News

Networking and communication

January 29, 2007 29 Jan'07
VoIP call features give users more bang for their buck

2006 saw an increase in the popularity of VoIP and encouraged many competing service providers to offer features such as voicemail and Caller ID as standard in their best-selling service plans.
January 29, 2007 29 Jan'07
Managed VoIP -- 10 tips for a smooth migration

Migrating to managed VoIP doesn't have to be a headache. Here, Verizon Business offers 10 top tips to ensure you get what you need.
January 28, 2007 28 Jan'07
Brocade unveils McData integration roadmap

McData's directors and FICON routers will remain separate product lines for now; McData's SAN management software will replace Brocade's Fabric Manager.
January 27, 2007 27 Jan'07
Network visualization, automation: At odds?

Visualization is a powerful tool. But in the context of network management, the prevalence of graphs may indicate that your network management system (NMS) is not ready to meet the requirements of autonomic network performance. Why so? Loki ...

January 25, 2007 25 Jan'07
Network-based attacks

The second tip in our series, "How to assess and mitigate information security threats."
January 24, 2007 24 Jan'07
iSCSI SANs grow in midmarket, enterprise

Because transporting "SCSI over IP" leverages ubiquitous Ethernet networks, that translates to lower cost, easier maintenance and simpler management, which makes SAN deployment more attractive for SMEs.
January 24, 2007 24 Jan'07
RSVP ready to manage VoIP, video traffic

Though its 10 year past was riddled with failures, RSVP is fast returning as one of the best tools for managing QoS for VoIP and video.
January 23, 2007 23 Jan'07
Cisco fixes IOS flaws

Attackers could exploit three Cisco IOS flaws to cause a denial of service or launch malicious code. The networking giant has released fixes.
January 18, 2007 18 Jan'07
Can Caller ID on VoIP calls be customized?

Can I create the CID, name, area code and phone number that will display when I place a call via VoIP? Who do you like for VoIP service?
January 18, 2007 18 Jan'07
What considerations do I need to make when setting up a VoIP system to our remote office?

What considerations do I need to make when setting up a VoIP system to our remote office?

January 18, 2007 18 Jan'07
WAN/WAFS platform specifications

Product snapshots highlighting key specifications for a cross section of WAFS and WAN optimisation products intended for small, medium, and large organisations.
January 17, 2007 17 Jan'07
Reasons why enterprise networking and security roles must stay separate

Enterprise network managers are responsible for configuring and managing network devices, but should they be accountable for tasks that are typically handled by the information security team? Contributor Shon Harris examines why networking and ...
January 17, 2007 17 Jan'07
VoIP security testing fundamentals

VoIP security testing fundamentals are discussed in this guide -- how to test a VoIP system, what tools to use, how to use fuzzing to test VoIP security.
January 16, 2007 16 Jan'07
Routing: Five common, easily avoided errors

Router configuration errors don''t have to take down your network. Learn five common routing mistakes -- and how to avoid them -- in this tip.
January 15, 2007 15 Jan'07
Core Security offers powerful testing tool

We highly recommend Core Impact 6.0 to security engineers to verify the vulnerability of their networks.
January 09, 2007 09 Jan'07
Network configuration management key to VoIP success

While companies spend millions on upgrading infrastructure for VoIP, little attention is given to solving the largest source of downtime – configuration-related outages due to human error.
January 09, 2007 09 Jan'07
Network configuration management key to VoIP success

While companies spend millions on upgrading infrastructure for VoIP, little attention is given to solving the largest source of downtime â€“ configuration-related outages due to human error. A well-defined change management process built around a ...
January 08, 2007 08 Jan'07
What is the difference between virtualization switches and virtual SANs?

The word "virtualization" is thrown around so much that it's hard to always know what it means...
January 08, 2007 08 Jan'07
What is the difference between InfiniBand, SAS and iSCSI and where does each technology fit?

InfiniBand is an interface; just like Fibre Channel (FC) or Ethernet. As an interface, InfiniBand carries different protocols...
January 08, 2007 08 Jan'07
Convergence, interoperability key in disaster planning

Convergence and interoperability are major factors in ensuring communications continuity in a disaster.
January 08, 2007 08 Jan'07
How are switches changing the way SANs are designed and managed?

There is more granularity in the device options today, allowing for more versatile device configuration...
January 08, 2007 08 Jan'07
Storage area network FAQ audiocast

Don't have time to dig into the FAQ text now? Download the storage area network audiocast in MP3 format and listen in the car, at the gym -- wherever you want.
December 21, 2006 21 Dec'06
Skype Trojan: Much ado about nothing?

This week in Security Blog Log: A Trojan horse has captured headlines by targeting Skype users. But some believe the threat is being blown out of proportion.
December 18, 2006 18 Dec'06
VoIP hacking exposed in new book

VoIP hacking is a reality, and in a new book, two VoIP security experts outline the tools and tricks to avoid a system-crushing hack.
December 18, 2006 18 Dec'06
Cisco WLAN design best practices

Wireless LAN (WLAN) technology has built-in security features, but a one-size-fits-all approach won't ensure adequate security for your organization. This tip provides best practices for designing your security architecture, including user community...
December 18, 2006 18 Dec'06
WLAN interference and clogged pipes -- happy holidays!

