Quality
Technology Solutions, Inc.
QTS
QuikNews � April 2002 � Issue 2002.4
April 22, 2002
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Welcome
to the April edition of QTS QuikNews, our Monthly E-Mail newsletter.
In this monthly e-mail, you will receive an update of what's new at
QTS - new products we support, new patches and upgrades, solution ideas
and promotions to save you money, and information about our company and
our clients.
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IN
THIS ISSUE
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1.
QTS News
2.
Events
3.
Patches & Upgrades
4.
President�s Corner
5.
Partner Spotlight: Greenwich Technology Partners
6.
Special Offers & Featured Solutions
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QTS
NEWS
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MICROSOFT
LICENSING PROGRAM CHANGES & SEMINARS
Effective
July 31st Microsoft is making significant changes in its
licensing programs, which will impact most if not all QTS customers to
some degree. The core change
in the programs is that software upgrades will not be available under the
new program � so, if you wish to upgrade any of your Microsoft products
to the current version (i.e., upgrade from Windows NT to Windows 2000,
Exchange 5.5 to Exchange 2000, etc.) you will want to do so before the new
program goes into effect � otherwise, you will need to purchase the new
products with no credit for your prior investment.
QTS
and Microsoft are hosting a series of seminars to explain the new
licensing programs and educate our customers on their options. See Seminars below for seminar dates.
NOVELL
PRODUCT SUPPORT LIFECYCLE
Manufacturer
support for software offerings typically runs a 3 year lifecycle from
initial product release these days � sometimes sooner, sometimes later,
depending on the frequency of interim updates.
The following Novell products are coming up on their end-of-life
date:
5/1/02
� Novell BorderManager 3.5
8/1/02 � Novell GroupWise 5.5
See
http://support.novell.com/lifecycle/forecast.html
for more information. Note
that support for NetWare 5.0 was discontinued effective 3/31/02.
QTS-SUNGARD
RELATIONSHIP AND DISASTER RECOVERY
Based
on recent events and an increased awareness and focus by our customers on
Business Contingency Planning and Disaster Recovery, QTS has established a
working relationship with SunGard, the leading provider of contingency
planning services. QTS can
provide customers with consulting and planning services, and leverages its
partnership with SunGard to provide Hot Site capabilities and related
services. Please contact your
QTS Account Manager to discuss how QTS and SunGard can help your business
establish a suitable Disaster Recovery Plan.
QTS
PROMOTES MUKESH SHARMA TO ASSISTANT MANAGER, CSC
On
April 1st, QTS promoted Mukesh Sharma to the position of
Assistant Manager of the Customer Support Center.
Mukesh will continue to report to Lou DiTommaso, but will assume a
more active role in day to day operations management in the CSC, and
assist with development of new network and security management offerings.
Mukesh started with QTS in late 1999 and has steadily progressed
through the organization since then.
Please join us in wishing Mukesh the best of luck in his new
position at QTS.
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EVENTS
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MICROSOFT
LICENSING SEMINARS
Microsoft
and QTS will be holding a series of seminars at Microsoft�s Berkeley
Heights, NJ office to explain the licensing program changes that will be
taking place effective July 31st.
Please see the entry above about the importance of these changes,
and President�s Corner below. QTS
will be presenting on Software Asset Management best practices and its
service offering during these events.
*
May 2nd: Event Code 107077485
* June 4th: Event Code 107077492
Register
by going to msevents.Microsoft.com/events/usa and typing in the
appropriate event code, or calling 1-877-673-8368.
We
strongly recommend that all QTS mid-market business customers attend one
of these events, and that all QTS customers speak with your Account
Manager about the impact of these changes on your upgrade plans. Failure to act before the cutoff date could result in a
significant cost penalty when you move to upgrade at a later date.
