Tabloid: Features

Running a corporate network used to be all about coaxial cable, routers, data traffic, with some peripheral power protection added on for good measure. However, as an increasing number of mid-level businesses jump on the converged networks bandwagon, IT managers are finding themselves increasingly under pressure to ensure corporate networks are running smoother and more reliably.

While plasma has ruled the roost in widescreen technology, LCD prices have come down, refresh rates are getting higher and viewing angles are getting wider. Jeanne-Vida Douglas discovers why 2006 is being widely predicted as the year LCD unit sales overtake their plasma counterparts.

What digital home equipment is attracting most consumer attention? From a home-theatre-in-a-box to high-powered systems, Jeanne-Vida Douglas discovers this Christmas shopping period is all about what looks and sounds good.

There are plenty of new opportunities opening up in the rugged computing space for those resellers seeking better margins.

Despite market inhibitors, there's a growing opportunity for resellers to peddle hardware, software and services into the public sector. Start pushing enterprise applications, CRM solutions, portals and e-procurement - and that's just the beginning.

As wireless connectivity gains a foothold in the enterprise, wireless printing is becoming a must-have in a growing number of scenarios.

"Interested in selling tape? We buy used tape and offer top cash for all types of tapes, cartridges, reel tape or whatever type of magnetic media you use."

Such pitches are everywhere on the Internet and ever so tempting for companies looking to upgrade to new storage tapes or disks. But those who have bought or sold used tapes warn that doing so can put confidential data at risk.

Virtualisation has become the tabloid story of the data storage industry - hot, controversial and everywhere. BRETT WINTERFORD tries to separate the virtual from the reality.

Patch management is tough business. First, somebody - a good guy, the vendor, or a bad guy - discovers a vulnerability. The vendor replicates the vulnerability, confirms the problem, and sets about making a software patch. The vendor's programmers and tech people find the root of the problem and come up with a solution. The solution is coded, and the patch is regression tested. After thorough testing, the patch is released to users. Administrators get the patch, determine criticality in their environments, install the patch in a test environment, and then deploy to their production environment. At least, this is the way it's supposed to be.