News

Steve Jobs’ Humble Home

The late Steve Jobs' home was robbed this week, but one glance at his modest, and apparently easy to break into, house reminds us how little Jobs was caught up in the lifestyles of the rich and famous.

By Tom Kaneshige

Aug 15, 2012 2 mins

Innovation iPhone

Why You Should Avoid Big Retailers’ New Mobile Payment System

Best Buy, Walmart and other big retail stores are developing a system that lets you buy goods with the tap of your smartphone, which, though convenient, is just an invitation to get hacked and share personal data with marketers, spammers and cops.

By Bill Snyder

Aug 15, 2012 3 mins

Mobile Security Small and Medium Business Smartphones

Imo iPhone App Lets You Place Free Voice Calls

On Monday, instant messaging service imo.im added free voice calls to its iPhone app, a feature that's been available in its Android app since February. In CIO.com blogger James A. Martin’s tests, call quality was good.

By James A. Martin

Aug 15, 2012 2 mins

Careers iPhone

Facebook Testing Ads You Don’t Want in Your News Feed

You have control over your Facebook friends and your privacy settings, but you won't have control over the ads you see in your News Feed. Here's what Facebook is testing and what it could mean for you.

By Kristin Burnham

Aug 15, 2012 2 mins

Facebook Social Networking Apps

More Cybersecurity Experts Blast US IT Security Legislation

In the second of a series of posts on the subject of current U.S. cybersecurity legislation, CIO.com blogger Constantine von Hoffman speaks with experts from Appthority, Axway, Kindsight Security Labs, Rapid7, Raytheon Trusted Computer Solutions and

By Constantine von Hoffman

Aug 15, 2012 5 mins

Cybercrime Data and Information Security Regulation

RIM Shows Off BlackBerry 10 Devices (But YOU Can’t See Them)

RIM is showing off two BlackBerry 10 devices to the media, in an attempt to steal some attention from Apple and Samsung. But a number of signs suggest the two devices are still mostly half-baked.

By Al Sacco

Aug 15, 2012 3 mins

Mobile Small and Medium Business Smartphones

How to Secure Data by Addressing the Human Element

Your sensitive data is only as secure as the weakest link in your organization, and in many cases the weak link is your employees. A properly established security awareness and training program can pay huge dividends.n

By Thor Olavsrud

Aug 15, 2012 7 mins

Compliance Data Breach Phishing

10 Key Windows Server 2012 Features for IT Pros

With Windows Server 2012 less than two months away, CIO.com looks at its 10 most compelling features and how CIOs and other IT professionals can benefit from them.

By Jonathan Hassell

Aug 15, 2012 7 mins

Server Virtualization Servers Small and Medium Business

Tech Bullies Behaving Badly

Tech giants have thrown their weight around to get what they want for years. Here's a look at some of the big tech companies that have been caught indulging in boorish behavior.

By Tom Kaneshige

Aug 15, 2012 5 mins

IT Leadership IT Strategy

8 IT Lessons Learned From the 2012 Summer Olympics

The 2012 London Olympics weren't just about athletic prowess. This year's games saw more data leave Olympic Park and move around the world than ever before. The applications, infrastructure and technical know-how required to pull this off o

By John Brandon

Aug 14, 2012 5 mins

Business Intelligence Consumer Electronics IT Strategy

Software Testing Lessons Learned From Knight Capital Fiasco

Knight Capital lost $440 million in 30 minutes due to something the firm called a 'trading glitch.' In reality, poor software development and testing models are likely to blame. Here's what your company can do to avoid similar embarras

By Matthew Heusser

Aug 14, 2012 7 mins

Agile Development IT Skills Regulation

NFC Not Just for Mobile Payments: Six Future Uses

NFC has been lauded as the technology that will take mobile payments mainstream. But the truth is NFC is good for so much more. Here's a look at a handful of innovative ways NFC will be used in the future by businesses, marketers, governments an

By Al Sacco

Aug 14, 2012 7 mins

Small and Medium Business Smartphones Tablets

Harnessing Change Is Second Key to Agile IT Governance

Small investments in 'skunkworks' projects that target a specific business metric can bring technology strategy into closer alignment with business strategy. This makes is easy for CIOs to build an IT culture that is adaptive to change and,

