Hardware ArchiveBuild Hardware Opportunities With Custom System
Last week in CRN, Robert Faletra called system builders "some of the scrappiest and most innovative entrepreneurs in the business." This week, system builders take center stage in VARBusiness, as we present our Annual Guide to Custom Systems, an in-depth look at both the business issues and technology choices facing whitebox, whitebook, and other custom hardware solution providers. In our Custom Systems Best Sellers slide show, we highlight the market leaders in ten key custom systems components, including chips, hard drives, and peripherals. For other solution providers, getting to know some key custom system partners can help you provide a far richer range of options to your own customers.
Posted by Joe Caponi at 12:47 PM, April 21, 2008 Holistic Security, Data Management With Windows Server, and Partnering With Apple
In this week's CRN cover story, we look at developing a "holistic" approach to providing security solutions: "Preparing for a security overhaul on the vendor side is arguably only half the battle. VARs now face the monumental task of convincing clients to rethink their own security philosophy and adopt new and comprehensive strategies to combat growing threats." We also talk with RSA CEO Art Coviello on his company's challenges. The Channel Test Center tries out Windows Server 2008's data management features in terms of "storage, backup, virtualization, application management and overall data management," and finds a number of promising possibilities. Jennifer Lawinski looks at issues facing Apple VARs, while Larry Hooper examines Cisco's efforts to encourage partners to generate more cross-partner business. Steven Burke looks at EMC's turnaround while Robert DeMarzo finds some lessons in how Intel handled the departure of key channel executives on the eve of their partner conference. Finally, Robert Faletra is back from Rome and has some insights on the international system builder market: "Western European system builders are finding the developed markets they traditionally operate in are becoming more difficult. But Eastern Europe has many markets that have not built out the infrastructure to the same degree and offer an easier path to growth." Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:39 AM, April 17, 2008 CRNtech: 802.11n; NAS; Windows Server 2008
In the March issue of CRNtech, our Test Center engineers put 802.11n wireless networking technologies through their paces; preview the newest network attached storage products; and examine the best routes to migrating to Windows Server 2008. Along the way, they also test out a new Kodak scanner, an IM security solution, and Microsoft's PerformancePoint Server 2007, and RoundTable videoconferencing tools. Check it out. Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:33 AM, March 25, 2008 Nexus: Cisco's Big Iron
Over at Network Computing, my old boss Fritz Nelson looks at Cisco's latest enterprise switching platform, Nexus: "Storage, Ethernet, virtualization, some security; it's all there in one box, up to 15 Tbps capacity and expected to grow... Meanwhile, our Andrew Hickey eyes solution provider opportunities in Nexus' NX-OS: "Key features of NX-OS include zero service-disruption upgrades, virtual device contexts, graceful systems operations and XML interfaces to access switching information or any command... Nexus starts at $75,000, but Cisco promises big savings in power and other expenses in the data center. Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:26 AM, January 30, 2008 State of Technology: Peripherals
This week's VARBusiness features our State of Technology report on Peripherals: The box is out. The solution is in. And as more VARs look to peripherals as an opportunity to go deeper into a customer's enterprise and add value, there are some approaches that may work better than others. The report zeroes in on displays, printers, projectors, power protection and external storage as key areas in which VARs can help their customers. Published each quarter, the State of Technology uncovers solution provider opportunities in different hardware and software specialties, including business software, storage and security. Find our previous reports at the State of Technology landing page.
Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:19 AM, January 23, 2008 New Products Roll At CES
The tech year starts with a bang each January at the Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas. Glenn Reynolds (Instapundit) is blogging it with the Popular Mechanics crew; David Ewalt is there with Forbes; and, so are we. Kevin McLaughlin reports from Bill Gates's [farewell] keynote; we preview 25 Must-Sees; take a peek at the latest from Intel; and anticipate some digital home announcements from the show. Much more all week. Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:54 AM, January 7, 2008 How To Sell RFID
It's not a technology sale, according to the Channel Test Center's Fahmida Rashid. You need to understand the customer's business to even determine if RFID is a proper component of the solution they'll require. In our latest TechBuilder recipe, she outlines Four Steps To Doing RFID Right. "Initial conversations and the design phase of the project can account for as much as 60 percent of a project. Because the hardware is not yet commoditized, margins are still high, but a successful practice balances professional services, hardware expertise and software solutions." Posted by Joe Caponi at 11:33 AM, December 17, 2007 Channel Best-Sellers
Our new Channel Best-Sellers special report identifies the market leaders--and fastest growing upstarts--in 24 technology categories, including networking gear, peripherals, systems and security software. As Craig Zarley describes it: "For solution providers, you can discover who is the best-seller in your particular area of expertise and weigh the option of getting on board with that vendor if you're not already aligned with it." It also provides a reality-check for product vendors (and technology writers, too)!
