 |
The WAVE Report on Digital Media
3D --- Media Creation --- Shared Space ---Published by 4th Wave, Inc.--- Issue #0532------------------8/12/05 |
The WAVE Report is Searchable on
http://www.3dlinks.com
http://www.wave-report.com
--------------------------------------
0532.2 Chinese Markets
0532.3 In-Home Networking
Home Networking Revenue Will Top $20 Billion in 2009 Reports In-Stat
0532.4 IM Threat
Akonix Security Center Identifies New Worm Attacking Public Instant Messaging Network
0532.5 Linux OS
0532.6 Online Fraud
0532.7 Piracy Prevention
0532.8 Powerline Automation
0532.9 RFID Advances
0532.10 Security News
New Network Security and Network Storage News Channels Launch
0532.11 Spam Threats
Clearswift Spam Index: Spam Gets Serious; With Porn Still in the Doldrums
0532.12 Weather Alerts
WeatherBug Streamer 3.0 Enables Emergency Managers and First Responders to Act Faster and Save Lives
0532.13 IT Information
ZDNet Launches Comprehensive Site for Government IT Professionals
--------------------------------------
0532.1 TSA Security
***American Science and Engineering, Inc. Receives Contract Award from the TSA to Significantly Upgrade Z Backscatter Personnel Screening System
BILLERICA, Mass.
Aug. 8, 2005
American Science and Engineering, Inc.has announced today the receipt of contract award from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to upgrade its Z Backscatter personnel screening system. Under the terms of the contract, AS&E will deliver an advanced Z Backscatter personnel screening system to the TSA for extensive testing and evaluation.
The Z Backscatter personnel screening system is an effective way to screen for contraband and threats hidden under a person's clothing as it simultaneously detects both metallic and non-metallic objects, such as guns and knives, plastic explosives, composite weapons, drugs and other hidden threats and contraband.
AS&E's Z Backscatter is a patented technology based on the X-ray Compton Scattering effect. Z Backscatter works by detecting and highlighting "low Z" materials (items that contain low atomic number elements such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen). Low Z materials include explosives, plastic weapons, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. The Z Backscatter personnel screening system displays these items as bright and well-defined, making it easy to identify hidden materials, and to clearly determine which might be security threats. The system is unique as it is also able to reveal threats such as metal weapons and bomb-detonating wires (items that contain "high Z" elements -- those with high atomic number). The system operates by detecting scattered X-rays but it also recognizes the lack of scattering that comes when X-rays are absorbed. These high Z or metal objects are displayed as dark objects on the person scanned. Thus the system is able to display all metallic and non-metallic threats and contraband anywhere on a person's body. AS&E holds more than 20 patents on Z Backscatter technology.
***Chinese Consumers Want More American Products
ATLANTA
Aug. 9, 2005
The "Chuppies" of China are quite prepared to "Buy American."
A public opinion poll of China's emerging urban middle class found that high-quality personal care toiletries and consumer electronics lead the list of most desired American products. Apparel and fashion accessories and music and videos are close behind.
The items drawing the least interest - American cigarettes and liquor.
The survey, sponsored by UPS and conducted by Research International, involved 1,140 Chinese consumers between the ages of 20 and 59 in six cities. UPS commissioned the research to better understand the Chinese marketplace - to help its customers learn which U.S. products are most in demand, and to stay abreast of consumer trends within China as the company develops its service offerings.
Highlights from the survey on the products most in demand include:
-- American Toiletries: 53 percent of all respondents would like to see a broader selection of U.S. products, such as shampoo, shower gel and dental care products.
-- American Consumer Electronics: 53 percent of those polled want a broader selection of American electronics. The most likely purchases this year are digital cameras, laptop computers and video/digital recording devices.
-- Apparel/Fashion Accessories: 52 percent said they want more American fashion, especially athletic shoes, sandals, t-shirts with American logos, sportswear and blue jeans.
-- American Books, Music and Videos: 50 percent would like to see a broader product selection of American entertainment. This year's most likely purchases are American videos/DVDs and music compact discs.
-- Home Appliances: 45 percent would like to see more U.S. durable products including refrigerators, washers/dryers and microwaves.
There has been much written about the Westernization of young urban Chinese consumers, or "Chuppies," and the UPS study offers additional insights. For example, consumers under 40 are more interested in America's books, music and videos; the younger demographic in the 20-to-29-year-old bracket is most attracted by consumer electronics and American apparel and fashion accessories.
