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Networking gear and server equipment are two distinct types of hardware, right? Not anymore.
Networking goliath Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is now opening its Integrated Services Router (ISR) and Cisco Wide Area Application Services (WAAS) platforms to become Linux-based application server platforms. The move could have wide-ranging implications, as Cisco's gear has millions of deployments that now can be leveraged to serve applications directly. Inbar Lasser-Raab, Cisco’s senior director of network systems, told InternetNews.com that the company has been looking to open up the ISR to third-party applications for a long time. "We really think that we're changing the way business models will be built in the branch," she said. Lasser-Raab isn't being overly dramatic, either. Cisco to date has sold more than 4 million ISRs and as such has a large installed base to target with the new application initiative. Officially called the Cisco Application eXtension Platform (AXP), the new initiative includes both hardware and software for deploying applications on Cisco's routers. The AXP is available as both a module that can plug into modular Cisco ISRs as well as a daughterboard that can plug into a Cisco ISR motherboard. On the software side, the core operating system of the AXP is Linux. Joel Conover, manager of network systems at Cisco, explained that that the version of Linux used is one that Cisco refers to it as Cisco Hardened Linux. Cisco is no stranger to Linux, though the AXP does represent a shift. "This is not the first time we have had a Linux platform, " Lasser-Raab commented. "Some of the network modules with various services are also Linux-based. So we're actually using the same Linux to deploy our own services onto modules. Now we're just making it available to our customers and partners." Though the AXP is Linux-based, Conover noted that the actual development environment for applications could be anything an ISV wants. He explained that the SDK (define) and APIs (define) provide a standard set of libraries for C, Python and Java. Before an application can actually be deployed onto an AXP, a certification process must first be completed. Part of the process includes a license agreement from Cisco as well as a support contract. The certification also provides a mechanism to ensure that only certified applications are deployed on the AXP. Lasser-Raab noted that routers are mission-critical components, and customers likely don't want any engineer to be able to deploy whatever they want without first ensuring it's certified. From a pure open source perspective, Cisco is also making sure it plays by the rules. "From a GPL perspective, we've taken all the things that are GPL and reciprocated the code back to the community," Conover said. "Obviously if a developer built an application on top of a GPL platform, that doesn't imply that they have to GPL that code. " The GPL is a reciprocal license that requires any modification made be contributed back to the community. Overall, Cisco expects the AXP to reduce the hardware footprint at branch offices and provide deeper network integration that provides IT managers with more control over what they can monitor. "The ISR started as a way to integrate services," Lasser-Raab explained. "This is taking it to whole new level in terms of flexibility." The AXP also will take Cisco to a new level competitively, in the sense that it is now encroaching on territory traditionally held by server vendors. "We really view this as helping customers to simplify their branch architectures," Lasser-Raab said. "It's not looking at being a full server replacement; it's more about efficiency and consolidation." Original link: http://www.internetnews.com/dev-... Tomasz Bednarski (Mandriva Poland) wrote a letter to PKN president, Tomasz Schweitzer, in which he expressed his concerns about the Polish OOXML ratification process which Bednarski took part of, as a member of the technical committee 182. We publish the translation of his letter and the response from Schweitzer.
