Network Computing Report #350
http://www.networkcomputing.com/
Monday, May 10, 2004

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TECHXNY - Oct. 5-7, 2004, Jacob K. Javits Center, New York
Featuring:  CETEX, The Consumer Electronics Trade Expo &
WirelessWorld, where CE and IT converge and future wireless
technologies are showcased; RFID World, focusing on the 
emerging RFID products and management strategies;
OutsourceWorld, the leading forum for global outsourcing solutions
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0ONK0AQ 
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In This Issue:
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Special Note: This week marks the 10th anniversary of our 
Well-Connected
Awards, direct from Networld+Interop in Las Vegas, where we will
showcase the best products reviewed in our labs throughout the past
year. You'll be able to check out the winners and finalists online
tonight at 10 PM PT here.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CWce0AS

You can also look for our Special Networld+Interop Edition of this
newsletter tomorrow morning, where we'll bring you the winners and
finalists as well as highlights from the show floor.

1)  NWC Project: Spam Filters Exposed
2)  Reviewed
         - Microsoft Speech Server 2004 Lets You Speak to IT
         - Aprisma's Spectrum 7.0 and Spectrum OneClick
3)  Reader Reverb
         - Networld+Interop Special Coverage
         - Special TechQuiz: Web Site Maintenance
         - Top 11 List
         - Last Mile: Tradeshow Edition
4)  Your Monday IT Briefing
         - Sychron Architecture Further Automates Data Center Functions
         - Maximize Your CRM System's ROI
         - Wireless Routers Worth Your Consideration
         - Integrating Disparate Databases
5)  Know-How
         - Buyer's Guide: Content Switches
6)  Opinion
         - BuzzCut: Quest Drops VoIP Charge
         - BuzzCut: The SPAM War Escalates
         - BuzzCut: The Demise of the PDA
         - The IT Agenda: Adaptability is Critical
7)  Coming Events
         - NWC Networld+Interop Extravaganza: Reality Check Series
         - "Meeting the Power Challenges of the 21st Century 
Datacenter"
         - "Network Infrastructure Requirements for Converged Networks:
            A New Enterprise Network Framework Emerges"
         - Patch Madness Webinar
8)  CMP MarketPlace
9)  Subscription Information


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1)  NWC Project: Spam Filters Exposed
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We're pleased to bring you our newest installment of NWC Project, Spam
Filters Exposed. Over the next two weeks we'll bring you a number of
special reports and tools to compliment our deep review of antispam
solutions. This week, we've got two streaming audio presentations, an
extra-tough TechQuiz and an interactive Spam Cost Calculator. We hope
you enjoy them.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CWcf0AT

a) Special Report: Top 10 No-Nos in Evaluating Spam Solutions
Tune in to our special RealPlayer stream with NWC Lab Director Ron
Anderson to learn how you can avoid the top 10 pitfalls of stamping out
spam within your organization.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CWer0Ah

b) IT Minute: Inside the Mind of an AntiSpam Reviewer
Find out what it takes to combat spam at your office with our inside
look at Ron Anderson's review of antispam solutions and why spam
spending is an easier sell than even security. Plus, learn the
connection between product evaluation and obscure world literature.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CWes0Ai

c) Spam Cost Calculator
Use our spam calculator to estimate the total cost of spam for your
organization. Just input the number of employees, their average salary
and the number of spam messages received each day, and you can view the
costs in productivity, storage, management and downtime. The code is
compliments of Barracuda Networks (a participant in our spam review).
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CWet0Aj

d) TechQuiz: Handling Spam
Spam costs enterprises thousands in lost productivity and jams up vital
communications pipelines. Test your knowledge of beating this beast 
with
our latest quiz. If you can outsmart our editors and get all the 
answers
right, we'll throw your name into the hat for a free NWC mug and/or
subscription to our online syndication service.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0TNs0AB

And be sure to mark you calendars for May 18 and 20 at 12:30 PM ET, 
when
our intrepid Lab Director, Ron Anderson, will be hosting live chats.
Join in and post your most pressing antispam questions.


