The Byte Stops Here

MySpace to shed 2/3rd Global Workforce!

2009-06-23T12:06:18Z

Sami Hoda

In an era where social networking is growing, I suppose relying on ad revenue is not such a good idea.

Subversion 1.6.3 Released

2009-06-22T01:06:17Z

Sami Hoda

See announcement below.

I'm happy to announce Subversion 1.6.3, available from:

    http://subversion.tigris.org/downloads/subversion-1.6.3.tar.bz2
    http://subversion.tigris.org/downloads/subversion-1.6.3.tar.gz
    http://subversion.tigris.org/downloads/subversion-1.6.3.zip
    http://subversion.tigris.org/downloads/subversion-deps-1.6.3.tar.bz2
    http://subversion.tigris.org/downloads/subversion-deps-1.6.3.tar.gz
    http://subversion.tigris.org/downloads/subversion-deps-1.6.3.zip

The MD5 checksums are:

    8bf7637ac99368db0890e3f085fa690d subversion-1.6.3.tar.bz2
    8357468ed2485b88151c50fb5deb28ca subversion-1.6.3.tar.gz
    2a09e99c4a780e2fb84e68fd6c528ee6 subversion-1.6.3.zip
    22d3687ae93648fcecf945c045931272 subversion-deps-1.6.3.tar.bz2
    2f9db6ae8b2ae41cf7adacad47b27946 subversion-deps-1.6.3.tar.gz
    b589abbdeb207407673e3ce64a7b72cc subversion-deps-1.6.3.zip

The SHA1 checksums are:

    88a4a21509f9d8f95a64f7545f3294d356f619c8 subversion-1.6.3.tar.bz2
    18666f632c80a6c2a67cfb172fe03dcf9bd79dff subversion-1.6.3.tar.gz
    13fa4cefc1a6b982c01cd9a95a59a8e8cc233b61 subversion-1.6.3.zip
    db465834df2cec5f7a1d26597e2017af166a5768 subversion-deps-1.6.3.tar.bz2
    922dbf1c3fcb86451812c269b193dd968ec798ff subversion-deps-1.6.3.tar.gz
    933bc1043376172fed5970014af1800e3d2ad2fa subversion-deps-1.6.3.zip

PGP Signatures are available at:

    http://subversion.tigris.org/downloads/subversion-1.6.3.tar.bz2.asc
    http://subversion.tigris.org/downloads/subversion-1.6.3.tar.gz.asc
    http://subversion.tigris.org/downloads/subversion-1.6.3.zip.asc
    http://subversion.tigris.org/downloads/subversion-deps-1.6.3.tar.bz2.asc
    http://subversion.tigris.org/downloads/subversion-deps-1.6.3.tar.gz.asc
    http://subversion.tigris.org/downloads/subversion-deps-1.6.3.zip.asc

For this release, the following people have provided PGP signatures:

   Senthil Kumaran S [1024D/6CCD4038] with fingerprint:
    8035 16A5 1D6E 50E2 1ECD DE56 F68D 46FB 6CCD 4038
   Paul T. Burba [1024D/53FCDC55] with fingerprint:
    E630 CF54 792C F913 B13C 32C5 D916 8930 53FC DC55
   Arfrever Frehtes Taifersar Arahesis [1024D/E06AFE3E] with fingerprint:
    17D9 DFDA EC0F E896 428A D821 2041 9549 E06A FE3E
   Bert Huijben [1024D/9821F7B2] with fingerprint:
    2017 F51A 2572 0E78 8827 5329 FCFD 6305 9821 F7B2
   Blair Zajac [1024D/DA561D91] with fingerprint:
    3FAE C7E1 ADE8 572F 613C F086 C572 2326 DA56 1D91
   Mark Phippard [1024D/035A96A9] with fingerprint:
    D315 89DB E1C1 E9BA D218 39FD 265D F8A0 035A 96A9
   Hyrum K. Wright [1024D/4E24517C] with fingerprint:
    3324 80DA 0F8C A37D AEE6 D084 0B03 AE6E 4E24 517C

Release notes for the 1.6.x release series may be found at:

    http://subversion.tigris.org/svn_1.6_releasenotes.html

You can find the list of changes between 1.6.3 and earlier versions at:

    http://svn.collab.net/repos/svn/tags/1.6.3/CHANGES

VPS Hacked - Need Recommendations

2009-06-18T11:06:24Z

Sami Hoda

I've been using the folks at kickassvps.com for a while now. However, I found that my VPS was unreliable at times, and my blog would regularly go down.

