News

Why Motorola’s DROID RAZR MAXX is the Best Android on the Market

Late last year, Motorola released the sleek and powerful DROID RAZR device, which was followed in early 2102 by the DROID RAZR MAXX, a nearly identical handheld minus the battery-life woes suffered by the original. CIO.com's Al Sacco's feel

By Al Sacco

Mar 12, 2012 10 mins

Carriers Small and Medium Business Smartphones

5 Ways to Prepare for Big Data With Scale-Out NAS

Excited by the prospect of turning your company's unstructured data into actionable business intelligence? Your first step is to create a storage architecture that can deal with petabytes of data. EMC Isilon's Nick Kirsch says scale-out NA

By Thor Olavsrud

Mar 12, 2012 5 mins

Business Intelligence Data Warehousing Enterprise Architecture

Illuminated Wireless Keyboard Keeps You Productive in Dark Environs

The Logitech Wireless Illuminated Keyboard K800 is a beautiful desktop keyboard that blends wireless convenience and function. And it's perfect for working in poorly-lit or dark environments thanks to its laser-etched, backlit keys.

By Paul Mah

Mar 12, 2012 3 mins

Computers and Peripherals Laptops

Building a Great Place to Work

What are you really working for? CIO.com columnist Rob Enderle discusses how successful companies build rewarding workplaces, engender employee loyalty and create great products. Spoiler alert: sky-high CEO bonuses aren't part of the recipe.

By Rob Enderle

Mar 10, 2012 7 mins

CIO IT Jobs IT Strategy

Why Mobile CRM Apps Are Slow to Take Off

Everybody knows mobile computing is on the rise. Why, then, have the smartphone versions of CRM apps been such slow sellers? Here are some important lessons to learn about all enterprise apps, cloud or otherwise.

By David Taber

Mar 10, 2012 6 mins

CIO Small and Medium Business Smartphones

iPhoto for iPad, iPhone Mostly iPleases

CIO.com blogger James A. Martin apologizes for the corny headline, but he really was pleased with images he produced using Apple’s brand new iPhoto app for iOS devices. As good as the app is, though, there is room for improvement.

By James A. Martin

Mar 9, 2012 3 mins

Tablets iPhone

Pricey Bose Bluetooth Headset is an Audiophile’s Dream

The Bose Series 2 Bluetooth headset packs superior comfort, sound quality and noise cancellation into a compact, stylish package. But it doesn't come cheap.

By Paul Mah

Mar 9, 2012 3 mins

Small and Medium Business Smartphones iPhone

How to Use Facebook’s New ‘Interest Lists’

Facebook's new "Interest Lists" feature lets you subscribe to user-generated lists on topics that matter to you. While it has potential, it also has glaring problems Facebook needs to fix.

By Kristin Burnham

Mar 9, 2012 4 mins

Consumer Electronics Facebook Social Networking Apps

IT Service Providers and Customers Battle Over Data Breaches

IT outsourcing providers and their customers are fighting hard over data security liability limits at the negotiating table, and the issue is going to get more contentious in the cloud.

By Stephanie Overby

Mar 9, 2012 5 mins

Data Breach

Finding Deals: iPad 2 Prices Slide as Apple Unveils New iPad

It didn't take long for retailers to slice the price of the iPad 2 by $100. CIO.com blogger Bill Snyder highlights iPad 2 bargains from Apple, Best Buy, Amazon and more.

By Bill Snyder

Mar 9, 2012 3 mins

Computers and Peripherals Small and Medium Business Tablets

It’s Time To Kill Your IT Strategy

The days of developing a technology strategy that aligns to business strategy need to be behind us. Today's CIOs must focus on business strategy.

By Forrester Research

Mar 9, 2012 3 mins

IT Leadership IT Strategy

Enterprise Version of Windows 8 Focuses on Security

If it works as promised you may want to skip 7 all together

By Constantine von Hoffman

Mar 8, 2012 3 mins

Data and Information Security Encryption Malware

Does the iPhone 4S Suddenly Support 4G?

