Network Computing Report #376
http://www.networkcomputing.com/
Monday, November 8, 2004

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This issue sponsored by Mobilized Software
Offline Operations, Intelligent Roaming
Security, Power Management
Gain Intel's insight into architecting better mobile software
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0CLRX0A8 
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In This Issue:
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1) Third Annual Reader Survey
   - "We're Not Just Geeks"
   - Reader Poll Results
   - Reader Poll Quotes
2) Reviews and How-Tos
   - Review: iSCSI Targets
   - Sneak Preview: Packeteer's PacketShaper
   - Sneak Preview: Stratus' ftServer 2300
   - Sneak Preview: Netcordia's NetMRI
   - Quick Takes: Handheld Network Analyzers
   - Affordable IT: Vendor Support Options
   - Workshop: Recovering From an Attack
   - Centerfold: Cookson Electronics
   - Interactive Buyer's Guide: Remote Control Software
3) Reader Reverb
   - IT Strategy Center
   - New! Business Applications Channel
   - Forum Relaunch
   - TechQuiz: iSCSI
   - Sneak Preview: Our Favorite Geek Wish List Entries
   - Top 11: Party Like It's 2005
   - Last Mile: After the E-Vote
   - Quick Poll: Purchasing a Handheld Device?
   - Best Independent Tech Blog Readers' Choice Awards' Finalists
4) Your Monday IT Briefing
   - Hackers Offer to Sell Cisco Firewall Source Code
   - Study: Linux 'Most Breached' OS
   - Can Cisco Survive Success?
   - Who's the Next FCC Chairman?
   - Metrics Development: Taking It From the Top
   - Services Guide: Content and Process Services
5) Opinion
   - BuzzCut: Google Enters Hunt for Desktops
   - BuzzCut: FCC Plugs In Broadband Alternative
   - BuzzCut: Enterprises Fail on Internal Security
   - BuzzCut: Jumping the Gun on 802.11n
   - FUDBusters: Java Spec Lacks Enterprise Vendor Buy-In
   - Developing Trends: Simplifying App Development
   - Industry Insights: Improving the IT Industry's Linguistics
   - Down to Business: Three Technology Myths
   - Letters: In- or OutSource?
6) Coming Events
   - 31st Annual Computer Security Conference & Exhibition 2004
   - Assuring Peak Performance and Availability of Business-Critical
      Applications and Databases
   - Align Business with IT Operations Through the End-User 
Perspective:
      A Case Study
   - Building an Edge in Financial Services with Grid Computing
7) CMP MarketPlace

Look for the next Network Computing Report newsletter on Monday,
November 15, 2004!


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1) Third Annual Reader Survey
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a) "We're Not Just Geeks"
By Tim Wilson
Our Third Annual Reader Survey reveals that, despite the challenges you
face in technology and budget, some of your toughest obstacles are
people problems. You're short-staffed, you face a constant battle with
non-technical management and you're frustrated by office politics.
Still, you love your job.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0CvfO0A1

b) Reader Poll Results
Find out what's on the minds of your fellow readers. In conjunction 
with
this issue's feature story, we've compiled our complete Reader Poll
results into an easy-to-read online archive for your downloading and
reading pleasure.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0CvfP0A2

c) Reader Poll Quotes
Don't miss our select Reader Poll quotes from our Third Annual Reader
Survey research. Find out which technologies will have the greatest and
the least impact on your compatriots, in their own words. Plus, see
which tasks Network Computing readers would remove from their task 
lists
first and what they'd do with their resulting free time.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0CvfQ0A3


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2) Reviews and How-Tos
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a) Review: iSCSI Targets
By Howard Marks
In our tests of seven iSCSI disk arrays, we saw functionality,
performance and cost-savings to rival any Fibre Channel SAN. Find out
which offering got high marks across the board to earn our treasured
Editor's Choice Award.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0CvfR0A4

b) Sneak Preview: Packeteer's PacketShaper
By Lee Badman
Clean up your network clogs using robust hardware, traffic control and
QoS.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0CvfS0A5

c) Sneak Preview: Stratus' ftServer 2300
By Christopher Beers
Stratus' fault-tolerant ftServer W Series 2300 reaches five nines
uptime.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0CvfT0A6

d) Sneak Preview: Netcordia's NetMRI
By Bruce Boardman
It's time to meet the most useful network-management product in five
years.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0CvfU0A7

e) Quick Takes: Handheld Network Analyzers
By NWC Editors
This edition looks at PowerHouse Technologies' Migo Personal for iPod,
Fluke Networks' EtherScope Network Assistant, RSA Security's Sign-On
Manager and Shunra Software's Shunra\Storm 3.5.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0CvfV0A8

