"Hi, this is Robert Downs from Dell support -- I got redirected to this number by accident by the guy I called, is this Guy?" "Hi Robert -- I'm the receptionist, Donna, I could redirect you to Guy -- do you know his extension?" "Well he said he was pretty busy but I just need a few generic questions to close out this help ticket so I can go home -- do you think you can help?" "Uh, I don't know..." "Please? Its after 7 here and I really got to go … [Read more...]
Quantum Encryption: Some economic and national security implications
August 25, 2010 By
One of the things I like about Alan Paller the individual and the organization he helps lead SANS is they encourage people to write. They are great motivators, especially if you are pursuing a security certification. As part of a my 2003 SANS certification I wrote a piece on Quantum Encryption and Quantum Computing and am glad I SANS forces me to put some thought into that. I'm especially glad now that we are seeing increasing amounts of news and … [Read more...]
The Devil is in the Details: Seven Tests to Apply to any Cyber Conflict Concept
August 22, 2010 By
In September 1997 the US Naval Institute ran an article I wrote titled "The Devil is in the Details: Information War in the Field and Fleet." Now 13 years later there are a few things I wrote in that article I wish I could take back! But for the most part I believe it still offers some cautionary notes relevant to the still emerging field of cyber conflict. In its day, the article was one of the first to signal that it is ok to write about the emperor … [Read more...]
Apple iPad for the Travelling Executive
August 19, 2010 By
Having used the iPad for three months and on extensive travel, I thought it might be appropriate to provide some thoughts on how it works as a travel device. Device design – There is something about the design that just works. The device has an excellent form factor that I find easy to use in a multitude of scenarios including reclined, sitting at a table, on a jet plane, or lying in bed. Battery life is probably one of the most impressive aspects … [Read more...]
Make Maximum Use of CTOLabs.com
August 15, 2010 By
CTOLabs.com is a companion site of CTOvision.com Please take a moment to look it over and take advantage of it in your market research and concept generation. Use CTOLabs.com as a reference site and as fuel for your innovative processes. The site provides several technological concept of operation and visions you can borrow from and build on for your own use. It also provides summaries of mega trends in the IT world that will be impacting us all in … [Read more...]
The Twilight of Network-Centric Warfare
August 10, 2010 By
Highly respected writer and industry analyst Loren B. Thompson has just penned an opinion piece on recent changes in the Pentagon related to how DoD does IT. The piece, titled "The Twilight of Network-Centric Warfare" is worth a full read by anyone in the IT business, in or out of government. Dr. Thompson argues that the recent directive by secretary of defense Gates spelling out his intention to reorganize and eliminate the senior staff overseeing … [Read more...]
Oracle Mergers & Acquisitions: Who’s Next?
August 4, 2010 By
Beginning in late 2004 with its acquisition of PeopleSoft, Oracle initiated an acquisition campaign that has brought over forty companies into the Oracle fold. During that time, Oracle has made five multi-billion dollar acquisitions - about one per year - all of which have made for big news in the ERP software market. But which company will be next? I would argue that there is a logical way to analyze Oracle's recent decisions and define a set of … [Read more...]
Do not share all your device’s files when you join public wi-fi networks
August 4, 2010 By
Using wi-fi hotspots at airports, coffeeshops, hotels, conferences or work locations can be a tremendous productivity boost, and your options for connecting to wi-fi are only increasing. Companies like McDonalds, Starbucks, Panera and Chick-fil-A now offering free connectivity just to help sell their wares. But did you realize that when you connect to a wi-fi hotspot, even if it is a hotspot you have to pay to join, you are opening yourself up to … [Read more...]