and will be manufactured in CTS’ Zhongshan, China facility. The EGR program has expected revenue of approximately $7 million and will be manufactured in CTS’ Elkhart, Indiana facility starting this year.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Samsung intros world’s thinnest optical disc drive for ultrabooks and tablets
SAN JOSE, USA: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd announced its new slim external DVD writer, the SE-218BB optical disc drive (ODD) that sets the industry standard for ultra portable drives.
Built to accompany a new generation of ultrabook and slim laptop designs, the SE-218BB features a compact size that is 18% thinner than conventional DVD writers and is the world’s thinnest external optical disc drive with a 14mm height. The drive is 8 percent lighter than Samsung’s conventional DVD writer and built to accommodate today’s mobile lifestyle.
“With its ultra small footprint, consumers will appreciate the SE-218BB sleek drive as an ideal companion for ultrabook users that quickly connects and is USB powered to access content wherever they are,” said Maverick Choi, ODD senior manager, Samsung Semiconductor Inc. “Through its AV connectivity mode, the drive is also ideal for Tablet PC users that want to view or hear content from a disc.”
Using Smart Power technology, SE-218BB connects through its single USB port to power the drive and provide AV connectivity to PCs and notebook computers. For Tablet PCs with a built-in USB port and supporting Android Honeycomb OS 3.1 or above, the SE-218BB allows users on-the-go to watch DVD content on their tablets.
The SE-218BB DVD writer is engineered to be compatible with all major operating systems, including Win7 and Mac OS. Featuring Buffer Under Run technology, the drive works to prevent errors that result from writing speeds that can exceed data transfer speeds, while also enabling PC multi-tasking.
The SE-218BB DVD writer is an eco-friendly product, manufactured with lead-free soldering technology that eliminates harmful materials such as Pb, cd, cr+6, Hg, PBBs and PBDE.
The external DVD drive is capable of reading and writing files at a variety of speeds across different data media types including: 24X CD-ROM, 24X CD-RW, 8X DVD±R recording, 5X DVD-RAM recording, 6X DVD+R Dual Layer recording, 6X DVD-R Dual Layer recording, 8X DVD+RW recording and 6X DVD-RW recording.
The SE-218BB is available now worldwide at online retail outlets with a MSRP of $59.99.
Built to accompany a new generation of ultrabook and slim laptop designs, the SE-218BB features a compact size that is 18% thinner than conventional DVD writers and is the world’s thinnest external optical disc drive with a 14mm height. The drive is 8 percent lighter than Samsung’s conventional DVD writer and built to accommodate today’s mobile lifestyle.
“With its ultra small footprint, consumers will appreciate the SE-218BB sleek drive as an ideal companion for ultrabook users that quickly connects and is USB powered to access content wherever they are,” said Maverick Choi, ODD senior manager, Samsung Semiconductor Inc. “Through its AV connectivity mode, the drive is also ideal for Tablet PC users that want to view or hear content from a disc.”
Using Smart Power technology, SE-218BB connects through its single USB port to power the drive and provide AV connectivity to PCs and notebook computers. For Tablet PCs with a built-in USB port and supporting Android Honeycomb OS 3.1 or above, the SE-218BB allows users on-the-go to watch DVD content on their tablets.
The SE-218BB DVD writer is engineered to be compatible with all major operating systems, including Win7 and Mac OS. Featuring Buffer Under Run technology, the drive works to prevent errors that result from writing speeds that can exceed data transfer speeds, while also enabling PC multi-tasking.
The SE-218BB DVD writer is an eco-friendly product, manufactured with lead-free soldering technology that eliminates harmful materials such as Pb, cd, cr+6, Hg, PBBs and PBDE.
The external DVD drive is capable of reading and writing files at a variety of speeds across different data media types including: 24X CD-ROM, 24X CD-RW, 8X DVD±R recording, 5X DVD-RAM recording, 6X DVD+R Dual Layer recording, 6X DVD-R Dual Layer recording, 8X DVD+RW recording and 6X DVD-RW recording.
The SE-218BB is available now worldwide at online retail outlets with a MSRP of $59.99.
Google recognises strategic potential of shared cloud drives
UK: Much of the coverage surrounding Google Drive, thus far, has been focussed on features and how it compares to other services. Ovum, however, believes there are bigger questions to be asked – ‘What is driving this new launch?’ Mark Little, principal analyst at Ovum considers Google’s motives:
“With Google Drive, Google has recognised the potential of shared cloud storage as a consumer hub or open platform that can be central to developing third party apps such as video editing, sending faxes, and creating websites, with potential for a far greater range of applications from its busy community of third party developers.
“For Google the platform potential of Google Drive is of strategic importance, leveraging its developer strengths and competitive pricing (50 percent cheaper than Apple’s iCloud in some cases) to drive penetration of its cloud offering via both consumer and enterprise channels. This is a major challenge to Apple’s iCloud and others whose propositions are selling cloud storage as a useful ancillary to using their applications. The Google Drive proposition is the other way around, offering cloud storage as a core service from which users can access an ecosystem of highly useful applications.
“Sharing is the other key element that will create beneficial network effects for Google Drive and as usual cause an IP headache for content owners: books can be scanned and shared and even edited using the Optical Character Recognition software, and it will be interesting to see how shared storage impacts legal movie services. This is a strong strategic move on Google’s behalf but I expect it to be ‘working’ on the iOS version for some time yet.”
“With Google Drive, Google has recognised the potential of shared cloud storage as a consumer hub or open platform that can be central to developing third party apps such as video editing, sending faxes, and creating websites, with potential for a far greater range of applications from its busy community of third party developers.
“For Google the platform potential of Google Drive is of strategic importance, leveraging its developer strengths and competitive pricing (50 percent cheaper than Apple’s iCloud in some cases) to drive penetration of its cloud offering via both consumer and enterprise channels. This is a major challenge to Apple’s iCloud and others whose propositions are selling cloud storage as a useful ancillary to using their applications. The Google Drive proposition is the other way around, offering cloud storage as a core service from which users can access an ecosystem of highly useful applications.
“Sharing is the other key element that will create beneficial network effects for Google Drive and as usual cause an IP headache for content owners: books can be scanned and shared and even edited using the Optical Character Recognition software, and it will be interesting to see how shared storage impacts legal movie services. This is a strong strategic move on Google’s behalf but I expect it to be ‘working’ on the iOS version for some time yet.”
Hitachi Data Systems redefines unified storage
BANGALORE, INDIA: Hitachi Data Systems Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd, today redefined unified storage with the new Hitachi Unified Storage (HUS) and single management framework. HUS stores multiple data types with more flexibility and more balanced scalability than any other midrange solution. It helps customers manage their critical business applications and meet their growth requirements without compromising performance, scalability or cost efficiency.
In addition, Hitachi Data Systems is announcing today that its entire hardware product portfolio, including the new HUS, will be supported by Hitachi Command Suite management software. As the first enterprise-class vendor to provide a single software management platform for all of its products, Hitachi Data Systems is helping its customers further reduce costs and complexity throughout the data center.
Sean Moser, VP, Software Platforms Product Management, Hitachi Data Systems, said: “The roots of current unified storage products on the market today are based on the needs of smaller organizations that did not have the storage volumes, IT resources or budgets to acquire and manage separate platforms for block and file data. The traditional definition for unified management has focused on managing file and block on these general-purpose lower-end storage platforms. This all changes today as we bring to market the first enterprise-class unified storage solution.
“Hitachi Unified Storage helps organizations meet application availability and performance requirements with lower investment. Customers can deploy storage for all data types and easily grow to meet expanding requirements, while still meeting service level objectives for critical business applications.”
"IT organizations in mid-sized and large enterprises are struggling with a deluge of data and increasingly diverse data management needs. They require storage solutions that meet their growth requirements while simplifying operations, reducing the total cost structure, and quickly adapting to changing business needs," said Richard Villars, VP, Information and Cloud research, IDC. “Hitachi Unified Storage provides enterprises with a single foundation for efficiently managing block, file and object data without making trade-offs in performance, scalability or capacity utilization.”
In addition, Hitachi Data Systems is announcing today that its entire hardware product portfolio, including the new HUS, will be supported by Hitachi Command Suite management software. As the first enterprise-class vendor to provide a single software management platform for all of its products, Hitachi Data Systems is helping its customers further reduce costs and complexity throughout the data center.
Sean Moser, VP, Software Platforms Product Management, Hitachi Data Systems, said: “The roots of current unified storage products on the market today are based on the needs of smaller organizations that did not have the storage volumes, IT resources or budgets to acquire and manage separate platforms for block and file data. The traditional definition for unified management has focused on managing file and block on these general-purpose lower-end storage platforms. This all changes today as we bring to market the first enterprise-class unified storage solution.
“Hitachi Unified Storage helps organizations meet application availability and performance requirements with lower investment. Customers can deploy storage for all data types and easily grow to meet expanding requirements, while still meeting service level objectives for critical business applications.”
"IT organizations in mid-sized and large enterprises are struggling with a deluge of data and increasingly diverse data management needs. They require storage solutions that meet their growth requirements while simplifying operations, reducing the total cost structure, and quickly adapting to changing business needs," said Richard Villars, VP, Information and Cloud research, IDC. “Hitachi Unified Storage provides enterprises with a single foundation for efficiently managing block, file and object data without making trade-offs in performance, scalability or capacity utilization.”
Enterprise impact of Google Drive
AUSTRALIA: Following the launch of Google Drive, Richard Edwards, principal analyst at Ovum considers its inevitable use within the enterprise, which for many CIOs may present some headaches.
“All your stuff – work or play – is in one place” This is the commentary that accompanies Google’s YouTube video introducing its “all-new” file sharing service – Google Drive.
“On the face of it, this topic does not appear to concern the corporate IT manager or CIO, but chances are employees will start using this service to do more than share family photos and recipes.
“Corporate emails systems are notorious for their measly storage quotas and message attachment size limitations, and so the sharing and distribution of large corporate files, such as PowerPoint presentations, engineering drawings, and creative content, are an obvious use case for Google Drive.
“Concerned with data leakage and the loss of corporate intellectual property, the unsanctioned use of cloud storage services presents a real headache for corporate governance, risk, and compliance managers. Many organizations already block access to popular file sharing Web sites such as Dropbox, but Ovum believes there is an inevitability about the use of these services that warrants further investigation.
“Ovum advocates the evaluation of business-grade cloud drive and collaboration solutions, such as Box and Huddle. These services deliver user friendly, device agnostic, content sharing features similar to Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft SkyDrive, but they also feature management and administration capabilities that Ovum deems essential from a compliance and audit perspective.”
“All your stuff – work or play – is in one place” This is the commentary that accompanies Google’s YouTube video introducing its “all-new” file sharing service – Google Drive.
“On the face of it, this topic does not appear to concern the corporate IT manager or CIO, but chances are employees will start using this service to do more than share family photos and recipes.
“Corporate emails systems are notorious for their measly storage quotas and message attachment size limitations, and so the sharing and distribution of large corporate files, such as PowerPoint presentations, engineering drawings, and creative content, are an obvious use case for Google Drive.
“Concerned with data leakage and the loss of corporate intellectual property, the unsanctioned use of cloud storage services presents a real headache for corporate governance, risk, and compliance managers. Many organizations already block access to popular file sharing Web sites such as Dropbox, but Ovum believes there is an inevitability about the use of these services that warrants further investigation.
“Ovum advocates the evaluation of business-grade cloud drive and collaboration solutions, such as Box and Huddle. These services deliver user friendly, device agnostic, content sharing features similar to Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft SkyDrive, but they also feature management and administration capabilities that Ovum deems essential from a compliance and audit perspective.”
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Pelagicore integrates Rightware Kanzi 3D UI solution in its infotainment platform
GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN & ESPOO, FINLAND: Pelagicore AB, a leader in open source automotive software and key GENIVI contributor, and Rightware Oy, a leader in embedded 3D user interface (UI) technologies announced a strategic partnership and integration of Rightware’s 3D user interface technology – Kanzi 3D UI Solution – with the Qt framework on the Pelagicore Infotainment Platform.
User interfaces and user experience design has become one of the key differentiators in modern cars since attractive graphics can significantly enhance the appeal of a vehicle and manufacturer brand. The same trend seen in mobile phones supporting stunning 3D graphics is already on its way to automotive devices, such as in-vehicle infotainment, instrument clusters and heads-up displays. This has led many car manufacturers and tier-1 system vendors to be challenged in getting the best out of silicon with existing open source software.
The partnership between Pelagicore and Rightware provides a compelling solution for car manufacturers and their suppliers to create, test and deploy high-quality and high-fidelity 3D graphics in their vehicles. The integration of Kanzi 3D UI Solution with the Qt Framework on the Pelagicore Infotainment Platform brings true 3D user interface elements seamlessly integrated with 2D elements allowing direct access to all functionality and services in the Infotainment platform.
