Distributed Desktop Virtualization Software with Centralized Management

Wanova, Inc. today announced the general availability of Wanova Mirage software, a Distributed Desktop Virtualization solution that lets IT centrally manage the desktop, simplify support and protect remote and mobile PCs, while optimizing the end user experience.
Laptop sales now outpace desktops in the enterprise, but traditional virtualization technologies have provided little support for these millions of remote and mobile users. At the same time, industry analyst firm Gartner estimates the total cost of ownership for a notebook of a ‘somewhat managed day extender’ is $7,151.3, per year[1] and has predicted that through 2015, managing mobile users will represent the biggest client management challenge.[2] Wanova Mirage has reinvented desktop virtualization to significantly reduce both operational and capital expenses associated with these remote endpoints, in a way that meets the needs of both IT and the end user.
“As a beta customer, we have been impressed with the unique capabilities of Wanova Mirage,” said Alexander Smirnov, senior director of IT and IS at Mellanox Technologies. “With Mirage, we can automatically back up and quickly restore remote and mobile users, easily migrate them to different hardware, and ensure continuous compliance with our corporate standards. Mirage can dramatically improve how we manage and protect these endpoints, while reducing our support costs.”
Wanova Mirage software
Wanova Mirage software centralizes the entire desktop contents in the data center for management and protection purposes, while distributing the execution of desktop workloads to endpoint caches for performance and superior user experience. Wanova Mirage is unique for a number of reasons, including:
Optimized for remote and mobile workers, providing native performance and support for offline use
Supports single image management with persistent user personalization
Hypervisor-free (but supports execution in a hypervisor)
Wanova Mirage is comprised of three key components: The Mirage Client installs onto the base operating system (OS) of the endpoint, with no hypervisor required. This ensures that there is no underlying unmanaged OS and reduces OS licensing costs compared to traditional VDI. However, Mirage is hypervisor-friendly, and can also be installed on an OS that is executed in a type-1 or type-2 hypervisor. The Mirage Server centralizes management of all desktops in the datacenter, and provides a powerful interface and functionality for controlling image-management, storage, and clients. Wanova’s Distributed Desktop Optimization (DDO) streams the complete desktop to a remote endpoint over a WAN in minutes and optimizes the bi-directional transfer of data between the endpoint cache and server.
Conceptually, Mirage layers each desktop into three major components: a Base Image, comprised of core OS and applications managed by IT; a personalization layer that includes user-installed application and machine state; and a user layer that contains data files and user settings. The combination of these layers is called a Centralized Virtual Desktop (CVD). CVDs are hardware agnostic, and therefore highly portable. With Wanova Distributed Desktop Optimization, the complete instance of a user’s desktop can be deployed anywhere, in minutes.
The combination of these technologies creates many use cases, including:

Source:http://virtualization.sys-con.com/node/1323880

SpyZooka warns of rogue software that tricks computer owners into thinking their computer has security problems

f you have a computer that suddenly shows windows filled with warnings of security problems and the urgent need to buy an antispyware program, it may be a scam. Carl Haugen, President of BluePenguin Software says, “Total PC Defender mimics actual spyware programs showing a computer user fake security warnings that can scare a user into thinking the computer is infected and tricking the user into purchasing a full version of the software program. This program is a fake and does not show real security warnings or real scan results, nor does it remove viruses from computers.”

Rogue software programs like Total PC Defender may accidentally be downloaded through fake URLs that pop up at the top of search engine results, redirecting you to another page. There will most likely be a ‘Click to fix’ button, prompting you to give money, which ends up being an illegitimate company selling a product that is not protecting your computer.

“Once installed, the only way to remove Total PC Defender is to reformat your hard drive or use a legitimate antispyware program like SpyZooka to remove it,” says Haugen. “SpyZooka is a legitimate antispyware program that will detect and protect your computer from such infections.”

Source:http://7thspace.com/headlines/338668/spyzooka_warns_of_rogue_software_that_tricks_computer_owners_into_thinking_their_computer_has_security_problems.html

Apriso’s FlexNet 9.4 Product Suite Now Compatible with Windows 7

Apriso Corporation, a provider of manufacturing software solutions that help enterprises in achieving and sustaining operational excellence, has announced that its FlexNet 9.4 product suite is now compatible with Windows 7 environments.