Probably you remember that the KT 182 chairman, Elżbieta Andrukiewicz, was accused of manipulating the OOXML process by a committee member representing IBM. She was said to purposely misinform the other committee members about the outcome of the Ballot Resolution Meeting in Geneva and also not passing the letter from Tomasz Schweitzer, the president of PKN, in which he instructs the committee to abstain from voting if no compromise is achieved between the committee members. Here we present the translated (thanks to Lukasz Sokł, here is the original in Polish) letter from Bednarski to Schweitzer: Concerns : the standardization process of ISO/IEC DIS29500 and the lack of consensus Mister President, Thank you for appealing to the (Technical Commitee) KT182 members, asking them to change their stand on acceptation of the ISO/IEC DIS29500 draft. This appeal in my opinion reflects the facts, that is, the lack of consensus around the ISO/IEC DIS29500 draft. Nevertheless, I must state very angrily, that I became aware of its existence only on 20.03.2008, while attending the [TC]KT meeting. Your letter, dated 26 February 2008, despite being addressed clearly to all [TC]KT182 members, has not been passed to me by Elzbieta Andrukiewicz, the Ms Head Chair. The fact of existence of this letter has been uncovered by the representative of IBM, Mr Jakub Manikowski. Only after his clear question, it has been revealed, that the letter has indeed reached Ms Head Chair, who, however, has not passed it to other addressees. I recognize this situation as unacceptable, because of its crucial meaning for normalization process. [The letter] being undelivered resulted in lack of full knowledge of the TC members on the current situation and diversity of opinions regarding ISO/IEC DIS29500. This in turn could have had an influence on the final stand of Poland regarding this draft, during the ISO ballot. A MEMBER of the European Parliament has raised the question as to whether Microsoft should be banned from all government procurements in Europe.
Heidi Rühle, a member of the EU Parliament who represents Germany's Green Party, has formally tabled a question - which is actually more of a suggestion - asking if Microsoft ought to be deemed to have failed to meet the EU conditions required to participate in public procurements in European Union countries. The specific conditions she refers to are stated in the EU's Article 93(b) and (c) of Financial Regulation. She has web page about this, in German. Pamela Jones at Groklaw obtained the English translation of a central paragraph, as follows: "Here the question arises whether Microsoft can be excluded in the future from all advertisements of public jobs - no matter, whether it concerns new software for the public library of a town or the mechanism of a database for a federal authority." Heise has the question form, in English, here (pdf). The specific criteria in question are laid out as follows: "Pursuant to... [citations omitted], candidates or tenderers shall be excluded from participation in procurement procedures if: (b) they have been convicted of an offence concerning their professional conduct by a judgment which has the force of res judicata; (c) they have been guilty of grave professional misconduct proven by any means which the contracting authority can justify;" (emphasis in the original) Original link: http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/in... Never mind that what I really need is an up-to-date "Absolutely OpenBSD," but since I'm in an I'll-take-what-I-can-get mood, I just secured a copy of "The Book of PF: A No-Nonsense Guide to the OpenBSD Firewall," which for all practical purposes is the most up-to-date book out there that has at least some focus on OpenBSD. In this book by Peter N.M. Hansteen, I hope to get somewhat up to speed on PF, the packet filter that originated in OpenBSD but which now is available in the other BSDs as well -- though not in Linux. Among other things, the book will teach you how to:
OK, I barely understood half of that, but I really like the whole No Starch Press vibe. I have a copy of the now-out-of-print "Absolute OpenBSD" on its way to me now, and I'm also waiting for the out-of-date-but-still-in-print "The Debian System" to get here. I guess I have a thing for oldish books. Back to "The Book of PF." Since I'm interested in all things OpenBSD, networking among them, I'm anxious to see this 2008 book, which has plenty of advocacy in its pages for OpenBSD as an operating system. I'd like to commend No Starch for the choices it has made thus far, and while I'm happy that they're putting out a third edition of their Ubuntu book, and am way more happy that Michael Lucas has revised his FreeBSD book, again, I'd like to see Lucas take another crack at OpenBSD. Original link: http://www.insidesocal.com/click...
Apr 10th, 18:56 UTC
Packt is pleased to announce the availability of its new book on Elgg, the free open-source tool used to create social networks. Written by Mayank Sharma, the book teaches users to create their own fully customized, hosted social network for their business, organization, or group of friends. Packt is pleased to announce the availability of its new book on Elgg, the free open-source tool used to create social networks. Written by Mayank Sharma, the book teaches users to create their own fully customized, hosted social network for their business, organization, or group of friends. Elgg is an open-source social web application licensed under GPL version 2, and runs on the LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP) or WAMP (Windows, Apache, MySQL, PHP) platform. It offers a networking platform combining elements of blogging, e-portfolios, news feed aggregation, file sharing, and social networking. Elgg provides each user with a personal weblog, file repository (with podcasting capabilities), an online profile, and an RSS reader. Additionally, all of a user's content can be tagged with keywords--so they can connect with other users with similar interests and create their own personal learning network. Because it's open source, and has many plug-ins, Elgg can be extended in unlimited ways. This book provides users with all they need to know to create safe, fun social networks. It is especially useful in education as it has many features making it suitable for e-learning, including groups, communities, and blogs that can be used for online classes People teaching e-learning and those who are interested in social networking will find this book useful. For more information about the book, please visit: www.packtpub.com/elgg-social-networking/book Original link: http://www.linuxpr.com/releases/...