WLAN interference caused by decorations and slowed traffic due to online shopping are just some of the network woes of the holidays.
December 17, 2006 17 Dec'06
Top 10 VoIP tips of 2006

Echo and latency issues top the list in 2006, as seen in our top 10 list of most popular tips. If you have missed any of these tips, now is the time to catch up before the end of the year.
December 13, 2006 13 Dec'06
Hosted VoIP eliminates cost, complexity

Hosted VoIP is being adopted at increasing rates as more and more companies look to avoid the excess costs and complexities of on-premise solutions.
December 13, 2006 13 Dec'06
VoIP management tools: Calculating ROI

Before purchasing management tools for VoIP, you may need to calculate the return on investment (ROI) to justify the cost of those tools. In this tip, Gary Audin explains how to calculate ROI and provides specific checklists for calculating the ROI ...
December 13, 2006 13 Dec'06
Hosted VoIP eliminates cost, complexity

Hosted VoIP is being adopted at increasing rates as more and more companies look to avoid the excess costs and complexities of on-premise solutions.
December 13, 2006 13 Dec'06
Swindon is broadband capital

Swindon is still the broadband capital of Britain, research on coverage has revealed.
December 11, 2006 11 Dec'06
SIP desktop phone blends functionality, style

VoIP desktop phones are no longer the clunky hunks of plastic that take up space on your desk. Siemens yesterday launched a new family of SIP phones that are as slick as they are functional.
December 10, 2006 10 Dec'06
Hitachi, BlueArc announce OEM partnership

What had been rumored to be an acquisition has turned out to be an OEM deal, but HDS has also made an investment in BlueArc, indicating an acquisition could be the next step.
December 10, 2006 10 Dec'06
Storage Decisions in the wild, wild west

Dedupe, iSCSI, backup, virtualisation and cowboys in Stetson hats -- Storage Decisions Las Vegas 2006 had it all.
December 07, 2006 07 Dec'06
Dell, Microsoft tout joint NAS product

The new NX1950 product is vastly more expensive than its counterparts from HP and NetApp, but it scales higher, supports clusters and has redundant controllers.
November 30, 2006 30 Nov'06
Symantec blames piracy for Veritas licensing snafu

Weekly compilation of storage news: Symantec says that software counterfeiting is throwing a wrench in tech support ; FRCP rules take effect.
November 29, 2006 29 Nov'06
Video conferencing brings desktop VoIP, app sharing

Voice, video and Web conferencing vendor Genesys adds desktop VoIP and enhanced application sharing to its collaboration lineup.
November 28, 2006 28 Nov'06
Effective wireless security is available, but holes exist

Specialist vendors offer products that allow even small businesses to run a secure wireless network without paying a high price, but that doesn't mean companies are using it.
November 26, 2006 26 Nov'06
Static routing for Cisco users [Day Two: The good and bad of static routing]

What is static routing good for? And what are its shortcomings? Read on to discover how and when to use this technique.
November 26, 2006 26 Nov'06
Managed and hosted VoIP: muddling through

Managed and Centrex and hosted, oh my! For companies looking for an alternative to a premise-based phone system, there are plenty available, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Get a clearer understanding of exactly what's available so you can ...
November 21, 2006 21 Nov'06
Virtual SAN product specifications

Product snapshots that highlight key specifications for a cross-section of VSAN platforms selected based on input from industry analysts and SearchStorage.com editors.
November 16, 2006 16 Nov'06
How can a small business achieve high quality VoIP?

As a small trader, I must be able to communicate with my trading partners who are often in other countries. We use IP telephony to keep costs down. Can you suggest how I can have high quality VoIP calls that will exceed PSTN call quality?
November 16, 2006 16 Nov'06
Why do VoIP calls remain active after the phone call is ended?

For our small business needs, we use a Linksys PAP for our IP telephony service. Sometimes though, we noticed that the call will remain active after we have ended the call and hung up. How do we configure the ATA or gateway to avoid this problem?
November 16, 2006 16 Nov'06
Why is UDP used more in VoIP than TCP?

If UDP is unreliable, why is it used more in VoIP rather than TCP?
November 16, 2006 16 Nov'06
What is the difference between VoIP, CTI and IP telephony?

What is the difference between VoIP, CTI (Computer Telephony Integration) and IP telephony?
November 16, 2006 16 Nov'06
Can VoIP work on a GPRS-enabled mobile phone?

Is it possible to use VoIP on GPRS-enabled mobile phones?
November 16, 2006 16 Nov'06
When should a VoIP system be analyzed and with what tools?

We have recently implemented a VoIP network with separate VLANs and QoS. It all seemed to be working fine when it first went in, but recently, certain people have been complaining about sound breakup whilst talking to customers on the phone.
November 16, 2006 16 Nov'06
VoIP news briefs: Verizon Business, TheInfoPro and Ovum

Verizon Business introduces a new management portal; TheInfoPro looks at the rate of VoIP adoption; and Ovum warns of VoIP security threats.
November 15, 2006 15 Nov'06
How is average repair time determined for both a TDM PBX and a VoIP system?

I am trying to find some statistics on average time to repair or troubleshoot VoIP and TDM PBX. We heard PBX takes 30 minutes versus VoIP at 4.5 hours -- is this true?
November 15, 2006 15 Nov'06
How can VoIP be integrated into an existing PBX system?

I am trying to integrate VoIP into my existing PBX system. I have a Talkswitch 48CVA which supports both PSTN and VoIP lines. My main phone number is a landline which forwards calls to my VoIP line when my status is busy or I do not answer.