IT Executive news

• Privacy groups claim FBI hacking operation went too far

  10-02-2017 23:48
  
  Privacy advocates are claiming in court that an FBI hacking operation to take down a child pornography site was unconstitutional and violated international law.That’s because the operation involved the FBI hacking 8,700 computers in 120 countries, based on a single warrant, they said.“How will other countries react to the FBI hacking in their jurisdictions without prior consent?” wrote Scarlet Kim, a legal officer with U.K.-based Privacy International.On Friday, that group, alo
  
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• On land and in space, IoT networks can now cover the planet

  10-02-2017 23:24
  
  The whole idea of IoT is to connect more things, including devices far from a company’s data centers or maintenance crews. For enterprises that have things all over the world, vendors and service providers are starting to look at the big picture.At Mobile World Congress later this month, Nokia will show off what it calls WING (worldwide IoT network grid), a virtual global infrastructure that may include multiple private and carrier networks and satellite systems, depending on what an enter
  
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• Papa John's hires Panera IT leader as CIO, CDO

  10-02-2017 22:27
  
  Papa John's International has hired Mike Nettles -- a key member of the IT team that drove Panera Bread's digital transformation -- as its CIO and chief digital officer (CDO). The move signals the pizza chain's intent to boost its capabilities at a time when rivals Pizza Hut and Domino's Pizza are exploring voice-based virtual assistants as the next frontier for digital ordering.Nettles is a “proven leader in the digital and retail sectors that will help us deliver a better custo
  
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• Ford to invest $1B in AI startup toward self-driving cars

  10-02-2017 22:10
  
  Ford announced today it's investing $1 billion over the next five years in an artificial intelligence (AI) startup founded by former Google and Uber employees to further the development of autonomous vehicle technology.
  The massive investment will make Ford the majority stakeholder in Argo AI, but the automaker said the software company has been structured to operate with "substantial independence."
  Ford said its relationship with Argo AI, which was founded last year in Pittsburgh, will co
  
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• 25% off Kuna Smart Home Security Outdoor Light & Camera - Deal Alert

  10-02-2017 22:04
  
  Kuna is a smart home security camera in a stylish outdoor light that detects and allows you to interact with people outside your door. The security device includes HD live and recorded video, two-way intercom, alarm, smart motion detection alerts to your phone, and more. Easy 15 minute installation with no batteries to replace so you have continuous protection around the clock. Be protected at all times - Access HD live video with its 720P wide angle camera, communicate via its t
  
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• Splice Machine seeks to deliver hybrid RDBMS as a service

  10-02-2017 21:40
  
  Splice Machine, which specializes in an open source relational database for hybrid workloads, wants to bring that database to the cloud as a service.The company announced this week that it will release Cloud RDBMS, a database-as-a-service (DBaaS) on Amazon Web Services (AWS) this spring. It noted that Cloud RDBMS will be able to power applications and perform analytics, without the need for ETL and separate analytical databases.[ What CIOs don't know about open source software ]To read this arti
  
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• UPS to spend $18M to install 26,000 new solar panels

  10-02-2017 20:45
  
  UPS plans to expand its use of solar energy nearly five-fold this year, by adding 26,000 solar panels to its 2,580 facilities throughout the world.
  The renewable energy expansion project will cost the shipping firm about $18 million; it will begin with at least eight buildings in the U.S.
  Increasing the use of renewable energy has become a targeted goal of Fortune 500 companies, and with good reason. As early as 2014, more than half of Fortune 100 companies collectively saved $1.1 billion in en
  
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• IDG Contributor Network: Building the predictive enterprise: What CIOs should tell CEOs about A.I.

  10-02-2017 20:35
  
  By now we have all heard the buzz. Siri has plenty of company. Alexa and Google have invaded the home. Tesla’s artificial intelligence is, well, driving itself. Google’s Deep Mind is running the company's multi-billion-dollar search business. Even they don’t know how it works — it just does. IBM’s Watson has its own office and is predicting cancer treatments for real patients. You can’t even date online without artificial intelligence (A.I.) hooking you up.The
  
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• Android device updates: Nvidia Shield Tablet K1 lands Nougat

  10-02-2017 20:06
  
  The Nvidia Shield Tablet K1 is probably the best Android tablet you can get right at this time, and now it has Android Nougat.The update is also coming to the original Shield, while the Pixel got a helpful update to fix an annoying audio bug.
  Each week, we round up all the major software updates to hit the Android ecosystem, including phones and tablets on U.S. carriers, unlocked phones, smartwatches, and Android TV devices. Making sure your device is running the latest available software is a
  
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• Is President Trump a model for AI?

