Compiled by Kevin Smith
ZDNet Releases Report on Website Security
ZDNet has introduced a new online report with an eye on helping website administrators beef up security. Aiming to serve as a resource for protecting Web-based businesses from cyber attacks and hacking, "Lines of Defense" will allow Web masters and users to access a bevy of information. The report, a response to February attacks on large sites such as Amazon.com and E*Trade, tackles a number of security issues, including assigning responsibility for protecting the Net, the realities of cyber-terrorism, current laws and the need for new legislation regarding hacking, and protecting Web sites from hack attacks. "The February attacks underscore the vulnerability of the nation's information infrastructure," said Patrick Houston, ZDNet's editorial director. "We believe that it's important to examine how and what, if anything can be done to protect the systems at the very heart of the new economy." The site's overview addresses the need for a national plan, as proposed by President Clinton, and its potential for determining the future of the Internet.
Scottsdale to host E-commerce Summit
Scottsdale, Ariz. will be the perfect backdrop for the week-long 2000 E-Commerce eExecutive Summit. The conference will have two separate "sections," with five concurrent conferences being held Dec. 3-4 to kick things off. Attendees will be able to follow different tracks, which are closely related to their field. The five sessions include: financial services, healthcare, telecom, high-tech or manufacturing. Tuesday and Wednesday, December, 5-6--the general session portion of the conference--will consist of panels and case studies. Among the topics planned for the general session are "Clicks and Mortar" solutions, B2B exchange updates and successful Web-enabled product introductions. There will also be a Partnership Relationship Management Day on Thursday, December 7, 2000 This intensive workshop delivers an action plan for optimizing relationships with your extended enterprise and value-added partners. Other events being held in conjunction with the conference are a golf tournament and a networking Hawaiian luau. The event is being held at the incredible Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch, where the rugged beauty of Arizona's "living desert" meets comfortable southwestern elegance in a desert oasis. For more information on the conference, call 212.652.2733, or go to: http://www.frost.com/conferences/
Akamai Launches User Interface
Akamai Technologies, Inc., a leader in Content Delivery Service Provider (CDSP), today unveiled I.AM.AKAMAISM. The new system offers a powerful user interface that enables content providers and partners a single point of access to enhanced Akamai analytical tools; extensive information on products and services offered by Akamai and its best-of-breed partners; and current industry data and other relevant resources for e-businesses. Creating a cost-effective channel for distributing highly-relevant, personalized services, I.AM.AKAMAI is a logical extension of Akamai's world-class service delivery model. Building upon two years of investment and development efforts, I.AM.AKAMAI is tightly integrated with Akamai's existing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and Content Delivery Network (CDN) management tools. Available exclusively to Akamai's customers and partners at no charge, I.AM.AKAMAI runs off a Java-based application server that allows for complete personalization based o the specific company, the user's position in that company, and/or certain company requirements.
Groove Networks Introduces Business Solutions
Groove Networks Inc. this week introduced a software platform designed to host a broad range of peer computing applications and business solutions, enabling new ways for individuals to communicate with others via the Internet. The "Preview Edition" of Groove is available immediately for free download at http://www.groove.net. Ray Ozzie, who is best known for creating Lotus Notes, the group-ware product now used by more than 60 million people worldwide, founded Groove Networks three years ago to create products that leverage the two-way capabilities of the Internet for people who interact closely with one another. The result is Groove, a software product for individuals and businesses, as well as a complete set of tools and services that developers can use to create new solutions and integrate Groove with existing business systems. Groove is based on a peer computing architecture, providing communication among individuals via the Internet without the need for a central server. This decentralized approach to computing gives individuals the control, security and privacy they require, and enables closely-knit groups to collaborate on a broad range of activities within secure, shared virtual spaces, in real-time, or at different times. For individuals, Groove enables direct person-to-person multimedia communications related to projects, meetings, events, and relationships. For businesses, Groove's peer-to-peer and peer-to-Web solutions provide secure, online working relationships with key customers and partners, enabling individuals to respond in real time to critical incidents and opportunities, and reduce time-to-decision and
time-to-resolution.
E-books spreading to Europe
Although much of Europe hasn't experienced the craze that is E-books, that will all change next summer when Pasadena, Calif., based Gemstar plans to go European. Europeans will soon have novels, dictionaries, technical guides and comics published to be read on handheld computer screens. Virtually unknown in Europe, the machines have been available in the United States for two years. But that will change when Gemstar plans to shake up the market by launching souped-up versions of its electronic books throughout Europe by midsummer, beginning with Germany.
Whether book-loving Europeans will warm up to eBooks is another question. The hardback-sized reading machine, which will be made under the RCA label and has a color monitor, and a smaller black-and-white version will be the latest in a line of handheld reading devices that first hit the U.S. market back in 1998 from two companies, NuvoMedia Inc. and Softbook Press. Gemstar bought both companies in January and immediately targeted the wide-open European market, where electronic books were largely
unheard of. It sold 500 of the older machines since bringing them on the German market in June. Gemstar already has 500 titles lined up from 70 international publishing partners, including German powerhouses Suhrkamp, Bertelsmann and Pons. Some have even agreed to publish titles electronically before the hardcover editions are released.