An Apple bug showing 4G connectivity on an iPhone does little to earn the trust of consumers in the post-Steve Jobs era.

By Tom Kaneshige

Mar 8, 2012 3 mins

IT Leadership Tablets iPhone

Software Is Your Business

Forrsights survey data to help bust 'No Software' and 'Software Development's Not Important' myths.

By Forrester Research

Mar 8, 2012 3 mins

Developer Enterprise Applications IT Leadership

The Real Reason Apple Called the Latest iPad the ‘New iPad’

Apple's new iPad is called…the "new iPad." That's for good reason—at least from Apple's perspective–and not just for simplicity's sake, according to CIO.com's Al Sacco.

By Al Sacco

Mar 8, 2012 2 mins

Apple Small and Medium Business iPhone

Apple’s Lion Is a Resource and Security Nightmare

As the Mac starts to make inroads back into the enterprise, Apple faces a major problem — one that roars like a Lion. Its current operating system is a disaster from an IT management perspective.

By Mark Everett Hall

Mar 8, 2012 6 mins

Apple Laptops MacBook

BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 Review: An Enterprise Evaluation

RIM recently released the PlayBook OS 2.0 software upgrade for its BlackBerry tablet, which packs a variety of new enhancements aimed at business users. But is the new update too little too late? CIO.com's mobile maestro Al Sacco delves into the

By Al Sacco

Mar 8, 2012 17 mins

Mobile Security Small and Medium Business Smartphones

4 Tips to Control Your Google Privacy

Google's new privacy policy went live last week. The new u001cfeatureu001d combines the information Google collects on you from all of its applications. If you feel like your privacy is at risk, here are four tips to help you remain as anonymou

By Kristin Burnham

Mar 8, 2012 4 mins

Consumer Electronics Internet Privacy

Dell partners with the American Red Cross to furnish it with technology dedicated to monitoring social media activity to improve emergency response and disaster recovery operations.

By Kenneth Corbin

Mar 8, 2012 5 mins

Social Networking Apps

Windows 8: Enterprise Features Could Set Tablets Apart

Windows 8 adoption on PCs and tablets will be a tall order for Microsoft. But proven enterprise support and the security and networking features built into Windows 8 may give the OS an advantage over consumer-focused Macs, iPads and Android tablets.

By Shane O'Neill

Mar 7, 2012 3 mins

Laptops Small and Medium Business Tablets

How Big Data Can Reduce Big Risk

Using predictive analytics to forecast IT failures is itself fraught with difficulty. But combined with artful human intervention, the tools can work.

By Kim S. Nash

Mar 7, 2012 3 mins

Business Intelligence Risk Management

Boost Your iPhone’s Audio-Recording Quality with LiveAction Mic

The Belkin LiveAction Mic is a battery-powered microphone that works with the iPhone and enables the iOS device to record better quality audio than its built-in microphone.

By Paul Mah

Mar 7, 2012 3 mins

Small and Medium Business Smartphones iPhone

iPhone Camera App ‘Awesomeizes’ Your Photography

An application with "awesome" in its title had better be, well, pretty amazing. The free Camera Awesome iOS app, which puts all sorts of photography tools in your hands, mostly lives up to its name.

By James A. Martin

Mar 7, 2012 2 mins

Tablets iPhone

HP’s Power Announcements and Missed Opportunities

HP recently unveiled products ranging from servers to thin clients to workstations. However, the real power in these announcements isn't in each one. It is in the collective power they represnt. The question, according to CIO.com columnist Rob E

By Rob Enderle

Mar 7, 2012 5 mins

Computers and Peripherals Servers Virtualization

Making of Apple’s New iPad: Who’s In Charge?

While the new iPad's graphics are impressive, everything else reeks of life without Steve Jobs.

By Tom Kaneshige

Mar 7, 2012 4 mins

Carriers Tablets iPhone

Telecom Leaders Come Out Swinging Against Cybersecurity Laws

Appearing before a House subcommittee, executives from Internet service providers such Comcast and AT&T warn against check-box compliance approach to cybersecurity.