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PATCHES
& UPGRADES
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Call
the Customer Support Center to have us apply QTS-standard patches and keep
your systems current. The
following patches have been recently released and are recommended by QTS:
*
Microsoft Cumulative Patch for Internet Information Server
* Microsoft Cumulative Patch for Internet Explorer
* Microsoft Security Fix for SQL Server 7/2000 Vulnerability in MS02-020
*
Microsoft Security Fix for Windows NT/2000 SNMP Vulnerability in MS02-006
(if SNMP is running)
* Microsoft Security Fix for Windows NT/2000/XP Unchecked Buffer
Vulnerability in MS02-017
* Microsoft Security Fix for Windows 2000 Domain Controllers & Group
Policy Vulnerability in MS02-016
* Microsoft Security Fix for Windows 98/NT/2000 Unchecked Buffer
Vulnerability in MS02-014
*
Novell Post SP1 NSS Modules for NetWare 6
*
Novell HTTP Stack Vulnerability Fix (for NetWare 5/6 Remote Manager only)
CA
InoculateIT 4.x signature files are currently at version 35.15 (4/18/2002)
and McAfee VirusScan/NetShield is at version 4197 (4/17/2002), and Norton
Antivirus Corporate Edition is at version 40419e (4/19/2002). Please keep your antivirus signatures current!
If you do not have your system set up to automatically distribute
updates from your server to your PCs, please call your QTS Account Manager
or the Customer Support Center.
Some
patches can cause problems, especially in combination with other software
programs or patch levels. Please
talk to us to verify whether we see any possible problems in your
environment before patching your systems independently.
We make best efforts to test patch combinations but cannot
guarantee compatibility between software and hardware manufacturers�
products.
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PRESIDENT�S
CORNER
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One
of the most interesting, and potentially useful, of the emerging
technologies is wireless networking.
However, there seems to be a great deal of confusion as to the
status of wireless technologies and their implementation issues.
Since most of these technologies can, with proper planning, be
�ready for prime time� I will attempt to lay out some of the
considerations below.
Wireless
networking actually consists of three distinct technologies that serve
different purposes. These
would be Wireless Local Area Networking, Wireless Personal Area
Networking, and Wireless Wide Area Networking.
The technologies that support these distinct capabilities are
different and unique.
For
simplicity, let�s start with what most of us think of when we describe
wireless networking � Wireless Local Area Networking.
This is essentially Ethernet without cables � the ability to
connect PCs to a network. Most
wireless LAN products comply with the IEEE 802.11b standard, which defines
how the products work and how they interoperate.
802.11b defines the speed (11 MBPS), the radio frequency (2.4GHz)
and the authentication and encryption mechanisms.
An �access point� is wired to the network, and acts as the
connection point for wireless devices to link to it via radio. Depending on the size of the office, you may be able to use
only one Access Point, or you may need many to provide coverage for all
spaces in your facility. Your
PCs (and PDAs) communicate, wireless, with the Access Point, and the
Access Point provides the connection to the wired network.
Recently,
major vendors have released 802.11a products, which operate in the 5GHz
band and have a transmission speed of 54MBPS, with eight non-overlapping
frequency channels. This
provides considerable flexibility, and a significant performance boost. However, due to the frequency difference, this technology is
incompatible with 802.11b products. The
802.11g standard addresses this by providing 802.11a speed in the 802.11b
frequency range, but there are presently no shipping products.
Cisco�s recently released Aironet 1200 Access Point addresses
this by including two radios � one for 802.11a and one for 802.11b.
Other vendors have also come up with creative approaches, leading
to greater interoperability and adoption.
Security
is a controversial issue in regard to wireless � a new term, �drive by
hacking� has entered our vocabulary.
802.11b products utilize a standard for encryption called WEP �
Wireless Encryption Protocol. Essentially,
the way this works is a complex alphanumeric key is coded into the access
point and all PCs that will be connecting to it.
If a PC does not have a valid WEP key, it cannot connect to the
wireless network. Unfortunately,
to make it easy to set up wireless networks WEP is almost universally
disabled by default. Another
problem is that WEP keys are fairly easily cracked, and there are many
hacking tools now available to do so.
Furthermore, the WEP key is manually configured on each machine, so
if the key is compromised, then all machines need to have a new key
manually configured, which is labor intensive and hard to administer.
They way vendors such as Cisco and RSA Security are working around
this is by delivering Access Server products, such as Cisco Secure ACS or
RSA ACE/Server, that act as a centralized authentication server.