When making purchasing decisions, 60 percent of respondents cited quality as the most important purchase decision factor. That was followed by price/value at 18 percent, which was more important to older respondents than to younger ones. The country of origin and manufacturing location both fell far below quality in importance at 4 percent and 3 percent, respectively.
About the survey:
Conducted by Research International, the survey was a quantitative study of 1,140 Chinese consumers in six Chinese cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenyang, Chengdu and Wuhan. Respondents were all between the ages of 20 and 59 and have high household income levels in China (monthly income of RMB 3,000 or above in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, and RMB 2,000 or above in Shenyang, Chengdu and Wuhan). The survey was conducted as computer-aided telephone interviews between June 2 and 16, 2005.
http://www.pressroom.ups.com/chinasurvey
***Home Networking Revenue Will Top $20 Billion in 2009 Reports In-Stat
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.
Aug. 9, 2005
Revenue derived from annual networking hardware shipments and from equipment that incorporates a home networking connection will jump from almost $9 billion in 2004 to more than $21 billion in 2009, reports In-Stat. A push for higher speeds, lower prices, and increasing network areas in the home is driving the market, the high-tech market research firm says. However, one highly touted use, the storage and streaming of multimedia files, may take years to catch on with the mass consumer.
A recent report by In-Stat found the following:
-- WLAN has now usurped Ethernet as the desired home network of choice, and is now dominated by multiband 54 Mbps 802.11g.
-- The installed base of home networks worldwide went from about 24 million in 2003 to 37 million in 2004, a jump of 13 million.
-- Home networking equipment continues to drop in price, and increasing functionality such as wireless and VoIP is being integrated. Silicon prices, higher volumes and competition have all contributed toward aggressive pricing.
The report, "Digital Domicile 2005: Wireless Overtakes Ethernet" (#IN0501961RC), contains analysis using consumer survey data, vendor profiles and detailed forecasting. It examines key worldwide market shares for SOHO routers, residential gateways, networked cameras, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.a/g, HomePlug, and HomePNA equipment. Forecasts are broken down by product segment (NICs/LOM, Routers/Switches, Residential Gateways & Media Network Devices), as well as by type of LAN interface. The worldwide installed base of home networks forecast is provided by region and by interface technology category.
http://www.in-stat.com/catalog/ncatalogue.asp?id=99
***Akonix Security Center Identifies New Worm Attacking Public Instant Messaging Network; Customers Proactively Protected against Medium-Level Threat
SAN DIEGO
Aug. 5, 2005
Akonix Systems, Inc. has identified a new instant messaging (IM) spyware worm named Chode-D, propagating rapidly over a leading public IM network. The Akonix Security Center classified the worm as medium risk and immediately used the industry's only real-time IM malware, SPIM and protocol update system to automatically push updates to customers for protection against this threat.
Chode-D runs continuously in the background of computers, providing a backdoor server that allows a remote intruder to gain access and take control over a PC via Internet Relay Chat (IRC) channels. The worm includes backdoor functionality to do any of the following: send emails, download updates, participate in denial-of-service attacks, steal passwords, disable anti-virus products and modify a system HOSTS file.
For Akonix L7 Enterprise customers, systems are automatically configured to download and install the latest updates to the Akonix SPIM & Malware Filter, and no IT intervention is required. Akonix L7 Enterprise is the industry's only IM security system that combines dynamically updated IM security policies and integrated anti-virus scanning to provide the most comprehensive protection for corporate networks from IM-based attacks.
For other organizations, it's recommended to ensure all desktop computers are updated with the latest security patches, and that all public IM use is appropriately blocked or managed.
http://www.imsecuritycenter.com
***Turbolinux Develops an OS Exclusive to Used PCs; Turbolite 2005 Available Now: Will Provide Better Internet Environment for Older PCs
TOKYO
Aug. 9, 2005
Turbolinux, Inc., has announced the general availability of a Linux-based OS called Turbolite 2005, which has been designed to support used, older and refurbished PCs.
Using the top ranked (#1, for 52 weeks running, according to BCN's major PC store sales ranking) Linux OS Turbolinux 10 Desktop as its base, Turbolite 2005 contains all essential functions required for a desktop PC, including a Web browser, e-mail, Flash content and streaming application capabilities.
