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The WAVE Report on Digital Media
3D --- Media Creation --- Shared Space ---Published by 4th Wave, Inc.--- Issue #0440------------------10/15/04 |
The WAVE Report is Searchable on
http://www.3dlinks.com
http://www.wave-report.com
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0440.2 Story of the Issue
0440.3 VoIP Deployment
American Power Conversion Introduces an Application Resource Kit for High Availability Voice over IP
0430.4 AC Adapter Recall
CPSC, Dell Inc. Announce Recall of AC Adapters for Notebook Computers
0440.5 Ethernet Testing
0440.6 Identity Theft Protection
McAfee Inc. Offers Increased Identity Theft Protection in 2005 Version of McAfee Privacy Service
0440.7 Mesh Networking
Nortel Networks Wireless Mesh Network Solution Now Generally Available
0440.8 Online News Services
0440.9 Universal Power Source
Socket Delivers Take-Anywhere, Go-Anywhere Portable Power Source for Users 'On the Go'
0440.10 Electronics Recycling
0440.11 3G Application Development
Research and Markets: Mobile Operators Seeking Killer 3G Applications Face An Uphill Battle
0440.12 VoIP Management
Telchemy Announces General Availability of VSMON 2.1 Fault & Performance Technology
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***Microsoft Fixes 21 Security Vulnerabilities
Redmond, WA
12 October, 2004
Microsoft has released an unprecedented assortment of unrelated patches in several security bulletins, detailing at least 21 security vulnerabilities. Seven of the bulletins detail critical vulnerabilities. The list below presents the bulletins in order of severity:
1. Security update for all versions of Windows (except XP SP2).
This update fixes four issues, some of which are critical. Two flaws are local privilege escalations. One is a local- only Denial of Service. However, the worst is another image rendering flaw, following on the heels of the JPEG image processor vulnerability from mid-September. An attacker could send a specially-crafted Windows Metafile (WMF) or Enhanced Metafile (EMF) that, if opened, gives him total control of the victim's system.
2. Cumulative patch for Internet Explorer, which fixes eight things.
Two buffer overflows affect all versions of Windows (except XP SP2): one buffer overflow in Windows' shell, and one in the Program Group Converter. In both cases, if an attacker can entice you to his malicious Web page, he could execute code and possibly gain full control of your machine.
3. Vulnerability in Excel that allows code execution.
By sending you a specially-crafted Excel document, an attacker could gain total control of your system.
4. Buffer overflow in SMTP Server, which affects only 64-bit XP and Server 2003.
An attacker could send the SMTP Server a specially-crafted e-mail and gain control of the server.
5. Buffer overflow in the Network News Transfer Protocol (NNTP) service.
Affects most new versions of Windows. Although Windows servers don't often install NNTP by default, some versions of Windows install NNTP when IIS is installed. An attacker could send a specially-crafted news message and gain control of the server.
6. Buffer overflow in Network Dynamic Data Exchange (NetDDE) on all versions of Windows (except XP SP2).
Allows code execution. An attacker could send a specially- crafted message to the NetDDE service and gain full control of the system. However, the NetDDE service is not started by default.
7. Buffer overflow in compressed zipped folders (if using Windows' built-in zip recognition, not third-party file compression applications such as Winzip).
Only affects XP and Server 2003 (not XP SP2). By enticing you into opening a specially-crafted zipped folder, an attacker could gain control of your Windows system.
8. Denial of Service vulnerability in Windows 2000, XP and Server 2003 due to IIS WebDAV.
An attacker could send a specially-crafted packet that crashes your IIS Web service. IIS doesn't run by default in all of the versions of Windows affected, nor is WebDAV installed by default except on Windows 2000 machines.
9. Buffer overflow vulnerability in RCP on a Windows NT 4 machine.
An attacker can send a specially-crafted packet that either crashes the RPC service or, in some cases, can read portions of memory.
