“That was easy” is the iconic tagline of Staples. The international retailer has used that line since 2003. In 2005, the slogan took a material shape and appeared in ads as a red “easy” button. Now, Staples is giving its next-generation of the Easy Button a serious IoT makeover.The button was meant as a metaphor to represent easy business transactions. But that didn’t stop people from wanting an actual button. Staples responded by producing Easy Buttons as a “stress relieving” novelty. Pushing the button causes it to say, “That was easy.”To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
Lexar's microSD-to-Lightning reader makes it easy to move all your favorite content to & from your iOS device on the go. So whether you’re offloading stunning action photos from that sporting event, or dramatic video from your drone, or if you just want a simple solution to back up or move around your files while mobile -- it’s got you covered. With its small footprint, you can put it in your pocket and go. And the Lightning connector fits with most iOS cases, providing simple plug-and-play functionality. An optional app from the app store allows you to back up files when connected to your device for greater peace of mind. Lexar's microSD to Lightning reader averages 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, where its typical list price of $24.99 has been reduced a generous 40%, for now, to just $14.99. See this deal on Amazon.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
The AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable quickly connects a wide range of HDMI devices. Use it to connect a small mobile, home-entertainment, or gaming device to a big-screen HDTV, large projector, or computer monitor, for example. Delivering clear, vibrant video, the AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet meets the latest standards, which means it considerably expands bandwidth up to 18 Gbps, offers 4K@50/60 (2160p) video resolution (four times more clarity than 1080p/60), and supports the wide-angle theatrical 21:9 video aspect ratio. The cables average 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 12,000 reviewers on Amazon (read reviews). Right now you can get a 2-pack of these 6-foot cables for just $7.96. See this deal now on Amazon.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
If you’re contemplating whether SD-WAN will improve your company’s Wide Area Network, I’ve learned it’s important to first get a grasp of the different SD-WAN architectures.As a long-time business ISP and cloud broker, I’ve had the best seat in the house for watching the SD-WAN craze take flight. As dozens of SD-WAN product offerings pop up, I have the enviable job of making sense of it all. [sigh]In my observation, there are 3 main buckets of SD-WAN architecture, each of which benefit certain types of companies. Which architecture is “best” depends on the applications your company is accessing through your WAN.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
With the development of the Internet of Things approaching breakneck speeds, many aspiring developers and consumers alike are asking themselves what’s next for the internet-driven phenomenon that’s come to define the market of today. More often than not, these innovators are coming to the same conclusion that the battle over net neutrality will be the defining aspect of the IoT’s future.So how exactly is the battle over net neutrality and internet-connectivity playing out, and what connotations does it carry for IoT development? What steps are the industry’s leaders taking to prepare themselves for the future, and just what should consumers and producers of IoT gadgets and software expect for the rest of the 21st century?To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
Nucleus is a family communication device that connects you with the people you love, whether they're downstairs or across the country. Make audio and video calls by simply asking Alexa. Designed with the kids and Grandma in mind, making it easier than ever to set up and just say "hello." Chat on the go: Use the mobile app to check in with from anywhere. Right now Prime members get 60% off Nucleus Anywhere Intercom, so you can buy it on Amazon now for just $99.99. See this deal on Amazon.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
A survey has found that on-premises data centers are the lowest priority for investment by IT organizations, a reflection of the growing impact of cloud infrastructure and services. For Computer Economics’ annual IT Spending and Staffing Benchmarks report, the organization surveyed more than 200 IT organizations over the first half of this year. It noted that top-line findings show that IT organizations continue on a path of “steady but modest growth in operational budgets while capital budgets and hiring are essentially flat.”+ Also on Network World: IT budgets shift away from capital expenses thanks to the cloud +
Now, that’s not to say data center spending will be cut. It’s just that it won’t get the priority for increased spending and is being reduced. IT capital spending now accounts for only 18% of total IT spending, compared to 24% in 2013. To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
About a month ago, someone asked me to define the term “digital transformation.” At first, I thought about giving a long technical definition that mentioned the convergences of people, process and data, but then I shortened to one word — speed. Digital transformation is all about doing things faster than the competition. This is one of those things that’s easier to say than do. Most businesses simply can’t move faster just because they want to. Instead it requires an entirely new approach to IT. Gartner uses the term “Mode 2,” but other terms are things like agile development or DevOps. + Also on Network World: Adapting the network for the rise of containers +
This new approach to IT has brought with it several new technologies, one of which is containers. The use of containers has steadily increased because IT departments can quickly spin them up, do whatever task they need to do and then shut them down. The whole process can be automated, so the IT organization doesn’t even need to be involved. To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
It’s unusual for technology vendors of sufficient size not to be the most powerful companies in any market space they enter – the mere fact that they’re there arranges other players into a “Google/Microsoft/Amazon against everybody else” formation.That’s why, according to experts, the heterodox, wide-open IoT platform marketplace is so strange – it’s an area in which all the traditional powerhouses of IT are playing, but they’re not dominating market share the way they usually do.+ALSO ON NETWORK WORLD: How Google is speeding up the Internet + Cisco brings its SDN to Amazon, Microsoft and Google’s public cloudTo read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
If it seems your IT team has more data to manage than ever before, you’re not mistaken. Just about every enterprise is trying to determine how to manage more data growth without scaling budget or staff as well.451 Research analyst Henry Baltazar emphasized this trend in a recent report, noting, “The increasing relevancy of data management is in parallel with the ongoing growth of the sheer volume of data that enterprises must deal with.” The good news is that there are many approaches IT can take to ease the challenges of data growth. Let's take a look at four steps IT can use to make a big impact.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
