| News for the IT Industry |  |
| Today's Tech Buzz |  |  |
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- Google's cloud takes aim at Amazon
Google unveiled a cloud-computing initiative, Google Compute Engine, that takes advantage of the company's data centers and custom-built servers to compete with Amazon Web Services. Amazon is considered the industry leader in a sector that is expected to see 30% annual growth. The Wall Street Journal
(6/28)     
| Technology & Trends | | |
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- Report: 2-factor authentication demands scrutiny
Two-factor authentication isn't as effective as many enterprises may think, according to a report from security vendors McAfee and Guardian Analytics. The technology requires scrutiny and updating to be a viable security tool, because bad guys also are using it to design threats. "The collection of the token information is part of the fraud process -- it's integrated into it," said report co-author Dave Marcus of McAfee. Network World
(6/27)
- Gartner: Microsoft's mobile moves will spur a tech shift
Gartner Research analysts say they expect Microsoft's Windows desktop to undergo a technology shift in the next several years, with use of traditional Windows applications dropping to 10% of users' time within eight years. "Sometimes a new version of Windows represents more than a major upgrade," said Michael Silver, a Gartner analyst. "We call these 'technology shifts.' We don't see technology shifts too often." Computerworld
(6/28)
| IT Channel | | |
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- Vendor says the channel shouldn't shy away from the cloud
Eric Olden, CEO of identity-management vendor Symplified, says channel players should focus on cloud security, just as resellers did with e-mail spam a few years back. "What doesn't work is telling your customers that the cloud is not a good fit for them. It's sometimes tempting for partners to do that because they are used to working in a certain way," Olden says. CRN.com (U.S.)
(6/28)
- Red Hat leader talks strategy and business focus
Red Hat CEO Jim Whitehurst says he's still steering the open-source vendor away from the applications business and that he views Red Hat as a "commoditizer" when it comes to open-source software development. "In any company you have to figure out what your core source of differentiation is, and we think it's that we know how to leverage open source to deliver excellent enterprise software," Whitehurst says. PCWorld Business Center/IDG News Service
(6/28)
| IT Workforce | | |
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- Hackers are key recruits as industry seeks security talent
Companies that are looking for security gurus increasingly are tapping former hackers because of a shortage of security skills and the fact that hackers often have experience that can't be gained through educational venues. "There's no diploma to become a hacker," says Guillaume Vassault-Houliere, who goes by the handle Free_Man. "Recruiters drop by looking for talent that just can't be learned at school." Bloomberg
(6/27)
- 4 tips for retaining your top performers
Don't wait for your top employees to get an offer from a competitor before stepping up your retention efforts, Joanne Sammer writes. Create a formal process for identifying talented team members and offer them a benefits package that is competitive and includes flexible work arrangements. Business Finance
(6/26)
| Policy Watch | | |
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- GOP seeks to assuage critics with revised cybersecurity bill
A coalition of Republican senators introduced an amended version of a previously drafted cybersecurity bill on Wednesday as an alternative to one being advanced by Senate Democrats and the Obama administration. The revised Secure IT Act -- which its drafters, including Sen. John McCain, are referring to as a "consensus bill" -- would encourage more information sharing between the public and private sectors, while taking into consideration some of the privacy concerns raised by the earlier version's critics. The White House argues, however, that the bill lacks the ability for the government to set cybersecurity standards for critical systems, such as utilities. The Hill/Hillicon Valley blog
(6/27)
| CompTIA News | | |
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Get answers to your market-research questions in a snap
In a first of its kind for the IT industry, CompTIA created a comprehensive search engine to help its members find the answers to their IT research questions quickly and easily. CompTIA analysts input thousands of records into the new CompTIA ReSEARCH Engine so that meaningful data is immediately displayed.
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Business solutions for MSPs and VARs
Business Solutions, a print and online resource, connects MSPs and VARs to the latest networking, storage, security and managed-services success stories and trends. Gain access to the latest success stories from your peers, as well as white papers, webcasts, videos and more.
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Meet the demand for mobility
The mobility market is being driven forward thanks to the availability of devices such as smartphones and tablets. In addition, the workforce is changing drastically, further highlighting a demand for mobile solutions. Employees who are traveling heavily or frequently bringing work home require mobile solutions. CompTIA provides resources for solution providers to understand the market and the different opportunities available in the mobile space. Find out more.
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CompTIA IT SmartStat: June 29, 2012
 70% of businesses are aware of hosted/cloud-based communication systems. CompTIA IT SmartStat
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