Pelagicore uses a unique mix of automotive technologists and Open Source community experts to develop Open Source based Infotainment Platforms. Pelagicore contributes and leverages key Open Source projects such as Qt with which the Pelagicore Platform already is already tightly integrated. The Qt Framework provides customers of the Pelagicore Infotainment Platform with the best application and User Experience framework on the market, fully integrated with the Infotainment Platforms services and functionality.
Rightware’s Kanzi 3D UI Solution is a successfully deployed 3D user interface technology on mobile, consumer and automotive devices. The Kanzi Studio real-time 3D UI editor boosts the implementation of compelling and photorealistic 3D user interfaces (UIs) and human-machine interfaces (HMIs) with significantly reduced effort, allowing its users to meet the safety-critical and other stringent product requirements of today’s embedded devices without compromising on quality.
“We recognize that User Experience is becoming a key differentiator in the automotive industry. That’s why it is in our strategy to incorporate the best available tools to our Infotainment Platform. The Qt framework is already one of the best frameworks for 2D and now with the integration of the Rightware Kanzi UI Solution we are able to provide best-in class 3D Graphics tools for all Infotainment functions,” says Alwin Bakkenes, CEO of Pelagicore AB.
“Rightware and Pelagicore share a similar philosophy when it comes to enabling high quality graphics. We both design our products to be hardware agnostic, but we work closely with the silicon industry to enable and ensure best possible performance and quality in customer projects,” says Mikael Söderberg, CTO of Pelagicore AB.
“At Rightware, we believe in offering our automotive customers the flexibility to use the technologies best-suited to their requirements. We’re very excited to work with Pelagicore to enable car manufacturers and the whole automotive ecosystem to access this stunning combination of Qt framework on Pelagicore Infotainment Platform and our flagship product Kanzi 3D UI Solution,” said Tero Sarkkinen, CEO of Rightware Oy.
User interfaces and user experience design has become one of the key differentiators in modern cars since attractive graphics can significantly enhance the appeal of a vehicle and manufacturer brand. The same trend seen in mobile phones supporting stunning 3D graphics is already on its way to automotive devices, such as in-vehicle infotainment, instrument clusters and heads-up displays. This has led many car manufacturers and tier-1 system vendors to be challenged in getting the best out of silicon with existing open source software.
The partnership between Pelagicore and Rightware provides a compelling solution for car manufacturers and their suppliers to create, test and deploy high-quality and high-fidelity 3D graphics in their vehicles. The integration of Kanzi 3D UI Solution with the Qt Framework on the Pelagicore Infotainment Platform brings true 3D user interface elements seamlessly integrated with 2D elements allowing direct access to all functionality and services in the Infotainment platform.
Pelagicore uses a unique mix of automotive technologists and Open Source community experts to develop Open Source based Infotainment Platforms. Pelagicore contributes and leverages key Open Source projects such as Qt with which the Pelagicore Platform already is already tightly integrated. The Qt Framework provides customers of the Pelagicore Infotainment Platform with the best application and User Experience framework on the market, fully integrated with the Infotainment Platforms services and functionality.
Rightware’s Kanzi 3D UI Solution is a successfully deployed 3D user interface technology on mobile, consumer and automotive devices. The Kanzi Studio real-time 3D UI editor boosts the implementation of compelling and photorealistic 3D user interfaces (UIs) and human-machine interfaces (HMIs) with significantly reduced effort, allowing its users to meet the safety-critical and other stringent product requirements of today’s embedded devices without compromising on quality.
“We recognize that User Experience is becoming a key differentiator in the automotive industry. That’s why it is in our strategy to incorporate the best available tools to our Infotainment Platform. The Qt framework is already one of the best frameworks for 2D and now with the integration of the Rightware Kanzi UI Solution we are able to provide best-in class 3D Graphics tools for all Infotainment functions,” says Alwin Bakkenes, CEO of Pelagicore AB.
“Rightware and Pelagicore share a similar philosophy when it comes to enabling high quality graphics. We both design our products to be hardware agnostic, but we work closely with the silicon industry to enable and ensure best possible performance and quality in customer projects,” says Mikael Söderberg, CTO of Pelagicore AB.
“At Rightware, we believe in offering our automotive customers the flexibility to use the technologies best-suited to their requirements. We’re very excited to work with Pelagicore to enable car manufacturers and the whole automotive ecosystem to access this stunning combination of Qt framework on Pelagicore Infotainment Platform and our flagship product Kanzi 3D UI Solution,” said Tero Sarkkinen, CEO of Rightware Oy.
NI PXI switch features solid-state architecture to increase RF test system life and speed for high-volume apps
AUSTIN, USA: National Instruments introduced the new NI PXI/PXIe-2543 solid-state RF multiplexer, which gives test engineers a long-lasting, high-performance solution to optimize the routing of RF signals up to 6.6 GHz. Its solid-state architecture facilitates faster switching and more repeatable measurements than traditional electromechanical switching solutions.
"The new NI PXI/PXIe-2543 solid-state switch builds on the success of the industry-leading NI PXI platform and offers the speed and dependability of a solid-state architecture to RF applications," said Charles Schroeder, director of test marketing at National Instruments. "With this switch, automated test engineers can integrate and synchronize numerous PXI instruments, including RF generators and analyzers, to get the most out of their test systems and further increase accuracy and throughput."
Product features
* 6.6 GHz dual 4x1 multiplexer for high-density RF switching, ideal for multisite test.
* Solid-state architecture for superior switch lifetime.
* 50 Ohm termination on all channels for improved RF performance.
* Integrated PXI triggering for fast and repeatable measurements.
"The new NI PXI/PXIe-2543 solid-state switch builds on the success of the industry-leading NI PXI platform and offers the speed and dependability of a solid-state architecture to RF applications," said Charles Schroeder, director of test marketing at National Instruments. "With this switch, automated test engineers can integrate and synchronize numerous PXI instruments, including RF generators and analyzers, to get the most out of their test systems and further increase accuracy and throughput."
Product features
* 6.6 GHz dual 4x1 multiplexer for high-density RF switching, ideal for multisite test.
* Solid-state architecture for superior switch lifetime.
* 50 Ohm termination on all channels for improved RF performance.
* Integrated PXI triggering for fast and repeatable measurements.
KYOCERA develops world's fastest 1200×1200dpi KJ4B-Z inkjet printhead
KYOTO, JAPAN: Kyocera Corp. announced that it has successfully developed the KJ4B-Z Series 1200×1200dpi high-resolution inkjet printhead for water-based ink, achieving the world's fastest*1 print speed of 80 meters per minute for an inkjet printhead — a key component in commercial inkjet printers.
The newly-developed KJ4B-Z Series 1200×1200dpi inkjet printhead achieves higher drive frequency by improved signal waveform that controls the piezo actuator which controls ink ejection; and by improving the ink flow channel structure, Kyocera has achieved the world's fastest print speed of 80m/min.
The KJ4B-Z Series printheads provide high-resolution printing due to the high-density arrangement of piezo actuators and ink nozzles through Kyocera's proprietary design and simulation technologies. Furthermore, the world's largest*2 effective print width of 108mm (4.25 inches) requires fewer printheads even for wide-format printing, which simplifies equipment design.
The newly-developed KJ4B-Z Series 1200×1200dpi inkjet printhead achieves higher drive frequency by improved signal waveform that controls the piezo actuator which controls ink ejection; and by improving the ink flow channel structure, Kyocera has achieved the world's fastest print speed of 80m/min.
The KJ4B-Z Series printheads provide high-resolution printing due to the high-density arrangement of piezo actuators and ink nozzles through Kyocera's proprietary design and simulation technologies. Furthermore, the world's largest*2 effective print width of 108mm (4.25 inches) requires fewer printheads even for wide-format printing, which simplifies equipment design.
NGINX announces latest version of its acclaimed web server
SAN FRANCISCO, USA & MOSCOW, RUSSIA: Open source developer Nginx Inc. announced the cutting-edge version of its widely deployed web server is now available for download. This milestone release version 1.2.0 is a culmination of NGINX’s annual development and extensive quality assurance cycle, led by the core engineering team and by enthusiastic user community. NGINX 1.2.0 is the latest production-quality release of the stable branch, incorporating over 40 new features and over 100 bugfixes introduced since April 2011.
“This recent release concludes a significant phase of development. We have made tremendous progress, streamlined our development efforts as a company, and are excited to see a quickly growing number of companies using NGINX as a modern and extremely cost-effective solution for application routing and acceleration,” said Igor Sysoev, the author of NGINX web server and the founder of Nginx. “We will continue to work on a variety of extensions based on feedback from our extraordinary user community.”
The second most popular web server for active sites on the Internet, NGINX (“engine x”) has grown its market share of enabled domains 200% since April 2011. Successful companies such as Pinterest, Instagram, CloudFlare, Airbnb, WordPress, GitHub, SoundCloud, Zynga, Eventbrite, OMGPOP, ModCloth, Heroku, RightScale, Engine Yard, and many others, rely on NGINX to build highly valued online services.
Underscoring its expanding acceptance as a mainstream web infrastructure software, the latest version 1.2.0 reflects NGINX’s focus on performance, scalability, reliability and security. In addition to reinforcing software development and quality control processes, the company has launched an online code browser and a bug-tracking system for the users of NGINX, and has devoted increased resources to the ongoing improvement of the documentation.
Main highlights of version 1.2.0 include:
- HTTP Proxy
• Re-use of keepalive connections to upstream servers.
• Consolidation of multiple simultaneous requests to upstream servers (“cache locks”).
• Flexible configuration options for proxy redirects, header and cookie manipulation.
• Improved load balancing with synchronous healthchecks.
• Extended DNS resolver configuration.
- Security
• HTTP byte-range limits.
• Extended configuration for connection and request throttling.
• Additional filesystem security controls.
- Performance
• PCRE JIT optimized regular expressions.
• Reduced memory consumption with long-lived and TLS/SSL connections.
• Improved handling of asynchronous disk and network I/O.
• Optimized management of cache metadata.
“This recent release concludes a significant phase of development. We have made tremendous progress, streamlined our development efforts as a company, and are excited to see a quickly growing number of companies using NGINX as a modern and extremely cost-effective solution for application routing and acceleration,” said Igor Sysoev, the author of NGINX web server and the founder of Nginx. “We will continue to work on a variety of extensions based on feedback from our extraordinary user community.”
The second most popular web server for active sites on the Internet, NGINX (“engine x”) has grown its market share of enabled domains 200% since April 2011. Successful companies such as Pinterest, Instagram, CloudFlare, Airbnb, WordPress, GitHub, SoundCloud, Zynga, Eventbrite, OMGPOP, ModCloth, Heroku, RightScale, Engine Yard, and many others, rely on NGINX to build highly valued online services.
Underscoring its expanding acceptance as a mainstream web infrastructure software, the latest version 1.2.0 reflects NGINX’s focus on performance, scalability, reliability and security. In addition to reinforcing software development and quality control processes, the company has launched an online code browser and a bug-tracking system for the users of NGINX, and has devoted increased resources to the ongoing improvement of the documentation.
Main highlights of version 1.2.0 include:
- HTTP Proxy
• Re-use of keepalive connections to upstream servers.
• Consolidation of multiple simultaneous requests to upstream servers (“cache locks”).
• Flexible configuration options for proxy redirects, header and cookie manipulation.
• Improved load balancing with synchronous healthchecks.
• Extended DNS resolver configuration.
- Security
• HTTP byte-range limits.
• Extended configuration for connection and request throttling.
• Additional filesystem security controls.
- Performance
• PCRE JIT optimized regular expressions.
• Reduced memory consumption with long-lived and TLS/SSL connections.
• Improved handling of asynchronous disk and network I/O.
• Optimized management of cache metadata.
3,000 key players participated in CARTES in Asia in Hong Kong 2012
HONG KONG: Nearly 2,800 visitors attended CARTES in Asia this year to see 115 exhibitors and 72 speakers on NFC & Contactless applications, E-transactions & E-banking, Mobile payments, ID and Government Security, RFID and the Internet of Things. CARTES in Asia smart technology exhibition and conference was held on 28 and 29 March 2012 at AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong.
Exhibitors from 23 countries descended on Hong Kong to showcase their applications and solutions to decision makers across Asia Pacific at the third edition of CARTES in Asia. They had the opportunity to meet 2,720 visitors from 55 countries especially mainland China, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan in the secure payment and smart card industries. A delegation from mainland China led by theQingdao Economic and Information Technology Committee attended CARTES in Asia to look for solutions to set in place a Smart City project in Qingdao.
