IBM unveils Lotus Notes 8

Upgrade gives e-mail client software a modernized user interface.

By all accounts, the much-needed upgrade offers a modernized user interface for Notes as well as new usability tools and added capabilities, such as the ability to send instant messages from within the e-mail client via IBM’s Sometime software.

The changes are the result of building the Version 8 client on top of the company’s Eclipse-based rich client platform, according to IBM officials.

Version 8 represents IBM’s strategy to create client interfaces built on a common platform. This will allow components of any client application to be provisioned and managed centrally, said Barton Group analyst Karen Hobert.

For example, Notes 8 is built on the same programming model as Lotus Expediter 6.1.1, which is based on open standards from Eclipse.org. The common framework becomes an open client for mashups and composite applications in addition to the traditional Notes features.

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Run, run! Skype is falling…

Most of the worldwide Skype network has been down for a day now and it still has not recovered.

Skype’s official word is that the problem was caused by “a deficiency in an algorithm within Skype networking software that controls the interaction between the user’s own Skype client and the rest of the Skype network”. Our own internal contacts within Skype also say that this was not a DDoS attack or anything else like that.

Then again: Skype’s main development unit is in Estonia. Estonia’s infrastructure was targeted by massive denial-of-service attacks earlier this year. This tied together with the fact that a new Denial-of-Service exploit against Skype server software was released just hours ago have created lots rumors about what’s really going on.

The exploit is quite simple and causes Skype client to generate a large amount of calls, freezing the server it’s connected to – and causing a reconnect to another server.

IBM unveils Lotus Notes 8

Upgrade gives e-mail client software a modernized user interface.

By all accounts, the much-needed upgrade offers a modernized user interface for Notes as well as new usability tools and added capabilities, such as the ability to send instant messages from within the e-mail client via IBM’s Sometime software.

The changes are the result of building the Version 8 client on top of the company’s Eclipse-based rich client platform, according to IBM officials.

Version 8 represents IBM’s strategy to create client interfaces built on a common platform. This will allow components of any client application to be provisioned and managed centrally, said Barton Group analyst Karen Hobert.

For example, Notes 8 is built on the same programming model as Lotus Expediter 6.1.1, which is based on open standards from Eclipse.org. The common framework becomes an open client for mashups and composite applications in addition to the traditional Notes features.

[ View ]

Should Microsoft Office Be Scared of Apple iWork?

With Microsoft office dominating the market ever since word processing came out the cave, Steve Jobs created iWork which is a mirror of Office, created for the iMac. It’s no surprise either, seeing as Microsoft Office for the Apple is the best selling third-party software for the iMacs.

iWork contains all the same concepts of Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and Excel but as with all things Apple, is incredibly easier to use. It also looks a tonne better than any office programs on a PC. Selling for $79, will it be popular?

If you ask me, at the end of the day, no matter how much more beautiful or easy to use or convenient the new software is, you will never see PC users buying iWork. Why? Because once a market is dominated by such a large percentage, people become used to what they’ve been using; not everyone likes change.

Agree? Disagree? Let us know what you think of the iWork software.

Which is the Better Alternative To Microsoft’s Windows, Linux or Mac?

If you’re disappointed with the latest attempt of an operating system by Microsoft and think your Linux distro or Apple OX is superior, then tell us why.

The transitition from Windows XP to Windows Vista is seen as the ideal time to steal some customers and so Linux and Apple really have taken advantage of this fact, by making their OS’ as appealing as possible.

Linux has gone from being a small and insignificant project for open-source enthusiasts to one of the most influential and powerful software companies in the world. Quite simply, huge thanks are due to the effort of both the volunteer community that steadily work hard on the OS and the companies that are investing in Linux aiding them in their development.

Buying a Mac has become a very interesting and ‘old-school’ concept, with Apple providing the hardware, the operating system OS X, key, first party applications such as calendaring, e-mail, and address book. Macs can be bought from a myriad of places, but most prefer to buy it direct from the Apple Store. This individual and solo approach from the big fruit has seen a more stable, secure and profitable company, proving successful with Macs selling faster than ever.

Whether you’re are a Mac fan or a Linux fan, let us know. Why do you feel your OS is the better alternative?

Micro Video Player

Miro, Free and open-source video player.
- Play any video file
- More HD than anyone
- Free internet TV
- Download YouTube
- BitTorrent Power

Run, run! Skype is falling…

Most of the worldwide Skype network has been down for a day now and it still has not recovered.

Skype’s official word is that the problem was caused by “a deficiency in an algorithm within Skype networking software that controls the interaction between the user’s own Skype client and the rest of the Skype network”. Our own internal contacts within Skype also say that this was not a DDoS attack or anything else like that.

Then again: Skype’s main development unit is in Estonia. Estonia’s infrastructure was targeted by massive denial-of-service attacks earlier this year. This tied together with the fact that a new Denial-of-Service exploit against Skype server software was released just hours ago have created lots rumors about what’s really going on.

The exploit is quite simple and causes Skype client to generate a large amount of calls, freezing the server it’s connected to – and causing a reconnect to another server.

Should Microsoft Office Be Scared of Apple iWork?

With Microsoft office dominating the market ever since word processing came out the cave, Steve Jobs created iWork which is a mirror of Office, created for the iMac. It’s no surprise either, seeing as Microsoft Office for the Apple is the best selling third-party software for the iMacs.

iWork contains all the same concepts of Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and Excel but as with all things Apple, is incredibly easier to use. It also looks a tonne better than any office programs on a PC. Selling for $79, will it be popular?

If you ask me, at the end of the day, no matter how much more beautiful or easy to use or convenient the new software is, you will never see PC users buying iWork. Why? Because once a market is dominated by such a large percentage, people become used to what they’ve been using; not everyone likes change.

Agree? Disagree? Let us know what you think of the iWork software.

Which is the Better Alternative To Microsoft’s Windows, Linux or Mac?

If you’re disappointed with the latest attempt of an operating system by Microsoft and think your Linux distro or Apple OX is superior, then tell us why.

The transitition from Windows XP to Windows Vista is seen as the ideal time to steal some customers and so Linux and Apple really have taken advantage of this fact, by making their OS’ as appealing as possible.

Linux has gone from being a small and insignificant project for open-source enthusiasts to one of the most influential and powerful software companies in the world. Quite simply, huge thanks are due to the effort of both the volunteer community that steadily work hard on the OS and the companies that are investing in Linux aiding them in their development.

Buying a Mac has become a very interesting and ‘old-school’ concept, with Apple providing the hardware, the operating system OS X, key, first party applications such as calendaring, e-mail, and address book. Macs can be bought from a myriad of places, but most prefer to buy it direct from the Apple Store. This individual and solo approach from the big fruit has seen a more stable, secure and profitable company, proving successful with Macs selling faster than ever.

Whether you’re are a Mac fan or a Linux fan, let us know. Why do you feel your OS is the better alternative?

Micro Video Player

Miro, Free and open-source video player.
- Play any video file
- More HD than anyone
- Free internet TV
- Download YouTube
- BitTorrent Power