By Kenneth Corbin

Mar 7, 2012 5 mins

Cybercrime Government Regulation

Google Cloud Storage Cuts Prices, Integrates With Tech Providers

Google Cloud Storage has reduced its prices from 8 percent to 15 percent across all tiers and is pointing to technology providers that are integrating it directly into their offerings to provide solutions including NAS replacement, active archives, b

By Thor Olavsrud

Mar 7, 2012 3 mins

Cloud Computing Disaster Recovery Virtualization

How to Choose the Right NAS System for Your Business

As prices fall and capacities soar, network attached storage systems are becoming an increasingly appealing option for small and mid-sized businesses. What factors should you consider when you begin to evaluate NAS systems for your own firm?

By Paul Mah

Mar 7, 2012 9 mins

Computers and Peripherals IT Strategy Virtualization

Windows 8 Consumer Preview: Love, Hate and Everything in Between

Here's a roundup of the vast and various reactions to the Windows 8 Consumer Preview version, released last week.

By Shane O'Neill

Mar 6, 2012 3 mins

Laptops Small and Medium Business Smartphones

Cops Get Last Laugh as LulzSec, Anonymous, Antisec Learn Truth About Honor and Thieves

Leader rolls over on troops faster than a kitten playing with a ball of yarn

By Constantine von Hoffman

Mar 6, 2012 2 mins

Data Breach Fraud Malware

BlackBerry Bible: Everything You Need to Know About Your RIM Smartphone–and PlayBook Tablet

From keyboard shortcuts and tricks from mobile experts, to free software downloads, battery life tips, device reviews and insider commentary, we offer you our expert guide to help you master your smartphone and earn a BlackBerry black belt.

By Al Sacco

Mar 6, 2012 50 mins

Data Center Small and Medium Business Smartphones

Facebook Launches Messenger for Windows

Facebook's new desktop client lets you chat with and message friends as well as view updates such as new comments and photo tags without having to be logged on to Facebook.com.

By Kristin Burnham

Mar 6, 2012 2 mins

Consumer Electronics Facebook Social Networking Apps

Healthcare Industry CIOs, CSOs Must Improve Security

Given that stolen medical records can bring $50 apiece on the underground market, the frequency and magnitude of data breaches involving electronic health records is increasing. In an effort to help CIOs and CSOs build a better business case for enha

By Thor Olavsrud

Mar 6, 2012 5 mins

Data Breach Healthcare Industry Regulation

IT to Power Future Job Creation

Technology CEO Council study highlights the importance of new IT applications to future startups, urges policy reforms to clear the way for transformative new businesses.

By Kenneth Corbin

Mar 6, 2012 4 mins

Careers Government IT Skills

The BYOD Sea Change Has Already Started

Enterprises may see cost savings as employees pay for their own devices in the brave new BYOD world, but that doesn't mean a free lunch for IT. This emerging trend only increases the pressure on IT to manage and secure devices and data.

By Tom Kaneshige

Mar 6, 2012 3 mins

Consumer Electronics IT Leadership

BYOD: Making Sense of the Work-Personal Device Blur

The bring-your-own-device trend intersects the lines of personal and work lives, stirring up a mess of problems for enterprise IT leaders, from dealing with lost devices to keeping corporate data out of consumer cloud services.

By Tom Kaneshige

Mar 6, 2012 5 mins

CIO Small and Medium Business Smartphones

Email Up to 30 Images at Once with Kicksend for iPhone

The iPhone’s iOS software only lets you email up to five photos at a time. But the free Kicksend application blows past that limitation.