  10-02-2017 19:44
  
  Earlier this week I read “Donald Trump is the Singularity,” a column by Cathy O’Neil in BloombergView’s Tech section. This piece argues that the new President would be a perfect model for a future artificial intelligence (AI) system designed to run government. I almost discounted it because O’Neil argued that Skynet, the global AI antagonist of the Terminator movies had been created to make humans more efficient. It wasn’t. In all but the latest movie where it
  
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• IDG Contributor Network: Machine learning scores a touchdown

  10-02-2017 19:08
  
  Now that the big game has come and gone for another year, I have to admit that as I watched the Patriots and the Falcons duke it out, I started realizing how much machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence can be applied to our sports culture. If you read my 2017 predictions blog, you’ll know that I see major implications for ML in the coming years. So let’s take a look at how we use technology in sports and fan engagement, and how that can translate to the enterprise.Who&rsqu
  
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• Microsoft unveils a bonanza of security capabilities

  10-02-2017 19:00
  
  Companies concerned about cybersecurity have a fleet of new Microsoft tools coming their way. The company announced a host of new security capabilities Friday morning as part of the run-up to the massive RSA security conference next week in San Francisco.On the Windows front, the company announced that it's adding the ability to use on-premises Active Directory with Windows Hello, its system for allowing biometric-based logins with Windows 10. Microsoft also launched new tools to help organizati
  
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• Surprise! You don’t own the digital devices you paid for

  10-02-2017 18:50
  
  When you buy something you naturally think that -- you know-- you own it. But when it comes to products that contain software you don’t.As bizarre as that sounds, it speaks to a serious issue: Consumers who buy a device that depends to some extent on software – whether it’s a Kindle or a tractor – are subject to the whims of the company that developed and sold the software.That odd and fundamentally unfair state of affairs is why two members of Congress – a Democrat
  
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• BrandPost: Keeping IT Safe

  10-02-2017 18:48
  
  Few would argue that mobile devices have increased worker productivity and business agility. But those benefits come with the cost of exposing organizations to increasing numbers of network access points outside of traditional perimeter defenses. Many organizations may be unprepared for the risks they are facing. IDC projects mobile workers will account for nearly three quarters (72.3%) of the total U.S. workforce by the end of 2020.Resistance to employee use of personal mobile devices is crumbl
  
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• BrandPost: What's in a Name?

  10-02-2017 18:32
  
  It's no secret that Microsoft owns the productivity workspace. They have shown time and time again that productivity is about more than just end-user applications. Without a stable, user-friendly interface, adoption of these apps would simply flounder. Never content to simply sit on their laurels, Microsoft began to notice the trends of the last decade. The shift to mobile users demanding the same experience across all devices led them to release per-user subscriptions of Office 365 and then Win
  
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• Intel researches tech to prepare for a future beyond today's PCs

  10-02-2017 18:26
  
  Intel realizes there will be a post-Moore's Law era and is already investing in technologies to drive computing beyond today's PCs and servers.The chipmaker is "investing heavily" in quantum and neuromorphic computing, said Brian Krzanich, CEO of Intel, during a question-and-answer session at the company's investor day on Thursday."We are investing in those edge type things that are way out there," Krzanich said.To give an idea of how far out these technologies are, Krzanich said his daught
  
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• Recent WordPress vulnerability used to deface 1.5 million pages

  10-02-2017 18:23
  
  Up to 20 attackers or groups of attackers are defacing WordPress websites that haven't yet applied a recent patch for a critical vulnerability.
  The vulnerability, located in the platform's REST API, allows unauthenticated attackers to modify the content of any post or page within a WordPress site. The flaw was fixed in WordPress 4.7.2, released on Jan. 26, but the WordPress team did not publicly disclose the vulnerability's existence until a week later, to allow enough time for a large number o
  
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• IDG Contributor Network: The sizzle or the steak: What's more important in system design?