Apr 10th, 18:42 UTC
Building Websites with Joomla! 1.5 is a new book from Packt Publishing Building Websites with Joomla! 1.5 is a new book from Packt Publishing which is written as a practical step-by-step guide to building a website from scratch. Written by Hagen Graf, this book takes the reader through the tasks essential to create a Joomla! website as rapidly as possible. Joomla! started as a fork from Mambo in 2005, when many of the original developers of the Mambo CMS moved to working on Joomla! It has rapidly grown in popularity and is a cutting Edge Content Management System and one of the most powerful Open Source Content Management systems in the world. It is used world-wide for anything from simple homepages to complicated corporate websites. It is easy to install, easy to manage and very reliable. While the Joomla! CMS has the flexibility and power needed for complex, full-featured web applications; it is also simple to use to create basic websites. Its powerful, extensible template system can deal many different data types and control of user access, approval of content, scheduling of content display, and rich administrative controls are all included. This book is suitable for web developers, designers, webmasters, content editors, and marketing professionals who want to develop a website in a simple and straightforward process. It does not require any detailed knowledge of programming or web development, and any IT-confident individual will be able to use the book to produce an impressive website. The necessary tasks are explained with clear step-by-step instructions. The author's chatty and engaging style makes this book very readable. For more details on the book, please visit www.PacktPub.com/joomla-version-1-5/book Original link: http://www.linuxpr.com/releases/... |
Launch of Reseller Program Means Business Niche Solutions Can Be Built In Just Hours, With No Programming
REDWOOD CITY, CA – (April 10, 2008) -- SaaSWizard, Inc., the leading provider of powerful, affordable, and easily deployed 100% web-based business process automation (BPA) solutions for organizations of all sizes, today announced the launch of its SaaSWizard Reseller Program. The program will allow VARs to compete and win against large competitors by giving them the ability to apply their unique depth of understanding of customer needs to develop customized enterprise solutions extremely rapidly and without the need for programming. “Many of our business partners have deep expertise in their business sector, but not the technical staff traditionally required to develop and support a custom application. However, with SaaSWizard’s development and deployment platforms, they can now actively participate in the growing SaaS market by delivering unique applications for their customers with no programming,” said Colin Earl, CEO of SaaS Wizard. A series of free webinars on the SaaSWizard Reseller Program will be held Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. PST. The webinar will allow attendees to witness a custom, enterprise-class SaaS application being developed in just 25 minutes, followed by an open discussion of the SaaSWizard Reseller Program. To register for the webinar, please go to www.saaswizard.com. Technology. SaaSWizard provides all of the core functionality of an enterprise-class business application and a simple browser-based tool, allowing resellers to configure the program to meet the specific business needs of their niche customers without writing a single line of code. It is built on the J2EE architecture for enterprise scalability and integration, and leverages the billions of dollars invested by companies like IBM and Sun in J2EE and service-oriented architectures. SaaSWizard runs on Linux, Windows, Solaris and AIX so that it can be installed on a customer’s choice of OS, and it is effectively future-proofed as it automatically inherits both the latest developments in the J2EE platform and new SaaSWizard modules. Proven success. SaaSWizard has been deployed to handle all aspects of business process automation, from helpdesks to RMA processing, from sales-force automation to change management, from Sarbanes-Oxley compliance to risk management. SaaSWizard-based solutions have also been deployed in a wide range of industries with vastly different needs, from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies like Chevron, Merrill Lynch, Emerson and NEC. SaaSWizard solutions include CRM, Sarbanes-Oxley and government regulation compliance, project and time management, and other specialized applications. For case studies and sample customers, please visit www.saaswizard.com/success.htm. About SaaSWizard With headquarters in Silicon Valley and resellers worldwide, SaaSWizard, Inc. has attracted customers from industries with vastly different needs, ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies since its founding in 1991. Over the past 8 years, SaaS specialists have developed and integrated all the core functionality needed by on-demand applications into SaaSWizard, an application layer built on the J2EE platform. SaaSWizard, Inc. offers complete professional services -- implementation, customization, training, support, and server administration -- for its products, on either an hourly basis or as part of a fixed price guaranteed turnkey package. SaaSWizard, Inc. partners with large and small companies, including international distributors, VARs, system implementors and consultants, and ISPs. Original link: http://lxer.com/module/newswire/... The VAR Guy was guilty of hyping Windows-based Ultra-Portables from startups like OQO a year ago, but he has drastically changed his thinking about the Ultra-Portable computer market. He thinks current market dynamics greatly favor Linux over Windows in the Ultra-Portable industry. Here’s why.