By Chiranjeev Bordoloi

Aug 14, 2012 7 mins

Agile Development IT Governance IT Strategy

Cybersecurity Experts Blast US IT Security Legislation

In the first of a series of posts on the subject of current U.S. cybersecurity legislation, CIO.com blogger Constantine von Hoffman speaks with experts from Lookingglass Cyber Solution and FireEye for their takes on the laws. Hint: They're not i

By Constantine von Hoffman

Aug 13, 2012 5 mins

Cybercrime Malware Regulation

Google Threatens to Nuke Web Sites that Host Pirated Content

Stopping piracy is important. But Google’s vague new policy gives publishers far too much power.

By Bill Snyder

Aug 13, 2012 3 mins

Internet

The 3 Best Screen Protectors for Your Smartphone or Tablet

CIO.com blogger Paul Mah knows mobile-device screen protectors. Here he shares his picks for the three best screen-protector films you can find to protect your smartphone, tablet or both.

By Paul Mah

Aug 13, 2012 3 mins

Analytics Smartphones Tablets

Google Chops Motorola Jobs Amidst Massive Android Growth

Google’s Android mobile OS continues to grow market share, but the search giant’s handset division, Motorola Mobility, isn’t faring so well; Google plans to cut thousands of jobs, close offices and restructure its senior m

By Al Sacco

Aug 13, 2012 2 mins

Mobile Small and Medium Business Smartphones

HBO’s CIO Airs Strategies for IT Success and Developing Next-Gen IT Leaders

HBO CIO Michael Gabriel explains why it's imperative for CIOs to understand how their businesses and customers are changing. He also explains why professional development is critical to IT success and shares his views on how business, academia a

By John Gallant

Aug 13, 2012 35 mins

CIO IT Skills IT Strategy

10 Ways to Ease Public Cloud Security Concerns

Security is always a concern when organizations contemplate a move to the public cloud. However, a combination of third-party tools and careful reading of your service level agreement can give you the peace of mind you need to move mission-critical a

By Nari Kannan

Aug 13, 2012 8 mins

Data and Information Security Encryption SaaS

How Much Should You Spend on CRM Software?

With most enterprise software, whether it's on premises or in the cloud, making the business case and determining the optimum investment are straightforward. Not so with CRM systems. Here are four reasons why.

By David Taber

Aug 13, 2012 5 mins

BPM Systems Budgeting Financial Services Industry

Olympic Gymnast McKayla Maroney Is Not Impressed with Apple

The image of a scowling McKayla Maroney is showing up everywhere.

By Tom Kaneshige

Aug 10, 2012 1 min

Consumer Electronics Innovation iPhone

Ditching DropBox? Here’s an Alternative

If the DropBox security meltdown convinced you to abandon the service, consider switching to the more secure SpiderOak. But be warned–it’s not for the newbie.

By Bill Snyder

Aug 10, 2012 3 mins

Cloud Computing Data Breach

SafePay Fraud-Protection iPhone App Not Ready for Prime Time

SafePay Solutions Group has a great idea for an iPhone app that could help prevent unauthorized charges from hitting your credit cards. But the beta service is still mostly in a concept phase, says CIO.com blogger James A. Martin.

By James A. Martin

Aug 10, 2012 3 mins

iPhone

Cybersecurity News Roundup: Blizzard Breach; Gauss Malware; and Stolen Police Spyware

This week's IT security news roundup features stories on an online video-game service that was hacked; the newly discovered Gauss malware; spyware designed for use by law enforcement showing up where it shouldn't; and more.

By Constantine von Hoffman

Aug 10, 2012 3 mins

Cybercrime Security

Lawmakers Look to Block Verizon-Cable Spectrum Deal

House members join with labor union to oppose a to blockbuster transaction that would give Verizon Wireless new spectrum and establish joint marketing and operating agreements with cable firms.

By Kenneth Corbin

Aug 10, 2012 3 mins

Carriers Government Small and Medium Business

Microsoft Debuts Cloud App Model for Office, SharePoint

With Office 2013 and SharePoint 2013, Microsoft says it will make it easier than ever to develop, deploy and manage Web-based apps that extend the power of its productivity and collaboration.

