In Depth

In Depth

• Managing converged IP networks: The next challenge

  Enterprises are well-versed managing separate voice and data infrastructures, but they do not have the tools and training necessary to manage SIP-based VoIP and multimedia applications.  Continue Reading

• Storage upstarts are tipping the vendor scales

  The big storage vendors are always trying to steal a piece of each other's pie. But some small tech upstarts might play big parts in determining who comes out on top.  Continue Reading

• Security Blog Log: Word doc scam evades spam filters

  Also this week: A researcher gets a harsh reward after flagging a University of Southern California Web site flaw, and more blogs are keeping an eye on the latest security breaches.  Continue Reading

• SMS phishing is here

  Phishing attacks are no longer limited to email: researchers have uncovered phishing scams using SMS, and mobile experts say enterprises should be wary of these so-called SMiShing scams.  Continue Reading

• Business alignment with a spark

  There are many ways to align IT with the business, but few IT directors have the opportunity to demonstrate this as managing director of their own division.  Continue Reading

• How do I break into business analysis?

  Expert advice for readers' career problems  Continue Reading

• Analysis app helps double new business at Foresters

  Financial services organisation Foresters has doubled its new-business volumes in the past 18 months, after developing customer needs analysis software linked to its point of sale system.  Continue Reading

• DPM's Diary: 5 September 2006

  Monday I got in about 10.30am today, still suffering from "indigestion" derived from last night's repast - that third bottle of claret was definitely tainted - to find Mavis rather flustered.  Continue Reading

• Helly Hansen sets sail with Verizon for global IP network

  Sailing and outdoor clothing group Helly Hansen has signed up Verizon Business to upgrade and provide support for a managed private IP network across offices in 17 countries.  Continue Reading

• Cosworth revs up data for SAP move

  UK racing engine manufacturer Cosworth has started the data cleansing phase of a £2m global SAP roll-out designed to improve business performance and reduce costs by consolidating systems.  Continue Reading

• Protecting wireless networks: Step 3

  Security testing expert Kevin Beaver covers the tools and techniques needed to find and exploit insecure wireless networks.  Continue Reading

• Protecting wireless networks: Step 2

  Security testing expert Kevin Beaver covers the tools and techniques you'll need to find and exploit insecure wireless networks.  Continue Reading

• Wireless network security testing

  Attack your own wireless networks to find vulnerabilities before malicious hackers do.  Continue Reading

• Harness the power of home users

  Multimedia: The next generation of workers are more multimedia savvy than most businesses, and firms need to think about how to use this to their advantage  Continue Reading

• EMA announces key findings from virtualisation report

  Independent IT management research and consulting firm Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) has announced key findings from its recent in-depth study of the IT virtualisation market.  Continue Reading

• Dell quick to deploy new Intel chips in servers

  Intel has unveiled eight new dual-core Xeon 7100 series processors that will see use in servers from companies such as Dell, which has announced that it will deploy the chips in a new product line.  Continue Reading

• Heatwave fuels datacentre conference

  Following the hot summer, IXEurope, one of Europe’s largest independent datacentre operators, is to take active involvement in a conference dedicated to explore such issues.  Continue Reading

• Sun reveals StorageTek service plans

  Sun Microsystems has announced its new strategy resulting from the integration of the StorageTek TekCare support program into its SunSpectrum support portfolio.  Continue Reading

• Disc storage market meeting demands of expanding datacentres

  As the data needs of organisations increases, the disc storage market industry is responding to these needs says market research firm IDC.  Continue Reading

• Compliance crippling cost calculations of IT directors

  Finance firms blow the budget on compliance  Continue Reading

• Half of BPO deals in trouble

  Many firms have unrealistic expectations of what BPO can actually deliver  Continue Reading

• Application performance slowdowns result in lost business

  Persistent business application performance delays account for nearly a quarter of staff time  Continue Reading

• Poor application performance costs 1 in 3 enterprises over £1m per year

  Research reveals inadequate performance testing processes in 89% of organisations  Continue Reading

• Identity and Access Management Security School

  This Security School explores critical topics related to helping security practitioners establish and maintain an effective identity and access management plan.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise email and IM security journal

  These days, everybody in the business world is connected to everybody else in some way, shape or form: that there are more opportunities for exposure to messaging threats.  Continue Reading

