Business News Holding

Tag: hardware-and-technology

  • iPhone Interface Allows Call Center Mangement


    Smoothstone IP Communications has developed a mobile interface that allows corporate call centers to be controlled from anywhere in the world using the iPod and iPhone.

    The company says Apple’s new support for corporate security standards allows it to provide a secure, enterprise solution for IT professionals to use when they are out the office environment.

    Utilizing the new technology available in Apple’s handset, clients with Smoothstone’s Intelligent Call Control (ICC) suite can now use the mobile version of the revolutionary ICC application to:

    * Manage call queues across multiple locations in real time

    * Reroute any calls to any other agent or call center location on the fly

    * Transfer held calls through a drag-and-drop interface

    * See instant statistics and analytics of call activity and agent performance

    * Listen to live calls via Bluetooth headset or speaker

    * Record and review calls for training and quality assurance

    The announcement comes a year after the initial launch of Smoothstone’s ICC suite, a completely integrated solution.

    ICC requires no customer purchased equipment, is flexibly priced according to client size, and can be tailored to each organization’s individual needs.

    ICC is a part of Smoothstone’s comprehensive managed solution for mid- to large-size enterprises, which delivers next generation applications over Smoothstone’s nationwide, private, MPLS network that utilizes proven Cisco Systems technology.

  • SanDisk Launches 32GB Flash


    SanDisk has introduced a 32-GB CompactFlash card aimed at digital photographers and videographers.

    At twice the size of SanDisk’s previous largest product the latest Extreme III CompactFlash is the company’s largest CF storage device.
    It has read and write speeds of 30 MBps.

    The higher-capacity card is intended for photographers using Hi-Def camcorders and will enable users to store as much as 80 minutes of 100 MBps, 10-bit, 4:2:2 HD video.

    This is of sufficient quality for today’s professional video applications, according to SanDisk.

    For photographers, the additional capacity is useful for storing pictures shot in RAW format.

    The format uses 10 times the storage space as regular JPG images, but provides higher-quality images.

    The card can operate under temperatures ranging from minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit to 185 degrees Fahrenheit.
    Pricing (all in USD): 2 GB, $45; 4 GB, $70; 8 GB, $130; and 16 GB, $240; 32 GB, $300.

  • WD Launches Half Terabyte Portable Storage Drives


    WD has launched a 500 GB capacity portable USB drive that is designed to make it easy to store a half a terabyte of music, videos or photos while being small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.

    A recent consumer study conducted by WD of 1,559 external hard drive users revealed that 54 per cent of survey respondents wished that there was an automatic way to back up their computer without having to think about it.

    My Passport Elite portable drives are equipped with software to automatically back up consumers’ ever-growing collection of personal media and digital files.

    Weighing in at less than 7 ounces and designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use, the new 500 GB My Passport portable drives are small enough to fit in a pocket or backpack for easy portability.

    Jim Welsh, vice president and general manager of WD’s branded products and consumer electronics groups, said: "In our mobile society, there is an increasing desire to have data collection at your finger tips at all times.

    "The new My Passport 500 GB portable drives provide the convenience of a compact USB-powered drive with the high capacity previously only available in larger desktop drives."

    MSRP for the My Passport Essential family of portable drives is GBP £109.99 for the 400 GB and GBP £129.99 for the 500 GB capacities.

    MSRP for the My Passport Elite family of portable drives is GBP £133.99 for the 400 GB and GBP £153.99 for the 500 GB capacities.

    Features of the My Passport Elite and My Passport Essential portable drives include:

    – USB-bus powered, which eliminates the need for an external power adapter

    – Synchronisation software that lets users sync their changes and protect their information with 128-bit encryption

    – plug-and-play capability with gaming consoles to make it easy to play music and view photos and video files on a TV.

  • Broadcom Achieves Industry-first HBA Functionality


    Broadcom Corporation, a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, has announced that it is the first to demonstrate 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) iSCSI host bus adapter (HBA) functionality, along with converged networking and storage functionality, within VMware virtualized server environments.

    These capabilities will be demonstrated at this week’s VMworld 2008 exhibition on Broadcom NetXtreme II converged network interface controllers (C-NICs) that address the challenging and dynamic input/output (I/O) requirements of a virtualized server by offering networking and storage convergence, as well as real-time flexibility in I/O processing, in a low power, low cost solution.

    Besides the newly added iSCSI HBA functionality to its C-NICs, Broadcom is working with VMware to provide support for VMware virtualization including advanced networking features such as NetQueue and VMDirectPath.

