Volume 26 • No 10 • 2003
ISSN 0742-468X • Since 1978
On-line Since 2000
Out of the Box
Editor's note: In “Out of the Box” we bring you news snippets that are not necessarily related specifically to GIS. These are items that come across my screen that help me understand our industry, by understanding the world around us. For the complete article just click “Details Here.” Think of it as thinking Out of the Box
In State and Local Government …
• Smarter maps for a better Arlington. With a click of a mouse, city employees can use new map technology to fight crime, avoid duplicating street construction and save employees' time.
Details Here
• “Virtual research center” in Tryon could spawn new companies in region
Details Here
• Struggling researchers and entrepreneurs might well appreciate the startup problems
being experienced by the state's new Technology Tri-Corridor initiative. Details Here
In Technology …
• PowerPoint Makes You Dumb. In August, the Columbia Accident Investigation Board at NASA released Volume 1 of its report on why the space shuttle crashed. As expected, the ship's foam insulation was the main cause of the disaster. But the board also fingered another unusual culprit: PowerPoint, Microsoft's well-known “slideware” program.
Details Here.
• No More Microsoft Support For You. Why is Microsoft killing off so many of its programs? Redmond says Sun forced its hand, but its reach will extend into your wallet. It will be two days before Christmas, and all through the world, not a creature will be stirring except Microsoft employees taking many programs off the Microsoft sales racks.
Details Here
• HP, PlanetGov get IRS contract. The Internal Revenue Service has chosen a provider to supply server and network storage technology for a server consolidation project. Hewlett-Packard Co. and its reseller partner, PlanetGov Inc., won the blanket purchase agreement worth as much as $50 million. Details Here
In Utilities …
• Southern Co., others halt SeTrans RTO plan. A group of Southeast utilities, including Atlanta-based Southern Co. (NYSE: SO), have halted their plan to create a regional power grid, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Details Here
• If Congress cannot overhaul U.S. energy policy early in 2004, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will consider setting its own power grid reliability standards
Details Here.
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