Gary Secondino: Biz

The Fed. Out of Answers On Failed U.S. Economy

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:53:21 GMT

The U.S. lost 62,000 jobs in June. That's SIX consecutive months of job losses. Just because the government refuses to call it a recession does not mean it is not a recession. I'll say it, WE ARE IN ECONOMIC RECESSION. Now get busy and deal with it!

Fri, 30 May 2008 12:48:56 GMT

A new all-in-one server.

Almost exactly seven years ago, I reviewed four different "All-in-One" Internet appliances that included file, e-mail, and Web servers and some other workgroup type utilities. A purple cube, eight inches on each side, called the Qube 3 from Cobalt (purchased by Sun) won the comparison. The review is here, but alas, none of the products are. The All-in-One market is tough, and many small businesses go with the flow and buy Microsoft's Small Business Server, which includes most of the All-in-One features.

Jumping into the fray is a new product from a fairly young company near Vancouver called Sutus. The system includes basic file server, e-mail server, Web server, and routing and firewall functions. Being modern, Wi-Fi adds to the network options along with Power over Ethernet (PoE) connections. Being very modern, Sutus also includes a small company phone system, running VoIP along with a gateway supporting three lines to the traditional telephone system. Any Polycom IP telephone, from the high-priced ones down to the affordable ones, will automatically work with the system.

Security issues make me wary of small businesses supporting their own e-mail and Web servers, especially when Microsoft servers are used since they attract so many attacks. Sutus avoids these issues by using a hardened version of Gentoo Linux with all non-essential services stripped out.

Sutus uses a managed service model, with all server functions managed by the Sutus reseller or other managed service provider, which also aids security. The level of support will be critical because Sutus aims its products at the 25 employees and under business market, and darn few of those companies have any full time technical support on the payroll. Of course, if the box crashes, phone service, e-mail, Web, and Internet access all disappear.

Officially, I tested the Sutus Business Central 200 which came largely preconfigured, the way almost all units will arrive at their new homes. While this level of hand-holding isn't always the norm in file servers, it is in telephone systems, and that's the primary foundation for the Sutus box. Functionally, you can't tell if it's a phone system with file services built on, or a file server with phone support added, but the Sutus folks have telephone backgrounds. More than that, the feature list leans toward more phone goodies than network and server goodies, although the goodies list is fairly even.

Pricing makes sense for this market: $3,995 for nine and fewer users, and $5,445 for 10 or more. There are no user license fees like with Microsoft. Phones are not included in the base price.

My test system arrived with 250GB of disk space configured as RAID 1 (two redundant disks to protect against disk failure), eight 10/100 PoE ports, one 10/100/1000 GigE port, and 802.11b/g wireless, the most common Wi-Fi option today. The router and firewall came configured intelligently, meaning insecure network access is blocked while allowing normal connections. Client connections worked flawlessly from Windows XP, Windows 2000, Apple OS X, and Ubuntu 8.04 Linux.

Biggest surprise? The router function automatically configured my AT&T DSL connection. No router I've tested has done that; usually I have to provide name, password, and other details. Clients connected immediately through the BC 200 to the Internet.

The browser-based administration screens are all done in Flash and take longer to load and change than any other comparable admin utilities on similar systems. Sutus executive vice president Shawn Chute admitted the laggard screens and said internal discussions were long and detailed, but the company decided to use Flash because of workflow and usability. The company will soon move to the newer Flex architecture to speed things up.

Private workspace folders, created for departments and users, aren't the most refined structure, but at least they give companies a workable folder system to start with. Public workspaces support different departments, and include features such as group addressed e-mails and phone services.

The world can find your server by routing through Sutus using an address like YourCompany.SutusCentral.com, or you can work with your reseller to point your own domain name to the Web and e-mail servers. The Web server works well enough for basic Web sites, but e-commerce players will need more.

One sales outlet for Sutus will be large telephone companies and ISPs that want to serve more small businesses but can't afford to send techs out for initial installation and support. Sutus handles those issues by shipping preconfigured models and by making the administration wizards simple enough for any power user. Remote management capabilities should carry remote support the rest of the way, meaning only hardware failures require personal visits by technicians.

While computer support calls have a reputation for high fees, phone vendors tend to be worse. Moving, adding or changing extension phones and numbers within companies can cost well over a hundred bucks per phone. The intelligent VoIP system included with the Sutus BC200 makes all of that disappear. Want to move your extension? Unplug it from the Ethernet connection, then plug it in at your new location. Done.

