Infrastructure
Intel puts Paxville into dual-core systems
Intel Corp. announced the availability of its first dual-core, hyper-threaded Intel Xeon processors for entry-level dual processor servers. The processors are designed to help improve the performance and response time of multi-threaded server applications.
The new dual-core Intel Xeon processor runs at 2.80 GHz with an 800 MHz system bus and 2MB of Level 2 cache per core and will use the Intel E7520 chipset. Since each core is equipped with its own cache, the amount of traffic on the system bus is reduced and each core has faster access to data, according to Intel. Other features include Intel EM64T, HT technology, Execute Disable Bit, and Demand Based Switching. Servers based on these processors are well suited for applications such as Web server, infrastructure and e-mail.
The Dual-Core Intel Xeon processor 7000 sequence for multi-processor servers is expected to run at speeds up to 3.0 GHz and includes a chipset, the Intel E8501, to support an 800 MHz system bus and support for the existing Intel E8500 chipset. The platform will also include a dual, independent system bus, DDR2 Memory, PCI Express, memory RAID and I/O technologies.
The Dual-Core Intel Xeon processor 2.80 GHz is available for USD$1,043 in 1,000-unit quantities. Pricing for the forthcoming dual-core server processors will be provided within the next 60 days.
Xerox rolls out office printers
Xerox Canada unveiled four additions to its office line. At a starting price of $3,799, the Xerox Phaser 7400 prints documents at up to 36 colour or 40 black-and-white pages per minute. The Xerox WorkCentre Pro 133, an up to 33-ppm multifunction system that combines printing, copying, scanning, faxing and e-mailing.
The Xerox CopyCentre, WorkCentre, and WorkCentre Pro 133 systems use Xerox’s patented emulsion aggregation (EA) toner, which was invented at the Xerox Research Centre of Canada in Mississauga, Ontario. EA Toner standardizes the size and shape of toner particles so prints and copies have sharper image quality and fine line text. It also uses an environmentally friendly manufacturing process that consumes an estimated 25 per cent less energy than traditional toner, and it avoids the use of organic solvents commonly required to make particles in the nanometre-or-less size range.
The Phaser 7400 supports not only letter-size paper but also media sizes up to 12″ x 18″ and heavier media weights up to 270 gsm so that people can print spreadsheets, brochures, presentations, and collaterals on a variety of paper sizes and types. Finishing features that were not previously available in the Phaser printer line — including booklet making, saddle stitching, stapling, and hole punching for up to 1,000 sheets — are optional.
The up to 33-ppm black-and-white series includes a multifunction system, digital copier, and digital copier/printer. For customers who want to consolidate stand-alone equipment, the WorkCentre Pro 133 monochrome MFP offers media support from 16 lb. to 110 lb. and print quality up to 1200 x 1200 dpi. The series includes a 20GB hard drive, Adobe Postscript 3, and the ability to handle paper as heavy as 110 lb. index.
The CopyCentre 133 stand-alone digital copier starts at an estimated retail price of $7,258; the WorkCentre 133 copier/printer offers copying and printing with optional fax and starts at $8,997; and the WorkCentre Pro 133 advanced multifunction system starts at $10,208.
Oki introduces digital LED printer series
Oki Data Americas, Inc., introduced two series of digital LED tabloid colour printers: the C9600/C9800 Series.
Serving as replacements to the C9300/C9500 Series, the C9600/C9800 Series digital colour printers provide in-house printing capabilities. The C9600/9800 Series digital colour printers deliver output at up to 36 pages per minute (ppm) in colour and 40 ppm in monochrome and print the widest variety of media in the class, including cover stock up to 270 grams per square metre and banners up to 12.9″ x 47.24.”
The C9800 Series digital colour printers are designed to enable commercial print shop performance, consistency and accuracy for colour-centric workgroups. Powered by EFI Fiery Technology, the C9800 Series provides print control and job management functionality to optimize document workflow and ensure consistently exceptional results through EFI Colorwise Pro tools and EFI Command Workstation4. The estimated street price of the C9800hn is $8,999 while the C9800hdn has an estimated street price of $9,399. To ensure colour consistency and accuracy of output, the C9600 Series printers are available with colour matching software from OKI Printing Solutions. Estimated street price of the C9600n is $4,399, while the C9600hdn has an estimated street price of $5,299.
