iPass Announces Partnership with Accuris Networks to Deliver Device-Based AAA on Wi-Fi Networks

iPass Inc. (http://www.ipass.com/) (NASDAQ: IPAS), a leading provider of mobile services for enterprises (http://www.ipass.com/solutions/open-mobile/) and telecom service providers (http://www.ipass.com/open-mobile-exchange/), today announced its partnership with Accuris Networks, an innovator in Wi-Fi roaming, to deliver a solution for a seamless and secure device-based Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA) for Wi-Fi roaming on both Android and iOS platforms. Together, iPass and Accuris have created a solution that enables Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to merge Wi-Fi and cellular network access into a single retail offer.

The solution provides a ‘cellular-like’ user experience across today’s WISPr networks by automatically generating and mapping Wi-Fi credentials for subscribed devices from the mobile identity that defines the User Equipment in an operator’s network. The solution is delivered via interconnect with the iPass Services Fabric using  3GPP/3GPP2 standard interfaces, freeing operators from the need to deploy new infrastructure and the cumbersome task of managing usernames and passwords for their Wi-Fi subscribers.

“The iPass/Accuris device-based AAA solution removes the operational challenges of merging Wi-Fi and cellular services together,” said Marcio Avillez, vice president of network services, iPass. ‘Until now, MNOs could not authenticate Wi-Fi access at the device level, because the majority of Wi-Fi networks only supported WISPr v1.0, and this required authentication to be performed via RADIUS username and password. While 802.1x / EAP authentication, including EAP-SIM/AKA is growing and is supported by the service, its use in Wi-Fi roaming is still limited.   Achieving market success requires a solution that will span multiple generations of Wi-Fi networks, leveraging the world’s current supply. By partnering with Accuris, we have created a solution to allow users to roam onto legacy Wi-Fi networks, helping to make Wi-Fi roaming widely available and relevant to the subscriber.”

“Our solution is ideal for bundling Wi-Fi with cellular data roaming plans to drive down International Operator Tariffs (IOT) costs,” said Aidan Dillion, chief technology officer, Accuris Networks. “The partnership with iPass drastically expedites speed-to-market for MNOs by using existing systems, processes and personnel. A mobile device identifier, not a person or user, remains the common element to provisioning, authorizing and charging for services.”

The ultimate goal of launching an International Wi-Fi Roaming service is to facilitate access to as broad and meaningful a footprint of Wi-Fi hotspots in as possible, in as many foreign locations as possible, in a simple and easy-to-use manner while ensuring a positive experience for their subscribers. The iPass/Accuris solution now makes that goal achievable with device-based AAA services.

About iPass OMX (http://www.ipass.com/solutions/open-mobile-exchange/wi-fi...)

iPass Open Mobile Exchange (OMX) is the world's largest commercial Wi-Fi roaming and exchange platform for Communication Service Providers (CSPs). Through a single interface, iPass OMX connects more than 150 unique Wi-Fi networks representing over 1.2 million commercial Wi-Fi venues with certified WISPr interoperability across 123 countries and territories worldwide.

About Accuris Networks (http://www.accuris-networks.com/)
Accuris Networks is a leading provider of convergence, roaming and interworking solutions with respective device management. The AccuROAM platform is designed to provide mobile operators with a Wi-Fi offload and Wi-Fi roaming solution, which includes smartphone client software, access server/gateway technology and billing integration designed to provide a seamless and secure user experience for data, voice and messaging services. For more information, visit Accuris Networks at www.accuris-networks.com.

About iPass Inc. (http://www.ipass.com/about/)
iPass helps enterprises (http://www.ipass.com/solutions/open-mobile/) and telecom service providers ensure their employees and subscribers stay well connected. Founded in 1996, iPass (NASDAQ: IPAS) delivers the world’s largest commercial-grade Wi-Fi network (http://www.ipass.com/mobile-network/) and trusted connectivity platform. With more than 1.2 million Wi-Fi hotspots across 123 countries and territories, iPass gives its customers always-on, frictionless connectivity for smartphones, tablets and laptops anywhere in the world – simply, securely and cost-effectively. Additional information is available at www.iPass.com or on Smarter Connections (http://www.ipass.com/blog/), the iPass blog.

iPass® is a registered trademark and Open Mobile Exchange is a trademark of iPass Inc. Wi-Fi® is a registered trademark of the WiFi Alliance. All other trademarks are owned by their respective owners.