    Networked storage is crucial in virtual server environments as it provides for a smooth migration and failover of a guest operating system (GOS) from one physical server to another.

    iSCSI has emerged as a high-performance, easy-to-manage networked storage technology that is popular in many virtualization deployments.

    As server and enterprise application customers strive to achieve density and compute-resource utilization objectives for their servers and enterprise applications, Broadcom’s NetXtreme II iSCSI HBA functionality, with support for Vmware virtualization, provides the converged functionality needed in a virtualized server environment by offering complete on-chip processing solutions that free up CPU resources, and increase bandwidth and performance.

    "Broadcom is working with VMware to provide support for VMware virtualization such as iSCSI HBA functionality, as well as VMDirectPath and NetQueue for networking, on our NetXtreme II C-NIC products," said Vinod Lakhani, Senior Director & General Manager of Broadcom’s High-Speed Controller line of business.

    "Today’s demonstration of iSCSI HBA functionality and convergence on a VMware ESX hypervisor marks a significant performance milestone for I/O processing on virtualized
    servers."

    "Advancements in VMware virtualization technology coupled with the increasing processing capability of hardware platforms are driving higher server consolidation ratios in data centers.

    To complement this trend, Broadcom’s innovation in high bandwidth I/O subsytems and network fabric convergence can add value for our customers by pushing the current boundaries of performance and functionality," said Brian Byun, Vice President of Global Partners and Solutions at VMware.

    "VMware is pleased to work with Broadcom in the areas of 10 Gigabit Ethernet, network convergence, and hardware offloads, and the VMDirectPath iSCSI performance shows the exciting results of one of our joint efforts that leverages VMware NetQueue and VMDirectPath I/O technologies.

  • New IBM System First to Process 1 Million Transactions per Minute

    IBM Unveils New x86 Servers With Latest Six-Core Intel Xeon Processors

    IBM has announced two IBM System x servers – the System x 3950 M2 and x3850 M2 – both of which feature new six-core processor technology from Intel.

    Among their benchmark achievements is becoming the first single x86 server to burst through the 1 million transactions per minute barrier on a TPC-C benchmark.

    This was achieved with an 8-socket System x server running 64-bit IBM DB2 9.5 on Red Hat Linux 5.2.

    Both the System x 3950 M2 and x3850 M2 seamlessly support IBM’s portfolio of virtualization technologies including WebSphere Virtual Enterprise.

    As part of a SmartSOA approach, WebSphere Virtual Enterprise provides application infrastructure virtualization capabilities designed to deliver greater flexibility, agility and efficiencies to clients.

    It virtualizes application servers through policy-based workload, application health and application edition management.

    James Northington, vice president of IBM System x, said that as the market leader in high-end x86 servers and the only vendor to design its own chip set for Intel-based servers, IBM was addressing the performance needs of our clients and the growing demand for scale up x86 servers.

    He said the IBM System x servers, together with VMware technology and WebSphere Virtual Enterprise, provide a powerful combination that can enable clients to reap the full benefits of virtualizing their data center.

    "The new System x servers provide the innovation our x86 clients have come to expect, with better performance and power usage than our competitors’ offerings," he said.

    Northington said the new servers would be an important element in helping clients develop a new enterprise data center, which offers dramatic improvements in IT efficiency and provides for rapid deployment of new IT services to support future business growth.

    IBM is helping clients move to new enterprise data centers by focusing on best practices around virtualization, green IT, service management and cloud computing.

    Kirk Skaugen, vice president and general manager of Intel’s Server Platforms Group, said the world-record database and enterprise resource planning benchmark results posted by IBM were testaments to the performance of the Intel Xeon Processor 7400 series with IBM’s eX4 chipset.

    "These represent more compelling examples of how Intel technology paired with the innovative fourth generation of IBM’s X-Architecture is providing IT managers’ greater performance, scalability and investment protection for their enterprises," he said.

    Other benchmarks the new servers recently topped include:

    * The highest 4-socket x86 server TPC-C benchmark, delivering more transactions per minute than any other 4-processor server.

    * Highest 4-processor performance and overall best price/performance on the TPC-E benchmark, outpacing the Dell 4-way server in both performance and price/performance.

    * The world record for 8-processor results on two-tier SAP SD Standard Application Benchmark.

    Based on eX4, the fourth generation of IBM’s chipset for Intel processor-based servers, X-Architecture, the new systems include the following advantages:

    * System x3950 M2: IBM has tuned the memory of the x3950 so clients can take full advantage of virtualization on the system with mainframe-like reliability and high efficiency power supplies and memory technology capable of up to 37 percent lower overall power consumption.

