Just as an FYI, most companies are profitable *under* Chapter 11. During 11, the company has all of it's debt (aside from secured) debt stayed and does not pay interest. So, it would be make all the top line $$$$ and not having to pay what drove you into barkruptcy in the first place!
I am rooting for these guys...but let's see what the profitability looks like over the next 2 quarters...
In my consulting life, I directed our teams to code in backdoors to almost every system we ever built *by default*. Sometimes they were lifesavers, sometimes they were done for 'defensive' purposes (you don't pay us then....).
Also, I would say that you should watchout for timebombs and logic bombs in code. I have two systems that I oversaw the development of under less than ideal client conditions that to this day have a capability to cripple the entire system down by passing the correct URL. Fortunately, I never was told by mgmt to utilize any of these 'features'
If you are running Windows as the standard within your company, don't do something dumb and introduce complexity by adding in another platform that you need to integrate and support. Go with IE. (Let the flames begin)
Around for Years - Pharmacist STILL required
on
Robot Pharmacists
·
· Score: 3, Interesting
I work for a large (Fortune 500) prescription benefit management company. We use automation in all of our mail order facilities, pumping out 60000 prescriptions A DAY. We have had this technology in place for many years and is the only way mail order pharmacies are cheap and effective. The processing has several quality controls, but at the end of the line you still have a human pharmacist checking the drug. This is required by state laws...And yes, even with automation and 7 checks by machinery including an automated image comparison the pharmacist STILL catches errors.
I have been a paying user for Yahoo mail for about a year now. This service has been around for a while...they are just branding it now.
I think the service is terrific. I get POP access (can't get that with Hotmail) and Yahoo's filtering for spam beats the hell out of Hotmail (which I think was designed to collect spam).
The interface is great and they continue to add features. If you don't want to pay extra for these features, then don't. You can still use the service...just not get the extended items.
Also, don't most people get free email when they get internet access? I think only the people surfing from public libraries would find this an issue.
Wow! I use Windows. Why? Because I don't want to learn about my freakin' shell, gnome, kde, bfe, or ASAP. I just want to do work. Sorry, if this flamebait...but I just want to USE my computer no have to worry about all the moving parts under the hood. In my book, I WANT an alternative. If redhat can get there by breaking a few eggs to make the omelete. More power to them.
Linux - Destine to be a server OS (unless people wake up)
The FCC just announce standards for Digital Radio: fcc.gov
If "clear signal" is one of the key benefits of satelite radio, I would call this a major killer of the industry. Can you say "I-R-I-D-I-U-M"? I plan to be operating XM Radio in 6 months after I pick it up on EBay for $50.
At the end of swight1701's post, they state "Can telecommunications giants realistically keep up with the public's need for ever-growing bandwidth without going bankrupt?". This is incorrect. WorldCom is not going under because of the decreasing price of bandwidth. WorldCom is going under because of bad management.
Take Sprint for example, they also carry a large percentage of Internet traffic and yes, they posted a loss. But not from the "large pipe" business, from the long distance business! This is also what hit Worldcom. All companies that are relying on long distance billing to be their bread-and-butter are going to be taking a hit. In WorldCom's case, they use some "creative accounting" to avoid this impact.
The only exception to this may be Qwest. Which in my mind is a simple case of too much dark capacity (over construction).
kNIGits says: "Mr Joe Average is someone who wants to install their OS, boot it up, and it works. He wants to be able to upgrade his PC , and have the hardware work in a few short minutes. He wants to read email, browse the web, talk to his mates online, and play some games."
How is this different than a business user or someone who works in desktop support (aside from the games part)? It isn't. Until this scenario can be neatly met by Linux, it will forever be a server OS.
If anyone out there is support an installation of over 1000 linux desktops I would like to know their experiences.
Trains are another way to do this and frankly is not the most efficent method of transportation. Companies such as Cummins, Catapillar, and Show Power have been doing large megawatt portable generation for years and are already in California.
Basically, you get a huge diesel engine, strap it to a generator and slam that in the back of a semi truck. These setups can generate over 1mW and can be moved to where the "real" power needs are. Rail just doesn't go all the places you need it to.
