2013: Rise of SDN, death of “transaction-based” user and customers bite back on vendor lock-in

INDIA: The Year 2012 will be remembered for many remarkable events, including the Summer Olympics in London that not only showcased the best in human achievement and global collaboration, but also illustrated how technology-obsessed the world has become. Indeed, more than 4.8 billion people watched the event, with digital viewers outnumbering traditional television viewers for the first time in history.

This single event epitomizes how much society depends on networking technology, and while 2012 was a breakthrough year for broadcasters, enterprises and consumers, what does 2013 hold?

K P Unnikrishnan, APAC marketing director at Brocade looks into his crystal ball to outline the top five technology trends we should watch out for in 2013:

Software-defined networking (SDN) deployments begin: The Olympics proved that consumer demand for information accessibility shows no sign of abating. However, as service providers try to meet said demand, and juggle the complexities of running a profitable business – for instance, to reduce CapEx (capital expenditure) and OpEx (operating expenditure) and increase service responsiveness – they are looking for technology alternatives that will streamline service creation and foster innovative applications and services.

SDN offers a means of doing this. SDN links networks and applications, enabling direct programmatic control of both networks and orchestration layers in line with end-user application needs, rather than programming around the network, as is done today. IDC predicts that by 2016, the market will be worth $2 billion a year, up from just $168 million today.

With the promise of SDN architectures radically decreasing total cost of ownership (TCO), and vendor innovation/support continuing to increase, I predict that we’ll see pockets of actual SDN service deployments across the globe…primarily in the U.S. and Japan to start. 2013 will see the start of great things for this technology.

Death of the “transaction-based” user: Users, whether business or consumer, are addicted to their Internet-connected devices. In fact, more than 440 million mobile handsets were shipped in the third quarter of 2012, with more than 25 percent of those being smartphones, indicating the user appetite for connectivity.

However, with the roll-out of higher-performing networks (such as 4G and LTE) and devices that offer seamless connectivity, I predict that 2013 will be the year that we see the decline of the “transaction-based” user and the rise of the “always-connected” user [A “transaction-based user” is an individual that will connect to the Internet to conduct an activity (such as to make a purchase or to stream content), and then log off.

The premise is that the user will sparingly use bandwidth and not rely on connectivity for every aspect of their life]. Operators will vie for consumer loyalty by offering attractive pricing models, fuelling the trend for 24/7 connectivity.

Businesses will leverage this phenomenon and increasingly turn to social media and communities to host a larger portion of their customer experience and support processes. While this will transform engagement models, to be successful, operators and business will need to ensure that their back-end networks can meet user expectations. In situations such as this, even one service disruption could be fatal to the customer relationship.

Cloud under the microscope: Last year Brocade predicted that non-IT organizations would move towards “Cloud Service Provisioning” in order to uncover new ways of optimizing and monetizing cloud and service provider networks. For the next 12 months, I see this trend continuing, but in an evolved state.

First, businesses will scrutinize the impact of the cloud, its benefits, usage and ROI more than ever before. Are deployments delivering the agility and cost savings predicted? Are users benefitting? How can one measure cloud ROI when, by design, the assets are not owned by the organization?

With this in mind, I predict that IT organizations will attempt to take back control of their own assets (and budgets) and the deployment of private cloud architectures will accelerate during the second half of the year. IT organizations will also challenge the new breed of service provider by offering competing hosted services.

This strategy will help them to bolster revenue opportunities from a market that will be worth $73 billion by 2015. This will be good news for users, but will need to be accompanied by a thorough evaluation strategy to ensure that performance, resilience and cost models meet organizational expectations.

Customers bite back on vendor lock-in: As consumers, we don’t like being shackled. More generally, “product de-siloing” is a clear macro-trend. Whether it is the flexibility to personalize apps on our phone, or select the optional extras on our vehicles, choice is paramount. Within the networking space, choice is even more imperative. As alliances ebb and flow, and integrated offerings continue to break into the mainstream, the importance of open architectures and multivendor solutions will become more prevalent in 2013.

Trust is essential when building a network to support mission-critical applications, and enterprises will turn to trusted vendors to deploy flexible and scalable solutions. As such, those vendors not able to coexist in multivendor environments will struggle in this more demanding, and competitive, landscape. Only the agile and collaborative will prosper, and I expect at least one major vendor casualty in the coming year.

Technology will begin to overcome human shortcomings: I remember when desktop icons did not exist, a time when a user had to manually type the name of an application in a shell-like text window to access applications. This was time-consuming, error-prone and frustrating, but the desktop icon revolutionized the user experience. Innovations such as this overcame human shortcomings and simplified the user experience, and I predict more such innovations over the next 12 months.

