IT Management/Strategy

LightSquared's options to save its network are limited

IDGNS staff — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:33:18 +0000

Though would-be mobile carrier LightSquared says it still wants to find a solution to interference with GPS, its options are limited, industry observers said on Wednesday.

Microsoft sees Skype linking all its products, CFO says

IDGNS staff — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 23:54:30 +0000

Microsoft will aggressively and broadly integrate Skype across its product portfolio, the company's CFO said on Wednesday, the same day that rival Cisco Systems raised concerns about Microsoft's Skype integration plans.

LightSquared vows to keep seeking a GPS solution

IDGNS staff — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 23:09:49 +0000

LightSquared said Wednesday it still wants to find a solution to the GPS interference issue that has probably already doomed the fledgling carrier's plans for a nationwide mobile broadband network.

4 components of a social media governance model

IDGNS staff — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:05:31 +0000

Even as social media presents unprecedented business opportunities for marketing, customer service, brand building and consumer relationships, many organizations are still struggling to embrace it for fear that it negatively effects worker productivity or puts the company at risk. A 2011 survey by Society for Human Resource Management reveals that 43% of businesses block access to social media on company-owned computers or handheld devices.

Private app stores and tablets: Notes from an early adopter

IDGNS staff — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:08:41 +0000

Mobile devices and apps are everywhere -- including the workplace. But while users reap benefits, IT departments struggle with risks. Cisco's AppHQ running on its Cius tablet promises a controlled environment. One of the first to test the private app store is tech reseller and consulting company CDW.

FCC cracks down on telemarketing robocalls

IDGNS staff — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:43:59 +0000

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has approved new rules requiring telemarketers that use autodialed or prerecorded telephone calls to sell products to get written approval from customers before sending them the robocalls.

HP assigns dedicated tech support for Elite PCs

IDGNS staff — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:37:20 +0000

Hewlett-Packard has expanded technology support options for its premium Elite PC customers, who will now be able to select a single tech support person to deal with over the life of a PC, the company said on Wednesday.

Cisco to appeal Microsoft-Skype deal in European court

IDGNS staff — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:27:19 +0000

Cisco will appeal the European Commission's approval of Microsoft's US$8.5 billion Skype acquisition, saying the agency should demand that the companies support standards for interoperability with other collaboration platforms.

Telenor seeks compensation from Indian partner for loss of 2G licenses

IDGNS staff — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:17:24 +0000

Norwegian mobile operator Telenor said Wednesday that it has issued a notice to its Indian joint venture partner seeking indemnity and compensation after the cancellation earlier this month of its 22 2G licenses by India's Supreme Court.

EU IT companies to get guidance on human rights issues

IDGNS staff — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:14:51 +0000

European surveillance technologies and mobile phone filtering companies could find themselves in hot water if they fail to respect human rights. Meanwhile two Irish companies have been reported as selling tech to the Syrian regime that is being used to thwart civil rights protesters.

SEC denies carrier attempts to block shareholder net neutrality votes

IDGNS staff — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:50:35 +0000

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has rejected attempts by three telecom companies to block shareholder votes on whether they should commit to net neutrality principles.

How to transform strategic supplier relationships

IDGNS staff — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:45:52 +0000

Forrester's conversations with clients and surveys with sourcing and vendor management professionals reveal widespread dissatisfaction with your most important vendors -- the ones you call "strategic" and/or "partner." They are the vendors receiving the largest shares of the client's budget and should therefore be giving them the best possible commercial treatment and delivery service level. However, it's safe to say that we see plenty of instances in which large providers are guilty of refusing to give money back when they've failed to deliver, or taking advantage of contract vagueness or loopholes.

5 steps to successful ITIL adoption

IDGNS staff — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:43:34 +0000

ITIL, the IT service management (ITSM) best practice framework, has come on in leaps and bounds since it was first introduced due to theUK government's disillusionment with the way that governmental IT was delivered in the latter half of the 1980s. Now the de facto standard for ITSM, there is no doubt that ITIL can benefit IT infrastructure and operations (I&O) organizations. In a recent survey of 491 members of the IT Service Management Forum (itSMF) USA, Forrester found that ITIL beneficially improved service productivity (85%), quality (83%), business reputation (65%), and occasionally cost savings (41%).

Prioritizing tech projects: How managers make a short list of long demands

IDGNS staff — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:29:36 +0000

As top technology dog at Aspen Skiing Co. for the last 16 years, Paul Major has honed the art of keeping multiple balls in the air.

Dutch propose expanding Fair Use copyright laws

James Gaskin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:59:43 +0000

The Netherlands has proposed changing copyright laws so remixes and mashups are protected.