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The WAVE Report on Digital Media
3D --- Media Creation --- Shared Space ---Published by 4th Wave, Inc.--- Issue #0431------------------8/6/04 |
The WAVE Report is Searchable on
http://www.3dlinks.com
http://www.wave-report.com
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0431.2 Workforce Demographics
CED Releases 2004 Entrepreneurial Satisfaction Survey Report
0431.3 Wireless Traveler
D-Link Connects the Business Traveler With Versatile Wireless Pocket Router/AP
0431.4 Broadband & Security
Eagle Broadband Adds 2,100 New Security Monitoring Customers
0431.5 First Responders
0431.6 Oil-Free America
Fortune Proposes Plan to Free America from Dependency on Oil
0431.7 System Protection
Department of Justice Selects Foundstone to Combat Computer Vulnerabilities
0431.8 Interconnectivity
InfiniBand Trade Association Announces DevCon, Sept. 9 in San Francisco
0431.9 Consumer Dynamics
What Every Marketer Needs to Know about the Luxury Consumer, according to Unity Marketing
0431.10 Home Financial Management
Quicken 2005 Contains More Than 100 Customer-Recommended Improvements
0431.11 Solar Powered Conservation
Nation's First Completely Solar-powered CVB Website Prepares to Launch
0431.12 Plug & Play
0431.13 SUVs Lose Traction
Power Information Network Reports: Consumer Demand for SUVs Weakening
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***Nitro Data Systems Detects New RBOT Variant Trojan and Provides Immediate Protection/Detection With New IPS Signatures
PORTSMOUTH, N.H.
Aug. 12, 2004
Nitro Data Systems, Inc., has detected a new variant of the RBOT / RXBOT Trojan horses that exploits one of several vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows products. In response to the new variant, Nitro Data Systems security engineers rapidly released new signature rules to detect infected systems and have made these Snort signatures available on
http://www.nitroguard.com/rxbot.html
The company's NitroGuard IPS products had signatures in place prior to this attack that protected its customers from being infected.
Variant: RBOT.GL / Spybot / RXBOT
Type: Trojan Horse
Targeted Vulnerability: Several Microsoft Vulnerabilities including LSASS, RPC DCOM and UPnP
Description: A new variant of the sophisticated Phatbot / Agobot series of IRC based Trojans. Provides an attacker complete remote administrative control via IRC.
About NitroGuard IPS
NitroGuard intrusion prevention systems (IPS) are in-line security devices designed to protect networks and valuable data from cyber threats and exploits that can cause network failure or infect, damage, or destroy critical IT assets. NitroGuard proactively prevents undesired or unauthorized network access and stops network attacks such as denial of service, application overloads, as well as exploitations targeting critical vulnerabilities. Easily installed, NitroGuard compliments any existing security infrastructure - significantly reducing its total cost of ownership.
***CED Releases 2004 Entrepreneurial Satisfaction Survey Report; Respondents Cite Qualified Workforce as Most Important Factor in Growing a Business
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.
Aug. 12, 2004
The Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) announced results from its 2004 Entrepreneurial Satisfaction Survey Report, which asked about critical factors in creating and growing an entrepreneurial business. Respondents included founders and CEOs of innovation-based entrepreneurial companies in the area who rated not only the relative importance of specific factors, but also weighed in on how the Triangle performs in each category.
The complete survey is available online at
http://www.cednc.org/publications/entrepreneurial_satisfaction_survey/ survey_2004.pdf
Among the survey's most significant findings:
-- The availability and retention of top technical and management talent registered as the most significant concern for high-growth entrepreneurs (which mirrors findings from CED's 2001 survey).
-- The proximity of research universities (#1), quality of entrepreneurial support organizations (#2) and availability of qualified technical and non-technical workforce (#3) ranked as the Triangle's greatest strengths.
-- Key areas for Triangle improvement include access to venture capital, the availability of qualified management personnel and the quality of K-12 schools.
Note about survey methodology. CED distributed the survey via email to 500 Research Triangle area high-growth entrepreneurs across a full range of growth industries. The survey included a menu of factors to numerically rank (with 1 being the least important and 5 being the most important), as well as an opportunity for respondents to add comments.