Access the Microsoft Security webpage for the further information and the downloads.
http://www.microsoft.com/security/default.mspx
***Spyware Remediation: It's Not "Mission Impossible"
By David M. Piscitello, President, Core Competence
This is what a serious spyware problem looks like:
The speedy PCs you recently purchased for your employees have slowed to a crawl. Your employees' browsers start with an unfamiliar home page and unseemly advertising. You try to visit Google to search an item, but the search page your browser presents looks nothing like Google, and the search results bear no resemblance to your queries. Popup ads appear more frequently than ever, even in applications that you never imagined supported popups, and even when you're not on line. Your credit company calls to confirm whether an employee recently purchased nine plasma TVs through your Small Business Loan.
You've got spyware! doesn't generate the same pleasant anticipation as You've got mail!, does it?
Small and medium businesses are ripe targets for spyware, but they don't have to remain so. SMBs can implement an effective anti-spyware program without making a large-enterprise-sized investment. By adopting programs and practices recommended here, and carefully selecting legitimate anti-spyware helpware, you can mount an effective defense against this serious problem. Follow the steps below and you'll break spyware's stranglehold on your network.
Step 1. Education
Your employees must understand the serious problems spyware creates. Post lists of known adware and spyware. Identify the many forms spyware assumes and the symptoms spyware exhibits. Incorporate spyware detection and removal into your help desk (support) process. Don't paralyze your employees with fear, but encourage them to act wisely, within the guidelines you've adopted in your Acceptable Use Policy.
Step 2. Policy
If antivirus software is mandatory for all employees, make anti-spyware software mandatory as well. (If anti-virus is not mandatory on your network, read no further until you've implemented an anti-virus program!) Incorporate safe browsing practices in your acceptable use policy: teach users how to distinguish between deceptive and legitimate advertising. Incorporate safe installation practices: teach users how to distinguish adware licenses from true free-, share- and commercial-ware licenses. You may want to restrict or prohibit anyone but administrators from downloading free- and shareware, or from installing programs at all. If these rules seem too Draconian for your corporate culture, ask employees to identify business-related software that might increase productivity. Then, investigate this software, and arrange to host it on an intranet server. Public peer-to-peer applications are notorious sources of spyware.
Many companies already block P2P because of the liabilities related to copyrights infringements. Spyware prevention provides additional justification for such a policy.
Finally, explicitly indicate that this policy applies to all computers that will connect to the company network. It's not uncommon today for SMBs to prohibit any non-company-administered computer from its network.
Step 3. Detect, Remove, and Protect!
Spyware and adware detection can be as simple as installing and running a single removal program. Small businesses can take advantage of some of the free or inexpensive standalone spyware removal tools. Three "general purpose" spyware detection and removal tools to consider are SpyBot – Search and Destroy and Javacool's one-two punch, Spyware Blaster and Spyware Guard.
SpyBot – Search and Destroy (donation ware) scans for and removes spyware. The intuitive reports identify the pest and the components affected. Spybot allows selective removal, provides logging, backup and recovery mechanisms (system restore points), and free updates to the pest database and software. SpyBot's immunization component is compatible with Javacool's products; in fact, it recommends you use Spyware Blaster for additional ActiveX protection.
Combined, Spyware Blaster and Spyware Guard provide protection against unintentional downloads and the installation of malicious ActiveX controls, and adware. They block browser hijacking and can restrict actions of spyware and tracking sites in Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox. Javacool provides automatic updates for both products. Javacool's products are donation ware. They are free for personal and educational use and ask businesses for a small annual fee for updates.
Two consumer-grade commercial products, Webroot's SpySweeper and Alluria's Spyware Eliminator, provide similar features. Both offer toll-free and e-mail customer support.
Medium businesses might be better off investigating and investing in corporate editions (network versions) of commercial anti-spyware such as Computer Associates' PestPatrol, and Dynacomm's I:scan. These provide centralized administration of installation, configuration, and scheduled operation. Commercial anti-virus software companies are expanding their product lines to include anti-spyware. Check with your vendor to see if you can leverage an existing investment in central AV administration to deal with spyware.
Step 4. Expanding your arsenal
Some spyware is really nasty. Detection and removal can be a labor-intensive task involving several tools. It's not uncommon to find a tool that removes some but not every trace of spyware. If you choose the freeware route, you will eventually compile a toolkit to detect and repair altered Registry entries, ActiveX controls, browser helper objects, and list items in Startup or IE folders, and hidden, installed applications.
