The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint standard enables people/devices to automatically connect to public Wi-Fi hotspots without browser-based user authentication. However, users/devices are authenticated in the background via their SIM info, certificates or username/password, without end-user intervention.

The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint maybe required to provide a better/seamless user experience to users in public hotspots and might encourage them to use the Wi-Fi networks, more. End users get just one set of credentials/account for accessing multiple hotspot networks, which is easier for them to manage.

Devices (such as Wi-Fi Access Points) certified by Wi-Fi Alliance as Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint compliant can automatically associate users with Wi-Fi networks, authenticate, manage security settings and do everything else required for this process in the background, without user intervention.

All Passpoint connections are secured using the highly-secure WPA2-Enterprise (provided the access points and client devices support this protocol). This standard also makes it possible for certain Wi-Fi devices (like eReaders, cameras or embedded car-devices) that don’t have a built-in browser, to connect to public hotspot networks.

Passpoint also allows service providers to authenticate devices before providing them with DRM-protected premium content, in any location – home, office or at a public hotspot. Passpoint enabled hotspots also allow service providers to offer roaming in each others hotspot networks if both the networks are Passpoint compliant and the service providers already have mutual agreements on roaming policies (including billing, etc.).

Read more/Reference: Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint white paper from Wi-Fi Alliance.

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Welcome to another edition of weekly computer networking/IT industry updates. This week, let us look at some news, product releases and articles published by the vendors in our industry over the last one week (14th May to 20th May, 2013).

#1. Hp releases Tablet + Notebook Combo: Hp has released two mobile computing models – Slatebook x2 (Android), Split x2 (Windows 8), that double up as a tablet as well as a notebook, as required. Read more…

#2. Aruba Networks acquires Meridian Apps, Inc. : Aruba Networks has acquired privately held company called Meridian Apps, Inc. that offers indoor location services to customers on mobile platforms. This platform is useful for users to navigate through hospitals, hotels, shopping complexes and other public-facing enterprises. Aruba Networks intends to integrate this platform with their indoor Wi-Fi infrastructure in order to make location-based services more accurate than GPS. Read more…

#3. Ruckus Wireless Inc. introduces Secure Public Hotspots: Ruckus Wireless Inc. has introduced a technology called Secure Hotspot, that automatically protects the Wi-Fi communications of users in open places like public hotspots. Read more…

#4. Dell to deliver public cloud services through partner ecosystem: Dell has announced that they will deliver public cloud infrastructure as a service through their partner ecosystem. According to Dell, this service will provide customers a choice of providers, flexibility/interoperability across cloud platforms and a central management interface. Read more…

#5. NetApp introduces NetApp Connect: For customers using NetApp storage ecosystem, NetApp has introduced the NetApp Connect, a secure and easy way to allow access to corporate data for mobile users. Read more…

#6. Lenovo launches re-branded LenovoEMC storage solutions in North America: Lenovo has announced the availability of its LenovoEMC re-branded storage product portfolio in North America. Read more…

#7. Axis Communications introduces Axis Q7920 Video Encoder Chassis & Axis Q7436 Video Encoder Blade: Axis Communications has introduced the Axis Q7920 video encoder chassis that can support up to 84 analog cameras and Axis Q7436 video encoder blade that supports 6-channels and 50/60 fps per channel video. Read more…

#8. Google announces Cloud Data Store & Makes Google Compute Engine available for everyone: Google has announced Cloud Data Store for storing non-relational data. They have enabled Google Compute Engine to be used by anyone and have introduced sub-hour billing and other enhancements to it. Read more…

#9. Websense signs a definitive agreement to be acquired by Vista Equity Partners: Websense has announced that they have signed a definitive agreement that enables them to be acquired by Vista Equity Partners, a leading private equity firm. Read more…

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Welcome to another edition of weekly Computer Networking/IT industry updates. This week, let us look at some news, product releases and articles published by the vendors in our industry over the last one week (7th to 13th May, 2013).