The company works as an Independent Software Vendor, or ‘ISV’ to provide a seamless solution to the manufacturers, which helps them in managing distributed manufacturing and supply chain operations, regardless of what Microsoft (News – Alert) operating system is running on the shop floor. Its FlexNet platform provides visibility, adaptability and real-time control of manufacturing operations across the enterprise and supply chain network.
The platform offers real time visibility and collaboration of plant-level operations, filling the gap between Enterprise Resource Planning or ‘ERP’ and automation systems. Additionally, it helps the enterprises in keeping up with advancing technologies and strategies throughout their extended enterprise and supply chain network, by including a Business Process Management, or BPM Suite, Unified Data Model and Service Oriented Architecture or ‘SOA’. Integrating the three elements into the FlexNet platform, Apriso offers the enterprises a comprehensive solution for Manufacturing Operations Management or ‘MOM’. Further, the platform helps the users in improving business process, so that they can achieve excellence across their manufacturing operations.
New versions of the FlexNet 9.4 product suite will bear a Windows 7 Compatible designation and logo, which states that Apriso’s software products have met Microsoft’s testing requirements for compatibility with 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7 and have cleared the tests Microsoft designed with regards to installation, performance, reliability and security criterion.
In a release, Eric Green, vice president of partner solutions strategy at Apriso, as a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner the company has made a commitment to support each of the Microsoft Operating System platforms as part of delivering a comprehensive solution ideal for global manufacturers, including those that have upgraded to the latest Microsoft Windows 7 operating system. Green noted that by continuing to invest in its products compatibility with customer operating systems, Apriso helps to ensure its customers have the fastest implementation times.
In the words of Ross Brown, vice president of isv and solutions partners for the worldwide partner group at Microsoft, company’s ISV community is alive with innovation, and Microsoft is committed to helping its partners drive the next generation of software experiences. Adding compatibility for the latest Microsoft operating systems helps ISVs to stay ahead of the competition and give their customers access to cutting-edge technologies, Brown added.
Earlier this month Apriso announced that Jordan Berkley, director of MES product management at the company, was going to present how best-in-class manufacturers have embraced a platform-based approach to manufacturing operations and their extended product supply network to address sustainability and other green objectives, as a part of the Supply Chain Sustainability Track at the 4th annual Sustainability in Packaging Conference & Exhibition at Rosen Plaza Hotel, Orlando Florida.

Source:http://call-center-software.tmcnet.com/topics/call-center-software/articles/79045-aprisos-flexnet-94-product-suite-now-compatible-with.htm

DON’T RESET FACEBOOK PASSWORD

If you get a message in Facebook saying that your password needs to be reset, don’t do it. Virus-tainted spam targeting 400 million Facebook has run amok. You could be at risk for giving out personal information that could put private data at risk, according to an announcement from security firm, McAfee. According to McAfee, “Facebook would never send an email alerting a user that they changed his or her password.”

Tips from McAfee to avoid becoming a victim:

Do not open the attachment. Promptly delete the Facebook scam email.
Consumers can protect their computer from this type of cybercrime by installing a complete security software suite that includes anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall protection.
Consumers should make sure they are running the most up-to-date security software and their subscription is active.
If consumers are unsure if their security software vendor has an update for this type of malware, McAfee recommends that they check for and install any available updates, then immediately run a full scan.