Exhibitor Christof Stutz, Deputy Head of Public Sector Division, Trüb AG, Switzerland said: "We have exhibited at every CARTES in Asia since it was launched in 2010. We manufacture and supply polycarbonate based data pages for the electronic passports of Hong Kong and Macau and since 2003 the electronic ID card for Hong Kong. Besides our government products we also showcased our EMV certified payment chip products for banking. CARTES in Asia is the perfect platform for us to grow our customer base in Asia as we can meet our existing customers and also showcase our products to potential new customers. We plan to exhibit next year as well."
The Asian Card Summit opened the two day conference at the same venue with an informative discussion around the Customer Centric Retail Payment Value Chain by six top-executives from Gemalto, Oberthur Technologies, China Union Pay, Ingenico and Watchdata
Directly after the Summit, the winner of the Asian SESAMES Award was announced. The Asian SESAMES Awards rewards the most innovative smart technology product or application developed for the Asia Pacific market. Watchdata from mainland China won the prestigious Award this year with their breakthrough NFC solution, SIMpass-SC. A spokesperson for Watchdata said: “We’re very happy to be part of an industry that provides secure, trustworthy and cost-effective solutions for our business partners and their customers. For the past five years Watchdata has been conducting research into upgrading mobile payment products and we're very happy that this new multiple application solution invention won the award. The SIMpass-SC solution is a significant improvement in mobile payment technology, and we feel privileged to push the knowledge frontiers in this market.
"CARTES in Asia gives us the chance to meet many of our existing customers in Hong Kong and Asia. We were satisfied with the inquiries from potential customers and we will attend again if we have new products to promote," added Watchdata.
Isabelle Alfano, director of CARTES events, Comexposium, said: “Last week’s CARTES in Asia saw many new companies such as China UnionPay, Ingenico and Oberthur exhibiting alongside returning exhibitors including HID Global, Trub, Watchdata and Zebra Technologies. We also welcomed pavilions from mainland China and France presenting small and medium companies willing to develop their business in the Asia Pacific region.
“The networking cocktail, sponsored by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, offered another occasion to all participants to network in a convivial atmosphere,” added Alfano.
Next year’s CARTES in Asia:
Date: 27-28 March 2013
Timing: 9.30am to 5.30pm
Place: Hong Kong – AsiaWorld-Expo
Organiser: Comexposium.
Exhibitors from 23 countries descended on Hong Kong to showcase their applications and solutions to decision makers across Asia Pacific at the third edition of CARTES in Asia. They had the opportunity to meet 2,720 visitors from 55 countries especially mainland China, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan in the secure payment and smart card industries. A delegation from mainland China led by theQingdao Economic and Information Technology Committee attended CARTES in Asia to look for solutions to set in place a Smart City project in Qingdao.
Exhibitor Christof Stutz, Deputy Head of Public Sector Division, Trüb AG, Switzerland said: "We have exhibited at every CARTES in Asia since it was launched in 2010. We manufacture and supply polycarbonate based data pages for the electronic passports of Hong Kong and Macau and since 2003 the electronic ID card for Hong Kong. Besides our government products we also showcased our EMV certified payment chip products for banking. CARTES in Asia is the perfect platform for us to grow our customer base in Asia as we can meet our existing customers and also showcase our products to potential new customers. We plan to exhibit next year as well."
The Asian Card Summit opened the two day conference at the same venue with an informative discussion around the Customer Centric Retail Payment Value Chain by six top-executives from Gemalto, Oberthur Technologies, China Union Pay, Ingenico and Watchdata
Directly after the Summit, the winner of the Asian SESAMES Award was announced. The Asian SESAMES Awards rewards the most innovative smart technology product or application developed for the Asia Pacific market. Watchdata from mainland China won the prestigious Award this year with their breakthrough NFC solution, SIMpass-SC. A spokesperson for Watchdata said: “We’re very happy to be part of an industry that provides secure, trustworthy and cost-effective solutions for our business partners and their customers. For the past five years Watchdata has been conducting research into upgrading mobile payment products and we're very happy that this new multiple application solution invention won the award. The SIMpass-SC solution is a significant improvement in mobile payment technology, and we feel privileged to push the knowledge frontiers in this market.
"CARTES in Asia gives us the chance to meet many of our existing customers in Hong Kong and Asia. We were satisfied with the inquiries from potential customers and we will attend again if we have new products to promote," added Watchdata.
Isabelle Alfano, director of CARTES events, Comexposium, said: “Last week’s CARTES in Asia saw many new companies such as China UnionPay, Ingenico and Oberthur exhibiting alongside returning exhibitors including HID Global, Trub, Watchdata and Zebra Technologies. We also welcomed pavilions from mainland China and France presenting small and medium companies willing to develop their business in the Asia Pacific region.
“The networking cocktail, sponsored by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, offered another occasion to all participants to network in a convivial atmosphere,” added Alfano.
Next year’s CARTES in Asia:
Date: 27-28 March 2013
Timing: 9.30am to 5.30pm
Place: Hong Kong – AsiaWorld-Expo
Organiser: Comexposium.
Infrastructure management vendors should move toward a holistic approach of delivering IT services that meet customer demands
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: Infrastructure management (IM) vendor solutions need to include a higher-level management perspective on the cost, value, risk, and flexibility aspects of delivering IT services, according to Ovum.
In its latest Decision Matrix: Selecting an Infrastructure Management Solution, the technology analyst firm reveals that disruptive technologies such as virtualization, automation, and cloud computing have raised the profile of this sector as the need for management and control begins to cross over from a purely technical realm to a more business-focused activity.
“Ultimately CIOs will become chief integration officers, responsible for matching the wide selection of IT sources to demands from customers,” says Roy Illsley, principal analyst at Ovum. “The biggest challenge facing this role will be to understand what each IM vendor’s vision is for the future and how this translates to their plans for the organisation.”
Categorising the top ten players in the IM market into Leaders, Challengers and Followers*, Ovum’s Decision Matrix (ODM) relieves some of this pressure from those having to make these difficult decisions.
“The IM market is splitting into two distinct segments catering for two different groups of organizations – ‘just enough’ management by small and medium-sized organizations, and service assurance by large enterprises,” says Illsley. “But the needs are better amplified by the significance of IT to the organization. Where IT is a competitive differentiator, service assurance is of greater value, but if IT is seen as a cost of doing business, ‘just enough’ is better aligned.”
The ODM shows that change within the IM vendor landscape has been driven by acquisitions and disposals. EMC's sale of assets to VMware has propelled VMware into the Leader category, while Dell’s increased capability from acquiring Kace and Scalent has meant it now meets Ovum’s ODM inclusion criteria.
There is also a clear variation in the approach and focus of all vendors to the role of the management layer: Symantec believes the security and operations alignment movement is an approach to enable greater flexibility, while Microsoft has chosen to build a large partner community to provide ‘plug-in’ modules to its core offering to provide the same objective.
However, the identified leaders (CA Technologies, HP, IBM, and VMware) all demonstrate capability of providing excellent siloed solutions, and have new, more heterogeneous cloud-enabled solutions and visions for how future infrastructure management will evolve.
“All vendors in the ODM share a vision that infrastructure management will become the critical technology for organizations to operate effectively and enable business agility, but the approaches to how this will be achieved differ. This is a sign of a healthy market in which the customer will decide which are mainstream and which are niche,” concludes Illsley.
In its latest Decision Matrix: Selecting an Infrastructure Management Solution, the technology analyst firm reveals that disruptive technologies such as virtualization, automation, and cloud computing have raised the profile of this sector as the need for management and control begins to cross over from a purely technical realm to a more business-focused activity.
“Ultimately CIOs will become chief integration officers, responsible for matching the wide selection of IT sources to demands from customers,” says Roy Illsley, principal analyst at Ovum. “The biggest challenge facing this role will be to understand what each IM vendor’s vision is for the future and how this translates to their plans for the organisation.”
Categorising the top ten players in the IM market into Leaders, Challengers and Followers*, Ovum’s Decision Matrix (ODM) relieves some of this pressure from those having to make these difficult decisions.
“The IM market is splitting into two distinct segments catering for two different groups of organizations – ‘just enough’ management by small and medium-sized organizations, and service assurance by large enterprises,” says Illsley. “But the needs are better amplified by the significance of IT to the organization. Where IT is a competitive differentiator, service assurance is of greater value, but if IT is seen as a cost of doing business, ‘just enough’ is better aligned.”
The ODM shows that change within the IM vendor landscape has been driven by acquisitions and disposals. EMC's sale of assets to VMware has propelled VMware into the Leader category, while Dell’s increased capability from acquiring Kace and Scalent has meant it now meets Ovum’s ODM inclusion criteria.
There is also a clear variation in the approach and focus of all vendors to the role of the management layer: Symantec believes the security and operations alignment movement is an approach to enable greater flexibility, while Microsoft has chosen to build a large partner community to provide ‘plug-in’ modules to its core offering to provide the same objective.
However, the identified leaders (CA Technologies, HP, IBM, and VMware) all demonstrate capability of providing excellent siloed solutions, and have new, more heterogeneous cloud-enabled solutions and visions for how future infrastructure management will evolve.
“All vendors in the ODM share a vision that infrastructure management will become the critical technology for organizations to operate effectively and enable business agility, but the approaches to how this will be achieved differ. This is a sign of a healthy market in which the customer will decide which are mainstream and which are niche,” concludes Illsley.
Monday, April 23, 2012
High-tech companies face challenges keeping pace with new cloud-based business models
NEW YORK, USA: High-tech companies are struggling to transform their traditional business models of shipping hardware products or packaged software to more complex business models of providing new services based on cloud computing, new Accenture research has found.
The research, summarized in a new report released today, Where the Cloud Meets Reality: Scaling to Succeed in New Business Models, included interviews with more than 40 senior executives from 30 companies that operate, or are building, Software-as-a-Service, Platform-as-a-Service or Infrastructure-as-a-Service cloud-based businesses. The goal was to develop deeper insights to help companies create approaches to successfully scale and operationalize these new cloud-based business models.
The research further revealed that many senior leaders lack a clear understanding of how the complexity of these new business models impacts operations in nearly every function of their companies. This disconnect will become increasingly important because most leading technology firms expect to generate revenue growth through five or more business models by 2015, several of which are likely to be based on cloud, the research concluded. These companies typically have two-to-three business models today.
“Growing cloud-based business models is highly strategic and an immense undertaking for high-tech companies,” said Mitch Cline, global managing director with Accenture’s Electronics & High-Tech group. “Companies face enormous operational challenges in determining how to support these new models and deliver the world-class experience demanded by enterprise customers, in particular. Companies aren’t prepared today strategically or operationally to cope with the magnitude of disruption they’re facing.”
Accenture recommends that companies take these steps to help overcome the challenges:
* Determine how many business models they have today and which new ones are needed to capitalize on market opportunities;
* Identify and build distinctive capabilities needed to deliver business in the cloud;
* Develop a segmented operating model to deliver distinctive service capabilities with the right customer experience and economics; and
* Implement a governance model for making key resource allocation and other critical decisions.
“Executing these recommendations requires a dramatic departure from how most high-tech companies run today,” Cline added. “Delivering to customers using a service business model is so fundamentally different than using a product business model that nearly all business operations need to be re-thought. As a result, high-tech companies need a coherent blueprint to make a successful shift to a services-centric business and to compete more nimbly with new cloud competitors. Chief operating officers in particular need to take more responsibility for forward-looking strategic planning and to develop sharply different capabilities and skills.”
The research, summarized in a new report released today, Where the Cloud Meets Reality: Scaling to Succeed in New Business Models, included interviews with more than 40 senior executives from 30 companies that operate, or are building, Software-as-a-Service, Platform-as-a-Service or Infrastructure-as-a-Service cloud-based businesses. The goal was to develop deeper insights to help companies create approaches to successfully scale and operationalize these new cloud-based business models.
The research further revealed that many senior leaders lack a clear understanding of how the complexity of these new business models impacts operations in nearly every function of their companies. This disconnect will become increasingly important because most leading technology firms expect to generate revenue growth through five or more business models by 2015, several of which are likely to be based on cloud, the research concluded. These companies typically have two-to-three business models today.
“Growing cloud-based business models is highly strategic and an immense undertaking for high-tech companies,” said Mitch Cline, global managing director with Accenture’s Electronics & High-Tech group. “Companies face enormous operational challenges in determining how to support these new models and deliver the world-class experience demanded by enterprise customers, in particular. Companies aren’t prepared today strategically or operationally to cope with the magnitude of disruption they’re facing.”
Accenture recommends that companies take these steps to help overcome the challenges:
* Determine how many business models they have today and which new ones are needed to capitalize on market opportunities;
* Identify and build distinctive capabilities needed to deliver business in the cloud;
* Develop a segmented operating model to deliver distinctive service capabilities with the right customer experience and economics; and
* Implement a governance model for making key resource allocation and other critical decisions.