#1. Dell releases new SonicWALL Network Security Appliance (NSA) Series Next Generation Firewalls:  Dell has announced that they have released new SonicWALL NSA Series Next Generation Firewalls targeted at mid-sized companies/organizations. These firewalls come with multiple cores of processors (6-24), 10 GbE ports and integrated firewall/IPS systems. Read more…

#2. Barracuda Networks launches Eon, a platform that enables bare metal performance of virtualized networking applications: Barracuda Networks has launched Barracuda Eon, a new network virtualization platform designed for consolidation of highly scalable networking applications. As SDN matures for enterprise/data center networks, Barraduca Eon is expected to integrate with Openflow networks/devices. Read more…

#3. Riverbed Technology introduces Stingray services controller platform: Riverbed Technology has introduced a new Stingray services controller platform to enable customers to deliver Application Delivery Controller as a Service (ADCaaS). Read more…

#4. Blue Coat acquires Netronome SSL Technology: Blue Coat has acquired the SSL technology from a company called Netronome and will shortly be integrating the SSL decryption appliances from that company, with their own product line. According to Blue Coat, SSL inspection at the gateway (provided by these appliances) enables companies to increase the visibility of traffic coming into their network and also reduces some strain on the end-point appliance. Read more…

#5. Asterisk developers can now create custom Apps for Digium IP phones: Digium has released Digium Phone App engine & Digium Phone API Information center that allows developers of open-source based Asterisk IP PBX systems to create custom apps for Digium IP phones. Read more…

#6. Check Point introduces 600 appliance for securing small business: Check Point has introduced new entry-level security appliance for small businesses – Check Point 600 Appliance. There are three models in this series and Wi-Fi option is available. Read more…

#7. Huawei Launches their Cloud Engine Data Center Switch CE12816: At 64 Tbps of switching capacity and supporting 1536 10GE ports, 384 40GE ports or 192 100GE ports, the CE 12816 launched by Huawei recently is one of the largest data center switches in the industry. Read more…

#8. Axis Communications introduces P5414-E PTZ Dome Network Camera: Axis Communications has introduced P5414-E PTZ 720p HDTV Camera that supports 18x optical zoom, for outdoor wall-mount installations. Read more…

#9. Can DLP (Data Loss Prevention) technology help avoid cyber-theft incidents like the recent NY $45 Mil incident? (Websense): Websense has answered that question in this article.

#10. NEC launches SDN Application Center: NEC has launched its SDN (Software Defined Networking) Application Center. NEC will offer API’s to help companies manage, optimize and secure their networks through their SDN solutions. Read more…

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Welcome to another edition of weekly computer networking/IT industry updates. Let us look at some important news, product releases and articles published by the vendors in our industry over the last one week (29th April to 06th March, 2013).

#1. Cisco releases 802.11ac Wireless Access Points: Cisco has announced the release of Wireless Access Points with the latest 802.11ac standard that provides speeds in excess of 1 Gbps. Read more…

#2. Juniper Networks releases SDN platform: Post the recent acquisition of Contrail Systems, Juniper Networks has announced the release of their SDN platform – JunosV Contrail, that includes an SDN controller. Read more…

#3. Enterasys Networks launches OneFabric Connect SDN: Enterasys Networks (part of Siemens Enterprise Networks) has launched OneFabric Connect SDN, which is a Software Defined Networks solution/ecosystem. They offer an open API & Connect Central SDN ecosystem for partners. Read more…

#4. Dell acquires Enstratius, a cloud-management software provider: Dell has announced that they have acquired Enstratius, a cloud-management software/services provider. Enstratius enables companies to manage private, public and hybrid clouds using a single console. Read more…

#5. Amazon launches certification program for AWS Cloud Computing professionals: Amazon has launched a certification program for AWS Cloud Computing professionals. The first exam to be available under this is the “AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate Level”. Read more…

#6. Arista Networks launches High-Density 7500E Data Center Switch: Arista Networks has launched 7500E, a high-density data center switch that supports a total fabric bandwidth of 30 TB per second and offers a maximum port density of 1152 10 GbE ports or 288 40 GbE ports or 96 100 GBE ports. Read more…

#7. EMC introduces ViPR Software-Defined Storage Platform: EMC has introduced ViPR Software-Defined storage platform to manage control plane and data plane separately in a multi-vendor storage infrastructure. Read more…

