Why the world is moving to Linux?

The embedded Linux operating system is an internet phenomenon and there are multiple reasons that the world is moving to Linux. Established as a free Unix-based operating system (OS) under a GNU (recursive acronym for “GNU’s Not Unix”) license two decades back, Linux has set high standards for the release of open-source technologies that governs modern day internet technology. Owing to its innovative concept and support by a huge community of developers, Linux experienced explosive growth and turned into one of the most widely adopted Unix-like embedded operating systems used today. The fact that it can be used in desktop/server platforms and can be installed in hardware and used as an embedded operating system makes it accessible to millions of users.

However, it is important to note that Linux by itself is not a “Real-Time” OS. OS Abstractor’s API’s i.e. a component of Cross-OS Development Platform supports a wide selection of OS Platforms that includes Linux and its variants. The OS Abstractor Interface offers high-end OS performance and features. Simultaneously, it also includes advanced features similar to other commercial RTOS’s in the market. This is likely to make it simpler for the end users to move their applications to run on the Linux OS. Another advantage of using a Cross-OS Development Platform is that you can generate optimized code and profile your applications for the Linux platform.

This is where the OS Simulators offered by embedded OS service providers comes into use. They allow you to run, compile and debug Linux applications on a Windows host in advance of obtaining the Linux target hardware. The target code generator will also generate optimized code specific to the requirements of your application. Alternatively, the target code generator also enables you to profile your application and generate performance data when operating on a Linux target.

In addition to that, developers can use a Cross-OS Hypervisor to operate applications developed for multiple OS’s while combining the applications to a single Linux OS platform. There are two alternatives to using automated migration tools. They are:

·         Re-host your application by writing an in-house wrapper layer around the existing legacy platform. This option may appear less time consuming at the start and cost efficient, however you eventually lose some performance and end up with a difficult to execute solution with high maintenance costs.

·         Manually rewriting your application to Linux, although it is not a wise decision to throw away the software investment and start writing a new program from scratch.

Furthermore, owing to its open-source distribution Linux is being developed and updated constantly by the programmer community supporting it. Irrespective of its dynamic nature, it is complete in terms of interface and functionality.

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Enhance Supply Chain Functioning with Data Center Integration

Today's technology enabled business enterprises have information technology infrastructure as the vital point of their operations. Globalization and expansion of business to areas beyond geographical boundaries have led to these enterprises being networked through their various locations. However, these digitally communicating enterprises are challenged by issues related to business continuity in case of any calamities. No enterprises can bear the loss due to security  breaches, disruption of computer network and disruption in its supply chain. Even a few hours of down time will have a negative impact on the enterprise's reputation and financial condition.

The globalized business environment calls for enterprises to cater for a global supply chain. Further, with today's consumers looking for better product features more frequently, enterprises also need to cater for the reverse logistics too.  With data centers being the lifeline of the widely networked business world, rise of   critical situation demands enterprises to have data centers which are well equipped to meet the scaling requirements. Technological enhancements and innovations  have today paved the way for data center integration as a viable solution for the high-availability requirements.

The trend in data center rack integration which started a few years ago involves leaders  of  data center solution providers developing a integrated blade processor technology which will provide the rack and stack data centers with a more consistent and higher capacity alternatives. With a real commitment for the customer, such integration held greater promise for the technological growing business world. Further, as this integration takes way into its next form, more and more services are integrated into a single service offering. For the supply chain solution providers, such data center integration will help enterprises  end the days of  offshoring their  production. The  cutting-edge supply chain solutions from the leaders in the industry will not only facilitate world-class operations but also improve flexibility, reduce cost and  risk.

Specializing in last-mile manufacturing and returns management solutions these providers offer data center integrations that will bring in solutions to combat  increase in overseas wages, intellectual property theft, instability, transportation cost and demand-side volatility. Being the leaders in handling logistical and operational challenges these experts understand the damages due to delayed delivery or mismanaged returns. With technological innovation having  enabled the development of solution for  integrating the data center functioning, enterprises are now ready to meet the demands of world-class operations, warehousing, logistics, and distribution infrastructure. This has resulted in the products reaching the customers faster, cost-effectively, and more reliably.

Combating Different Risks with an Effective ERM Solution Part II

In the first part of this article we looked at two of the most important risks faced by enterprises worldwide namely product counterfeiting and gray market sales. In the concluding part of this article, we would look at some other enterprise risks and how to combat these risks with an effective Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) solution.

