Cloud computing still vulnerable

iSec Partners presented at Black Hat cybersecurity conference their research into the vulnerabilities existing in Cloud computing.

The new buzz word in the IT industry has been provoking debate on how the infrastructure should stand for global business. The Digital Britain report also talks in depth on the subject and its relevance to the future of computing in the UK.

However, as the technology is still in its early stages full understanding of security implications are still being research. iSec Partners have found that the encryption is too simple for hackers - obviously critical to data security.

Engaging in new progammes and opportunities at this time are fundamental to remain competitive - however take an err of caution. In the early stages of implementation ensure your network is monitored 24/7 to provide security round the clock.

UPK for Oracle and Non Oracle Applications

NCOAUG Training Day,
Being held at the Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois
Friday, August 21st.
This presentation is assigned to: Crystal 1 Room
10:10-10:50 AM

Presentation #1 Title UPK for Oracle and Non Oracle Applications
Abstract #1 The User Productivity Kit (UPK) is a comprehensive, cost-effective, customizable solution to create the critical documentation, training, and support materials to drive project team and user productivity throughout the life-cycle of your software. We shall demonstrate how to maximize the UPK investment for both Oracle and Non Oracle Applications.

We will be discussing this presentation in further detail over the next few weeks until the event. Further insight will be provided to shed light on opportunities available.

Christmas prompts Mothercare into action

Afraid to say it, but the first signs of Christmas are here. Mothercare has announced it is to overhaul its international websites for global growth - obviously someone is doing well from the recession.

The retailer is upgrading its back end technology to expand its offerings further internationally afield. Last year we did a similar project to help another brand manage its online sales process to improve the customer experience and inventory management.

Retailers need to ensure they are making the most of the web. It's important they can compete with fast search, up-to-date product information and a reliable transaction processes,and disaster recovery process in case of technical emergencies.

EBS R12.1.1 setup success

Inatech has successfully completed several installations for R12.1.1, the recent released version of the Oracle eBusiness Suite. The update consolidates patch releases from all of the previous R12 releases and introduces new functionality into all areas of the Oracle applications software.

One of the major benefits of R12.1.1 is the latest release of Oracle Lease and Finance Management. This is integrated into the Oracle Financials and Oracle CRM modules, to manage the lease and loans portfolios within asset based finance companies. It is a highly configurable application covering the end-to-end process flows for authoring contracts through to the disposal and remarketing of the assets as they come off lease.

Inatech is working closely with Oracle and several customers to map the functionality to their business requirements.

FSA should have chosen fixed-costs

The recent story that emerged from Outsourcing magazine online read that the FSA outsourcing costs have increased from an estimated £15million to over £80million. This is not only a substantial cost to the public organisation but suggests that resources were badly managed and assessments miss-judged.

The FSA not only set itself high targets, but it seems it neglected to consider the development of new technologies and smarter applications that needed to be integrated in the wider make-up of the IT infrastructure. If the FSA truly wants to be "the best performing IT department in its business sector by September 2008" it first needs to turn back the clocks but also to find a project manager who has realistic expectations.

The FSA tried managing this internally before the costs ramped up. Then they were most likely stung with an above average outsourcing fee.

If companies consider outsourcing and consultancy first, identifying prospects today and in the future - it is possible to keep costs low or near expectations.

The right mix of project management and technical expertise - NHS

The Government has admitted it has failed to get involved in the NHS technical revolution since problems first emerged in 2004. This story can be seen in detail on Outsourcing Magazine.

There are two points in this story we would like to look at:

"...One of the biggest problems was caused by rolling out systems without satisfactorily engaging with the staff they were supposed to serve..."

When implementing a new IT infrastructure that will affect the operations of the entire organisation it is paramount that communication remains a priority. Many businesses fail to understand the needs of their employees, capabilities and skills and to communicate this in an effective fashion that will get them supporting you and the adoption of new technologies.

More often than not organisations implement a massive IT project and they do not benefit fully from the implementation. It is essential that excellent project management, communication and IT expertise is at the front of any new project lay-out.

"...Technical problems later kicked in, including key suppliers missing deadlines..."

This too is not a surprise if the NHS failed on the first point. Bad project management will mean that suppliers waste their time and miss deadlines. Without pressing supplier's to meet deadlines and more importantly engaging them to discover potential technical problems during implementation it is highly likely you will come into severe challenges.

The NHS and those involved in the implementation should take stock immediately and communicate clearly the future of this project before it wastes further millions of British taxpayers money.

Oracle makes the fixes: implement them immediately

Oracle has fixed 33 bugs in its systems to improve security for flaws detected affecting hundrd of products in its portfolio.

Oracle gave two of the vulnerabilities its highest possible severity rating.

"Some of the vulnerabilities addressed in this Critical Patch Update affect multiple products," Oracle said in a statement. "Due to the threat posed by a successful attack, Oracle strongly recommends that customers apply Critical Patch Update fixes as soon as possible."

It is essential you get these fixes in place as soon as possible and ensure all systems are corresponding with one another .