Some tools excel in detecting adware and hostile cookies. Others are better at detecting Registry or browser issues, and some help resolve those irksome "Uninstall incomplete" situations.
Don't assume that consumer grade anti-spyware offers a comprehensive package of detection and removal tools. Some engage in near-deceptive advertising by boasting they detect more pests than their competitors. When tested, these proved to contain many false positives: Watchguard users will be amused to learn that Spywaremover identifies one of the dynamic link libraries that supports FSM (al_crypt.dll) as spyware, and Spy-AdExterminator identifies Citrix's GoToMyPC as spyware. Judge comparative reviews with a grain of salt as well. Some reviews for spyware software may be biased. None of the spyware reviewed at Spyware Removers Review proved as effective as programs I've mentioned. A better review is at TopTenReviews.com.
A good way to decide what tools best suit your organization's needs is to download and compare. First, choose a system that shows symptoms of spyware infestation. Odd as it sounds, you might want to use an employee's home computer (in my case, I used my son's). Install your anti-spyware products, and one by one, scan for spyware. Don't remove the spyware or you'll taint the comparison (a better methodology would be to create a disk image and restore this each time, but the crude comparison yields pretty good results in less time). Save or capture the results and compare. To see how valid the results are, use pestware encyclopedias from Pest Patrol and Kephyr, or use Google.
Step 5. Spyware defense in depth
An effective spyware strategy applies the time-tested security strategy of layered defenses. Consider implementing some of these additional precautions and countermeasures:
Maintain current patch levels for Windows OS and Internet Explorer (if
your organization uses a browser other than IE, keep current with new
versions and patches for this software as well).
Monitor bug reporting lists for browser and Operating System vulnerabilities
that might offer exploit paths for spyware.
Configure safe ActiveX security settings.
Block Ad servers. Resolve domain names of known ad servers to 0.0.0.0 in a hosts file or at your DNS, or identify restricted sites in IE (see IE-SPYAD, above).
Add known Ad servers list in your firewall's blocked sites or WebBlocker denied sites lists on your firewall (Note: the list is very long so you may wish to start with the frequent and repugnant offenders).
Block potentially dangerous file types by content type (S/MIME type) at your firewall using HTTP-Proxy.
Stay informed. Visit some of the many valuable Spyware discussion and resource sites.
Spyware is frustrating and dangerous. It deserves as much attention as spam and antivirus. Employing these measures will help you maintain productivity and good performance. They will also protect your users from privacy violations and identity theft, and guard your company from spyware-related liabilities.
This article and others can be read at
***American Power Conversion Introduces an Application Resource Kit for High Availability Voice over IP
WEST KINGSTON, R.I.
Oct. 13, 2004
American Power Conversion has announced it is offering an Application Resource Kit to IT executives to help them identify any challenges or vulnerabilities associated with VoIP applications that may affect network availability.
Network-critical physical infrastructure (NCPI), which includes power, racks, cooling, service and management, is as critical to assess as the network itself for successful VoIP and IP Telephony deployment. APC's new VoIP kit helps IT executives successfully deploy these applications in a small, medium or large enterprise by helping them assess their company's NCPI to determine if the firm has end-to-end protection for a highly available network.
APC's VoIP kit provides detailed information about how IT executives can increase availability in all layers of their converged network including desktop, intermediate distribution frame (IDF), main distribution frame (MDF), and data centers. The kit includes information on upcoming on-line educational forums such as local roundtables and events, Webinars, and third- party hosted Webcasts, as well as a variety of literature. The kit includes application overviews on "General Considerations for Designing Highly Available Solutions," "Key Customer Challenges by VoIP Layer," as well as solutions for all VoIP layers in all NCPI areas. Application resources are also included such as APC's popular white paper on "Power and Cooling for VoIP and IT Telephony Applications," and two application notes: "APC Power Protection for Cisco VoIP and IP Telephony Solutions," and "APC Solutions for Nortel's Business Communications Manager."