Posted by Joe Caponi at 03:08 PM, November 26, 2007 In The Lab With Ultra-Portables
Fresh off the Tough Notebook Challenge, the Channel Test Center puts four ultra-portable laptops to the test: "Test Center engineers examined ultra-portables--defined as notebooks weighing less than four pounds that are 1.5-inches thick or less when closed, and have screens measuring 12 inches or less diagonally--from four different vendors. The units include Fujitsu's Lifebook P7230, Lenovo's ThinkPad X61, Panasonic's Toughbook W5 and Sony's Vaio VGN-TZ150N/B." See all four in our slide show. Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:50 AM, October 22, 2007 CRN TV: The Tough Notebook Challenge
I've neglected to mention CRN TV lately, but this can't be missed: the CMP Channel Tough Notebook Challenge. We dropped ruggedized notebooks from Acer, Dell, Panasonic, and Toshiba off tables, down stairs, and, in a replay of the Saturday Night Live Pepsi Syndrome sketch, poured soda into their keyboards. All four notebooks did pretty well, (for awhile at least) and two survived in style. Don't try this at home! Posted by Joe Caponi at 03:00 PM, October 10, 2007 RAID For Small Businesses
Business continuity for under $1,000? The Channel Test Center tries out the Stardom SR2760 from Raidon Technology in our newest TechBuilder recipe. In addition to the pricing being right, it's fast: "Engineers had a working 200-Gbyte data mirror in less than 30 minutes." Posted by Joe Caponi at 11:57 AM, October 10, 2007 The iPhone At 100 (Days)
Speaking of report cards, Ed Moltzen has lugged his iPhone around for over three months, and he's spelling out all the pluses and minuses in his 100-day iPhone report. "Should the iPhone be graded on a curve, measured against the rest of the smart phones in the market? Should it be graded on its own, since it really is a one-of-a-kind product? After 100 days, it's clear that there's really nothing else like it in the market." Ed's posting has already generated a number of reader responses. Highlights incldue: "A feature comparison just doesn't do justice to the greatness of this product."--- "Once Apple can get Verizon up to speed, that would be good for everyone. Visual Voice mail ROCKS. But for many cell companies, it's too advanced for them to understand."--- "Like it or not, Free VoIP is the WHOLE GOAL of the iPhone, if Apple wants it... then MAKE iChat do it." Posted by Joe Caponi at 11:56 AM, October 8, 2007 One Day, You'll Be Glad You Backed Up
My home Mac Mini died a couple weeks ago. Fortunately, I shuffle my most critical documents back and forth to work on a flash drive, so I had my urgent data. And after a brief sojurn at the Apple store, and a new logic board, my Mac was back, and as good as ever. Luckily for me, my backup system, (dragging documents to a remote hard drive from time to time) wasn't put to the test. You don't need to rely on luck, of course. Nor should you. In today's TechBuilder recipe, Fahmida Rashid explores backup solutions for Windows Home Server for home and small business customers. Posted by Joe Caponi at 11:12 AM, September 17, 2007 10-Gigabit Ethernet: That's Fast
Video, voice, online backup. Is your gigabit network core already stretching it's seams? Well we've got the answer. Fahmida Rashid examines moving to 10-Gigabit Ethernet in the latest TechBuilder recipe: "Despite the fact that 10G is just another (albeit, faster) standard for Ethernet, upgrading is not as simple as just using a different network card. There are cabling decisions to be made, new switches and routers to be purchased, and environmental concerns such as space and power to calculate." Posted by Joe Caponi at 11:10 AM, September 10, 2007 Jobs Throws A Line To iPhone Early Adopters
Yesterday, Apple cut the price of new iPhones by 33%. Great news, unless you already own an iPhone. Steve Jobs today: "Even though we are making the right decision to lower the price of iPhone, and even though the technology road is bumpy, we need to do a better job taking care of our early iPhone customers as we aggressively go after new ones... Our early customers trusted us, and we must live up to that trust with our actions in moments like these. Nice. Though letting customers apply the credit to Apple VARs would have been nicer. Posted by Joe Caponi at 04:59 PM, September 6, 2007 You Can Make Money On Hardware
CRN's Margin Makers special report finds categories where savvy vendors, along with a long-delayed upgrade cycle for businesses, have combined to create opportunity for smart solution providers. "From LCDs, to projectors for conference rooms, to network scanners, solution providers are evaluating customer needs and filling them with hardware solutions that keep everyone happy." Posted by Joe Caponi at 04:51 PM, September 5, 2007 Remote Support With The Bomgar Box
There are few better ways of testing your patience than talking someone through a computer procedure over the phone. If it's your business, you need a better way. In the latest TechBuilder recipe, Mario Morejon tries out the Bomgar Box, a support appliance with plenty of features to appeal to VARs: "This is a one-stop tech support powerhouse that outperforms all of its Software-as-a-Service competitors. The Bomgar Box can provide on-site service to remote PCs without requiring a solution provider to travel to a remote site, install VPNs or even bypass firewall settings on a corporate site." Posted by Joe Caponi at 09:52 AM, August 27, 2007 Authentication Times Two
The latest TechBuilder recipe, When Passwords Aren't Enough, explains how to enhance simple password-based authentication with token-based or biometric solutions, creating "two-factor authentication": "When PC maker Lenovo last year introduced built-in fingerprint scanners in ThinkPads, it brought into the mainstream a strong authentication option that once seemed unobtainable for most businesses. While still not the type of technology that's being embraced throughout the market, two-factor authentication is gathering steam, and finding its way into the conversation between solution providers and their customers." Posted by Joe Caponi at 11:52 AM, August 13, 2007 LightScribe Your CDs and DVDs
Appearance, as your parents might correctly remind you, matters. It's also good business. When delivering software, data and backup disks to clients, or even for your own internal purposes, professional-looking CDs and DVDs can provide tangible and intangible benefits. The newest TechBuilder Recipe, Champagne Disc Labels on a Beer Budget demonstrates LightScribe, a new technology to laser etch your disc media while it's still in the drive, avoiding paper labels and sloppy felt-tip markers completely. Posted by Joe Caponi at 09:23 AM, July 30, 2007 iPhones For Business: A CRN Showdown