By Thor Olavsrud

Aug 10, 2012 5 mins

Developer Microsoft Office Small and Medium Business

Samsung-RIM Deal Could Kill Apple (or Samsung)

Samsung is again rumored to be interested in buying RIM. If it does, CIO.com columnist Rob Enderle says, it can choose two acquisition models — a full-blown merger or one that preserves RIM. History says keeping RIM intact would be a better idea, bu

By Rob Enderle

Aug 10, 2012 7 mins

Legal Mergers and Acquisitions Smartphones

Titanium Pen + Stylus is a Writing Instrument for the Digital Age

The Solid Titanium Pen + Stylus is both a traditional pen and a stylus for smartphones and tablets, and it's compatible with ink refills from all of the most popular pen manufacturers.

By Paul Mah

Aug 10, 2012 2 mins

Computers and Peripherals Tablets

Dirty Secrets of Popular Printers

Paper jams, wasted ink, too much noise and scanners that don't work. Why oh why is something as basic as a low-cost printer so hard to find?

By Bill Snyder

Aug 9, 2012 3 mins

Computers and Peripherals Mobile Small and Medium Business

Best Google Nexus 7 Apps: 16 Android-Tablet Downloads, All Free

You have a shiny new Google Nexus 7 Android tablet. Now it's time to make it your own with some valuable mobile applications. CIO.com's Al Sacco shares his favorite Nexus 7 tablet apps for entertainment, social networking, remote-PC access,

By Al Sacco

Aug 9, 2012 9 mins

Enterprise Applications Small and Medium Business Tablets

3 Incredibly Stupid Security Mishaps You Need to Know About

The U.S. Army's flushes $2B down the drain on a mobile intelligence database; the American State Department fights terrorists by trolling them online; and a website offers a 9mm pistol as reward for finding the hacker who put naughty pictures on

By Constantine von Hoffman

Aug 9, 2012 4 mins

Cybercrime Data and Information Security Mobile Security

Researchers ID New Zeus Trojans for BlackBerry

Recently discovered mobile-Zeus-Trojans suggest malware creators are targeting BlackBerry smartphone users outside of North America, despite RIM’s struggles in the United States.

By Al Sacco

Aug 9, 2012 2 mins

Mobile Security Small and Medium Business Smartphones

4 Facebook Timeline Settings to Revisit

As Facebook forces Timeline onto users who have held out, here's a refresher on important privacy and account settings to change.

By Kristin Burnham

Aug 9, 2012 5 mins

Facebook Privacy Social Networking Apps

Do Federal Standards Underestimate Cell Phone Radiation Risks?

Federal watchdog calls on FCC to reassess and update radiation exposure and testing standards for mobile devices. A Government Accountability Office (GAO) study indicates that the current benchmarks, issued in 1996, have not kept pace with the latest

By Kenneth Corbin

Aug 9, 2012 4 mins

Government Regulation Small and Medium Business

9 Ways to Cut Outsourcing Consulting Costs

It's unlikely that IT executives would set up any major outsourcing deal without third-party consultation, but IT outsourcing consultants don't come cheap. Here are nine tips to help you reduce those expenses.

By Stephanie Overby

Aug 9, 2012 5 mins

Budgeting CIO IT Strategy

Microsoft Kills ‘Metro’ Name but You Won’t Be Able to Avoid the Design

Metro is dead, long live Metro. Microsoft stirred up confusion by dropping the brand name "Metro" from the Windows 8 nomenclature yet still forcing users to boot directly into a Start Screen based on the design language formerly known as Me

By Shane O'Neill

Aug 8, 2012 3 mins

Laptops Small and Medium Business Tablets

The New Yorker on the iPhone Will Keep You Reading

Reading long magazine stories on a mini-screen in 15-minute intervals may not seem ideal, but our busy lifestyles leave us no choice. The best iOS magazine apps, like The New Yorker, make it fun to do long-term reading in short bursts.

By Tom Kaneshige

Aug 8, 2012 4 mins

Personal Software Tablets iPhone

Apple Yanks YouTube from iOS; What Other Apps Deserve the Boot?

