Novell Inc. and Microsoft Corp., trying to expand the reach of their unusual alliance, say they plan to put a bigger emphasis on the Chinese market.
The companies say they will make an extra investment to sell more support subscriptions for Novell's SUSE Linux Enterprise Server support operating system in China. The idea is to court companies currently using Linux without any software support, often for free.
China is "quite a large and growing market in terms of Linux," said Susan Heystee, Novell's vice president and general manager of global strategic alliances. There is "a very large nonpaid Linux market" in China, she said, but many of those companies are now looking for support for mission-critical systems and for virtualization, setups where multiple operating systems can run on one piece of hardware.
Under their partnership, announced in November 2006, Microsoft agreed to buy and redistribute $240 million worth of SUSE Linux support certificates. The alliance was seen as unusual because Linux has long been one of the biggest competitive threats to Microsoft Windows.
As part of the 2006 deal, the companies agreed not to pursue claims against each other's users for patent infringement.
That provision has stirred controversy in the open-source software community by appearing to lend support to Microsoft's separate claims that Linux violates its patented technology. Novell has publicly disputed those claims.
As part of the announcement Sunday, the companies said People's Insurance Co. of China, Dawning Information Industry Co. and The Dairy Farm Co. will receive certificates from Microsoft for three years of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server support from Novell.
The companies declined to say how much more they will be investing as part of the partnership's bigger focus on China.
Source :seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/359808_msftnovell21.html
Telestream Announces Key Workflow Support in Episode 5.0 Release
Support expands for Web, DVD authoring, digital film/telecine workflows with latest Flash, Blu-ray and RED formats; plus support for Final Cut Server, encode while ingesting and a free SDK.
Las Vegas - NAB 2008 (April 13, 2008) - Telestream today announced availability of Episode 5.0 encoding software which expands format support to a greater number of specific digital media workflows for Apple professionals. For high-end post-production workflows, Telestream's high-performance Episode Engine server support software adds input support for RED camera, Cineon and DPX formats. For its core content repurposing to Web and mobile workflows, the entire Episode family adds support for the latest Flash 8, Flash 9 and Blu-ray formats. For Apple's new Final Cut Server media asset management and workflow automation software, Episode expands format choices beyond QuickTime to virtually any format.
"Episode 5.0 removes bottlenecks and speeds digital media workflows for a greater number of Apple users in digital production and editorial environments. The addition of high-end 10-bit 4:4:4 processing makes Episode Engine a perfect fit for the rigorous demands of digital film and telecine environments," said Barbara DeHart, VP of Marketing at Telestream. "With the addition of more formats for Web and mobile workflows, Episode continues to meet the content authoring needs for a growing number of new media platforms. We're also pleased to add server support for Apple's exciting new Final Cut Server application."
Version 5.0 adds encode and decode support for Flash 8 VP6s, Flash 9 (H.264) and Blu-ray, keep pacing with the latest new media content authoring formats. Using Telestream's innovative new Pipeline network video capture device, Episode users can now easily log and capture video from tape, schedule recording of live feeds and encode media while it is being ingested. The 5.0 release also includes a new high-quality filter for NTSC/PAL video standards conversion which brings software video conversion to a new level at an affordable price compared to hardware standards converters.
NAB is Telestream's debut for Final Cut Server integration. Episode multiformat encoding software now expands format support beyond QuickTime to virtually any file format for Final Cut Server. This a great example of how the new free Software Developer Kit (SDK) for Episode Engine enables easy integration into any workflow. Intelligent scripting simplifies integration, including monitoring, delivery and notification of transcoding operations, directly through the easy-to-use Episode user interface, without the need for programming. Version 5.0 also extends workflow integration to include media browsing and importing from Grass Valley K2 or Profile and 360 Systems servers, plus Sony XDCAM, Grass Valley Infinity and Ikegami Editcam disk-based cameras.
Episode Engine provides faster-than-real-time encoding through segmented and distributed processing for the most demanding workflows involving large, complex files. Version 5.0 now provides support for RED, Cineon and DPX formats, preserving 10-bit 4:4:4 throughout the process to provide the speed and superior quality required for digital film and telecine workflows. Because of Episode's ability to access QuickTime components, Final Cut Studio users can now gain access to Apple's pristine-quality ProRes 422 post-production format.
Telestream's Episode encoding applications for the Mac provide extensive format support, speed, quality and ease of use. Episode is the only encoding solution that scales from a single desktop to a fully-automated, multi-node server cluster with distributed encoding for high-volume and time-critical workflows.