Media Contacts:

US

Kristin Bleier

Tel. +1 650 232 4337

Email: pr@ipass.com

UK

Leila Hajaj, Spark Communications

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7 436 0420

Email: leila@sparkcomms.co.uk

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Telecommunications in Germany: An Economic Perspective

This book describes the German telecommunications market and its regulatory environment and contains four case studies showing how firms in Germany employ telecommunications in their corporate strategies. The book describes in detail the recent regulatory reform in Germany and compares the new environment with the old. It also presents a systematic analysis of the corporate uses of telecommunications and shows how regulation has influenced telecommunications usage in Germany. The book is based on work done for an international research project organized by the OECD and the University of California, Berkeley.

Price: $99.00

Click here to buy from Amazon

TP-LINK extends relationship with Ingram Micro to enhance sales channel

BIOMIChANiAS city, CA-TP-LINK, a global provider of networking products, today announced the expanded relationship with Ingram Micro Inc. (NYSE: IM), the largest distributor of wholesale technology in the world and a global leader in supply chain management, mobile device lifecycle services and logistics solutions IT.

TP-LINK started a relationship in early 2011 through a 3rd party aggregator. Now the Division is through Ingram Micro consumer electronics, this extension will create marketing and sales growth opportunities while optimizing logistics and communications.

"We must achieve a quick reply and quick recovery to meet the needs of our partners and to continue to increase the size of our customer base," said Lewis Wu, Country Manager of USA TP-LINK. "Our Expanded relationship with Ingram Micro will surely contribute to the development of our business, providing a seamless experience for our partners."

To achieve this level, Ingram Micro requires suppliers to reach a certain level of sales. TP-LINK USA sales increased 350 percent in the last two years, proving the TP-LINK as a thriving business partner.

Ingram Micro authorized customers now have access to a larger catalog of the complete product portfolio of TP-LINK.

On the TP-LINK

TP-LINK is a global provider of SOHO and SMB networking products and the world's no. 1 supplier of WLAN and Broadband CPE devices, with products available in more than 120 countries to tens of millions of customers. Committed to intensive R&D, effective production and strict quality management, TP-LINK continues to provide award-winning networking products to wireless networks, ADSL, routers, switches, IP cameras, Powerline adapters, print servers, Media converters and network adapters for global end-users.

For further information, visit http://www.tp-link.com, follow the TP-LINK on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TPLINK, Twitter at www.twitter.com/TPLINK or TP-LINK Forum at http://forum.tp-link.com.

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Viking Electronics VK-SO-24A Observation Unit (VK-SO-24)

Viking silent phone observation unit- Allows supervisors to silently monitor employee phones without disrupting the activity at their workstation- 24 station capacity can be expanded to 240 stations at any time - Compatible with analog PABX/KSU stations - Monitor stations from an unused phone system line input or to a dedicated single line phone - Add remote observing with a RAD-AMP Remote Access Device - Built-in talk assist (dial *) - Dial up code can be programmed to match the station number - Cassette recorder output and Touch Tone control - Automatic gain control equalizes in and outbound conversation levels - Configurable for digital phones (requires the SO-24 AK and an extra pair of wires to each phone handset) - One year manufacturer's warranty VKSO24A

Price: $482.40

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VERICOM Global Solutions Expands product lines with the introduction of new CAT5E and CAT6 Patch cords

VERICOM, global manufacturer of cables and cabling solutions based in Knoxville, Tennessee, to announce the extension of the VERICOM CAT5E and CAT6 UTP product lines, with 21 different lengths of CAT5E CAT6 UTP Patch cables and in 9 different colors and 4 different colors of CAT5E, CAT6 VERICOM Web page, on www.vericomsolutions.com.