As PC capability and capacity increase, many operating systems have become too large and complicated for older computers to handle without significant upgrades, causing unnecessary expense for users, and the requirement for users to learn newer, more complicated systems. Compared to other operating systems, Linux is operable on relatively less advanced PCs. Furthermore, Linux has been regarded as the most comfortable OS for Internet use because of its strong network facility and security. Turbolite 2005 has been lightened for used PCs so that the user can enjoy a secured and comfortable Internet environment.
Turbolite 2005 will be supplied by partner companies dealing with used PCs. Turbolinux will customize the OS and peripheral devices/ mainframe and also provide a high-grade service that supports from closedown to asset maintenance.
Current Turbolite 5000 partners and distributors include: @Venture Co., Ltd., Creative Solutions Co., Ltd., Dicle Co., Ltd., EURETECNOS Co., Ltd., Micro Solution, A Division of SHOEI Co., Ltd., SOLDAM Corporation and others.
Hardware Requirements:
--Notebook PC Intel(R) Celeron(R) 700MHz (750MHz recommended)
Memory 64MB (128MB recommended)
HDD 10GB (15GB recommended)--Desktop PC Intel(R) Celeron(R) 500MHz (600MHz recommended)
Memory 64MB (128MB recommended)
HDD 10GB (15GB recommended)
More than 256MB memory is recommended for Office users
http://www.turbolinux.co.jp/turbo_lite/
http://www.turbolinux.com/products/tl10d/
***CyberSource Unveils Latest Counterpunch to Online Fraud
Advanced Capabilities Help Merchants Detect More Fraud Earlier, Enforce Distribution Policies Online, Better Manage Authorization Costs
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.
Aug. 10
CyberSource Corporation has added new capabilities to its Decision Manager anti-fraud system, enabling merchants to more effectively catch identity theft and other online fraud. Decision Manager is an automated order review system that scans eCommerce orders to ensure they meet merchant screening criteria. Version 2.0 brings far greater power to the order review process, resulting in quicker isolation of fraudulent orders and better management of payment processing costs.
Version 2.0's new screening capabilities focus on order patterns within an individual merchant's business. For example, a merchant can now be alerted when any designated product is selling in unusual numbers -- to one individual, or to an individual using many identities. Merchants can also be alerted when a purchaser is ordering unusually large quantities of any product over a designated period of time. Merchants using Decision Manager 2.0 are now able to make automated judgments about whether an order violates established monetary limits, order repetition, and product quantities. All of this is aimed at better equipping today's eCommerce merchants to deal, automatically, with growing fraud threats.
Other new features of Decision Manager 2.0
Automated Chargeback Marking: Updates risk scoring models and negative lists with chargeback information of confirmed fraud to maintain fraud detection accuracy. Decision Manager 2.0 enables payment processors to automatically update a merchant's negative lists with chargeback data.
Case Management Data Export: Decision Manager has always included a hosted case management system, allowing reviewers to prioritize and streamline the review of orders. Version 2.0 now supports continuous export of this data at a high level of detail to a merchant's local CRM or case management system.
Time-Sensitive Business Rules: Decision Manager 2.0 allows merchants to enforce different acceptance rules by time of day, day of week, or calendar date to accommodate differences in business patterns, review staffing levels, customer service availability, etc.
Decision Manager's sophistication extends beyond simple fraud detection. Gray market sales, resulting from individuals purchasing product in quantity from a merchant's site and reselling via auction sites or other unsanctioned channels, are placing pressure on some merchants' distribution agreements and creating channel conflict. In addition, some merchants need to ration products due to limited supply or marketing strategies. Managing these issues has been a challenge for online merchants. The new, advanced monitoring capabilities included in Decision Manager 2.0 give merchants the power to prevent gray market sales activity and effectively manage the allocation of scarce products.