Las Vegas - NAB 2008 (April 13, 2008) - Telestream today announced availability of Episode 5.0 encoding software which expands format support to a greater number of specific digital media workflows for Apple professionals. For high-end post-production workflows, Telestream's high-performance Episode Engine server support software adds input support for RED camera, Cineon and DPX formats. For its core content repurposing to Web and mobile workflows, the entire Episode family adds support for the latest Flash 8, Flash 9 and Blu-ray formats. For Apple's new Final Cut Server media asset management and workflow automation software, Episode expands format choices beyond QuickTime to virtually any format.
"Episode 5.0 removes bottlenecks and speeds digital media workflows for a greater number of Apple users in digital production and editorial environments. The addition of high-end 10-bit 4:4:4 processing makes Episode Engine a perfect fit for the rigorous demands of digital film and telecine environments," said Barbara DeHart, VP of Marketing at Telestream. "With the addition of more formats for Web and mobile workflows, Episode continues to meet the content authoring needs for a growing number of new media platforms. We're also pleased to add server support for Apple's exciting new Final Cut Server application."
Version 5.0 adds encode and decode support for Flash 8 VP6s, Flash 9 (H.264) and Blu-ray, keep pacing with the latest new media content authoring formats. Using Telestream's innovative new Pipeline network video capture device, Episode users can now easily log and capture video from tape, schedule recording of live feeds and encode media while it is being ingested. The 5.0 release also includes a new high-quality filter for NTSC/PAL video standards conversion which brings software video conversion to a new level at an affordable price compared to hardware standards converters.
NAB is Telestream's debut for Final Cut Server integration. Episode multiformat encoding software now expands format support beyond QuickTime to virtually any file format for Final Cut Server. This a great example of how the new free Software Developer Kit (SDK) for Episode Engine enables easy integration into any workflow. Intelligent scripting simplifies integration, including monitoring, delivery and notification of transcoding operations, directly through the easy-to-use Episode user interface, without the need for programming. Version 5.0 also extends workflow integration to include media browsing and importing from Grass Valley K2 or Profile and 360 Systems servers, plus Sony XDCAM, Grass Valley Infinity and Ikegami Editcam disk-based cameras.
Episode Engine provides faster-than-real-time encoding through segmented and distributed processing for the most demanding workflows involving large, complex files. Version 5.0 now provides support for RED, Cineon and DPX formats, preserving 10-bit 4:4:4 throughout the process to provide the speed and superior quality required for digital film and telecine workflows. Because of Episode's ability to access QuickTime components, Final Cut Studio users can now gain access to Apple's pristine-quality ProRes 422 post-production format.
Telestream's Episode encoding applications for the Mac provide extensive format support, speed, quality and ease of use. Episode is the only encoding solution that scales from a single desktop to a fully-automated, multi-node server cluster with distributed encoding for high-volume and time-critical workflows.
SQL Server 2008 Support
KUALA LUMPUR Microsoft Malaysia has three new versions of its enterprise business solutions — Windows Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008 and SQL Server 2008.
It is confident the products will better enable businesses to manage their IT infrastructures and move to a virtualised environment.
Among the early adopters of the products are insurance company ING Bhd, hard-disk manufacurer Western Digital, shipping firm MISC Bhd, semiconductor services provider Carsem (M) Sdn Bhd, and eGenting Sdn Bhd, the IT arm of casino and hotel operator The Genting Group.
Thomas Ng, vice-president of eGenting, said: "Windows Server 2008 has helped us better optimise our server resources through virtualisation of multiple operating systems, while helping us reduce licensing costs."
Microsoft Malaysia managing director Yasmin Mahmood hopes the products will help IT professionals create "dynamic systems that have seamless access to the information and computing capabilities that users need and for their desired devices."
The company's enterprise solutions segment has been growing steadily over the past decade; just two years ago, it only made up a third of its total business.
Now, half our total business comes from the enterprise space, said Yasmin. "It is one of the fastest growing segments for Microsoft. We are hoping for even higher growth now that these new products have been launched," she added.
Added benefits
The main focus of Windows Server 2008 is virtualisation, which enables it to run virtual server as virtual desktop machines whether to actual desktop machines or to thin clients.
This will enable system administrators to allocate IT resources more flexibly, such as in situations where demand for an application may vary at different times of the day.
That might happen in a trading or stock brokerage situation where transaction volumes are subject to peaks and troughs throughout a trading day.
Improvements in SQL Server 2008 include improved information lifecycle management of various data types, such as traditional unstructured information, geospatial information, and information structured into complex hierarchies.