First, some thoughts about product positioning. The OQO pitches itself as “a full PC that fits in your pocket.” Some executives and power users certainly want a small, full-functioned Windows device. But packing a lot of power into a small design requires a price premium. The OQO starts at about $1,300. Meanwhile, The VAR Guy thinks most Ultra Portable customers want a simple, low-cost device that handles 80 percent of traditional computing tasks. Give ‘em email, Web video, a complete keyboard, presentation capabilities, a seven-inch screen, etc., and most buyers are all set. Yes, both Windows and Linux can work on these l0w-cost Ultra Portables. But here’s the catch: In the Windows world, hardware makers typically have a lot of back-and-forth with Microsoft on design specs. And then they have to negotiate hard with Microsoft on Windows licensing terms. The challenges don’t stop there for the Windows camp. Generally speaking, it’s sometimes difficult for hardware makers to differentiate their Windows devices from one another because they spend too much time talking about Microsoft compatibility and too little time describing unique applications. The situation is quite different in the world of Linux. There, device makers can focus first and foremost on the key applications they want to promote to customers. Plus, they can move fast — really fast — by adapting Linux to fit their needs, or by playing multiple Linux distributions against one another to find a software partner that’s best suited to assist their efforts. Some companies like ASUS are hedging their bets and designing Linux and Windows devices (let the customer choose). But ultimately, The VAR Guy suspects more and more hardware providers will quietly choose Linux for Ultra Portables that cost $500 or less. Here’s the bottom line: At a time when more and more businesses are paying $1,000 or less for their laptops, it’s hard to justify Ultra Portables with price tags starting at $1,300. In stark contrast, Linux seems to be perfectly suited for truly low-cost Ultra Portables. Is The VAR Guy mistaken? Will Windows somehow dominate the low-end Ultra Portable market? The VAR Guy is open to other opinions… and debate. Original link: http://www.thevarguy.com/2008/04... Games insiders play
RSA Software teams must act to protect systems and development projects from revenge attacks by disgruntled current and former employees. So says Carnegie Mellon Software Engineering Institute's CERT, which is advising organizations take basic steps including code encryption, enforcement of code-change and access controls, reading their log monitors and denying access to non-project staff, such as systems administrators. "Organizations need to recognize the software they develop is crucial - they need to restrict access and protect systems from administrators who don't need access to that information," Software Engineering Institute business manager Joseph McLeod told the RSA security conference in San Francisco today. "Things like encryption can be used to protect that IP." Sharing its insights from 245 cases since 1996 on internal attack, CERT told RSA a third of IT attacks come from inside organizations - and that they can inflict as much damage as external hackers in terms of stolen IP, financial loss, and even threats to personal safety. CERT calls this "IT sabotage" - attacks by disgruntled employees intended to harm an organization directly, by preventing its ability to trade or by causing embarrassment through activities like forwarding private information to customers, competitors or employees, or by binging down a web site. These differ to attacks from managers stealing trade secrets to enrich themselves and from employees accessing things like customer records to, for example, sell information like social security numbers to identity thieves. What constitutes a disgruntled employee? Somebody whose expectations have not been meet, such as being passed over for a promotion, or getting let go. Saboteurs span the ages, from 17 to 70, unlike those simply stealing trade secrets or social security numbers who average out in their mid-30s. "Who'd picture a 60 year old trying to do IT sabotage," Dawn Cappelli, a senior member of SEI technical staff, mused to Reg Dev, after her joint presentation to RSA. And while the signs of a disgruntled staffer - such as slipping personal hygiene, increased absenteeism, or violent and aggressive behavior - are easy to identify and can be acted on, the tell-tale technical signs often get overlooked by organizations. These include the insertion of back-door accounts into systems, and the creation of malicious