Archive for the ‘Launch’ Category

Akamai and TM Establish Strategic Partnership for NetStorage Deployment

Tuesday, November 8th, 2011

The partnership will see TM hosting Akamai NetStorage  – a secure managed service for the storage of large volume of data – via its Internet Protocol-based (IP-based) network to customers in South Asia.

Akamai is the leading global service provider for accelerating content and business processes online.Akamai Technologies is a leading cloud platform provider while Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) is a New Generation Network service provider in Malaysia.

TM’s IP network is delivered over its diverse international network infrastructure with worldwide Point of Presence (POPs) connectivity.

“The Akamai NetStorage will attract a high voume of Internet traffic to TM’s network, and definitely strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional Internet hub,” said Rozaimy Abd Rahman, Executive Vice President of TM Global.Akamai NetStorage will be deployed in TM’s Data Center in Cyberjaya, Malaysia, which is targeted for completion by end of 2011. This will be Akamai’s only such storage facility in South Asia.

Historically, Internet users in Asia used to receive large amounts of content such as websites and videos from North America only.

The partnership with TM will allow Akamai to gain storage and co-location capacity in South Asia, and will serve to increase the transit bandwidth on the Akamai Intelligent Platform, Akamai’s cloud-based platform with global reach and local delivery capabilities.

Akamai Intelligent Platform delivers astronomical amounts of Web content on its infrastructure:

  • 1M mobile apps delivered day
  • Over 1 trillion Internet interactions daily
  • 85% of Internet users are a single network hop away
  • More than $200B in online commerce enabled annually
  • Scalable and 100% available

Akamai NetStorage service offers multiple terabytes of storage capacity on demand, automatic failover capability, content replication and connectivity to multiple Internet service providers. It also intelligently monitors network traffic and automatically avoids congestion and overloads for better overall user experience.

“With the collaboration, TM’s customers will be able to enjoy excellent internet connectivity and enhanced surfing experience as the source of content is stored locally here, which will result in seamless network performance,” Rozaimy added.TM has aggressively enhanced, improved and upgraded its IP service platform to further meet the ever demanding customers’ expectations. Earlier this year, the company has embarked into IPv6 capability to address the exhaustion of IPv4 in the region.

TM IP service is equipped with the latest security features such as black hole and clean pipe to secure its IP network against any unwanted threats.

VADS Berhad, a subsidiary of TM, provides global storage and serves as a major hub for data in the region.

As the largest Data Centre provider in the country, TM leverages on its 14 carrier-neutral data centres nationwide which are ISO 27001 certified and which fulfill all Tier 3 standards and Tier 4 ready.

Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), Malaysia’s broadband and integrated information and communications group.This is backed by its extensive nationwide and global high-speed IP network, and its existing vast customer base to offer high Service Level Assurance, superlative levels of availability, security with high redundancy for its clients.

It will enable companies to have an IT infrastructure without the complexity of procurement and capital investment.

GarageBand now available for Apple iPhone and iPod

Sunday, November 6th, 2011

GarageBand 1.1 for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch is available on the App Store for USD$4.49 to new users, or as a free update for existing GarageBand for iPad customers.

GarageBand 1.1 for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch is available on the App Store

GarageBand 1.1 for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch is available on the App Store

GarageBand is a universal app that runs on iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and iPod touch (3rd & 4th generation).

GarageBand 1.1 for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch is available on the App StoreThe music creation app from Apple was Introduced earlier this year on the iPad. GarageBand uses Apple’s Multi-Touch interface to make it easy for anyone to create and record their own songs, even if they’ve never played an instrument before.

GarageBand features a collection of fun Touch Instruments that sound great and make it easy for beginners or experienced musicians to play and record keyboards, guitars, drums and basses in a wide variety of styles.

“The innovative Multi-Touch interface combined with Smart Instruments makes it easy to create great sounding music, even if you’ve never studied music or played an instrument before,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing.Smart Instruments now allow you to choose from an extensive new library of custom chords so you can play and strum along with your favourite songs.

You can plug your electric guitar into iPad, iPhone or iPod touch to play and record through classic amps and stompbox effects, or record your voice or any acoustic sound using the built-in microphone.

GarageBand allows you to record and mix up to eight tracks and then share your finished song with friends or send it to your Mac to keep working on it in GarageBand or Logic Pro.

Seagate streamlines Barracuda product family of desktop drives

Saturday, November 5th, 2011

Seagate is streamlining its flagship family of desktop drives under a single product that focuses on performance and big capacities – to cater to the explosive growth in content creation and consumption by businesses and consumers.

