News

BlackBerry, Mobile Developers: “Apply Your Ideas” and Win $50,000 from Verizon

U.S. wireless carrier Verizon Wireless is holding a contest for mobile application developers, called "Apply Your Ideas," in which it's offering up $50,000 and a featured spot in its upcoming on-device V CAST Apps mobile software store

By Al Sacco

Aug 14, 2009 3 mins

Developer Small and Medium Business Smartphones

iPhones and iPods on the Job: Creative Uses

From artists to U.S. soldiers, more professionals than ever are using the iPhone and iPod Touch to get important jobs done. Here's a look at five ways the iPhone gets down to business on campus, on the battlefield, and beyond.

By Tom Kaneshige

Aug 13, 2009 2 mins

Mobile Small and Medium Business iPhone

UberTwitter BlackBerry Twitter App Fiasco: Lessons Learned from “Failed” Update

Popular free BlackBerry Twitter application UberTwitter got an update to beta v4 yesterday. But along with a handful of new features and software enhancements, users also saw a crop of advertisements strewn throughout their Twitter streams for the fi

By Al Sacco

Aug 13, 2009 5 mins

Computers and Peripherals Developer Small and Medium Business

CA Ties Management Suites to Amazon’s Cloud

What's needed to make cloud computing really manageable for enterprise IT? CA joins BMC, others in leap to Amazon EC2 bandwagon, but much work remains on the portability front.

By Kevin Fogarty

Aug 12, 2009 5 mins

Cloud Computing Virtualization

RIM Launches Official BlackBerry Blogs for Users, Developers

BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion (RIM) is trying its hand in the blog game, launching its own "official" blogs meant to update and educate both RIM smartphone users and BlackBerry software developers.n

By Al Sacco

Aug 12, 2009 2 mins

Computers and Peripherals Data Center Small and Medium Business

Best of the Best iPhone Apps: New Book Rounds Them Up

A new iPhone app guide book by Josh Clark hopes to clear up some of the clutter of the App Store. Here's a look at his picks for the best iPhone apps for work and play.

By Tom Kaneshige

Aug 11, 2009 4 mins

Consumer Electronics iPhone

Enterprises have False Sense of Data Security

The lack of a data quality initiative in enterprises today can be driven by the perception that the cost associated with poor data quality is a mere cost of doing business, said one analyst.

By Kathleen Lau

Aug 11, 2009 3 mins

Data Center

RIM BlackBerry Bold “9700:” T-Mobile USA’s First 3G BlackBerry?

While Research In Motion (RIM) has not yet officially announced the successor to its BlackBerry Bold 9000 smartphone, the Bold "9700" or "Onyx/Driftwood," pre-release users continue to leak device information and pictures. Just ye

By Al Sacco

Aug 11, 2009 3 mins

Computers and Peripherals Data Center Small and Medium Business

RIM BlackBerry Bold “9700/Onyx:” New Details, Pictures

Research In Motion's (RIM) successor to its high-end BlackBerry Bold 9000 smartphone, the BlackBerry Bold "9700" or "Onyx," is expected to hit U.S. shelves via AT&T this fall&and may debut outside North America even s

By Al Sacco

Aug 10, 2009 5 mins

Computers and Peripherals Data Center Small and Medium Business

Four Steps to Better Network and Infrastructure Security

According to one Canadian IT consultancy firm and an analyst, when it comes to securing business networks and infrastructures, the channel can help customers be more secure by following four easy steps.

By Maxine Cheung

Aug 6, 2009 4 mins

Risk Management Security

SaaS Vendor Infostreet Expands Into Canada

Siamak Farah, the director and CEO of U.S.-based Infostreet, has a goal to increase his company's channel business by 30 per cent by the end of the next calendar year by engaging in more partner relationships and directing more sales through the

By Maxine Cheung

Aug 6, 2009 3 mins

Data Center SaaS Virtualization

IBM Brings U.S. Security Vendor to Canadian Market

Greenview Data Inc., a U.S.-based e-mail security and filtering solutions and software vendor, is striving to increase its channel and market presence in Canada with the help of IBM of Canada and its partners.

By Maxine Cheung

Aug 6, 2009 3 mins

Risk Management Security

BlackBerry App World Now Offers Software Update Notifications

A new feature in Research In Motion's (RIM) mobile software store, BlackBerry App World, notifies users in a variety of ways whenever new updates to applications downloaded via App World become available.