CRN's Frank Ohlhorst says The iPhone Has No Business In Business: "There are limited opportunities to develop applications to integrate the [iPhone] into the enterprise. That makes the iPhone little more than a nifty toy, at least when it comes to business use... However, CRN's Ed Moltzen disagrees: "In business, it can do between 80 percent and 100 percent of what you need a BlackBerry or Treo to do. But outside of work, the BlackBerry and Treo simply can't touch the iPhone. People mix their work time and their personal time constantly. The iPhone addresses this. And, yes, the iPhone is expensive for a phone. But it's inexpensive for an ultra-portable computer with WiFi and EDGE web access." Ed winds up with an "It's here, get used to it," argument that I suspect will carry the day. But what are you seeing? For more iPhone coverage, don't miss:
Posted by Joe Caponi at 03:10 PM, July 23, 2007 No Static At All: High-Resolution PC Audio Issues
System builders targeting the home entertainment market have run into a wall--PC hardware hasn't kept up with DVD and HDTV audio requirements. In our latest TechBuilder Recipe, Ed Tittel outlines just where the problem lies: "So the best audio that most PC-based HDMI connections can deliver for playback involves using "old-school" compressed Dolby Digital or the DTS formats. These have been used for multi-channel surround sound on DVDs since the 1990s." Solutions may be some time out, so it's wise to understand the problem. Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:59 AM, July 23, 2007 Gazing Into The Silicon Ball
In Launching Pad, we preview some of the major product release due in the second half of 2007, including chips from AMD and Intel and software from Lotus, Symantec, and Oracle. Regarding the chips: "For a manufacturer of high-performance systems like Boxx Technologies, which specializes in systems for visual effects artists and architectural design firms, the quad-core releases can be huge." Posted by Joe Caponi at 11:58 AM, July 19, 2007 Crack The Home Market With Personal Video Recorders
CRN reports that the home digital convergence market has fallen short of expectations, but there's still opportunity in the wired home. Our latest TechBuilder recipe describes building one compelling appliance: the personal video recorder, as the core of a home-entertainment setup. (Think of a TiVo with all the functionality of a PC).TechBuilder's Andy McDonough uses iMedia MythTV to provide the smarts. Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:04 AM, July 17, 2007 Intel Xeon and AMD Opteron In A Server Show Down
In this week's TechBuilder recipe, David Gilbert sizes up which dual-core server processor works best for system builders. He takes into account prices, clock speeds, and related hardware costs, and looks at at which applications will best use each of the competitor's capabilities. There's a winner, but I won't spoil the surprise. "But this is a game of high-tech leap-frog. Both companies have already introduced quad-core server chips..." Posted by Joe Caponi at 07:33 AM, July 10, 2007 Linux Videoconferencing
TechBuilder's A. Lizard pops open some terminal windows and winds up getting videoconferencing running on his Debian Linux PC (though the instructions should work on Ubuntu as well...). Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:34 AM, July 2, 2007 As iPhone Looms, Some Early Lessons
Over at The Big Picture, Barry Ritholtz is already learning from the iPhone: "While most of corporate America is slashing R&D budgets (and buying back stock), the handful of companies who have plowed cash back into R&D are the clear market leaders this cycle: Think Apple, Google (Maps, Search), Toyota (Hybrid), Nintendo (Wii). A well designed, innovative product can create -- or upend -- an entire market. Even Microsoft did it with the X-box." Posted by Joe Caponi at 02:04 PM, June 27, 2007 36 Top System Builders
This week's Custom Systems Special Report includes a directory of system builders; a look at the renewed interest in PC recycling; a slide show of 10 white-hot system builders; and lots more. "For system builders, though, the question of whether Intel's retooled whitebook program will enable the channel to compete in the category looms large. And, here, the survey indicated the answer may be yes." Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:11 AM, June 26, 2007 More Vista Peripherals
The second installment in our TechBuilder recipe on Vista-Friendly Peripherals delves into external storage (hard drives, flash and optical storage), game controllers and speakers, and spells out five tips on choosing peripherals that won't make you regret upgrading your PCs. Posted by Joe Caponi at 11:55 AM, June 25, 2007 iPhone, The Platform
It's not about the phone... at least not much. Ed Moltzen looks at how Apple is already expanding the footprint of the iPhone: "By integrating tightly with Youtube video, and by making Safari stretch across Macintosh and Windows and iPhone, Apple is making a statement: the new device from Cupertino will be anywhere multimedia and network content will be." This morning, sports host Mike Francesa and Charles McCord, hosting the no-longer-Imus-radio show, spent a half hour gushing over how cool the iPhone is. It's definitely got the public's attention. Posted by Joe Caponi at 04:21 PM, June 20, 2007 Select The Right Peripherals For Vista
When building a new Vista system, and especially when upgrading an XP one, finding supported peripherals and getting them to work properly can be a challenge. Chuck Miller explains the ins and outs of what "Certified for Vista" and "Works with Vista" really mean, as well as recommending keyboards, mice, and other system extras that will get the job done. Plug in to the first of a two-part series on Vista-Friendly Peripherals at TechBuilder now. Posted by Joe Caponi at 11:21 AM, June 18, 2007 Don't Stop Believing: Powerline Ethernet
Sometimes we ignore simple solutions to problem in favor of flashy ones. In a wireless world, why bother running Ethernet over powerlines? But in many cases, it's easier, more secure and less expensive. I'm a believer in powerline Ethernet, and I've used it to network my basement. But your needs may be more elaborate. The latest TechBuilder recipe, Powerline Network Adapters: The Next Generation surveys the latest hardware and offers tips on making the best use of this simple, yet capable technology. Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:53 AM, June 11, 2007 Speed Vista In A Flash
Plugging in a spare flash drive may be just the ticket to enhanced Microsoft Vista performance, thanks to some new technology. On TechBuilder, Ed Tittel explains what's required to Boost Vista Performance with ReadyBoost: "The OS or system cache is invariably the biggest consumer of RAM on any Windows system. (If you don't believe this, just look in the Physical Memory pane in Task Manager at any given moment.) As a result, by deploying ReadyBoost, you can measurably boost the performance of Vista." Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:39 AM, June 5, 2007 A Gamer That's More Than Game