Seagate is a worldwide leader in hard disk drives and storage solutions.The new Barracuda family makes it easier for consumers to find the product they need and reduces costs for Seagate’s original equipment manufacturer and distribution channel customers by reducing the number of product qualifications and amount of inventory they need to manage.

The new Barracuda hard drive – to be available first at online retailers – is designed for desktop, tower or all-in-one personal computers; workstations, home and small business servers; “Our OEM and channel customers want to reduce overhead costs by having fewer product lines to qualify and manage in their inventory,” said Scott Horn, vice president of Marketing at Seagate.network-attached storage devices; direct-attached storage expansion; and home and small-business RAID solutions.

Capacities of the family range from 250GB to 3TB.

The simplification of the Barracuda family comes as Seagate begins volume shipments of its 1TB-per-disk Barracuda hard drive. Seagate plans to end production of its Barracuda Green drive in February 2012.

Seagate analysis shows that its new Barracuda drives have a nearly identical power-consumption profile as energy-efficient desktop drives but deliver much higher performance. Barracuda XT, Seagate’s fastest desktop hard drive, will be folded into the new Barracuda family and re-emerge, in name, as the company’s desktop solid state hybrid drive.

Technical specifications

The new Barracuda hard drive features a SATA 6GB/second interface, 7200RPM spin speed and up to 64MB cache to deliver high performance across all capacities.

Seagate’s SmartAlign technology, a feature of Seagate’s Barracuda Green drives, will continue to ship with the flagship Barracuda drives to help the hard drive industry segue from the current 512-byte sector standard for hard drives to the new 4096-byte sector size.

The new 4K standard enables the use of stronger error correction algorithms to maintain data integrity at higher storage densities and capacities.

Micro Focus announces new Test Server

Friday, November 4th, 2011

The new Test Server from Micro Focus offers a revolutionary approach and additional test capacity to IBM Mainframe Application Testing.

“We needed to find an innovative solution that would facilitate higher quality, scalable testing,” explained José Caetano Pereira, Senior IT Manager at BES. “By detecting errors earlier in the software development lifecycle, we will be able to deliver changes faster and deliver more robust software through to the User Acceptance Test phase and subsequent production.”Micro Focus, a leading provider of enterprise application modernization, testing and management solutions, has released Micro Focus Test Server – a unique technology that promises to accelerate testing processes while significantly reducing operating costs.

Customers such as the largest listed Portuguese bank, Banco Espirito Santo (BES), are implementing Micro Focus Test Server to enable them to improve software quality by increasing available mainframe test capacity on a Windows platform.

Micro Focus Test Server is an IBM z/OS compatible environment where application execution behaves just as it would on the target production mainframe. This makes it possible to perform a broad range of preproduction testing on readily available hardware. Testing capacity can now be easily increased to meet business-critical timeframes without incurring prohibitive costs.

Micro Focus Test Server is the first and only IBM mainframe-compatible solution for system, user acceptance and integration testing.

Micro Focus Test Server features:

  • Support for a wide range of mainframe COBOL and Assembler applications and data including batch with JCL, online CICS or IMS TM, DB2, IMS DB and VSAM files.
  • A black box test execution environment for composite applications where .NET and Java programmes invoke mainframe COBOL resources.
  • Close integration back to the mainframe with seamless and secure access to mainframe source code libraries, applications and data, enabling organizations to integrate testing with resources that continue to reside on the mainframe.
  • A proven test server engine that provides a high performance, robust execution environment for multi-region, multi-user testing.

Explore Singapore’s most iconic sites on Google Street View

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011

Google has launched, today, a new set of  360-degree panoramic views of Singapore’s most iconic sites, including the Singapore Flyer, Hwa Par Villa, and Fort Canning Park.

At some locations, like in public parks and the Singapore Flyer here, Google Street View brings you right into the place.

At some locations, like in public parks and the Singapore Flyer here, Google Street View brings you right into the place.

These sites were chosen by Singaporeans in a poll jointly organised with the Singapore Tourism Board, of which spots they wanted to see on Street View.

Street View provides 360-degree street-level images in Google Maps to allow users to view and navigate through historic buildings, parks and gardens.

In areas where Street View is available, you can see the images on Google Maps (on a PC or an Internet-enabled mobile) by zooming into the lowest level, or by dragging the orange “Pegman” icon on the left-hand side of the map onto a blue highlighted street.

Google first launched Street View in Singapore in 2008, and since then new places have been added while images have been regularly updated.

The new images, collected by a Street View trike, allow a viewer to intimately explore the nooks and crannies of popular Singaporean spots. The trike is a mechanical masterpiece comprising three bicycle wheels, a mounted Street View camera, and a specially decorated box containing image-collecting gadgetry.

