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The WAVE Report on Digital Media
3D --- Media Creation --- Shared Space ---Published by 4th Wave, Inc.--- Issue #0529------------------7/22/05 |
The WAVE Report is Searchable on
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ABI Research Shines a Spotlight on AdvancedTCA and the 3G Market
0529.2 Data Protection
Ontrack Data Recovery Advises Computer Users about Severe Summer Weather
0529.3 Connected Homes
0529.4 IT Certification
The Open Group Launches Global Certification Program for IT Architects
0529.5 Power Management
0529.6 R&D Opportunities
0529.7 Defeating Hackers
Addison-Wesley Professional Announces Rootkits: Subverting the Windows Kernel
0529.8 Satellite Radio Futures
Kagan Forecasts 46.8 mil. Satellite Radio Subscribers by 2014
0529.9 Materials Advances
0529.10 Telecom Bundles
In-Stat Survey Indicates Solid Growth of Bundled Telecom Services
0529.11 VoIP Growth Forecast
North American Residential VoIP Market Poised to Increase Growth Rates by Entering the Mass Market
0529.12 Wi-Mesh Standards
Wi-Mesh Alliance to Present Proposal to IEEE 802.11 Task Group S
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0529.1 3G Standards
***ABI Research Shines a Spotlight on AdvancedTCA and the 3G Market
OYSTER BAY, N.Y.
July 19, 2005
AdvancedTCA is a set of industry standard specifications developed by the PC Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group. As prominent group member Intel describes it, ATCA "provides standardized platform architecture for carrier-grade telecommunication applications." It defines form factors and module requirements for the next generation of carrier grade communications equipment, including 3G.
ABI Research is releasing a new study that reviews the technology considerations for the AdvancedTCA standard and the benefits that it presents to system vendors, component manufacturers and service providers. "ATCA and the 3G Market" specifically focuses on the impact that AdvancedTCA will have on the equipment market for 3G, and provides a forecast for shipments, pricing and market value of 3G equipment that is based on AdvancedTCA standards.
While interest in ATCA has grown significantly only in the last six to twelve months, according to ABI, a number of important names in the industry are lining up behind the standard. As well as Intel, backers include AMCC, Siemens, Huawei, UTStarcom, Fujitsu and Korea Telecom. Korea was in fact the first market to embrace the standard.
According to the study, ATCA compliance is still in its infancy. ABI believes that larger-scale adoption will be driven by additional specifications such as MicroTCA -- variations for newer technical developments which should appeal to a wider market of smaller, cost-conscious vendors.
ABI Research expects that nearly a quarter of all UMTS deployments will adhere to the standard by the end of 2010.
Founded in 1990 and headquartered in New York, ABI Research maintains global operations supporting annual research programs, intelligence services and market reports in automotive, wireless, semiconductors, broadband, and energy.
***Ontrack Data Recovery Advises Computer Users about Severe Summer Weather; Predictions of Bad Hurricane Season Dictate Proactive Measures against Data Loss
MINNEAPOLIS
July 19, 2005
The hurricane season can be as destructive to computer data as it is to property, according to Ontrack Data Recovery. With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicting 12 to 15 tropical storms this year, the Atlantic Seaboard and Gulf Coast will likely be in for another bad hurricane season.
To help computer users prepare for the upcoming hurricane season and other severe summer weather, Ontrack offers these tips to help protect against damage from severe weather and lessen the chances of data loss if damage does occur:
-- Do not shake, disassemble or attempt to clean any hard drive or server that has been damaged - improper handling can make recovery operations more difficult which can lead to valuable information being lost;
-- Lightning can be a significant problem during summer storms. Make sure to install a surge protector between the power source and the computer's power cable - and spend the extra $20-$30 to get an actual surge protector, not a power strip;
-- Check protection devices regularly: At least once a year you should inspect your power protection devices to make sure that they are functioning properly. Most good ones will have a signaling light to tell you when they are protecting your equipment properly;
-- Businesses with network servers should invest in some form of Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), which uses batteries to keep servers running during power outages;
-- Summer heat also can be a significant problem. Keep your computer in a cool, dry area to prevent overheating;
-- Never attempt to dry water-damaged media by opening it or exposing it to heat - such as that from a hairdryer;
-- Do not attempt to operate visibly damaged devices;
-- For mission critical situations, contact a data recovery professional before any attempts are made to reconfigure, reinstall or reformat.
***Internet Home Alliance Opens Member Meetings to Non-Members; Next Meeting to be Held October 3-4 in Las Vegas
MONTEREY, Calif.