Minimum Advertised Price (MAP)

MAP refers to the minimum price at which the retailer can sell products. It can go above the specified price but not below it. MAP is an arrangement wherein suppliers can set a lower limit on the prices that its resellers may advertise for the supplier's products. The MAP policy programs can either be a unilateral policy imposed by the manufacturer/supplier or an agreement between the manufacturer/supplier and its resellers. The purpose of MAP programs is to ensure consistent pricing for consumers and profit for sellers. However, certain resellers violate the MAP policy programs to make quick money. They sell the products on the Internet at a rate lower than the MAP fixed by the manufacturer / supplier. Such a move on the part of the reseller damages distributor loyalty, margins and most importantly the brand.

Trademark Infringement

Wikipedia defines Trademark infringement as “a violation of the exclusive rights attaching to a trademark without the authorization of the trademark owner or any licensees (provided that such authorization was within the scope of the license).” The Court has put down eight specific elements to measure likelihood of confusion and this includes strength of the mark, proximity of the goods, similarity of the marks, evidence of actual confusion, marketing channels used, type of goods and the degree of care likely to be exercised by the purchaser, defendant's intent in selecting the mark and likelihood of expansion of the product lines. Trademark is any company’s most precious asset and any infringement on it can directly affect its reputation, customer trust and revenue.

In such a scenario, there is a need for an effective Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) solution that can bridge the gap between supply chain planning solutions and product Lifecycle management software. Such solutions help manufacturers in the high tech, pharmaceutical and retail luxury goods industries mitigate these risks. It provides 24/7 real-time monitoring of sources that is not possible when using traditional methods/solutions. Since counterfeit and channel violation listings often go on and off the Web within 48 hours, only real-time solutions can find all the violators. Thus with a best of breed ERM solution that comes armed with an advanced web mining and reporting technology, companies gain visibility beyond their enterprise and beyond their supply chain in the global, open market.

Read More About: brand management, brand reputation, Anti-Counterfeiting

 

Maximize Operational Efficiency With Successful Reverse Logistics Solutions

Although the reverse logistics are often seen as more complicated and less structured than the normal supply chains due to variation in product quality, defect rates and maximum life span, it has a critical part to play as it helps extending the life of the goods. The concept of reverse logistics is complex, but it is more important now that it has ever been. Many organizations seeking to reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction.  Aftermarket services form a considerable portion of revenue for many large manufacturing companies. The key competitive differentiators in many industries is providing timely and efficient services.

Reverse logistics are usually only seen as an expense to an organization. But it can be profitable; reusing and recycling can often reduce costs. By creating structured flow pathways for different product scenarios most of these problems can be handled. The key aspects of returns include the source of the returns and reasons for the returns. If you understand why returns occur it helps identify opportunities for improving supply chain processes and decision-making. Look for integrated reverse logistics management solutions that can effectively refurbishes a vast array of products in minimal time and gets them back into the field tested and up to standards. 

The solution you choose must help minimize returned inventory, turn it back into cash fast and also:

  • Allow a trader to receive products back from the consumer to be taken apart, sorted, reassembled or recycled, thereby minimizing the overall costs for an organization.

  • Help in increasing product life cycles, supply chain complexity, maintainable practices and consumer preferences; which have to be improved on to maintain productivity and growth.

  • Increase speed of production, reduce costs & help in retaining customers by improving service goals and meeting sustainability goals.

  • Facilitating effective returns management ,offering more value from returning goods instead of wasting manpower, time and costs of raw materials involved in the original supply chain.

  • Improve customer satisfaction by paying more attention to faulty goods, and repairs of merchandise. Reverse logistics can include gaining feedback to make improvements and to improve the understanding of the real reasons for product returns.


A vital step in ensuring effective returns processing, is choosing a choosing a solution that manages the entire process of returns logistics in an efficient manner. The supply chain solutions should be efficient to ensure to get the products back into the testing field in minimal time.

Organisations that implement an effective reverse logistics solution will be able to improve customer service and response times; reduce environmental impact by reducing waste and improve overall corporate citizenship. Ensure that your business’ reverse logistics practices are positioned to sustain competition with other companies in your industry. Choose your solution with care.