By James A. Martin

Mar 5, 2012 3 mins

Data Center iPhone

Windows 8: Attention Consumers, Do NOT Download It Yet

Microsoft is inviting consumers to be unpaid beta testers of a not-yet-finished operating system. But for the average PC user, the Windows 8 Consumer Preview is intimidatingly different. It's also buggy enough to give you headaches. Wait until i

By Bill Snyder

Mar 5, 2012 5 mins

Small and Medium Business Windows

Despite RIM VP of Developer Relations Alec Saunders's recent critical comments about RIM-rival app stores from Apple and Google being filled with countless duplicate mobile applications, the BlackBerry maker is now dealing with a unique app-qual

By Al Sacco

Mar 5, 2012 4 mins

Mobile Small and Medium Business Software Development

FAVI Mini Projector Lets You Pack a 100-Inch Display in a Laptop Bag

The FAVI Mini Projector is a portable LED projector that weighs less than a pound and works with a wide range of input sources, as well as USB flash memory or an SD card.

By Paul Mah

Mar 5, 2012 4 mins

Laptops Tablets Ultrabook

Which Open Source CMS Is Right for Your Business?

Open source Web CMS software is a good option for any sized business. We look at three open source Web content management systems — Drupal, Joomla and WordPress — and help you pick the best one for your organization.

By Vangie Beal

Mar 5, 2012 6 mins

Collaboration Software IT Strategy Small and Medium Business

Application Streaming Gets a New Face With Cloudpaging

Application streaming–delivering software on-demand from centralized servers or the cloud–holds great promise, but has proved elusive in practical application. Legacy applications can prove difficult to virtualize and performance has been problemat

By Thor Olavsrud

Mar 5, 2012 6 mins

Business Intelligence Microsoft Office Office Suites

How Consumerization of IT Affects Product Design

As consumerization of IT continues to gain ground in the enterprise it is driving change in professional expectations and what IT must do to deliver on those requirements, having direct affect on how all OEMs design and develop their products.

By Paul D'arcy

Mar 5, 2012 7 mins

Computers and Peripherals Developer Small and Medium Business

Dragon Speech-to-Text iOS App Makes Dictation a Dream

Nuance’s Dragon Remote Microphone app for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad lets you transform spoken words into text along with a desktop PC or Mac application. Despite CIO.com blogger James A. Martin having both a cold and a Southern drawl, he

By James A. Martin

Mar 2, 2012 3 mins

Apple Small and Medium Business iPhone

Synology DS212 NAS: Affordable Data Protection for Individuals, SMBs

The Synology DS212 is a full-featured, dual-bay network attached storage (NAS) device that offers a solid feature set and data mirroring without breaking the bank.

By Paul Mah

Mar 2, 2012 4 mins

Computers and Peripherals Networking

Malware Hijacks Banks Live Chat Sessions To Steal Info

Also in the news: U.S. sponsors contest to prove it can use Twitter to track fugitives and Mozilla lets users see which advertisers are tracking them

By Constantine von Hoffman

Mar 2, 2012 3 mins

Cybercrime Malware Phishing

Google’s New Privacy Policy Highlights Need for Better Settings

Google's updated privacy policy–which allows the company to share information about you across all of its services–has drawn criticism worldwide. Here's how its changes affect your online identity and why Google now needs to focus on maki

By Kristin Burnham

Mar 2, 2012 3 mins

Internet Privacy

Android Security Hole of the Week (and a Pile of New Mobile Malware Stats)

An Android security flaw that could let malicious apps steal images from users' devices was uncovered within days of the release of some frightening new mobile security stats, which spotlight Android as the mobile OS of choice for attackers.

By Al Sacco

Mar 2, 2012 4 mins

Malware Mobile Security Small and Medium Business

AMD and SeaMicro on the Edge of Glory

AMD's SeaMicro acquisition could redefine the server market and position AMD to surpass Intel in the next technology wave, writes CIO.com columnist Rob Enderle.

By Rob Enderle

Mar 2, 2012 5 mins

IT Strategy Mergers and Acquisitions Servers

IT Outsourcing Buyers Still Don’t Care About Sustainability

Environmentally friendlier outsourcing practices may generate increased profit and positive publicity for IT service providers, but they remain a non-issue for most customers. For those that do value sustainability, we offer 15 tips for discerning re

By Stephanie Overby

Mar 2, 2012 6 mins

CIO Green IT IT Strategy