    * System x3850 M2: With special features for fast performance and efficiency, clients can support a large number of demanding business applications like those for ERP and database on a single server. The system offers flexible scalability that allows clients to easily expand their system from 4 sockets to 16, so clients can pay for more capacity only when they need it — not up front as with other vendors.

    The IBM System x3850 M2 and x3950 will be available with Intel Xeon 7400 processors in September, starting at USD $10,389 and $13,389 respectively.

  • Pivot3 Demonstrates Serverless Computing Platform

    Innovative Platform Eliminates Dedicated NVR Servers to Save Power, Reduce Rack Space, and Lower Costs

    High-Definition Storage experts, Pivot3, have announced the first public demonstration of its Serverless Computing platform at ASIS International 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia.

    The new platform, which runs NVR software on the storage node rather than requiring its own dedicated server, will be demonstrated in three locations at the show at the World Congress Convention Center.

    The company also disclosed that five NVR companies and four channel partners had joined its newly formed Serverless Computing Certification Program (SCCP) for NVR to speed adoption of the technology in the video surveillance market.

    Companies such as Exacq, Genetec, Lenel, Milestone, and OnSSI have already joined the program.

    Also joining SCCP are integrators who install and support Pivot3 solutions in the field, including Southwest Surveillance Systems, Connections IT, Aware Digital Inc, and Broadcast Technologies.

    The Pivot3 Serverless Computing platform allows surveillance directors to run video surveillance applications such as video recording, access control and video analytic software directly on the Pivot3 clustered storage platform.

    Using this approach, users can eliminate the physical NVR server hardware required in a conventional solution to realize hard savings in cost, rack space, power and cooling.

    A customer with 500 cameras, for example, can realize savings of 44 per cent in power and cooling costs, 51 per cent in rack-space usage and 22 per cent in cost savings by eliminating 15 physical servers and 5 physical failover storage RAIDs.

    Dilip Sarangan, research analyst with Frost and Sullivan, said: “On average, storage solutions account for an estimated 50 per cent of all acquisition costs for video surveillance systems.

    “With Serverless Computing, these costs can be reduced dramatically with all savings transferred directly to end users.”

    The Pivot3 Serverless Computing Certification Partner Program is designed to help users simplify the deployment and speed the adoption of video surveillance solutions running partner software applications on the Pivot3 Serverless Computing platform.

    The program is open to software leaders who are working with Pivot3 on joint sales opportunities and who are committed to providing world-class support for open-systems to their joint customers.

    Pivot3 offers the following benefits to SCCP members:

    * Pre- and post-sales support for qualified joint opportunities, including configuration assistance, demo systems loaners, and joint sales calls

    * Joint marketing and lead-sharing activities, including joint PR, collateral, webinars, and local seminars

    * Access to the Pivot3 High-Definition Video Simulator Tool, which allows partners to simulate large video workloads for performance assessments

    * Access to the Pivot3 video lab and a team of dedicated engineers

  • BBC to launch regular HD DTT broadcasts


    Catherine Smadja, head of strategy at the BBC, said the Corporation is to start regular DVB-T2 HD broadcasts in November 2009.

    Speaking at the the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) 2008 in Amsterdam, she said: “One of the multiplexes will be upgraded to DVB-T2 and MPEG-4, on which there will be the BBC HD service and two others. And very soon thereafter, three other HD services.”

    The new multiplex will launch in November 2009 in the first regions, but should eventually be available to 98.5 per cent of the UK population.

    Five other DTT muxes will remain DVB-T.

    “DVB-T2 is for us an absolute necessity, because DTT is the number one platform in the UK,” Smadja said.
    “We have to offer HD as a public service broadcaster on DTT, not only on cable and DTH.

    Smadja said there was no business model for how to accomplish this and HD would only add to the cost.

    “There might develop a market for HD pay-TV, but not for free-to-air,” she said. “Luckily, the DVB Group solved the spectrum scarcity problem.”

  • Acer and ASUS Planning Smartphones


    It’s done a good job in conquering the PC, laptop and netbook markets, now the Taiwanese electronics giant seems intent on entering the smartphone realm.

    Gianfranco Lanci, Acer’s CEO, said the company plans to launch a smartphone under its own brand at the beginning of 2009.

    Speaking in an interview with German financial magazine Capital Investor, Lanci said the Acer smartphone will be UMTS enabled, with a touch pad similar to the iPhone’s, and would cost around EUR 500.

    Lanci also said that with Acer’s netbook manufacturring capability approaching 6 million, he expects the company to leave all competitors in that market in its wake.

    For the German market, Acer will launch its netbooks bundled with mobile internet services from a German mobile operator, although Lanchi wouldn’t discuss details.