Few projects fire up a system builder more than constructing a high-end gaming PC. Our latest TechBuilder recipe assembles a quad core CPU, high end motherboard, power supply, video card, memory and other extras to construct a gamer that delivers maximum performance on a generous $5,000 budget. As a plus, the recipe includes a series of steps to take to either boost performance even higher, or else to cut costs, and still have a serious multimedia PC. Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:30 AM, May 29, 2007 Go Wide With Wireless Nets
David Markowitz builds a wireless network featuring dual access points in our newest TechBuilder recipe. By doing so, he greatly expands the range available for the network wireless users. Along the way, he covers issues such as network planning, selecting hardware, and enabling the system's security features. "The exact method you use [to secure the network against unauthorized users] will depend in large part on which mechanisms your client supports, especially when it comes to encryption. For example, while WEP is supported by virtually all wireless clients, it's not too strong. WPA offers much stronger encryption, though it may not be supported by your clients." Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:29 AM, May 7, 2007 Tuning Vista With Smart Defragmenting
Vista's new hard-drive files defragementation utility has gotten bad reviews from systems builders, according to TechBuilder's Andy McDonough: "For starters, Vista's built-in defrag utility doesn't let the user track the defragger's progress, the way XP's defragger did. This is true across all versions of Vista. McDonough has a better way--two in fact--for PC professionals to Keep Vista Running at Top Speed, and he explains them in the latest TechBuilder recipe. Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:47 AM, April 30, 2007 Disaster Recovery In Four Steps
All PC systems eventually fail. Savvy users and solution providers can limit, or even eliminate, the resulting damage, though. Our newest TechBuilder recipe, Build Disaster-Proof Systems covers all the bases in configuring a system that can ride out disaster and come back better than ever. "Most PC disasters can be avoided--or, at least, easily reversed--with minimal planning, expense and time. This is where system builders can offer a value-added solution, and make money in the process... The four key ingredients are: drive partitioning, disk imaging, software protection and hardware fortification." Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:51 AM, April 23, 2007 Microsoft's Newest Data Center Goes Online
Today, Microsoft opens it's newest and data center, situated in central Washington state. "The world's largest software maker will officially flip the switch on tens of thousands of computer servers at the Quincy facility on April 16 and Microsoft is already at work on a massive $550 million data center in San Antonio, Texas... Feel that charge of geek thrill? Better ground yourself. Posted by Joe Caponi at 11:38 AM, April 16, 2007 Protect Your Linux Boxes With NUT
Enjoying a graceful shutdown of Linux in the event of a power outage is far more challenging than it is in the Windows world. In our latest TechBuilder recipe, A. Lizard spells out the problem: "Linux vendors almost never support UPS directly... So without UPS software, what I have is a functional but dumb UPS. That is, something that will not handle an automatic, safe shutdown in the event of a power outage." He also spells out the solution--the Network UPS Tool (NUT)--along with detailed instructions on setup and configuration to keep your systems safe. Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:47 AM, April 16, 2007 System Cooling For High-Performance PCs
Like Jimmy Neutron's brain, today's high-performance PCs throw off an enormous amout of heat. And without effective cooling, PC components fade fast. Today's TechBuilder recipe examines building thermoelectric and water-cooled systems keep your PCs cool: "Demand for PC-cooling systems should be intense. IDC predicts that 90 million 'gaming ready' PCs will be in homes by year's end . They'll all need high-end cooling systems." Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:21 AM, April 9, 2007 Mobile Apps Get Personal
Heather Clancy visits the Accenture Technology Labs, and gets a preview of new mobile applications that provide real-time feedback on what you're doing, including: "A nifty application called Conversation Share, which tracks how much the parties engaged in a discussion are participating. The notion is that some salespeople, for example, often don't realize they are doing too much selling and not enough listening. This service tracks the dialogue using a Bluetooth connection and displays the breakdown in a little pie chart." Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:35 AM, April 5, 2007 Meet The New TechBuilder
Much as we did with CRN and VARBusiness last month, today we've incorporated TechBuilder as part of your complete ChannelWeb site. You'll still find the same detailed recipes for white box and custom system builders, but now TechBuilder will take full advantage of ChannelWeb's new forums, login, search, 'rate this article' and other tools. In fact, since it's Monday, there's a new recipe: Ed Tittel explains how to Pump Up The Volume With USB-- taking advantage of the uniquitous peripheral connection to network PCs with a wide variety of home entertainment system solutions: "At the high end of the inline sound spectrum are numerous external sound-processing devices that attach to a PC through USB. These support a complete range of audio outputs, including digital optical and coaxial outputs, and multi-channel analog outputs (5.1 is common, but some units even offer 7.1 support). They can also support headphone outputs, microphone inputs, and analog stereo outputs." And that's just one area where USB can come to the rescue of white box and home networking integrators. Editor Peter Krass and his crew are hard at work on new recipes for the coming months, so take a look and let us know what you think. Posted by Joe Caponi at 02:40 PM, April 2, 2007 Public Eye On E-Voting
You'd think that after more than a couple centuries of work, we'd have the mechanics of the voting process worked out, but that's not the case. In New York, we still have the mechanical lever machines I watched my parents vote on when I was a child. They're due to be phased out, but there's no consensus on which new approach best achieves security, accuracy, and (critically) trust. Jill Aitoro is weighing her choices: "A whole other crop of responses asserted that e-voting machines in any form introduce the risk of hacking; elections are one example of when technology is not necessarily the answer for that reason, some said." Posted by Joe Caponi at 12:22 PM, March 22, 2007 A Gamer With Room To Grow