Epson adds to projector line
Epson Canada Ltd. launched the Epson PowerLite 750c and PC-free/wireless PowerLite 755c. Both sub-four-pound models feature Epson’s three-chip LCD technology, as well as a proprietary lamp technology that enables Epson’s exclusive “Instant Off” feature. The PowerLite 750c (3.8 pounds) and PowerLite 755c (3.9 pounds), respectively replace Epson’s PowerLite 732c and PowerLite 737c.
Epson 3LCD technology utilizes one LCD chip each for red, green and blue to form a continuous image with smooth, rapid motion video that is free of artifacts. It works without a moving colour wheel.
Epson has created a proprietary feature called Instant Off. Once the user presses the power button off, there is no need for additional cooling time, so the projector immediately shuts down and can be unplugged and packed up for the next meeting without the noise or delays often associated with cool-down cycles. This feature is enabled by E-TORL (Epson Twin Optimized Reflection Lamp) technology, a unique, lower watt solution that still maintains optimum levels of brightness.
Both projectors feature native-XGA resolution (1,024 x 768), 2,000 ANSI lumens of brightness and measure 7.6”D x 10.9”W x 2.7”H. Powering on the projector requires only seven seconds of warming up before a picture appears on the screen and includes a 1.2x optical zoom lens. A 30-degree automatic keystone correction, which corrects within one second.
The PowerLite 755c includes built-in software to enable digital images such as high-resolution jpeg photos, presentations and MPEG-2 videos to be projected in PC-free slideshows via storage devices such as USB memory, external hard drives or directly from digital cameras using the projector’s built-in PCMCIA and USB slots. Slideshows can be controlled by the projector either manually or with automatic/timed advancement.
The PowerLite 750c and PowerLite 755c offer 32-bit colour output and several adjustment tools. The PowerLite 755c takes advantage of 802.11g internal WiFi technology, enabling users to upload or run presentations wirelessly at frame rates up to two to five times faster than 802.11b. The PowerLite 755c comes with an 802.11b/g card.
The Epson PowerLite 750c and 755c are now available for $1,999 and $2,199 through authorized pro audio/visual, national distribution, catalogue and direct PC dealers.
Security
Internet Deadbolt puts network admins in control
ICC Software announced the Internet Deadbolt version 6.0, software that will allow schools, government entities or businesses to remotely monitor and control the use of their computers.
Internet Deadbolt monitors and restricts all Web sites that are notauthorized by the administrator, and only allows authorized applications tobe used.
IDB will not allow employees to run software they may bring in from home, unless authorized by you or the remote administrator. The IDB also blocks chat, instant messenger interactions, ports, and TCP/IP as well. Network administrators can control Internet Explorer functions, lock hard-drives and file directories, do real-time remote viewing of your employee’s computer screen, and over 40 other enterprise level commands remotely. ICC Software offers a free trial version of its software that you candownload online.
Activeworx 2.6 supports more than 50 products
BrightTools Inc. released Activeworx v2.6 a product for managing firewalls, vulnerability assessment tools, and more. The latest version expands on Activeworx’s management abilities with a configuration wizard, additional device support, and increased support for HIPAA and SOX compliancy.
The configuration wizard simplifies implementation by guiding users through the installation, enabling administrators with minimal knowledge of Activeworx to begin managing their security products as quickly as possible, BrightTools said.
Activeworx Security Center now supports over 50 security products with new device support including Tipping Point, Apple OS X, and newly added support for CyberGuard, Sonicwall, OpenBSD and more. Activeworx Security Center has also increased its reporting and interactive graphs by adding over 70 new Tasks including support for the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and increased support for HIPAA and Sarbanes-Oxley. With Activeworx Security Center’s advanced scheduling engine, you can schedule your compliance reports and have them delivered to your desktop or a central server at desired intervals. Single device support is available starting at US$1995.
IDS Scheer Canada offers compliance tool
IDS Scheer Canada announced ARIS Audit Manager 3.0 the latest version of its flagship compliance management solution designed to help organizations document their business processes and comply with legal requirements and guidelines such as the Sarbanes-Oxley section 404-certification, IKS, Basel II, Solvency II, Money Laundering Act and others.
ARIS Audit Manager is a Web-based workflow system that baselines, tests and certifies internal control systems (ICS). Features include automatic workflow configuration, an escalation and sign-off management system and data transfer capabilities from a range of source systems. ARIS Audit Manager provides an organization with the tools to implement compliance requirements and internal inspection systems. Thisincludes the workflow software that tests and monitors the functionality of the internal inspection system. The solution also integrates with ARIS risk and compliance portals.