By Al Sacco

Aug 6, 2009 2 mins

Computers and Peripherals Data Center Small and Medium Business

Why Apple Owns the High-End: First Mover Advantage

How does a company that owns only 8 percent of the handset industry revenue kick so much butt? Apple's ability to reinvent markets leads to command of high-end, high-margin business.

By Tom Kaneshige

Aug 6, 2009 3 mins

Apple Technology Industry iPhone

RIM’s New Curve 8520 Has Nine Unique BlackBerry Features

Research In Motion's (RIM) brand new BlackBerry Curve 8520, while a low-end to mid-range device aimed at first-time smartphone owners or beginners, packs a surprising number of BlackBerry features not found in any other RIM handheld. Here's

By Al Sacco

Aug 6, 2009 6 mins

Computers and Peripherals Small and Medium Business Social Networking Apps

Penguins, Lizards and Apple’s X Factor: How Famous OS Logos Got Started

Ronald McDonald and the NBC Peacock may get more TV air time, but today's operating systems have cool logos, too. Google, Apple, Microsoft and the Linux crowd crafted mascots ranging from cute lizards to circles of life. Here we look at the orig

By Shane O'Neill

Aug 6, 2009 4 mins

Analytics Operating Systems

Why the Low-End BlackBerry Curve 8520 is First to Get RIM’s New Trackpad

The new BlackBerry Curve 8520 hits T-Mobile USA stores today, along with a brand new BlackBerry "trackpad." CIO.com's Al Sacco calls shenanigans on RIM's "official" reason why the low-end, entry-level Curve is first get

By Al Sacco

Aug 5, 2009 5 mins

Computers and Peripherals Data Center Small and Medium Business

RIM BlackBerry Curve 8520: How to Tell if New Curve’s Right for You

Tthe BlackBerry Curve 8520, RIM's latest addition to the BlackBerry family, hit U.S. shelves yesterday. But with so many smartphone options–Pre, iPhone, myTouch 3G–it's getting harder to determine which device is best for you. CIO.com&#03

By Al Sacco

Aug 5, 2009 7 mins

Computers and Peripherals Small and Medium Business Social Networking Apps

Apple-Google Dustup: Winners and Losers

Apple loses Google CEO Eric Schmidt's Web insight, while Google delivers products in key Apple markets. Consumers breathe a sigh of relief.

By Tom Kaneshige

Aug 4, 2009 3 mins

Social Networking Apps Web Development iPhone

BlackBerry Desktop Software for Mac: Four Things You Didn’t Know

Research In Motion (RIM) Product Manager Andrey Feldman offers up four previously unknown facts about the company's upcoming BlackBerry Desktop Software for Macintosh computer users. For example, there's a new feature built-in that makes it

By Al Sacco

Aug 4, 2009 3 mins

Computers and Peripherals Data Center Small and Medium Business

Testing Windows 7 in The Cloud

When mortgage software firm Ellie Mae needed to make sure its programs would run with Windows 7 for customers using the new OS, it didn't take the traditional test lab route. The company chose a new cloud-based Windows 7 testing service from Sky

By Shane O'Neill

Aug 4, 2009 4 mins

Cloud Computing Small and Medium Business Windows

iPhone Support by Enterprise IT Groups Grows

One in four enterprises now supports the Apple iPhone, says a new Forrester survey on mobile support policies. Most enterprises support more than one mobile platform, including the reigning king, RIM's BlackBerry.

By Tom Kaneshige

Jul 30, 2009 3 mins

Mobile Project Management Tools Small and Medium Business

“Top 10” BlackBerry Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks from RIM

BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion (RIM) offers up ten smartphone troubleshooting tips and tricks for CrackBerry addicts of all ilk.

By Al Sacco

Jul 30, 2009 6 mins

Computers and Peripherals Data Center Small and Medium Business

New Security Hole Said to Be Worse Than Kaminsky

Internet Systems Consortium Inc. says users of the Berkeley Internet Name Domain (BIND) Server could face denial of service attacks if they do not update to a newer version.

By Greg Meckbach

Jul 29, 2009 3 mins

Data Center Internet Risk Management

iPhone Tips: How to Clean and Care For Your iPhone

Are you starting your car with the iPhone plugged into the charger? To avoid electrical spikes and other problems that could zap your patience, follow these tips on how to safely clean and care for your iPhone.