About CED: The Council for Entrepreneurial Development, located in Research Triangle Park, NC, is a private, non-profit organization formed in 1984 to stimulate the creation and growth of high-impact companies in the greater Research Triangle region. CED provides education, mentoring and capital formation resources to new and existing high-growth entrepreneurs through annual conferences, seminars, workshops and monthly programs on entrepreneurial management and finance. CED, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2004, is the largest entrepreneurial support organization in the nation with more than 3,500 members representing 1,000 entrepreneurial companies, financiers and professional firms.
***D-Link Connects the Business Traveler With Versatile Wireless Pocket Router/AP
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif.
Aug. 12
D-Link announced the D-Link Wireless Pocket Router/AP, a portable wireless networking solution for business travelers wanting to access and share hotel Internet connections, wirelessly connect Ethernet devices or secure shared information from potential hackers. The D-Link Wireless Pocket Router/AP is smaller than the average PDA, measures 3.25" x 2.5" x.75" and ships with a convenient carrying case to make it a complete and compact wireless networking solution. For added mobility, the D-Link Wireless Pocket Router/AP can be powered over USB if power outlets are not available.
The D-Link Wireless Pocket Router/AP (DWL-G730AP) is a convenient and portable network device that offers today's traveler the flexibility of connecting computers to share files and hotel Internet access, wirelessly connect any Ethernet-equipped to a 802.11b/g network or protect computers and files from hackers and other intruders that are sharing a public connection, such as hot spot internet access locations. The included slim carrying case included with the unit assures that all the required cables are centrally located and protects the unit while being transported.
The D-Link Wireless Pocket Router/AP provides business travelers with a simple and flexible wireless network no matter where they travel. A small switch on the back of the unit allows users to easily select one of the three wireless modes: Router/Firewall, Access Point and Wireless Client modes. The integrated Router mode features a robust firewall suite, an internal DHCP server that automatically assigns IP addresses to multiple connected devices, supports VPN Pass-through and includes a set of robust firewall features, including Network Address Translation (NAT) and MAC filtering. While in Access Point mode, the Wireless Pocket Router/AP can connect multiple wireless devices, such as laptops and PDAs, to a single Internet connection, be it a hotel or a conference room location. The Wireless Pocket Router/AP can make any Ethernet-equipped device wireless without installing software or configuring network settings, drawing power from either a wall receptacle or from the included Power-Over-USB adapter.
The D-Link Wireless Pocket Router/AP supports WPA-PSK, as well as 64/128 WEP encryption to secure your wireless data communications, keeping it safe from prying eyes. In Access Point mode, the D-Link Wireless Pocket Router/AP adds support for 802.1x user authentication with an external RADIUS server, making it transferable from multiple office environments.
Price and Availability
The D-Link DWL-G730AP AirPlus Wireless Pocket Router/AP will be available in mid September through authorized retail, reseller and distribution partners at $99.99 Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and comes with a 1 Year Warranty and absolutely FREE 24/7 Technical Support including firmware updates.
***Eagle Broadband Adds 2,100 New Security Monitoring Customers; Growth in Security Subscribers Reflects Increased Demand for Company's Bundled Digital Services
LEAGUE CITY, Texas
Aug. 11, 2004
Eagle Broadband, Inc., announced that the company has added 2,100 new security monitoring customers which are being serviced out of the company's state-of-the-art, U.L. approved central monitoring station in Houston, Texas.
The 2,100 new security subscribers, which include both residential and commercial customers, are receiving the most advanced security protection available including 24/7 monitoring for burglars, fire, panic, emergency medical and adverse environmental conditions (e.g., carbon monoxide, water leakage, extreme temperatures, etc.). These customers are realizing the peace of mind that comes from knowing their families, homes and businesses are safer, more secure and that they can receive immediate help in the event of a fire, medical or other emergency.
The global security services market is projected to reach $120 billion by the year 2006 (Source: The Freedonia Group). The key factors driving this growth include increased security consciousness, the brisk pace of new home construction, the trend towards bundled services and Homeland Security initiatives focused on improving the safety and security of homes, businesses and government (Source: Frost & Sullivan). With a complete range of broadband and security bundled services for customers to choose from, Eagle Broadband is well positioned to capitalize on the continued growth forecasted for the security market.