July 18, 2005
Internet Home Alliance, a cross-industry network of companies conducting collaborative research to advance the connected home space, announced that it will open its bi-annual meetings, previously for members only, to non-member companies.
The Alliance's next Collaborative Research Planning Session will take place October 3-4, 2005, at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, in conjunction with the Connected@Home 2005 Conference & Expo, produced by CABA, and the 2005 Fiber-to-the-Home Conference & Expo. Tickets to the Alliance meeting are complimentary for Alliance members; a limited number of tickets are available for non-members.
During the meeting, Alliance members -- such as Cisco, General Motors, Hewlett Packard, Invensys, Microsoft, Panasonic of North America, SBC Communications, Sears and Whirlpool -- and other attendees will hear the results of the Alliance's new State of the Connected Home Market Research, the Alliance's comprehensive annual research study into the digital home market. Among other insights, the research will reveal what specific digital home products and services consumers want now.
After the research presentation, attendees will participate in a variety of ideation sessions during which they will work side-by-side with other attendees to apply what they've learned from the research to develop relevant and viable connected home product and service concepts for testing within the Alliance's highly-regarded collaborative research program. The Alliance conducts various kinds of digital home research on an ongoing basis, providing key learnings to members and the industry.
To register for the Alliance meeting, visit
http://www.internethomealliance.com/events_mkting/industry_conference.asp
***The Open Group Launches Global Certification Program for IT Architects; Establishes New Industry Benchmark for IT Architecture Practitioners
NEW YORK
July 19, 2005
The Open Group, along with other industry leaders including IBM, Hewlett Packard, and Capgemini, announced that its IT Architect Certification program is "open for business." Experienced IT Architects can now apply for certification in the program.
Developed in response to the increasing demand for experienced IT architects, the program defines a set of worldwide standards for measuring the skills and experience of IT architects and for the operation of IT architecture practices within enterprises. The Open Group IT Architect Certification program will offer the first independent, comprehensive, global certification for determining the skills, experience and knowledge of a professional IT architect.
Establishing an experience and skill baseline, and setting certification criteria for IT architects will bring a number of benefits to customers, companies, governments, academic institutions, as well as individuals.
Organizations will gain an industry-wide benchmark for selecting qualified individuals to lead their critical programs, and will be able to verify their status in The Open Group Certification Directory. Companies with internal IT architect programs will gain credibility and increased stature for their programs. Certified professionals will get portable credentials and be able to choose the best of the available positions. Academic institutions will be able to use the skills criteria for fine-tuning their curriculum focused on IT architecture. And finally, a recognized certification standard will help ensure further industry development and elevate the practice of IT architecture and the professionals who perform it.
Certification and Accreditation Criteria and Process
IT architects who wish to be certified will need to meet the required levels of experience and skill and will be interviewed by a peer panel of Certified IT Architects. They will be able to achieve the IT Architect Certification in two ways: either by applying directly to The Open Group, or by going through a certification program that has been accredited by The Open Group. The skill and experience requirements for both the Direct Certification and the Accredited Certification are the same.
All third-party IT architect certification and professional development programs are eligible for assessment, including programs operated by major consulting firms. Those meeting the requirements will be accredited.
Certified IT Architects will be entitled to use an official certification mark as an indication of their status, and will be listed for public reference in the Certification Directory maintained by The Open Group.
***New Power Management ICs from Microchip Technology Combine Discrete Functions into Low-Power Single-Chip Solutions
CHANDLER, Ariz.
July 20, 2005
Microchip Technology Inc. introduced the TC1303/TC1304 and TC1313 series of power management integrated circuits that combine a synchronous buck switching regulator, low dropout regulator (LDO) and power-good function into single-chip solutions. These five new devices offer low-power and low-cost advantages for a variety of battery-operated and dual-output-voltage systems.
The five power management devices being announced are the:
-- TC1303A: A 500 milliAmp synchronous buck regulator and 300 milliAmp LDO with a power-good function on the dc-to-dc converter output.
-- TC1303B: A 500 milliAmp synchronous buck regulator and 300 milliAmp LDO with a power-good function on the LDO output.
-- TC1303C: A 500 milliAmp synchronous buck regulator and 300 milliAmp LDO with a power-good function on the LDO and dc-to-dc converter outputs.
-- TC1304: A 500 milliAmp synchronous buck regulator and 300 milliAmp LDO with power sequencing.
-- TC1313: A 500 milliAmp synchronous buck regulator and 300 milliAmp LDO.