VoIP and IP Telephony installations continue to increase worldwide across companies of all sizes because of the cost savings they offer. When companies utilize a single network for voice, video and data, however, tolerance to downtime becomes zero and the need for availability significantly increases.
The comprehensive solution set for each layer includes APC's integrated InfraStruXure system made up of power, cooling, management and services in a rack-optimized design, as well as Smart-UPS, Symmetra and Back-UPS power protection. APC's Smart-UPS line offers performance power protection with scalable runtime ideal for wiring closets and small data centers running voice/data network applications. APC's Symmetra line offers high-performance, redundant power protection with scalable power and runtime suitable for wiring closets through to large data centers utilizing voice/data applications. Additionally, APC's popular Back-UPS line offers leading-edge power protection for voice/data applications in home and office environments.
IT executives can access the VoIP resource kit by visiting
and entering key code u625y
For more information on APC's InfraStruXure solution and the company's other products, visit
***CPSC, Dell Inc. Announce Recall of AC Adapters for Notebook Computers
WASHINGTON, DC
Oct. 8, 2004
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Dell Inc. and Delta Electronics Inc., has announced the voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled product immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of product: AC adapters used with notebook personal computer
Units: About 990,000
Manufacturer: Delta Electronics Inc., of Taipei, Taiwan
Importer/Distributor: Dell Inc., of Round Rock, Texas
Hazard: The adapters can overheat, posing a risk of fire and electrical shock hazards to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Dell has received seven reports of incidents of adapters overheating, though no injuries have been reported.
Description: The recalled AC adapters were used with Dell Latitude(TM), Precision(TM), and Inspiron(TM) notebook-style personal computers. The notebook computers have the following model number, which can be found either screened onto the surface of the computer or printed on a label on the bottom of the computer:
* Latitude: CP, CPi, CPiA, CPtC, CPiR, CPxH, CPtV, CS, CSx, CPxJ, CPtS, C500, C510, C600, C610, C800, C810, V700, C- Dock, C-Port* Inspiron: 2500, 2600, 3700, 3800, 4000, 4100, 4150, 5000, 5000e, 7500, 7550, 8000, 8100, Advanced Port Replicator, Docking Station
* Precision: M40
The recalled adapters have the words "DELL" and "P/N 9364U," P/N 7832D" or "P/N 4983D" printed on the back of the unit.
Sold through: Dell's Web site and customer service center sold the computers with adapters from September 1998 through February 2002 for about $1,500 to about $3,200. The adapters also were sold separately for between $30 and $70. The advanced port replicators and docking stations sold for between $300 and $600.
Manufactured in: China.
Remedy: Consumers with these adapters should immediately contact Dell to determine if they are included in this recall. Not all adapters listed above are being recalled. Do not use any recalled adapters. Dell will send consumers with recalled adapters a free replacement adapter.
Consumer Contact: Consumer should call Dell at (800) 418-8590 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, log on to Dell's Web site at
http://www.delladapterprogram.com/
***EXFO Releases New Software Suite for Ethernet Testing
QUEBEC CITY, Canada
Oct. 12, 2004
EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering Inc. has announced the availability of a new software suite for its FTB-8510 Packet Blazer Ethernet test module that significantly enhances performance assurance testing.
As high-speed Ethernet service deployment continues to gain momentum, service providers must thoroughly test their converged, IP-based networks in order to ensure conformance to service level agreements (SLAs), since delay-sensitive applications such as voice- and video-over-IP are increasingly being introduced. To enable service providers to address these evolving needs, EXFO has added advanced Ethernet testing capabilities to its proven Packet Blazer module.
These new test capabilities include packet jitter (frame delay variation), multiple stream generation and analysis as well as dual test-set mode for frame analysis. The packet-jitter measurement, based on the RFC 3393 industry standard (IP packet-delay variation metric for IP performance metrics (IPPM)), characterizes the capabilities of networks to carry delay-sensitive applications like voice-over-IP (VoIP) and video-on-demand (VoD). With the multiple stream feature, users can set and analyze up to 10 different traffic flows, enabling the testing of different quality of service (QoS) levels on Ethernet circuits while also verifying the prioritization scheme used in the network. Finally, the dual test-set feature enables the user to remotely control a distant Packet Blazer unit through the bandwidth under test.