“Executing these recommendations requires a dramatic departure from how most high-tech companies run today,” Cline added. “Delivering to customers using a service business model is so fundamentally different than using a product business model that nearly all business operations need to be re-thought. As a result, high-tech companies need a coherent blueprint to make a successful shift to a services-centric business and to compete more nimbly with new cloud competitors. Chief operating officers in particular need to take more responsibility for forward-looking strategic planning and to develop sharply different capabilities and skills.”
AnyMP4 converts any video to iPod
BEIJING, CHINA: Dedicated to meeting the needs of iPod users all around the world, AnyMP4 has released the wonderful and professional iPod software - iPod Video Converter. This iPod Video Converter has the ability to convert any video formats to iPod MP4, MOV, M4V and MP3. It also provides multiple editing features to customize videos.
For instance, AnyMP4 iPod Video Converter can convert various video formats like 3GP, AVI, ASF, MKV, VOB, MPG, F4V, TS, MTS, M2TS, MJPG, DivX, XviD, WMV, RMVB, FLV, etc. and convert any audio formats such as MP3, MP2, AAC, AC3, WAV, WMA, M4A, RA, RAM, OGG, AIF, AIFF to iPod compatible formats. Users can also extract audio files from any videos and then convert them to iPod MP3, M4A, and WAV with lossless sound quality.
With the multiple editing features of AnyMP4 iPod Video Converter, users can customize their personalized videos. Specifically speaking, this Video to iPod Converter has trim, crop, watermark, effect and merge features to edit videos. Users can use the editing tools to trim video for needed length, crop video frames to get rid of unwanted video black edges, add watermark to personalize the video, join multiple video clips into one single file, and adjust the video Brightness, Saturation, Contrast, Hue, and Volume.
Also, it enables users to adjust numerous video output parameters such as Video Bitrate, Resolution, Frame Rate and audio parameters such as Audio Encoder, Channels and Sample Rate. In addition, users can choose their favorite audio track and preferred subtitle for the output video if the original video file possesses several audio tracks and subtitles choices. Also, this software supports 5.1-Channel audio and no audio output.
AnyMP4 iPod Video Converter is professional and versatile converting software and not only supports iPod nano, iPod touch and iPod classic, but also allows users to put videos on iPad, iPad 2, iPhone, iPhone 4, and iPhone 4S. What's more, with the intuitive and user-friendly design, any converting process can be finished in only a few clicks.
For instance, AnyMP4 iPod Video Converter can convert various video formats like 3GP, AVI, ASF, MKV, VOB, MPG, F4V, TS, MTS, M2TS, MJPG, DivX, XviD, WMV, RMVB, FLV, etc. and convert any audio formats such as MP3, MP2, AAC, AC3, WAV, WMA, M4A, RA, RAM, OGG, AIF, AIFF to iPod compatible formats. Users can also extract audio files from any videos and then convert them to iPod MP3, M4A, and WAV with lossless sound quality.
With the multiple editing features of AnyMP4 iPod Video Converter, users can customize their personalized videos. Specifically speaking, this Video to iPod Converter has trim, crop, watermark, effect and merge features to edit videos. Users can use the editing tools to trim video for needed length, crop video frames to get rid of unwanted video black edges, add watermark to personalize the video, join multiple video clips into one single file, and adjust the video Brightness, Saturation, Contrast, Hue, and Volume.
Also, it enables users to adjust numerous video output parameters such as Video Bitrate, Resolution, Frame Rate and audio parameters such as Audio Encoder, Channels and Sample Rate. In addition, users can choose their favorite audio track and preferred subtitle for the output video if the original video file possesses several audio tracks and subtitles choices. Also, this software supports 5.1-Channel audio and no audio output.
AnyMP4 iPod Video Converter is professional and versatile converting software and not only supports iPod nano, iPod touch and iPod classic, but also allows users to put videos on iPad, iPad 2, iPhone, iPhone 4, and iPhone 4S. What's more, with the intuitive and user-friendly design, any converting process can be finished in only a few clicks.
HARMAN to provide Tata Motors with branded audio and infotainment solutions
STAMFORD, USA & MUMBAI, INDIA: HARMAN, the premium global audio and infotainment group (NYSE:HAR), announced a strategic multi-year relationship to develop and supply branded audio and infotainment solutions for TATA Motors, India’s largest automobile company and parent company of Jaguar Land Rover. The agreement marks the first time an Indian automaker will bring premium branded audio and infotainment systems to the domestic market.
HARMAN will leverage its world-class engineering and development teams to create custom audio, navigation, and multimedia solutions for vehicles across Tata’s model lines. The first Tata vehicle to include HARMAN products will be the limited edition TATA Aria MPV, which will include a premium branded audio system under HARMAN’s JBL brand. The 360-watt JBL sound system features ten speakers with a dedicated subwoofer, and was previewed earlier this year at the New Delhi Auto Expo.
“This agreement with TATA Motors represents a milestone in the growth of branded audio and infotainment system for the Indian market, and we are tremendously proud and honored to be selected by TATA as their trusted supplier,” said Dinesh Paliwal, HARMAN’s chairman, president and CEO. “Our development teams will work very closely with TATA’s engineering staff to create unique products that will surprise and delight customers. Together, HARMAN and TATA will set a new benchmark in OEM installed sound and infotainment in the domestic Indian market.”
“TATA Motors will intensify the application of the Infotainment and Acoustic Platforms developed by HARMAN and offer world class solutions in this domain in its future Passenger Car platforms both for the Indian and Export Markets. HARMAN’s innovative technologies and large presence in all the premium cars in the world market will help us take our cars to the next level.” said P.M. Telang, MD – India Operations of Tata Motors.
HARMAN is the leading supplier of advanced connectivity, infotainment, and audio to the world’s automakers, including Audi, BMW, Chrysler, FIAT, Ferrari, General Motors, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Land Rover, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Toyota, and Volkswagen. HARMAN maintains manufacturing and R&D operations around the globe.
HARMAN will leverage its world-class engineering and development teams to create custom audio, navigation, and multimedia solutions for vehicles across Tata’s model lines. The first Tata vehicle to include HARMAN products will be the limited edition TATA Aria MPV, which will include a premium branded audio system under HARMAN’s JBL brand. The 360-watt JBL sound system features ten speakers with a dedicated subwoofer, and was previewed earlier this year at the New Delhi Auto Expo.
“This agreement with TATA Motors represents a milestone in the growth of branded audio and infotainment system for the Indian market, and we are tremendously proud and honored to be selected by TATA as their trusted supplier,” said Dinesh Paliwal, HARMAN’s chairman, president and CEO. “Our development teams will work very closely with TATA’s engineering staff to create unique products that will surprise and delight customers. Together, HARMAN and TATA will set a new benchmark in OEM installed sound and infotainment in the domestic Indian market.”
“TATA Motors will intensify the application of the Infotainment and Acoustic Platforms developed by HARMAN and offer world class solutions in this domain in its future Passenger Car platforms both for the Indian and Export Markets. HARMAN’s innovative technologies and large presence in all the premium cars in the world market will help us take our cars to the next level.” said P.M. Telang, MD – India Operations of Tata Motors.
HARMAN is the leading supplier of advanced connectivity, infotainment, and audio to the world’s automakers, including Audi, BMW, Chrysler, FIAT, Ferrari, General Motors, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Land Rover, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Toyota, and Volkswagen. HARMAN maintains manufacturing and R&D operations around the globe.
Brocade extends cloud-optimized SAN leadership
NEW DELHI, INDIA: Brocade is continuing to innovate and gain market leadership for its award-winning family of Fibre Channel SAN fabric solutions based on the new 16 Gbps Fibre Channel standard.
The company announced a new entry-level Fibre Channel SAN switch, the Brocade 6505 Switch, to broaden its full suite of next-generation SAN switches and backbones. This new addition further increases customer choice and flexibility for data center consolidation, expansion and refresh projects. In addition, Brocade has added new, industry-first virtualization functionality between Brocade adapters and switches to simplify server deployment and management.
Brocade also announced IBM as its first OEM partner to offer 16 Gbps Fibre Channel embedded switches and adapters, as well as stand-alone network adapters, for IBM servers. Specifically, IBM is making available a new Brocade custom embedded 16 Gbps SAN switch and mezzanine card for its recently announced IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node, a key component of the new IBM PureSystems. In addition, Brocade stand-up 16 Gbps HBAs are now available for integration with IBM System x in rack and tower form factors.
“For highly virtualized environments like ours, the network matters,” said Haim Glickman, regional VP, Southeastern Operations at SunGard Availability Services, one of the world’s leading providers of disaster recovery, managed services, IT consulting and business continuity management software solutions. “In building out our data center environment across multiple locations, we deployed Brocade SAN switches to deliver greater bandwidth and resiliency for our enterprise-ready disaster recovery services"
Fabric-based networks are a fundamental requirement in supporting highly virtualized data centers and private cloud environments, and are a critical element of the Brocade One™ strategy for providing low-latency, non-stop and easy-to-operate networks. Today, Fibre Channel is the de-facto standard for storage networking in the data center and Brocade is leading the industry’s transition to the next wave of storage architectures based on the 16 Gbps Fibre Channel standard.
The company announced a new entry-level Fibre Channel SAN switch, the Brocade 6505 Switch, to broaden its full suite of next-generation SAN switches and backbones. This new addition further increases customer choice and flexibility for data center consolidation, expansion and refresh projects. In addition, Brocade has added new, industry-first virtualization functionality between Brocade adapters and switches to simplify server deployment and management.
Brocade also announced IBM as its first OEM partner to offer 16 Gbps Fibre Channel embedded switches and adapters, as well as stand-alone network adapters, for IBM servers. Specifically, IBM is making available a new Brocade custom embedded 16 Gbps SAN switch and mezzanine card for its recently announced IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node, a key component of the new IBM PureSystems. In addition, Brocade stand-up 16 Gbps HBAs are now available for integration with IBM System x in rack and tower form factors.
“For highly virtualized environments like ours, the network matters,” said Haim Glickman, regional VP, Southeastern Operations at SunGard Availability Services, one of the world’s leading providers of disaster recovery, managed services, IT consulting and business continuity management software solutions. “In building out our data center environment across multiple locations, we deployed Brocade SAN switches to deliver greater bandwidth and resiliency for our enterprise-ready disaster recovery services"
Fabric-based networks are a fundamental requirement in supporting highly virtualized data centers and private cloud environments, and are a critical element of the Brocade One™ strategy for providing low-latency, non-stop and easy-to-operate networks. Today, Fibre Channel is the de-facto standard for storage networking in the data center and Brocade is leading the industry’s transition to the next wave of storage architectures based on the 16 Gbps Fibre Channel standard.
NI offers measurement microphones through GRAS sound and vibration
USA: National Instruments announced that NI Alliance Partner G.R.A.S. Sound & Vibration, a leading producer of acoustic front-end products, now sells microphone kits for use with NI dynamic signal acquisition (DSA) hardware.
NI offers several different microphone types, from array microphones to condenser microphones appropriate for class 1 sound-level measurements. Customers in a number of industries, including aerospace and defense, are already having success using these products for applications like acoustic holography, environmental noise, noise mapping and sound power.
“For more than 10 years G.R.A.S. and NI have worked together on joint projects, and there has always been a great collaboration between our companies,” said Peter Wulf-Andersen, managing director at G.R.A.S. Sound & Vibration. “I am proud that one of the biggest players in the industry has chosen G.R.A.S. as an official partner.”
NI’s new microphone kits include a G.R.A.S. microphone capsule and preamplifier. Inside the capsule is a diaphragm made of a special stainless alloy that provides maximum sensor life. The microphones contain a Transducer Electronic Data Sheet (TEDS) chip and combine with NI DSA hardware to provide a plug-and-play sensor experience.
NI offers several different microphone types, from array microphones to condenser microphones appropriate for class 1 sound-level measurements. Customers in a number of industries, including aerospace and defense, are already having success using these products for applications like acoustic holography, environmental noise, noise mapping and sound power.
“For more than 10 years G.R.A.S. and NI have worked together on joint projects, and there has always been a great collaboration between our companies,” said Peter Wulf-Andersen, managing director at G.R.A.S. Sound & Vibration. “I am proud that one of the biggest players in the industry has chosen G.R.A.S. as an official partner.”
NI’s new microphone kits include a G.R.A.S. microphone capsule and preamplifier. Inside the capsule is a diaphragm made of a special stainless alloy that provides maximum sensor life. The microphones contain a Transducer Electronic Data Sheet (TEDS) chip and combine with NI DSA hardware to provide a plug-and-play sensor experience.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Digital signage and professional display market set for solid growth in 2012
EL SEGUNDO, USA: Demand for more digital signage in public spaces and installations as well declining prices of liquid crystal display (LCD) panels will help fuel the worldwide signage and professional display market, with growth in 2012 set to rise a healthy 12.6 percent from year-ago levels, according to an IHS iSuppli Signage & Professional Displays Market Tracker report.