With Vista ratcheting up the demands on PC throughput and graphics, what's a gamer to do to get a high-performance machine without a CEO budget? That's the question Chuck Miller tackles over on TechBuilder, in Build a Budget Gaming PC. He puts the focus on building a solid system with room for upgrades that won't make your existing investment obsolete: "To meet this goal, you will need to invest in a quality case, power supply, motherboard and video card. That way, you put the lion's share of capital into components that don't require near-term replacement. A faster processor, additional hard drives, quality audio card and second SLI-capable video card can be added later to enhance the user's game experience." Posted by Joe Caponi at 11:04 AM, March 12, 2007 Build Cool-Looking PCs
System builders--still stuck making boring boxes? Stop. The latest TechBuilder recipe, Three Alternatives to the Beige Box, looks at new form-factors for PCs that can enhance both your hipness and bottom line: "The world has more than enough off-white ATX mid-towers in it already... Differentiation is everything in the white-box business. So one effective way for a system builder to establish themself is to ditch the white-boxes altogether. Being well-versed in a number of different case builds also helps meet client requirements for portability or cramped spaces more easily. " Posted by Joe Caponi at 05:11 PM, March 6, 2007 Don't Call It A Comeback: Thin Clients
The appeal of 'thin client computing' always made sense for many different types of applications--lots of inexpensive, redundant, distributed terminals, backed up with secure, managable central resources. And despite cheaper hardware, broswer-based apps and Linux, it still makes sense. The latest TechBuilder Recipe heralds the Return of the Thin Client: "The nice thing about running Windows-based applications on a server via Terminal Services is that it's no longer necessary to run the typical Windows OS on the desktop...the hardware resources required at the network client are dramatically reduced. For example, you can purchase thin client PC hardware from Hewlett-Packard for about $200 to $700 per system." Posted by Joe Caponi at 03:18 PM, February 26, 2007 Build A Podcast Studio
System builders and small VARs everywhere can take advantage of the latest TechBuilder recipe: Build a Podcast PC and Studio. Andy McDonough take you through the steps to plan, record, edit and post a podcast and related RSS feed that will help communicate with your clients and promote your business: "It's a great way to send clients the latest PC-technology updates. Tell them about upgrades to new technologies. Provide special offers, rebates and recalls. And send out security alerts." From my experience pitching in on the VARBusiness Podcasts, I'm glad McDonough starts in exactly the right place - with good USB microphones. We struggled between high-end XLR microphones and low-end digital recorder microphones. A high quality USB mic is the way to go. Posted by Joe Caponi at 08:20 PM, February 19, 2007 Save Drives With USB Enclosures
Recycle a spare hard drive into a functioning member of your network with our latest TechBuilder recipe, Build USB Drive Enclosures: "With practice, I was able to assemble this project in less than eight minutes. Best of all, the only tools I needed were a Philips-head screwdriver, a paper clip and my fingers." Posted by Joe Caponi at 12:51 PM, February 5, 2007 Firewalls 101, With Lab
Some days it hardly seems worth connecting to the Internet. But still... The latest TechBuilder recipe reviews what you need to know about hardware and software-based firewalls, and then explains step-by-step how to build a secure firewall for yourself or your customers using a standard PC and the open-source SmoothWall Express product. Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:57 AM, January 29, 2007 iPhone Linkfest
By now, we've had time to digest the news of Apple's upcoming iPhone, as have solution providers, IT departments and consumers worldwide. Some analysis from a channel perspective: To begin with, it sure makes a heck of good first impression. See CRN's iPhone slide show. The giant Comsumer Electronics show in Las Vegas was instantly relegated to second place status. According to Larry Hooper: "Apple gets "it." Jobs and his marketing crew understand that technology doesn't sell, so they've created "it" products that aren't about technology. They're about self-image, coolness, lifestyle." At The Big Picture, Barry Ritholtz called the iPhone Drool Worthy, and at Network Computing, Art Whittman says chalk one up for Mr. Jobs: "Essentially, I want one thing in my pocket, and the more it can do, the happier I'll be."
But of course, the details are critical. The first important one: there already is an iPhone, but it belongs to Cisco's, and Cisco definitely noticed. They tried to make a deal with Apple, but according to Robert Faletra, Apple didn't want to hear about it: "In a nutshell, Cisco wants to make its product compatible with Apple's, and Steve Jobs is dead set against it. Is anyone surprised? I'm not." On the technology side, David Greenfield at Network Computing identified the Top 10 iPhone gaffes, including: "The iPhone is crying out for built-in video calling, but it's not possible, at least in the first model. The camera is on the wrong side." Another detractor was, surprise, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer: "In an interview with InformationWeek, the Microsoft CEO bemoaned the phone's $499 price tag, lack of a keyboard and the hype factor that comes solely because of its brand, while noting that many other vendors are doing similar things for less." And many IT departments look to be slow to adopt the new device. Information Week: "One of the iPhone's main strengths--a design that emphasizes music and video--may work against it on the job. "Providing a device like the iPhone to business users is like giving them a PlayStation," says Justin Hectus, director of information at Keesal, Young & Logan, who outfits the law firm with Treos." And even for more adventurous IT departments, the iPhone may be a tough fit: "Apple is locking down the device, meaning that only applications Apple approves can be installed. That means no enterprise apps for now, and Jobs didn't mention data encryption, remote wiping, or enterprise policy enforcement in his keynote." New technology, new issues. Isn't that what the channel is for, though?