These new devices provide a very cost-effective solution with minimal board space because of the high-frequency operation of the buck converter, which reduces the size requirements of the external inductor and capacitor; the minimal external component requirement by the LDO and the small DFN (dual flat no leads) package size.
The devices are externally compensated and offer a number of protection features, including undervoltage lockout (UVLO), overtemperature protection and output short circuit protection. The TC1303/TC1313 devices offer individual shutdown controls for the two regulators, and an operating junction temperature range of -40 degrees Celsius to +125 degrees Celsius. The small thermally enhanced package (10-lead, 3x3mm DFN) minimizes board space and allows for excess heat to be extracted from the package.
The TC1303/TC1304 and TC1313 series provide an ideal solution for applications like: computing (FPGA power source) and hand-held, battery-powered products (cell phones and MP3 players). For computers, the TC1303 family provides an excellent solution for supplying dual output voltages for core voltage and I/O requirements. In addition, the power-good function can be used to signal when the power is within specific limits. Or, the TC1304 can be used to sequence power so that voltage is applied to one circuit before the other is powered up.
For hand-held battery-powered applications, the TC1303/TC1304 and TC1313 series provide an ideal fit because they have low quiescent current, power savings PFM mode and high conversion efficiency along with an auxiliary LDO for various applications. The major application is to supply low voltage core voltages and higher voltages for the I/O from a Lithium-Ion battery source.
***2005 Naval-Industry R&D Partnership Conference: ''Enabling Naval Innovations to Win the Global War on Terrorism''
ARLINGTON, Va.
July 19, 2005
The 2005 Naval-Industry R&D Partnership Conference will take place July 26-29 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. The theme, "Enabling Naval Innovations to Win the Global War on Terrorism," will promote the Navy/Marine Corps objective to rapidly develop and implement innovative solutions to the unique challenges of this war.
The conference will highlight areas of significant challenge that naval forces face as the nature of warfighting evolves and how the strategy for meeting those challenges has changed. Sessions will focus on accelerating the identification, development, and deployment of technologies to support the operational demands of our naval forces. Breakout and plenary sessions will allow attendees to learn about funding and research priorities directly from ONR, Marine Corps, and Program Executive Offices program managers.
A Marketplace has been incorporated as a key feature of the conference, promoting participant interaction. It will provide two types of scheduled one-on-one interactions: prime contractors with small businesses and government with industry.
The conference will showcase ONR's Future Naval Capabilities (FNC) New Starts and Business Opportunities for FY06 and beyond. A comprehensive overview of the FNC program will provide key insights into the process and structure of the FNC program.
Speakers include:
-- Dr. John Marburger, Director, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Science Advisor to the President
-- Vice Admiral John G. Morgan Jr., Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information, Plans, and Strategy
-- General William L. Nyland, USMC, (Invited) Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps
-- Major General Jon A. Gallinetti, USMC, U.S. Joint Forces Command, Commander Joint Warfighting Center, Director Joint Training, J-7
-- Dr. John J. Hamre, President and CEO of the Center for Strategic International Studies
To learn more about the conference and register to attend, visit
and type in the keyword "RD"
***Addison-Wesley Professional Announces Rootkits: Subverting the Windows Kernel
BOSTON
July 20, 2005
Addison-Wesley Professional has announced the introduction of the world's first comprehensive guide to rootkits.
The ultimate backdoor, rootkits give hackers ongoing and virtually undetectable access to the systems they exploit. Now, two of the world's leading experts have written the first comprehensive guide to rootkits: what they are, how they work, how to build them, and how to detect them. Rootkit.com's Greg Hoglund and James Butler created and teach Black Hat's legendary course in rootkits. (Black Hat is an event where security professionals discuss their research, projects, and business strategies). In this book, they reveal never-before-told aspects of rootkit technology, including how attackers can get in and stay in for years, without detection.
After reading this book, readers will be able to: understand the role of rootkits in remote command/control and software eavesdropping; build kernel rootkits that can make processes, files, and directories invisible; master key rootkit programming techniques, including hooking, runtime patching, and directly manipulating kernel objects; work with layered drivers to implement keyboard sniffers and file filters; establish covert channels for retaining control over systems with installed rootkits; detect rootkits and built host-based intrusion prevention software that resists rootkit attacks; and discover legitimate uses for rootkits by law enforcement and security organizations
Several consultants and editors have endorsed this book as a "must read" read for anyone responsible for Windows security. Security professionals, Windows system administrators, and programmers in general will want to understand the techniques used by rootkit authors.
