ITGumbo: spicing IT up

Storage is personal – says a report from the techno-gurus at IDC in its “2007 Personal Storage Survey.” That’s personal data storage – not the storage in your walk-in closet.

“Personal storage is a fast-growing product category and has become important in the portfolio of many global storage vendors,” said Wolfgang Schlichting, research director, Removable Storage, at IDC.

According to the IDC survey, the backup storage device most often used is still the CD or DVD writer, with almost 31% of business users and over 45% of consumers citing this as their top choice. The second most used device by all respondents is the USB flash drive at 17.3%, followed by the external hard drive at 15.6%. Network storage, floppies, tape, and secondary internal hard drives all finished in single-digit percentages.

Interestingly, the survey also states that the storage needs of consumers and small businesses are now very similar to those of larger enterprises. Conversely, however, the survey purports the storage solutions must be completely different.

Today, Microsoft will release a first update to Windows Home Server via Windows Update, providing enhancements to the product usability and out-of-box experience for customers. Updates to Windows Home Server will be delivered throughout the lifecycle of the product. Microsoft has provided this update to its hardware and distribution partners and, as previously stated, HP will incorporate this update in the HP MediaSmart Server. Customers already using the system builder version of Windows Home Server will automatically receive the enhancements through Windows Update.

Planar Systems, a provider in specialty display solutions, today announced a partnership with Wyse Technology, the global leader in thin computing, to deliver the next generation of integrated thin client network displays. Planar’s entry into the thin client market demonstrates its strategic commitment to deliver display offerings that address specific challenges, such as the need within the enterprise to protect sensitive information, centralize applications and streamline thin client installation.

A little over a month ago, I received a product by LapWorks, the Laptop Desk Futura. The product is designed to improve laptop cooling and provide an ergonomically sound workspace across the lap. It also folds into a wedge-shaped stand for desk use.
When I first looked at the contraption, my first thoughts were another useless piece of plastic that offers no real value to the real world. Let me be the first to apologize to the company, and say I use the device practically every day. I love it! I endure a daily hour and a half train ride home, one way, might I add, and without it, I probably would get no work done and most likely be sterile by now.

A misconception surrounding HP's new MediaSmart Server is that it is aimed at the greenhorn. That's mainly because the server ships with Microsoft's Windows Home Server, an application the software giant is marketing to non-technical users, leaving HP guilty by association.