By Tom Kaneshige

Jul 29, 2009 5 mins

Consumer Electronics Social Networking Apps iPhone

Dr. BlackBerry: Eight Apps Making Medicine More Mobile

BlackBerry smartphones and physicians go together like Popeye and spinach. Here's a look eight medical-related BlackBerry applications that doctors, nurses and their assistants are using to improve your healthcare experience.

By Al Sacco

Jul 29, 2009 8 mins

Computers and Peripherals Data Center Small and Medium Business

Twitter Tips: Five Best Apps to Manage a Company Account

If your company has its own Twitter account, your team can manage it better using third-party apps. Here we highlight five of the best Twitter apps for handling multiple users, search, scheduling and tracking tweets and more.

By C.G. Lynch

Jul 28, 2009 4 mins

Enterprise Applications Relationship Building

Microsoft’s Dismal Revenue: Redmond Can’t Outrun the Recession

Microsoft's fourth quarter 2009 financials, announced yesterday, showed a record revenue decrease. Even software whiz kids can't control how many software licenses evaporate as employees across the United States lose jobs.

By Shane O'Neill

Jul 24, 2009 4 mins

Small and Medium Business Technology Industry Windows

Why Palm Needs to Ditch iTunes and Create Its Own Pre Media Sync

Just a week after Apple blocked Pre owners from using iTunes to sync media files to their devices, Palm has "re-enabled" the feature via a webOS software update, furthering the back-and-forth between the two handset heavies. But CIO.com&#03

By Al Sacco

Jul 24, 2009 3 mins

Computers and Peripherals Small and Medium Business Smartphones

BlackBerry FAQ Answered: Why is Software in Applications List in BOLD Text?

CIO.com's Al Sacco explains why certain apps within BlackBerry users' Applications lists are bolded, while others appear in normal, non-bold lettering.

By Al Sacco

Jul 23, 2009 3 mins

Computers and Peripherals Data Center Small and Medium Business

Windows 7 RTM Arrives: What You Need to Know

Microsoft Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 have reached the release to manufacturing milestone today. Here's what developers, IT pros and business users need to know as Microsoft and its OEMs take another step toward the Windows 7 finish lin

By Shane O'Neill

Jul 22, 2009 5 mins

Data Center Small and Medium Business Windows

20 Best BlackBerry, iPhone Apps for Summer Travel

Smartphones and summer vacation, like oil and water, simply don't mix? We beg to differ. Just because you employ your BlackBerry or iPhone for work, doesn't mean it can't play hard, as well. The following 20 applications, 10 for BlackB

By Al Sacco

Jul 21, 2009 10 mins

Enterprise Applications Small and Medium Business iPhone

The New Soft Skill: Virtual Competence

Recent research from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario, conducted by Associate Professor Nicole Haggerty and recent Ivey graduate Dr. Yinglei Wang, suggests managers pay attention to virtual competence if they w

By Jennifer Kavur

Jul 21, 2009 4 mins

IT Leadership Internet Virtualization

CIOs Must Prepare for Unprecedented Change

The next four years will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for success or failure, says John Gantz, IDC vice president, in his keynote speech at the start of this year's CIO Summit in Auckland.

By Divina Paredes

Jul 21, 2009 4 mins

CIO Careers IT Leadership

iPhone Battery Life: Three Tips for Getting More Juice

The much maligned iPhone battery has led to a few tips on how to improve it. But some tips aren't very user friendly.

By Tom Kaneshige

Jul 21, 2009 5 mins

Personal Software Social Networking Apps iPhone

Google Apps Oust Microsoft At Postal Services Group

The Postal Services Group of New Zealand Post is replacing Microsoft products with Google Apps for e-mail and collaboration, aiming to save $2 million over three years.

By Rob O'Neill

Jul 20, 2009 3 mins

Data Center SaaS Virtualization

BlackBerry Desktop Software Finally Coming to Mac This Fall!

After years of requests, complaints and demands from angry Macintosh computer users, BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion (RIM) is releasing a Mac-specific version of its desktop management software this fall.