#8. F5 Networks introduces BIG-IQ Cloud: F5 Networks extends application delivery services to private, public and hybrid cloud environments with its BIG-IQ Cloud software management application for the BIG-IP product family. Read more…

#9. Digium introduces two new Switchvox IP PBX Systems: Digium introduces two new Switchvox IP PBX systems – Digium 470 & 450. These two IP PBX systems support a maximum of 500 and 600 IP phone users (respectively) and are meant for mid-sized organizations. Read more…

#10. Axis Communications introduces two new M30-VE IP Camera models: Axis Communications has introduced two new IP Camera models – M30-VE. These two cameras are outdoor dome-type day/night HDTV IP cameras that are attractively priced. Read more…

#11. ShoreTel introduces desk-phone dock for iPhone and iPad: ShoreTel has introduced desk-phone dock to transform iPhone and iPad into IP phones that can work in an enterprise scenario along with ShoreTel IP telephony system. Read more…

#12. Citrix introduces Podio Instant Messaging & Video Chat: Citrix has introduced Podio, an instant messaging, audio & video chat platform to enable teams to communicate instantly with each other. Read more…

#13. VmWare to announce vCloud Hybrid Cloud service: VmWare will be announcing their new vCloud Hybrid Cloud service over a live webcast on Tuesday, May 21, 2013. To register, go here.

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With the amount of time that all of us spend in front of our computers, laptops, tablets, etc., I wonder why all them come with the back-lighted LCD display technology? Working in front of our monitors for a few hours hurts our eyes pretty badly and some of us develop headaches, etc. Imagine what long-term consequences are in store for us, if we keep staring at the computer monitors for multiple hours, every day?

It is not that we don’t have alternatives. There are technologies like Color eInk that are not based on the back-lighted technology. These are reflective technologies – Meaning, they are like paper. We can see from them only if light falls on them. They will be dark during nights (without any ambient light). The point is, a technology like color eInk is much better to our eyes, especially for people who work long-term, reading/writing something using the computer monitor.

I do agree that technologies like Color eInk have their limitations, but are we even considering migrating away from LCD? Are we all fine with hurting our eyes everyday in the hope that nothing will happen to our eyes in the long-term? What are we trying to do? Philanthropy to the eye-glasses industry?

There are two issues with the ever-increasing resolutions – The increased contrasts that can hurt our eyes even more and increased power consumption. How much more resolutions do we need? Perhaps our fascination for increased resolutions will stop after we reach 1 million x 8 hundred thousand pixels in a 13″ screen??

Are the scientists across the world doing anything for improving our display technologies and making them more suitable for long-term reading, without hurting our eyes? Or are they working on ‘useful’ technologies like ’10 Gigabit Ethernet to the Desktop’ (One day, this might as well become true – just keep watching)?!!!

What are the entrepreneurs doing? This is a need that people like me (who are everywhere) have. We need a display technology that we can use for a long-time without hurting our eyes. Are you people listening? Instead of manufacturing larger and higher-resolution LCD screens, why don’t you, for once, focus on bringing something that is good for our eyes?

Is there a computer/laptop with color eInk screen? Is anyone aware of alternative display technologies for computers? Please share your views in the comments section below.

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Welcome to another edition of weekly Computer Networking/IT industry updates. This week, let us have a look at some important news, product releases and articles published by the vendors in our industry over the last one week (23rd April to 29th April, 2013).

#1. Hp launches HP ATA-IT Business Certification for students: Hp has launched the Hp ExpertOne Accredited Technical Associate (ATA) – IT business certification. This course is targeted at business students and helps them to be better prepared with IT/technical processes, in order to better their job prospects. Read more…

#2. Dell announces new products & enhancements to their mobility solutions: Dell has announced a lot of enhancements and new products to enhance mobility, end point security, cloud adoption, migration and other enterprise services. Read more…

#3. Barracuda Networks introduces Application Delivery Controllers: Barracuda Networks has announced that they are introducing a new line of Application Delivery Controllers that combine link/application performance and security features. The Application Delivery Controllers from Barracuda are available as hardware or virtual appliances. Read more…