code followed by its testing, installation, downloading and execution. The most convenient channels to launch what CERT calls "technically sophisticated" attacks are the exploitation of access paths such as those back doors, use of shared or stolen passwords, planting logic bombs, and exploitation of colleagues' machines that have been left running. Not all attacks are purely digital. Carnegie Mellon recounted the tale of one staffer who stole a contractor's IT badge and used it to access a restricted building, and take down a 9/11 emergency phone number/address look-up system in an attempt to impress a new boss starting work the next day. For more on the insider threat to software development, see CERT's podcast here Original link: http://www.regdeveloper.co.uk/20... At first glance, you might think the headline to this blog entry is an oxymoron. In reality, Microsoft certainly does have an open source chief (Sam Ramji). And in some cases, Microsoft is downright happy to support open source. Skeptical? Allow The VAR Guy to explain.
As Matt Asay points out in his Cnet Blog: “Sam Ramji just got a promotion: Sam will now be running Microsoft’s worldwide open-source and Linux team (roughly 120 people and counting).” Is that a thankless job or a strategic job? The VAR Guy things the answer is “both.” Sure, some open source pundits question Microsoft’s every move. But Asay, whom I respect, has solid things to say about Ramji: “Sam’s promotion is good for Microsoft. It’s also good for open source, as I see him as a credible, earnest advocate for open source within Microsoft. He has earned his stripes within commercial and community-based open-source projects. I’ve heard some of open source’s oldest advocates praise his name.” For Microsoft, supporting open source requires a delicate balance. Alas, The VAR Guy doesn’t expect Microsoft to ever port its server applications (SQL Server, Exchange Server, etc.) or Office desktop franchise to Linux. Still, Microsoft knows it needs to support open source applications on Windows Server and Windows Vista. Ramji could certainly help those open source ISV relationships. And perhaps — fingers crossed — he can convince Microsoft not to destroy Yahoo’s open source email platform (Zimbra) if the Microsoft-Yahoo combo ever becomes a reality. The VAR Guy is an open source fan, but even he knows Microsoft isn’t all evil. Somehow, the open source legions forgot that Microsoft helped to free us from proprietary mainframes and complex, pricey Unix systems. Keep an open mind as Microsoft works to certify more open source applications for Windows Server. And keep tabs on Ramji. If he’s the real deal — as Asay suggests — the open source community does have a good listener within Microsoft. Original link: http://www.thevarguy.com/2008/04... "Testmypcsecurity.Com" Represents A New Model In Desktop Security - Better Security Through A Community Based And IndependentTesting Site
Apr 10th, 18:44 UTC
Testmypcsecurity.com has become a respected "Virtual Security Community Watch Group" that is reflective of a diverse set of testers who better represent real world environments Jersey City, NJ (April 09, 2008) - Comodo, a leading security company, announced today that the recent launch of Testmypcsecurity.com has ignited a new model in security that is, in effect, acting as a "Virtual Security Community Watch Group", helping community members with issues and questions about computer security. Importantly this site, which will house one of the largest collections of computer security tests, provides an independent presentation of test results from a diverse set of community testers. Its credibility is driven by the fact that all information is gathered and created by the users, for the users and does not promote any specific commercial interest whatsoever. Comodo provides the infrastructure for the site but in no way affects the information represented. Testmypcsecurity.com was launched as a new website to address an emerging concern in the security industry - the lack of an independent testing resource that gathers all of the tests and testers needed to objectively assess the effectiveness of PC security solutions. Existing testing sites provide a limited number of tests with information that is often dated and reflective a very limited set of testers. The appeal of Testmypcsecurity.com is that it provides a broad array of computer security tests, including firewall leak and Host Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS) tests that all community members can use for testing purposes. The tests were created as a safe way for users of all abilities to determine the effectiveness of their security software at preventing viruses from damaging a computer system. This approach permits a broader set of testers that can post their results for all community members to see and is likely to be more representative of the "real world". Further, results are posted almost immediately and are more current than many other testing sites that delay posting results for weeks or even months at a time. The site been highly successful at attracting a wide variety of testers and the site actively encourages site visitors to join the community as testers. Testmypcsecurity.com was designed to be both a testing and education resource for users and includes:
