strategy check

Storage is hot

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 06:59:58 -0400

IBM has purchased a storage services company to help it compete in the high-growth, high-margin software and services field. Big Blue picked up NovusCGIB, part of its strategy of becoming a larger supplier in the market. And what CIO doesn't need more storage? It's a good move for IBM to embed itself in a growing field. NovusCG will become a part of the Storage and Data Services business unit within IBM Global Technology Services. It's all part of IBM's big plans to transform itself from a legacy hardware manufacturer to a provider of software and services. NovusCG's focus on storage software. Clearly, IBM is reading the tea leaves and focusing on the future

For more on Big Blue's strategy:
- check out this article from InformationWeek

Selling outsourcing now a prime HP goal

Wed, 08 Nov 2006 19:01:35 -0500

HP is intent on expanding its outsourcing services, though it doesn't plan to expand its operational footprint in India. According to the new honcho named to run the $15.5 billion technology and business services organization, John W. McCain, HP will put together a special sales force aimed at increasing its level of U.S.-based customer outsourcing. The vendor says that its biggest competition are India-based outsourcers, though IBM is deeply entrenched in the industry as well.

For more on HP's outsourcing services strategy:
- check out the article at InformationWeek

ALSO: Outsourcing growth may be stalling in China. Article

Layoff email is latest spam strategy

Mon, 06 Nov 2006 19:01:38 -0500

It seems that even spammers keep up with IT news. Taking a page from a recent incident where a big name retailer laid off employees via email, it seems that spammers are using the same strategy to lure unsuspecting users to a site where a keylogging program is downloaded onto their PC. It happened last week at a medical center in Georgia and experts say that it's just another piece of evidence that proves how sophisticated the online criminal element is getting these days.

For more on the latest spamming strategy:
- check out the article at NetworkWorld

PLUS: New approaches in controlling spyware. Article

The need for a in-depth security plan

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:01:39 -0500

Security--good security, that is--requires a comprehensive strategic plan. And while you likely have a mission statement in place, along with a budget planning, the all-encompassing map on what you're doing and where you're headed is something many security and tech leaders push aside in their rush to put out the latest risk fire. Get moving with a five-step primer on what the plan requires and how to get it not only on paper, but in action. The first step is to read other business units' corporate long-term strategy plan. Security initiatives should not only support the business goals, but do whatever possible to advance those goals.

For more on a good security strategy:
- check out the article at CSO Online

Using tags to track mail service

Thu, 19 Oct 2006 20:01:37 -0400

Customer and client satisfaction is a key business target for every business, including postal operations. That's why Australia Post is using radio frequency identification tags (RFID) to track and assess postal delivery operations. The new RFID approach replaces a manual process to ascertain whether letters and packages are arriving at the expected service time. Postal officials believe the new technology will also help identify any issues that may exist in the mail network.

For more on the RFID strategy:
- check out the report at News.com

Making meetings work for you

Wed, 27 Sep 2006 20:01:38 -0400

Meetings are a requirement for any tech leader, and they can often eat up precious hours with little to show for the time invested. But as one executive's meeting strategy indicates, you can change that scenario with a few simple adjustments. Google's VP of search products offers up her insight on how she structures an average of 70 meetings a week and how she keeps on topic with each one. While not all of her meeting elements may be a good fit for other leaders, her recommendations on how to organize a meeting as well as the practice of "office hours" could help you and your tech team accomplish a bit more during that next meeting.

For more on a unique meeting strategy:
- check out this article at BusinessWeek

Microsoft hot on unified messaging

Tue, 22 Aug 2006 20:01:38 -0400

Unified messaging is one of those hyped technologies that has been the subject of many an analyst report, as of late. And it could get the real push into the enterprise that it needs thanks to the vision and roadmap that Microsoft plans to kick off next year. The vendor believes that unified messaging is 'the' next application that will swoop through business and it's lining up a shelf-load of products in preparation--everything from IP phones and audio and videoconferencing apps to unified messaging and what it calls "immersive meetings".

For more about Microsoft's unified messaging strategy:
-check out this CRN article

Why one retailer is taking RFID baby steps

Sun, 20 Aug 2006 20:01:37 -0400

There's no argument that radio frequency identification technology (RFID) can be a huge asset to business--one just has to look at the continuing benefits that Wal-Mart has experienced since its adoption of the technology. But some other retailers are taking a more measured approach and smaller steps towards deployment. One is Global Gillette, which is piloting RFID in its store placement and marketing efforts. While the effort has yielded some good data that the company believes will pay off and has also helped boost sales a bit, the cost and management issues involved will require further review before any larger steps can be taken.

For more on one retailers RFID strategy:
-check out this CIO Insight article