#4. Fortinet launches secure Wireless LAN solution: Fortinet has launched two POE switches and remote wireless access points that are centrally managed from Fortinet security appliances. Read more…

#5. SolarWinds introduces Firewall browser free tool & free Kiwi Syslog server edition: SolarWinds has launched free editions of Firewall browser tool for limited management of multi-vendor firewall rules from the browser, and Kiwi Syslog server edition that can manage logs from up to 5 network devices. Read more…

#6. SafeNet announces a new Crypto Hypervisor: SafeNet has announced a new Crypto Hypervisor that delivers key vaulting and encryption services in a cloud environment. Read more…

#7. Silver Peak releases new software & hardware WAN acceleration products: Silver Peak has announced two new WAN Optimization software products – VX 8000 & VX 9000. They have also introduced a hardware appliance – NX11k, capable of delivering 20 Gbps data throughput. Read more…

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Welcome to another edition of weekly Computer Networking/IT industry updates. In this edition, let us have a look at some important news, product releases and articles published by the vendors in our industry from 15th April to 22nd April, 2013.

#1. Hp releases Hp CloudSystem 7.2 with OpenStack support: Hp has released the latest version of their private cloud enabling software, Hp CloudSystem 7.2 that supports OpenStack. They have also introduced a couple of Hp CloudSystem Bursting Activation Services. Read more…

#2. Dell releases Version 2.0 of SonicWALL Email Security Cloud Service, Dell & SonicWall release LoadMaster R320: Dell has released the SonicWALL Email Security Cloud 2.0 Service. This version includes support for scanning outbound mails, as well. Read more.Dell and Kemp Technologies have introduced Kemp LoadMaster R320, a hardware load balancing and application delivery controller, built by Dell. Read more…

#3. ShoreTel releases ShoreTel Small Business Edition 100 (SBE 100) IP PBX: ShoreTel has released the ShoreTel Small Business Edition 100 (SBE 100), an expandable small business IP PBX solution for 100 or fewer employees in 5 or fewer locations. Read more…

#4. Citrix announces the availability of GoToWebcast in North America & Europe: Citrix has announced the availability of GoToWebcast, its subscription-based, self-service webcasting tool for up to 5000 users. Read more…

#5. NEC introduces Cloud-based BEMS (Building Energy Management System): NEC has introduced a new Cloud-based BEMS, Building Energy Management System that supports IEEE 1888 standard. This solution will initially be rolled out in APAC, China & Japan and later be expanded to other regions. Read more…

#6. Polycom announces availability of Polycom RealPresence CloudAxis suite: Polycom has launched a new Polycom RealPresence CloudAxis Suite that enables enterprise-grade video collaboration for B2B and B2C users using standard web-browsers through computers/mobile devices with cameras. Read more…

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Disclaimer: The trademarks and copyrights to all the product/service/company names mentioned in this article belong to the respective companies.

Welcome to another edition of weekly computer networking/IT industry updates. In this post, let us have a look at some important news, product releases and articles published by the vendors in our industry from April 08 to April 14, 2013.

#1. Hp launches Hp Moonshot servers for data centers: Hp has launched Hp Moonshot servers that use 89% less energy, 80% less space when compared to normal servers and cost 77% less. These servers are targeted at data centers. Read more…

#2. Brocade delivers HyperEdge architecture and introduces new products: Brocade has delivered HyperEdge architecture to enable agile/application-centric  mobile networks. Brocade has introduced new ICX-series switches, wireless access points, wireless controllers and management modules. Read more…

#3. Check Point introduces 1100 Appliances to secure remote branches:  Check Point has introduced 1100 Appliance which is a compact desktop package that provides enterprise-class security to branch/remote offices. This appliance comes with 1.5 Gbps of firewall throughput, 220 Mbps of VPN throughput, among others. Read more…

#4. LenovoEMC announces new Network Video Recorders: LenovoEMC has announced a new line of double-drive and quad-drive Network Video Recorders (NVR) supporting 4 TB to 8 TB of storage. These devices come bundled along with Milestone Arcus, a multi-vendor IP camera management platform. Read more…