Instead of using WEP, a client PC must authenticate with a valid
user ID and password/passcode to be able to connect to the access point
and be part of the network. Different
products work differently in this regard, so this solution requires
planning, but can improve centralized administration.
It is also not uncommon for companies to set up a VPN for wireless
connectivity, to force the authentication and encryption.
Wireless
LAN solutions have a number of benefits and potential scenarios where they
are of value. Mobile
professional workers can benefit from the ability to work �untethered�
in the office, with a laptop computer that can move from room to room
while maintaining its network connection.
This allows participation in meetings and other activities �on
the move� while remaining connected to email and network resources.
This is a benefit of Wireless LAN solutions.
Another benefit of Wireless LAN solutions is the ability to connect
to the network from places where there are no Ethernet connections �
either because they have not yet been put there, because there are not
enough, or because they cannot be put there (due to distance limitations,
cable cost constraints, etc.). Finally,
wireless bridges can be used to connect offices or locations with a clear
line of sight.
Many
people get confused over this technology when they hear talk of �Bluetooth,�
another wireless standard. Bluetooth
is a different standard for wireless connectivity, and is a multivendor
standard with broad support. Bluetooth
is targeted at short-range wireless communications between a given
person�s devices (for example, a PDA, a PC, a printer, etc.). This method of networking is referred to as Personal Area
Networking, as the distance limitation is ten meters. Bluetooth specifies a speed of 1MBPS, of which some channels
are allocated to voice, and the balance to data.
In that regard, it is important to note that a Bluetooth enabled
device cannot access a Wireless LAN Access Point � the technologies and
protocols are completely different.
Wireless
PAN solutions present the ability to easily and inexpensively integrate
components and productivity tools. Bluetooth
provides the benefit of universal connectivity, eliminating the need to
use cables to connect your PC, printer, PDA, cell phone, and other
compatible devices. One issue
is that Bluetooth, like 802.11b, operates in the unlicensed 2.4GHz radio
band, so the two technologies may �step on each other� if deployed in
the same space.
The
last category of wireless networking is wireless Wide Area Networking �
using a wireless network adapter to connect to a service provider�s
communications network (and from there, possibly connect to your private
network). The network
adapters and technology for this type of connection is, yet again
unfortunately, different from the other two � Cellular Digital Packet
Data (�CDPD�) networks tend to be the most common.
Wireless Wide Area Networking is implemented by purchasing a
subscription and air-time from a wireless WAN carrier, and generally it is
best to purchase the communications adapter as part of a package to ensure
compatibility with the communications network.
The bandwidth, typically 19.2KBPS or somewhat higher, is sharply
different from the above two solutions, and therefore the way it is used
needs to be optimized. Small
chunks of data (browser pages that are specially formatted, with minimal
graphics, thin clients, small bursts of synchronization traffic) tend to
fare well. This is also the
space Blackberry devices play in � since their format is essentially
text, the forwarded messages work well over the slow connection speeds.
But the client can be a Blackberry device, a PDA or a PC.
Wireless
WAN solutions provide mobile professionals with similar benefits to that
of Wireless LANs � but from outside the office.
Wireless WAN solutions provide the benefit of immediate access to
information � via the Internet or via private information sources (for
example, using Microsoft�s Mobile Information Server).
Typically, this is done from Personal Digital Assistants such as
Compaq iPAQs or PalmPilots, but can also be used from PCs with appropriate
hardware (such as Compaq�s iPQAnet Mobile Internet solutions). Instant, real-time access to email and to key business
applications from outside the office can provide significant productivity
benefits and competitive advantage when deployed properly.
Technology
will continue to change and mature at a rapid pace, and Moore�s law
remains in full force and effect. The
next major change I see on the horizon (or already here) is the
integration of PDAs with cell phones � Samsung�s PalmPilot powered
phone is here, and Microsoft and partners are working on the finishing
touches of bringing the PocketPC operating system with mixed PDA/phone
hardware (see www.microsoft.com/mobile/phones).
This will further complicate our choices.
However, the guiding principal for these choices remains the same
� does the solution add business value?
The technology will always get better and mature, but if the ROI
and benefit is there, the time could be right.
You need to weigh the factors and look at your business.