Shipments of signage and professional displays in 2012 are projected to reach 17.3 million units, up from 15.4 million units last year and 13.5 million units in 2010. Deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2011 alone—the latest time for which full figures are available—amounted to some 4.3 million units, worth an estimated $3.8 billion.
The market will continue to see solid expansion in the years to come, with total shipments hitting 25.8 million units by 2016.The digital signage market includes displays used for both digital out-of-home communication and commercial applications. As a form of digital media, digital signage deploys advertising, branding, entertainment and information to their target audiences, using a network of displays in which content can be remotely controlled, managed and updated.
Growth in digital signage comes mainly from its proliferating use in installations for commercial markets like the retail and hospitality industries, and also in public areas such as sports venues. Likewise aiding industry expansion are the rapidly decreasing prices of LCD displays in 40-, 42- and 46-inch sizes, as well as advances in technology related to super-narrow bezel video walls, interactive touch screens and high-brightness outdoor displays, IHS has determined.
“Marketers are eager to reach on-the-go consumers and shoppers through digital signage,” said Sanju Khatri, director for signage and public information displays at IHS. “Digital place-based media continues to gather momentum, using technology to balance central coordination with local intelligence for creating tailored communication with customers.”
Signs of strength
Among the markets where digital signage and professional displays are most often employed, the three highest-performing segments last year were retail, hospitality/healthcare and government/corporate, and the same is expected for 2012. Other important segments include education, the outdoor market, and the control room/simulation sector.
Meanwhile, the top three display technologies generating the largest revenue for signage and professional displays this year will be LCD at $8.3 billion, front projection at $3.6 billion and light-emitting diode (LED) at $1.4 billion. A small market also exists for signage utilizing plasma display and rear-projection technologies.
Sign size rises
The 40- to 44-inch and the 45- to 49-inch categories were dominant in 2011, but the focus by 2016 will shift toward even larger sizes, including the 50- to 59-inch group of displays. Smaller sizes, such as the 25- to 29-inch and the 30- to 34-inch, are predicted to lose traction as larger-sized displays become more affordable.Within the vital in-room hospitality displays market of North America, LG Electronics was the dominant player in the fourth quarter last year, with 47 percent share of shipments.
LG sells directly to its customers in the hospitality industry, a strategy that has served the South Korean firm well, especially in securing big corporate contracts with hotel chains.Other notable performers included Samsung Electronics, also from South Korea and considered by the industry as the technology leader, with 17 percent market share; and Panasonic Corp. from Japan, with 15 percent share.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
Shipments of signage and professional displays in 2012 are projected to reach 17.3 million units, up from 15.4 million units last year and 13.5 million units in 2010. Deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2011 alone—the latest time for which full figures are available—amounted to some 4.3 million units, worth an estimated $3.8 billion.
The market will continue to see solid expansion in the years to come, with total shipments hitting 25.8 million units by 2016.The digital signage market includes displays used for both digital out-of-home communication and commercial applications. As a form of digital media, digital signage deploys advertising, branding, entertainment and information to their target audiences, using a network of displays in which content can be remotely controlled, managed and updated.
Growth in digital signage comes mainly from its proliferating use in installations for commercial markets like the retail and hospitality industries, and also in public areas such as sports venues. Likewise aiding industry expansion are the rapidly decreasing prices of LCD displays in 40-, 42- and 46-inch sizes, as well as advances in technology related to super-narrow bezel video walls, interactive touch screens and high-brightness outdoor displays, IHS has determined.
“Marketers are eager to reach on-the-go consumers and shoppers through digital signage,” said Sanju Khatri, director for signage and public information displays at IHS. “Digital place-based media continues to gather momentum, using technology to balance central coordination with local intelligence for creating tailored communication with customers.”
Signs of strength
Among the markets where digital signage and professional displays are most often employed, the three highest-performing segments last year were retail, hospitality/healthcare and government/corporate, and the same is expected for 2012. Other important segments include education, the outdoor market, and the control room/simulation sector.
Meanwhile, the top three display technologies generating the largest revenue for signage and professional displays this year will be LCD at $8.3 billion, front projection at $3.6 billion and light-emitting diode (LED) at $1.4 billion. A small market also exists for signage utilizing plasma display and rear-projection technologies.
Sign size rises
The 40- to 44-inch and the 45- to 49-inch categories were dominant in 2011, but the focus by 2016 will shift toward even larger sizes, including the 50- to 59-inch group of displays. Smaller sizes, such as the 25- to 29-inch and the 30- to 34-inch, are predicted to lose traction as larger-sized displays become more affordable.Within the vital in-room hospitality displays market of North America, LG Electronics was the dominant player in the fourth quarter last year, with 47 percent share of shipments.
LG sells directly to its customers in the hospitality industry, a strategy that has served the South Korean firm well, especially in securing big corporate contracts with hotel chains.Other notable performers included Samsung Electronics, also from South Korea and considered by the industry as the technology leader, with 17 percent market share; and Panasonic Corp. from Japan, with 15 percent share.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
ZW3D CAD/CAM integrates Lightworks Artisan for 3D rendering
GUANGZHOU, CHINA: ZWSOFT, a leading supplier of 2D and 3D CAD/CAM software, announced that Lightworks Artisan for ZW3D 2012 was launched for 3D rendering. Artisan implements photorealistic rendering and enhances the creation of high quality images during the design process. With seamless work between ZW3D CAD CAM and Lightworks Artisan, users will be more productive in their 3D design.
Artisan gives ZW3D users another perspective of their work when the 3D design becomes more lifelike and vivid. It offers a completely new approach along with tools for the creation of high quality images of virtual products or buildings, whilst they are still being designed.
Artisan can be easily integrated directly in ZW3D 3D CAD/CAM and its simple workflow process enables a faster design to final image creation. The unique SnapShots function enables users to save SnapShots of scenes at any stage of the design process which can then be reapplied at any time within Artisan.
Joh Li, CTO at ZWSOFT, said: “With ZW3D CAD/CAM, customers are able to create good 3D designs of a product with the flexible hybrid modeling technology and powerful free form functions. Now, with the cooperation between ZWSOFT and Lightworks, ZW3D customers can just drag and drop the materials and light settings to the drawing, and quickly have a great picture. It only takes a couple seconds to show the nice design of the product.”
Artisan gives ZW3D users another perspective of their work when the 3D design becomes more lifelike and vivid. It offers a completely new approach along with tools for the creation of high quality images of virtual products or buildings, whilst they are still being designed.
Artisan can be easily integrated directly in ZW3D 3D CAD/CAM and its simple workflow process enables a faster design to final image creation. The unique SnapShots function enables users to save SnapShots of scenes at any stage of the design process which can then be reapplied at any time within Artisan.
Joh Li, CTO at ZWSOFT, said: “With ZW3D CAD/CAM, customers are able to create good 3D designs of a product with the flexible hybrid modeling technology and powerful free form functions. Now, with the cooperation between ZWSOFT and Lightworks, ZW3D customers can just drag and drop the materials and light settings to the drawing, and quickly have a great picture. It only takes a couple seconds to show the nice design of the product.”
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Hitachi Data Systems announces broad support for System Center 2012
BANGALORE, INDIA: Hitachi Data Systems Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd, announced new versions of Hitachi solutions built on Microsoft Private Cloud Fast Track.
These new solutions add broad support for System Center 2012, including System Center 2012 monitoring packs and PowerShell cmdlets (pronounced “command-lets”). This support provides seamless integration with the Virtual Machine Manager component of System Center 2012 and transparent live migration of virtual machines on the same site and across multi-site deployments up to distances of 200 kilometers, or 125 miles.
The new Hitachi solutions built on Microsoft Private Cloud Fast Track also support full provisioning of compute and storage resources, allowing customers to quickly provision virtual machines with full support for the Orchestrator component of System Center 2012.
Hitachi solutions built on Microsoft Private Cloud Fast Track combine Hitachi compute and storage with industry-standard network infrastructure and Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V and System Center 2012 software.
Businesses today need building blocks for private cloud infrastructures that are reliable, available, scalable, multitenant and multitiered. Hitachi Data Systems addresses these customer challenges by looking at the data center from a business perspective, tuning solutions to different business needs and driving innovation across all components.
As the latest milestone in the company’s relationship with Microsoft, the new Hitachi solutions built on Microsoft Private Cloud Fast Track help businesses quickly and cost-effectively deploy private cloud infrastructures with predictable results and create an avenue for further automation and orchestration.
These new solutions add broad support for System Center 2012, including System Center 2012 monitoring packs and PowerShell cmdlets (pronounced “command-lets”). This support provides seamless integration with the Virtual Machine Manager component of System Center 2012 and transparent live migration of virtual machines on the same site and across multi-site deployments up to distances of 200 kilometers, or 125 miles.
The new Hitachi solutions built on Microsoft Private Cloud Fast Track also support full provisioning of compute and storage resources, allowing customers to quickly provision virtual machines with full support for the Orchestrator component of System Center 2012.
Hitachi solutions built on Microsoft Private Cloud Fast Track combine Hitachi compute and storage with industry-standard network infrastructure and Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V and System Center 2012 software.
Businesses today need building blocks for private cloud infrastructures that are reliable, available, scalable, multitenant and multitiered. Hitachi Data Systems addresses these customer challenges by looking at the data center from a business perspective, tuning solutions to different business needs and driving innovation across all components.
As the latest milestone in the company’s relationship with Microsoft, the new Hitachi solutions built on Microsoft Private Cloud Fast Track help businesses quickly and cost-effectively deploy private cloud infrastructures with predictable results and create an avenue for further automation and orchestration.
SymTA/S supports ISO 26262 compliant design of mixed-criticality automotive electronics systems
BRAUNSCHWEIG, GERMANY: Symtavision, the global leader for timing design and timing verification for embedded real-time systems, has announced that SymTA/S supports the design of ISO 26262 compliant mixed-criticality automotive electronics systems.
The SymTA/S methodology overcomes the inherent safety versus efficiency conflicts, especially when ‘freedom from interference’ must be realized between software partitions with different criticality levels.
The SymTA/S methodology uniquely meets the primary ISO 26262 requirement to provide reliable coverage for failure and error-free scenarios by undertaking timing analyses to optimize and verify the ECU software schedule. Crucial to this is the ability to use SymTA/S timing analyses to select configurations for OS services such as watchdog timeouts and timing protection budgets rather than simply react to timing failures while the target system is running.
“Designing for ISO 26262 is an extremely hot topic” said Dr. Marek Jersak, CEO of Symtavision. “With the advent of mixed-criticality ECUs in automotive electronic systems, the established design patterns for building ECU schedules are unsuitable as they trade off efficiency for safety. Using SymTA/S for the design of ISO 26262 compliant mixed-criticality automotive electronic systems allows ECU schedules to be created, analyzed, optimized and verified that are not only safe and certifiable but also efficient.”
To build ISO 26262 compliant ECU schedules that are both safe and efficient, the SymTA/S methodology draws on a combination of the established RMS (Rate Monotonic Scheduling) and the recently proposed CAPA (Criticality As Priority Assignment) timing schedule strategies coupled with procedural guidelines, based on extensive SymTA/S timing analysis, on how safety can be verified and efficiency determined.
RMS, which is currently used extensively in the industry, yields compact, resource-efficient pre-emptive timing schedules for AUTOSAR and OSEK, but it cannot cope with mixed-criticality requirements as priority is given to tasks with the shortest cycle time without reference to safety requirements and criticality levels. On the other hand, a CAPA strategy can ensure the necessary ‘freedom from interference’ between tasks that ISO 26262 demands but this comes at the cost of a significant reduction in resource efficiency.
Using timing analysis data from SymTA/S, the ISO 26262 compliant design methodology enriches key aspects of both the RMS and CAPA schedule design patterns with guidelines on how to select priorities, when and how to use Watchdogs or Timing Protection, and when the software architecture needs to be adapted in terms of cycle times and runnables-to-task mapping. Furthermore, SymTA/S reliably covers error-free and failure scenarios of various kinds, and hence provides evidence that the software and safety architectures are suitable.
“Already proven on real-world ISO 26262 compliant mixed-criticality automotive electronics systems, the SymTA/S is an invaluable aid for software architects in the planning phase of ECU software integration,” concluded Dr. Marek Jersak, CEO of Symtavision. “The ability to select appropriate measures to ensure efficiency and certifiability as well as deliver safety at the lowest possible hardware cost is crucial to ISO 26262 ECU schedule design.”
The SymTA/S methodology overcomes the inherent safety versus efficiency conflicts, especially when ‘freedom from interference’ must be realized between software partitions with different criticality levels.