All of these new features are available on the FTB-8510 Packet Blazer test module. The FTB-8510 Packet Blazer, an interchangeable test module housed inside EXFO's widely deployed FTB-400 Universal Test System (UTS), is ideally suited for field and central office applications.
About the Packet Blazer
Offered as a test module inside the FTB-400 UTS, the Packet Blazer brings service-level agreement verification to Ethernet-based packet services. The Packet Blazer tests Ethernet connectivity in its native format: 10/100/1000 Base-T, 1000 Base-SX, 1000 Base-LX and 1000 Base-ZX for LAN-to-LAN services delivered via ATM, frame relay, next-generation SONET/SDH, switched Ethernet, VLANs, dark fiber, wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) or other means. The Packet Blazer also features EXFO's unique EtherBERT(TM) technology (patent pending) that provides bit-error-rate testing of Gigabit Ethernet interfaces. This test solution is mostly used for WDM testing to assess quality of transmission.
0440.6 Identity Theft Protection
***McAfee Inc. Offers Increased Identity Theft Protection in 2005 Version of McAfee Privacy Service
SANTA CLARA, Calif.
Oct. 12, 2004
McAfee, Inc. has announced the release of McAfee Privacy Service 2005, an easy-to-use Internet defense that helps protect home users from exposing confidential information to cyber threats, including identity thieves, hackers and "phishing" scams. The new version, available on the Company's website, incorporates enhanced identity theft protection and advertisement blocking, which makes it easier to help block the transmission of private information and filter out undesirable content. McAfee Privacy Service 2005 also now includes McAfee Shredder, which serves as a digital document shredder, enhancing user privacy by helping to eradicate the digital footprints left behind by erased files that hackers or other unauthorized users can access.
McAfee Privacy Service proactively protects a user's personal information by generating a customized encrypted database of personal information that the user does not want submitted over the Internet. When a Web site or other mechanism attempts to send out information identified as private or sensitive, the data is removed as part of the transmission by McAfee Privacy Service, helping to ensure the user's privacy and safety. As new criminal methods and scams proliferate online, McAfee provides automatic updates to the product, keeping users protected against these ever-changing threats.
McAfee Privacy Service 2005 product highlights include the following:
-- Identity Theft Protection now asks permission before personally identifiable information -- e.g. PINs, bank accounts, Social Security numbers and family names, are sent from the user's PC.
-- McAfee Shredder now helps permanently delete file traces from the user's hard drive, removing digital footprints that hackers and other identity thieves look to exploit to recover personal data.
-- Advertisement Blocking now helps stop intrusive online ads, including pop-ups and web-bugs that can slow Web surfing or download malicious code to the user's computer.
-- Cookie Blocking helps prevent Web sites from placing cookies on the user's computer and allows the selective acceptance and management of cookies from a list of Web sites the user chooses.
-- Administrator Setup Assistant provides simple, step-by- step instructions that help setup the Administrator account in just seconds.
-- Automatic Content Scanning saves time and increases confidence by running automatically in the background.
-- Parental Controls allows the Administrator to block Web sites, filter chats and content, set individual access levels, redirect to "safe" pages and implement Internet time restrictions.
-- Event Logging creates a comprehensive event log that lists Web sites visited, Web sites blocked, inappropriate chat sessions, as well as a host of other administrative and user events.
-- Default 'Start-Up' User automatically authenticates once the user's computer is started, allowing for immediate protection and no need for the user to remember a password.
McAfee Privacy Service is available immediately as an annual subscription
service on the Company's website,
***Nortel Networks Wireless Mesh Network Solution Now Generally Available; Announces New Deployment, Delivers Secure Cost-Effective Wireless Broadband Services
DALLAS, TX
Oct. 13, 2004
Nortel Networks has announced general availability of its Wireless Mesh Network solution, a new enhanced wireless local area network (LAN) architecture designed to go beyond traditional Wi-Fi hot spots to provide secure wireless coverage indoors and outdoors throughout an urban area or large campus.