Also, fraudsters have long used merchants' web sites to test the validity of stolen identities and computer-generated card numbers. Merchants hit by account number testing incur unnecessary card authorization costs. CyberSource Decision Manager 2.0 is able to monitor order attempts to detect unusual patterns and halt card number testing. New features also allow merchants to further save authorization costs by halting order processing prior to payment authorization if the order matches information on a merchant's negative list.
http://www.cybersource.com/decisionsolutions
***United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Launches Small-Business Intellectual Property Protection Web Site at StopFakes.gov; U.S. Government Urges Businesses to Protect Their Intellectual Property from Overseas Piracy and Counterfeiting
WASHINGTON
Aug. 5, 2005
The Department of Commerce's United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has launched a Web site -- StopFakes.gov/ smallbusiness -- dedicated to small businesses and protecting their intellectual property (IP), both in the U.S. and abroad. Specifically designed to answer common questions of small businesses so they can better identify and address their protection needs, the new online resources are part of a nationwide awareness campaign to help educate small businesses on IP protection.
The Web site provides information to help small businesses, home business owners, inventors and other entrepreneurs decide when, where and how to file for intellectual property protection, covering patents, trademarks and copyrights. "Piracy and counterfeiting are on the rise around the world, and all American businesses are at risk," said Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property Jon Dudas at a recent USPTO-sponsored small-business conference in Arizona.
While theft of intellectual property poses a serious threat to all American businesses, small businesses may be at a particular disadvantage because they may lack the resources and expertise available to larger corporations. In addition, small businesses typically may not have personnel or maintain large operations in other countries; therefore, theft of their intellectual property overseas can go undetected.
The Web site is part of a much larger USPTO and federal government effort. The Strategy Targeting Organized Piracy (STOP!) initiative is aimed at combating criminal networks that traffic in fakes; stopping trade in pirated and counterfeit goods at America's borders; and helping small businesses secure and enforce their rights in overseas markets. As part of the initiative, the USPTO maintains a toll-free telephone hotline, 1-866-999-HALT that helps businesses leverage the resources of the U.S. government to protect their intellectual property rights.
For more information about the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's effort to educate American businesses about intellectual property rights, visit
For small business-specific inquiries visit the small business link at
***Echelon Broadens Power Line Technology Suite to Meet the Needs of Low Cost, Consumer-Installed Home Automation Systems
SAN JOSE, Calif.
Aug. 9, 2005
Echelon Corporation has announced that it has broadened its power line technology in order to significantly expand the number and types of applications under which existing electrical wiring is used for control networks. These enhancements represent a major step forward in the usefulness, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use of power line technology for control network applications. Collectively, they lay the groundwork to expand the home automation industry from a niche to a mass market.
The new technologies include the second-generation of Echelon's patented "switched-leg" technology that makes power line communications reliable in 100% of homes, new Interoperable Self-Installation (ISI) software that allows end-users to configure two or more products by simply plugging them into the wall, and two new rapid design tools -- the Mini EVK for testing and software development and the PL DSK (Rev 2) for developing hardware using Echelon's power line technology. As a result of rising volume and design wins, Echelon also lowered the price of its market-leading PL 3120(R) and PL 3150(R) Power Line Smart Transceivers, further boosting the attractiveness of its power line solutions.
New Echelon "Switched Leg" Technology
Most electrical devices require an electrical connection consisting of both Line and Neutral wires in order to operate; the "Line" wire provides the source of electrical current, and the "Neutral" wire provides its return path. In most lighting circuits, however, the Line wire (or "leg") is first routed through a wall switch or dimmer before being connected to the light, while the Neutral wire is present only at the light fixture itself. This wiring style is called "switched-leg."
For designers of home automation products, the lack of a Neutral wire at the switches and dimmers has made it impossible to locate control devices at these locations. The traditional way of overcoming the lack of a Neutral wire was to tear into walls and rewire the circuit. Attempts to design two-way control devices that can be wired into a switched leg have heretofore been unsuccessful. Echelon's first-generation switched-leg technology enabled communications over switched-leg circuits using only incandescent lights, while fluorescent lamps remained a technical challenge. Echelon's new technology for the first time allows reliable, bi-directional communications in a switched-leg circuit with incandescent, halogen, or fluorescent lamps.
New ISI Technology
Reflecting a breakthrough in simplicity and ease-of-use, Echelon's new ISI technology makes adding multi-zone lighting, multi-zone heating control, and pool/spa controls as simple as plugging in a power cord. Devices equipped with ISI software are ideally suited to the home environment because they do not need specialized software or programming to work. As soon as power is applied or a "service" function is activated, the devices discover one another and configure themselves into fully functional control systems. System changes, such as the addition of a new device or changing a lighting scene, can take place at any time without any expertise or training on the part of the user.
