-- Network Computing Online #2.92 --
Your Online IT Resource
http://www.networkcomputing.com/
Wednesday, February 16, 2005

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This issue is sponsored by pulver.com 
Spring 2005 VON Conference and Expo. THE trade show for VoIP!
March 7-10, San Jose Convention Center. Speakers incl. CEO AOL, 
CTO AT&ampT, CEO Level 3, CEO Qwest. Plus 225 IP communications 
companies on the show floor! See the full agenda and register now
at 
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DCst0Eu 
Save up to $100 - use priority code 'CMP1'. 
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Here's what's cooking on NWC Online this week!

1) The Daily Blog
     - RSA Protesters?
     - The Tags Are Coming
     - XML Firewall Testing
2) YackITyYack
     - Top 11: Canned Carly Fiorina
     - Last Mile: Wayne Newton--IT Pro
     - Last Mile: Haiku Technical Support Competition Winners
3) Calling All Readers
     - IT Exam: The ROI of Server Consolidation
     - Mobile and Wireless Channel
     - How Do You Find the Best Price?
     - Mobile Observer Newsletter Gets a New Look... And a New Voice
     - E-Poll: Home Sweet Data Center
     - The Network Magazine Innovation Awards
     - 2005 CMP National IT Salary Survey: Call for Participation
4) Editors' Picks
     - Broadband 'Redlining' Issue Raised in Fiber Deployment
     - How to Make BI Less of a Gamble
     - VoIP's Impossible Divide?
     - Analysis: HR Process Saves Money, Cuts SOX Risks
     - Linksys MIMO: Blazing Speed, Many Questions
     - Featured White Paper: Network-Critical Physical Infrastructure
        for Enterprise Wireless LANs
5) Download Mania
     - Backdoor Guard
     - Web Log Suite
6) Eye on Security
     - Alertcon: OpenPGP Vulnerability
     - Security Threat Watch: International Domain Names
7) Coming Events
     - Webcast: Enterprise Portal Business Impact
     - Enabling Field Operations and Plant Personnel Through SAP Mobile
       Asset Management With RFID -- An InformationWeek TechWebCast
     - Managing the Application Performance Lifecycle --
       An InformationWeek Vendor Perspectives TechWebCast
     - Network Storage Conference 2005
     - Building, Deploying and Securing Wireless LANs

Look for the next Network Computing Online newsletter on Wednesday,
February 23, 2005!

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1) The Daily Blog

a) RSA Protesters?
The crowd was unruly, chanting and waving placards. While there was no
violence, this motley crowd--from Bluecoat--made me just a bit nervous.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DDBZ0Eg

b) The Tags are Coming
I've been spending some time thinking about the whole topic of RFID and
privacy, trying to sort out some of the conflicting claims about 
privacy
vs. security and institutional convenience. Now, I'm a reasonably
serious privacy advocate--I think that we do, in general, have the 
right
to be "left alone to be our potty little selves," as G.K. Chesterton 
put
it. With that said, I had a recent conversation that left me more
certain than ever that RFID is here to stay. What makes me say that? A
billion dollars a year worth of cordless drills and miter saws.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DDBa0En

c) XML Firewall Testing
Part of our "Firewall Blowout" plan includes a thorough test of XML
firewalls. We tested XML/Web services security gateways almost two 
years
ago, and the space has changed dramatically in that time. Not only did
we see a lot of mergers and acquisitions (Actional and Westbridge
merged, Digital Evolution acquired Flamenco Networks, Oblix acquired
Confluent, HP and CA acquired minor players), but we've watched the
convergence of management and security, the deconstruction of pure
firewall functionality into separate product lines and the birth of the
XML VPN.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DDBb0Eo

Read more entries from The Daily Blog.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0B5MU0EV

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2) YackITyYack

a) Top 11: Canned Carly Fiorina
In honor of the Oscars, this week we're looking for the Top 10 working
titles for the movie, "Ex-HP Exec Carly Fiorina." We'll pick the best
entries and post them in print and online. Here are a couple of ideas 
to
get you going. Good luck!
--A Streetcar Named, "You're Fired!"
--Close Encounters of the Dell Kind
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0CEhF0Ey

b) Last Mile: Wayne Newton--IT Pro
By Bradley F. Shimmin and Tim Wilson
This edition looks at the Top 11 reasons Wayne Newton would make a good
IT professional; building your own Block I Apollo guidance computer; 
and
a do-it-yourself iPod shuffle solution.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DCsa0Eb

c) Last Mile: Haiku Technical Support Competition Winners
Thanks to all those who submitted their technical support haikus! We've
posted them online for your reading pleasure.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DCsb0Ec