    Meanwhile, following on from its P552w touchscreen phone, another Taiwanese computer giant is said to be preparing to enter the smartphone market.

    Engadget says Asus is planning an Omnia-esque device that will feature a large touchscreen, a 5-megapixel camera, a trackball for non-touch navigation, and the predictable 3G radios / WiFi.

    The smartphone from Asus, which is understood to produce smartphones for other well-known tech companies, is due to appear in November 2008.

  • Set-top Box Capable of HD Content Over DVB-T2


    Pace plc, a developer of digital TV technologies, has made the first set-top box capable of receiving and displaying DVB-T2 HD content.

    The prototype consists of the world’s first DVB-T2 front-end (the silicon tuner TDA18211 and a prototype of the forthcoming demodulator TDA10055) from NXP Semiconductors and a Pace high definition terrestrial set-top box.

    It will receive a live MPEG-4 HD stream from an Enensys DVB-T2 Modulator based at the DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) stand at the IBC 2008 show in Amsterdam, which begins on Friday.

    DVB-T2 brings efficiencies of between 30-50 per cent in its use of spectrum compared to DVB-T and is expected to be a key enabler to the roll out of high definition TV in the UK over Freeview.

    Earlier this month, the BBC succesfully received high def pictures compliant to the DVB-T2 standard using a real-time demodulator during test transmissions.

    As a set-top box developer, Pace has been involved in the creation of the DVB-T2 draft standard, focusing on key technical aspects that add to the improvement and robustness of the standard, which was only confirmed in June this year.

    Darren Fawcett, chief technologist for Wireless Systems at Pace plc said the take up of high definition services within mature TV markets was picking up speed.

    He said it was expected to grow substantially over the next five years. “But this HD content is currently in the cable and satellite domains,” he said.

    “To enable terrestrial services to compete effectively with the other platforms, DVB-T2 is an essential move.

    “As we saw with the shift to the DVB-S2 standard for satellite services, the extra efficiencies in the use of the spectrum will make the option of delivering HD via DTT viable.”

    With DVB-T2 the DVB Project offers broadcasters a means of using that spectrum in the most efficient ways possible using state of the art technology.

    The first country to deploy DVB-T2 is likely to be the UK, where ASO is already under way.

    The regulator there, Ofcom, has stated its intention to convert one nationwide multiplex to DVB-T2 with the first transmissions of multichannel HDTV set to begin at the end of 2009.

    Test transmissions began immediately after the approval of the standard in June 2008.

  • Date announced for Xperia X1 release

    Sony Ericsson announces firm date for first countries to receive the XPERIA X1

    The UK, Germany and Sweden will be the inaugural launch sites for Sony Ericsson’s Xperia X1 when it is released on 30 September.

    The Windows Mobile 6.1 smartphone will then be rolled out around the world with 32 more countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America expected to get the handset by the fourth quarter of the year.

    North America, China, Australia, and Russia are also listed as committed launch regions, though dates for those are still to be announced.

    There is to be a “live global webcast” hosted by Sony Ericsson on 15 September to demonstrate the Xperia X1 “in-depth”.

    This will be followed by the first of the nine episodes from the Johnny X reality thriller. A Q&A session will also be held on Sony Ericsson’s Premiere website.

    Rikko Sakaguchi, senior VP and head of creation and development at Sony Ericsson, said the in-depth demonstration on the web cast would showcase how the handset was “truly unique”.

    He said the nine panel eco-system put the user in total control of the primary experiences available on the phone and allowed consumers to personalize the panel interface to suit their needs and lifestyle.

    “The Xperia X1 has the highest quality screen on the market, four-way navigation keys and optical joy stick to give a stress-less browsing experience and, with its super fast processor and network speed the Xperia X1 really bridges the gap between personal, entertainment and work mobile needs,” he said.

    The first device from Sony Ericsson’s Xperia sub-brand, the X1 has many high-end features, including: a 3 inch TFT touchscreen display with accelerometer and a wide 800 x 480 pixel resolution, a panel-based interface to work with Windows Mobile 6.1, global GSM and HSDPA connectivity, a full QWERTY keyboard, internal GPS and A-GPS, Wi-Fi and full HTML browser, a 3.2 MP auto focus camera with flash and video recording, lots of multimedia-oriented goodies and 400MB of expandable memory.

    Before the actual availability of the new handset, Sony Ericsson will showcase it at Tent London, between September 18 and September 21, during the London Design Week. No price has yet been released for the Xperia X1.

    A full list of the countries earmarked for Xperia X1 release in 2008:

    – Europe: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Hungary, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland

    – Asia: Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam

    – The Middle East: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and UAE

    – Latin America: Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay

    – Africa: South Africa.