In the early days of computing, companies bought giant computers called mainframes. Those computers utilized specialized external components called "chillers". The idea was fairly simple - run chilled water through the mainframe computer to keep the components running cool, dissipating the heat created by each. Jump ahead to the 1980's and the PC revolution begins taking over, and in most cases, replaces much of the need for mainframe functioning due to the smaller computer's ability to process applications efficiently at a fraction of the cost of the mainframe systems.  Since the computers "clock speed" or processor speed is low, there is very little heat compared to that of the mainframe. In 1965, Gordon Moore of Intel created a fairly reliable prediction that was labeled "Moore...

Cisco has embarked on a mission to expand their footprint in the data center. They enjoy having arguable market leadership in just about every technology within the data center. In the past, Cisco has left the server venue to others to tackle and handy quite nicely. Now, Cisco believes there is a technical advantage to their new widget being introduced into this coveted space. With this new widget, it will bring a greener and more capable server platforms to the ever hungry applications out there. In terms of product generation,  I consider the new Cisco widget to be akin to the introduction of the iPhone from Apple – in terms of setting a higher standard within the server space. These are bold words ‘IF’ you need that kind of power and hardware. Otherwise, you are paying for someth...

I have been working for a bit in the wireless world and have come across the “More Power” designs.  As more and more people start using these “More Power” wireless networks, the network starts failing..  The people installing or designing the network have watched too much television and learned at the feet of Tim “The Toolman” Taylor of “Home Improvement” wireless design and operation. The thought that “If I increase my power, I should be able to drown out all that interference” is wrong and can be illegal.  It’s like saying “This party is getting a little loud, let me bring in my louder and more obnoxious friend Ted to make it better”.   I think that is likely to offend everyone else at the party and get you and Ted thrown out.  One of the problems with a...

"Are you certifiable?   Well apparently I am! This old dog just went thru a little bit of don't ask unless willing to do, and took one of the ever increasing certifications that we are asking our crew to do because the manufacturers are asking the same of our industry. Yes, DB is cerfifiably a NEDC Sales Leader (and no - that is not No Enterprise Data Center - cloud computing - an actual answer choice), that's the skill to represent the IBM smarter planet concept of dynamic infrastructure.  So, ever increasing cert requirements? Yes, in an industry that wasn't long ago a business of delivering cardboard boxes and hoping you could put them together, the manufacturers are helping the client to cull the ranks by making sure we're part of the smarter planet. For my experience, this cert wa...