The Sutus Business Central 200 looks to include just about everything a small company needs, supplying both computer and telephone services. And if you look at it just the right way, you get a free file server system with your new telephones, or free telephones with your server system. Either way, you get more services than with just about any other product around today.

[InfoWorld RSS Feed]

The new rules for buying a Mac

Sat, 17 May 2008 13:32:25 GMT

To MacWorld: Thanks! You saved me some research time.

Now playing everywhere in the U.S.

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 19:18:54 GMT

How to gently end procrastination

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 16:24:27 GMT

For schedule reminders and such this may be of benefit. But I'm not sure this will work for someone like myself who has spent years putting off what one doesn't want to do. Procrastination is a flag that something is not right in one's life and self examination is needed. If one procrastinates on the examination that is an infinite loop and outside help will be needed to break through.

What's Goin' On

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 15:34:12 GMT

It's a two fer Friday, with a Los Lobos double video. Plus some info about what's goin' on with me. And now, Los Lobos: Tonight I will be performing with The Austin Torpedoes at The Lyceum Bar and Grill, 30 Church St. Salem, MA. No cover charge. Come on down. Last week I started a new part-time gig with Ditto Editions where I'll be doing large format digital photography, color management, and fine art printing. Plenty of opportunities here to grow, have some fun and I have short 15 minute commute. Nice! Aw, let's close out with one of my favorite Los Lobo tunes. Wicked Rain. Enjoy!

Top 10 Startups Worth Watching in 2008

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 23:25:17 GMT

According to Wired. Too which I do pay attention because we usually agree, and yes, I am that smart. ;-) And humble also.

Sat, 04 Aug 2007 12:59:23 GMT

How to Create a Great Autoresponder Letter Series. An autoresponder letter series, if written properly, can make you some serious money on the Internet. Studies have proven that most consumers buy only after repeated exposure to a product. This repeated exposure helps you to gain their trust enough to buy from you. By Debbie Drucker. [WebReference News]

Apple iPhone Introduced

Tue, 09 Jan 2007 17:16:01 GMT

A few moments ago at the Macworld 2007 keynote Steve Jobs presented the new mobile Apple iPhone to the world. It uses a revolutionary multi-touch screen, run Mac os X, plays wide screen video, syncs with iTunes, internet browser, iPod connector, headset jack, 2 megapixel camera, sensors for light,-proximity,-movement, can determine orientation, wifi, bluetooth 2.0, quad band worldphone+EDGE, visual voicemail, conference calling, SMS, Photos, Safari, Calendar, Address Book, IMAP & POP3, widgets, Google maps, Rich html email, Cingular service in US. Price: 4GB $499.00, 8GB $599.00 Available June 2007 I'll believe it when it ships. And maybe even buy one at version #3. Yawn

My New Years Message

Tue, 02 Jan 2007 12:44:38 GMT

Tomorrow Never Knows: Lyrics, AMG, Wikipedia Whithin You Without You: Lyrics, AMG, Wikipedia

Buh-bye EPSON

Tue, 28 Nov 2006 18:06:19 GMT

Printer ink makers, vendors settle with Epson.

(InfoWorld) - Seiko Epson has won assurances from a number of manufacturers and importers of ink cartridges that the companies will end their business with Epson-compatible cartridges, it said Tuesday.

In February this year Epson filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission against 24 companies that manufacture, import, or distribute after-market ink cartridges for sale in the U.S. The complaint sought to ban the companies from importing or selling the cartridges in the U.S. At the same time Epson filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Portland against the same companies seeking damages for the alleged intellectual property infringement.

Of the 24 companies, five have agreed to settle with Epson at both the ITC and district court. A further three companies have agreed with the ITC to stop importing cartridges, but will have their cases heard at the district court. Another eight companies have had default judgements filed against them at the ITC because they failed to respond to the complaint with the time allowed, said Epson. Trials against the remaining companies at the ITC will begin in January.

The settlements and judgments are the latest in a line of legal victories by Epson against third-party ink-cartridge makers, distributors, and vendors.

In June this year a court in Taiwan barred a local manufacturer of continuous ink supply systems from producing models for Seiko Epson printers after receiving a petition from the Japanese company. A month Epson earlier succeeded in getting four German online retailers of printer ink cartridges to stop selling a number of third-party ink cartridges designed for use in Epson printers.