• DPM's Diary: 29 August 2006

  Back at last in dear old Bogcaster and, holidays behind me, I once more take up my onerous directorial responsibilities.  Continue Reading

• Software-as-a-service boosts CRM’s growth

  CRM software’s growth propelled by the success of hosted services.  Continue Reading

• SOA causes sore heads and confusion

  CIOs struggling to realise the benefits of SOA.  Continue Reading

• 75% of IT workers ready to quit

  The number of disgruntled and bored staff prepared to leave their jobs is increasing.  Continue Reading

• UK firms demand short outsourcing contracts

  Businesses still happy with outsourcing but the rules of play are changing.  Continue Reading

• Pay and perks stop job hoppers

  Companies should increase pay rates and bonuses to hang onto valuable staff, says survey.  Continue Reading

• Lxlabs announces virtualisation boost

  Lxlabs, a vendor of hosting related software, has added full xen management capabilities to its virtualisation software, HyperVM.  Continue Reading

• Gartner paints optimistic picture of server arena

  Worldwide server shipments for the second quarter of 2006 increased 12.8% over the same quarter last year, while worldwide server revenue for the same period climbed 2.5%, according to Gartner.  Continue Reading

• Blade servers star in new IBM server range

  IBM has unveiled a range of servers that it says will provide industry-leading price performance in blade, desk side, and rack-mounted systems.  Continue Reading

• Enterprises see benefit of blades in server arena

  The third version of the Wave Server Study by TheInfoPro (TIP) has found that blade servers are finally gaining acceptance in the enterprise computing environment.  Continue Reading

• Volume server market props up industry as virtualisation effect takes hold

  According to IDC’s latest Worldwide Quarterly Server Tracker, volume server revenue is continuing to represent the only growth segment for the server market overall.  Continue Reading

• Risk management: Data organization and impact analysis

  This first article of the Insider Risk Management Guide explains how to data organization is the first step in implementing insider threat controls.  Continue Reading

• Risk management: Implementation of baseline controls

  This fourth article in the Insider Risk Management Guide examines the implementation of baseline controls.  Continue Reading

• Risk management: Baseline management and control

  Identifying baseline controls is the second step to implementing insider threat controls as described in this article from SearchSecurity's Insider Risk Management Guide.  Continue Reading

• Insider Risk Management Guide

  In this Insider Risk Management Guide, contributor Gideon Rasmussen reviews how to fortify your organization's current insider threat controls and keep internal dangers to a minimum.  Continue Reading

• Risk management references

  References for our Insider Risk Management Guide.  Continue Reading

• Continuous data protection requires a clear purpose in the enterprise

  Continuous data protection (CDP) can preserve data when recovery point objectives (RPO) and recovery time objectives (RTO) are razor-thin -- and data loss simply isn't an option.  Continue Reading

• BlackBerry flaw highlights growing mobile device risks

  Mobile security issues have been making waves, and following a recently revealed BlackBerry vulnerability, it's time to take notice.  Continue Reading

• Risk management audit

  This article explores the audit function in the insider risk management process.  Continue Reading

• JJ's ERP roll-out delivers

  Food distribution firm JJ Food Services has increased productivity to the value of £31m within nine months of installing a new business software and call centre package based on Microsoft Dynamics AX enterprise resource planning software.  Continue Reading

• ERP systems at heart of steel firm's expansion

  Greater use of enterprise resource planning software is helping Pressed Steel Products in County Durham to extend its product range and double its turnover.  Continue Reading

• Specsavers automates its finance processes with an eye to growth

  Specsavers is reaching the end of an 18-month project to transform its finance systems to better support the expansion of the business.  Continue Reading

• Document system has all the answers for Alliance

  Alliance & Leicester has completed the first phase of a document management system roll-out designed to speed up the handling of customer queries by contact centre staff.  Continue Reading

• Next move: Do I have to take a step back to update skills?