Enhanced Design Tools
Echelon's new rapid design tools are intended to significantly expand the base of customers using Echelon's power line technology by accelerating the process of evaluating, designing, and shipping products based on Echelon's PL 3120 and PL 3150 Power Line Smart Transceivers. The new Mini PL EVK is an ultra low-cost development and evaluation tool for engineers who wish to evaluate Echelon's power line technology and/or develop simple devices. Engineers can initialize and run a power line based network in as little as five minutes after opening the product packaging, and can start writing new application code shortly thereafter. The PL DSK includes reference schematics, PCB layout files, bills of material, and sample ICs for developing hardware using Echelon's power line technology. By offering reference designs, the process of creating new products based on power line technology can be compressed to a matter of days.
http://www.echelon.com/products/oem/transceivers/smartpl/default.htm
***AirGATE Technologies, Inc. Licenses Technology
DALLAS
Aug. 10, 2005
AirGATE Technologies, Inc., an early-stage company specializing in radio frequency identification (RFID) and wireless, intelligent, sensor technology has licensed its proprietary, child safety seat technology. AirGATE is a wholly owned subsidiary of the X-Change Corporation.
AirGATE Technologies has licensed its child safety seat technology to Deutsche Guaranty, Ltd. Deutsche Guaranty will be responsible for the manufacture of the child safety seat incorporating AirGATE's technology. In addition, Deutsche Guaranty will be responsible for marketing and sales, including the establishment of appropriate distribution channels. AirGATE will receive a royalty on every seat sold. As part of its agreement with Deutsche Guaranty, AirGATE will provide a manufacture-ready seat incorporating the AirGATE technology.
The AirGATE technology determines the status of the seat buckle on a child safety seat and the presence of a child in the child safety seat. In particular, the technology determines whether the seat harness buckle is buckled or unbuckled when vehicle is in operation. Six out of ten children who died in passenger vehicle crashes were unbelted. (National Safety Council, or NSC, 2002).
In addition, the AirGATE technology determines whether a child is physically in the seat after vehicle operation. An analysis of 171 heat related fatalities to young children in parked cars in the United States from 1995-2002 by Join Together, Boston University School of Public Health reported that 27% (46) were children who gained access to unlocked vehicles and 73% (125) were children who were left by adults. More than a quarter of the adults were aware they were leaving children in the vehicles, while half were unaware or forgot. 43% (54) of deaths to children who were left were associated with childcare: 32 children were left by family members who intended to take them to childcare but forgot and went to work instead; 22 children were left by child care providers or drivers. In 2004, 35 children died of heat stroke in the US after being left unattended in a parked car.
***New Network Security and Network Storage News Channels Launch
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.
Aug. 9, 2005
VoIPAction has announced the launch of its Network Security and Network Storage News Channels featuring daily coverage from 2,000 news sources around the world.
The News Channels include complete industry coverage of Network Security and Network Storage, new product announcements, and other business developments in the Network Security and Network Storage space from all of the major vendors.
The Network Security and Network Storage Channels are part of a larger Tech News Portal publishing over 1,000 news links daily covering North America, Central and South America, the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Africa.
The Portal contains a total of 140 News Channels separated into 5 main sections of IP/VoIP News, Wi-Fi & Mobile News, Broadcast & Entertainment News and IT Security News, plus a Company Watch Channel with daily coverage for 55 leading technology companies including Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, Intel, Juniper Networks, 3COM, McAfee and Symantic.
Articles include news coverage from leading technology sites like CNET, ZDNet, TMCNet, Information Week, Light Reading, Forbes and IT Facts, as well as Press Releases from Business Wire, Market Wire, I-Newswire.com and PrimeZone Media.
The IP/VoIP section features 25 News Channels including CRM, Call and Contact Centers, Calling Cards, IP PBX, IP Gateways, VoIP Carriers, and E911.
The Wi-Fi/Mobile section features 23 News Channels including 3G, CDMA, Fixed-Mobile Convergence, EV-DO, GSM, PDA's, RFID, Smart Phones, WIMAX and Wireless VoIP.
The Broadcast/Entertainment section features 21 News Channels including Blogging, Digital TV, Filesharing, HDTV, Hollywood, Internet TV, MP3, RSS and Satellite Radio.