And I know what you are thinking, "that's only 1mW!" Well, you can parallel these trucks together for whatever need you have 5mW? 20mW?.
The part about the Enrico Fermi I power plant at Detroit Edision is inaccurate. The plant is still alive and functioning today. The costs part are correct however.....
I run a large B2C e-commerce site with Win2k server. We are running a "cluster environment" with a Cisco Content Swtich providing the load balancing functions, MS SiteServer providing file replication, and SQL server doing DB replication (where the content switch manages failover).
We have tried using Windows 2000 native clustering (file/database). We have found that with limited resources and budget this is difficult to do. You generally have to be running active directory to have the cluster work effectively in terms or load balancing and cluster management. This is a total pain in the ass to manage especially if you are doing a one-off active directory setup.
I have been told MS application center manages this correctly and allows for true software level load balancing. But, I only know of a few large installations using this. Generally, I have found a Ciscoed solution to be the most prevalent.
Bottom Line:Microsoft makes clustering and load balancing to work because you can't rely on one solo server (not matter how big the server is).
You all may be at work rebooting Windoze servers and what-not. But I get the distinct pleasure of sitting at home dialing in (not broadband, mind you) to tend the systems over the lovely 28.8 connection while my realtives are running around talking about medical conditions and "How much spice should I add to this dish of brussel sprouts"?
So, to hell with you people at work who can escape the inevitable questions "What are you doing? shopping at that amazon.com?" and "Can you pay attention to us instead of surfing?" Surfing? Bah! I am running "mission critical" systems while you open your presents and eat your stuffing!
I work for a corporation doing production support for large scale internet systems based on M$ technology. I absolutely agree with the statement "Microsoft technical support is superior". Why?
1) Whenever I have a SERIOUS problem with the guts of something run by microsoft. I have actually had them custom write a fix for me for the OS.
2) At the end of the day, I need someone to strangle. Am I going to go tell the CIO of a Fortune 500 company that some hack coder added something to the kernel that screwed us?
3) I know EXACTLY who to call. Who do I call for a Linux issue? Redhat? IBM? Who did I buy it from? Who is supporting it?
Redhat has done wonders for the industry. But I need ONE vendor to contact for ALL my issues who has deep expertise in all aspects of the software. I can't go to Linuxcare or any third party.
I want to be on Linux...but I am running these systems on Sun and M$ for just this reason
XM Digital Radio? Does it really matter if it is digital? My freakin' Chevrolet Cavalier is so damn loud even my CDs sound like crap. Why would I ever shell out $300 buck plus a subscription for one of these!
If you haven't read Neal Stephenson's "The Diamond Age", this is a must read for those interested in weaponizing Nanotechnology. The story show the potential benefits of nanotech but also a few sidebars on Nanotech wars (Nano Machine vs. Nano Machine).
8.6% Is this a good number in your view of the industry? Has there been an indication of positive growth in the industry? And what is the perception of Linux by corporate users?
I am a Director for a company http://www.ntwks.com that designs, constructs and manages all the e-business systems for a Fortune 500 company. We get about 500 million hits, 5 million unique users, and over 300 million in revenue.
What's the secret? No overkill. Most ASPs try and build the biggest, bestest infrastructure possible. In doing so they forget what really provides value in the space: "Solutions".
An ASP is not a technical fix, it is a consulting company with a hosting company partner and a maintainence agreement. If more ASPs focused on doing quick, lighter weight work without all the huge upfront investments this industry would be more successful. If you focus on client value...the rest is easy.
Slashdot Mirror
Ok,
Just as an FYI, most companies are profitable *under* Chapter 11. During 11, the company has all of it's debt (aside from secured) debt stayed and does not pay interest. So, it would be make all the top line $$$$ and not having to pay what drove you into barkruptcy in the first place!
I am rooting for these guys...but let's see what the profitability looks like over the next 2 quarters...
In my consulting life, I directed our teams to code in backdoors to almost every system we ever built *by default*. Sometimes they were lifesavers, sometimes they were done for 'defensive' purposes (you don't pay us then....).