As
always, feel free to email me your comments or thoughts at nrosenberg@QTSnet.com.
Thank you.
Neil
Rosenberg
President & CEO
Quality Technology Solutions
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PARTNER
SPOTLIGHT: GREENWICH TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS
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Greenwich
Technology Partners (�GTP�) provides highly specialized consulting and
engineering services in the IP telephony and unified messaging areas.
These �Convergence� services often generate significant financial
savings to our corporate customers by increasing employee productivity and
reducing telecommunications expenses.
One
of the difficult decisions facing IT managers and CIO�s today is how to
maximize the current data architecture and realize economies of scale
throughout the organization. When
faced with a transitional event, such as building a new office or
upgrading the voice or data network, many IT professionals evaluate and
select the path of convergence to reach these goals.
A converged network, which voice, video, and data are integrated on
the same network, provides several advantages to the organization.
A converged network reduces administrative and staffing costs,
network infrastructure costs, and improves employee productivity.
It also allows for much rapid deployment of new applications, such
as unified messaging and personal communications assistants.
For these reasons, and many others, convergent technology is
becoming a reality, and not just a thought.
How
is GTP able to provide a competitive advantage to our customers?
First, all GTP convergence consultants have significant
telecommunications and data networking expertise.
GTP has parlayed that knowledge to provide complete convergence
services. Second, GTP�s
methodology is unmatched in the industry. GTP offers true economic value to
clients by mapping cutting-edge technologies such as IP telephony and
unified messaging to its clients� business requirements, then delivering
reliable, effective, and scalable solutions.
Third, GTP has aligned ourselves with leaders in the convergence
arena. GTP is one of the most
successful integrators of the CallXpress and RightFax solutions by
Captaris, and is an AVVID partner of Cisco in the IP Telephony
Specialization. Investments
in this technology, such as a state-of-the-art IP Telephony lab in
Parsippany, position GTP for the tremendous growth predicted in this
industry.
Unified
messaging is a portion of IP Telephony, and a core business solution
offered by GTP. GTP�s UM
suite is comprised of two software packages, CallXpress Voice Mail and
RightFax LAN-based faxing. By integrating each into a client�s existing
groupware solution, clients are able to provide one message store for all
message types � email, voice mail, and fax mail.
Faxing is no longer completed at the fax machine; users simply send
and retrieve faxes from their groupware client. Similar to faxes, voice
messages are retrieved at the desktop.
Providing email text-to-speech access to a user via a mobile device
completes unified messaging.
QTS
and GTP work together to build solutions that provide a competitive
advantage for our clients. QTS builds out the data infrastructure, and GTP
provides the voice components to complete the converged network.
For
more information on Greenwich Technology Partners� Convergence Group,
please view their web site at www.greenwichtech.com,
email Eric Beegle at ebeegle@greenwichtech.com,
or call him at 973-576-1622. Or,
contact your QTS Account Manager.
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SPECIAL
OFFERS & FEATURED SOLUTIONS
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MICROSOFT
OPERATIONS MANAGER 2000 PROMOTION
Microsoft
Operations Manager is Microsoft�s tool for managing Windows 2000 and
.NET servers and services, and can be extended with add-ons from NetIQ to
provide a complete SNMP network management solution.
Under a promotion running through April 30, 2002, MOM Base
Processor Licenses and Application Management Pack Processor Licenses are
available for $349 each, compared to a normal price of $849 and $949
respectively.
NOVELL
ZENWORKS FOR DESKTOPS
Novell
NetWare 4 and 5 users own NAL Starter Pack, which provides software
distribution and policy-based management for desktop PCs.
Through July 31st, these users can upgrade to ZENworks
for Desktops 3.2, adding remote control, Windows 2000/XP support,
inventory and other management features, and can save up to 50% on
software upgrade costs when combined with Full Term Upgrade Protection.
Contact your QTS Account Manager for more details.
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�2002 Quality Technology Solutions, Inc.
This site last updated 08/31/07
� 1999 Quality Technology Solutions, Inc.
76 South Orange Avenue Suite 302, South Orange, New Jersey
07079
telephone: 973.761.5400
fax: 973.761.1881
email: info@qtsnet.com