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Linux, open source, and all-around tech expert Brian Proffitt is your guide to the business, community, and events that comprise open source in IT today.

by Brian Proffitt

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Brian Proffitt is a veteran Linux and open source journalist/analyst with experience in a variety of technologies, including cloud, virtualization, and consumer devices.

The true legal vulnerability of Linux

Posted Oct 08, 2012 - 10:55 am

A recent focus on the problem of software patents raises the question: could Linux be sued off the face of the Earth?
IT Management
Open source hobbyists now in high demand

Posted Oct 05, 2012 - 02:34 pm

You know what? They're not calling us "hobbyists" anymore.
IT Management
Signs of MySQL decline on horizon

Posted Oct 03, 2012 - 10:58 am

While Oracle has continued to put effort into its free software MySQL database, there is a noticeable movement within the tech community to shift away from MySQL to other databases like PostgreSQL.
Big Data
JBoss changes coming soon

Posted Oct 01, 2012 - 10:05 am

As JavaOne 2012 gets started this week, Red Hat is using the occasion to announce some shake ups for its venerable Java-based JBoss product line.
IT Management
New OpenStack release reveals lighter Rackspace presence

Posted Sep 27, 2012 - 08:40 am

The new release of OpenStack, Folsom, is expected to happen some time today. A new report demonstrates overall growth and less Rackspace influence within this latest version.
Cloud Computing
Big Blue lumbers into cloud computing

Posted Sep 26, 2012 - 11:03 am

Who dares challenge the cloud-computing behemoth known as Amazon? Suits from Armonk, naturally. But is it too late for IBM's play to matter?
Cloud Computing
Canonical reminds us that Ubuntu is commercial

Posted Sep 25, 2012 - 11:26 am

Canonical has (again) ticked off some members of its user community with its latest effort to generate revenue.
IT Management
nginx's rise within the cloud

Posted Sep 24, 2012 - 10:07 am

nginx is still neck-and-neck with Microsoft's IIS on global surveys of web servers, but it's racking up significant wins in the cloud along the way.
Cloud Computing
OpenStack Foundation proves success of open source

Posted Sep 21, 2012 - 07:00 am

The new Foundation is one of the best examples of how a transition from commercially owned and controlled project should transition to a community-based project.
Cloud Computing
Cloud obscurity is not so bad

Posted Sep 19, 2012 - 10:10 am

A survey from Citrix reveals that many people have no clue what cloud computing is. But in the grand scheme of things, that's not a big problem.
Cloud Computing

October is...
Unified Communications Month

BY THE NUMBERS: UC&C

HOW-TO: Look alive and professional in Web meetings

TIP: Use your cell phone as a WiFi VOIP phone

TOOLBOX: Six alternative tools for small business collaboration

CASE STUDY: Enterprise social network moves ad agency into the future

Change Microsoft Office 2013's default search engine from Bing to Google

2 comments
Microsoft's Security Essentials isn't the best antivirus program, according to Microsoft

2 comments
AMD pushes forward with new video cards and a few surprises

2 comments
Keep your old Facebook posts out of search with this one settings change

1 comment
BRIC Nations Plan Their own "Independent Internet"

1 comment

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