#5. Fujitsu and Oracle announce the worldwide availability of Fujitsu M10 Servers: Fujitsu and Oracle have announced the worldwide availability of Fujitsu M10 servers that incorporate Oracle’s 16-core SPARC64 X processor. Read more…

#6. Palo Alto Networks announces availability of GlobalProtect Android Mobile App: Palo Alto Networks has announced the availability of GlobalProtect Android Mobile App to enforce organizational security policies onto mobile devices, through the Palo Alto Networks Next Generation Firewall platform. Read more…

#7. Safenet releases third-generation Sentinel Envelope: Safenet has released the third-generation Sentinel Envelope that provides application security, code integrity and protection from reverse engineering/software piracy attacks. In the latest version, they have included white-box based secure communication channel, constant runtime-debugging protection and other new features. Read more…

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Welcome to another edition of weekly computer networking/IT industry updates. This week, let us have a look at some interesting news, product announcements and information published by vendors in our industry over the previous week, from April 01 to April 07, 2013.

#1. Juniper Networks introduces new Switch, Wireless LAN Controller: Juniper Networks has introduced a new switch – EX9200 programmable switch with an option to load a virtual WLAN controller. They have also introduced a new WLAN controller – JunosV Wireless LAN Controller. Read more…

#2. Hp launches Hp Enterprise Cloud Services – Mobility: Hp has launched its cloud-based IT management service for managing mobile data access/services for the enterprise segment. Read more…

#3. Oracle introduces Oracle Virtual Networking: Oracle has introduced a new data center fabric based on open architecture called, ‘Oracle Virtual Networking’ that enables improve application performance, reduce infrastructure complexity, among others. Read more…

#4. Polycom introduces Polycom RealPresence Group 700: Polycom has introduced the Polycom RealPresence 700 platform for larger environments such as lecture halls and conference rooms. This system boasts 1080p 60fps HD video and content collaboration capabilities. Read more…

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A number of companies already have products that enable power-line networks, today. All one needs to do is, buy a couple of power-line adapters, plug it into electrical socket(s) and connect network devices using the built-in RJ-45 port available in the power-line adapters. That’s it, your power-line network is ready!! There is no need for cables or Wi-Fi adapters. The power-line network that uses electrical cables maybe sufficient even for high-speed/high-bandwidth demanding applications like music/video streaming.

Power-Line network products are mostly inter-operable. HomePlug and IEEE 1901-2010 standards enable power-line adapters manufactured by different vendors to work with each other. It is possible to network multiple power-line adapters together and it is also possible to connect multiple network devices to a single power-line adapter. As you can guess, there are different types of power-line adapters.

While power-line adapters seem to be getting a good hold in the home-networking segment, especially in cases where there is no existing wired or wireless connectivity, the question we need to be asking ourselves is: Will they find enterprise/industrial applications?

It might be slightly difficult for power-line networking to find enterprise applications because UTP Cables/Optical Fiber cables/Wi-Fi Access Points are available almost everywhere and these have become mainstream technologies. When it comes to enterprise adoption, it is not only technology but other factors like security, performance, partner/technology eco-system and support, play a big role. But then, power-line adapters might shortly penetrate the enterprise starting with small/remote branch networking applications, and such.

However, in segments like manufacturing, hospitality, education, etc., power-line networks might have a bigger role to play. There are many large industries/organizations that are spread over miles together. It is quite expensive to network every single location, and the cost is not justified when there are only a few computers accessing the network from the remote locations. Since power-lines are laid everywhere (by default), why not look at power-line adapters to connect computers/other devices to the network, instead of laying expensive optical fiber cables at every nook and corner?

However, the kind of applications that need to be accessed from these locations/the number of users accessing the network through power-lines are two important factors that play a role in deciding whether to go with power-line networks, or not.

The point of this article is: Why not (also) consider power-line networks to connect remote locations to the network in enterprises, industries and other organizations? Power-line networks do have their limitations, but they can be advantageous if used at the right location and for the right application.

Further Reading: Wikipedia article on Power-line Networking.

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