Posted by Joe Caponi at 03:10 PM, January 28, 2007 Chill Those Servers
Overheating-related failures are one of the most common, expensive and avoidable causes of server problems. Our latest TechBuilder recipe examines designing server systems for optimal cooling and airflow: "The forced-convection cooling system uses air as its heat-transfer medium. All you need to focus on is moving the heat out of the system by exchanging the air inside the computer (the hot air) with the air outside the computer (the cool air)... The more air you can move across those system boundaries, the cooler you can keep the computer." Posted by Joe Caponi at 12:12 PM, January 8, 2007 Our New CES Blog
I've joined the crew at CRN for a blog on next week's Consumer Electronics (CES) Show. To begin with, I've highlighted some show previews from around the internet, and Steve Burke has listed his "Must See" and "Must Miss" events at the show. Posted by Joe Caponi at 04:50 PM, January 4, 2007 Dell and Apple In The Media
Former Micrososft exec Robert Scoble wonders why Apple seems to get such an easy time from the press, compared to Dell. Ed Moltzen responds: "Dell and Apple have both just finished years in which each had to grapple with a massive notebook battery recall and each had to grapple with investigations into finances. But the similarities tend to end there." UPDATE: Dell responds, saying in effect: Bring it on, we can take it. Posted by Joe Caponi at 08:00 AM, January 3, 2007 Easy Broadband for SOHO
A new class of devices offer rich functionality for simple cable or DSL internet connections for small organizations. Ed Tittel has a look in our newest TechBuilder recipe: "These devices all offer typical additional router/Internet Gateway amenities, as well. This includes firewalls, network address translation (NAT), DHCP, and various security features. Most also include some level of virtual private network support. That way, VPN users on the inside can communicate with outside networks using one or more types of virtual private networking software." Posted by Joe Caponi at 01:52 PM, December 18, 2006 Holiday Gift Guide
TechWeb has posted it's Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide, featuring 80 products to dazzle your friends and family. "The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide is highly selective. No me-too products. Nothing beige. The high-tech gadgets and high-end electronics that made our list did so because they're white-hot, wicked cool, sick, intense, and insert the totally far-out adjective of your choice here." So there. Posted by Joe Caponi at 01:13 PM, December 8, 2006 Demistifying Your Power Budget
Comfortable with "Watts = Volts x Amps"? Then you may be able to work out the power requirements for your and your customer's server systems. The latest TechBuilder recipe explains how to select power supplies without getting zapped. "You will learn the ability to discern which power supply is the best one for your server. By going through this process, you will be sure you are spending your customers' money where it counts. You'll also learn how to create a more-reliable server. The benefits should include increased customer satisfaction at a variety of levels, and fewer support calls for power problems—which are among the most difficult to troubleshoot." Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:27 AM, December 4, 2006 Six Cool Notebooks
Can "unrecalled" become a new marketing slogan? The CRN Test Center's Mark Spiwak tests six notebooks not affected by the nearly-ten-million strong laptop-battery recall from Sony: "The CRN Test Center decided to take a hard look at six notebooks that were not affected by the recalls. We evaluated everything from battery and air vent temperatures, AC power draw and battery life to performance and price. Test Center engineers then set out to determine which of them runs the coolest and draws the least amount of power. What we found is that there's a real difference among those notebooks." Posted by Joe Caponi at 12:35 PM, November 22, 2006 Under the Hood of Mini-PCs
This week, Techbuilder takes a detailed look at Intel's Core Duo family of processors and how they've given a boost to mini-style PCs that can be deployed for a vast variety of uses: "These systems must be seen and experienced to be fully appreciated. Many buyers will find them irresistible. These systems also offer great value propositions for PC users who want compact, quiet systems for home or small business office use. Bottom line: Their tiny footprints, quiet ways and sleek good looks are sure to attract both attention and interest." Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:57 AM, November 20, 2006 Go To 11 (n)
The standard is far from finalized, but that hasn't stopped vendors and early adopters from deploying 802.11n wireless networks, according to Peter Hagopian, who writes this week's TechBuilder recipe. "The first draft of 802.11n specifies support of speeds up to 270 megabits per second (Mbps), or five times that of a typical 802.11g network, which runs at 54 Mbps. Longer term, the speed of 802.11n devices is expected to double, reaching 540 Mbps." Get started with a few hundred dollars of equipment. Posted by Joe Caponi at 01:40 PM, November 13, 2006 Alternative Keyboards
Can you improve business productivity and ease muscle strain with a non-traditional keyboard? TechBuilder tries out three possibilities, ranging from Microsoft's ergonomic beauty; to one where the keys are laid out from A-Z; to one with blank, yes, blank, keys. Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:37 AM, October 30, 2006 Speedy, Secure Backups With Disk Mirroring
In today's TechBuilder Recipe, Andy McDonough puts together an inexpensive Raid 1 solution for small business backup: "Any magnetic drive, by its nature, is subject to failure. More precisely, every disk will fail at some point. The question is when. Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:38 AM, October 16, 2006 Network Troubleshooting To Go