Data Ventures, Inc., a communications company delivering enhanced broadband connectivity to public and private communities seeking their own network solution, is deploying Nortel Networks Wireless Mesh Network solution in cities throughout the United States.
Comprised of Nortel Networks Wireless Access Point 7220 and Wireless Gateway 7250, Nortel Networks Wireless Mesh Network solution significantly reduces the cost of transporting high-speed wireless data from Wi-Fi networks to broadband networks. It allows enterprises or service providers to install wireless LANs in areas where it is difficult or cost-prohibitive to run cables. This approach can drastically reduce the complexity and cost of deploying a traditional wireless LAN.
Nortel Networks innovative Wireless Mesh Network solution uses wireless links to connect access points installed inside or outside to provide secure, seamless access to wireless broadband services. The solution enables seamless roaming between access points, which means that users do not lose wireless connections as they move from one access point to another. In addition, Nortel Networks Wireless Mesh solution uses the Wi-Fi 802.11b standard, allowing users with Wi-Fi enabled laptop computers or handheld computing devices to access the network without new hardware or software.
In addition to reduced capital and operating costs, enterprises such as hospitals, manufacturing facilities and corporate, retail and educational campuses can benefit from an increase in end-user productivity through expanded and secure connectivity to key data network resources. For example, the National Taiwan University has deployed Nortel Networks Wireless Mesh Network solution to support a wide range of multimedia applications and features, including Web browsing, audio and video streaming and e-mail access for wireless devices. Nortel Networks and NTU have also demonstrated advanced services over Wireless Mesh, including video streaming, Wi-Fi voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and seamless coverage among access points while driving at speeds up to 50 kilometers per hour.
Governments and municipalities can benefit from using Nortel Networks Wireless Mesh Network solution through increased revenue generation and heightened employee and citizen safety. For example, municipalities using wireless LAN access can stimulate business development by promoting use of seamless wireless services throughout a city. Government agencies can use wireless LAN access to improve operations and communications at military facilities, as well as to provide Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) emergency response teams with near-instant wireless LAN communications at disaster sites.
Nortel Networks Wireless Mesh Network solution incorporates 'auto discovery' and 'self healing' capabilities to simplify deployment and reduce service outages by automatically reconfiguring the network as access points are added or removed. The self-organizing and RF optimization capabilities of the architecture significantly reduce the need for RF engineering or commissioning, enabling installation in any location where power is available and significantly increasing the reach of wireless LAN coverage.
The Wireless Mesh Network portfolio complements Nortel Networks award-winning WLAN 2200 Series, introduced in March 2003. The WLAN 2200 Series provides a complete, end-to-end wireless networking solution for enterprise campus environments, serving as an extension of the wired communications infrastructure.
http://www.nortelnetworks.com/media_center
***Reuters Launches Interactive TV News Channel Available on Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
NEW YORK
Oct. 12, 2004
Reuters has launched an interactive TV news channel offering consumers video news stories from its news bureaus around the world direct to their home. The service is one of the first video news channels to be available on Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005.
The channel, available initially in the U.S. market, gives consumers access to a selection of Reuters video footage used by TV news editors around the world. Users can see the latest business and market news via packaged reports from key financial cities. They can also watch unedited and natural sound footage of breaking world news, offering a broader perspective than many traditional TV news clips. Entertainment, fashion, and human interest news stories are also covered.
The TV service, delivered over the internet via the Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, offers on-demand streamed video. With PCs running Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, consumers get the latest version of Windows for the home that offers the capabilities of a Windows XP-based PC with exciting new experiences for music, digital photography, movies, television and more.
Using the system's remote control, viewers can select news categories and scroll through simple menus to the story they want to watch. The channel allows users to keep up-to-date on the latest stories as well as catch-up on stories they may have missed over the last seven days.
***Socket Delivers Take-Anywhere, Go-Anywhere Portable Power Source for Users 'On the Go'
NEWARK, Calif.
