Broadband for Everyone
With the continued expansion of Google Fiber into the suburbs of Kansas City, this interview, filmed at the Broadband Communities Summit provides some insight into how Google Fiber is trying to reach all neighborhoods.
“We are seeing much more inclusiveness in Kansas City,” said Rick Usher, Assistant City Manager of Kansas City, Missouri. Usher was referring to the approach that Google has taken whereby deployment of fiber is going to neighborhoods where there is demand. With support of the cities, non-profits and local businesses, there is a concerted effort to bring gigabit broadband to those who otherwise might be left behind and to create a demand in those neighborhoods. Click here to read how various entities are working together to make sure there is the opportunity for all to have broadband.
Sprinting to More Efficient Energy
Wireless technologies as a facilitator of energy efficiency is the topic of the above interview with Sprint’s Brian Huey. With over 14 years of experience in this market, Sprint is more than the wireless connection to the meter, as it helps to provide utilities with an end-to-end solution for improved operations. ViodiTV will have the opportunity to catch up with Huey at next week’s Parks Associates’ CONNECTIONS Conference. In the meantime, click here to see the interview with him from the Smart Energy Summit.
Authentication for All
“We hit somewhat a watershed moment in January,” said Doug Hull of NCTC. Hull was referring to the availability of content from providers for multiscreen use. In the above interview, Hull and Robert Gessner of MCTV discuss how MCTV’s authentication solution have been integral to NCTC’s multiscreen solution, which over 90 NCTC members deployed for last year’s Olympics.
Click here to read this very timely interview, given the continuing service roll-out by Aereo and the launch of Watch ABC.
VMware’s Network Virtualization Poses Huge Threat to Data Center Switch Fabric Vendors by Alan Weissberger
Network Virtualization, in the context of a Software Designed Data Center (SD-DC), where all intra-structure (compute, storage, networking, security, etc) is virtualized and delivered as a service, was the subject of a talk by VMWare’s Milin Desai. In this scenario, control of all DC equipment is via VMware software running in commodity x-86 based servers. Click here to read more about this huge threat to data center switch fabric vendors.
Illustrations of Network Virtualization from VMware, ETSI NFV, and Intel Reference Designs by Alan Weissberger
The above article describes VMware’s view of network virtualization and provides definitions and advantages of same, with different opinions expressed on the main advantage(s). There was a reference to a follow on article which would illustrate various configurations of network virtualization. We attempt to do that in this article by describing figures from VMware, ETSI NFV ISG, and Intel’s SDN/NFV reference designs. Click here to read more.
Cloud Browsing
“People don’t like to be locked in,” said Karl Mattson vice president and general manager of Maxthon. Mattson was referring to the idea that users want their data to be decoupled from their devices. For service providers, the Maxthon cloud-based browsing approach could allow some interesting integration opportunities with services like VoIP, file sharing and video into a shell customized with the operator’s branding. Click here to view and read more about this company that was featured in an article in this week’s Wall Street Journal.
Some Tweets and Short Thoughts:
- “IP rules should first serve inventors – not investors – to bring innovation to the marketplace, not fruitless litigation which destroys jobs and companies, and wastes a small company’s limited resources.” This testimony before Congress reminds me of patent troll issues reported earlier this year.
- If all legal rulings used Star Wars as a metaphor (note, click on this link again, if you have been redirected from the online newsletter – it couldn’t be sent in the newsletter as it would have been perceived as SPAM, even though the link goes to a well respected law firm), perhaps the legal system would be more accessible; at least more accessible to Star Wars’ fans.
The Korner – A Sweet Video
Sometimes the jewels in the heartland are so obvious, they are easily overlooked. About a year ago, we stumbled upon a business that is happy to stay in the background, making its customers happy. And with fun food packaged under others’ labels, as well as its own labels, KLN Family Brands makes people happy.
Our assignment was to shoot a 15 second or so testimonial from the IT manager for a factory that had received a direct fiber feed and IT services from the local service provider, Arvig. What we found was a bigger story in the form of a factory and company that prompted visions of Willy Wonka (sans the Oompa Loompas).
Although this is a fun place, as evidenced by this author’s giddiness in their company store, it is an organization that is serious about offering quality products, while exhibiting a strong commitment to its community. With over 1,100 employees working at its headquarters and factories, they are a significant presence in the rural area surrounding Perham, Minnesota.
Click here to view and read more.