SQL Server 2008 has an improved report-building facility that incorporates server support for multiple data types, data sources, and report design options, amongst others.
Visual Studio 2008 allows for faster application development by simplifying a programmer’s view of different data types through its language Integrated Query.
This lets them use a single model to query and transform XML, Microsoft SQL Server and object data without having to use the specialised language for each.
Visual Studio also lets developers build one application to run on different versions of the .Net framework rather than a different version for each version.
The 2008 versions of Windows Server, SQL Server and Visual Studio help keep software maintenance costs down, said Microsoft.
Source : star-techcentral.com/tech/story.asp?file=/2008/4/9/technology/20080409172014&sec=technology
It is confident the products will better enable businesses to manage their IT infrastructures and move to a virtualised environment.
Among the early adopters of the products are insurance company ING Bhd, hard-disk manufacurer Western Digital, shipping firm MISC Bhd, semiconductor services provider Carsem (M) Sdn Bhd, and eGenting Sdn Bhd, the IT arm of casino and hotel operator The Genting Group.
Thomas Ng, vice-president of eGenting, said: "Windows Server 2008 has helped us better optimise our server resources through virtualisation of multiple operating systems, while helping us reduce licensing costs."
Microsoft Malaysia managing director Yasmin Mahmood hopes the products will help IT professionals create "dynamic systems that have seamless access to the information and computing capabilities that users need and for their desired devices."
The company's enterprise solutions segment has been growing steadily over the past decade; just two years ago, it only made up a third of its total business.
Now, half our total business comes from the enterprise space, said Yasmin. "It is one of the fastest growing segments for Microsoft. We are hoping for even higher growth now that these new products have been launched," she added.
Added benefits
The main focus of Windows Server 2008 is virtualisation, which enables it to run virtual server as virtual desktop machines whether to actual desktop machines or to thin clients.
This will enable system administrators to allocate IT resources more flexibly, such as in situations where demand for an application may vary at different times of the day.
That might happen in a trading or stock brokerage situation where transaction volumes are subject to peaks and troughs throughout a trading day.
Improvements in SQL Server 2008 include improved information lifecycle management of various data types, such as traditional unstructured information, geospatial information, and information structured into complex hierarchies.
SQL Server 2008 has an improved report-building facility that incorporates server support for multiple data types, data sources, and report design options, amongst others.
Visual Studio 2008 allows for faster application development by simplifying a programmer’s view of different data types through its language Integrated Query.
This lets them use a single model to query and transform XML, Microsoft SQL Server and object data without having to use the specialised language for each.
Visual Studio also lets developers build one application to run on different versions of the .Net framework rather than a different version for each version.
The 2008 versions of Windows Server, SQL Server and Visual Studio help keep software maintenance costs down, said Microsoft.
Source : star-techcentral.com/tech/story.asp?file=/2008/4/9/technology/20080409172014&sec=technology
Web-Based eSignatures with New eSigning Server
CAMARILLO, Calif., Apr 02, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Interlink Electronics, Inc. (OTC:LINK), the trusted provider for legally-binding esignature solutions now adds IntegriSign Emcee(TM) to its robust eSign Anywhere(TM) platform. IntegriSign Emcee, the first esigning server to offer multiple electronic signature capture options, enables organizations to bridge the gap between diverse business channels, including in-branch, in-field, and online. IntegriSign Emcee also offers seamless integration into diverse IT environments and generates well executed and irrefutable Signing Ceremonies.
"With Interlink's eSign Anywhere Platform, organizations can look to esignatures as a strategic investment capable of eliminating business silos, versus a point solution suitable for only certain processes," explains Rod Vesling, Senior Vice President and Officer for eTransactions at Interlink Electronics. "IntegriSign Emcee's support of multiple esignature capture options makes esigning a possibility for all processes no matter where, when, or how the signing transaction occurs."
IntegriSign Emcee captures esignatures through a browser-based click-through process as well as with Interlink's ePad family of handwritten electronic signature capture devices, and Tablet PCs. More importantly, IntegriSign Emcee Mobile, an additional software option, transforms a Windows(R) Mobile touch-screen smartphone into a secure esignature capture device.
According to Interlink's Mr. Vesling: "The ability to electronically sign on a mobile device truly completes our eSign Anyhwere Platform. Organizations can transform their mobile business applications by empowering their customers and representatives to esign when and where they are ready to act."