Take a old laptop, install FreeBSD and a suite of open-source network analysis tools, and you'll have a micro-cost network troubleshooting toolkit you can carry with you and leave running on any troublesome network to gather data. This week's TechBuilder recipe: Turn an Old Laptop Into a Portable Network-Troubleshooting System goes through the steps. "But troubleshooting a network when you're not constantly on-site can be difficult, especially when the problems are intermittent (as they frequently are). One alternative is to temporarily connect a machine to the customer's network, then let the machine gather data for a day or two. This often is enough to help you pinpoint the root cause of network issue. This system can also help you taking proactive steps to audit a network for performance and security issues, so these issues can be addressed before they become major problems." Posted by Joe Caponi at 09:58 AM, October 9, 2006 Flaming Laptops -- A System Builder Opportunity
With Toshiba and Fujitsu joining Apple, Dell, IBM and Lenovo in recalling Sony laptop batteries in their products, some whitebook builders are enjoying the benefits of their close relationships with customers. "Glenn Pubal, sales manager at Royal Business Equipment, a solution provider and system builder in Elyria, Ohio, keeps two news photos of exploding Dell notebooks up in his showroom. "' think it's effective. If someone comes in looking for notebooks, I say just look at these pictures,' he said. 'It's an issue people are aware of.'" Posted by Joe Caponi at 11:37 AM, October 2, 2006 Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing for SMB
TechBuilder's ambitious new recipe details configuring a low-cost server for data warehousing and business intelligence applications on a $7,500 budget. "The software market for BI applications is dominated by specialized vendors selling expensive programs. Companies that include IBM and SAP have traditionally served this segment by offering solutions that start at tens of thousands of dollars. But Microsoft has gotten into this market, too, with its release of SQL Server 2005." Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:33 AM, October 2, 2006 Building The Green PC
System Builders can differentiate their offerings, provide cost savings to their customers, and do a good turn for the environment by building and deploying 'Green PCs' and other business tools. Our newest TechBuilder recipe examines the construction, use and disposal of "processors, power supplies, motherboards, disk drives, monitors, printers and fax machines, and copiers and scanners." Posted by Joe Caponi at 01:10 PM, September 26, 2006 A Security Check-Up For Macs
Lots of people (especially that Mac guy from the commercials) rave about the Mac OS's security. But does their claim hold up? A look at the latest vulnerabilities and patches in the Mac OS world finds the company on pretty solid ground: "The fact is that like any other well-designed OS, Mac OS X is highly resistant, but not invulnerable, to attack." Posted by Joe Caponi at 11:16 AM, September 18, 2006 Lock Down That Laptop!
You'll laugh at the bad guys once you've implemented the steps in our newest TechBuilder recipe on laptop security and data protection for mobile computers. "This three-step plan includes: Securing the contents of a laptop with basic encryption methods; recovering a stolen laptop using tracking technology; and rendering a stolen laptop virtually unusable to a thief by installing a simple 'kill switch.'" You might not have personal data on 27 million veterans on your laptop, but I bet you want to keep it safe anyway. Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:31 AM, September 18, 2006 PC Makers Sweat The Designs
In a commodity world - actually any world - good design makes a product stand out. Ed Moltzen looks at how Lenovo sweats the details: "(Lenovo's David Hill) then asks for readers to vote on their favorite TrackPoint cap/pointing device. It's a choice between "classic dome," "soft dome," "soft rim," "touchpad" or "mouse." (There is no choice for "The one my IT department handed me.")" Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:35 AM, September 14, 2006 Flash Drives For PC Rescue
When trying to restore a crashed PC, the answer may be right at hand. "But with the advent of the tiny, lightweight, and portable USB key drive, system builders now have a new tool. I believe the USB key drive could alter—even usurp—our old rescue and recovery methodologies forever." Posted by Joe Caponi at 11:33 AM, September 11, 2006 Macs Climb The Core Duo Ladder
Apple announced upgrades yesterday to it's entry-level desktops, moving the Mac Mini line to all Intel Core Duo-based, and the iMac line to all Core 2 Duo-based. "George Swords, marketing manager for PowerMacPac, a Portland, Ore.-based Apple specialist, said the iMacs had previously been selling "ridiculously hot. Really, really selling well." About 60 percent of the early adopters of the Intel-based iMacs were previous Mac users who were upgrading, and "the rest are ex-PC people," he added." The Minis have been making their mark here at CMP, where they're appealing for their ease-of-swappability with low-priced LCD displays. Look for more Apple announcements on the consumer side next week. UPDATE: HP also refreshed it's client line yesterday, with new notebooks, desktops and displays. UPDATE: Over at The Big Picture, Barry Ritholtz suggests his wish list for Apple's Tuesday announcements. Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:13 AM, September 7, 2006 Dual-Core Processor Guide
In the market for a PC or processor? Then you know there's a thicket of choices out there. TechWeb's Buyer's Guide To Dual-Core CPU's sorts out the options from Intel and AMD at the high, middle and low end. Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:36 AM, September 5, 2006 Cook Up A Kitchen PC
Calendars, phone numbers, music, the Web, and of course, recipes--a kitchen-based PC can keep an entire family moving. But don't try hauling a tower and CRT in there--small size and simplicity are key. Our newest TechBuilder recipe puts together a touch-screen based, small form factor kitchen PC that can spice up a system builder's offerings. "The ability to offer customers a life-altering, real-world use for a system can help differentiate a system builder's services, attract new customers, and turn a nice profit in the process." Posted by Joe Caponi at 08:40 AM, September 5, 2006 RAID For System Builders