It has the same capability as the Street View cars for collecting street-level imagery but is specially designed to help Google go to places less accessible by cars, such as historic landmarks and coastal paths.

Street View first launched in 2007 and is currently available in more than 30 countries and 100 metropolitan areas worldwide, including large areas of the U.S., Australia, Japan, France, Italy and Spain.

The new images feature the following Singaporean favorites:

New mirrorless interchangeable lens camera: Samsung NX200

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011

First announced two months ago in September, the 20.3 megapixel camera is now available worldwide. The Samsung NX200 is priced at S$1,099 (incl 7% GST and 18-55 mm kit lens) in Singapore.

Samsung NX200 with the i-Function lens system.

Samsung NX200 with the i-Function lens system.

The NX200 promises DSLR quality combined with compactness and the ease-of-use of a digital compact point-and-shoot. This is Samsung’s fifth NX camera in its third body design. The 20.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor is contained in an all-metal body.

Samsung NX200 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera

Samsung NX200 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera

For high speed capture, the NX200 achieves 100ms Advanced AF speed, fast boot and seven frames per second continuous shooting. Its ISO ranges from 100 to 12,800 (in seven stops) for low light shooting or to help freeze action shots. The NX200 records 1920×1080/30p (H.264) HD movie recording and Stereo Sound.

The NX200 is fully compatible with Samsung’s range of nine i-Function lenses, which allows toggling between shutter speed, aperture, exposure value (EV), white balance (WB), and ISO quickly and easily through the button and ring on the lens.

With the upgraded i-Function 2.0 on the NX200, it can control six different Smart Filters and the intelli-Zoom function from the lens whilst in Lens Priority Mode. New lenses for the i-Function system include 18-200mm (S$1,099), 16mm (S$499), 60mm and 85mm focal lengths.

Samsung NX200, with 20.3 megapixels, APS-C CMOS sensor, 1920x1080/30p (H.264) HD movie recording, and 3.0” VGA AMOLED display.

Samsung NX200, with 20.3 megapixels, APS-C CMOS sensor, 1920x1080/30p (H.264) HD movie recording, and 3.0” VGA AMOLED display.

Images captured can be viewed on the 3.0” VGA AMOLED display of the NX200. The camera’s Smart Panel also offers intuitive control thanks to hot keys that enable users to switch to key functions without the need to scroll through confusing menus to get to the desired shot.

A new Panorama function allows users to take lengthened shots of large objects or turn the image into a 3D scene, bringing the object to life. A Sound Picture function allows a snippet of sound to be recorded together with a still snapshot.

The main specifications for the Samsung NX200 can be found here.

TomTom App optimised for iPad

Sunday, October 30th, 2011

TomTom App for iPhone 1.9 is now available and optimised for iPad, offering higher resolution and improved user interface for the iPad at no extra cost. The app for South East Asia is available now at US$69.99 but existing app customers download for free.

TomTom App for iPhone/iPad Version 1.9

TomTom App for iPhone/iPad Version 1.9

First announced and show-cased during IFA 2011 in Berlin last month, Existing TomTom App customers can download the new version to their iPads for free.

The user interface has been enhanced to fit the larger screen of the iPad while the resolution has been increased for a sharper display. The new release is also compatible with Apple’s new iOS5.

TomTom, Europe's largest maker of portable navigation devicesThe TomTom App for iPhone/iPad 1.9 comes with a new map release, which includes updated roads, more accurate information about fixed speed camera locations and points of interest.

The new release makes use of the extra iPad screen space by showing both driving view and advanced lane guidance at the same time. Drivers can also switch to driving view with one touch from anywhere within the app, and can access guidance options in a tap.

CA Access Control for Virtual Environments

Wednesday, October 26th, 2011

CA Technologies promises to improve Virtualisation security with a new securty solution that enforces end-to-end privileged user management suport for VMware vSphere Environments.

CA Technologies is an IT management software and solutions company.CA Technologies is leveraging on CA Access Control for Virtual Environments to extend its identity and access management (IAM) security expertise. The new solution complements and protects VMware virtual environments.

“We see CA Access Control for Virtual Environments as a key solution that will meet our needs in virtualization security and help us to comply with PCI-DSS requirements,” said Arieh Berger, manager, Operating Systems and Information Security, EL AL Airlines. “By complementing and extending the security that comes with VMware, CA Access Control for Virtual Environments will allow us to enact segregation of duties and control privileged user access – all automatically.”The solution helps customers confidently virtualize critical applications by addressing security and compliance concerns, and helping control privileged user access to the virtual environment.

Virtualization management tools provide IT administrators with tremendous flexibility and power to make significant, rapid changes to their virtual environments.

