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- Data Center Optimization: Federal agencies must increase server utilization and energy efficiency as they squeeze more computer processing into fewer data centers. We explore how the Army, Homeland Security, Veterans Affairs and others are doing that.
- Future Cities: The world's urban centers are growing, creating a civic management challenge of unprecedented scope and complexity. Our exclusive survey reveals the opportunities and challenges for city planners and municipal IT pros.
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2012's Most Memorable Reader Comments
December 27, 2012
From Apple's iPad Mini to outsourcing, you had plenty to say. Take a look back at some of this year's heated technology discussions.
InformationWeek's New Commenting System, Take 2
September 30, 2011
We're apologizing for the miserable experiences you've had with our current commenting system, and launching a new system, powered by Disqus.
What Facebook Should Learn From George Lucas
September 21, 2011
Facebook's latest tweaks are reminiscent of the Star Wars creator's continued changes to his iconic films: No one asked for--or wanted--them.
Welcome To InformationWeek's New Commenting System
September 27, 2010
We're making some changes to our commenting system. Some of them are apparent, while others not so much. But the benefits are plenty.
Microsoft's Outrage Over Google/Yahoo: Hypocrisy?
July 16, 2008
You don't have to be Jewish to have heard of the word 'Hutzpah.' The simple definition for it is 'unmitigated gall or nerve.' For example, it takes real Hutzpah (or chutzpah) to accuse someone of doing something you might have done yourself. Not unlike Microsoft getting all huffy about Yahoo's intent to outsource search advertising to Google.
What Do Google And John McCain Have In Common?
April 30, 2008
Since early March, Sen. John McCain has had the GOP nomination tucked safely in his back pocket, while the stalemate between Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton has left the Democratic party at an impasse. Like the Republican pundit, Google is benefiting from the current standoff between Yahoo and Microsoft.
Admins On The Hunt For Safari Downloads
April 07, 2008
When I launched iTunes over the weekend, I got the typical software update notification pop-up that I've come to expect every couple of weeks from Apple. As part of this update, however, there was a request to install the Safari browser -- which I had absolutely no interest in doing.
Battle Of The Sexes: Internet Fraud Edition
April 04, 2008
They say girls develop much faster than boys. At the very least, they appear to be quicker on the uptake when it comes to avoiding getting duped on the Internet.
Viral Video Of The Week: Home Sweet Cube
April 04, 2008
Office pranks have come a long way since those early days of filling a vacationing co-worker's cubicle with packing peanuts or covering all the items in her office with tinfoil. This one, for example, gives new meaning to the phrase "home away from home."
No Foolin! April Fools' Web Jokes Have Become Tradition
April 01, 2008
With the dawn of the Internet, April Fools' Day has taken on a whole new level. Today's BBC news report about a recently discovered breed of flying penguin reaches far many more viewers (via YouTube) than its 1957 television piece about the Swiss harvesting spaghetti off of trees.
Viral Video Of The Week: Big Dog Beta
March 28, 2008
Surely by now you've seen the video of the "Big Dog" -- the amazing quadruped robot designed to serve as a "pack mule" for soldiers in terrains where military vehicles are unable to manage or maneuver. I'll wager, however, you've never seen the original "Beta model" in action?
Viral Video Of The Week: Star Wars Meets Saul Bass
March 21, 2008
Welcome to our new end-of-the-week feature. The clever and astute might recall seeing a similar incarnation on the Network Computing Blogs a while back. I convinced (read: fast-talked and begged) the powers-that-be that this would be a fun way to bid the last five days buh-bye and head into the weekend.
Is Web 2.0 An Endangered Species?
March 19, 2008
Yesterday I read two articles that suggested Web 2.0 growth is stunted, if not actually in danger of stopping altogether.
See, It's Not So Easy To Disconnect, Is It?
March 14, 2008
Back in January, I pondered if I would be able to survive a week away from e-mail, cell phones (other than for emergencies), and overall connectivity during my family's trip to Disneyworld. Several readers expressed surprise and disbelief at such a quandary, saying how easy it was for them to leave their gear behind for vacations and extended periods of time. According to a new study, however, disconnect anxiety is not all that uncommon.