f) Affordable IT: Vendor Support Options
By Tim Wilson
In the latest edition of our ongoing series, we show you how the skill
to negotiate a maintenance contract can save you time and money,
particularly when making new product purchases.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0CvfW0AA

g) Workshop: Recovering From an Attack
By Jeff Ballard and Dave DeCoster
Need to know what to do if you're attacked? The College of Engineering
at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, has been there. Now they're
offering firsthand tips on how to clean up and recover your systems.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0CvfX0AB

h) Centerfold: Cookson Electronics
By Kelley Jackson Higgins
The electronic materials manufacturer chose to subscribe to TriActive's
Configuration Management Suite service instead of building out its own
management platform in-house. It saves time and money in helpdesk 
calls.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0CvfY0AC

i) Interactive Buyer's Guide: Remote Control Software
Looking for a better way to access or fix remote PCs and servers? To
help you with your product selection, we highlight key features from 
top
vendors including Altirus, LanDesk, Funk Software and IBM.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0CvfZ0AD


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3) Reader Reverb
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a) IT Strategy Center
Get out ahead of the competition and the wily hacker with our new IT
Strategy Resource Center, a unique editorial resource for information 
on
all aspects and implications of the convergence of security and IT
operations. Brought to you by Studio One Networks.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0Cvfa0AK

b) New! Business Applications Channel
Stop by our new Business Applications Channel for a daily dose of
industry news, Network Computing business applications-related reviews,
workshops and columns as well as in-depth industry analysis from our
resident expert, Senior Technology Editor Lori MacVittie.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0Cvfb0AL

c) Forum Relaunch
We've recently migrated our forums to a new platform from Jive 
Software,
creating a number of new features such as read counts, member posting
histories, member profile pages and much more. So stop by for an
informal chat with our editors and your peers today.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0CCEu0AG

d) TechQuiz: iSCSI
iSCSI software solutions provide affordable storage provisioning,
protection and availability over Ethernet networks. Take our latest 
quiz
on iSCSI solutions. If you can outsmart our editors, we'll throw your
name into the hat for a free NWC collectible pen/stylus.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0TNs0AX

e) Sneak Preview: Our Favorite Geek Wish List Entries
We asked what's on your holiday wish list this year. And the number of
responses overwhelmed us. Here's a sneak peek into the hottest holiday
gizmos from your lists.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0Cvfc0AM

f) Top 11: Party Like It's 2005
This week we're looking for the "Top 11 signs you're at a lame holiday
IT party." Make us blow Cheerios out of our noses, and we'll post your
entries in print and online. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
--There's always some joker with a rack server on his head.
--The unmistakable sound of two 20-sided dice hitting the table.
--Someone says, "Hey, let's turn on the copy machine!"
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0CEhF0A5

g) Last Mile: After the E-Vote
By Bradley F. Shimmin and Tim Wilson
This edition looks at the post-election uses for an electronic voting
machine, iPod propeller hats and the 'Oxford Blues.'
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0Cvfd0AN

h) Quick Poll: Purchasing a Handheld Device?
Have you recently purchased, or will you be purchasing, a handheld
device? See how your to-go needs stack up.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0Cvfe0AO

i) Best Independent Tech Blog Readers' Choice Awards Finalists
We're proud to announce the top 10 finalists for the Readers' Choice
Award for Best Independent Tech Blog. Now comes the hard part. Help us
select the Last Blog Standing from these 10 finalists. Cast your ballot
on our voting page. The grand winner will be picked on November 13th 
and
announced on November 15th.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0Cu670An


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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) Hackers Offer to Sell Cisco Firewall Source Code
A group calling itself the Source Code Club offers Pix firewall 
software
for $24,000 on a Usenet newsgroup.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0Cvff0AP

b) Study: Linux 'Most Breached' OS
Apple Computer's MacOS X and the open-source BSD operating system
provide the "world's safest and most secure" computing platforms,
according to London-based security firm mi2g. The report also describes
Linux as the world's "most breached" online computing environment,
followed by Microsoft's Windows operating system.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0Cvfg0AQ

c) Can Cisco Survive Success?
Cisco is looking fat and happy with record net income and hot products.
Can the company keep up its spectacular growth without stumbling?
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0Cvfh0AR

Get the latest news, reviews, and trends by subscribing to the
Networking Pipeline Newsletter.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0Cvfi0AS

d) Who's the Next FCC Chairman?
Will little-known Michael Gallagher be the next FCC chairman? Read on.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0Cvfj0AT