The Security Issues section features 18 News Channels including Adware, Hacking, Spam, Viruses, Biometrics, Identity Theft, Phishing and Spyware.
The Company Watch section features 55 News Channels including Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, Intel, Verizon Wireless, AT&T and Skype.
***Clearswift Spam Index: Spam Gets Serious; With Porn Still in the Doldrums
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.
Aug. 9, 2005
Spammers appear to be switching from sales tactics to scare tactics this month, according to Clearswift's Spam Index. For the first time, e-mails promoting goods associated with personal or family safety have made a curious appearance in our inboxes.
This month, spammers seem to be exploiting a variety of our fears in order to persuade users to take up their spurious offers. For those afraid of the unknown, "stranger danger," or what might happen to their possessions once they leave their homes, this new wave of e-mails now offer a range of security kits, emblazoned with alarmist headlines are becoming widespread. Subject lines such as "Protect your child from sex offenders! Download now!" and "You can't see it, but it can see you" are attempting to awaken us from the run-of-the-mill spam we're used to seeing.
Gullible PC users can even download e-guides full of advice claiming to protect their children from the world of drugs.
According to Clearswift, historically, spammers have generally tried to lure us in under the false pretence that they are trying to help, offering antidepressants, enhancement pills, and cheap loans. This shift toward a very calculated attempt to frighten consumers into making purchases is very well timed. There is something ironic in spammers offering users security products when unsolicited e-mail is often used in the proliferation of viruses, phishing scams and spyware -- three of the most popular security threats.
As identified in the last Spam Index, porn continues to take a back seat (3.6% of all e-mails), while financial spam and suspect healthcare offers are still at the top of the spam charts -- making up 36% and 40% of all unsolicited e-mails respectively. The bizarre canine products have all but disappeared completely, save the occasional offer for ridding carpets of pet hair, and e-mails purporting to be from PayPal are becoming more popular, making up a sizeable proportion of scams.
Software spam is also on the rise (at 31% of all product spam), which is unsurprising following news that Microsoft software packages have been rated amongst the world's most counterfeited products.
Clearswift strangest spam of the month
"Don't throw your money down the drain! Is your septic system acting up? Avoid costly septic system repairs with an easy once a month solution!"
About the Spam Index
The spam categorization statistics were extracted from the millions of spam e-mails harvested by Clearswift's seed accounts on a weekly basis. They are collated and analyzed using Clearswift's spamActive service, which is an integral component of the multi-layered anti-spam protection offered by MIMEsweeper for SMTP 5.1. Updated eight times daily, spamActive routinely extracts spam terms, sender domains, URLs and subject lines, which can be automatically downloaded to update customers' e-mail policies.
***WeatherBug Streamer 3.0 Enables Emergency Managers and First Responders to Act Faster and Save Lives
GERMANTOWN, Md.
Aug. 9, 2005
WeatherBug has announced the release of WeatherBug Streamer 3.0, an online application that provides instantaneous, integrated weather intelligence for first responders. Streamer is the only application that displays data from the WeatherBug proprietary network of 8,000 Tracking Stations throughout the U.S.
Only WeatherBug Streamer 3.0 offers emergency managers and first responders exclusive live, local weather conditions with personalized severe weather data. Severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service, "threshold" alerts set from any of the WeatherBug Tracking Stations, radar-based severe weather alerts, and multiple data layering assure pinpoint accuracy and relevancy enabling government customers to better prepare and respond to emergency situations.
Weather reports from alternative weather information providers are based at airports and can be more than an hour old. With its exclusive network plus more than 8,000 Tracking Stations and 1,000 cameras throughout the U.S., WeatherBug Streamer 3.0 delivers up-to-the-second, customizable views of weather data including current weather and wind conditions, local radar, current weather contour, satellite, lightning strikes, live camera views and forecast updates. With this product release, emergency managers can precisely assess the impact of current weather conditions and determine which municipalities to evacuate, select approach routes for first-responders, and choose the type of equipment to dispatch to a disaster site.
WeatherBug Streamer 3.0 allows users to select up to 23 warnings, including: alerts for storms, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, non-precipitation, marine warnings and advisories, fire weather and civil emergency severe warnings. Alert thresholds can be set for low and high temperatures, heat index, average and current wind speeds, wind chill, wind gusts, rain rate and daily accumulation of rain. This combination of historical data and personalized, up-to-the-second reports introduces an unprecedented level of precision to the tracking and analysis of weather. Users also have the ability to select and monitor lightning, hail and heavy precipitation. The application visibly and audibly alerts the user when active alerts post in their selected regions.
