Is Database Software a Commodity Technology?
Is database management a mature, commoditized software technology? It depends whom you ask. My answer: definitely!, which no doubt confirmed IE Editor-in-Chief Doug Henschen in his intention to later write that Oracle President Charles "Phillips's higher calling was to dispel the idea that database management systems have been commoditized in a mature market."
Business Intelligence and Excel: Happily Married?
Are spreadsheets a good match with business intelligence systems entrusted with providing consistent, reliable insight? The latest BI-Excel integrations let you have your spreadsheet-based analysis and always-validated, up-to-date data, too. Which add-in, plug-in or native link is right for you?
The Search For Mobile Video
I am, simultaneously, both a consumer and creator of Web video, and as both, I'm wildly interested in the quest for good mobile video. I wish someone (including me) would rise to the challenge.
Apple Users Talking Class-Action Lawsuit Over iPhone Locking
You bought the iPhone, you paid for it, but now Apple is telling you how you have to use it, and if you don't do things the way they say, they're going to lock it. Turn it into a useless "brick." Is this any way to treat a customer? Apparently, it's the Steve Jobs way. But some iPhone users are mad as heck, and they're not going to take it anymore.
Timely, Slick Centro Gives Palm A Shot In The Arm
My colleague Eric Zeman already has written about the new Palm Centro, unveiled yesterday at the Digital Life show in NYC. I just want to add: this is a great idea on Palm's part, the smartest move the company has made since it finally bought a perpetual license to its own OS from its Japanese owner last year. Whether or not it's enough to save Palm I don't know but this $99 sorta-smartphone is a timely
A Truly Solid Innovation For The AirCard Crowd
Sprint and Verizon Wireless each announced versions of the Novatel USB727 wireless modem. Normally AirCards aren't all that exciting (they just ain't sexy), but this one has a built-in microSD slot. Bingo! Instant sex appeal.
Apple's iPod Linked To iCrime Wave
"We propose that the rise in violent offending and the explosion in the sales of iPods and other portable media devices is more than coincidental," says a report from the Urban Institute.
We Need OS Diplomacy, Not OS Wars
Some of the responses posted to my Linux blog entries have been filled with an amazing amount of venom -- directed not at me, but at other posters. The hate some people have for other people just because they elect to use another operating system on their computers never ceases to shock me.
Verizon Wireless Doesn't Want To Play By The Rules
Not only has Verizon Wireless been lobbying the FCC to change the open access rules agreed to for the upcoming 700 MHz auction, but it actually sued the FCC in the U.S. Court of Appeals and called the rules unconstitutional. This week, FCC Chairman
Vista Has Failed To Push Aside Its Older Brother
It looks like Microsoft may be backing down, ever so slightly, from its stance that Vista is the best thing to happen to consumers and businesses since the invention of the can opener. The company announced yesterday that it's extending availability of XP for another five months to June 30, 2008. In other words, if you want XP, you can still get it.
Apple Corporate Customer: Aberration Or Leading Indicator?
Businesses aren't beating a path to Apple Computer's door for Mac systems. Just don't tell that to one IT training firm that reports a major corporate client is embracing the company's recently launched Mac certification class. You decide whether it's an isolated example of Mac support or an indicator of a broader trend.
EU Dogs Microsoft, But To What End?
Europe's competition authorities have finally won their long-fought legal victory over Microsoft. Problem is, their constituents -- outside the continent's intellectual salons -- could hardly care less.
Rethink Three Myths When Picking a Consultant
Independent consultants (a.k.a. sub-contractors) are often the back-bone of data management activities, especially database administration and ETL/database/BI development. Yet, finding good consultants is difficult. That's why you should steer clear of these three myths: #1: Vendors are always knowledgeable about the candidates they provide. #2: Prior work references can be easily obtained. #3: The candidate must be an absolute best-fit for the requirement...
Halo 3 Record Launch Seen Through Gamers' Eyes
Unless you're living under a virtual rock, you know that Microsoft's new Halo 3 game for Xbox 360 is smashing all previous sales records, pulling in $170 million on its first day. But if you're like me -- older than 14 -- you're curious as to what all the fuss is about, but have no interest in buying the thing. OK, then let's go to the videotape... .
Another MVNO Bites The Dust
This time it's Disney's family-centric MVNO that's calling it quits. By the looks of things, it appears as if 2007 is the year of death for MVNOs. Is the MVNO a doomed business model?
Forrester: Why BI, BPM and Rules Technologies Will Converge
I'm attended a panel discussion here at the Forrester Technology Leadership Forum on the convergence of the three B's - business intelligence, business process management and business rules - featuring Mike Gilpin (EA and application development), Boris Evelson (BI) and Colin Teubner (BPM)... Gilpin sees BI as driving effectiveness in businesses, and the combination of BPM and BR as driving efficiency...
Time To Ask The Hard Questions
Managing centralized computing systems as it was done a decade ago is impossible or too expensive. We take a look at how companies are rethinking application architecture, data center design, and servers.
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