In the roughly 10 years since Research In Motion (RIM) debuted its first device, the BlackBerry name has been synonymous with mobility. From the 950 Pager to the upcoming BlackBerry Bold smart phone, BlackBerry has continued to evolve, ultimately becoming the gold standard for mobile email. Here we take a look back at where BlackBerry began and a look to where its heading.
With more vulnerabilities and the rash viruses and other malware targeting mobile phones such as Apple's 3G iPhone, security products protecting these devices are becoming a necessity, not a luxury. Here are a few of the latest security products for mobile devices out on the market.
The Apple CEO's premature obituary last week wasn't the first time someone famous got knocked off by the media before their time. ChannelWeb looks at some notable celebrity death mistakes, hoaxes and frauds down the ages.
Inside This Issue: October 29, 2007
(*includes Custom Systems Magazine)
Cover Story
Microsoft's Gates: Say Goodbye To VoIP As You Know It
As Microsoft rolls out its unified communications portfolio, Bill Gates talks to CRN, getting down to brass tacks on VoIP, the end of PBX ... and Google.
>> Slide Show: The Future Is Now At The Web 2.0 Summit
News Analysis: Midmarket
Why The Midmarket Is So Hot
Midsize companies are fueling a hot midmarket, and CMP Channel engineers select the 20 products responsible for the midmarket's serious heat.
>> Slide Show: 20 Hot Products For The Overlooked Midmarket
Demand Generator
Roadshow Stops In California
J. Clark Kelso, CIO for the State of California talks up mega opportunities for small VARs.
Virtualization
Hidden Possibilities
Virtual server environments are not only trendy, they also bring a trove of storage and security service opportunities.
Market Focus
In The Zone
Unique networking sites created by Ingram Micro are helping VARs better their partnerships.
HP, IBM Cut Through Blade Server Market
Solution providers say blade server sales to SMB accounts may have finally reached the tipping point led by an out-of-the-gate flurry over Hewlett-PackardŐs new BladeSystem c3000 blade chassis and a renewed push by IBM into the midmarket.
Tech Focus
Security Blanket
Catching up with RSA, which has been busy developing solutions for the fast-growing security market.
>> Custom Systems: Adaptec RAID Is Faster, Better
>> Custom Systems: Look Out For Seagate Barracuda
ShadowRAM
ShadowRAM: October 29, 2007
The Web2.0 Battlefront; What's Larry Up To?; Seen And Heard.
Custom Systems Magazine: October 2007
Cover Story
Car PCs Hit The Road
Giant names like Microsoft, Intel and Ford are making nascent efforts to shift the Car PC industry into drive. But an absence of standards, and an abundance of functions and new technology, gives systems builders and the channel a chance to lead the pack.
Innovative Solutions: Quad-Core
State Of The Fast Chips
What's new in microprocessors and what's coming down the pike.
>> Intel's Whitebook Channel Program Undergoes Big Changes
Innovative Solutions: Gamer
Gamers Get Going!
To meet rising demand, gaming PC builders must constantly increase their capabilities.
Innovative Solutions: Q &A
Distribution Sparks White-Box Innovation
Michael Schwab, D&H vice president of purchasing, recently talked to CRN about where he sees opportunities for innovation for his company's custom-systems-builder customers.
Innovative Solutions: Reviews
Down To The Wire: Watts Better About AMD CPUs?
Barcelona technology delivers performance vs. energy message.
Ruiz On Quad-Core
Barcelona is out, and Phenom's on the way. Is AMD playing cath-up with Intel?
Innovative Solutions: Products
Slide Show: 5 Products Builders Are Talking About
From entertainment vehicles to gaming to environmentally friendly, these products are inspirational.
Innovative Solutions: Technology
Flying Free: Bringing Wireless To The Wired
Extricom's WXWO-404 system answers the changing role of WLAN.
These articles were mentioned in this issue of CRN.
• San Diego VARs Hard Hit By California Fires
• Dell Pilots Deal Registration Program
• Sage Partners Reeling Over Channel Exec Shakeup
• Apple Leopard OS Should Be Big For Business
• Linksys Dual-Band Router May Offer New Prospects For VARs
• Citrix Plans Virtualization From Data Center Apps
• Microsoft Loosens The Reins On Server Virtualization Technology
• Cisco Jumps Into WiMAX With Navini Deal
• Google Brings Device Synching To Gmail
• Microsoft To Slash CRM Hosting Subscription Fees For Channel Partner
• Lexmark To Streamline, Move Jobs To 'Lower-Cost Countries'
• Rockies Blame Hackers For World Series Ticket Fiasco
• Gates Launches Microsoft VoIP Portfolio, Predicts Demise Of PBX
• Apple Partners Downplay Threat Of iPhone Hackers
• iPhone And Blackberry Curve 8310 Side By Side
• Microsoft's Gates: Say Goodbye To VoIP As You Know It
• Video: Web 2.0 Opportunities
• 2007 Salary Calculator'
• NetSeminar: How To Build The Best Solution Provider Possible
COLUMNISTS
Robert C. DeMarzo:
Channel Centric
Microsoft To VARs: You Need A New Voice
In essence, Microsoft wants to put an end to all those wasted minutes per week spent playing phone tag and in voice-mail jail.
Robert Faletra:
On The Record
I Need Your Help To Fix My Spam Problem
Sendio's I.C.E. box requires any e-mail sent my way to be verified first that it was sent by a person and not a spam-generating computer.
Steven Burke:
The Final Cut
Dell Deal Or No Deal?
Companies that profess to be channel-friendly, should pass the message along to their sales reps.
Larry Hooper:
Under The Radar
A Voice From Redmond
Whether you like the company or not, Microsoft's big-splash entrance into the voice market is one of the most significant the channel has seen in years.