WeatherBug Streamer 3.0 also enables public safety departments to observe and interpret up to five layers of weather data on the same map, such as humidity and heat index. This enables Streamer customers to monitor potentially dangerous weather, such as lightning or a tornado. For greater precision, users can pan and zoom selected maps of roads and counties, integrating their own custom layer data, such as fire hydrants, hospitals or other data. This unique perspective assures pinpoint accuracy and relevance.
http://www.weatherbuggovernment.com/firstresp/default.asp
***ZDNet Launches Comprehensive Site for Government IT Professionals; Resource Serves ZDNet's Large Audience of Government Decision Makers with the News, Blogs, Whitepapers, Video, and Discussions They Care About
SAN FRANCISCO
Aug. 9, 2005
ZDNet has launched ZDNet Government, a complete Web site catering to the interests of IT professionals who work in the public sector, including the 220,000(1) unique users that today use CNET Networks' portfolio of business sites.
The site features news, blogs, white papers, video, and discussions on the topics these professionals care about most. For example, today's launch includes a video interview between ZDNet Editor-in-Chief Dan Farber and Philadelphia's CIO Dianah Neff, focused on Neff's widely debated hope to have her city give citizens low-cost wireless Internet access. ZDNet Government also offers a platform to showcase the government-related technology news the company has been producing for years, such as reporting from CNET News.com's award-winning political correspondent, Declan McCullagh.
ZDNet, along with CNET News.com, TechRepublic, and BNET, is part of CNET Networks' B2B Portfolio, a collection of Web sites that serve the needs and interests of business and technology professionals. Today, the CNET B2B Portfolio reaches 6 million business technology decision makers online(2), giving it the largest reach of any online IT network. Today's launch signals ZDNet's interest in serving the needs of vertical industries that are significantly represented in its registered user base.
ZDNet Government offers its users a rich set of resources that help them research prospective technologies and best practices, stay in touch with industry news, and engage with like-minded peers to share ideas and professional advice. Resources being launched today include:
-- White Paper Directory: 5,000 case studies, white papers and other downloadable assets that directly address the specific issues concerning IT pros in government.
-- Blogs: Real-world perspective on managing technology at the city, state, and federal level sets the editorial agenda for ZDNet Government. Editorial staff and select contributors offer authentic perspective on IT in government, including Phil Windley, blogger and former CIO for the state of Utah, and Ramon Padilla, longtime government IT columnist for TechRepublic.
-- Industry News from Around the Web: Using RSS feeds, ZDNet Government offers a single place to find relevant government-related stories from a variety of sources, ranging from government trades to mainstream news filtered for relevance.
-- Discussion Groups from TechRepublic: ZDNet Government highlights discussions from TechRepublic's community of IT professionals. User and editorial tagging determines which peer-to-peer exchanges get shared on the site.
-- Rich Video Content: Beginning with the Philadelphia CIO interview and a series of Whiteboard videos, ZDNet will deliver top-quality broadband content.
Marketers interested in reaching this key vertical segment of IT have already identified ZDNet as an optimal marketing environment, creating targeted campaigns that communicate their offerings. Now, with ZDNet Government, companies have a highly focused resource to directly reach this important vertical industry. Through the ZDNet Government Directory, which houses thousands of assets like white papers and case studies, marketers can take advantage of lead-generation programs with guaranteed results.
--------------------------------------
Copyright 2005 4th WAVE, Inc.
To subscribe to WAVE go to
To unsubscribe also use the Wave Report Home page or send the preformatted UNSUBSCRIBE message:
Previous issues of WAVE, as well as other info can be found at
http://www.wave-report.com
http://www.3dlinks.com
Comments on or questions about the WAVE may be sent to:
or the below individuals below:
John N. Latta - Editor-In-Chief
Michael Robertson - Web Editor
The WAVE Report may be redistributed in full for individual readership and posted to newsgroups, Web, and FTP sites. This publication may not be reprinted or redistributed for profit. Short quotes are permitted but must be attributed to the WAVE Report. 4th Wave retains the copyright to the WAVE Report.