News Archive - May 2011
Hackers Use Cloud Computing to Boost Firepower
May 31, 2011
How better to break into a computer network than to use the power of a virtual supercomputer to crack codes? In a disturbing trend, cloud computing services are being used by hackers to rain down attacks upon other computer systems.
Logitech's LifeSize Aims for Android Video Soon
May 31, 2011
Logitech's LifeSize division expects to bring one-way video streaming to Android devices in a few months and introduce a two-way videoconferencing system to tablets and smartphones later this year.
Skype taken to task by angry users over claimed crapware payload
May 29, 2011
The Skype forums are a hive of panic and abuzz with accusations that either the company is bundling crapware with its VoIP app or has a serious security problem. Users are reporting that a strange, new, and difficult to uninstall program is finding its way on to their PCs called EasyBits GO.
Cloud CIO: The Two Biggest Lies About Cloud Security
May 27, 2011
Framing the cloud security discussion as a "public cloud insecure, private cloud secure" formula indicates an overly simplistic characterization. Put simply there are two big lies in this viewpoint, both rooted in the radical changes this new mode of computing forces on security products and practices.
Skype Ends Support For Open-Source Digium Asterisk VoIP PBX
May 25, 2011
Skype has terminated its partnership with Digium, effectively killing Skype for Asterisk, which integrated the VoIP service with the open-source telephony platform.
Apache Focuses on Cloud Standard
May 25, 2011
Recognizing the growing need for vendor-neutral standards in the cloud computing field, the Apache Software Foundation has prioritized development of its Libcloud unified cloud interface as a top-level project.
Skype deal raises risks for videoconferencing firms
May 12, 2011
Microsoft's $8.5 billion acquisition of Skype is likely to boost videoconferencing from workers' desktops, posing further risks to video technology providers like Polycom and Logitech.
Cisco bringing Cius Android tablet to AT&T
May 11, 2011
The Cisco Cius tablet will connect to AT&T's HSPA+ wireless network when it launches this fall. Cius is an Android-based tablet, which boasts a 7-inch display, is designed with business users in mind. The device will support Cisco's collaboration software, and thanks to its dual cameras, allow for video conferencing over Cisco's TelePresence service.
Microsoft to acquire Skype for $8.5 billion
May 10, 2011
Microsoft has agreed to acquire Skype for $8.5 billion. "Skype is a phenomenal service that is loved by millions of people around the world," Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said. "Together we will create the future of real-time communications so people can easily stay connected to family, friends, clients and colleagues anywhere in the world."
Microsoft mulling Skype buy: Wall Street Journal
May 10, 2011
US software giant Microsoft is near to clinching a deal to buy Internet telephony pioneer Skype for $7-8 billion. — And clearly, Microsoft must be nuts. Skype is a good company, but it's not worth that kind of money.
Android passes RIM in U.S. as leading mobile OS
May 9, 2011
Android continued its dominance of the smartphone landscape by shooting past BlackBerry maker RIM as the leading smartphone OS in the U.S.
W3C to develop peer-to-peer browser standards
May 6, 2011
The World Wide Web Consortium is to develop standards to enable direct peer-to-peer communications between browsers, without the need to go through centralized servers. The group aims to define APIs that will let browsers communicate using audio, video, and "supplementary" real-time communications.
Google-Skype Deal Could Create Communications Powerhouse
May 5, 2011
A Reuters article suggests that both Facebook and Google are in the running for some sort of joint venture with consumer VoIP giant Skype. While the promise of reaching Facebook's millions of users must be compelling to Skype, a tie-up with Google could bear real fruit for both organizations, especially in the small business world.
Google, Facebook line up to buy Skype
May 5, 2011
A bidding war may be shaping up for Skype as both Google and Facebook are said to be in separate negotiations to buy the VoIP firm in what could be a deal worth $3 billion to $4 billion.
Major players zero in on cloud computing market
May 1, 2011
As the cloud computing market grows, the battle for work is getting more fierce, particularly among some of the well-known industry players. Microsoft, Google and Amazon Web Services have made early inroads, but analysts say much of the market is still yet to be realized.