Network World columnists

Kentucky judge seizes control of the Internet

Scott Bradner — 2008-12-01T00:00:00Z

Kentucky judge's attempt to ban Internet gambling a bad bet, columnist writes.

Tough times and risk management, Part 2

Mark Gibbs — 2008-12-01T00:00:00Z

Gibbs discussed the concept of risk management in IT a couple of weeks ago, and vowed to continue with a discussion of the consequent politics. True to his word, here 'tis . . .

Thumbs up for Android and the G1

Mark Gibbs — 2008-12-01T00:00:00Z

Gibbs has had a close look at the T-Mobile G1, the first phone based on the Android platform, and he's more than impressed -- in fact, he likes it more than the iPhone and might even stick with T-Mobile. Now there's a surprise.

Taking aim at popcorn-popping viral marketers

Paul McNamara — 2008-11-25T00:00:00Z

The National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus said in a press release: "Advertising claims made in the context of viral videos produced to build interest in a product are subject to the same standards of truth and accuracy as advertisements published in traditional media."

No one gets fired for banning IM

Andreas M. Antonopoulos — 2008-11-25T00:00:00Z

The argument for security that enables business risk where the risk brings a compelling ROI or competitive differentiation

What's an ISP? (That's not a trick question)

Johna Till Johnson — 2008-11-24T00:00:00Z

As President-elect Barack Obama begins fleshing out his agenda, one promising sign is that he considers Internet infrastructure to be key, judging from both his stated goals and the caliber of people he's asking to advise him on policy.

Copy (or erase) lots of data to USB, fast

Keith Shaw — 2008-11-21T00:00:00Z

This rectangular device looks like an old-school cable set-top box or video game console, with 15 USB slots arranged in three rows.

Communications personalities: Vive la difference!

Johna Till Johnson — 2008-11-20T00:00:00Z

One of my favorite advertising campaigns is the one from HSBC that spotlights how differently people can view the same things. You've probably seen it: Two photos side by side, each with a comment — then the same two photos, comments reversed.

Tikitag: RFID eval on the cheap

Mark Gibbs — 2008-11-20T00:00:00Z

RFID systems can be pricey but the Tikitag RFID system is a great place to start.

The fifth Golden Turkey Awards

Mark Gibbs — 2008-11-20T00:00:00Z

For the fifth time Mark Gibbs announces the Gibbs Golden Turkey Awards and this year he picks on just one company.

New version of office-in-a-box

James E. Gaskin — 2008-11-20T00:00:00Z

If you ever needed confirmation that phones are now auditory computer devices, take a look at a modern "office-in-a-box" or "all-in-one" system for small businesses and remote offices. Phones are front and center, e-mail and Web servers come next, and, oh yes, file and print services are there, too. Such is the pattern for the EdgeBOX from Critical Links. The appliances powering typical file and print services now power the phones, Internet access, and security.

BT-200 headset beats the noise (mostly)

Keith Shaw — 2008-11-19T00:00:00Z

I'd love to have the great noise cancellation features on a device that fits my ear better and is somewhat stylish. I'm not talking about fashion-model style, just something that won't make me look like I should be voguing or taking orders for a Billy Mays "as seen on TV" ad.

Will technology drive global recovery?

Frank Dzubeck — 2008-11-19T00:00:00Z

In achieving these goals we all got sloppy and missed numerous opportunities to utilize technology to benefit society, our county, our daily lives and last but not least our employer.

You've been 'synergy-related headcount restructured'

Paul McNamara — 2008-11-13T00:00:00Z

Even the word layoff is a euphemism, when you think about it. Yes, it can serve to draw a distinction between budget-based and performance-based termination, but not many laid-off workers get recalled to their old jobs these days; "laid off" pretty much means you're fired.

Tough times and risk management

Mark Gibbs — 2008-11-13T00:00:00Z

Think the economy is bad now? Hah! You're looking at five to 10 years until things turn around. So, if you're in it for the long haul what can you do? Gibbs has some thoughts about the value of risk management.

How big boys boost cellular signals

Mark Gibbs — 2008-11-13T00:00:00Z

Gibbs takes a look at a serious solution to his lousy cellular reception, a cellular signal repeater, and is more than impressed, he’s ecstatic!

The poetry of departure

Chuck Yoke — 2008-11-13T00:00:00Z

In the novel "From Russia with Love", author Ian Fleming describes the waiting platform for the Orient Express as throbbing with the "tragic poetry of departure". The phrase aptly describes the feelings we have when we separate from friends or family. Whether we are the ones boarding the train or the ones standing on the platform watching others depart, the act of departure often brings feelings of emptiness, loneliness, and sadness.

Service-level agreements no longer enough

Johna Till Johnson — 2008-11-13T00:00:00Z

Longtime readers know I’m a fanatic about service-level agreements. I regularly advise clients about SLA best practices, negotiation and enforcement strategies. And we talk often about how to develop service-level management and monitoring infrastructure that ensures that carriers live up to their promises.

Economic stimulus for small businesses

James E. Gaskin — 2008-11-13T00:00:00Z

Remember back in 2005 when the government provided tax incentives for businesses, known as the "write off your SUV" act? The deal applied to the purchase of all business equipment, but the special SUV writeoffs got the headlines. Many jumped into that, although record oil prices must have made some SUV buyers wish the incentives were for a Prius. Now the deal is back, but few people have noticed.

When insiders attack: How recessions make good people do bad things

Andreas M. Antonopoulos — 2008-11-12T00:00:00Z

Whom can you trust? In security, many of us nurture a healthy sense of paranoia and tend to be distrustful. But as human beings, as social beings, we form bonds of trust with those around us.

For the election, the answer was the Internet. What was your question?

Scott Bradner — 2008-11-10T00:00:00Z

A look at how Obama's use of the Internet in his successful campaign seemed to surprise the press, and at what it will mean for the Internet going forward and for the new administration.

'Net teaches print another lesson

Paul McNamara — 2008-11-10T00:00:00Z

How thoroughly has the Internet come to torment the dying industry that is print newspaper publishing?

Lessons learned in this year's holiday guide

2008-11-10T00:00:00Z

Read five things I learned this year compiling our annual "Cool Yule Tools" holiday gift guide, in which we present our favorite tech gift ideas for the holiday season.

Will white spaces equal more choices?

Mark Gibbs — 2008-11-07T00:00:00Z

The FCC has just approved the unlicensed use of the spectrum being freed up by the switch of television broadcasters from analog to digital transmission. Will the freed-up "White Spaces" give us more ISP choices?

Storing your data in their cloud

James E. Gaskin — 2008-11-06T00:00:00Z

Although it may seem like your computing life is all e-mail and browsing, computer users still create files, documents, spreadsheets, boring presentations and all manner of other stored information. Which brings me to the question: Where do you store your data? And are you ready to store your data online in a service hosted by a third party provider?