Source:http://news.discovery.com/tech/dont-reset-facebook-password.html

USB mass storage coming to Xbox 360

Game blog Joystiq has screens of what is says is an upcoming build of the Xbox 360 system software that will allow USB mass storage devices to serve as memory units.
The feature, which Joystiq says is due out in the next few months as part of the Spring system update, will turn any USB-based storage device–be it an external hard drive or a flash drive, to be formatted in sizes up to 16GB, which will work just as the Xbox 360 hard drive and memory units do. This includes allowing users to copy games to these devices, instead of having to spin up the 360′s disc drive, as well as saving Live Arcade games, movies, and downloadable content.
Though according to Joystiq, users with a USB hub and a handful of cheap flash drives shouldn’t get too excited, as the system limits the number of USB mass storage devices to just two. This means you can have two 16GB partitions handy, for a total of 32 extra gigabytes of storage on top of whatever hard drive you’ve got. This should still be welcomed news for people with Xbox Arcade units, or launch systems with 20GB of storage, that do not feel like shelling out for Microsoft’s pricey add-on hard drives.
As for what this means for Microsoft’s Xbox 360 memory units, which use a proprietary plug and currently top out at 512MB, it would seem their time on this earth is numbered.

Source:http://news.cnet.com/8301-27076_3-20000712-248.html

Software developers from around the world gather Monday in Palm Springs

Software developers from around the world will participate in the 2010 ESRI Developer Summit, or DevSummit, which starts Monday and runs through Thursday at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

The forum will focus on geographic information system (GIS) mapping and also is for software developers interested in integrating spatial components into applications.

The keynote speaker is author and consultant David Chappell, who will discuss how fast-evolving technology impacts developers and their work.

ESRI, a leading GIS firm based in Redlands, will have a “meet and greet” team of developers.

More information about the summit is at www.esri.com/devsumm

Source:http://www.mydesert.com/article/20100318/BUSINESS/100318019/Software+developers+from+around+the+world+gather+Monday+in+Palm+Springs

Combined company to deliver innovative software solutions for worldwide Information Service providers

oleo Communications, a leading provider of carrier-grade solutions for information service providers, today announced the completion of its acquisition of Local Matters Voice & Wireless Division, formerly part of IBM’s Telecommunications business unit.

Soleo will acquire most of the assets of the Voice and Wireless Division and has also signed a reseller agreement with the division’s parent company Local Matters Inc. for other products and services.

The combination of Soleo and the Voice & Wireless Division creates an entity handling more than three billion calls annually from installations in eleven countries. The acquisition brings together some of the Information Services industry’s most knowledgeable professionals with a shared vision of making useful connections for people everywhere, everyday.

“The Local Matters Voice and Wireless Division is a world leader in Directory Services. We see only positive synergies between the product lines. The complementary nature of this merger will enable us to offer superior innovative products and compete aggressively in the Information Services sector,” said Dan Gallagher, Soleo’s Chief Executive Officer.

The company has already begun executing the planned integration of the two organizations to ensure a smooth transition and immediate value for customers, partners and employees. As part of the initial integration of product portfolios, the management team of the combined company includes executives from both organizations.

Source:http://7thspace.com/headlines/338706/combined_company_to_deliver_innovative_software_solutions_for_worldwide_information_service_providers.html

Omnivex Moxie Software Facilitates Advancements in Digital Signage Functionality

Omnivex Corp. has advanced the functionality of its Moxie software with its latest release, Moxie 6.05, introduced at the recent Integrated Systems Europe show in Amsterdam and the Digital Signage Expo in Las Vegas.

For example, large video walls have become increasingly popular in all types of digital signage deployments. Hardware manufacturers have developed flat screen displays with much thinner bezels than ever before, so it is relatively easy to tile screens together to form one large display. With the magnitude of the video wall in sheer number of displays, combined with the often intricate configuration of screens coupled with complex multimedia content, it is no longer practical, however, to manage such video walls with a single PC, according to the Concord, Ont., company.

But Omnivex Moxie 6.05 has the functionality to manage video walls driven by any number of PCs to form single or multiple images through its Video Wall Synchronization feature. According to the company, a video can span multiple PCs, be displayed on multiple screens and remain in frame synchronization, even in the event of one or more Player PCs restarting. The result is one perfectly unified, visually stunning video wall displaying the most elaborate content imaginable, the company said.

There also are numerous upgrades and modified features in Moxie 6.05 to streamline workflow and extend functionality. Users of Moxie 6.05 can set up multiple tasks to synchronize remote files, playlists, schedules, etc. to the Data Server folder, the company said. Users can then simply drop content files into a synchronized folder on their network and Moxie will retrieve them.

