Daily Network Monitor

Klir Technologies, an IT management software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider, on Monday launched a beta version of a collaborative tool that allows its users to share best practices.

Klir Analytics 3.0 Beta is a new feature of the Klir network monitoring service that provides an open forum for users. Klir customers can add suggestions about how to better use the Klir service and view the suggestions that others have contributed, said Jim Maiocco, CEO of Seattle-based Klir.

“This lets users share the experiences of other users, which is invaluable,” Maiocco said.

Klir is a node monitoring solution that reads and reports on the performance of applications, network bandwidth, servers and other devices. The Klir solution is delivered via a SaaS model through Access Distribution. Access has a hand in the Klir monitoring process through a unique partnership that allows the Westminster, Colo.-based distributor to view the data feed from end-user networks at the same time a solution provider does, Maiocco said.

Klir Analytics 3.0 Beta is similar to the collaborative online database Wikipedia in the sense that Klir customers can add, comment on and make instructive modifications to best practices entries. Over time, the effort will produce an in-depth database of methods that optimize the Klir solution and make it more profitable for partners to use, Maiocco said.

The availability of functions such as entry tags, user ratings, reader comments and the freedom to design the user interface using Asynchronous JavaScript (Ajax) tools make Analytics 3.0 Beta a dynamic user experience that can be individualized, he added. Users can also link content from third-party industry, trade and vendor sites and call up information related to categories they are searching.
Users of the new collaborative tool can even use entries to advertise themselves and their expertise, something that can potentially attract subcontracting business from other participants in the forum, according to Maiocco.

3M Digital Signage will be launching a comprehensive environment for the remote monitoring, diagnostic analysis and maintenance of devices on a digital signage network at London’ s Screen Expo 2007.

The new 3M Digital Signage Software - Network Operations Manager addresses many potential show-stopping hardware and software issues that might interfere with playback, without the need to deploy an on-site technician.

The new Network Operations Manager (NOM) tool enhances the comprehensive content management capabilities of 3M Digital Signage Software - Network Edition by providing real-time visibility of a digital signage network’s entire computing infrastructure. Whilst Network Edition enables users to manage multimedia content, schedule playlists and verify correct playback, NOM equips users to remotely diagnose and repair issues on player PCs and other network devices without requiring on-site attendance.

“A failure anywhere within a digital signage network is highly visible and it is critical for digital signage operators to have a network analysis and maintenance solution that is comprehensive and enables a quick response,” says Simon Birkenhead , Sales and Marketing Manager, 3M Digital Signage Division. “Offering software with the capability to improve efficiency, minimise downtime and increase overall IT effectiveness is another way we’re building on our promise to deliver digital signage solutions that lead the industry in reliability and fully deliver against customer needs.”

Network Operations Manager complements Network Edition software by enabling users to identify and address infrastructure issues before they might affect playout. Player downtime is minimised with features such as automated email alerts that instantly warn of any hardware, software or network issue on any remote player that might affect playout. NOM offers remote control of any digital signage network player PC, including real-time video streaming to the user?s desktop of playback from any player to verify on-screen images.

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This story is excerpted from here.

“Several large telephone and cable companies are starting to make it harder for consumers to use the Internet for phone calls or swapping video files.

Some of the companies say the users are hogging bandwidth, taking up too much space on networks and slowing down service for all customers that tap the Internet for email, video, music, phone and other services.”

“Wireless phone companies like Verizon Wireless and Vodafone Group PLC stipulate in their subscription contracts that customers can’t use the company’s high-speed Web-access networks for Internet calling — or may prohibit usage in the future. Several cable companies are using technology to cap the speed at which some of their customers can swap videos. A number of equipment companies are selling software
and other products designed to block and monitor Internet applications such as phone calls, video and photo downloads.”

“Critics [ yes, I am one of them! - Ed.] say the big operators are using their concerns about heavy network traffic to fight competition from smaller rivals that are using the phone and cable companies’ networks, like Internet calling companies Skype Technologies SA or Vonage Holdings Corp. Others [including me! - Ed.] say that telecom companies may use their control over the networks to charge users more money if they want higher quality.”

“The battle features big companies with multibillion-dollar telephone,cable and cellular networks into homes and tiny competitors who don’t own any network but whose low-cost or free services compete with those of the big operators. Consumers could get caught in the squeeze.

The crackdown is controversial: Consumers have come to expect unfettered use of the Internet. Any effort by phone or cable companies to curtail use so far has sparked an outcry.”