Data management
Hyperion System 9 introduces Workspace
Hyperion unveiled Hyperion System 9. It includes Hyperion System 9 Workspace, a personalized workspace for Business Performance Management.
The product also includes Hyperion System 9 BI+, business intelligence platform that integrates management, financial and production reporting into a single architecture, all accessed through a thin-client interface. Hyperion System 9 BI+ also includes advanced analytics, interactive dashboard creation, and reporting against both relational and multidimensional data sources.
Hyperion System 9 Applications+, offers a suite of financial management applications that integrates the entire management cycle by linking strategies to plans, monitoring and optimizing execution and reporting results. Hyperion System 9 Applications+ combines products for planning, modeling, consolidation and development of customized applications. It also includes scorecarding and dashboarding applications.
Both Hyperion System 9 BI+ and Hyperion System 9 Applications+ are accessible to users through the industry’s first unified, personalized Workspace and are built upon the Foundation Services layer.
Oracle updates TimeTen following acquisition
Oracle announced the general availability of Oracle TimesTenIn-Memory Database Release 6.0, marking the first product upgrade followingthe acquisition of TimesTen in June 2005.
Cache update throughput has increased five-fold, and cache updates can now be replicated to provide protection against server failures. Caching remains operational even when the connection to the Oracle Database is lost, subsequently resynchronizing automatically when the connection is restored. The product includes support for Oracle Database 10g (with TimesTen Cache Connect to Oracle option) and certification with Oracle Application Server 10g and other major J2EE application servers. Expanded standards support includes SQL and JDBC API additions, JMS supportand Object/Relational mapping certification.
The base product, Oracle TimesTen In-Memory Database, is alsoavailable with the following two options: Replication, which enables real-time data replication between servers for high availability and load sharing, and Cache Connect to Oracle, which creates a real-time, updatable cache for Oracle data residing in the application tier.
The Oracle TimesTen In-Memory Database product is generally available with prices ranging from $12,000-$24,000 per CPU, depending on the size ofin-memory data store. Replication — TimesTen to TimesTen and Cache Connect to Oracle options are each available for $6,000-$12,000 per CPU, depending on in-memory data store size.
SAP builds out Best Practices for SMB customers
SAP unveiled versions of its fixed-scope, pre-defined packages of software and services. Based on mySAP ERP, the SAP Best Practices offerings are available in 28 scenarios addressing the demands of mid-sized enterprises in industries such as retail, utilities and the public sector.
The portfolio of SAP Best Practices offers business process scenarios for specific industries such as Warranty Processing with Returnable Parts for the automotive industry and Prototype Development for the high-tech industry. Customers can use industry-specific SAP Best Practices in conjunction with cross-industry scenarios for customer relationship management (CRM) and supply chain management (SCM), such as Campaign Management, Engineer-to-Order and Supply Chain Performance Management. SAP Best Practices for business intelligence and enterprise portal round out the portfolio.
Visual Build Pro 6 allows unlimited undo/redo
Kinook Software released Visual Build Professional 6, an update to its build management tool. Features include an updated user interface with fully customizable docking panes, menus, toolbars, and keyboard shortcuts. It also features unlimited undo/redo when editing projects, instant navigation to build errors and browser-style navigation.
A code completing script editor supports JScript, PerlScript, Python, RubyScript, and VBScript. Visual Build also supports Microsoft Visual Studio 2005, Visual Studio Team System, IBM Rational ClearCase, and Borland Developer Studio 2006.
Visual Build Professional runs on Windows 2000, XP, 2003, x64, and Vista. Installation requires 20MB of free disk space. Visual Build Professional 6 is available now and costs US$295 for a single-user license. Multiple license discounts and site licenses are available, and upgrade pricing is available for current customers.
Troux focuses on compliance market
Troux Technologies announced three IT governance applications designed to help Global 1000 companies and government organizations decrease expenses, better manage risk and increase revenue through improved IT-business alignment.
Services Portfolio Management offers a centralized repository for digital service cataloging, built-in workflow and automated SLA compliance analysis.
Application Portfolio Optimization creates a centralized application knowledge base with automated data collection and lifecycle management. The application enables IT managers to rationalize and optimize the application portfolio across technology resources, business strategy alignment, risk and cost, Troux said.
Standards Management serves as a “single source of record” for all IT products and standards policies, Troux added. This application allows IT managers to replace costly ad-hoc methods and have visibility to track and enforce compliance to standards.
