CRM News: Implementation

Rethinking Failsafes for Critical Linux Systems
March 19, 2010

The Linux operating system is highly compatible with two hot computing trends: virtualization and cloud computing. Just as the 2001-2002 recession helped usher in Linux as a mainstream solution, virtualization may accelerate Linux usage during and after the current recession. Linux already has a powerful presence in the database and ERP realms.

Linux and the Power of Virtual Mega-Machines
February 19, 2010

Cloud computing describes an Internet-based computing infrastructure that has abstracted users and user applications from the underlying computing resources that support them. In concept, cloud computing is functionally different from previous IT architectures in that users no longer need to own, have expertise in, or have control over the underlying technology.

Software Appliances: Lean, Mean Deployment Machines
December 23, 2009

Today's enterprises are clamoring for software applications that run in a wide variety of environments -- everything from physical to virtual to cloud. If you are a software vendor, how do you make it easy to give them what they want? You could hand customers your software on a CD and let them figure it out.

The New FOSS Frontier: The Database Market
December 11, 2009

Linux and open source middleware JBoss has made its mark in the enterprise, and it is just a matter of time before open source becomes mainstream in other functional parts of the IT infrastructure as well. Where exactly that will happen, however, is the interesting question.

Choosing a Desktop Linux Distro, Part 2: Installation and Support
October 23, 2009

With more than 200 Linux distributions currently listed at Linux Online, it's perhaps an understatement to say that newcomers to the field face a broad array of choices. In addition to considering their own goals for Linux, however, potential users may also need to take other factors into account. Hardware considerations are often foremost among them.

IBM, Canonical Put Windows 7 in Their Crosshairs
October 21, 2009

IBM and Canonical have launched a Microsoft-free desktop software suite for U.S. companies, claiming the package will offer substantial cost reductions compared to a Windows 7 migration. Though the IBM Client for Smart Work package was initially designed for emerging markets, it sparked widespread calls for a similar offering in the United States.

From Virtualization to Cloud Computing: The Great Leap Forward
October 18, 2009

How should IT leaders scale virtualized environments so that they can be managed for elasticity payoffs? What should be taking place in virtualized environments now to get them ready for cloud efficiencies and capabilities later? And how do service-oriented architecture, governance, and adaptive infrastructure approaches relate to this progression?

Openbravo Maps a Shortcut to ERP Implementation
September 02, 2009

Openbravo announced on Tuesday its next-generation enterprise resource planning product, called "QuickStart," an alternative to the company's generally more labor-intensive community package. QuickStart represents a change in strategy for Openbravo. Unlike the ERP product that bears the company's name, QuickStart is not open source. It is proprietary, not covered by the public license that covers Openbravo.

Whipping MuleSource Into Shape
September 01, 2009

Having secured funding from Hummer Winblad Venture Partners, Lightspeed Venture Partners and Morgenthaler Ventures, MuleSource cofounder Ross Mason turned what was the Mule Project into an open source player on the fast track. Re-invigorated with new CEO Greg Schott, MuleSource has been ramping up its business in the wake of a recession that has gutted some proprietary legacy players.

FOSS vs. the Winged Monkeys: Q&A With Open Source for America's Chris Lundberg
August 21, 2009

Chris Lundberg has worked for years to drive the availability of technology to the masses. He has managed teams developing software for the Library of Congress, worked with the U.S. Navy to develop satellite communications software and consulted for Accenture in developing telecom Internet solutions.

Migrating to Linux, Part 2: Avoiding Separation Anxiety
July 24, 2009

Six months ago, I began a self-imposed experiment to see if I could survive leaving Windows XP behind. After all, despite its flaws and decade-old technology, the aging Microsoft OS had served me well. However, I decided to skip Windows 7 when it comes to town in October.

Migrating to Linux, Part 1: Sharing a Room With Windows
July 17, 2009

Microsoft has a very clever philosophy that it uses to keep consumers misinformed about the benefits of the Linux operating system. It's a simple message that effectively dissuades consumers from deviating from the Microsoft upgrade path to Windows 7. The argument basically asserts that consumers making the Windows upgrade will continue to enjoy a familiar desktop experience.

Google Sets Sights on Chrome-Plated Netbook OS
July 08, 2009

Nine months after launching the Chrome browser, Google on Tuesday announced plans for a Chrome operating system. The new OS will be tailored for netbooks. Google has already lined up several OEM partners, and it plans to put the first products out by mid-2010. Speculation is that Google is targeting Microsoft, whose Windows XP already runs on many notebooks.

Wind River Releases Hard and Heavy Hypervisor
June 17, 2009

Wind River on Tuesday announced the availability of a high-performance Type-1 hypervisor as the latest addition to its VxWorks product portfolio. The Wind River Hypervisor Multicore Software Solution for device development supports virtualization on single and multicore processors.

EnterpriseDB Smooths Way for Oracle App Migration
June 16, 2009

EnterpriseDB, which has commercialized the PostgreSQL open source database, announced on Tuesday the fifth version of its Postgres Plus Advanced Server. This latest version of EnterpriseDB's relational database management system is designed to let users easily migrate more Oracle applications in order to cut costs.

Acer Greases Android for Netbook Duty
June 02, 2009

Taiwanese computer manufacturer Acer, which seems to be having an on-again, off-again relationship with netbooks running Android, is now reportedly working on one. Jim Wong, the firm's president of IT products, made the announcement Tuesday at Computex Taipei, Asia's largest computer exhibition. The first Acer model to run Android will be the Aspire One.