Stay out in front of all the latest Advanced IP news and views by
subscribing to the Advanced IP Pipeline Newsletter.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0CbkF0Ac

e) Metrics Development: Taking It From the Top
The biggest challenge in performance management often comes right at 
the
beginning: metrics definition and development. Here are ideas to get
strategic initiatives (and top executives) moving.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0Cvfk0AU

f) Services Guide: Content and Process Services
There's no doubt that businesses are turning to BPO. Learn more about
the services available with our services guide.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0Cvfl0AV

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/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0CJp80A4


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5) Opinion
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a) BuzzCut: Google Enters Hunt for Desktops
By Sean Doherty
A quick test of the new Google desktop search software beta proves that
the technology is useful--but not as useful as some of the products 
from
Google's lesser known competitors.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0Cvfm0AW

b) BuzzCut: FCC Plugs In Broadband Alternative
By Peter Morrissey
The new BPL technology delivers broadband service over electric utility
facilities, providing a broadband alternative to rural and
monopoly-dominated regions.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0Cvfn0AX

c) BuzzCut: Enterprises Fail on Internal Security
By John R. Vacca
A new study indicates that although companies are more aware of 
security
risks, they are failing to do what they should do to prevent them.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0Cvfp0AZ

d) BuzzCut: Jumping the Gun on 802.11n
By Dave Molta
The new Wi-Fi standard is expected to be an essential part of future
wireless technology, but vendors that claim compatibility with this
just-emerging standard are blowing smoke.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0Cvfq0Aa

e) FUDBusters: Java Spec Lacks Enterprise Vendor Buy-In
By Tim Wilson
A new framework that would integrate back-office applications into Java
development environments has the potential to lay the groundwork for
SOA. But without key players' participation, it isn't much of a
standard.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0Cvfr0Ab

f) Developing Trends: Simplifying App Development
By Don MacVittie
Tools need to work the way we do. But they also need to remember what
we've done in the past.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0Cvfs0Ac

g) Industry Insights: Improving the IT Industry's Linguistics
By Mike Lee
IT vendors are doing a better job of communicating without buzzwords or
jargon. But there's still some out there who haven't quite come around.
What they need is a "Bull-Fighter."
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0Cvft0Ad

h) Down to Business: Three Technology Myths
By Rob Preston
Like most myths, the IT variety is based on fact but also rife with
oversimplification.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0Cvfu0Ae

i) Letters: In- or OutSource?
By NWC Readers
Will Beckham feels that "Knowing why something is done in our work
environment is no less important than knowing how."
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0Cvfv0Af


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6) Coming Events
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a) 31st Annual Computer Security Conference & Exhibition 2004
November 8-10, 2004
Marriott Wardman Park, Washington D.C.
Join us for one of the most comprehensive security conferences and
exhibitions. Stay abreast of today's critical security issues with
sessions including Attacks and Countermeasures, Awareness Training and
Education, Continuity, Response and Recovery, Critical Issues and a
Cyberterrorism Panel. Register today!
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0Cvfw0Ag

b) Assuring Peak Performance and Availability of Business-Critical
Applications and Databases
Tuesday, November 9, 2004 11:00am PT/1:00pm CT/2:00pm ET
Successful IT operations depend on the performance and availability of
critical applications and databases. Meeting service levels and
providing historical and real-time visibility across disparate
application infrastructures are essential. In this special interactive
TechWebCast, we address the business drivers that demand availability
and performance management solutions, including the application and
database solutions for each stage of the workflow process. We'll also
review the tools needed to plan, predict and control service levels for
peak performance and availability.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0CuKM0AW

c) Align Business with IT Operations Through the End-User Perspective: 
A
Case Study
Tuesday, November 9, 2004 11:00am PT/1:00pm CT/2:00pm ET
Register and learn how Mercury End User Management application has
enabled Siebel application deployments to view Siebel business process
indicators in real-time from an end-user perspective and empowered IT
management with valuable real-time visibility to address problems 
before
users encounter them.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0CuRI0AZ

d) Building an Edge in Financial Services with Grid Computing
Wednesday, November 10, 2004 11:00am PT/1:00pm CT/2:00pm ET
The financial services industry is all too familiar with the
ever-increasing challenge to reduce transaction time and cut costs 
while
improving customer service and employee productivity. Grid can help
offer a solution. Perhaps no other industry has taken advantage of grid
computing more than financial services. Come learn how grid computing 
is
helping companies tie together resources, data and people to increase
productivity and responsiveness--and where leaders see the next
opportunities for its use.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0Cvfx0Ah


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7) CMP MarketPlace
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This issue sponsored by Mobilized Software
Offline Operations, Intelligent Roaming
Security, Power Management
Gain Intel's insight into architecting better mobile software
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/ekWq0GO4rP0G4g0CLRX0A8 
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