Think of voice-command devices, and the fact that modern smartphones can deliver communications, content and compute services in a single form-factor. This kind of human multitasking would not happen, but technology has innovated to such a degree that it is now second nature to even the most basic user. I expect more breakthrough advances this year, exactly, what that breakthrough will be is the million-dollar question.

Primoceler unveils new glass welding machine

FINLAND: Primoceler Inc., a microfabrication company specializing in glass welding and laser scribing, has announced its development of a new laser-based welding machine for microelectromechanical systems.
Primoceler's new machine produces an extremely small heat-affected zone during the hermetic sealing of sensitive components, improving manufacturing processes and expanding the potential for packaging sensitive components under or inside glass.

A major challenge facing manufacturers has been producing packages that do not mechanically stress their MEMS while providing electrical (and also fluidic or optical) interconnects, protecting micromechanical elements and allowing for the system to interact with external environments as planned. Conventional bonding methods such as fusion bonding and anodic bonding generate large amounts of heat, which can cause damage with sensitive components.

"Our new technology is unique. No other machine can give the same results in the same fashion," stated Ville Hevonkorpi, Primoceler's managing director. "Our laser micro welding methodology makes it possible to bond silicon and glass hermetically without adhesives or heat. Since the technology produces an extremely small HAZ (heat-affected zone), there is no risk of breaking sensitive or organic components. As a result, this laser-assisted micro welding process presents manufacturers with an array of new possibilities for the production of electronic, engineering, medical and scientific research devices such as chips and sensors.

"Packaging has always been an important element of MEMS design and the environment inside the package is vital to its efficacy," said Hevonkorpi. "Primoceler's unique sealing solution allows the use of more fragile and sensitive components than ever before."

The machine does not require adhesive material in its operation, so the welding process is a fast one-step process. "We are able to produce welding seams with first-rate mechanical properties and those seams retain their quality over time. Any glue loses its strength in time so in fact, the lack of adhesives materials has led to a seam that is stronger and permanent."

The machine includes a patent-pending auto-focusing system that ensures reliability and quality by keeping the distance to wafer within micrometer accuracy. That high precision, in turn, enables high processing speeds of 50 mm/s or more.

The machine is easy to use with a 19-inch touchscreen, intuitive software and a standardized user interface for the machine, laser and viewing camera. Additionally, clients have the options of integrating the technology with their production systems, including a vision system for alignment and viewing and full remote access for service and assistance via secure remote connection.

WatchGuard's top security predictions for 2013

USA: WatchGuard Technologies, a global leader in manageable business security solutions, revealed its annual security predictions for 2013.

Assembled by WatchGuard’s security research analysts, the list reveals an uptick in emerging cyber threats and an increased focus by governments to fight back through legislation. While the security industry is predicted to focus on “strike back” measures, WatchGuard predicts these actions will be ineffective and ultimately unviable for most organizations.

"2012 was an eye-opening year in cyber security as we saw the number of new and more sophisticated vulnerabilities rise, impacting individuals, businesses and governments," said WatchGuard Director of Security Strategy Corey Nachreiner, a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). "This is a year where the security stakes reach new heights, attacks become more frequent and unfortunately more damaging as many organizations suffer attacks before taking measures to protect themselves from the bad guys."

WatchGuard's 2013 security predictions include:

A cyber attack results in a human death: WatchGuard hopes it is wrong in this prediction. But with more computing devices embedded in cars, phones, TVs and even medical devices, digitally dealt death is not only possible, it's plausible. Security is still often an afterthought when developing innovative technical systems.

Criminals, hacktivists, and even nation-states are launching increasingly targeted cyber-attacks, resulting in the destruction of physical equipment. Most recently, a researcher even showed how to wirelessly deliver an 830 volt shock to an insecure pacemaker, proving that digital attacks can have a real-world impact.

Malware enters the matrix through a virtual door: Last year was the first real-world instance of malware that sought out virtual machines (VMs) and infected them directly. Today, there is an emergence of malicious code that can recognize when it's running in a virtual system and can act accordingly.

In 2013, WatchGuard predicts attackers will create even more VM-targeted malware. It will be designed to take advantage of weaknesses found in many virtual environments, while attempting to avoid virtualized automatic threat detection systems.

It’s your browser - not your system - that malware is after: WatchGuard anticipates a steep rise in browser-infecting malware in 2013. With increased adoption of cloud services like online banking, a great deal of personal and sensitive data passes through web browsers. Many antivirus solutions are focused on catching traditional malware which infects an operating system and aren't as effective at detecting browser-based infections.