Eagle Broadband's central monitoring station U.L. certification ensures that the facility meets or exceeds the strictest national standards within the security industry for performance, redundancy, building construction, computer systems and power back-up. Underwriter's Laboratories sets national standards for quality, reliability and excellence for various products, equipment and services -- including central monitoring stations. UL requires comprehensive security measures for all approved monitoring facilities and U.L. certification is only granted to those companies that meet or exceed all applicable U.L. codes and standards.
Eagle Broadband offers a full range of security services for residential, commercial and government customers including design, installation, monitoring, closed circuit TV, video surveillance and related support services. Eagle Broadband can better protect homes, businesses and government facilities with 24/7 monitoring for intrusion, burglary, fire, panic, emergency medical and adverse environmental conditions (e.g., carbon monoxide, water leakage, extreme temperatures, etc.).
***Xybernaut Corporation and FiRST Responder Systems & Technology Provide Powerful Technology Solutions to the Nation's First Responders
BATON ROUGE, La.
Aug. 12, 2004
Xybernaut Corporation and FiRST Responder Systems & Technology announced a joint strategic initiative to deliver mobile/wearable computers with embedded mobile GIS, data and resource management solutions to the nation's first responders.
The companies will host educational seminars at key national and regional public safety events to assist first responder agencies in their research and understanding of how mobile computer technology combined with geographic information and data sharing systems can directly improve response times, provide rapid on-scene information and ultimately assist in saving lives.
The unique solution, which the companies are announcing during the conference, provides one of the first truly comprehensive offerings of mobile computing for the public safety industry. The solution combines Xybernaut lightweight and powerful Atigo T wireless mobile computers with FiRST's popular and powerful GIS, navigation, data and resource management software called RespondWare. The combination of these technologies is the next step in delivering powerful and at-hand information for use by emergency personnel while in-the-line-of-duty.
The companies will present this unique product combination at the International Association of Fire Chief's Fire-Rescue International conference on August 13th and 14th -- an event which is being held this year in New Orleans, LA.
The Xybernaut-FiRST technology solutions will allow first responders and subsequent emergency personnel to manage operations by having various types of critical information at their fingertips, including building floor plans/schematics, specific images related to a facility or site, incident command protocols and other critical response data.
This equipment allows critical incident response teams to formulate tactical plans while en-route to a crisis situation, decreasing deployment time and increasing operational efficiency. Once on site, responders coordinating various efforts and teams will continue to have access to critical information via the wearable computers.
***Fortune Proposes Plan to Free America from Dependency on Oil; Real-World Plan--a Balance of Technology and Policy--Targets Four Key Areas and Wouldn't Derail Economy
NEW YORK
Aug. 11, 2004
With oil capacity stretched thin and supply fraught with uncertainty, the U.S. is more vulnerable than it was 30 years ago, when the oil crisis first traumatized the nation. In a special cover story, FORTUNE looks at a number of ways--from government initiatives to new technologies--that America can begin to free itself from the grip of oil. "The goal," says senior writer Nick Varchaver, "is a real-world plan that won't derail the economy and has a strong chance of political success." The cost of the plan is modest, about $7 billion to $9 billion per year, much of which can be offset by eliminating current subsidies and giveaways. The story appears in the August 23 issue of FORTUNE, on newsstands August 16 and at
FORTUNE's plan consists of four approaches:
1. Improving fuel economy. Hybrids offer the best near-term opportunity to save large amounts of gasoline. Hybrid buyers should be given a tax credit, for which Congress could find the money by eliminating several subsidies for the oil and gas industries, whose profits don't seem to justify government handouts. Congress should also drop the exemption that allows SUVs to be considered light trucks instead of passenger vehicles.
2. More spending on alternative fuels. FORTUNE estimates that a $3.5-billion-a-year investment in two key areas (each with different time lines for success) could lead to a 20% drop in our current oil usage. The majority of the money would be spent on a long-term but crucial goal: developing hydrogen technology for cars and electricity generation. The remainder of the investment would be in developing the biomass fuel called cellulosic ethanol, which can be blended into gasoline with minimal modifications to current engines and gas stations.
3. Redoubled commitment to efficiency. Proponents of efficiency argue that we can enjoy our current lifestyle but use much less power in the process. The key is to focus on efficiency rather than conservation. Even without government rules, companies and individuals can save huge amounts with little cost or effort.