The SymTA/S methodology uniquely meets the primary ISO 26262 requirement to provide reliable coverage for failure and error-free scenarios by undertaking timing analyses to optimize and verify the ECU software schedule. Crucial to this is the ability to use SymTA/S timing analyses to select configurations for OS services such as watchdog timeouts and timing protection budgets rather than simply react to timing failures while the target system is running.
“Designing for ISO 26262 is an extremely hot topic” said Dr. Marek Jersak, CEO of Symtavision. “With the advent of mixed-criticality ECUs in automotive electronic systems, the established design patterns for building ECU schedules are unsuitable as they trade off efficiency for safety. Using SymTA/S for the design of ISO 26262 compliant mixed-criticality automotive electronic systems allows ECU schedules to be created, analyzed, optimized and verified that are not only safe and certifiable but also efficient.”
To build ISO 26262 compliant ECU schedules that are both safe and efficient, the SymTA/S methodology draws on a combination of the established RMS (Rate Monotonic Scheduling) and the recently proposed CAPA (Criticality As Priority Assignment) timing schedule strategies coupled with procedural guidelines, based on extensive SymTA/S timing analysis, on how safety can be verified and efficiency determined.
RMS, which is currently used extensively in the industry, yields compact, resource-efficient pre-emptive timing schedules for AUTOSAR and OSEK, but it cannot cope with mixed-criticality requirements as priority is given to tasks with the shortest cycle time without reference to safety requirements and criticality levels. On the other hand, a CAPA strategy can ensure the necessary ‘freedom from interference’ between tasks that ISO 26262 demands but this comes at the cost of a significant reduction in resource efficiency.
Using timing analysis data from SymTA/S, the ISO 26262 compliant design methodology enriches key aspects of both the RMS and CAPA schedule design patterns with guidelines on how to select priorities, when and how to use Watchdogs or Timing Protection, and when the software architecture needs to be adapted in terms of cycle times and runnables-to-task mapping. Furthermore, SymTA/S reliably covers error-free and failure scenarios of various kinds, and hence provides evidence that the software and safety architectures are suitable.
“Already proven on real-world ISO 26262 compliant mixed-criticality automotive electronics systems, the SymTA/S is an invaluable aid for software architects in the planning phase of ECU software integration,” concluded Dr. Marek Jersak, CEO of Symtavision. “The ability to select appropriate measures to ensure efficiency and certifiability as well as deliver safety at the lowest possible hardware cost is crucial to ISO 26262 ECU schedule design.”
Indian organizations spend an average of Rs. 53.5 million to remediate a data breach – Symantec
BANGALORE, INDIA: Symantec Corp. announced the results of the first annual Cost of a Data Breach Study among Indian organizations. The benchmark study, conducted by Ponemon Institute in partnership with Symantec, found data breaches have serious, quantifiable consequences. The average total cost of a breach to an organization was Rs. 53.5 million (5.35 crore), with malicious breaches by hackers or criminal insiders being the most expensive type at INR 4,224 for one compromised record.
“The value of data has never been greater, especially with organizations rapidly adopting new technologies to provide access to business information anywhere, at any time,” Anand Naik, managing director - sales, India and SAARC, Symantec. “On the other hand, the economic impact of a data breach is immense and necessitates C-level involvement, and adequate information protection policies and practices.”
Data breaches have quantifiable direct and indirect consequences
The study revealed that on average, it costs Indian organizations Rs. 2,105 for each lost or stolen record, with the average total organizational cost of a data breach being Rs. 53.5 million (5.35 crore). Costs incurred in notifying customers or the victims were the smallest component – Rs. 1.56 million (15.6 lakh) on an average.
In addition, costs incurred by victims to detect and escalate, and redress the data breach formed a significant component of the total average cost, averaging Rs. 16.4 million (1.64 crore) and Rs. 20.9 million (2.09 crore) respectively. Victims lost Rs. 14.6 million (1.46 crore) on average in lost business costs, suggesting that customers abandon the organization after a breach and rebuilding loyalty or maintaining reputation can be expensive.
Malicious/criminal attacks cause most expensive breaches
Over a third of victims (35 percent) experienced data breaches due to negligent insiders whose carelessness causes breaches. However, a smaller percentage (20 percent) experienced the most expensive cause of a data breach - hacking or malicious insider breaches, with organizations incurring a cost of Rs. 4,224 for every compromised record. Victims of malicious attacks experienced criminal insider breaches (75 percent) and theft of data bearing devices (50 percent).
Information protection best practices can reduce costs
Twenty-five percent of participating organizations have centralized the management of data protection with the appointment of a C-level security professional. The study found that organizations with a c-level security professional had an average per capita cost 46 percent less than organizations that do not have a c-level security professional.
The following best practices can help organizations better protect their confidential information and prevent data breaches:
* Assess risks by identifying and classifying confidential information.
* Adopt a strategic approach by deploying technologies such as data loss prevention technologies which enable policy compliance and enforcement.
* Implement two factor authentication.
* Proactively encrypt laptops to minimize consequences of a lost device.
* Educate employees on information protection policies and procedures, then hold them accountable.
* Implement an integrated security solution that includes reputation-based security, proactive threat protection, firewall and intrusion prevention in order to keep malware off endpoints.
* Integrate information protection practices into businesses processes.
“The value of data has never been greater, especially with organizations rapidly adopting new technologies to provide access to business information anywhere, at any time,” Anand Naik, managing director - sales, India and SAARC, Symantec. “On the other hand, the economic impact of a data breach is immense and necessitates C-level involvement, and adequate information protection policies and practices.”
Data breaches have quantifiable direct and indirect consequences
The study revealed that on average, it costs Indian organizations Rs. 2,105 for each lost or stolen record, with the average total organizational cost of a data breach being Rs. 53.5 million (5.35 crore). Costs incurred in notifying customers or the victims were the smallest component – Rs. 1.56 million (15.6 lakh) on an average.
In addition, costs incurred by victims to detect and escalate, and redress the data breach formed a significant component of the total average cost, averaging Rs. 16.4 million (1.64 crore) and Rs. 20.9 million (2.09 crore) respectively. Victims lost Rs. 14.6 million (1.46 crore) on average in lost business costs, suggesting that customers abandon the organization after a breach and rebuilding loyalty or maintaining reputation can be expensive.
Malicious/criminal attacks cause most expensive breaches
Over a third of victims (35 percent) experienced data breaches due to negligent insiders whose carelessness causes breaches. However, a smaller percentage (20 percent) experienced the most expensive cause of a data breach - hacking or malicious insider breaches, with organizations incurring a cost of Rs. 4,224 for every compromised record. Victims of malicious attacks experienced criminal insider breaches (75 percent) and theft of data bearing devices (50 percent).
Information protection best practices can reduce costs
Twenty-five percent of participating organizations have centralized the management of data protection with the appointment of a C-level security professional. The study found that organizations with a c-level security professional had an average per capita cost 46 percent less than organizations that do not have a c-level security professional.
The following best practices can help organizations better protect their confidential information and prevent data breaches:
* Assess risks by identifying and classifying confidential information.
* Adopt a strategic approach by deploying technologies such as data loss prevention technologies which enable policy compliance and enforcement.
* Implement two factor authentication.
* Proactively encrypt laptops to minimize consequences of a lost device.
* Educate employees on information protection policies and procedures, then hold them accountable.
* Implement an integrated security solution that includes reputation-based security, proactive threat protection, firewall and intrusion prevention in order to keep malware off endpoints.
* Integrate information protection practices into businesses processes.
NI announces 2012 green engineering grant program
INDIA: National Instruments announced that it will renew its Green Engineering Grant program in 2012. In the last two years, the program has provided assistance to more than 40 companies developing next-generation control and measurement solutions in the renewable energy market.
The program helps small companies and research groups around the world with up to $25,000 in software and training for graphical system design tools and techniques.
The grant assists the creation of innovative solutions that can address today’s complex renewable energy and electrical power challenges associated with the advancement of smart-grid, energy storage, electric vehicles and grid-tied power electronics control systems.
The program helps small companies and research groups around the world with up to $25,000 in software and training for graphical system design tools and techniques.
The grant assists the creation of innovative solutions that can address today’s complex renewable energy and electrical power challenges associated with the advancement of smart-grid, energy storage, electric vehicles and grid-tied power electronics control systems.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
China’s PC market to enjoy healthy 13 percent growth in 2012
EL SEGUNDO, USA: Driven by the rise of ultrabooks, the release of Microsoft Corp.’s Windows 8 operating system and the arrival of Intel Corp.’s Ivy Bridge microprocessor, China’s PC market in 2012 will expand by a robust 13 percent rate compared to 2011, according to the IHS iSuppli China Research Service.
“China has become the most important PC market worldwide, representing not only the vast majority of global production, but also a major source of demand,” said Elaine Zhi, analyst for China electronics research at IHS. “And amid a period of slowing PC sales growth worldwide, China’s consumers and businesses continue to generate healthy increases.”
China accounts for 22 percent of global demand and contributing more than 90 percent of total production. PC shipments in the country in 2012 will reach 83.6 million units, up from 73.9 million units in 2011 and from 67.0 million units in 2010.
Ultrabooks are slim and light notebook PCs that deliver five or more hours of battery life in between charges and boot times of 7 seconds or less. Because of these features, ultrabooks have the opportunity to become the next growth driver for the notebook industry.
Windows 8 requires less powerful processors than Windows 7 and consumes 30 percent less internal memory. It’s also the first Windows operating system to support the low-cost ARM microprocessor platform. These features will yield new PCs that are more affordable.
With Windows 8 and Intel’s Ivy Bridge expected to arrive in late 2012, PC market growth this year will be weighted toward the end of the year.
HDD setback won’t stall desktops
In China’s desktop PC market, annual growth is expected to rise to 8 percent in 2012, up from 5 percent in 2011. While the Thailand floods last year severely impacted the global supply of hard disk drives (HDD), HDD output is now predicted to recover to its original level by the third quarter this year. Any problems that may have been brought on by the previous HDD supply shortfall will not affect the China desktop market, projected to see continued steady growth in 2012.
The country’s commercial desktop PC market is also full of new opportunities, with many companies in the medical, traffic, energy and utilities industries looking to replace or purchase new systems in 2012.
Ultrabooks rising
As for the notebook PC market in China, IHS predicts sales will gain momentum from the introduction of ultrabooks, with PC makers such as Lenovo, Acer, Asustek, Hewlett-Packard and Samsung all devoted to developing new ultrabook models. IHS forecasts the ultrabook will account for 15 to 20 percent of total notebook PC shipments in China in 2012.
Even so, the market appears to have inflated expectations for ultrabook sales, mainly because the ultrabook’s bill of materials (BOM) remains too high due to strict requirements in hardware design. This will drive up prices and limit shipment growth.
For now the price of the ultrabook hews very closely to that of Apple’s MacBook Air, the competing platform most similar to the ultrabook that the PC market hopes to dislodge. But in order for ultrabooks to compete, the super-thin computers will need better pricing and performance than the MacBook Air. That means coming somewhere close to the mainstream notebook price in China’s domestic market of around RMB 4,000 to 6,000.
Apple’s iPad products are popular among end users and are sold at competitive prices in China, which means the ultrabook has a tough competitive battle ahead. Sales of Ultrabooks, now in their second generation, are likely to pick up robustly after the official launch of Windows 8 and Ivy Bridge later this year.
Lenovo on top
In China’s domestic PC market, Lenovo remains the leader of both the consumer and commercial PC segments with an overall 35.5 percent market share. In the third quarter of 2011, Lenovo surpassed Dell to become the second-largest global commercial notebook PC supplier.
For its part, Acer has recovered from continuous losses and has become the second-largest notebook market in China with a 9.5 percent market share, followed by Dell. This is mainly because of Acer’s fast development in all-in-one PCs and ultrabooks.
Although Hewlett-Packard is still the top PC maker globally, its rank in China has declined to fifth place with a 5.3 percent market share. In a bid to regain share, HP intends to change its webOS to the upcoming Windows 8 and bring out more tablets in the second half of 2012.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
“China has become the most important PC market worldwide, representing not only the vast majority of global production, but also a major source of demand,” said Elaine Zhi, analyst for China electronics research at IHS. “And amid a period of slowing PC sales growth worldwide, China’s consumers and businesses continue to generate healthy increases.”
China accounts for 22 percent of global demand and contributing more than 90 percent of total production. PC shipments in the country in 2012 will reach 83.6 million units, up from 73.9 million units in 2011 and from 67.0 million units in 2010.
Ultrabooks are slim and light notebook PCs that deliver five or more hours of battery life in between charges and boot times of 7 seconds or less. Because of these features, ultrabooks have the opportunity to become the next growth driver for the notebook industry.
Windows 8 requires less powerful processors than Windows 7 and consumes 30 percent less internal memory. It’s also the first Windows operating system to support the low-cost ARM microprocessor platform. These features will yield new PCs that are more affordable.