Now, a new type of malware has emerged. Sometimes called a Man-in-the-Browser (MitB) or browser zombie, it arrives as a malicious browser extension, plugin, helper object, or piece of JavaScript. It doesn't infect the whole system; instead it takes complete control of a browser and runs whenever the victim surfs the web.

Strike back gets a lot of lip service, but does little good: "Strike back," which refers to launching a counter-offensive against cyber hackers will receive a lot of attention but won't be implemented in most organizations according to WatchGuard. "Strike backs" can include filing lawsuits, launching cyber espionage campaigns, or even launching counter cyber-attacks against attackers.

WatchGuard anticipates most organizations won't implement these measures given the jurisdictional challenges of digital attacks which bounce through several countries. Plus, criminals have the ability to plant "false flags" in malware, tricking victims and authorities into thinking someone else is behind the attack.

We'll pay for our lack of IPv6 expertise: Next year, WatchGuard expects to see an increase in IPv6-based attacks and IPv6 attack tools. While the IT industry continues to be slow at adopting IPv6 into their networks, most new devices ship IPv6-aware and can create IPv6 networks on their own.

Many IT professionals don't have a deep understanding of IPv6's technicalities, yet they have IPv6 traffic and devices on their networks. This also means most administrators haven't implemented any IPv6 security controls, opening the door to attackers looking to exploit unprotected weaknesses.

Android pick pockets try to empty mobile wallets: Based on the following three factors, WatchGuard expects to see at least one vulnerability, even if just a proof-of-concept, that allows attackers to steal money from Android devices.
* Mobile malware is skyrocketing.
* Cyber criminals are targeting Android devices more than any other because of the platform's openness.
* People are increasingly using mobile devices for online payments. Plus, many vendors, including Google, are starting to launch Mobile Wallets, which attaches credit cards to mobile devices.

An exploit sold on "vulnerability market" becomes next APT: WatchGuard expects that at least one auctioned-off zero day exploit will emerge as a major targeted attack this year. Vulnerability markets or auctions are a new trend in information security, allowing so-called "security" companies to sell zero day software vulnerabilities to the highest bidder. While they claim to "vet" their customers and only sell to NATO governments and legitimate companies, there are few safeguards in place to prevent nefarious entities to take advantage.

Important cyber security-related legislation finally becomes law
In 2013, expect the US government to pass at least one new cyber security act, which will likely impact private organizations. The US government has been trying to pass cyber security bills that give the president and various government agencies some control over what happens in the event of cyber-attack on US infrastructure.

The government also wants more cooperation among private infrastructure organizations and US intelligence agencies. Many are pressing for the government to enact more detailed cyber crimes laws, which may help prosecute digital crimes. On top of that, some organizations are lobbying for tougher digital IP enforcement, which privacy advocates often oppose. While 2012 proved to be a difficult year for passing new cyber legislation, WatchGuard expects this year to be different.

Zebronics intros powerful tower speakers

INDIA: Top Notch Infotronix unveiled its latest series of speakers systems – the long-awaited, imposing sized Monster Tower speakers under the brand ZEBRONICS.

Adding to one of the industry’s widest range of speakers and sound accessories, the Zebronics Monster Tower lineup comprises three models delivering up to 100W RMS of sound in a unique ‘tower-style’ form-factor that dominates the room.

The Zebronics Sound & Entertainment Showcase, the Company’s showing of their comprehensive line-up of digital media players, audio speakers and entertainment systems, was the venue for the introduction of the Monster Tower speaker systems.

At the show were digital media players and sound speakers for every one – from children to students and young professionals, family homes to folk artists, suitable for users as diverse as gaming enthusiasts, audiophiles and casual listeners.

There were more than 40 products, the largest array of options in media players, 2.0 and 2.1 bookshelf style speakers, 5.1 high-quality audio systems, gaming sets and others – ranging in prices from as low as Rs. 99 to Rs. 9,999. With the focus on on value-conscious buyers, Zebronics digital sound systems engineered on the principle of good quality for great prices, providing elegant design and unique aesthetics even at value prices – clearly differentiating them from generic low-budget products.

The flagship product of the Zebronics Sound Systems range and the latest addition to its line-up – the Monster Tower speakers provide the ultimate listening experience. With full wooden enclosures and a high-gloss piano black front panel, lending them an elegant look, these speakers are designed keeping in mind music lovers and audiophiles with their need for high quality sound, functionality and design.

The three variants in the Tower line incorporate dual 8-inch drivers for low range, 4-inch drivers for mid range and 1-inch cloth dome tweeters for higher frequency for room filling sound. The drivers’ inherent stiffness, low mass and self-damping properties allow them to deliver clean, accurate sound. Side volume controls, woofers, front ports with LED display all come in superior chrome finish.