Get more info here

Oracle furthers PeopleSoft technologies

Following its acquisition of PeopleSoft Oracle has been on a non-stop drive to develop and prepare the application for the future.

This week Oracle announced it was preparing PeopleSoft to give more to higher education customers to help prepare them to better meet student, faculty and staff needs. Available now is the Continuous Delivery Model for PeopleSoft Enterprise Campus Solutions. Oracle plans to deliver periodic application Feature Packs for PeopleSoft Enterprise Campus Solutions when available. The Feature Packs are designed to enable institutions to access and implement new functionality to meet immediate needs while migrating gradually to the infrastructure they need to leverage newer, more robust and flexible technologies.

Reducing costs or maximising the productivity and use of existing applications is paramount to prevent financial waste. Furthermore, when updating these systems, more often than not an in-house team will take the business offline. Due to the sheer requirement to maintain operations for continuity purposes, utilizing an outsourced consultancy will ensure implementations are made without effecting day-to-day business operations.

Partnerships essential to growth

"Partnerships are key to Digital Britain" says Pat MacFadden, Minister of Business and Innovation Skills. The new market of digital technologies is helping the UK to find new growth opportunities out the recession, couple this with strong IT infrastructure and the country and the world is your oyster.

Inatech has been forming strong partnerships utilising its Oracle Certified Partnership to provide a wider range of services and expertise to help businesses maintain targets, increase productivity and cut costs. Having partnered with Rittman Mead and created unique development opportunities through parent company Calsoft Enterprise Solutions and other niche business experts organisations can thrive from using one company for consultancy rather than a spiders web of complication.

Gathering the right knowledge, an excellent level of experience at a fixed cost will help business identify the opportunities as part of the Digital Birtian strategy.

Is Dell ready for Cloud computing?

Dell has further announced that it has launched three services of Cloud Computing for SMEs.

The company claims it can reduce costs by 30%. Businesses using the service will be able to order from a menu of customisable services, starting with e-mail management and laptop encryption, and to run with it for as long as they like, subject to a 30-day notice of change.

Based on recent research 72% of small businesses experience email outage in the past year and 40% have had a security breach within the last three years. A managed service is certainly a concept worth exploring to ensure business continuity, especially if you are to remain competitive and agile during tough economic climates.

When looking into these systems it is essential to consider the quality of the service being offered. Dell has not had a great reputation for its computers, the price is great for those on limited budgets but may not necessarily offer that quality of service for long-term.

Businesses looking for managed services to help them grow during tough times need to consider their requirements with an informed approach to processing, storage, networking and mobile working.

Clever Oracle as Sun Microsystems drops

We mentioned how Oracle is reducing its work force by 1% and that it is looking at cost reduction. Bloggers and journalists have questioned this move - yet it seems Oracle is prepared for further downturn that will actually affect their business.

It's purchase of Sun Microsystems indicated significant growth for the company, yet Sun warns for its final quarter before the Oracle acquisition likely to be down 30% on last year's figures.

We are however still waiting for approval from the US authorities on the Oracle acquisition as investigations continue around Java licensing, it is expected the EU will do the same.

Google brings stiff competition to Microsoft and Apple

The technology world is one circling motion of competition. One moment a company is innovative and standing in its own market, the next several businesses are stepping on each others toes for further ground.

Last week Google announce it is to launch its own OS on its own hardware, then Microsoft it is to launch Office 2010 that in turn will compete with Google Docs.

Google has already attempted to move into Microsoft's arena by offering Web docs, Email, chat - with the move to offer an OS it also begins to move into the arena that Apple and Microsoft share. Similarly, Microsoft launch Bing to cover there arses in the Search space.

Whatever happens the business and consumer user will have more variety and options available - just depending on how much they want to spend or how high quality they need the programmes to meet their needs.

One definite similarity between the three is their need to cover the web browser space - its your choice; Internet Explorer, Safari or Chrome?

Oracle work base cuts

Oracle is reducing its team by up to 1,000 across Europe as part of an optimisation scheme as the economies shrink.

Despite reports showing Oracle’s growth during the recession compared to many other businesses, the company has chosen to reduce its assets to product the business as organisations cut budgets that will affect Oracle in the long-run.

This is seen as a significant lay-off, particularly for a company doing well and represents approximately 1% of its workforce.

Oracle’s choice will not affect its service to customers nor the technologies, in fact – no doubt companies like Inatech will adopt members of the work force to help assist organisations implement the Oracle technologies. Inatech has a history of adopting former Oracle employees who have the educated insight to the technologies.

Green still on the agenda

Being green and eco-friendly is still a priority for many businesses. The impact green technologies have on the bottom line is fundamental to future growth and adhering to eco-policies and regulation.

Today, Prince Charles talked of the importance of addressing environmental concerns with the G8’s commitment to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050. He said "In failing the Earth, we are failing humanity."

It was reported yesterday that Oracle Corp has stopped work on a $313 million data center in Utah.