The newest TechBuilder recipe compares SATA-II and SAS standards for building RAID storage systems: "How does this benefit the server system builder? Let's find out by taking a look at SATA-II and SAS. Then, we'll build a RAID-capable server with SATA-II drives that can later be migrated to SAS drives while still preserving our hardware investment and without the need to rebuild the entire system from the inside out." Posted by Joe Caponi at 01:09 PM, August 28, 2006 IP-Based Camera Surveillance
The latest TechBuilder recipe details building a video surveillance system that can enhance facility safety and security, and run over wired, wireless or Power-over-ethernet networks. Phil Dunn writes; "IP-based cameras connect directly to IP networks, record at higher frame rates, and generally have better resolution then Webcams. They can pan, tilt and zoom, and many have one-way or two-way audio capabilities. They also come with monitoring and management software that lets you trigger alarms and e-mail alerts when certain events occur." Posted by Joe Caponi at 11:34 AM, August 21, 2006 Dell's Big Battery Recall
A burning laptop can ruin your whole day. And in response to numerous reports of trouble with Sony batteries in their laptops, Dell computer is recalling four million batteries. "A Dell spokeswoman said the batteries involved in the recall were sold between April 2004 and July 2006. The battery cells were manufactured by Sony for the Dell notebooks involved, which include "the majority of Latitudes, Inspirons, Dell Precision and XPS" laptops, the spokeswoman said." More details on the recall at dellbatteryprogram.com. Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:30 AM, August 15, 2006 Blu-ray vs HD-DVD
There's a format war brewing in high-end blue-laser optical disk storage. This week's TechBuilder recipe examines the two contenders: Blu-ray and HD-DVD. With major industry players on both sides, this one won't be settled soon: "HD-DVD has a slight advantage, since it was the first out of the gate with consumer products, and since manufacturing process proponents say the technology is more accessible to existing CD/DVD plants. But Blu-ray is looking at a major boost when the Sony Playstation 3 is released, reportedly in November, as the PS3 will sport a Blu-ray drive." Posted by Joe Caponi at 11:21 AM, August 3, 2006 Top Midmarket Products
VARBusiness has chosen 45 products in nine tech categories that represent the Best Midmarket Products of the year. These are products that offer the best technology along with the healthiest opportunities for the channel to sell to customers from 100 to 1000 employees. Winners range from IBM and Oracle to the Sourcefire Snout free intrusion-prevention system. Posted by Joe Caponi at 12:57 PM, July 31, 2006 Virtualization Is For Everyone
Despite often being seen as only a server-side technology, the virtualization capacities of modern dual-core processors can benefit all PC users. The latest TechBuilder recipe builds a virtual PC system, looks at the leading software from Microsoft, VMware, and Parallels; and addresses tuning PC hardware to get the most out of it. "Virtualization holds promise for users of everything from notebooks to the data center, and multicore technology makes that possible. Basically, virtualization lets users maximize their productivity. Users can deploy a single computer to emulate several systems, better known as virtual machines. These virtual machines, in turn, can be used to solve compatibility problems, migrate to new operating systems, or even create test environments. Posted by Joe Caponi at 11:12 AM, July 24, 2006 Make That (Monitor) a Double
For decades now, computer users have chased after bigger monitors, with Photoshop and video artists leading the way with 23 inch behemoths that cost and weighed far more than the computers they were attached to. But the smaller-is-better crowd has struck back: dual 19 inch (even 17 inch) LCD monitors are all the rage. The New York Times reported recently quoted research that dual monitors will provide a 20% to 30% boost in user productivity across nearly all user applications. Here at CMP, dual monitors have sprouted up on the desks of big-shots and developers alike, and there's much more to come. Our latest TechBuilder recipe explains how to sell the dual monitor option to your customers and what steps to take to maximize the user benefits. Posted by Joe Caponi at 12:10 PM, July 17, 2006 Recycling PC's and Components
Safely disposing of old PCs and monitors (especially CRT monitors!) is a challenge to any group that builds, sells or uses them, and increasingly entails compliance with environmental regulations. The latest TechBuilder recipe, Recycle Old Hardware the 'Green' Way discusses the risks and regulations involving each type of PC component, provides tips for handling disposal in an efficient way, and covers tips to make sure your data is the one thing that doesn't get 'recycled'. Posted by Joe Caponi at 09:37 AM, July 10, 2006 Build An In-Car PC
TechBuilder is at in again: today's recipe describes building an in-dash PC for on the road. Why? Consumers can take advantage of route-planning, GPS and high-end audio capabilities, and businesses can manage complex delivery, routing, communications and tracking applications on a level not previously possible. And yes, they go over the safety issues! Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:57 AM, June 19, 2006 Microsoft's Mac Desktop
Microsoft's new keyboard and mouse... for Macs... promises new usability for those Mac users who demand more than one button on their mice... Which includes me. Posted by Joe Caponi at 10:40 AM, June 1, 2006 Moltzen Goes Dual Core
"This system is exactly what I've been dreaming about for the last couple of years. I am now able to truly multitask for the first time. Last week, I performed some video editing for CRN TV on my new dual-core notebook that took about one-third the time it used to take on my old single-core system." Posted by Joe Caponi at 12:19 PM, May 30, 2006 |
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