4. Getting serious about solar and wind. Renewable-energy technology is improving by leaps and bounds, more so than alternative fuels. Wind and solar aren't the sole solution to the oil problem, but they're certainly part of it. Many experts believe that wind and solar could eventually shoulder 20% of the electricity burden. FORTUNE believes that 10% is a more realistic target for the next 20 years. Either way, the government will have to show more support.
Some companies are already taking innovative leadership roles in these areas, reports Varchaver, and it would be ideal to rely solely on market mechanisms. But for FORTUNE's plan to work, the government will have to do its part; when it comes to transformation on this scale, Washington needs to jump-start the process. Still, In FORTUNE's plan, government intervention would be modest, and the proposed spending is small compared to the costs for America's oil-based lifestyle that are currently underwritten via tax bills.
***Department of Justice Selects Foundstone to Combat Computer Vulnerabilities; Government Agency to Institutionalize Vulnerability Management Systemwide
MISSION VIEJO, Calif.
Aug. 11, 2004
Foundstone Inc. announced the Department of Justice (DOJ) has selected Foundstone Enterprise to reduce computer vulnerabilities throughout the extensive government agency. The DOJ took this step to ensure the continued confidentiality, integrity and availability of its information and information systems. The implementation of the Foundstone Enterprise solution contributes to the high-profile agency's compliance with FISMA (Federal Information Security Management Act) and the President's Management Agenda to reduce vulnerabilities.
Previously, the DOJ secured its systems with point solutions that were effective but required intensive management.
Many government departments, including the Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Army have adopted Foundstone Enterprise to help minimize vulnerabilities throughout their systems.
Foundstone's Enterprise Risk Solutions software helps organizations comprehensively discover, inventory, prioritize, and remediate all assets on a global network. The suite provides exceptionally accurate, high-speed vulnerability assessment of all network assets, intuitive reports and metrics, and a tightly integrated threat correlation module which correlates critical threats with prioritized assets so security and network operations can focus on the assets that matter the most.
***InfiniBand Trade Association Announces DevCon, Sept. 9 in San Francisco; Group Also Announces Plugfest, Aug. 23-27 in New Hampshire
PORTLAND, Ore.
Aug. 11, 2004
The InfiniBand Trade Association (IBTA) announced it will host a Developers Conference September 9 in San Francisco. The Group also announced it will conduct its seventh members-only Plugfest August 23-27 in Durham, New Hampshire.
DevCon details
The DevCon event will take place at the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco, September 9 from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m. and include sessions on the signaling rate increase specification and the OpenIB Alliance, an effort to create a common Linux stack for InfiniBand implementations. Registration fees are $99 for members and $299 for non members. Complete event details is available at www.infinibandta.org. To register, visit
http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=71806
Plugfest details
The August 23-27 Plugfest will be the first interoperability testing event with specification training for attendees. More than 100 engineers representing router, switch, cable and adapter companies are expected to attend the event. The Plugfest will allow participants to conduct compliance measurements and authenticate the interoperability of their products with components from other vendors. Following the event, the IBTA will publish an updated Integrators' List, which indicates the specific products that met the interoperability criteria at the Plugfest.
The specification training seminars are open to both IBTA members and non-members (non-members will not be allowed into the Plugfest area). To join the InfiniBand Trade Association or to register for the Plugfest, visit
About the InfiniBand Trade Association
Started in August 1999, the InfiniBand Trade Association is made up of leading companies from every segment of the industry. The InfiniBand specifications are publicly available for download from the trade association website. The InfiniBand Trade Association is comprised of eight special workgroups, each with its own charter and area of expertise. The workgroups include: marketing, technical, applications, compliance and interoperability, electromechanical, link, management and software.
The Internet is creating an increased demand for server computer I/O subsystem performance, scalability, reliability and flexibility. A shift to a switched fabric-based I/O architecture will enable industry participants to meet this increased demand. The InfiniBand Trade Association developed a specification for a channel-based, switched fabric architecture that provides a scalable performance range of 500Mbyte/s to 6 Gbyte/s, meeting the needs from entry level to high-end enterprise systems. The InfiniBand Trade Association represents the industry's choice for developing I/O technologies that will keep pace with the demands of the Internet age.