Rootkits: Subverting the Windows Kernel, ISBN: 0321294319 by Greg Hoglund and James Butler, is available at retail books stores and online booksellers.
http://www.awprofessional.com/rootkits
0529.8 Satellite Radio Futures
***Kagan Forecasts 46.8 mil. Satellite Radio Subscribers by 2014
MONTEREY, Calif.
July 18, 2005
Growing consumer interest, low churn, new programming and exclusive automotive agreements are projected to boost satellite radio subscriptions to 46.8 mil. and revenue to $7.6 bil. by 2014, according to a new report from Kagan Research.
SATELLITE RADIO OUTLOOK 2005 projects continued success for the two major players, but expects they will soon face increased competitive pressure from emerging technologies. According to Michael Buckley, Kagan analyst, "As wireless technology expands and access to free music Web sites and on-demand services increases, satellite radio will lose potential customers to alternative sources in the battle for consumers' attention."
Strong automotive partnerships offer some protection from competitive challenges, and Kagan estimates that by 2014, approximately 75% of new subscribers will come from the OEM connection. Commitments by GM, Ford and Chrysler suggest a favorable long-term outlook, and SATELLITE RADIO OUTLOOK 2005 offers a detailed look at these partnerships. Industry statistics and projections related to automotive OEMs provide insights on:
-- Ford's renewed commitment to Sirius and its effect on Sirius' competitive position;
-- The impact of Hyundai's decision to factory-install XM radios in 100% of its new vehicles; and
-- Toyota's split of the post-production market between XM and Sirius and its effect on new subscriptions.
Kagan also reports on last year's blockbuster programming deals, analyzing their economics and their impact on expected cash flow breakeven points. The study identifies certain unique underlying features of the industry's business model that enables it to absorb these rich content agreements and benefit quickly once cash flow breakeven is achieved.
-- Kagan estimates XM will achieve positive cash flow by Q3 2007.
-- Sirius, with its second-mover disadvantage and higher programming expenses, is not expected to generate positive cash flow until 2008.
-- Once positive cash flow is achieved, Kagan forecasts a steady increase in EBITDA for both companies, with XM topping $2 bil. and Sirius reaching $1.4 bil. in 2014.
In addition to 10-year industry forecasts for subscriber growth and profitability, SATELLITE RADIO OUTLOOK 2005 provides an in-depth analysis of future advertising revenues, estimating $27.9 mil. in total net ad revenue in 2005, rising to $854.4 mil. by 2014.
SATELLITE RADIO OUTLOOK 2005 analyzes the industry's two competitors, their subscriber growth rates, ad revenues, profitability projections, programming strategies, automotive and retail partnerships, future product developments and competition.
***New Slurry from Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials Enables Low-k Copper Device Manufacturing Through 65nm Node
PHOENIX
July 20, 2005
Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials, CMP Technologies, has introduced a new copper barrier slurry designed specifically to help customers deal with chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) in low-k integration schemes at the 90nm and 65nm technology nodes. Developed out of close collaborations with device manufacturers, the new LK393c4 copper barrier slurry's selectivity and removal rates enable users to achieve a 25 to 30 percent improvement in wafer throughput and cost of ownership over currently available slurry formulations.
The LK393c4 Barrier Slurry is the latest addition to the LK Series of barrier slurries, which CMP Technologies introduced last year. With a 1:1 selectivity of copper to low-k dielectric and a high TEOS rate, the non-selective alkaline LK393c4 slurry is ideal for low-k integration schemes. The LK393c4 slurry enables customers, during their copper barrier process, to maintain the copper topography results they achieved after copper clear.
Suitable for use with both soft pads and new-generation pad platforms designed for copper barrier applications, the LK393c4 slurry delivers the high removal rates at low-pressures needed for CMP in next generation copper barrier processes. The slurry is currently being ramped into high-volume manufacturing for 90nm low-k devices and being qualified for 65nm processes with logic device manufacturers and R&D and process development lines.
Currently available for sampling, CMP Technologies expects the LK393c4 will be commercially available in the third quarter of 2005. The material is supported by the company's world-class applications lab, which can assist customers with specific process requirements.
LK393c4 Barrier Slurry, along with the entire LK Series, is produced in the Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials slurry manufacturing facility in Newark, Delaware. This state-of-the-art facility is currently capable of supplying more than 3 million gallons of slurries a year.
http://electronicmaterials.rohmhaas.com
***In-Stat Survey Indicates Solid Growth of Bundled Telecom Services
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.