With Windows 8 and Intel’s Ivy Bridge expected to arrive in late 2012, PC market growth this year will be weighted toward the end of the year.
HDD setback won’t stall desktops
In China’s desktop PC market, annual growth is expected to rise to 8 percent in 2012, up from 5 percent in 2011. While the Thailand floods last year severely impacted the global supply of hard disk drives (HDD), HDD output is now predicted to recover to its original level by the third quarter this year. Any problems that may have been brought on by the previous HDD supply shortfall will not affect the China desktop market, projected to see continued steady growth in 2012.
The country’s commercial desktop PC market is also full of new opportunities, with many companies in the medical, traffic, energy and utilities industries looking to replace or purchase new systems in 2012.
Ultrabooks rising
As for the notebook PC market in China, IHS predicts sales will gain momentum from the introduction of ultrabooks, with PC makers such as Lenovo, Acer, Asustek, Hewlett-Packard and Samsung all devoted to developing new ultrabook models. IHS forecasts the ultrabook will account for 15 to 20 percent of total notebook PC shipments in China in 2012.
Even so, the market appears to have inflated expectations for ultrabook sales, mainly because the ultrabook’s bill of materials (BOM) remains too high due to strict requirements in hardware design. This will drive up prices and limit shipment growth.
For now the price of the ultrabook hews very closely to that of Apple’s MacBook Air, the competing platform most similar to the ultrabook that the PC market hopes to dislodge. But in order for ultrabooks to compete, the super-thin computers will need better pricing and performance than the MacBook Air. That means coming somewhere close to the mainstream notebook price in China’s domestic market of around RMB 4,000 to 6,000.
Apple’s iPad products are popular among end users and are sold at competitive prices in China, which means the ultrabook has a tough competitive battle ahead. Sales of Ultrabooks, now in their second generation, are likely to pick up robustly after the official launch of Windows 8 and Ivy Bridge later this year.
Lenovo on top
In China’s domestic PC market, Lenovo remains the leader of both the consumer and commercial PC segments with an overall 35.5 percent market share. In the third quarter of 2011, Lenovo surpassed Dell to become the second-largest global commercial notebook PC supplier.
For its part, Acer has recovered from continuous losses and has become the second-largest notebook market in China with a 9.5 percent market share, followed by Dell. This is mainly because of Acer’s fast development in all-in-one PCs and ultrabooks.
Although Hewlett-Packard is still the top PC maker globally, its rank in China has declined to fifth place with a 5.3 percent market share. In a bid to regain share, HP intends to change its webOS to the upcoming Windows 8 and bring out more tablets in the second half of 2012.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
Microsoft intros value added distributors program
NEW DELHI, INDIA: Microsoft India announced that it has appointed Avnet and Redington as its Value-Added Distributors in the country in a move aimed at creating an enhanced and superior level of service for partners and customers in the SMB space on the latest technologies. The Value-added distribution role is built on a unique business model with a specialized resource portfolio optimized for increasing adoption and market development of specialty solutions.
Under this tie-up, Avnet will provide complete solutions to Microsoft’s value added resellers for ‘Virtualization & Management and Identity & Security’ and Redington will cater for ‘Unified Communications, Security and Cloud Services’ and would reach out to all cities across India, adding reach and presence portfolio of Microsoft.
Redington and Avnet will provide the distributors/channel partner with highly skilled technical support to offer deep expertise for world-class customer satisfaction. VADs will offer training, educate and help reseller understanding the customer requirements to deliver appropriate solutions, focusing on SMEs where requirements are specific.VAD will further offer post sales services to enhance the end-customers’ experience.
Under this tie-up, Avnet will provide complete solutions to Microsoft’s value added resellers for ‘Virtualization & Management and Identity & Security’ and Redington will cater for ‘Unified Communications, Security and Cloud Services’ and would reach out to all cities across India, adding reach and presence portfolio of Microsoft.
Redington and Avnet will provide the distributors/channel partner with highly skilled technical support to offer deep expertise for world-class customer satisfaction. VADs will offer training, educate and help reseller understanding the customer requirements to deliver appropriate solutions, focusing on SMEs where requirements are specific.VAD will further offer post sales services to enhance the end-customers’ experience.
Seagate reaches 1 terabit per square inch milestone in hard drives
NEW DELHI, INDIA: Seagate has become the first hard drive maker to achieve the milestone storage density of 1 terabit (1 trillion bits) per square inch, producing a demonstration of the technology that promises to double the storage capacity of today’s hard drives upon its introduction later this decade and give rise to 3.5-inch hard drives with an extraordinary capacity of up to 60 terabytes over the 10 years that follow. The bits within a square inch of disk space, at the new milestone, far outnumber stars in the Milky Way, which astronomers put between 200 billion and 400 billion.
Seagate reached the landmark data density with heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR), the next- generation recording technology. The current hard drive technology, Perpendicular Magnetic Recording (PMR), is used to record the spectrum of digitized data – from music, photos, and video stored on home desktop and laptop PCs to business information housed in sprawling data centers – on the spinning platters inside every hard drive.
PMR technology was introduced in 2006 to replace longitudinal recording, a method in place since the advent of hard drives for computer storage in 1956, and is expected to reach its capacity limit near 1 terabit per square inch in the next few years.
“The growth of social media, search engines, cloud computing, rich media and other data-hungry applications continues to stoke demand for ever greater storage capacity,” said Mark Re, senior VP of Heads and Media Research and Development at Seagate. “Hard disk drive innovations like HAMR will be a key enabler of the development of even more data-intense applications in the future, extending the ways businesses and consumers worldwide use, manage and store digital content.”
Hard drive manufacturers increase areal density and capacity by shrinking a platter’s data bits to pack more within each square inch of disk space. They also tighten the data tracks, the concentric circles on the disk’s surface that anchor the bits. The key to areal density gains is to do both without disruptions to the bits’ magnetization, a phenomenon that can garble data.
Using HAMR technology, Seagate has achieved a linear bit density of about 2 million bits per inch, once thought impossible, resulting in a data density of just over 1 trillion bits, or 1 terabit, per square inch – 55 percent higher than today’s areal density ceiling of 620 gigabits per square inch.
The maximum capacity of today’s 3.5-inch hard drives is 3 terabytes (TB), at about 620 gigabits per square inch, while 2.5-inch drives top out at 750 gigabytes (GB), or roughly 500 gigabits per square inch. The first generation of HAMR drives, at just over 1 terabit per square inch, will likely more than double these capacities – to 6TB for 3.5-inch drives and 2TB for 2.5-inch models. The technology offers a scale of capacity growth never before possible, with a theoretical areal density limit ranging from 5 to 10 terabits per square inch – 30TB to 60TB for 3.5-inch drives and 10TB to 20TB for 2.5-inch drives.
Seagate reached the landmark data density with heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR), the next- generation recording technology. The current hard drive technology, Perpendicular Magnetic Recording (PMR), is used to record the spectrum of digitized data – from music, photos, and video stored on home desktop and laptop PCs to business information housed in sprawling data centers – on the spinning platters inside every hard drive.
PMR technology was introduced in 2006 to replace longitudinal recording, a method in place since the advent of hard drives for computer storage in 1956, and is expected to reach its capacity limit near 1 terabit per square inch in the next few years.
“The growth of social media, search engines, cloud computing, rich media and other data-hungry applications continues to stoke demand for ever greater storage capacity,” said Mark Re, senior VP of Heads and Media Research and Development at Seagate. “Hard disk drive innovations like HAMR will be a key enabler of the development of even more data-intense applications in the future, extending the ways businesses and consumers worldwide use, manage and store digital content.”
Hard drive manufacturers increase areal density and capacity by shrinking a platter’s data bits to pack more within each square inch of disk space. They also tighten the data tracks, the concentric circles on the disk’s surface that anchor the bits. The key to areal density gains is to do both without disruptions to the bits’ magnetization, a phenomenon that can garble data.
Using HAMR technology, Seagate has achieved a linear bit density of about 2 million bits per inch, once thought impossible, resulting in a data density of just over 1 trillion bits, or 1 terabit, per square inch – 55 percent higher than today’s areal density ceiling of 620 gigabits per square inch.
The maximum capacity of today’s 3.5-inch hard drives is 3 terabytes (TB), at about 620 gigabits per square inch, while 2.5-inch drives top out at 750 gigabytes (GB), or roughly 500 gigabits per square inch. The first generation of HAMR drives, at just over 1 terabit per square inch, will likely more than double these capacities – to 6TB for 3.5-inch drives and 2TB for 2.5-inch models. The technology offers a scale of capacity growth never before possible, with a theoretical areal density limit ranging from 5 to 10 terabits per square inch – 30TB to 60TB for 3.5-inch drives and 10TB to 20TB for 2.5-inch drives.
iFixit launches Dozuki to modernize business documentation
SANTA CLARA, USA: iFixit, maker of the world’s most popular service documentation site, announced the immediate commercial availability of Dozuki, a new service that lets organizations create documentation that teaches people how to do real things.
iFixit also announced today that it has launched Dozuki as a new business division.
With Dozuki, companies and organizations can easily produce visual documentation that informs and teaches people with comprehensive, interactive rich media that’s accessible via web, iPhone, iPad, and Android. Dozuki’s knowledge base allows businesses to build a community that invites contributions from customers and employees, ensuring content is up-to-date and easy to share. Moreover, Dozuki’s collaborative Q&A system captures meaningful everyday exchanges of knowledge, so it’s easy to keep information current and relevant.
“Documentation is important. It can dramatically reduce training time, increase productivity, empower customers, and inspire brand loyalty,” said Kyle Wiens, co-founder of iFixit and Dozuki. “Unfortunately, people hate using manuals because they are dull, imprecise, and often incomprehensible. Not anymore. Dozuki is helping businesses bring documentation out of the dark ages with dynamic manuals that become a vehicle for customer engagement. Support is the future of marketing. We’re helping companies repurpose their support content as authentic marketing.”
Dozuki’s first customers are using the platform for everything from service documentation to internal instructions, factory training to eLearning, and DIY to community networking. As the technology that drives iFixit, Dozuki’s rich guides have empowered millions of iFixit readers to repair the things they own. Other customers include Micron, Lezyne, Green Table Network, Improve International, and O’Reilly. Cal Poly is also deploying Dozuki in machine shops to train equipment operators—and they are seeing dramatic benefits.
“Using Dozuki, we were able to reduce training time on student-maintained machinery by 75 percent,” said Dan Waldorf, industrial engineering professor at California Polytechnic University. Dozuki expects new clients to experience similar results in productivity and efficiency.
“While technology is driving people to interact dynamically with content on the Web, instructions and documentation rely on antiquated 20-year-old formats,” said Matt Marshall, executive producer of DEMO. “Instruction manuals and training materials are dry and quickly outdated. Dozuki changes all that with its modern multi-media approach to step-by-step instructional videos.”
iFixit also announced today that it has launched Dozuki as a new business division.
With Dozuki, companies and organizations can easily produce visual documentation that informs and teaches people with comprehensive, interactive rich media that’s accessible via web, iPhone, iPad, and Android. Dozuki’s knowledge base allows businesses to build a community that invites contributions from customers and employees, ensuring content is up-to-date and easy to share. Moreover, Dozuki’s collaborative Q&A system captures meaningful everyday exchanges of knowledge, so it’s easy to keep information current and relevant.
“Documentation is important. It can dramatically reduce training time, increase productivity, empower customers, and inspire brand loyalty,” said Kyle Wiens, co-founder of iFixit and Dozuki. “Unfortunately, people hate using manuals because they are dull, imprecise, and often incomprehensible. Not anymore. Dozuki is helping businesses bring documentation out of the dark ages with dynamic manuals that become a vehicle for customer engagement. Support is the future of marketing. We’re helping companies repurpose their support content as authentic marketing.”
Dozuki’s first customers are using the platform for everything from service documentation to internal instructions, factory training to eLearning, and DIY to community networking. As the technology that drives iFixit, Dozuki’s rich guides have empowered millions of iFixit readers to repair the things they own. Other customers include Micron, Lezyne, Green Table Network, Improve International, and O’Reilly. Cal Poly is also deploying Dozuki in machine shops to train equipment operators—and they are seeing dramatic benefits.
“Using Dozuki, we were able to reduce training time on student-maintained machinery by 75 percent,” said Dan Waldorf, industrial engineering professor at California Polytechnic University. Dozuki expects new clients to experience similar results in productivity and efficiency.
“While technology is driving people to interact dynamically with content on the Web, instructions and documentation rely on antiquated 20-year-old formats,” said Matt Marshall, executive producer of DEMO. “Instruction manuals and training materials are dry and quickly outdated. Dozuki changes all that with its modern multi-media approach to step-by-step instructional videos.”