And because of the overwhelming response and high-brow entries we
received, we're pleased to announce a monthly IT Haiku contest. Send us
your poetic masterpieces, and we'll pick and promote the best of the
best.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DCsc0Ed

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3) Calling All Readers

a) IT Exam: The ROI of Server Consolidation
The premise is simple--collapse multiple under-utilized servers into a
bigger server (virtualization) and save a ton of money--right? Well,
maybe. Take our interactive exam to find out if your company is ready
for consolidation.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DCsd0Ee

b) Mobile and Wireless Channel
We're pleased to bring you our newest Channel on Mobile and Wireless
technologies. Each week, you'll find plenty of news and commentary on
current events by industry experts Dave Molta and Jim Geier.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DCse0Ef

c) How Do You Find the Best Price?
Network Computing is currently conducting research to find out how
enterprises get the best prices they can find for commodity IT items.
Help us learn from your experience! Tell us what resources you use to
compare prices on smaller IT items and what sources you have found to
get the best prices. Take our short, five-question survey and tell us
what you think.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DCsf0Eg

d) Mobile Observer Newsletter Gets a New Look... And a New Voice
The Mobile Observer Team is pleased to welcome the addition of Jim
Geier, principal consultant at Wireless-Nets Ltd. and author of several
books and countless articles on wireless networking. Jim will be
alternating lead columns every other week with Dave Molta. And, you'll
also see a closer collaboration with David Haskin, editor of CMP's
Mobile Pipeline, which has served as a Web distribution site for 
content
from Mobile Observer as well as Network Computing's mobile and wireless
coverage over the past year. Subscribe today!
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0PWr0EV

e) E-Poll: Home Sweet Data Center
NWC is taking a page from Bob Vila's book and hammering together an
entire issue devoted to your home sweet data center, and we need your
help. Please share your thoughts on the issues confronting your data
center and how they are affecting your organization. Help us understand
your concerns by taking our survey.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DDBc0Ep

f) The Network Magazine Innovation Awards
Vendors, now's the time to nominate your best products and 
technological
innovations from 2004. Our editors will select the Most Influential
Innovation, Best Value and Most Visionary Innovation across 10
technology categories. Good Luck!
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0C56c0EN

g) 2005 CMP National IT Salary Survey: Call for Participation
Do you deserve a raise? Is your career on track? The editors of
InformationWeek and Network Computing invite you to participate in 
their
8th annual National IT Salary Survey.

Here's why you should participate:
--It's fast. It's convenient. It's confidential.
--We'll compare your salary and job satisfaction responses to those of
your peers in a 30-plus-page report.
--You can compare salaries regionally and nationally (for free).

Click here to go to the survey.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DCsg0Eh

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4) Editors' Picks

a) Broadband "Redlining" Issue Raised in Fiber Deployment
Broadband "redlining"--the deployment of network upgrades in upscale
neighborhoods rather than in low-income urban areas--is becoming a hot
issue as telephone companies continue to roll out their advanced
broadband technologies across the nation.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DCkF0E1

b) How to Make BI Less of a Gamble
To avoid expensive BI debacles, use rules-based audits and proofs of
concept to understand potential project pitfalls.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DCuy0E2

c) VoIP's Impossible Divide?
Router and switch enhancements make the network more suitable for voice
than ever before, but significant holes still remain.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DCvq0Eu

d) HR Process Saves Money, Cuts SOX Risks
Colt HR, a benefits administration firm based in
San Francisco, decided employee departures--whatever the reason--would
be the best place to start a process automation initiative. In the
bargain, the new approach is helping to satisfy Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX)
compliance demands.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DC2u0Eq

e) Linksys MIMO: Blazing Speed, Many Questions
Tests show Linksys' WLAN equipment based on next-generation MIMO
technology is startlingly fast and covers large areas. Before buying,
though, you have to get past some "yes-buts."
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DDBd0Eq

f) Featured White Paper: Network-Critical Physical Infrastructure for
Enterprise Wireless LANs
WLAN (wireless LAN) deployments can result in unexpected or unplanned
power, cooling, management and security requirements. Understanding the
unique NCPI (network-critical physical infrastructure) requirements of
WLAN equipment allows planning for a successful and cost-effective
deployment. Read this APC white paper for an explanation of how to plan
for NCPI while deploying indoor WLANs in small, midsize or large
enterprises with an emphasis on power and cooling.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DDBe0Er

See all new white papers, Webcasts, case studies and product 
information
in the Network Computing Tech Library.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0CmRv0E5

For additional research, check out our online encyclopedia providing 
Web-based
definitions of IT terms.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0XQ0Ed

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5) Download Mania: Select Files From IT Pro Downloads

a) Backdoor Guard
Backdoor Guard is firewall software that prevents hackers and adware
communications. It stops viruses and worms as well as protects against
emerging viruses before they attack. Backdoor Guard also prevents
spyware from sending out your personal data, all in an easy-to-use
interface.