Wireless
Palm releases Z22 organizer, TX handheld
Palm Canada released two devices: the Palm Z22 organizer and the Palm TX handheld, which features integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless technologies and a 320×480 colour screen.
Key software on the the Palm Z22 organizer includes core applications, such as Calendar, Contacts, Memos, Tasks, Note Pad, Expense, Calculator, World Clock and Photos. The Palm Z22 organizer comes with AddIt(1), a program that includes a variety of applications such as CheckSplit, Chess, Carb Counter and Solitaire. The software CD, included with the organizer, has an eBook reader with three books and a dictionary; the powerOne Calculator and SplashShopper, a shopping list application. The Palm Z22 organizer has an estimated street price of $149.
With a 312MHz processor, the Palm TX handheld includes DataViz(R) Documents To Go(R), allowing users to view, edit and create Word and Excel compatible files, and view and edit PowerPoint(6) — rehearse a presentation or check an Excel spreadsheet for sales numbers before a business meeting. The 128MB (approximately 100MB user available) of non-volatile flash memory protects users’ documents and information, even if the device is not charged and the power runs down.
The handheld has a 320×480 screen, and an expansion card slot for MultiMediaCard, SD and SDIO formats. The Palm TX handheld has an estimated Canadian street price of $399.
CommonTime offers suite for Nokia 9300 users
CommonTime announced mSuite for Nokia 9300 phones. Products from the mSuite range run over a common architecture, the CommonTime Mobility Framework which ensures a smooth upgrade from mNotes™ (mobile Lotus Notes® messaging) to a complete security and management suite, the company said.
It consists of components that may be purchased separately or together, including mNotes, which offers mobile and ‘wireless push’ Lotus Notes messaging, and mForms, a rapid mobile application development tool. ThemSecurePDA, meanwhile, provides multi-layered physical security for handheld devices & their removable media, and mControl offers centralized device management. The CommonTime Mobility Framework offers security with AES encryption.
A version of mSuite which supports Nokia 9300 is due to ship at the end of Q4, 2005, with further functionality developments to be announced throughout next year.
Targus eyes urban professional market
Targus Canada launched the Urban collection of laptop cases. The Urban Topload, Urban Messenger and Vertical Messenger cases are aimed towards young professionals. Each case comes equipped with several storage compartments, including the custom front load iPod/MP3 pocket with a headphone port. The Urban cases include pockets for all notebook and portable consumer electronic accessories, a six-slot CD/DVD holder and a removable accessory pouch.
The Urban Topload can attach to luggage with a pass-through trolley sleeve. The case also comes equipped with easy-grip zipper pulls, scratch-resistant lining, a weather-resistant bottom, and made of rugged 1680 ballistic nylon. External dimensions are 16.5” x 4.25” x 12.25.” The cost of the Urban Topload is $89.99.
The Targus Urban Messenger is top loading and designed to fit notebooks with up to 15.4” screens. External dimensions are 16.5” x 4.25” x 12.25” and the weight is 3.31 lbs. The cost of the Urban Messenger is $79.99.
The Targus Urban Vertical Messenger is a top-loading vertical messenger bag designed to fit notebooks with up to 15.4” screens. External dimensions are 14.3” x 2.1” x 11.2” and the weight is 2.2 lbs. The cost of the Urban Messenger is $69.99.
E-Government
Cisco Clinical Connection Suite aids caregivers
Cisco Systems, Inc. launched the Cisco Clinical Connection Suite, consisting of four integrated clinical solutions – Nurse Call, Patient Monitoring, Location-Based Services and Collaborative Care.
Based on a single, converged Cisco Medical-Grade Network for voice, video and data, the Cisco Clinical Connection Suite provides real-time communications, monitoring, collaboration and resource tracking, delivered as an integrated solution in conjunction with the industry’s application and medical device partners.
Nurse Call enables real-time alerts, such as patient or caregiver locations, to engage in direct communications with their patients and mobile colleagues. Patient Monitoring provides nurses with mobile real-time alerts and patient status by delivering demographic data and key patient information via text and wave form transmission to any wired or wireless IP device. Location-Based Services improve patient care by allowing hospitals to locate and track key assets. Using Cisco MeetingPlace and Tandberg’s visual communication technology, Collaborative Care enables hospitals and clinics to provide new services, such as real-time video-based translation capabilities for non-English speaking patients.