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Are IT Jobs being Impacted by Cloud Computing

The use of computing resources to deliver services to users over the internet, cloud computing  has changed the way that hardware and software are used. And it is believed that many jobs will change because of cloud computing as certain job roles will likely have reduced demand, while some will have more demand within and outside of IT.

With organizations moving their systems to cloud services, there are  some jobs in the IT industry that are predicted to have less demand in the future.  Most  IT professionals with these skills are more likely be in demand from cloud providers, rather than the companies using the system. However owing to the ability to scale, there may be less demand overall.

With cloud computing, most internal servers are no longer needed, as  they can be supplied by cloud providers. These cloud providers have their own administration and support staff, handling multiple companies, which reduces the need for internal system administrators. Much of the help desk support functionality will be moved over to cloud providers.

A quick glance at the jobs with continued Demand

There will still be demand for IT project managers; companies will still need projects executed and teams will still need to be managed. Their knowledge will need to include concepts of cloud computing and how it can impact the projects they work on, but this will come with experience. Business analysts will also be in demand. Companies will need software and systems that reflect their requirements and business processes. The business analysts will also need to expand their knowledge so they know how to include cloud-related services and software in their roles.

Demand for New Jobs 

Several studies state that many new jobs will be created as a result of the cloud. New companies will be formed to provide cloud computing and other related services. There is likely to be an emphasis in the future on relationship management, vendor interaction, and cloud infrastructure management. In short there is no reason to be worried about your job as an IT professional as like most jobs, there is a good chance of staying employed as companies like to keep their best employees. The best way is to keep your job in the IT industry is to improve your knowledge and skills with technology training in areas needed for a future with cloud computing. It is also prudent to keep abreast with the latest in IT by reading computer articles and computer magazines online.

Reverse Logistics and Returns Management Key to Business Growth and Profitability

Previously, enterprises focused only the forward flow of goods and services. Known as the forward supply chain it was considered as the means of ensuring profitability and industry leadership. Whereas the reverse supply chain, which is the flow of goods and services from the customer to the manufacturer, did not receive the attention and importance that it truly deserved. Reverse supply chain was considered as a headache that incurred more costs for the enterprises. However in today’s hypercompetitive business environment and volatile economic climate, reverse supply chain is attaining greater significance not only as a means to improve business performance and profitability but also to foster strong relationships with customers. Hence, both reverse logistics and returns management are increasingly identified by enterprises as strategically important areas for increasing profits and reducing waste.  


Though the terms reverse logistics and returns management are used interchangeably, there are fundamental differences between the two. Hence, let’s understand the two terms before delving further into the topic. Returns management is the “management of all logistics operations related to returns of products from their original user to their supplier with the intention of a cost effective recovery, while meeting all legal obligations.” Hence, Returns management is that part of supply chain management that includes returns, reverse logistics, gate keeping and avoidance. While, reverse logistics is the “the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient, cost effective flow of raw materials, in-process inventory, finished goods and related information from the point of consumption to the point of origin for the purpose of recapturing value or proper disposal.” Here is a look at some of the advantages of reverse logistics and returns management.


  • Reverse logistics helps to keep product offering fresh and new

  • A good returns management is the key to excellent customer service

  • Reverse logistics helps to send unsold merchandise back to the manufacturer in order to be taken apart, sorted, reassembled or recycled and thereby minimize overall costs for an organization

  • Reverse logistics helps to increase product lifecycles, improve speed of production, reduce costs (transportation, administrative, and aftermarket maintenance, repair and replacement)


However, in order to fully realize the benefits of returns management and reverse logistics, enterprises must collaborate with good supply chain solutions providers to deal with the returns process in a logical and efficient manner. Here is a look at some of the services offered by a best of the breed solution provider.


  • Detrash and destruction of returned materials (CDs packaging materials, etc.)

  • Date code based warranty assessment

  • Test diagnostics and repair

  • Software and/or firmware upgrades

  • Refurbishment

  • Retail Fulfillment & Repackaging

  • Warehousing and Distribution

  • Legally compliant disposal (i.e. WEEE and SB2050)

  • Web-based inquiry and reporting


Collaboration with best of the breed solution providers take the headache out of dealing with inbound product, particularly product that has been opened and, in many cases, used. This helps to minimize returned inventory and turn it back into cash fast.