***What Every Marketer Needs to Know about the Luxury Consumer, according to Unity Marketing; Insights for Developing Marketing Strategies
STEVENS, Pa.
Aug. 11, 2004
The luxury market is gaining much attention these days as sales are on the upswing among leading international luxury brands. New research conducted by Unity Marketing provides insights to help marketers develop strategies for luxury consumers.
"Today we tend to equate the luxury market with international badge-value brands, but affluent consumers are just as likely to shop with the 'masses' at Wal-Mart or Target as they are to frequent "tony" Madison Avenue boutiques with the 'classes,'" says Pam Danziger, president of Unity Marketing and author of Why People Buy Things They Don't Need.
"One of the most important things about the luxury consumer is that he or she is not that different from anybody else. They just happen to have a little more money."
A new Unity Marketing study, Luxury Market Report 2004 - Who Buys Luxury, What They Buy, Why They Buy, based on focus group research and a quantitative survey of 500 consumers (average income $152,000) who purchased one or more home luxuries, personal luxuries (fashion or jewelry), or experiential luxuries (travel, fine dining or spa/beauty services) uncovered key insights into the new luxury market.
Luxury consumer is driven experientially; it's not about the money
The luxury consumer primarily interprets and participates in the luxury market experientially. "Luxury just isn't about the thing any more. It is about the special experience one feels buying or owning that thing," said Danziger. "For these consumers, luxury is about achieving a comfortable lifestyle, having those things that make life easier and more satisfying. But the real meaning in the luxury life comes through family, friends, and experiences that deepen one's understanding and appreciation of life. The luxury lifestyle is not necessarily about money but about the experiences and feelings that money can buy." Almost 90 percent of luxury consumers agree with the statement "Luxury doesn't have to the most expensive thing or be the most exclusive brand."
Consumers are democratic in their approach to luxury; American's value
individuality over exclusivity
While much is made in the luxury goods industry about maintaining product exclusivity, usually through high price and limited distribution, luxury consumers don't particularly 'buy' the idea that luxury is better when it is something exclusive. Rather they have a democratic view of luxury, as 77 percent of luxury consumers agreed, "Luxury is for everyone and different for everyone."
Exclusivity, in and of itself, brings little luxury value to today's democratically-attuned luxury consumer. Still, luxury consumers yearn for "specialness" in their experience. Rather than exclusivity, the American luxury consumer values the ability to express a personal point of view, an attitude and one's uniqueness. The challenge for luxury marketers is to make their customers feel special, but never let it morph into class snobbishness.
Luxury goods are better; Quality counts
One of the primary experiences luxury consumers expect in luxury items is superior quality, finer details, superior workmanship and materials. Nearly 90 percent of luxury consumers agree with the statement, "When you buy a luxury item, you expect it to be a cut above the average." It's this expectation of quality that makes luxury consumers willing to spend more to buy that extra feeling of confidence. But extra quality need not necessarily cost more.
Luxury consumers are bargain shoppers always looking for a good deal
While these consumers appreciate superior quality, they also get an experiential thrill from paying less for the best. Over 80 percent of luxury consumers agree with the statement, "I enjoy the feeling of buying luxuries on sale and usually search out the lowest price or the best value." Today's luxury consumers demand more value with their luxury. Consumers who can readily afford to pay full price are hesitant to do so as they actively shop for luxuries at a discount. They get a kick out of buying on sale, finding a bargain, winning at the shopping game.
The luxury consumer is highly invested in their lifestyle; They risk
little
The luxury lifestyle is something that consumers are heavily invested in maintaining. For luxury consumers once they have experienced luxury, they can't go back. It's a divide that says, "I have made it." Because luxury is tied up with creature comforts, consumers who achieve a luxury lifestyle are unwilling to make do with less or give up continued luxury. They continue to buy luxury because they appreciate the enhanced experience, but are not buying luxury to impart status or social advancement.
Luxury consumers exhibit differences of degree, not of kind
The differences we find within the luxury market are primarily behavioral, not motivational. Behaviorally, different consumers might buy more or less of a certain type of product, for example the more affluent buy more and spend more on luxuries. But as far as the motivations for buying luxuries goes, the differences are slight. All luxury consumers, up and down the income scale, gain their greatest luxury thrills from experiences.
