• Archives
• Subscribe
• Add Your Link
• Harlow’s Books & Cds
• Register 'ur URL

U-Z

U.S. Begins Antitrust Inquiry of I.B.M.

The Justice Department has started a preliminary investigation into whether I.B.M. has abused its monopoly position in the market for mainframe computers, which remain vital to many of the world’s largest businesses. This month, antitrust regulators at the Justice Department began seeking information about I.B.M.’s business practices from companies that compete with I.B.M. in the market for large computer hardware and software, people who had been contacted in the inquiry said.

Details Here

first published week of:   10/12/2009

U.S. Department of Energy Approves 16 State Energy Spending Plans as Part of Stimulus Push, Long-Range Investment

The U.S. Department of Energy has approved 16 State Energy Program spending plans authorized as part of the federal economic stimulus package signed into law in February. With the approval of these plans, 16 of the nation’s State Energy Offices are receiving $508 million, representing 50% of full program funding. Remaining funding will come as states implement their programs and deliver results.

The 16 state plans approved so far include: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah and Washington.

DOE continues to review State Energy Program spending plans from 39 other states and U.S. territories. Action on the plans is expected by the end of July.

These energy stimulus plans fulfill state obligations under the federal State Energy Program, one of a number of stimulus-funded programs operated by the 56 State and Territory Energy Offices. Total stimulus funding for the State Energy Program is $3.1 billion.

Details Here

first published week of:   07/13/2009

U.S. Must Focus on Protecting Critical Computer Networks from Cyber-Attack

Because it will be difficult to prevent cyber-attacks on critical civilian and military computer networks by threatening to punish attackers, the United States must focus its efforts on defending these networks from cyber-attack, according to a new RAND Corp. study. The study finds that the United States and other nations that rely on externally accessible computer networks -- such as ones used for electric power, telephone service, banking, and military command and control -- as a foundation for their military and economic power are subject to cyber-attack.

Details Here

first published week of:   10/05/2009

U.S. Navy reorganizes staff to focus on cyber

A new U.S. Navy staff reorganization is expected to beef up the service’s ability to defend its computer and communications networks, as well as exploit and attack an enemy’s systems, by combining intelligence and information technology operations under a new Fleet Cyber Command (FLTCYBERCOM). “There was a realization over the past several months that the Navy has to be better positioned to face the information age,” said one service official familiar with the plan. “So many things need to be networked. You need to have more of a holistic view that includes communications, sensors, networks, intelligence and computer networks. These things can’t be done in stovepipes.” The moves are outlined in a June 26 internal memo from the chief of naval operations (CNO) to the director of naval intelligence, known as N2. The memo, a copy of which was obtained by Defense News, directs the N2 office to be combined with the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Communications Networks (N6) and other, unnamed entities into a single organization, DCNO N2/6. Execution of the new, integrated organization is to begin October 1 and be complete by December 18. Responsibilities of N00X will include identifying gaps and shortcomings in war-fighting capability; making recommendations to the CNO on how the Navy should allocate risk; monitoring, evaluating and assessing “the Navy program”; and conducting other assessments as directed by the CNO.

Details Here

first published week of:   07/20/2009

UK government eyes open source for flexibility, cost savings

In an effort to cut costs and use taxpayer money more efficiently, the government of the UK intends to increase its adoption of open source software. A report issued Wednesday by the Chief Information Officer Council outlines the benefits of using open source in government IT and establishes a roadmap for improving procurement policies so that they are more conducive to open source adoption.

In the report, digital engagement minister Tom Watson says that the collaborative development model and the high potential for code reuse inherent in open source software deliver real value. Since the UK government’s initial push for internal open source adoption in 2004, Linux and open source technology have become a critical part of the government's IT infrastructure.

Details Here

first published week of:   03/02/2009

--Page 1 of 2--

Volume 31

-->