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Mayer’s Appointment puts Aspirants in Computer Technology on the Front Foot

In today’s age, where women still struggle to climb the corporate ladder even when they deserve to be at the top, the appointment of Marissa Mayer as the CEO of Yahoo would definitely encourage them not to give up. Marissa Mayer, who started her career as Google’s employee number 20 and the company's first female engineer held key roles as an engineer, designer, product manager, and executive in Google Search, Google Images, Google News, Google Maps, Google Books, Google Product Search, Google Toolbar, iGoogle and Gmail. Mayer’s rise to the top is a great achievement considering the fact that only few women have been honored as CEO of a Fortune 500 company.

Besides being a woman, Mayer is a computer scientist and seeing a computer scientist that too a young female computer scientist in such a high-profile position would attract more girls to the field of computer science software engineering than countless government or private initiatives or entreaties by parents, teachers, and industry leaders.  

As per the findings of the US National Science Foundation, National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, and Scientists and Engineers Statistical Data System, women like Mayer is a definite minority. There are four times as many men working as science and engineering managers as there are women. The situation is even worse for engineering managers, where men outnumber women by 125,000 to 8,000. In medical and health services, however, there are more than twice as many female managers than male managers. In such a scenario, Mayer who has been ranked number 14 on the list of America's most powerful businesswomen of 2012 by Fortune magazine and who is among the eight finalists for Time magazine’s Person of the Year award would inspire more and more girls to take up careers in computer technology.

Though it is said that there is much power in visualization, nothing is more convincing than seeing something happening right in front of one’s eyes. And Mayer’s appointment as the youngest CEO of a Fortune 500 company would convince girls that success could be definitely achieved.

When IEEE and IEEE Computer Society conducted the 2011 Women in Computing survey to find out how IEEE can better serve women in software engineering , the most significant issue that came to the forefront was the work-life balance rather than the female under representation in the field. Mayer might serve as a role model on that front too, considering the fact that she is married and recently became a mother.

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Advantages of Collaborating with Security Application Partners

Security software companies have encountered very exciting yet challenging obstacles while developing security applications. Though they are passionate about creating the most innovative and powerful software, they fail to translate that passion to develop top quality software applications. This is because security software companies tend to over engineer their hardware platform or appliance. An over engineered hardware platform, as everyone knows, stands for increased costs, poor performance, and a waste of valuable time. Therefore, instead of coming up with a hardware platform that has the best chance of meeting the schedule and cost constraints with acceptable quality, software security companies end up with products with poor performance in terms of cost, time and quality. Hence, instead of wasting valuable time, money and efforts on creating and developing hardware platform or appliance, security software companies must collaborate with the best of the breed security application partners who share the same passion in designing and building the hardware as theirs. Such a partnership helps to decrease the cost of hardware while increasing performance 90% of the time.

In today’s highly competitive business environment, customer acquisition is a challenge for any industry. In such a scenario, minimum runs can destroy any company’s chance of achieving the competitive advantage. However, in the case of a best of the breed security application partner, there would be no question of minimum runs. Their scale-up and scale-down approach helps to lessen the stress of over committing cash on inventory. Besides, security software companies can deliver high quality systems to their customers without the risk of committing to a minimum purchase order.

Every company’s greatest assets are its customers. However, when it comes to security software companies, customers are more than just assets. They are the lifeblood of any security software company and therefore it is essential to ensure that the customers are having optimal experience with the products. With the support of a good partner, security software companies can easily ensure that their product is performing at a top tier level. Here is a look at some of the key benefits of collaborating with a best of the breed solution provider.

  • Integrated hardware and software for simplified installation and optimal performance

  • Improved support from single point of contact

  • Cost of in-house integration is eliminated thus allowing you to focus on developing and supporting your application software

  • The cost of managing inventory, EOL components, RMA's, and warranties are eliminated

  • The product Lifecycle management system will ensure your product remains as viable tomorrow as it is today

Thus, having a best of the breed solution provider as the true value added partner can help a security software company to build their company into a successful and long-lasting business.

Read More About: Network ServerBig Data PartnershipDatacentre Solutions Integrationenterprise storage server

 

Benefits of Data Center Integration Solutions

The massive increase in the internet use is one of main drivers for data center expansion. Any business with an internet presence today, has a global reach and global competition. An evaluated 1.2 billion mobile web-enabled users, new legislation on prolonged data storage and the influence of cloud computing on IT service business are just a few examples. Communications and information technology along with data centers in particular are hence becoming more and more essential to every business. 