The first rule of building a secure and feature-rich ecosystem is software management — push and pull software updates and software discovery through an app store mechanism from a trusted source.In the go-to-market IoT race, though, that often doesn’t happen. Many Internet of Things (IoT) product developers have ignored the traumatic early history of Microsoft Windows, Android and web platforms, and expoits of IoT devices — because software updates have not been designed in — are regularly reported.+ Also on Network World: How to improve IoT security +
Those earlier platforms have been hardened, updates have been automated, and the app discovery and installation have been made trustworthy. IoT developers need to follow their lead. To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
Pulse Solo is the world's first LED light with dual speakers in one bulb. Pulse Solo combines the energy efficiency of a dimmable LED light with the high-quality audio of JBL Bluetooth speakers. Setup is easy, twist the Pulse Solo into any standard light socket, and adjust both lighting and sound from any Bluetooth enabled iOS or Android device. Experience the soaring highs and the rich stereo sound of JBL combined with warm, dimmable lighting, without the fuss of speaker wires, power cords, or an independent remote control. The intuitive iOS and Android App offers seamless control of both light and sound while listening to your favorite streamed music or media, offering you the ability to customize your light and music to suit any mood. The Pulse Solo typically lists on Amazon for $59.99, but is currently discounted 35% to $38.93. See this deal on Amazon .To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
This mini LED tactical flashlight has 3 modes, an adjustable/zoomable beam, and is both rugged as well as water resistant. Its bright, long-lasting light operates on just a single AA battery. The list price on a pack of 6 has been reduced 57% to just $19.99, so for just $3.33/torch you'll have a light tucked away in every room, every car, every backpack, or anywhere else this might come in handy. The flashlight averages 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 1,200 reviewers on Amazon (see recent reviews here). See this deal now.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
This mini LED tactical flashlight has 3 modes, an adjustable/zoomable beam, and is both rugged as well as water resistant. Its bright, long-lasting light operates on just a single AA battery. The list price on a pack of 6 has been reduced 53% to just $21.99, so for just $3.67/torch you'll have a light tucked away in every room, every car, every backpack, or anywhere else this might come in handy. The flashlight averages 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 1,200 reviewers on Amazon (see recent reviews here). See this deal now.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
Working on the Linux command can be a lot of fun, but it can be even more fun when you use commands that take less work on your part or display information in interesting and useful ways. In today’s post, we’re going to look at half a dozen commands that might make your time on the command line more profitable.watch
The watch command will repeatedly run whatever command you give it and show you the output. By default, it runs the command every two seconds. Each successive running of the command overwrites what it displayed on the previous run, so you're always looking at the latest data.You might use it when you’re waiting for someone to log in. In this case, you would use the command “watch who” or maybe “watch -n 15 who” to have the command run every 15 seconds instead of every two seconds. The date and time will appear in the upper right-hand corner of your terminal window.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
One of the most attractive promises of IoT-powered connected cars is enhanced safety. Connected cars use the Internet of Things (IoT) to help avoid accidents and control a wide array of safety technologies, from anti-lock brakes to airbags.But according to security firm Trend Micro, these safety systems are even more vulnerable to hacking than was previously thought. In a blog post published last week, "The Crisis of Connected Cars: When Vulnerabilities Affect the CAN Standard," the company publicized an effective, vendor-neutral hack that is “currently indefensible by modern car security technology.”To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
Ransomware attacks are becoming more rampant now that criminals have learned they are an effective way to make money in a short amount of time. Attackers do not even need any programming skills to launch an attack because they can obtain code that is shared among the many hacker communities. There are even services that will collect the ransom via Bitcoin on behalf of the attackers and just require them to pay a commission. This all makes it more difficult for the authorities to identify an attacker.+ Also on Network World: Network vulnerability analysis 101: Free online training +
Many small and medium-size businesses pay ransoms because they do not backup their data and do not have any other options available to recover their data. They sometimes face the decision of either paying the ransom or being forced out of business. Also, hospitals that do not back up all their critical patient data and are not able to retrieve it in a timely manner will immediately pay the ransom because it is critical to access records of patients who require immediate care. It can become a life-or-death situation for someone in intensive care.To read this article in full Continue reading
The Etekcity collapsible LED Lantern provides up to 12 hours of bright omnidirectional lighting for your surroundings. It’s lighter, brighter, and more portable than most flashlights while still featuring the rugged durability to withstand the outdoors. The military-grade exterior is water resistant for more practical use in a high range of environments. Save time, energy, and luggage weight with its simple design and practicality. The fold-out collapsible handles make the lantern portable and easy to hang. Keep it on a table or hanging on a branch to illuminate your environment, and the lantern will take care of the rest. Right now a 2-pack of lanterns, with batteries included, is discounted 65% to just $13.99. See this deal on Amazon.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
Log rotation on Linux systems is more complicated than you might expect. Which log files are rotated, when and how often, whether or not the rotated log files are compressed, and how many instances of the log files are retained all depend on settings in configuration files.Rotating log files is important for several reasons. First, you probably don't want older log files eating up too much of your disk space. Second, when you need to analyze log data, you probably don't want those log files to be extremely large and cumbersome. And last, organizing log files by date probably makes spotting and analyzing changes quite a bit easier (e.g., comparing last week's log data to this week's).To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
What is it that’s driving enterprises to the cloud?That’s a long list: Web-based storage, stability, easier remote access and reductions in maintenance and associated costs are a few of the most frequently cited reasons. But, the number one application on organizations’ minds when they’re mapping out cloud migration strategies is disaster recovery (DR). Consequently, disaster recovery has become a primary source of value for enterprises who are not only pursuing cloud adoption, but who are also building out hybrid- or multi-cloud strategies.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here