With Moxie’s Data Proxy capability, multiple Players can connect through a single node, dramatically reducing network traffic and improving efficiencies, the company added.

Source:http://digitalsignageexpo.net/DNNArticleMaster/DNNArticleView/tabid/78/smid/400/ArticleID/2848/reftab/66/t/Omnivex-Moxie-Software-Facilitates-Advancements-in-Digital-Signage-Functionality/Default.aspx

VUKUNET Allows Digital Signage Software Companies to Capitalize on New Revenue Opportunities

NEC Display Solutions of America announced at Digital Signage Expo 2010 that content management software (CMS) providers can capitalize on VUKUNET by getting their customers to register their digital signage networks on the VUKUNET ad platform.

“Network operators aren’t the only ones benefiting from VUKUNET,” said Ashley Flaska, vice president of marketing for NEC Display Solutions, Itaska, Ill. “The new ad platform gives CMS companies the opportunity to cash in by recommending VUKUNET Ad Manager to their customers.”

“VUKUNET Ad Manager…will let CMS companies bring additional benefit to their customers by opening up a new revenue stream,” she added.

VUKUNET is an automated ad-serving platform for digital out-of-home advertising. According to the company, the completely Web-based platform introduces a universal ad scheduling, playback and reporting engine to the industry. It connects network owners and operators of digital signage with advertising revenue by giving advertisers and agencies an easier way to buy place-based, digital out-of-home (DOOH) advertising, the company said.

According to the company, digital signage networks can be comprised of any vendor’s products, not just NEC’s, and existing CMS systems can remain in use alongside VUKUNET. This patent-pending compatibility allows networks that have already invested in hardware and software to use the VUKUNET platform without any additional expenses, the company added.

To enroll in the program, CMS companies need to be a part of NEC’s Partner Net site, participate in VUKUNET training and sign a VUKUNET CMS agreement.

Source:http://digitalsignageexpo.net/DNNArticleMaster/DNNArticleView/tabid/78/smid/400/ArticleID/2850/reftab/66/t/VUKUNET-Allows-Digital-Signage-Software-Companies-to-Capitalize-on-New-Revenue-Opportunities/Default.aspx

New ”LabQuest(R)” Software Makes Handheld Device More Versatile for Science Educators

Vernier Software & Technology showcased at the National Science Teachers Association in Philadelphia new features of the LabQuest 1.4 software update and also gave teachers a sneak peek at technology in development for the upcoming school year.
Available now, LabQuest 1.4 ships with two popular features — wireless printing and periodic table graphing. Using the Vernier Wi-Fi USB adapter, teachers and students can print wirelessly to most Wi-Fi enabled printers, including those that set up their own adhoc network. Secondly, the periodic table application permits students to create periodic table plots, such as atomic weight versus atomic radius, and graph them to view trends. Many chemistry courses introduce periodic trends by having students graph by hand. With LabQuest, chemistry students can now navigate through the periodic table to observe elements with similar properties reoccurring at regular intervals.
Vernier also gave educators a sneak peek at two features in development. In the next school year, LabQuest will be able to play full screen video. This allows educators to download short instructional videos on how to set up experiments or pose questions for student investigation. In addition, science students will be able to wirelessly transfer data from the LabQuest to a remote computer.
“Science teachers around the country provide us with inspirational ideas for improving data-collection technology in the classroom,” said David Vernier, co-founder of Vernier and a former physics teacher. “Our goal is to improve science education by innovating new sensors and developing new software features for LabQuest. We think LabQuest’s new features showcased at NSTA help science educators teach both simple and advanced concepts with state-of-the-art technology.”
Availability and Pricing
Current LabQuest customers can download the LabQuest 1.4 software at www.vernier.com/labquest/updates. A list of compatible Wi-Fi printers may be found at http://www.vernier.com/labquest/printers/
The LabQuest sells for $329. Vernier is also offering its handheld solution at a newly reduced price of $299 per unit when purchasing eight or more units. For more information visit the web site at http://www.vernier.com/labquest/updates/

Source:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-labquestr-software-makes-handheld-device-more-versatile-for-science-educators-88437537.html