Cisco offers IP-NGN tools
Cisco announced a series of solutions designed to allow carriers of all types and sizes to deliver a “Connected Life” for businesses and consumers over the Cisco Internet Protocol Next-Generation Network (IP NGN) architecture.
The announcements included the introduction of the Cisco Content Delivery System (CDS). This solution is designed to transcend the limitations of existing video on demand (VoD) systems, giving providers an intelligent, distributed network platform for the development of personalized entertainment, interactive media and targeted advertising. The Cisco CDS is designed to expedite content delivery to subscribers’ televisions, and, soon, to PCs, mobile handsets and other multimedia-capable devices.
Cisco also announced Visual Quality Experience (VQE) technology, designed to improve the quality of video service and viewing experiences. VQE enables network-based rapid channel-change and video error repair, two significant challenges in the development and delivery of digital cable and IPTV services. Based on industry standards, including Real-time Transport Control Protocol (RTCP) and Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP), VQE enables providers to prepare networks for delivery of advanced video services such as IPTV and digital video by detecting and repairing packet loss on degraded copper lines. It further enables network-based rapid channel-change to enhance the viewing experience for IPTV subscribers. VQE will initially ship as an appliance and will soon be integrated into Cisco 7600 Series Routers.
Lenovo integrates with Vista Enterprise
Lenovo announced the integration of its ThinkVantage Technologies (TVTs) with Microsoft’s Windows Vista Enterprise to give business professionals the highest levels of PC system recovery, wireless connectivity and security. Lenovo’s ThinkVantage Technologies (TVTs), a complete suite of PC productivity tools, will extend the performance and capabilities of Windows Vista.
Lenovo’s ThinkVantage Rescue and Recovery extends upon Windows Vista protection that restores a PC to its previous working state even if the operating system will not boot. Rescue and Recovery is designed to help users diagnose, receive immediate help and recover systems from catastrophic software failures caused by viruses and malware. During the upgrade process, users can create a backup image of their Lenovo system to an external optical drive or hard disk. If the upgrade fails, they can recover at the touch of a button.
Lenovo also has integrated ThinkVantage Access Connections, a profile management utility that automatically switches network, security, printer, browser settings and more when users change locations. This essentially allows users to “speed-dial” a network. Access Connections extends beyond the operating system to allow users to set profiles for different locations, such as office Ethernet connections, or wireless connections in the home, airline lounge though a wireless wide area network (WWAN) or coffee shop through a wireless hot spot. For businesses, Access Connections reduces the need for users to deal with the complexities of managing connection settings and also reduces reliance on remote support.
To help reduce help-desk calls and complement password management available through Internet Explorer on Windows Vista, Lenovo has customized its built-in Client Security Solution to protect sensitive business and personal data on the PC.
Lenovo’s ThinkVantage Password Manager is designed to enable secure access to the entire hardware system. Coupled with integrated fingerprint readers on many ThinkPad notebooks, Lenovo provides a hardware-software combination to help protect vital security information like passwords, encryption keys and electronic credentials, while helping to guard against unauthorized user access to data.
HP adds to identity management products
HP announced enhancements to its identity and access management software suite to help customers increase agility, reduce risk and cut costs in the area of security and compliance management.
The integration initiatives and improved features of the HP Identity and Access Management (IdM) portfolio better automate changes to users’ rights, their access to services and the enforcement of business policies, the company said.
HP IdM is designed to address an array of challenges, including the increasing numbers and types of users requiring access to internal resources, stringent regulatory demands for accurate reporting of user identities and access, and the constant flow of changes in user access.
Within the enhanced HP IdM suite, HP Select Identity Software, HP Select Federation Software and HP Select Access Software have been integrated with HP Select Audit Software to provide consolidated audit, attestation, monitoring, alerting, reporting and archiving capabilities. By centralizing and automating the entire audit lifecycle for both internal policies and regulations, the enhanced HP IdM portfolio enables customers to streamline, better automate and speed their ability to ensure compliance, the company said.
HP Select Identity has also been integrated with HP Service Desk Software to automate, monitor and track the process of resetting user passwords in heterogeneous IT environments. For organizations that have adopted IT service management (ITSM) as a strategic direction, HP has integrated IdM user change processes with ITSM processes to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