  10-02-2017 18:04
  
  My mother always says that “decision-making is one of the hardest jobs around.”
  When it comes to system design, it is no different. A high-profile client has tasked me to recommend a system that will not only improve the process and workload management, but also enhance user engagement. But, when evaluating different systems, what features weigh the most when you can’t have it all? Do you choose user interface or functionality?
  When it comes to the psychology of engaging users
  
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• 33% off MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloths For Screens and Other Delicate Surfaces, 30 Pack - Deal Alert

  10-02-2017 17:54
  
  This extremely soft, high-quality 6x7 microfiber cloth from MagicFiber absorbs and safely removes dust, oil smudges, fingerprints, and dirt from eyeglasses, camera lenses, computer screens, televisions, and other delicate surfaces without any harsh chemicals. It's machine or hand washable, and is built to last. The cloths are highly rated on Amazon, where it currently averages 4.8 out of 5 stars from over 8,300 people (90% rate 5 stars: read recent reviews). Its typical list price of $29.99 has
  
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• How to join the Office Insider program on any platform

  10-02-2017 17:31
  
  Microsoft is all about showing its work these days. You probably know Microsoft shares preview builds of Windows 10 leading up to major releases, such as the upcoming Creators Update. But did you know Microsoft offers an Insider program for Microsoft Office as well?To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
  
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• 63% off Jackery Bolt 6,000mAh Power Bank with Built-in Lightning and Micro USB Cables - Deal Alert

  10-02-2017 17:22
  
  Reduce some of that cable clutter with the ultra compact Jackery Bolt 6,000mAh external battery charger that features a built-in Apple Lighting cable for your iPhone or iPad and a built-in micro-USB cable for other mobile devices. With an additional open USB port you can charge up to 3 devices at once. Powerful 6000 mAh capacity can fully charge an iPhone 6 at up to 3 times.  The Jackery Bolt averages 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 240 people on Amazon (read reviews), where its list price of
  
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• IDG Contributor Network: Healthcare VR innovations are healing patients

  10-02-2017 16:28
  
  Immersive multimedia, hybrid realities and computer-generated sensory experiences place doctors and patients into fantasy worlds. Our fascination with digital cameras has evolved into a curiosity about head-mounted displays (HMD) and 360-degree immersion videos. Virtual worlds have enabled open access into an environment where non-real-world experiences are nested within physical experiences.Three emerging realities will change the hospital experience with unparalleled possibilities:Virtual real
  
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• How to enable WhatsApp's two-step verification

  10-02-2017 16:03
  
  WhatsApp is adding an extra security feature to help keep its more than a billion users safe from hacks. The company is rolling out two-step verification to its users worldwide.
  When it’s available you will find it in the messaging service’s app under Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable.
  WhatsApp’s approach to two-step verification differs from what other online services such as Facebook or Google do. Instead of using an app that generates one-time pas
  
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• Attorneys predict a demanding year for IT outsourcing customers

  10-02-2017 15:48
  
  In a year that’s already been marked by uncertainty, one thing is clear: IT outsourcing customers will need to reexamine their approaches to IT services in 2017. “We see a big year ahead for technology transactions,” says Brad Peterson, partner in the Chicago office of Mayer Brown, in a recent webinar on the law firm’s 2017 predictions for the IT and business services space.[ Related: Outsourcing trends to watch in 2017 ]There are big changes afoot in a number of areas &m
  
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• US chipmaker plans new factory in China

  10-02-2017 15:11
  
  GlobalFoundries will open a new factory to make cheap wireless chips in Chengdu, China, next year.The chipmaker, once part of microprocessor designer AMD, also plans to expand production at existing fabrication plants in the U.S., Germany, and Singapore, it said Friday. It makes chips for AMD, IBM, Qualcomm, and Mediatek, among others.Beginning next year, the new fab in China, a joint venture with the municipality of Chengdu, will produce chips on 300-millimeter wafers using standard manufacturi
  
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• 3 cool Fitbit accessories you didn't know existed

  10-02-2017 14:58
  
  Despite its current woes as a company, Fitbit still owns the activity tracker market, according to IDC (a sibling company to CIO). So it’s no surprise that Fitbit offers a healthy variety of accessories for its activity trackers, such as pendants and bangles for Flex 2.
  Here's something maybe you didn't know: There are tons of cool Fitbit accessories available on Amazon.com from companies you’ve never heard of. Here are three worth considering.
  1. Charge 2 straps inspired by Ap
  
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• Are companies doing enough on the IoT security front?