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2)  Reader Reverb
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a) Networld+Interop Special Coverage
Whether or not you make it to Networld+Interop this week, we invite you
to aim your browser our way as our crack team of IT pros traverses the
show floor in Las Vegas, looking for vendor hubbub and techno
happenings. We'll bring you timely analysis and unguarded opinion
throughout the week. Plus, you'll be able to stream random show audio 
as
well as in-depth how-tos from our Reality Check series. It's everything
that's good about Las Vegas without the cab lines.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CWcj0AX

b) Special TechQuiz: Web Site Maintenance
Welcome to Phase Two of our special Web Analytics TechQuiz Triathlon,
dedicated to our upcoming Web Analytics review. If you can outsmart
Bruce Boardman and get all the answers correct, we'll put your name 
into
the hat to win a copy of MarketingSherpa's "Buyer's Guide to Web
Analytics," a $199.00 report. If you participated in Phase One (Web
analytics), you are welcome to try your hand again. Good luck!
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0BfMH0Ap

c) Top 11 List
Last chance to submit to our current call for the "Top 11 IT skills you
should never employ in real life." Make us proud, and we'll publish 
your
entry in print and online. Here are some choice entries from your 
fellow
readers to help you get started.
* Rebooting users with that hidden button on the back of their heads.
(Doug Olson)
* Telling the cop the reason you were speeding was because your car has
a higher QoS. (Dominic Vadakkan)
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CEhF0Ai

d) Last Mile: Tradeshow Edition
By Bradley F. Shimmin and Tim Wilson
In this edition we'll address the many things you don't want to hear at
conferences while waiting on line. Plus, you can not only catch our
tradeshow jargon mini-tutorial but submit your own neologisms for
publication online alongside those of our editors.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CWck0AY


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3)  Reviewed
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a) Microsoft Speech Server 2004 Lets You Speak to IT
By Sean Doherty
You can develop Web and interactive voice-response applications from a
single platform with Microsoft Speech Server 2004.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CWcl0AZ

b) Aprisma's Spectrum 7.0 and Spectrum OneClick
By Bruce Boardman
Aprisma's network-management software offers a one-click interface that
will save you time and money.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CWcm0Aa


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4)  Your Monday IT Briefing
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Here are some of the must-read news stories we're following this week.

a) Sychron Architecture Further Automates Data Center Functions
Sychron unveiled its Infrastructure Orchestration utility computing
architecture, designed to fully automate multiple resource management
tasks such as provisioning and load balancing.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CWcn0Ab

b) Maximize Your CRM System's ROI
Experts recommend simple steps you can take to make your return on
investment skyrocket.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CWco0Ac

c) Wireless Routers Worth Your Consideration
When it comes to the latest crop of wireless routers, the old adage 
"you
get what you pay for" applies. Here are five products worth taking a
look at.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CWcp0Ad

d) Integrating Disparate Databases
With 25 globally dispersed offices, Prebon Yamane faces the complex 
task
of integrating its legacy data infrastructure.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CWcq0Ae

You can find links to these and other breaking news stories organized 
by
technology via our handy NetNews Service.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CJp80Ah


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5)  Know-How
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Buyer's Guide: Content Switches
By Peter Morrissey
These intelligent devices improve network performance, increase
application reliability and more. Here's what to look for.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CWcr0Af


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6)  Opinion
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a) BuzzCut: Quest Drops VoIP Charge
By Peter Morrissey
Could Qwest's decision to stop charging local access fees for calls 
from
VoIP providers help spur the growth of VoIP?
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CWcs0Ag

b) BuzzCut: The SPAM War Escalates
By Jonathan Feldman
A recent spam hoax is a tough reminder of how vigilant we must be in 
the
battle against unwanted mail.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CWct0Ah

c) BuzzCut: The Demise of the PDA
By Richard Hoffman
Sales are flat. Manufacturers have failed to market them. Is the end of
the PDA in sight?
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CWcu0Ai

d) The IT Agenda: Adaptability is Critical
By Jonathan Feldman
IT workers once had the luxury of being "pure tech." But the maturity 
of
information technology and the ever-growing importance of data networks
make such singularity less of an option.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CWcv0Aj