This authority increases the insider threat and raises the need to protect virtual environments from user mistakes, misuse or blatant, malicious actions by those users with the most privilege.

CA Access Control for Virtual Environments is available direct from CA Technologies or through a growing global partner channel.

CA Access Control for Virtual Environments helps customers:

  • Achieve compliance for their virtual data center through privileged user management for the hypervisor and guest virtual machines;
  • Gain visibility and control over virtual environments with activity logging and privileged user password vaulting;
  • Automate security operations and reduce security costs by applying security controls according to pre-set policies;
  • Expedite adoption of virtualization technology for critical applications by improving security controls; and
  • Create a secure, multi-tenant environment by isolating virtual machines through network zoning.

Data center provider Equinix launches Marketplace service

Wednesday, October 26th, 2011

Equinix has introduced the Equinix Marketplace, a new service that enables any company with a presence in any Equinix International Business Exchange (IBX) data center to quickly find and directly connect to a global value-chain of more than 4,000 potential partners, customers and suppliers of digital services.

Equinix is a provider of global data center servicesEquinix Marketplace soughts to help companies more effectively reach new customers, offer new services, and connect to members of their digital supply chain to improve application performance, reduce cost and generate revenue.

By creating a custom profile and storefront in the Equinix Marketplace, sellers of services, ranging from network connectivity to private clouds to alternative trading systems, can drive sales by promoting their services to other participants—thousands of potential customers or partners that are a simple cross-connect away in Equinix data centers.

“AboveNet is excited about the opportunity to participate in the Equinix Marketplace. The Equinix Marketplace provides AboveNet an additional marketing channel to reach prospective customers to deliver our low latency High Bandwidth Connectivity solutions to Equinix facilities,” said Nick Ridolfi, senior vice president of sales for AboveNet.Currently, the vertical ecosystems inside Equinix data centers include companies such as Bloomberg, Verizon, Syniverse, GoGrid, and Abovenet.  These companies are already connecting and doing business with customers and partners that are also inside Equinix, and now the Equinix Marketplace makes it even easier to do so.

Platform Equinix is home to ecosystems containing thousands of digital-driven enterprises including more than 700 cloud and IT service providers, 675 high-performance backbone and mobile networks, 450 online media, content and advertising destinations, and 600 electronic trading and financial market participants.

Buyers, on the other hand, can quickly locate the right services in the right data center locations from the suppliers now available in the Equinix Marketplace. This reduces the time-to-market to integrate with new partners and deploy new services, to reduce costs and improve the performance and efficiency of their digital supply chain.

Two New notebooks: Samsung Series 7 GAMER and CHRONOS

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

Samsung today launched its Series 7 GAMER notebook (700G), designed to deliver a smarter and richer gaming experience and its premium Series 7 CHRONOS notebook (700Z), designed for maximum performance and productivity.

Samsung Electronics Co LtdThe Series 7 CHRONOS comprises a 13.3” model (700Z3A – S$1,688) and a 15.6” model (700Z5A – S$1,988), both available in mid November.

The Series 5 GAMER has the single 17.3” model (700G7A), priced at S$2,899, and is available now.

The notebooks come with Windows 7 operating system.

Main highlights of the Series 7 GAMER notebook

    Samsung Series 7 GAMER notebook

    Samsung Series 7 GAMER notebook

  • Powered by a Quad-Core Intel Core i7 processor to deliver powerful performance for demanding applications and games.
  • Boots up 25% faster.
  • Has the most powerful graphics card currently available – AMD Radeon HD 6970M 2GB GDDR5 – for good video quality and performance.
  • 3D 17.3” LED display to further enhance gaming experience with realistic image reproduction capabilities.
  • Equipped with the latest 3D surround sound to enjoy cinematic surround sound system.
  • High quality gaming keyboard with a desktop layout.
  • Priced at S$2,899, available now.

Main highlights of the premium Series 7 CHRONOS notebook

    Samsung Series 7 CHRONOS notebook

    Samsung Series 7 CHRONOS

  • Powered with the 2nd generation Quad-Core Intel’s Core i7 processor and an extra 8GB of flash memory on the motherboard that provides a faster start-up as well as increases overall performance.
  • 2 times faster web browsing (based on Microsoft Internet Explorer).
  • Only takes 2 seconds to restart, a 33% time-improvement from previous models.
  • Battery lasts up to five times longer than other notebooks.
  • 15.6” display fitted into a chassis used for the usual 15” models, allowing users to benefit from a large screen in the form factor of a smaller model.
  • Series 7 CHRONOS 13.3” 700Z3A (S$1,688) and 15.6” 700Z5A (S$1,988) available in mid November.