Oct. 12, 2004
Socket Communications, Inc. has announced the Mobile Power Pack, a small and light-weight mobile charging source for users of portable electronic devices such as Pocket PCs, PalmOne devices, cell phones, Smartphones, BlackBerry's, digital cameras, and MP3 players, as well as Socket products such as the Cordless GPS receiver, Cordless Modem, Cordless Serial Adapter, and Cordless Hand Scanner. By eliminating the need for multiple battery packs and extending battery life, the product gives mobile users the freedom to use their electronic devices anywhere, whether on a plane or camping.
Socket's Mobile Power Pack is a rechargeable Lithium ion battery pack with a capacity of 7,200 mAh and can extend the run time of an average Pocket PC up to 16 hours -- even while operating with accessories and full backlight. The Power Pack is both small -- dimensions are 4"x 3"x 1" -- and light -- it weighs only 11 ounces. It will charge or operate any compatible device that uses an input voltage of +5 volts DC.
The Power Pack has the ability to charge most products that draw power from a USB port. It powers devices by simply plugging in a compatible connector to the Mobile Power Pack. Included with the product are a black soft leather case, a travel pouch, DC output cord, and AC adapter with four input plugs for use in the U.S., Europe, United Kingdom, and Australia.
Availability
Socket's Mobile Power Pack will be available during the first week of November 2004 through Socket's website
***Sony Electronics Opens Recycling Center at New Headquarters; Envirocycle Inc. and Sony Sign Agreement for Post-Consumer Recycling Operation
SAN DIEGO. CA
Oct. 12, 2004
As part of Sony Electronics' continued focus on environmental protection and conservation efforts, the company today announced an agreement with Envirocycle Inc. for the operation of a post-consumer electronics recycling operation at the electronics company's Southern California headquarters.
The 25,000-square-foot facility located on the Sony campus in Rancho Bernardo will be operated and managed by Envirocycle Inc. The facility will recycle televisions, computer display monitors and laptop computers. Consumers will benefit by having a convenient recycling facility to service Southern California and support recycling programs located in San Diego.
Sony Electronics is a leader in the recycling of consumer electronics, as this will be the second recycling center managed by Envirocycle at a major Sony U.S. facility. It will also be the fourth center dedicated by Sony Electronics to recycling waste electronics generated from the United States market. Sony has a more than ten-year working relationship with Envirocycle to collect, recycle and reuse post-consumer materials.
0440.11 3G Application Development
***Research and Markets: Mobile Operators Seeking Killer 3G Applications Face An Uphill Battle
DUBLIN, Ireland
Oct. 7, 2004
Research and Markets has announced the addition of The Real Demand for 3G Applications in Asia to their offering.
Mobile operators seeking killer 3G applications are facing an uphill battle. Actual user demand for current 3G offerings is likely to be quite limited, resulting in significant challenges to create the desired revenue from 3G services.
Current thinking is that users are looking for email access, online gaming, video conferencing and location based services. But is this really what consumers want? Is it what they will pay for? Or is it simply only what can be provided just now?
Research and Markets has recently completed the industry's first in-depth user analysis on 3G applications and provides a timely perspective on what are the expectations, wants and needs of the mobile user.
This research report provides an understanding of end user needs and segments -- which will allow the service provider to create a unique end-to-end strategy that will generate new user revenues as they move to 3G.
Key questions asked to users in this unique 3G Application Research include:
Q1. Mobile People Finder
Q2. Navigational Aids - Public Transportation
Q3. Navigational Aids - Driving Assistance
Q4. Instant Messaging
Q5. Video Conferencing
Q6. Video Clips On Demand
Q7. Music Downloads
Q8. Internet Connectivity
Q9. Dating & Matchmaking
Q10. Gaming 26
Countries Covered
Interviews and focus groups were conducted in the markets of:
- China
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
Report Contents:
CHAPTER 1. Executive Summary
CHAPTER 2. Current Asia 3G Developments
CHAPTER 3. User Needs Analysis - China
CHAPTER 4. User Needs and Wants Analysis - Hong Kong.
CHAPTER 5. User Needs and Wants Analysis - Singapore.
CHAPTER 6. User Needs and Wants Analysis - Malaysia.