It has been estimated that 75percent of the present data centers are not able to assist in modern day technology compelling many organizations to invest in essential upgrades. There are data center solutions integration technologies that can be implemented in order to expand the capabilities of outmoded facilities with no disruptions. The modern day design guidelines enable higher internal temperature and humidity set points without impacting the IT device performance. New age data center technologies enable companies to minimize the electrical and thermal loads and increase free cooling whilst retaining precise control of the computer room platform. 

Today service providers of big data applications have come up with advanced data centre solutions integration programs that helps to cater to the entire turn-key ready to implement solutions. The service providers work with the company’s engineers on the design enhancements, configurations and optimization. They also offer racks for industrial applications, data base servers, web servers, and networks that are apt for commercial, workshop and laboratory platforms. 

These service providers further offer storage server and high performance computing solutions that feature open architecture, with excellent industry standards that enable the future growth and simple upgrades. When this is mixed with extensive hardware and software integration solutions then the service provider can minimize both expense and risk. Advanced data center integration solutions first reviews, assesses and then warranties all devices that pass through their facilities. Their standard warranty reflects our promise of quality services, support that a manufacturer’s warranty actually indicates on new components, parts and new systems. 

With multiple data center projects that are taking place all over the world, the modern day solutions and solution providers combine their years of experience with a wide range of systems, services and product portfolios to offer integrated solutions set up for your data center. From planning to execution, the agenda of most service providers is to ensure increased system reliability and accessibility all through the overall system’s life cycle, offer optimal returns on investment. 

Read More About: Dedicated ServerSecurity Application PartnersDatacentre Solutions Integrationstorage servers

Idea Management Solutions -Streamline Innovative Ideas

Technology and the advent of the internet has made it easier for enterprises to achieve business growth and success in terms of product development, higher profit, increased revenues, better marketing techniques and globalization. However, with success comes in the competitors  and the efforts on part of the enterprise to withstand the fiercely competitive environment.  Most enterprises turn towards innovation as a method of survival.

The Wall Street journal article reports a 75% increase in revenues for industries using crowdsourcing as part of the  business process. By tapping into the collective intelligence of the crowds, this  can provide  enterprises with ideas to solve day-to-day business issues and  bring out innovation products to beat the business challenges. Creating  a crowdsourcing platform will further facilitate enterprises to harness the collective intelligence of their employees, customers and partners. Such a flexible platform can be optimized to help enterprises with improved customer insights and  simplified  idea management solutions.

The ideas that are crowd-sourced need to be recognized for its business value. Idea management defined as  the ability to gather, qualify and manage ideas can help enterprises accelerate the innovation process. However, for innovation to come into the main-fold business process requires a strong leader, deployment strategy and  resources.  With the probability of success and failure in the competitive business environment  depending on a single idea, idea management solutions will help enterprises streamline the innovation process.

With technological enhancements, enterprises today make use of  social networking sites, blogs, wikis and video sharing sites to crowd source ideas for innovation. The process of idea management has thus moved beyond the walls of a conference room with the stakeholders and consumers contributing to the creation of innovative products. Nevertheless, ideation can be either solutions, evolutionary modifications to an existing product, or symbiotic  with multiple ideas and not necessarily be only new product development.

Ultimax, the collaborative platform of wikis, personalized sites and blogs  from TCS not only brought the employees together but also helped to generate 50 crore ideas  for the benefit of the enterprise.  This idea management system enabled the IT giant to integrate all the internal process and support a staff strength of over 10,000.  Dell’s 'Ideastorm' lets one submit ideas, comment or vote for ideas generated. Through effective idea management solutions, Dell could implement 507 ideas out of the 17,000 ideas submitted.  Dell’s 'Social Innovation Challenge' helps develop innovative projects to help solve social issues, By crowdsourcing ideas from the college students on an annual basis through a global contest, Dell receives thousands of transformable ideas for solving the global issues.

Though a large number of ideas are crowd sourced, enterprises need to make use of efficient idea management solutions to convert these to innovations. The efficiency of the idea management solutions however is dependent on its breadth of functionality, its ability for idea capture, sharing, organizing  and collaboration besides affordability and ease of customization  for the client enterprises.

Read More About: managing innovationidea management software