Download at:
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DCW30EN
Size: 1,792k
Platform: Windows
Licensing: Shareware

b) Web Log Suite
Web Log Suite is a Web server log analyzer. It produces highly 
detailed,
easily configurable usage reports in HTML format for viewing with a
standard Web browser. It will give you information about your site's
visitors, activity statistics, file access statistics, information 
about
referring pages, search engines, errors, visitor country, referring
sites, complete information about search words and phrases and more.

Download at:
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DCW10EL
Size: 1,307k
Platform: Windows
Licensing: Shareware

Note: By using IT Pro Downloads you agree to these terms of use.
http://www.itprodownloads.com/terms.jhtml

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6) Eye on Security

a) Alertcon: OpenPGP Vulnerability
Programs that use the OpenPGP format, including PGP and GNU Privacy
Guard (GnuPG or GPG), could possibly allow a remote attacker to obtain
portions of encrypted messages using an "adaptive-chosen-ciphertext"
attack because of a vulnerability in an integrity check feature. 
OpenPGP
is an open-source security format that uses public/private keys to
encrypt, sign and decrypt messages. A remote attacker could send a
specially crafted message to a user who is using one of the affected
encryption programs and convince this user to decrypt the message, 
which
could possibly allow the attacker to recover portions of the original
message.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0Btri0EV

b) Security Threat Watch: International Domain Names
An interesting thread formed on the discussion lists regarding IDNs
(International Domain Names). It seems IDNs can be used to trick users
into believing they are at a particular trusted site, when in fact they
are not. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the fraudulent
sites can get legitimate SSL certificates for the IDN version of a
domain name. Thus, users are have no indication that they are not at 
the
actual correct site. More information can be found by reading the
various 'IDN' threads at:
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DDBf0Es

For more security alerts and information, sign up for our free Security
Threat Watch newsletter.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0CCEc0Eq

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7) Coming Events

a) Webcast: Enterprise Portal Business Impact
Learn how to best identify, measure and document the business impact
portals can have on key business processes with our roundtable
discussion, sponsored by SAP. Register today to access this event
on-demand.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DAMs0EF

b) Enabling Field Operations and Plant Personnel Through SAP Mobile
Asset Management With RFID
--An InformationWeek TechWebCast
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
11:00-12:00 PST / 2:00-3:00 PM EST
Learn how SAP Mobile Asset Management empowers your field technicians 
to
access required information and perform required functions off site.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DCss0Et

c) Managing the Application Performance Lifecycle
--An InformationWeek Vendor Perspectives TechWebCast
Thursday, February 24, 2005
11:00 AM PST / 1:00 PM CST / 2:00 PM EST
Learn how capturing and leveraging the experience gained during
application architecture, development, QA and pre-production can
accelerate deployment, improve problem resolution, and enhance live
production availability and performance. The advantages of using a
lifecycle approach to application performance management will be
revealed during this TechWebCast.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DCRH0Ed

d) Network Storage Conference 2005
March 8-9, 2005
Embassy Suites Hotel, Milpitas, CA
The Network Storage Conference and Trade Show has a 10-year history of
providing a forum for new architectural network storage and storage
management products. Join senior executives and experts on digital
storage and its applications. Find more information and register.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0C87W0EF

e) Building, Deploying and Securing Wireless LANs
--An Immersion Learning Program for Network Professionals and Engineers
Effective management and security of your wireless infrastructure is
essential to your business. When you enroll in this training program,
you will learn the best practices to ensure your wireless network is
accessible and available while maintaining your critical security 
needs.
You'll explore wireless topologies, examine key network design
considerations, and plan, implement and secure a complex enterprise
wireless infrastructure hands-on in class. Through 11 comprehensive and
challenging hands-on exercises you will build and lock down integrated
wired and wireless networks, configure and validate access points and
wireless routers, and examine the impact of PAN technologies like
Bluetooth. Join us for this exclusive hands-on, three-day course! For
2005 course dates and locations.
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DAMt0EG

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This issue is sponsored by pulver.com 
Spring 2005 VON Conference and Expo. THE trade show for VoIP!
March 7-10, San Jose Convention Center. Speakers incl. CEO AOL, 
CTO AT&ampT, CEO Level 3, CEO Qwest. Plus 225 IP communications 
companies on the show floor! See the full agenda and register now
at 
http://update.networkcomputing.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/emHZ0GPvuP0G6u0DCst0Eu 
Save up to $100 - use priority code 'CMP1'. 
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Copyright (c) 2005 Network Computing, a CMP Media LLC publication
http://www.nwc.com/