Construction started last summer on what Oracle called “Project Sequoia.” That was to be used as a showcase of “green data center” with “dramatically lower energy consumption,” Oracle claimed.

It is believed the suspension of construction is linked to Oracle’s planned acquisition of Sun Microsystems (NASDAQ: JAVA).

With any IT infrastructure development it is paramount business considers its impacts on the environment, not only to reduce energy consumption but to reduce the costs involved of operating these machines.

“We work with a shared belief that what’s right for the environment and the workforce is right for the bottom line. We draw our energy from the sun ... and other sustainable resources. It’s in our name and in our business philosophy,” said Vedante Srihari, managing director of Inatech.

“Technology can cause or cure environmental damage. The people behind the technology need to use their skills for the greater good”, continued Vedante.

Inatech is a leader in next generation data centres and Oracle technologies with 170 engineers working on Nortel’s next-generation data centres. The company’s internal initiatives to use technology reduces consultants’ travel, improves energy usage, and minimises wastage.

Oracle Fusion Middleware 11g Launch – London

Inatech today attended what is probably the largest Oracle event to have taken place in the UK for some time - the launch of the exciting new Oracle Fusion Middleware 11g suite of products. There were over 400 people at the event, at London Paddington Hilton, with a good mix of Oracle staff, Oracle Partners and Customers.

The launch marks the start of the Oracle “Innovation Roadshow”, the first in a series of events counting down 100 days to Oracle Open World in the autumn. Oracle see this as the most important and strategic product launch in recent years, as Fusion Middleware 11g underpins the complete development and deployment framework for next-generation applications – including Oracle’s own Fusion Application suite.

The event kicked off with an introduction from David Callaghan (SVP, Oracle UK, Ireland & Israel), followed by a keynote speech from Charles Phillips (President, Oracle) which included a discussion of the past and current Information Technology landscape, and some of the key problems users of I.T. face (many vendors, disparate systems, no real cohesive approach to integration and deployment).

This introduction led him into the benefits of the new Fusion Middleware suite of products, and how they can help organisations reduce costs and increase efficiency by simplifying the development process by making use of more declarative techniques and tools, improve operating performance by utilising activity monitoring and management tools, and help reduce security risks using Identity Management tools.

Charles then introduced Thomas Kurian, Oracle Senior Vice President who heads the Oracle Development group, and has spearheaded the Fusion Middleware 11g development. Thomas gave an overview of each of the areas within the suite, and there was a demonstration and customer testimony within each of the areas, where senior members from key clients such as O2 and BT were invited to the stage to discuss how they see 11g benefiting their own organisation.
Thomas Kurian & Duncan Mills demonstrate Fusion Middleware 11g capabilities.

The in-depth descriptions and demonstrations given by Thomas and his team were very informative and covered all aspects of the new product, including:

• WebLogic Suite 11g (the foundation for Application Grid Architecture)
• SOA Suite 11g (the framework for agile, adaptable and reusable process development)
• Identity Management 11g (secure enterprise identity model – streamlines compliance and automates administrative tasks)
• WebCenter Suite 11g (portal platform for deploying feature rich content and processes)

Doug Toop, UK Oracle & Open Source Technology Lead, Inatech Solutions

Oracle Core Technology Briefing, 1st July 2009, Oracle Thames Valley Park

The keynote speakers for this event were Dermot O’Kelly (VP, Oracle) and James Anthony (Technology Director, Oracle). Dermot opened with an upbeat presentation focusing on how the current economic climate is affecting IT budgets and how certain areas are being ring-fenced. This was particularly noted for data security, especially given the high-profile data leaks and security issues that have hit the press over the last 12 months.

Dermot and James both explained how organisations are keen to ensure they give maximum attention to this area, even if it means cutting back elsewhere. Above all they don’t want to appear on the front page of the national press for the wrong reasons!

The other area that companies are focusing on is server utilisation (or rather, server under-utilisation). Typically, servers are utilised for only around 8-15% of the time as they are sized to cope with peaks in demand. Options in Oracle 11g, can address these issues. Dermot and James provided an example of how a betting company uses 11g features to manage peaks and troughs in demand.

Case study: Grand National
Making use of the Handling Options to shift processing power to the front-end applications before and during the race will handle the large volume of betting transactions. Once the race is over, processing power is re-deployed to back-office functions to process payments. Using clustered resources in this way removes a large amount of processor redundancy from the system.

James covered the complete set of Database Options available with Oracle 11g, with the key message on Maximising ROI.

A summary of the Oracle 11g Database Options is below, if you would like any further information or would like to discuss a specific requirement contact Inatech at sales@inatech.com or call us on +44 (0)20 8819 7119

· Security Options

• Advanced Security
• Database Vault
• Label Security

· Handling Options

• Active Data Guard
• Content Database Suite
• Management Packs
• Warehouse Builder

· Performance Options

• Advanced Compression
• In-Memory Database Cache
• OLAP & Data Mining
• Partitioning
• Real Application Clusters
• Real Application Testing
• Total Recall

Doug Toop
UK Oracle Technology & Open Source Lead, Inatech