Also, I would say that you should watchout for timebombs and logic bombs in code. I have two systems that I oversaw the development of under less than ideal client conditions that to this day have a capability to cripple the entire system down by passing the correct URL. Fortunately, I never was told by mgmt to utilize any of these 'features'
More common than you might imagine...
If you are running Windows as the standard within your company, don't do something dumb and introduce complexity by adding in another platform that you need to integrate and support. Go with IE. (Let the flames begin)
I work for a large (Fortune 500) prescription benefit management company. We use automation in all of our mail order facilities, pumping out 60000 prescriptions A DAY. We have had this technology in place for many years and is the only way mail order pharmacies are cheap and effective. The processing has several quality controls, but at the end of the line you still have a human pharmacist checking the drug. This is required by state laws...And yes, even with automation and 7 checks by machinery including an automated image comparison the pharmacist STILL catches errors.
I have been a paying user for Yahoo mail for about a year now. This service has been around for a while...they are just branding it now.
I think the service is terrific. I get POP access (can't get that with Hotmail) and Yahoo's filtering for spam beats the hell out of Hotmail (which I think was designed to collect spam).
The interface is great and they continue to add features. If you don't want to pay extra for these features, then don't. You can still use the service...just not get the extended items.
Also, don't most people get free email when they get internet access? I think only the people surfing from public libraries would find this an issue.
...you really have to admire their honesty! It takes sheer b*lls to send an email that so effectively packages the "internal voice" of EMI.
This must be intended for that "active-geek" demographic coveted by marketers world wide (what is that....like 10 people?)
When tap into the "sedintary-geek" market and remove that pesky timer...thats when the big will start comin' in!
Wow! I use Windows. Why? Because I don't want to learn about my freakin' shell, gnome, kde, bfe, or ASAP. I just want to do work. Sorry, if this flamebait...but I just want to USE my computer no have to worry about all the moving parts under the hood. In my book, I WANT an alternative. If redhat can get there by breaking a few eggs to make the omelete. More power to them.
Linux - Destine to be a server OS (unless people wake up)
The FCC just announce standards for Digital Radio: fcc.gov
If "clear signal" is one of the key benefits of satelite radio, I would call this a major killer of the industry. Can you say "I-R-I-D-I-U-M"? I plan to be operating XM Radio in 6 months after I pick it up on EBay for $50.
I am the editor for the category on DMOZ.
o s_and_Tutorials/Build_Your_Own_PC/
http://dmoz.org/Computers/Education/Hardware/HowT
Any additional submissions would be more than welcome!
Ok,
So you with my 9.95 netzero premium unlimited dial up with my unlimited local for $15...I would only get around 100 minutes in Egypt?
Wow! When can I move? That's a fantastic deal!
Next topic please...
I got one word for you: "Ginsu".
At the end of swight1701's post, they state "Can telecommunications giants realistically keep up with the public's need for ever-growing bandwidth without going bankrupt?". This is incorrect. WorldCom is not going under because of the decreasing price of bandwidth. WorldCom is going under because of bad management.
Take Sprint for example, they also carry a large percentage of Internet traffic and yes, they posted a loss. But not from the "large pipe" business, from the long distance business! This is also what hit Worldcom. All companies that are relying on long distance billing to be their bread-and-butter are going to be taking a hit. In WorldCom's case, they use some "creative accounting" to avoid this impact.
The only exception to this may be Qwest. Which in my mind is a simple case of too much dark capacity (over construction).
kNIGits says: "Mr Joe Average is someone who wants to install their OS, boot it up, and it works. He wants to be able to upgrade his PC , and have the hardware work in a few short minutes. He wants to read email, browse the web, talk to his mates online, and play some games."
How is this different than a business user or someone who works in desktop support (aside from the games part)? It isn't. Until this scenario can be neatly met by Linux, it will forever be a server OS.
If anyone out there is support an installation of over 1000 linux desktops I would like to know their experiences.