Endpoint security vendors must do more to meet the needs of the modern enterprise
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: Enterprises do not have a clear and comparable choice of endpoint protection solutions that completely meet today’s mobile working security requirements, according to Ovum. The proliferation of devices, the rise of bring-your-own-device (BYOD), and the targeted and persistent nature of malware threats are not being addressed by the majority of vendor solutions available today.
In Ovum’s latest Decision Matrix: Selecting an Endpoint Security Solution, the independent analyst firm reveals that endpoint protection has evolved far beyond the signature-based protection afforded by early-generation antivirus solutions.
“Today, businesses need vendors that can align services with the needs of each user and their devices, proportionate to the exposure to risk and role within the enterprise,” says Andrew Kellett, senior analyst at Ovum. “But for many organisations the first stumbling block will be trying to make direct comparisons between anti-malware vendors and their products.”
While all vendors claim to provide the best available protection when attacks take place, unfortunately the laboratory reports do not provide consistent or relevant answers. This is due to differing test environments, composition of test data sets, different risk-profile requirements, and ever-changing operational environments.
Ovum has addressed this issue with its Decision Matrix (ODM), which provides direct assessments of the eight top players in the endpoint security market and categorises them into Leaders, Challengers and Followers. The ODM focuses on each vendor's functionality for detecting malware, taking feedback from organizations that have used or continue to use each solution, and reporting on their stated levels of satisfaction.
“Today’s endpoint security solutions must combine core on-device malware protection with intelligence-based support services that detect new threats before a traditional signature is available. These support services are now more likely to be cloud-based so the speed of service delivery and security updates can be maintained at a high level,” comments Kellett.
The ODM reveals that different levels of endpoint protection continue to be provided by the respective security vendors, but common themes are emerging, such as significant convergence between core anti-malware products and associated services such as web security, data loss prevention (DLP) and data encryption.
Each of the identified Leaders plays to its own particular strengths, while also maintaining core malware protection services. However, there are differences in the range of mobile platforms supported and the ability to provide data encryption services to the devices that are most at risk. Another key area is the ability to deliver good-quality security management services, particularly relevant as it becomes increasingly important to control new mobile devices and ensure that each registered device is in an acceptable state when access to corporate applications is requested. A number of security vendors have also recognized the need to protect virtual client environments.
“As the threat landscape continues to change, the increasing need for organisations to invest in integrated endpoint protection highlights the importance for a consistent and clear method of selecting security vendors that can deliver the right levels of protection,” concludes Kellett.
In Ovum’s latest Decision Matrix: Selecting an Endpoint Security Solution, the independent analyst firm reveals that endpoint protection has evolved far beyond the signature-based protection afforded by early-generation antivirus solutions.
“Today, businesses need vendors that can align services with the needs of each user and their devices, proportionate to the exposure to risk and role within the enterprise,” says Andrew Kellett, senior analyst at Ovum. “But for many organisations the first stumbling block will be trying to make direct comparisons between anti-malware vendors and their products.”
While all vendors claim to provide the best available protection when attacks take place, unfortunately the laboratory reports do not provide consistent or relevant answers. This is due to differing test environments, composition of test data sets, different risk-profile requirements, and ever-changing operational environments.
Ovum has addressed this issue with its Decision Matrix (ODM), which provides direct assessments of the eight top players in the endpoint security market and categorises them into Leaders, Challengers and Followers. The ODM focuses on each vendor's functionality for detecting malware, taking feedback from organizations that have used or continue to use each solution, and reporting on their stated levels of satisfaction.
“Today’s endpoint security solutions must combine core on-device malware protection with intelligence-based support services that detect new threats before a traditional signature is available. These support services are now more likely to be cloud-based so the speed of service delivery and security updates can be maintained at a high level,” comments Kellett.
The ODM reveals that different levels of endpoint protection continue to be provided by the respective security vendors, but common themes are emerging, such as significant convergence between core anti-malware products and associated services such as web security, data loss prevention (DLP) and data encryption.
Each of the identified Leaders plays to its own particular strengths, while also maintaining core malware protection services. However, there are differences in the range of mobile platforms supported and the ability to provide data encryption services to the devices that are most at risk. Another key area is the ability to deliver good-quality security management services, particularly relevant as it becomes increasingly important to control new mobile devices and ensure that each registered device is in an acceptable state when access to corporate applications is requested. A number of security vendors have also recognized the need to protect virtual client environments.
“As the threat landscape continues to change, the increasing need for organisations to invest in integrated endpoint protection highlights the importance for a consistent and clear method of selecting security vendors that can deliver the right levels of protection,” concludes Kellett.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
PRG launches TruColor HS for next-gen film and TV lighting with Intematix ChromaLit technology
2012 NAB Show, Light+Building 2012, LIGHTFAIR International 2012, FREMONT, USA: Intematix Corp., a leading innovator of patented phosphors and phosphor components for high-quality LED lighting, with Production Resource Group, L.L.C., (PRG), the world’s leading entertainment lighting company, today announced the offering of a long sought after film and television lighting solution. Intematix’s ChromaLit remote phosphor creates precision spectral quality in PRG’s new TruColor HS, a digital soft source light fixture.
TruColor HS utilizes ChromaLit to deliver a nearly continuous wavelength spectrum that eliminates the color-accuracy limitations inherent in many LED fixtures. PRG’s latest offering features Intematix ChromaLit Panels customized to meet the high standards for motion picture and broadcast lighting. The interchangeable panels deliver 96 CRI at 3200K and 90 CRI at 5200K, allowing users to achieve both daylight and tungsten with a single fixture.
ChromaLit makes lighting better using a phosphor composite substrate separated from the blue LEDs. This architecture increases system efficacy by up to 30 percent compared with conventional white LEDs, which enables a single TruColor HS to produce a remarkable 20,000 lumens.
“PRG’s TruColor HS light fixture showcases a stunning and functional implementation of ChromaLit,” said Julian Carey, senior director of marketing at Intematix. “Working with PRG, we get to see the light quality and efficacy advantages of our product come to life in an exacting new application.”
“Our customers are demanding improvements in digital lighting,” said Rich Pierceall, PRG’s director of Digital Lighting Sales. “With ChromaLit, we have been impressed at every stage of the development process by the high quality of light we are able to achieve. Intematix’s ChromaLit technology creates better color consistency and higher output in lighting fixtures designed for image capture.”
TruColor HS utilizes ChromaLit to deliver a nearly continuous wavelength spectrum that eliminates the color-accuracy limitations inherent in many LED fixtures. PRG’s latest offering features Intematix ChromaLit Panels customized to meet the high standards for motion picture and broadcast lighting. The interchangeable panels deliver 96 CRI at 3200K and 90 CRI at 5200K, allowing users to achieve both daylight and tungsten with a single fixture.
ChromaLit makes lighting better using a phosphor composite substrate separated from the blue LEDs. This architecture increases system efficacy by up to 30 percent compared with conventional white LEDs, which enables a single TruColor HS to produce a remarkable 20,000 lumens.
“PRG’s TruColor HS light fixture showcases a stunning and functional implementation of ChromaLit,” said Julian Carey, senior director of marketing at Intematix. “Working with PRG, we get to see the light quality and efficacy advantages of our product come to life in an exacting new application.”
“Our customers are demanding improvements in digital lighting,” said Rich Pierceall, PRG’s director of Digital Lighting Sales. “With ChromaLit, we have been impressed at every stage of the development process by the high quality of light we are able to achieve. Intematix’s ChromaLit technology creates better color consistency and higher output in lighting fixtures designed for image capture.”
Rehm Thermal Systems further expands its US sales network with Aligned Solutions
USA: Aligned Solutions Inc will sell Rehm’s Convection, Condensation, and Vacuum soldering products throughout the greater Midwest. With roots in the electronics industry going back to 1976, Aligned Solutions offers a combination of veteran experience and a diverse range of equipment, materials and process capabilities to a broad customer base throughout printed circuit board assembly and repair.
Rehm GM, John Bashe, commented: “As we continue to introduce new soldering technologies and product configurations to the American PCBA marketplace, we are actively seeking industry professionals with special skill sets. The combination of experience and process background that the people at Aligned Solutions posses makes them an ideal member of our evolving organization.”
Rehm Thermal Systems is the leading soldering supplier to the global automotive electronics industry, and has operated directly in North America for over a decade. With thousands of reflow ovens in operation throughout the world, Rehm also remains the only single source for both convection and condensation soldering systems.
Rehm GM, John Bashe, commented: “As we continue to introduce new soldering technologies and product configurations to the American PCBA marketplace, we are actively seeking industry professionals with special skill sets. The combination of experience and process background that the people at Aligned Solutions posses makes them an ideal member of our evolving organization.”
Rehm Thermal Systems is the leading soldering supplier to the global automotive electronics industry, and has operated directly in North America for over a decade. With thousands of reflow ovens in operation throughout the world, Rehm also remains the only single source for both convection and condensation soldering systems.
NComputing VSpace client delivers breakthrough simplicity and power for affordable mobility and BYOD
BANGALORE, INDIA: NComputing announced immediate availability of vSpace Client for Windows. This innovative software client transforms PCs, laptops, netbooks and tablets into high performance NComputing virtual clients, delivering secure anytime anywhere access to corporate desktops or selected applications running on a central host.
vSpace Client for Windows leverages the powerful vSpace Server software to scale to 100 users sessions on a single host PC or server. IT departments can now support key initiatives – mobility, BYOD, remote access and Windows 7 migration – with far fewer resources and leveraging existing and legacy computing equipment. vSpace Client ensures a rich and powerful user experience while providing IT with all the capabilities, flexibility, and cost advantages of centralized desktop management.
“The virtual client computing market has come of age in the past couple of years and is expected to approach $2.7 billion by 2015,” said Al Gillen, Program VP, System Software at IDC. "NComputing's vSpace Client software fills in an important functional role and broadens the ability of NComputing to serve its existing customer base as well as stimulate new market opportunities. Empowering NComputing users to easily deploy both hard and soft virtual desktop environments, at a compelling price/performance ratio, fits well into NComputing's solution set.”
“NComputing is the undisputed leading desktop virtualization company in India, always aiming at delivering innovative solutions and an unmatched price performance,” said Manish Sharma, VP - Asia Pacific, NComputing. “With the launch of the vSpace Client, we are strengthening our product portfolio that will give flexibility to our customers to adopt mobility and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) options, yet giving a high performance desktop experience, while gaining the added capability, flexibility and cost savings of a centralized desktop management environment.”
With 50,000 customers and more than 3 million virtual desktops deployed globally, NComputing leads the industry in delivering simple, powerful and affordable virtual desktop solutions. Already beta tested at more than 1,000 customer sites, vSpace Client is so simple to download and install that customers are usually up-and-running in 15 minutes. Customers can either extend existing NComputing vSpace deployments using a combination of thin clients and software clients, or deploy a software-only solution that leverages their existing Windows-based equipment.
Future plans for vSpace Client software include versions for iOS and Android devices. Importantly, vSpace Client gives NComputing channel partners more extensive set of solutions to help their customers leverage mobility and BYOD for their business advantage.
vSpace Client for Windows leverages the powerful vSpace Server software to scale to 100 users sessions on a single host PC or server. IT departments can now support key initiatives – mobility, BYOD, remote access and Windows 7 migration – with far fewer resources and leveraging existing and legacy computing equipment. vSpace Client ensures a rich and powerful user experience while providing IT with all the capabilities, flexibility, and cost advantages of centralized desktop management.
“The virtual client computing market has come of age in the past couple of years and is expected to approach $2.7 billion by 2015,” said Al Gillen, Program VP, System Software at IDC. "NComputing's vSpace Client software fills in an important functional role and broadens the ability of NComputing to serve its existing customer base as well as stimulate new market opportunities. Empowering NComputing users to easily deploy both hard and soft virtual desktop environments, at a compelling price/performance ratio, fits well into NComputing's solution set.”
“NComputing is the undisputed leading desktop virtualization company in India, always aiming at delivering innovative solutions and an unmatched price performance,” said Manish Sharma, VP - Asia Pacific, NComputing. “With the launch of the vSpace Client, we are strengthening our product portfolio that will give flexibility to our customers to adopt mobility and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) options, yet giving a high performance desktop experience, while gaining the added capability, flexibility and cost savings of a centralized desktop management environment.”
With 50,000 customers and more than 3 million virtual desktops deployed globally, NComputing leads the industry in delivering simple, powerful and affordable virtual desktop solutions. Already beta tested at more than 1,000 customer sites, vSpace Client is so simple to download and install that customers are usually up-and-running in 15 minutes. Customers can either extend existing NComputing vSpace deployments using a combination of thin clients and software clients, or deploy a software-only solution that leverages their existing Windows-based equipment.
Future plans for vSpace Client software include versions for iOS and Android devices. Importantly, vSpace Client gives NComputing channel partners more extensive set of solutions to help their customers leverage mobility and BYOD for their business advantage.
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