Last night I logged in to discover that mysterious software was installed on my server. I've been hacked! The problem with the VPS, as is common in virtualization, is that companies tend to neglect patching these systems.

I tried to use the live support feature on the host's website, didn't work! I opened a ticket, and got a response when I woke up the next morning, asking me questions on what to do!

Ummm... so I've made the decision to move my blog to another provider. Any recommendations? I'm running Windows 2003 w/ CF8.

My Blog Now on Kindle

2009-06-06T12:06:35Z

Sami Hoda

If I am interesting enough of a read, sometimes :P, and you have a Kindle from Amazon, feel free to now subscribe through their service.

More details @ http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002C74QCC.

Dealing with Burn Out

2009-06-06T11:06:26Z

Sami Hoda

I've been working extremely hard lately, and I found this article useful, so I thought to share.

Windows 7 Release Date Announced!

2009-06-02T04:06:35Z

Sami Hoda

I remember when XP came out, boy was it much better than what MS had put out before. And close to a decade later, I'm still on it. I could tell, like many others, that Vista would flop. But Windows 7 seems to be different, built from the core differently, and its been a surprise hit during the beta cycle.

Well, wait just a couple more months, because Engadget is reporting a October 22 sale date!

Job Opening! Work with Me! Now with Job Description!

2009-05-20T11:05:20Z

Sami Hoda

Here is our standard job description for those interested.

Sr. Web Application Developer - ColdFusion

eCivis, a known leader in providing web-based applications solutions to local governments (software as a service) is seeking an advanced-level programmer who lives to push ColdFusion and object-oriented web development to the edge. If you are interested in working with leading-edge frameworks and combining new technologies with solid development practices, we want to talk to you. Join our unique, market-leading information and technology firm as part of an excellent development team building innovative web-based enterprise applications. Learn more about us at www.ecivis.com.

The Web Developer / Technical Lead will drive the direction of the company’s technology solutions, define and implement best practices and build lean, powerful and extensible functionality. This position offers significant responsibility and growth potential.

Primary Responsibilities:

•    Assist in the design and development of object-oriented web applications based upon best practices.
•    Ensure proper operation and intelligent enhancements of existing web-based products and services.
•    Ensure development consistency and strive for continued development innovation.
•    Maintain best practices to meet department goals and assist in adapting the department to future changes in technology.
•    Help assess risk related to technology and resources, and assists in minimizing that risk.

Ideal candidate should possess:

•    3+ years developing complex ColdFusion applications
•    Applied knowledge of Object Oriented ColdFusion MX architecture and ColdFusion Components (CFCs)
•    Knowledge of Mach II, Model Glue and other OO Frameworks
•    Understanding of XML structure and Design Patterns
•    Experience with SQL Server, Stored Procedures and Indexes
•    Solid communication skills
•    Demonstrated skill for documenting development
•    Strong understanding of complex SQL database-driven products
•    Knowledge of JavaScript and CSS
•    Strong problem-solving and debugging skills

Preferred qualifications:

•    Macromedia Certified ColdFusion developer
•    Product Development Experience
•    CVS and/or Subversion Experience
•    Understanding of Network Infrastructure in a web development environment
•    AJAX

If you meet these qualifications, we invite you to submit a resume’ and cover letter, including a complete salary history via e-mail: technology <at> ecivis.com or fax: 626-578-6632. Please no phone calls or postal mail. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.

Great Overview of New Credit Card Regulation

2009-05-20T11:05:43Z

Sami Hoda

This NY Times are article does a pretty decent job.

Assembla? Codespaces? Unfuddle? Looking for your input!

2009-05-19T12:05:24Z

Sami Hoda

Guys, hoping you can help me out. I'm looking to move our company away from using SourceForge OnDemand (now CollabNet), towards something a bit more... fresher? In my analysis, I looked mainly at simplicity... simplicity for the developer and project manager. I'm probably missing tons, but I found some lower cost alternatives that were even more feature-rich than SourceForge OnDemand, while focusing on simplicity and ease of use.