"Testmypcsecurity.com creates a new type of community - a virtual community of like minded people concerned with creating better desktop security for all." said Melih Abdulhayoglu, CEO and Chief Security Architect of Comodo. "The power of a community to test security software and help other community members stay safe represents the new way forward in online security. This type of community can only operate effectively if the environment is independent of commercial interests. That's what we created with Testmypcsecurity.com and it's why the site has exceeded our expectations in terms of impact and influence within the security industry." For more information, please visit: www.testmypcsecurity.com About ComodoThe Comodo companies provide the infrastructure that is essential in enabling e-merchants, other Internet-connected companies, software companies, and individual consumers to interact and conduct business via the Internet safely and securely. The Comodo companies offer PKI SSL, Code Signing, Content Verification and E-Mail Certificates; award winning PC security software; vulnerability scanning services for PCI Compliance; secure e-mail and fax services. Continual innovation, a core competence in PKI, and a commitment to reversing the growth of Internet-crime distinguish the Comodo companies as vital players in the Internet's ongoing development. Comodo secures and authenticates online transactions and communications for over 200,000 business customers and 3,000,000 users of our desktop security products. Original link: http://www.linuxpr.com/releases/...
Apr 10th, 18:41 UTC
Following the latest release of Drupal 6 in February 2008, Packt Publishing is pleased to announce an update to David Mercer's best selling Drupal 4.7 book. Building powerful and robust websites with Drupal 6 is as much of an overhaul of the original book as Drupal 6 is over Drupal 4.7. Drupal is a hugely popular and widely celebrated open-source Content Management System that is day-by-day becoming the first choice of people for building blogs and other websites. Sir Tim Berners-Lee, Hillary Clinton, and many others utilize Drupal to fulfil their online requirements. The updated book meets the booming demand for well presented, clear, concise, and above all practical information on how to move from establishing the need for a website all the way through to designing and building it like a pro, and finally successfully managing and maintaining it. Experienced technical author David Mercer expertly guides the reader through all the stages of building a professional website in a plain, articulate manner. "This book, like its predecessor, is still aimed at predominantly beginners, although I suspect many intermediate users of Drupal will find it useful too" explains Mercer. "In comparison to the first book, this update provides a steeper launching ramp to the more technical and professional aspects of Drupal." Written in the same style as the original Drupal title, this book is a pragmatic look at the steps necessary to get a website up and running. Drawing on years of writing experience, David Mercer utilizes a friendly, engaging style that is both clear and concise - perfect for the Drupal newbie. For more information, please visit www.PacktPub.com/drupal-6-create-powerful-websites/book Original link: http://www.linuxpr.com/releases/...
Apr 10th, 18:40 UTC
Linux and open source leaders work together on next steps for the operating system Austin, Texas - April 8, 2008 - The Linux Foundation (LF), the nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the growth of Linux, today will kick off its annual Collaboration Summit. The brightest minds in the Linux server, desktop and mobile communities, among others, will gather at the UT Super Computing Center in Austin, Texas to determine how to advance the operating system in the year ahead. Original link: http://www.linuxpr.com/releases/... |
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