For more information visit
http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/53069
***Telchemy Announces General Availability of VSMON 2.1 Fault & Performance Technology
Suwanee, GA
October 11, 2004
Telchemy, Inc. has announced general availability of version 2.1 for its VQmon family of VoIP fault and performance management products, specifically: VQmon/EP (End Point) and VQmon/SA (Stream Analysis).
To support the performance management needs of advanced real-time services, VQmon 2.1 supports two important new features. VQmon provides wideband codec support thereby enabling its use with enhanced audio quality applications, and VQmon/SA supports the monitoring of VoWLAN impairments related to handoffs and the effect of radio performance on packet delays. In addition, both VQmon EP and SA 2.1 support RFC3611 (RTCP XR) and QoS reporting requirements for H.323, Megaco and G.799.1, the new trunking gateway standard.
Other key features of VQmon EP and SA 2.1 include:
full extended E model (G.107 with TS 101 329-5 Annex E)
real-time alert generation
support for jitter buffers that discard fractional packets
dynamic configuration of VQmon-based probes.
Available immediately, VQmon 2.1 pricing consists of source license, nominal run-time royalties and maintenance fees. For more information about VQmon 2.1, including how to obtain an evaluation copy of the software, contact Telchemy at
0440.13 And Finally, Text Messaging
Text Messaging More Popular Than Ever on College Campuses; Tips For Getting Started and Staying on Top of the Trend
DULLES, Va.
Oct. 12, 2004
Look around your campus this fall, and you'll find that not only does virtually every student have a cell phone, but that many students are sending SMS text messages and mobile instant messages from campus dorms, dining halls and hangouts -- even from the classroom.
Texting is on the rise, with an explosion in popularity taking place all across the nation. At the forefront of this text messaging boom are trend-setting teens and young adults. In fact, more than one in three (36 percent) college-age students (ages 18-21) send mobile messages from their cell phones, according to a recent study conducted by Opinion Research Corporation.
Whether students on campus are just starting to send text messages or are looking for ways to text more quickly, the following tips can help students take hold of this hot texting trend that's sweeping college campuses this year.
1) How-To: Send Text Messages from Phone to Phone. It's easy to exchange text messages with anyone who has a text-enabled mobile phone (nearly all phones are these days) or PDA. Even if you and your friends have different wireless providers, you can just enter the ten-digit wireless phone number into the "to" field and text away.
2) How-To: Send Instant Messages from Phone to Phone. If you and your friends or co-workers use instant messaging (IM) on the desktop, it's easy to continue the conversation on-the-go. Many mobile phones and PDAs have built-in "Mobile IM" features, and most phones can download mobile versions of popular IM services like the AOL(R) Instant Messenger(TM) (AIM(R)) service (found at www.aolmobile.com). Be sure to set up IM forwarding when you leave your computer to re-direct IMs to your phone and stay in touch wherever you go.
3) How-To: Send Mobile Messages from Your Computer. It's a snap to send messages from your computer to friends on mobile phones or PDAs via your instant messaging service. If your 'Buddies' have activated IM forwarding, you can simply carry on your IM chat as usual. If not, you can send a text message to anyone by entering +1 and the ten-digit wireless phone number into the "to" field of the IM window where you normally enter their IM screen name.
4) How-To: Save Money on Mobile Messaging. Check with your mobile service provider to make sure you have the right service plan. Whether you send a few or a lot of text messages each month, you should have the text message plan that meets your needs.
5) How-To: Send All Mobile Messages Faster. If you want to speed up your texting experience, activate the predictive text input feature on your mobile phone or PDA. This helpful tool, most often provided by T9(R) Text Input software, enables you to enter words with just one key press per letter - including slang phrases like GR8 ("great") and LOL ("laughing out loud"). Twice as fast as multi-tap, T9 is also smart. It learns new words and adapts to the way you text. Available on 800 popular models, T9 is probably already on your phone or PDA.
To help texters stay on top of the latest slang terms, Tegic Communications, makers of T9 Text Input, put together the "Lingo Dictionary," a resource for today's texters. Available as a free download at
http://www.t9.com/t9dictionary
expert texters as well as those new to sending messages from their mobile phones and PDAs can get up to speed and take advantage of this great time-saving tool.
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