Among the tops options are Assembla, Codespaces, and Unfuddle.

Have you guys used any of these tools? Thoughts? Do you suggest any alternatives?

Gartner Analyst Praises ColdFusion

2009-05-14T08:05:06Z

Sami Hoda

Those who know me know that I don't particularly care for Gartner. This is one of the few times they got it right.

Favorite quote: "ColdFusion provides a potential wrapper around the complexity of Java, providing Web developers access to the power of the Java platform via the productivity of a fourth-generation language (4GL)."

Subversion 1.6.2 Released

2009-05-11T11:05:03Z

Sami Hoda

See the notice for details.

------------------------------------------------------

I'm happy to announce Subversion 1.6.2, available from:

    http://subversion.tigris.org/downloads/subversion-1.6.2.tar.bz2
    http://subversion.tigris.org/downloads/subversion-1.6.2.tar.gz
    http://subversion.tigris.org/downloads/subversion-1.6.2.zip
    http://subversion.tigris.org/downloads/subversion-deps-1.6.2.tar.bz2
    http://subversion.tigris.org/downloads/subversion-deps-1.6.2.tar.gz
    http://subversion.tigris.org/downloads/subversion-deps-1.6.2.zip

Release notes for the 1.6.x release series may be found at:

    http://subversion.tigris.org/svn_1.6_releasenotes.html

You can find the list of changes between 1.6.2 and earlier versions at:

    http://svn.collab.net/repos/svn/tags/1.6.2/CHANGES

Questions, comments, and bug reports to users@subversion.tigris.org.

Thanks,
- The Subversion Team

------------------------------------------------------

Need Recommendation - Search Engine Optimization

2009-05-07T03:05:45Z

Sami Hoda

Has anyone worked with a solid SEO firm that they can recommend?

Railo's Support Structure Seems Weird

2009-05-05T11:05:26Z

Sami Hoda

Sean Corfield made an entry on Railo Support and Consulting Services. While its nice to see a simple four level support structure, the following didn't make sense to me:

Silver -includes support for 1 server only, 5 hours of support for $1000, which is $200/hr (with an additional discount for more). I'm not sure how many people would pay $1000 per year just to support a single server? Plus there is a 8 day fix delivery for any issues.
Gold - includes support for 2 servers only, 15 hours of support for $3000, which is the same $200/hr (with an additional discount for more). I'm not sure if there is a clear incentive to pay $1000 more instead of getting two Silver contracts. You will be getting a discount with the Silvers anyways for more hours (if you need them). The fix delivery is 7 days instead of 8.
Platinum - includes support for 2 servers only (2 servers for a platinum??), 45 hours of support for $9000, which is the same $200/hr (with an additional discount for more). The fix delivery is 5 days instead of 7. I don't think anyone would use up 45 hours on two servers only in 1 years time, and if they do, they should be an "enterprise". Platinum seems out of place to me.
Enterprise - includes support for 10 servers only (not sure where the enterprise comes in), 135 hours for 27k, which is the same $200/hr (with an additional discount for more). Whats interesting here is that the fix delivery time is still 5 days. I would rather buy 5 golds for 15k, which would cover 10 servers at 15 hours of support for each pair. If I need more than 15 hours, something is wrong... So for me Enterprise would not make sense.

So am I missing something? Is this just an initial draft? Why are three named after metals and the fourth called enterprise?

McAfee blasted for having holes in its Web sites!

2009-05-05T11:05:10Z

Sami Hoda

This is hilarious. The secure site that scans other sites itself had holes!

Job Opening! Work with me!

2009-05-05T12:05:01Z

Sami Hoda

We're looking for a Sr. Web Developer/ Technical Lead / Architect type person in Southern California.

You would be working on a ColdFusion-based SaaS web application. Its a very driven and dynamic company. I can't say enough! You will be working on a product that changes the lives of millions.

Obviously our application is built using best practices and a touch of practicality - Mach II, ColdSpring, and Reactor. We will probably be doing ColdBox in the future.

Read more about the company @ www.ecivis.com.

Feel free to leave a comment, and I can provide more details.

UPDATE: You can also email me at technology <at> ecivis.com.