The upcoming version of Apple’s mobile OS, iOS 6, won’t include two previously native Google apps: Maps and YouTube. CIO.com blogger James A. Martin would like to take the iOS housecleaning a few steps further. Here’s why.

By James A. Martin

Aug 8, 2012 2 mins

Smartphones Tablets

Get Simple, Affordable HD Videoconferencing with Logitech ConferenceCam

The Logitech BCC950 ConferenceCam is a USB-based HD video camera with an integrated speakerphone that's perfect for small-group videoconferences. And it's relatively affordable at just $250.

By Paul Mah

Aug 8, 2012 3 mins

Computers and Peripherals Unified Communications

CIO’s Strategic Guide to BYOD

Download CIO.com's ebook for advice about how to develop a BYOD program that empowers your employees while also protecting corporate interests. Key topics include the all-important policy document, the security and legal challenges of BYOD, and

By CIO Staff

Aug 8, 2012 1 min

IT Leadership IT Strategy Small and Medium Business

Federal IT Contractors Can Thrive Amid Tight Budgets

The next five years will see federal IT budgets drop, but the move to the cloud, data-center consolidation and other initiatives will stimulate new demand federal IT contractors.

By Kenneth Corbin

Aug 8, 2012 4 mins

Government Government IT Outsourcing

9 Unheralded Technology Innovations

Some of the indispensable technology that you use every day was so ahead of its time that it now goes largely unnoticed. Here the innovations that forever changed email, Web development, database management and other "givens" in today'

By John Brandon

Aug 8, 2012 6 mins

Encryption Innovation Web Development

10 Top Mobile Application Development Platforms

Development organizations are increasingly looking for a Mobile Application Development Platform (MADP) that can support their needs for both current and future projects. Here are 10 that have been identified as leaders in the field.

By Thor Olavsrud

Aug 8, 2012 1 min

Developer Enterprise Applications Small and Medium Business

No Summer Slow Down for New CIO Appointments

Retailers CVS, Lowe's, and Autozone among firms announcing new IT leaders

By Martha Heller

Aug 7, 2012 3 mins

CIO Careers IT Jobs

Why Apple Should Ditch Its Proprietary iPhone Dock Connector—and Why It Won’t

Apple is expected to roll out a new, smaller proprietary dock-connector port on its full lineup of iPods, iPhones and iPads this fall. The move could help Apple produce smaller, lighter iOS gadgets, but it will be a big hassle for iOS users and Apple

By Al Sacco

Aug 7, 2012 4 mins

Small and Medium Business Smartphones iPhone

Weather HD 2 App for iOS Gets Cool New 3D Maps

The popular Weather HD 2 map app just got a major overhaul. The software sells for only one dollar, but some advanced features cost extra.

By James A. Martin

Aug 7, 2012 3 mins

Tablets iPhone

10 Mobile Apps That Promote Health and Wellness

If you're one of the growing number of people who carries a smartphone everywhere, why not take advantage of mobile apps that can help you organize your medical history, eat right, exercise or fall asleep at night?

By Joseph Kim, M.D.

Aug 7, 2012 6 mins

Consumer Electronics Smartphones iPhone

Wired Reporter Hack Spotlights Cloud Security Risks

The cloud offers a number of benefits to online users, but it's also riddled with risks. A Wired reporter's recent experience should serve as a cautionary tale for all individuals and companies that are embracing the cloud.

By Constantine von Hoffman

Aug 7, 2012 4 mins

Cloud Computing Cybercrime Data and Information Security

As more businesses rely on Facebook and Twitter for marketing, social media jobs are booming. But given how new it is, how can you be sure you're hiring the right people? Here's a look at the social media specialist role and what you should

By Kristin Burnham

Aug 7, 2012 3 mins

Facebook LinkedIn Salaries

Is iPad Over-Hyped in the Enterprise?

The city of Minneapolis was left underwhelmed by an iPad and BYOD program for city workers. Yet despite the slow start, the city's CIO still feels that an iPad enterprise storm is brewing and he'll be ready when it hits.

By Tom Kaneshige

Aug 7, 2012 7 mins

Government IT Personal Software Tablets