For more information on the Luxury Report, 2004, visit
http://www.unitymarketingonline.com/reports2/luxury/luxury1.html
0431.10 Home Financial Management
***Quicken 2005 Contains More Than 100 Customer-Recommended Improvements; ''All Request'' Product Solves Bill Paying Concerns
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.
Aug. 11, 2004
Intuit Inc. has launched Quicken 2005 for Windows. With more than 100 customer-recommended improvements, the latest version of the nation's best-selling personal finance software addresses users' most requested suggestions. Quicken 2005 also solves many customers' biggest financial hassle: tracking and paying bills.
Despite improvements in technology -- or perhaps because of them -- many
Americans still struggle with the monthly task of paying bills. A wider
variety of choices to both receive and pay bills has made it difficult
to track and manage the process. The result: missed payments and late
fees.
Quicken 2005 Solves Tracking and Payment Problems
Today's consumers often face a dizzying array of bill-paying options. First, there are more ways to receive bill reminders, from standard mail to electronic bills to e-mail. And there are more options available to pay bills. The 2004 Quicken Financial Management Study found that almost two-thirds of Americans now pay bills in multiple ways, including by check, credit card, online payment through biller and financial Web sites, and automatic deductions from checking accounts.
Quicken 2005 balances the equation.
The new Monthly Bills and Scheduled Transactions Snapshot helps customers to easily schedule, pay, and track all monthly bills in one place -- no matter what method they used to pay their bills.
The Financial Management Study also showed that knowing there is enough money to cover upcoming bills is Americans' primary bill-paying concern. It is also the main factor in having confidence in their financial management.
Quicken 2005 gives users this confidence by enabling them to schedule both monthly and non-monthly bills and deposits in Quicken to accurately forecast their cash balance for the month. This provides the peace of mind of knowing that there is money available to cover upcoming expenses.
Quicken 2005 Built For Customers, By Customers
Quicken's success has been built on listening to customers and improving the product to meet their ever-changing needs. Over the past year, the Quicken team reviewed more than 30,000 suggestions from customers. The result is an "all request" version of Quicken with more than 100 improvements based directly on customer feedback. Some new and improved features in Quicken 2005 allow users to:
-- Customize downloaded transactions. Now, when a customer assigns a new payee name to a downloaded transaction, a rule is created. All future transactions that apply to that rule will be automatically renamed. Thus eliminating the need to continually retype downloads containing cryptic names and codes.
-- More accurately categorize transactions. Quicken becomes faster and easier for customers to use by automatically remembering the last five categories used for a transaction.
-- Better manage categories. The ability to edit, hide and merge categories gives users more control.
-- Flag transactions for follow-up. New eye-catching register flags and notes enable easy follow-up.
-- Sort and manage transaction information quickly. New register filters make it easier to customize the register to display only items that meet a certain criteria.
-- Manage account registers faster and easier. New register options provide easy ways to multi-select, delete, undo delete, reconcile and recategorize transactions.
-- Schedule transactions easier. New choices to schedule transactions make it easy to schedule exactly when a payment or deposit will hit the account.
Product Availability and Pricing
Quicken 2005 became widely available in retail stores on Aug. 11, 2004 and directly from Intuit. Suggested retail prices are:
-- Quicken 2005 Basic: $29.95.
-- Quicken 2005 Deluxe: $59.95.
-- Quicken 2005 Premier: $79.95.
-- Quicken 2005 Premier Home & Business: $89.95.
Study Reveals Americans Top Financial Concerns
The Quicken 2004 Personal Finance Study was commissioned to better understand the needs and concerns of Americans when it comes to managing their finances. It was conducted by Decipher, Inc., an independent, full-service market research firm from June 2-14, 2004. A random sample of 1,000 Americans nationwide was contacted via telephone and accessed the survey via Decipher's online system. For complete results from the study, visit
http://www.intuit.com/pressroom/quickenstudy
0431.11 Solar Powered Conservation
***Nation's First Completely Solar-powered CVB Website Prepares to Launch
PORTLAND, Ore.