Printer makers like Epson typically rely on a business model that sees them selling printers at little or no profit, then making money down the line on ink cartridges and other consumable items. Epson sells its own replacement cartridges and licenses a number of companies to make and sell Epson-compatible products. The third-party vendors targeted by Epson have no relationship with the printer-maker and so it doesn't directly gain from any of their business.

By Martyn_Williams@idg.com (Martyn Williams). [InfoWorld: Top News] I've owned two EPSON ink jet printers and will not own another. I just acquired an HP Photosmart and I am so far quite pleased with the speed and quality of the prints. HP ink and paper are better on my wallet too.

Wed, 13 Sep 2006 21:43:42 GMT

News: WiebeTech intros new SilverSATA dual bay drives. WiebeTech is offering two new dual-bay external drive enclosures that accept Serial ATA (SATA) drive mechanisms -- one has FireWire 800 ports on it.

[Macworld]

Wed, 13 Sep 2006 21:42:47 GMT

News: MegaDisk 1.5TB RAID drive features FireWire 800. The new MegaDisk 1.5TB is a 1.5 terabyte RAID Level 0 desktop drive with FireWire 800, FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 interfaces.

[Macworld]

A Sales View of The Inside

Tue, 27 Jun 2006 02:39:54 GMT

Salesforce.com offers companies a way to manage their partners as efficiently as they manage their sales force. [internetnews.com]

What are they thinking?

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 03:50:10 GMT

Making a Living in Second Life. Players are quitting their day jobs to make real money in the world of Second Life. Is it a good investment, or a bubble economy waiting for a virtual pin? By Kathleen Craig. [Wired News: Top Stories]

Adobe Lightroom

Wed, 11 Jan 2006 13:57:09 GMT

Adobe has announced a new application aimed squarely at the digital photographer. Lightroom is a workflow and editting application which takes all of the useful photography related stuff from Photoshop and combines this with a sophisticated importation, browsing and organizational front-end. Lightroom is clearly aimed at taking on Apple Aperture as well as a few other high end workflow tools. At the moment Lightroom is available as a Mac OS X only Beta. Looking at Lightroom

"HELIOS Software Ships New Unbreakable Server Solutions"

Sat, 19 Nov 2005 13:09:46 GMT

The HELIOS UB Next Generation Server Family Includes New Performance Optimization and Over 80 New Features Including Authentication Server, Multi-Platform Server Administration, AFP 3.1, Windows File Streams, PDF-native OPI and PDF Preflight, In-RIP Separations, Cross Platform Unicode, and JPEG-2000 Support. I'm testing some of this software now.

Open Source CMS

Sun, 04 Sep 2005 14:32:12 GMT

A very good idea. Link for Mikey B.

This site was created with one goal in mind. To give you the opportunity to "try out" some of the best php/mysql based free and open source software systems in the world. You are welcome to be the administrator of any site here, allowing you to decide which system best suits your needs.

Interesting:
WordPress
TextPattern

Intensifying Your Initiative: 5 Tips

Wed, 10 Aug 2005 11:39:38 GMT

Without harnessing the power of initiative, the wheel of innovation comes to a screeching halt. We all have a desire to "make a difference" or to make improvements in our lives, but for a variety of reasons, many people face challenges in regard to taking initiative in one form or another. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to enhance your power of initiative, and the payoffs are huge.

1. Give Yourself Permission to Decide for Yourself
Waiting for others to join you in your initiative can slow the wheels of innovation and drag out the process.

2. Make Choices and Act on Them
Keep in mind that you don't have to come up with the best possible decision, you just have to come up with one way that will work.

3. Don't Wait to Be Inspired; Get Inspired!
Take responsibility for feeding positive input into your mental process.

4. Increase Your Accountability
Practice increasing your initiative by stepping up to the plate and volunteering to lead projects.

5. Live By Your Word
Make a firm commitment to yourself that you will keep your promises, no matter what.

See the Tips for Awareness, Curiosity and Focus. [Fast Company]

[To Talk of Many Things]

Macworld Boston 2005

Mon, 18 Jul 2005 10:44:30 GMT

This show was a shadow of the former Macworld shows. Where is Apple? Where is Adobe? Why does Guitar Center have the front and center booth? In 30 minutes I had walked the five short aisles three times and the perimeter twice. I left the hall shortly afterward thinking about Macworld SF, Macworld NY, and early Macworld Boston. Some shows where I spent three full days just in the exhibit hall. It saddens me to see the shrinkage, but I'm glad to see the effort. Optimistically, I hope to see Macworld bounce back.

