Is Zune the iPod Killer?

Microsoft confirmed this week that rumors of an iPod like device will be coming from them are true. Zune is the brand name for a family of media devices that they will introduce. The rumors are that the first pieces of the family will be available in October or November. The first hardware devices will include a hard disk based media player which will support wifi wireless.

This is the typical Microsoft path. Let someone else innovate, see if the market is there, see where things can be made better, introduce their own products, watch the innovators struggle. Although I'm not sure that Apple will be an easy target. The iPod is like the Mac, the users are extremely loyal and will not change platforms. The vendors that are vulnerable are the Creative Labs, iRivers, and other vendors that produce "me too" portable media players.

As with all of these technologies, the winner will be determined by who has the best products and services. And is the best at a little thing called customer support.

Here's some more info on Zune. Get ready for a laugh!

Don't Let A Software Vendor Compromise Your Security

I've spent a lot of time over the past couple of weeks working with various software vendors both on site and remotely. These vendors were in various stages of trying to install software on several of our Clients networks. I have to say that it amazes me that the skill level of some of these technicians is terrible. And their understanding of network security is non-existent.

Most of these people probably know their software very well (I would hope). But many of them know nothing about the servers or networks they are trying to install on. This can be very serious for the stability of your network as well as the security level. Most of these vendors think nothing of asking for the administrative password or asking me to open up folders to "Everyone". Many have installed software that has caused network related issues. (Ooops, sorry!)

For our Clients, watch those software vendors! They may not be as smart as you or they think they are. They can compromise the security of your data and/or cause harm to your network. Don't give them free reign.

For you software vendors, security is not something you should be compromising. Make your software works correctly, and train your installers better. Getting your software up and running at all costs is simply not acceptable.

Verizon Pulling The Plug On In-Flight Phones

Verizon has decided to discontinue its in-flight phone service on commercial airlines. I can understand why. How many people have you ever seen use them? The cost was ridiculous! Actually they probably see the writing on the wall. In-flight cell phone usage is getting close to being approved and several airlines are testing WiFi Internet service which will allow not only browsing but VoIP service as well. By 2010 Verizon expects to have the phones removed on all the airlines.

In the meantime Carnival Cruise Lines is beginning to offer cell phone service on one of their ships. You can use any cell phone anywhere the ship goes. Very cool. But what will this do to my vacation? They expect to offer it on all their ships eventually.

Bill Gates Stepping Down At Microsoft

Bill Gates announced today that he will be stepping away from his full time position at Microsoft over the next two years. Ray Ozzie will be taking on the Chief Software architect duties. Gates will remain Chairman of the Board "for the foreseeable future".

I really hate to see this guy leave. I have been a fan of his over the years. I am always impressed with his communications skills. He is truly the brightest visionary in this business. But he is also 50 years old. He is the richest man in the world. I'm sure he has a few other things he would like to do.

His departure comes at a time when Microsoft is feeling pressure from companies like Google, Yahoo, and other web based companies that have developed new and innovative programs. Microsoft seems to be trying to catch up for the first time in a long time. But they have been there before and have always managed to pull it together. Even during this "tough" period they are able to net about a billion dollars a month. How can you not respect this guy?

You can find the Microsoft press release here.

Vista Beta 2 Woes

I've been using Windows Vista Beta 2 for a couple of days now. Overall I like what I see so far. Things are moved around a bit so it can be frustrating to try to do something that was a simple click or two before. That will pass as I become more familiar with the new Interface. Glass (the new Graphical User Interface) is very cool. Does it make me more productive? I doubt it.

It's not all roses though. I have had several hangs, I can't print properly to my computer and I'm generating a huge amount of traffic on my VPN. This can be very frustrating, and time consuming. However, this is part of what you bargain for when you beta test software.

I might mention that I am also beta testing Office 2007. When I was running Office 2007 in Windows XP, I saw very few if any issues. Now that I am running it in Windows Vista several problems have came up. Very interesting.