By Al Sacco

Jul 20, 2009 2 mins

Apple Secrets Lead to “The Great iPhone Chase”

Apple's notorious secrecy leads one iPhone owner on a 120-mile wild goose chase around Los Angeles county in search of a new iPhone 3GS that doesn't overheat and that holds a charge. The paces through which Apple put this customer would hav

By Tom Kaneshige

Jul 17, 2009 4 mins

Consumer Electronics Social Networking Apps iPhone

How to Unlock Your BlackBerry Tour for U.S., Int’l GSM

Got a shiny new BlackBerry Tour from Verizon or Sprint? Want to use it on T-Mobile or AT&T in the United States? Or a GSM carrier overseas? No worries. Here are two methods for unlocking your Tour–one of which is completely free, though it'

By Al Sacco

Jul 17, 2009 6 mins

Computers and Peripherals Data Center Small and Medium Business

Google Voice for BlackBerry “Thumbs-On” Review

The brand new–and free–Google Voice app for BlackBerry just hit the Web yesterday, but CIO.com's Al Sacco stayed up way past his bedtime last night tinkering with the software and associated service. Sacco's conclusion: The app's sti

By Al Sacco

Jul 16, 2009 8 mins

Computers and Peripherals Small and Medium Business Social Networking Apps

Office Web Apps Have Edge Over Google Apps, Says Analyst

With Office Web Apps, part of the upcoming Office 2010 suite, Microsoft will have its hands full against Google Docs in the consumer space, but the way in which Microsoft allows online apps to be deployed at businesses will give Office Web Apps an ad

By Shane O'Neill

Jul 16, 2009 4 mins

Data Center Small and Medium Business Windows

Dear Apple, I Got an iPhone Lemon!

Poor battery life frustrates some iPhone owners, while analysts criticize Apple's lack of response. So what's causing battery drain? And what should you do about it?

By Tom Kaneshige

Jul 15, 2009 8 mins

Project Management Tools Small and Medium Business Social Networking Apps

BMC Makes Cloud Management Push with Amazon as Partner

BMC's new cloud management products aim to help customers set and control policies on IT assets inside and outside the data center and even in public clouds such as Amazon's – where questions of security, compliance, and adherence to intern

By Kevin Fogarty

Jul 15, 2009 5 mins

Cloud Computing Data Center Virtualization

Verizon to Launch Cross-Platform App Store for BlackBerry, Palm, More

Verizon Wireless plans to debut its own on-device smartphone app store for BlackBerry, Palm, Windows Mobile and Android devices before the end of the year–and it's reportedly the only one that will ship with new Verizon handsets. CIO.com'

By Al Sacco

Jul 15, 2009 4 mins

Computers and Peripherals Developer Small and Medium Business

Socialtext’s New Tool: Think of It as Private Twitter for Enterprises

New standalone Socialtext Signals product lets enterprise employees communicate in a real-time stream about projects, documents and other items. Think of it as Twitter for just your team.n

By C.G. Lynch

Jul 14, 2009 3 mins

Collaboration Software Consumer Electronics Small and Medium Business

Microsoft Windows Marketplace for Mobile Accepting App Submissions July 27

Microsoft today released new details on its Windows Mobile app store, Windows Marketplace for Mobile, which will begin accepting developer submissions in late July.

By Al Sacco

Jul 14, 2009 2 mins

Computers and Peripherals Small and Medium Business Smartphones

RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630 (Verizon) $99 on Amazon

The brand new BlackBerry Tour 9630 from Verizon Wireless is already available for half-price on Amazon.com.

By Al Sacco

Jul 14, 2009 2 mins

Computers and Peripherals Data Center Small and Medium Business

Survey: Majority of IT Execs Have No Plans for Windows 7

A new Windows 7 deployment survey reveals that 60 percent of IT admins surveyed have no plans to migrate to Windows 7, citing a poor economy and compatibility fears as the main culprits.

By Shane O'Neill

Jul 13, 2009 3 mins

Data Center Small and Medium Business Windows

Google CEO Schmidt Caught Using BlackBerry? Um. So What??

Google CEO Eric Schmidt was spotted last week using a BlackBerry Storm from RIM–not a Google Android device. CIO.com's Al Sacco asks: Who really cares?

By Al Sacco

Jul 13, 2009 3 mins

Computers and Peripherals Data Center Small and Medium Business

RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630 (Verizon, Sprint): How to Tell if the Tour’s for You

The BlackBerry Tour 9630, RIM's newest BlackBerry, is now available in the United States. But with so many smartphone options–Pre, iPhone, myTouch 3G, etc.–it can be difficult to determine which device is best for you. Here's a breakdown

By Al Sacco

Jul 13, 2009 6 mins

Computers and Peripherals Small and Medium Business Social Networking Apps