Aug. 11, 2004
On September 1, 2004, the Portland Oregon Visitors Association (POVA) is scheduled to become the nation's first convention and visitors bureau (CVB) to launch a website 100 percent powered by solar energy. That's right, in a city renowned for its lush, abundant rainfall, the local CVB's website is transitioning to a completely solar-powered energy source. While this achievement may seem astonishing to non-Oregonians, such measures are expected by Portland's eco-centric citizens.
The improbable changeover was made possible by Solar Data Centers, Inc.
POVA is the first -- and currently only -- CVB to sign on with SDC.
Supplying a full range of web services to more than 300 clients, SDC
deals primarily with companies and associations interested in environmental
issues. For POVA, whose tourism slogan is "It's not easy being
green," the switch to a clean, renewable energy source made perfect
sense.
The switch to 100 percent solar power -- the cost of which is nearly identical to what POVA had paid for its previous, more conventionally powered website -- is the monthly equivalent of:
-- 1.72 acres of forest acres NOT being cut down
-- 16,286 auto miles NOT being driven
-- 4.32 tons of coal NOT being burned
-- 14,482 pounds of CO2 NOT being produced
POVA began shopping for a green Internet provider a few months ago. After reviewing Internet service providers utilizing wind, sun and other alternative energy sources, POVA settled on SDC for a variety of reasons. In addition to its commitment to renewable power, SDC offered a high level of Internet security, customer support, affordability and technical expertise.
POVA is a non-profit independent association whose mission is to strengthen the region's economy by marketing the metropolitan Portland area as a preferred destination for meetings, conventions and leisure travel.
http://www.solardatacenters.com
***VESA Introduces New 'Plug & Play' --PnP-- Standard Developed to Achieve True Display/Graphics Subsystem Plug & Play
MILPITAS, Calif.
Aug. 11, 2004
The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) has introduced a new standard designed to support ease of use and true Plug & Play capability for display and graphics subsystems in the personal computer.
Developed to address the rapid pace of new graphics hardware and software product introductions, the Plug & Play (PnP) Standard defines a procedure for Plug & Play in the display/graphics subsystem. It assumes that the graphics subsystem in the computer has been installed, enumerated and configured by a computer system and covers all operations that take place in the monitor, video interface, and from any sources of computer-generated images. These include graphics cards, chips or systems on a motherboard, tablet PCs, PDA, workstation computer or a notebook PC's external monitor video ports.
The new standard also incorporates references to operations that occur in the OS and in device drivers, and includes a list of required elements and processes for true PnP. One basic recommendation in the PnP standard suggests that the capabilities of the video generating hardware -- such as video pixel formats, color depth, vertical refresh rates, and others - match or exceed the capabilities of the monitor.
A significant group of industry leaders were active on the VESA PnP Task Group and supported the efforts to refocus the digital/graphics industry toward true Plug & Play. These included ATI, Dell, IBM, Genesis, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Samsung, Total Technologies, and ViewSonic.
The Video Electronics Standards Association is a worldwide organization with more than 115 member companies that promotes and develops timely, relevant, open display and display interface standards, ensuring interoperability, and encouraging innovation and market growth.
For more information about the new PnP standard, visit the VESA web site at
Power Information Network Reports: Consumer Demand for SUVs Weakening
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.
Aug. 12, 2004
Consumer demand for sport utility vehicles is weakening, according to recent transaction data from the Power Information Network (PIN), LLC. The data show that the number of days SUVs sit on dealer lots before selling has increased substantially over 2003. SUV prices have also declined while average new-vehicle prices have increased, and incentives increased more on SUVs from June to July than they did on any other type of new vehicle.
The number of days SUVs are on dealer lots (days to turn) increased from 60 days in July 2003 to 73 days in July 2004 -- a 22 percent increase. Days to turn for luxury SUVs increased by 47 percent, more than double the industry rate, as these vehicles sat on dealer lots for 50 days in July 2004 versus 34 days a year ago.
Further suggesting a weakening in the SUV sector, the average SUV transaction price dropped 2 percent (or $620) in July versus a year ago, while overall new-vehicle prices edged up slightly. Luxury SUVs exhibited the most weakness, as the average price slid almost 5 percent.
To spur consumer demand, new-vehicle manufacturers increased SUV incentives in July. The average total incentive expenditure per SUV in July was $3,440 -- up nearly 12 percent from June. This increase was almost twice the overall industry average increase.
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