  Expert advice for readers' career problems  Continue Reading

• Innovation is the main attraction

  Cutting-edge public sector projects and competitive benefits are luring IT professionals away from the private sector. John Kavanagh reports  Continue Reading

• Look through the over-hyped storage terms; find the value

  Storage expert Marc Staimer discusses the storage vendor trend of using over-hyped terms to sell their products, and how you can find the true value in what they're selling.  Continue Reading

• Logitech unveils complete Skype solution

  Logitech and voice over IP (VoIP) provider Skype have joined forces to provide a complete calling solution.  Continue Reading

• Ofcom eases broadband supplier switch

  Telecoms regulator Ofcom has proposed changes to make it easier for users to transfer between broadband service providers.  Continue Reading

• Online data backup available for Mac

  An on-line data back-up service for Mac OS X users has been launched by Clunk Click, providing an affordable method of protecting the contents of hard drives.  Continue Reading

• Retail VoIP market grows 83%

  The number of retail voice over IP (VoIP) subscribers increased by 83% worldwide during 2005.  Continue Reading

• WiMax trials show impressive connection speeds

  Pipex Wireless, the joint venture between ISP Pipex and Intel, has announced that it has successfully completed the latest phase of its WiMax trials in Stratford-upon-Avon.  Continue Reading

• Security blog log: Fear and loathing in MS06-040's wake

  This week, security bloggers wonder if some of the MS06-040 warnings have gone too far. Meanwhile, Symantec uses its blog to warn about the timed release of exploits.  Continue Reading

• A successful incentive for Wachovia bank

  When Wachovia decided to introduce specialised incentive management software into its retail banking arm, it had a deadline of just over a year to implement a new application suite for paying commission and bonuses.  Continue Reading

• SMEs get flexible with convergence

  With both the graduate recruitment and holiday season in full swing, SME directors who have chosen to invest in flexible working technologies will be at the front of the queue to snap up top quality employees, while affording themselves some ...  Continue Reading

• Wireless handset for VoIP calls

  Integrated Wireless has announced the commercial launch of the QPE Wireless Handset for Skype calling as well as for use with other VoIP soft phones.  Continue Reading

• Thomas Cook starts trip to IT unity

  Thomas Cook is embarking on a £67m, multi-year IT project to develop a single, multi-channel reservation platform covering its 34 tour operator brands and travel agency network across Europe.  Continue Reading

• Council plans early Duet move in SAP consolidation

  Staffordshire County Council is to roll out SAP Duet, the system that enables users to access core SAP functions through Microsoft Office applications. It is one of the first major UK organisation to announce plans to deploy the software.  Continue Reading

• Move to single datacentre brings savings for Cornhill

  Insurance firm Allianz Cornhill is close to completing a major project to move six datacentres spread across separate business units into the firm’s Guildford headquarters.  Continue Reading

• DPM's diary: 15 August 2006

  Weekly round up of events at Bodcaster City Council.  Continue Reading

• Case studies: The systems behind the shows

  The disparate and highly mobile nature of international entertainment adds layers of complexity to all the usual business problems. Jane Dudman investigates the IT that keeps the shows on the road.  Continue Reading

• Next move: Is fast-track course the right way into IT?

  Expert advice for readers' career problems  Continue Reading

• Harness the power of collaboration

  Fifteen years since the invention of the worldwide web, the growth of web logs, wikis, chatrooms, peer-to-peer websites, and multiple-player gaming environments is paving the way for new web applications for business.  Continue Reading

• A streaming headache for IT bosses

  As streaming media is increasingly used legitimately in business, firms will have to devise new methods to cope with bandwidth-draining unauthorised use.  Continue Reading

• Taking IT security to the next level

  Two-factor authentication promises to raise the security bar for corporate networks, but it needs to be part of a layered approach, and user education is vital.  Continue Reading

• UK software industry needs unified voice and high-level skills to thrive

  The lack of a unified and clear voice, and a growing shortage of high-level skills are among the threats facing the future prosperity of the UK's software industry, according to an initial report by a working party that included the BCS.  Continue Reading

• Councils boost fix time on rubbish and vandalism with shared system

  Smart projects: Web-based system improves public service efficiency in East Sussex  Continue Reading

• Twenty-five years of the PC

  IBM changed the world 25 years ago when it launched the first personal computer - the IBM 5150.  Continue Reading

• SOA underpins IT systems transformation at Alliance

  Investment company Alliance Trust is preparing to roll out online transactions and dealing systems after adopting a service oriented architecture (SOA) last year to enable a far-reaching IT transformation programme across its business.  Continue Reading

• DPM’s diary: 8 August 2006

  Weekly roundup of events at Bogcaster City Council  Continue Reading

• Eurostar cuts 170 apps in IT infrastructure overhaul

  Train operator Eurostar has completed a major IT overhaul, standardising hardware and software infrastructure and culling more than 170 applications.  Continue Reading