The Monster Towers have slots on the sides to play music directly from a USB device or SD/MMC cards, as well as built-in FM radio receiver. In addition, the Tower speakers also support karaoke with two Microphone inputs, and are equipped with a full function remote controller. The three options available are ZEB-T9500RUCF, ZEB-T8500RUCF and ZEB-T7500RUCF. The accessory cables provided enable users to connect their digital devices such as phones or media players through auxiliary input or use them to complement the sound system of a large-screen TV.

“We have truly created something different with this Tower Speaker system that is amazingly powerful, delivering incredible audio quality at extremely affordable price point,” said Rajesh Doshi, Purchase & Marketing director of Top Notch Infotronix. “The sound that comes out of this system is simply wonderful.” Providing amazing sound the Monster Tower excels both in design and sound quality at a value unmatched in this category."

Outlining the company’s strategy to further broadbase their product offerings in the entertainment segment, Doshi added: “Our next focus is going to be in the entertainment arena. In the last two years we have seen that the demand for sound systems has grown tremendously.  And most of it is now digital music. With the spread of cell phones in the small towns and villages, users in even smaller cities are enjoying their music digitally. Besides, children constitute a substantial section of our consumers.

"We plan to cover all sub-segments and user categories in the entertainment and sound marketspace, with products that appeal to every pocket.”

Representing Zebronics’ dedication to serious performance, premium looks and quality at value prices, the new Monster Tower lineup is priced at Rs. 6,799/- for ZEB-T7500RUCF, Rs. 7,499/- for ZEB-T8500RUCF and Rs. 9,999/- for ZEB-T9500RUCF, all including one-year warranty.

Six I/O modules for NI CompactRIO and NI CompactDAQ platforms

USA: National Instruments announced six new C Series modules designed for NI CompactRIO embedded control systems and NI CompactDAQ modular data acquisition systems.

By expanding the C Series platform, NI provides engineers and scientists with new and improved options for a wide variety of embedded control, monitoring and data acquisition applications. Channel counts on the individual modules range from three to 32 channels to accommodate a wide range of system requirements, and the majority of C Series modules work in both the NI CompactDAQ and CompactRIO measurement platforms with no modification.

“This is the largest C Series module release in several years, reflecting our ongoing commitment to expanding the NI LabVIEW RIO architecture,” said Jamie Smith, director of industrial embedded marketing at National Instruments. “At NI, we constantly innovate and build upon our systems to help engineers simplify development.”

New C Series module list
NI 9467 GPS synchronization module – Accurately synchronize a large-scale CompactRIO system with features such as data timestamping and system clock setting.

NI 9469 chassis synchronization module – Create high-channel-count, distributed systems with custom timing and triggering by linking chassis with a standard Ethernet cable.

NI 9381 multifunction I/O module – Fit more functionality into a single system with analog input, analog output and digital I/O all in the same module.

NI 9229 and NI 9239 analog input modules with BNC connectivity – Use the industry-standard BNC connection for applications such as video and RF.

NI 9220 analog input module with screw terminal or BNC connectivity – Build high-channel-count systems in smaller chassis with 16 channels of simultaneous I/O.

INSIDE SECURE intros end-to-end security offering for DTCP-IP

FRANCE: INSIDE Secure announced the availability of DRM Fusion for DTCP-IP, a new software-based end-to-end security solution that ensures that high-value content such as high-definition video remains secure and is copy protected when transmitted between PCs, tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, gaming consoles and HD projectors.

Offering the latest version of the Digital Transmission Content Protection (DTCP v1.7) standard for high definition digital media, DRM Fusion for DTCP is the newest security offering from INSIDE Secure, and represents the next step in building out the most complete, end-to-end content protection offering in the industry.

Optimized for mobile devices, the INSIDE Secure’s DTCP content protection software prevents high-value media content from being leaked or hacked by performing interactive device authentication between server and player devices before initiating the encrypted data transmission.
DRM Fusion for DTCP-IP is specifically tailored for secure content sharing between both wired and wireless devices, enabling consumers to view protected content on their laptop on an LCD monitor, record and copy a high-definition broadcast for offline viewing or stream copyrighted music stored on a smartphone to an in-home or in-vehicle entertainment system.

“Part of our recent acquisition of Embedded Security Solutions, this new offering is the most recent addition to our portfolio of content security offerings, and ensures end-to-end content protection during digital transmission to address the rapidly growing market for connected media devices,” said Dr. Simon Blake-Wilson, executive VP, ESS, at INSIDE Secure.

“This kind of high-value content protection is required by the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) and is critically needed by manufacturers of DLNA certified devices and for the hundreds of millions of DLNA devices already deployed.”