  10-02-2017 12:53
  
  We continue to hear dire warnings about the inherent security risks of the Internet of Things (IoT), and indeed IoT-related incidents are happening. With many companies beginning to capture IoT data from connected devices, a key question is are they doing enough to ensure that data and networks are secure?
  If security executives thought they had a lot to handle with the growth of mobile devices and the expanding digital enterprise, the emergence of connected products, corporate assets, vehicles
  
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• IDG Contributor Network: How to fix a flaw that afflicts almost every CIO resume

  10-02-2017 12:30
  
  Imagine this scenario: Your resume lands on the desk of a key decision-maker who doesn't know anything about you.The clock starts ticking.That resume has to make an immediate and positive impression – usually within six seconds – or the Big Boss will trash it.'Jigsaw puzzle' syndrome: The fatal flaw of most IT resumes
  I peruse up to 100 IT resumes each month. Most of the resumes of CIOs and other tech professionals look almost identical. None stand out in a good way. Common problems
  
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• IDG Contributor Network: Healthcare's new challenge: online reputation management

  10-02-2017 12:30
  
  No topic gets more attention today in healthcare than patient experience (PX). Whether in the context of population health management, value-based care or healthcare consumerism, improving PX is the dominant driver for technology investments and innovation programs.Healthcare consumers are not just taking charge of their healthcare decisions; they are weighing in on everything from price transparency and care quality to the demeanor and friendliness of their care providers, and they are expressi
  
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• CW@50: A look back at Y2K in cartoons

  10-02-2017 12:30
  
  Everybody's favorite scapegoatImage by John Klossner, © ComputerworldIn Computerworld’s first 50 years covering the tech industry, it’s possible that no single IT topic got as much attention as the so-called “Y2K crisis.”To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
  
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• Vraag naar startende IT’ers flink gestegen

  10-02-2017 12:03
  Het aantal vacatures voor IT-starters laat in het laatste kwartaal van 2016 een forse stijging zien. De vraag is 34% hoger dan een jaar eerder en de totale groei van vacatures in het vakgebied IT bedraagt 26%. Daarop duidt een analyse over het vierde kwartaal van 2016 door recruiter Yacht.De vraag naar... lees meer
  
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• Trump eyes end to an H-1B system that favors largest outsourcers

  10-02-2017 12:00
  
  The outcome of the annual H-1B visa lottery is immigration's Groundhog Day. It's the same result year after year, as the large outsourcing firms continue to lead all others in getting H-1B visas.
  But this year may be different, because of President Donald Trump.[ Join the discussion at Computerworld's H-1B & IT Outsourcing group on Facebook. ]
  The H-1B lottery favors large firms. In the 2015 fiscal year, for instance, the top 10 firms received 38% of all the H-1B visas in computer occupatio
  
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• Slimmer, nimbler Visual Studio 2017 will ship March 7

  10-02-2017 12:00
  
  Microsoft's Visual Studio 2017 software development platform will be officially released on March 7, the company said on Thursday.
  Currently a release candidate and previously called Visual Studio 15, the upgrade focuses on code navigation and fixes, refactoring, IntelliSense code editing, and debugging. For teams and devops, it offers real-time features like architectural dependency validation and live unit testing.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
  
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• Nieuw bankplatform uitgerold in korte tijd

  10-02-2017 10:23
  De van oorsprong Belgische bank Argenta heeft in Nederland een volledig nieuw platform in gebruik genomen, ontwikkeld en geïmplementeerd door een consortium bestaande uit Boondoggle, Five Degrees en Schuberg Philis. Deze partijen blijven samenwerken met de bank voor innovatie van de dienstverlening in de komende... lees meer
  
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• Intel's priciest chip has 24 cores and sells for $8,898

  10-02-2017 03:46
  
  No Intel chip is as expensive as the new Xeon E7-8894 v4 server processor.The US$8,898 Xeon chip has massive horsepower with 24 cores, 60MB of cache and a maximum clock frequency of 3.4GHz. Intel said this is the company's fastest server chip, breaking enterprise application speed records.The company's next expensive chip after the E7-8894 v4 is its other 24-core processor, the Xeon E7-8890 v4, which is priced at $7,174. The chips have similar features except for the base clock speed. The new ch
  
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• MapR delivers persistent storage for containers

  10-02-2017 01:31
  
  One of the core issues that has inhibited the adoption of container technologies, like Docker, is the lack of support for persistent storage required for stateful applications and microservices, says Jack Norris, senior vice president, Data and Applications, MapR Technologies.[ Related: 5 things containers need to win the enterprise ]Container technology has come a long way in the past several years, but when it comes to storage, the options have been point solutions for file and block storage,
  
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• Apple's iCloud saved deleted browser records, security company finds

  10-02-2017 01:30
  
  Apple’s iCloud appears to have been holding on to users’ deleted internet browsing histories, including records over a year old.Moscow-based forensics firm Elcomsoft noticed it was able to pull supposedly deleted Safari browser histories from iCloud accounts, such as the date and time the site was visited and when the record was deleted.“In fact, we were able to access records dated more than one year back,” wrote Elcomsoft’s CEO Vladimir Katalov in a Thursday
  
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