MacRadio Launched

Sun, 10 Jul 2005 18:48:51 GMT

A new Blog named MacRadio was launched July 8, 2005 to provide podcast coverage of the MacWorld Expo in Boston, MA July 11-14, 2005.

Business Owners and CEO's: Do You REALLY have control of your IT Systems?

Fri, 08 Jul 2005 20:07:58 GMT

I've seen it happen first hand. The company loses access to their entire network due to administrative reasons which results in company downtime and sometimes complete loss of business. Think it can't happen to you? Think again.

IP SAN vendor Intransa licenses management software

Fri, 08 Jul 2005 19:43:02 GMT

By John Ribeiro, IDG News Service Intransa (Profile, Products, Articles), a vendor of equipment for Internet Protocol-based storage area networks (IP SANs), has decided to license its management software to third parties, according to an Intransa executive. The company will license its software, called StorControl, to storage system integrators and vendors of networking devices such as switches, Avi Katz, president and chief executive officer of Intransa, in San Jose, California, said Wednesday in a telephone interview. The new strategy is designed to help Intransa build a new software revenue stream on top of its current business of selling IP SAN systems, Katz said. Intransa's IP SAN systems currently ship with StorControl running on servers from IBM (Profile, Products, Articles), in Armonk, New York, disk enclosures from the U.K.'s Xyratex, and off-the-shelf Gigabit Ethernet switches. " We are basically reselling the hardware," Katz said. In line with its new software licensing strategy, Intransa signed a licensing agreement last month with HCL Infosystems, an IT company in Noida, near Delhi, which allows HCL to deliver its own branded IP SAN systems to customers, with StorControl running on HCL servers as a storage controller. StorControl runs on Intel (Profile, Products, Articles)-based servers running the Linux operating system. Intransa will announce a similar tie-up this month with an undisclosed Chinese OEM (original equipment manufacturer) that is likely to integrate the software with a variety of networking equipment, Katz said. Licensees will sell the IP SAN systems under their own brands, except for a "Powered by Intransa" logo on the systems, according to Katz. "Intransa's mission is to become the dominant supplier of software solutions to manage storage area networks over the IP," Katz said. "We will tie up with OEMs that are leaders in networking equipment, such as server manufacturers, switch manufacturers and so forth." By adding StorControl to a switch, a manufacturer can configure the switch to also work as an IP SAN controller, Katz added. StorControl is a Java-based management application for reducing the complexity of storage management. The software includes a volume manager for managing and configuring iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface) devices, as well as the ability to integrate third-party "snapshot" services. Intransa uses a networking approach to managing storage, so that devices can be managed from any point in an IP network, Katz said. Intransa's differentiator is that it has moved the storage management from being hardware-bound to being in software that can sit on any industry-standard hardware. The decision to unbundle its management software from its systems business was taken about six months ago, according to Katz. The company expects licensing revenue to account for about half of all revenue by 2007, he said. Intransa may also license the software to some of its competitors in the storage business, according to Katz, who added that some features of StorControl, such as clustering and scalability, would be attractive to other vendors. The tricky part is the risk associated with effectively handing some system revenue to other storage vendors in order to get license fees, Katz said. Intransa will evaluate its licensing strategy on a case by case basis, and license to a competitor when, for example, the revenue potential from licensing is higher than the systems sales for a particular application or market.

Email Reminder Back it up!

Thu, 07 Jul 2005 16:19:21 GMT

Before you do any system software upgrade, or system files update, or disk optimization, or permissions repair, or virus scan and repair, back up the email stored on your computer. It's way better to spend a little time to be safe than sorry you didn't.

Instant Outlining Misnamed Really Simple Groupware

Fri, 17 Jun 2005 14:52:43 GMT

Instant Outlining is renamed Really Simple Groupware. Dave Winer a visionary developer of software writing and publishing tools has in my opinion missed the mark on this name change. Really Simple Groupware is one of the uses for Instant Outlining whereas Instant Outlining is the process which enables Really Simple Groupware and all the other as yet un-discovered uses of the Instant Outliner tool. I like names that define the tool and not the usage of the tool. Rogers Cadenhead - To Do: Change Internet Forever Really Simple Groupware Here's a description of usage.