• Filtronic upgrades ERP to boost data integration

  Telecoms and radio engineering firm Filtronic Comtek is to transfer its operations in China on to a new enterprise resource planning system following a successful roll-out in the UK.  Continue Reading

• Secure business: Knowing the dangers

  Special report: Business continuity plans should be part of a wider security strategy that is closely aligned with business needs and accounts for everyday threats as well as major disasters.  Continue Reading

• Toolkit for a common approach

  To achieve joined-up IT, Unilever decided on the challenging solution of implementing ITIL across the global business. Helen Beckett discovers the secrets of Unilever’s successful integration  Continue Reading

• Secure business: The usual suspects

  Disaster recovery needs to shift to focus more on everyday threats. John Kavanagh looks at how to ensure business continuity that will definitely work, at an acceptable price  Continue Reading

• IT bosses preparing for Byte Night

  About 250 senior IT professionals will take part in the annual Byte Night charity sleep-out on London’s Embankment on 22 September in an effort to raise £300,000 to combat child homelessness.  Continue Reading

• Your shout: Software licensing

  Computer Weekly readers' views on the week's news  Continue Reading

• Take a walk or sleep over to aid children’s charities

  IT professionals wishing to take part in the outdoor approach to charity fund-raising, should mark two dates in September in their diaries.  Continue Reading

• Secure business: Weighing up the risks

  Although most companies have information security measures in place, few have carried out a proper risk analysis. John Kavanagh asks the experts how to perform a systematic risk assessment  Continue Reading

• How globalisation alters your world

  Globalisation has opened up new sourcing opportunities to help businesses handle large-scale change, demanding new skills and attitudes from CIOs.  Continue Reading

• Waitrose adopts SAS demand forecasting system

  Waitrose has rolled out SAS forecasting software to help it manage its supply chain.  Continue Reading

• Next move: Is web training a sound investment?

  Expert advice for readers' career problems  Continue Reading

• Inside MSRC: Time to rethink security workarounds

  Christopher Budd of the Microsoft Security Response Center recommends implementing one of several security workarounds to ensure a secure infrastructure until this month's most important Windows update can be installed.  Continue Reading

• ITIL knows best

  The latest analysis, opinion and news covering the ITIL IT services management framework.  Continue Reading

• Countering attackers with NAC, IPS

  Product review: Information Security magazine's Wayne Rash says ForeScout Technologies' flexible CounterACT appliance combines NAC with IPS and is worth the investment.  Continue Reading

• Akonix A-Series offers complex, best-of-breed IM security

  Product review: Information Security magazine's Sandra Kay Miller says The Akonix A-Series instant messaging security appliances works well but needs better documentation.  Continue Reading

• Thwarting IM management challenges

  Product review: Information Security magazine's Sandra Kay Miller says Symantec's IM Manager 8.0 has limited public network features, but offers excellent reporting  Continue Reading

• Security event management, no strings attached

  Product review: Information Security magazine's Joel Snyder says Check Point's vendor-agnostic Eventia Analyzer 2.0/Eventia Reporter is worth consideration despite limited BI options.  Continue Reading

• The new Nokia 9300 smartphone reviewed

  John Shepler takes a look at the new Nokia 9300 smartphone  Continue Reading

• Are smaller companies storage-stupid?

  Storage guru Jon Toigo questions the buying process of storage in SMBs .  Continue Reading

• Endpoint security quiz answers

  The answers to the Endpoint quiz  Continue Reading

• Web services represent security's next battlefront

  The evolution and mainstream use of Web services has placed the nascent technology in the crosshairs of attackers, and one firm in particular says it can mitigate the threats.  Continue Reading

• PING with Heidi Kujawa

  Heidi Kujawa, director of enterprise architecture services for Sony Pictures Entertainment, explains how combatting piracy takes more than just keeping bootleggers out of the theatres  Continue Reading

• Unwelcome voices on the network

  VoIP: Unauthorised web phone software can hog bandwidth and create security risks  Continue Reading

• Cheaper chips in store as Intel speeds up Core Duo

  Intel's new Core Duo microprocessors, which are currently selling well in both PCs and Macs, are to be superseded.  Continue Reading

• Skills on the rise as market shifts

  The outsourcing of IT jobs overseas appears to be having a major impact on the employment market in the UK.  Continue Reading