Master of the Signing Ceremonies
By offering an intuitive browser-based interface, IntegriSign Emcee enables organizations to be the Master of their Signing Ceremony and easily set-up, present, and then verify etransactions. IntegriSign Emcee offers three intuitive interfaces:
Ceremony Designer
The Ceremony Designer interface enables the process owner to choose the documents to include in the Signing Ceremony, establish the correct document presentation order, and then identify the required esignature capture options. No programming experience is required.
Ceremony Presenter
The Ceremony Presenter is the interface that the end customer will use in order to complete an online transaction. The easy-to-use interface guides the customer through the process, reducing the need to call or email for support.
Ceremony Verifier
The process owner can log into the Ceremony Verifier to check the status of all new, pending and completed transactions, and to review the audit trail of a ceremony. For an improved customer service experience, customers will also be able to receive up-to-date information on their application status through the Ceremony Verifier.
"As reported by Celent Research, financial services organizations will look to electronic signature technology to leverage both their brick and click," explains Mr. Craig Weber, Senior Vice President, with Celent. "In this current soft market, implementing efficient processes and cost reduction initiatives will help financial services organizations gain a competitive advantage and market leadership."
Distributed eSigning Engine
IntegriSign Emcee provides scaleable security and authentication options through its Distributed eSigning Engine. IntegriSign Emcee will cryptographically sign a document at the server or provide digital signing capability at the desktop or on a mobile device. Organizations now have a choice of how they deploy a browser based esigning architecture - optimizing the association of the signing process with the actual signer.
"A well designed electronic signature process, support by the appropriate technology, can actually improve a company's ability to enforce the terms of the documents signed electronically, thereby reducing the likelihood of having to resort to the courts to enforce the terms of electronically-signed documents," explains Mr. Patrick Hatfield, a Partner with Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP, a national law firm with one of the leading electronic signature practices in the financial services arena.
"If the enforceability of an electronically signed document is contested, the admissibility of such document is enhanced by having each electronically-signed document individually cryptographically secured upon signature of that document, rather than cryptographically securing all the records for that transaction as a single package," continues Mr. Hatfield.
Industry Standard eSignatures
A key benefit for all organizations is IntegriSign Emcee's utilization of digital signatures capabilities from Adobe Systems Incorporated in PDF documents. No proprietary tools are necessary to verify the esignature; anyone can verify the validity of esignatures produced by simply using Adobe(R) Acrobat(R) or Adobe Reader(R) software. IntegriSign Emcee also support Adobe LiveCycle(R) Reader Extensions by presenting PDF documents through IntegriSign Emcee's Ceremony Presenter module.
"PDF has become the standard for more secure and reliable exchange of electronic documents and forms," said John B. Harris, Security Alliances Manager, Adobe. "By using the Adobe PDF digital signature architecture, Interlink is ensuring there are lower barriers to adoption for their esigning server solution. Giving knowledge workers the power to validate the esignature with Adobe Reader will make esignatures more widely-accepted."
Source : foxbusiness.com/markets/industries/technology/article/interlink-redefines-webbased-esignatures-new-esigning-server-integrisign_544867_12.html
SQL Server 2008
As always, a big differentiator for Microsoft is price. At $24,999 per processor, the 2008 version costs the same as 2005 and significantly less than comparable versions from Oracle or IBM. Plus, learning its lesson from 2005, Microsoft promises an improved upgrade experience, something your customers will not only welcome, but require. Now that your customers finally have SQL Server 2005 in place and running smoothly, Microsoft is launching the next version of its venerable database: SQL Server 2008. ¡ But don't worry. There are some major improvements in the 2008 version that make an upgrade a no-brainer in several situations. For example, unlike similar offerings from competitors Oracle Corp. and IBM Corp., Microsoft's database comes with integrated business intelligence (BI) functionality, along with new support for spatial, location-based data -- all at no additional cost. And the new data types, in addition to new management and visualization tools, promise to kick-start a wealth of new applications for your customers -- and new services for you. ¡ The spatial tools open up a lot of opportunities for us," says Alex Machinis, CEO of SpatialPoint LLC, a Certified Partner in Des Plaines, Ill., that specializes in Microsoft MapPoint and Virtual Earth solutions. "This is a major release because they're providing the capabilities to store spatial data in the system and query it."
Machinis says 2008's spatial-data support enables his developers to store and query parcel data for real estate, environmental data, economic zones and even wireless coverage areas, among others. He says using the new version's capabilities is like working with a database that didn't support dates, but suddenly gains that ability. "All of a sudden, a lot more people can use it," he says. "We're storing that coverage data inside SQL Server 2008, gaining the security and ease of use, and that's something we couldn't do before."
Source: rcpmag.com/features/article.aspx?editorialsid=2447