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7)  Coming Events
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a) NWC Networld+Interop Extravaganza: Reality Check Series
Don't worry if you're unable to attend N+I this year. We'll have our
editors' Reality Check presentations available online. Check out
discussions of their test methods and results from such recent Network
Computing reviews as Web services security, antispam technologies and
desktop management.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CQs60Ap

Plus, be sure to check out our Daily Blog throughout the week for
on-site reports, photos, interviews and other highlights, direct from
the show floor in beautiful Las Vegas.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CWcw0Ak

b) "Meeting the Power Challenges of the 21st Century Datacenter"
We're pleased to bring you an InformationWeek and Powerware Corp.
TechWebCast exploring the development of the next-generation of power
protection systems. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 19, 2004,
9:00 AM PT/11:00 PM CT/12:00 PM ET.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CVol0Ak

c) "Network Infrastructure Requirements for Converged Networks: A New
Enterprise Network Framework Emerges"
Attend this free, online seminar on Tuesday, May 25, 2004 at 11 AM ET.
Networking authority Nick Lippis moderates this session produced in
association with Network Magazine.

For more information and to register. Please use priority code CMPF5.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CWcx0Al

d) Patch Madness Webinar
Are you overly familiar with the 'patch and pray' model of mitigation?
We all know that the timelines between vulnerability releases and worm
outbreaks are shrinking. The question becomes: What do we do about it?

Please join our next NeoCast, on Thursday, June 17 at 12 PM ET, as we
discuss our observations on the patch management space and explore how
several organizations are dealing with the patching nightmare. Answer a
few questions below, and we'll contact you with instructions on how to
attend this NeoCast.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CClS0Ax


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8)  CMP MarketPlace
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----- Free Trial: All-in-One Security Solution -----
Firewall, virus/spam/intrusion protection, URL filter 
Protect your network with Astaro Security Linux, the
security solution that combines six applications in 
one software solution for ease of use and lower TCO. 
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CWcy0Am



Stretch your IT hardware budget. Recurrent Technologies Inc. 
specializes in buying and selling quality pre-owned Cisco,Sun,
Juniper and more. All hardware is fully tested and comes with 
a warranty. For more information, visit us on the web 
at 
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0COpI0A4 
or call 800-727-1419


ADVANTECH, a leader in providing mission-critical computing platforms, 
recently introduced the FWA-3140, a robust rackmount firewall with 
support 
for the Intel Pentium 4 CPU.  Features include dual 32-bit/33 MHz PCI 
slots,
four auto-sensing Fast Ethernet ports, CompactFlash and IDE hard drive 
support, 
and up to 2GB of DDR memory support.  It is FCC and CE compliant.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CWcz0An



Free Catalog! server management products -
Recognized as the pioneer of KVM switch technology, Rose Electronics 
offers
the industry’s most comprehensive range of server management products 
such
as KVM switches, extenders and remote access solutions. Rose 
Electronics
products are known for their quality, scalability, ease of use and
innovative technology.
free catalog:  
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CPZK0Ak
Rose Electronics:  
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0CPZL0Al



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TECHXNY - Oct. 5-7, 2004, Jacob K. Javits Center, New York
Featuring:  CETEX, The Consumer Electronics Trade Expo &
WirelessWorld, where CE and IT converge and future wireless
technologies are showcased; RFID World, focusing on the 
emerging RFID products and management strategies;
OutsourceWorld, the leading forum for global outsourcing solutions
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/egw50GPvuP0G4g0ONK0AQ 
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9)  Subscription Information
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questions (mailto:newsletter@nwc.com).

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