Can "Girl Power" Save Europe's IT Sector?
March 06, 2008
Much like America, Europe is faced with a bit of a crisis -- interest in IT-related jobs is waning among students. Computer and engineering majors are dwindling, placing the future of IT in jeopardy on both sides of the pond. However, the European Union's Information Society Commissioner Viviane Reding has a solution: Mars -- I mean -- IT needs women!
Farewell, Gary Gygax -- Thanks For All The Adventures
March 04, 2008
I remember my first time just like it was yesterday. It was the early '80s and I was sitting on the floor of my friend's house in Pennsylvania. I was nervous -- I'd never done anything like this before. My hand shook for a moment before I opened it, releasing several dice onto the rug. "Nice," my friend said, "you picked the lock. The door swings open and there's nothing but darkness ahead." With that, I began my first journey into the world of Dungeons and Dragons.
Teens Still In The Hacking Biz -- On Both Sides
March 04, 2008
Way on the other side of our little blue planet, folks in New Zealand are reeling from the recent arrest of 18-year old Owen Thorn Walker, who masterminded a group of programmers that infected more than a million computers around the world.
Valentine's Day For The Geek In Your Life
February 14, 2008
Valentine's Day is here once more. Scores of greeting card manufacturers, chocolatiers, and teddy-bear makers are frolicking giddily among the hills of green (money, that is), having convinced us again that telling that special someone "I love you" every other day of the year just isn't enough.
Best Buy + Data Loss = Lawsuit
February 14, 2008
Do a search for "I hate Best Buy" and you'll find a growing list of disgruntled customer blog posts and discussion threads. Needless to say, the electronics retailer is no stranger to business practice controversies. The latest tale of woe, however, opens up a whole new can of worms for the company, thrusting it into the arena of data loss.
Europe: For All Your Spam Needs
February 06, 2008
Europe has been taking the lead in several areas of technology lately. The European Space Agency (ESA) will be the first to send an unmanned cargo ship to the international space station. London will be Europe's first city to get A380 Airbus service. Now Europe claims another 'accolade' -- Symantec says it's responsible for most of the spam sent worldwide. I guess two outta three ain't bad.
Web 2.0 Gone Awry: Tracking A Pizza Online?
January 30, 2008
Alert! Alert! Useless implementation of Web 2.0 Technology in progress. Alert!
Happy Data Privacy Day!
January 28, 2008
We're less than a week away from finding out whether Punxsutawney Phil predicts six more weeks of winter. While we wait for him to make his annual weather forecast, we've got time to squeeze in another holiday. You may not be as familiar with this one -- there's no parades, gift-giving or time off from work. Frankly, it's a shame we have to acknowledge it at all. But it's a testament of the kind of world we live in. Today is Data Privacy Day.
Brit Posts Bank Account Number, Gets Hacked
January 10, 2008
The world is filled with daredevils: bungee jumpers, mountain climbers, those crazy guys who get chased by bulls in Spain. However, none of those thrill-seekers hold a candle to British columnist/TV celebrity Jeremy Clarkson. Fearless to the core, Mr. Clarkson decided to publish his own personal bank account number in the paper, confident that no one would be able to do anything with it.
To Disconnect Or Not To Disconnect, That Is The Question
January 07, 2008
This Saturday, my wife and our twins and I head off for a week in the most magical place on earth. No, not Tijuana -- I'm talking about Disney World. As we start to pack the suitcases, I find myself debating whether or not to pack something else which I've come to consider very important -- my connectivity.
Let's Raise The Stakes For Data Loss Culpability
January 04, 2008
After a year of unbelievable (and in some cases incomprehensible) data loss among corporations both big and small, I propose we adopt a brand-new catchphrase for 2008. To borrow somewhat from culinary personality Emeril Lagasse: It's time to kick the penalties up a notch.