July 19, 2005
In-Stat research shows that just under half of the U.S. residential market has purchased multiple telecommunications services as a package from a single provider, up from just one-third in 2004. However, the potential for growth of bundled services is only tepid at best, with just 14 percent of non-subscribers expecting to adopt them in the next year, the high-tech market research firm said.
In order to better capitalize on the bundled opportunity, providers must offer a variety of package choices to match the appropriate services with different customers' needs, according to In-Stat. They add that as research has shown, different age groups and income levels represent different interests, and the best of bundled offerings will account for these differences in package design and promotion.
A recent report by In-Stat found the following:
-- Providers typically scale discounts so that the more services that are purchased, the greater the savings. This strategy appears to be working, as 50 percent of respondents indicated that they purchase bundled services for the lower price.
-- Significant revenue opportunities remain to further expand average revenue per user; however, new approaches are necessary to entice non-subscribers.
-- Internet service was more often included in a bundle than local phone service or cable TV among survey respondents. This is interesting for the future of IP-based services such as Voice over IP (VoIP) and IP-based video services.
The report, "Triple Play? Bundling Strategies in the US Residential Market" (#IN0502204IA), includes results of consumer primary research to identify the demand for bundled service offerings and potential means of making such services more competitive. It features data showing how many consumers plan to purchase bundled services over the next 12 months according to various demographic categories.
http://www.instat.com/catalog/pcatalogue.asp?id=95
***North American Residential VoIP Market Poised to Increase Growth Rates by Entering the Mass Market
PALO ALTO, Calif.
July 19, 2005
Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) service providers are gearing up to deal with the substantial increase in demand as well as challenges associated with moving into the mass market. They have to address the issues of pricing, regulatory uncertainty, and competition to be successful in the big league.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan reveals that market revenue totaled $295.1 million in 2004 and expects to reach $4,076.7 million in 2010.
Mass-market customers, unlike early adopters, are not attracted to new technology. They must be convinced that IP telephony is superior to plain old telephone service (POTS) and can provide access to 911 networks. Once all issues are resolved, VoIP-based services will burgeon due to greater broadband penetration, service providers' need to increase revenue, and availability of low-priced services.
While potential subscribers are likely to show initial interest in IP telephony due to its cost savings, they will choose the service for additional features such as virtual numbers and videoconferencing.
VoIP also enables advanced features including Web-based call logs, click-to-dial, and scheduling phone calls. These options increase customer satisfaction and offer providers additional revenue streams.
However, some participants such as the incumbent telecommunications service providers correctly perceive competition from new IP telephony providers as a threat to their revenue. In the past, incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) in the United States have lost 15.0 million access lines to various competitors. Many of these lines are second lines used by teens, telecommuters, and for data lines.
The residential VoIP market expects to witness significant growth in the customer base and revenue despite residential VoIP subscriptions still being in the nascent market stage.
Service providers that also deal in cable, Internet service provider (ISP), and non-telecom operations are likely to enter the market, and thereby drive the growth of VoIP lines from 1.5 million to more than 18.0 million during 2004-2010.
***Wi-Mesh Alliance to Present Proposal to IEEE 802.11 Task Group S
SAN FRANCISCO
July 19, 2005
Nortel and the other members of the Wi-Mesh Alliance are working together to help standardize mesh wireless local area networks (WLAN) around the world to promote interoperability of a wide range of wireless communication devices and services.
As a result of extensive technical collaboration with its partners, the Wi-Mesh Alliance will present its proposal for a new global mesh WLAN standard to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc. (IEEE) 802.11 Task Group S (TGs) meeting on wireless mesh in San Francisco.
The Wi-Mesh Alliance is a group of companies with a common view toward rapidly achieving a mesh WLAN standard that will enable seamless communications for wireless users regardless of equipment vendor. The Wi-Mesh Alliance proposal was developed under the guidelines of the IEEE Standards Association. It builds on existing and pending 802.11 protocols to maximize technology re-use and compatibility.
Mesh technology provides a cost-effective way to extend WLAN coverage for businesses and consumers, both indoors and outdoors throughout large areas like cities, campuses, shopping malls and airports. Nortel's Wireless Mesh Network solution has been deployed by businesses, universities and government agencies, including Taipei City and Kaohsiung City in Taiwan, The University of Arkansas, Edith Cowan University in Australia, and Seo Won University and Black Stone Golf & Resort in Korea.
The Wi-Mesh Alliance proposal's design intent is to be extensible with the future 802.11n high throughput amendment. This approach will provide support for the existing worldwide Wi-Fi network installed base, while extending Wi-Fi network deployments within designated radio frequency (RF) spectrum.
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