Ummmm.... Ebay is making money:
Yahoo! Financials on Ebay
Trains are another way to do this and frankly is not the most efficent method of transportation. Companies such as Cummins, Catapillar, and Show Power have been doing large megawatt portable generation for years and are already in California.
Basically, you get a huge diesel engine, strap it to a generator and slam that in the back of a semi truck. These setups can generate over 1mW and can be moved to where the "real" power needs are. Rail just doesn't go all the places you need it to.
And I know what you are thinking, "that's only 1mW!" Well, you can parallel these trucks together for whatever need you have 5mW? 20mW?.
The part about the Enrico Fermi I power plant at Detroit Edision is inaccurate. The plant is still alive and functioning today. The costs part are correct however.....
Are you kidding me? I have Sprint Broadband (fixed wireless). I am getting 5MB downstream and about 156k up.
Although the mobile thing certainly has its advantages....
I run a large B2C e-commerce site with Win2k server. We are running a "cluster environment" with a Cisco Content Swtich providing the load balancing functions, MS SiteServer providing file replication, and SQL server doing DB replication (where the content switch manages failover).
We have tried using Windows 2000 native clustering (file/database). We have found that with limited resources and budget this is difficult to do. You generally have to be running active directory to have the cluster work effectively in terms or load balancing and cluster management. This is a total pain in the ass to manage especially if you are doing a one-off active directory setup.
I have been told MS application center manages this correctly and allows for true software level load balancing. But, I only know of a few large installations using this. Generally, I have found a Ciscoed solution to be the most prevalent.
Bottom Line:Microsoft makes clustering and load balancing to work because you can't rely on one solo server (not matter how big the server is).
Yea,
You all may be at work rebooting Windoze servers and what-not. But I get the distinct pleasure of sitting at home dialing in (not broadband, mind you) to tend the systems over the lovely 28.8 connection while my realtives are running around talking about medical conditions and "How much spice should I add to this dish of brussel sprouts"?
So, to hell with you people at work who can escape the inevitable questions "What are you doing? shopping at that amazon.com?" and "Can you pay attention to us instead of surfing?" Surfing? Bah! I am running "mission critical" systems while you open your presents and eat your stuffing!
I work for a corporation doing production support for large scale internet systems based on M$ technology. I absolutely agree with the statement "Microsoft technical support is superior". Why?
1) Whenever I have a SERIOUS problem with the guts of something run by microsoft. I have actually had them custom write a fix for me for the OS.
2) At the end of the day, I need someone to strangle. Am I going to go tell the CIO of a Fortune 500 company that some hack coder added something to the kernel that screwed us?
3) I know EXACTLY who to call. Who do I call for a Linux issue? Redhat? IBM? Who did I buy it from? Who is supporting it?
Redhat has done wonders for the industry. But I need ONE vendor to contact for ALL my issues who has deep expertise in all aspects of the software. I can't go to Linuxcare or any third party. I want to be on Linux...but I am running these systems on Sun and M$ for just this reason
XM Digital Radio? Does it really matter if it is digital? My freakin' Chevrolet Cavalier is so damn loud even my CDs sound like crap. Why would I ever shell out $300 buck plus a subscription for one of these!
If you haven't read Neal Stephenson's "The Diamond Age", this is a must read for those interested in weaponizing Nanotechnology. The story show the potential benefits of nanotech but also a few sidebars on Nanotech wars (Nano Machine vs. Nano Machine).
Dan,
8.6% Is this a good number in your view of the industry? Has there been an indication of positive growth in the industry? And what is the perception of Linux by corporate users?
Thanks.
I am a Director for a company http://www.ntwks.com that designs, constructs and manages all the e-business systems for a Fortune 500 company. We get about 500 million hits, 5 million unique users, and over 300 million in revenue.
What's the secret? No overkill. Most ASPs try and build the biggest, bestest infrastructure possible. In doing so they forget what really provides value in the space: "Solutions".
An ASP is not a technical fix, it is a consulting company with a hosting company partner and a maintainence agreement. If more ASPs focused on doing quick, lighter weight work without all the huge upfront investments this industry would be more successful. If you focus on client value...the rest is easy.