VERICOM CAT5E and CAT6 patch cords data are commonly used in many types of data, and computer equipment. From 6 inches/5 foot standard CAT5E or CAT6 dvouvodicove patch cable unshielded to 200 foot CAT5E or CAT6 patch cable, VERICOM patch cables provide connections between all applications and virtually all types of data and computer equipment.

VERICOM CAT5E and CAT6 patch cables are available in both UTP (unshielded) and FTP (shielded), with colors, which include a standard black and white cables, along with special colors in CAT5E patch cables, which are light blue, Orange, purple and yellow.

"In addition to these new lengths in VERICOM CAT5E and CAT6 patch cords are the next step in growing VERICOM CAT5E and CAT6 patch cables product offerings for our customers." said Craig Bates, Marketing Manager for the VERICOM global solutions. "With 21 different lengths that are available and a wide range of color options, VERICOM can easily meet all the needs of a patch cable, that our customers require."

VERICOM product portfolio includes broadband cables and accessories, audio and video cables, server and network cabinets, a wide range of HDMI cables, wall cabinets and shelves, coaxial cable and assemblies, the assumption of the involvement of the cable, bulk wire and other products.

For more information about vericomsolutions.com, visit the VERICOM, contact Craig Bates, Marketing Manager at 865 671 4455 extension 117, and watch the VERICOM on Twitter: @ _VERICOM_

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Unlocked Quadband Dual Sim Android 4.1 OS With 4.7 Inch Capacitive Touch Screen 3G Smart Phone - AT&T, T-mobile, H20, Simple mobile and other GSM networks (White)

Main Features:
Type: Touch screen phone
OS: Android 4.1
CPU: Media Tek MTK6577 1.0GHz
ROM: 4GB
RAM: 512MB(Note: The graphics take some memory, so only show 471MB)
Capacitive touch (5-point) screen
Network frequency: GSM 2G 850/900/1800/1900MHz WCDMA 3G 850/2100MHz
Dual SIM, Dual standby
Dual cameras
Wireless internet
GPS supported
Gravity sensing system
FM/MP3/MP4/Bluetooth function supported
Network:
Network type: 3G+2G
Frequency: GSM 2G 850/900/1800/1900MHz WCDMA 3G 850/2100MHz
WIFI: 802.11b/g wireless internet
Bluetooth A2DP
Screen Information:
Screen type: Capacitive
Screen size: 4.7 inch
Screen resolution: 480 x 854 (WVGA)
Connectivity:
2 x SIM slot
TF card slot
Mini USB host
3.5mm audio out port
Microphone
Speaker
Camera:
Back camera: 8MP (with flash light and auto focus)
Front camera: 0.3MP
Video recording: Yes
Storage:
Internal memory: 4GB(Note: The operate system and Apps take some spaces, so only show 2GB + 502MB)
External memory: TF card up to 32GB (not included)
Supported Media Formats:
Picture format: JPEG, GIF, BMP, PNG
Video format: 3GP, MPEG4
Music format: MP3, WAV, AMR, AWB
MS Office format: Word, Excel, PPT
E-book format: TXT
Live wallpaper support: Yes
Games:
Android APK and Java
Languages:
English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Russian, Dutch
Dimensions:
Product size (L x W x H): 136 x 70 x 10 mm
Product weight: 152 g
Package weight: 0.5 kg
Additional Features:
Wi-Fi, GPS, Java, 3G, FM, Bluetooth, Sound Recorder, MP3, MP4, MMS, Alarm, Calendar, Calculator...
Package Contents:
1 x Smart Phone
2 x Battery
1 x Power Adapter
1 x Earphones
1 x USB Cable
1 x Screen Protector
1 x User Manual(English Language)

Price: $ 135

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VoIP providers versus small & businesses: how to choose the best VoIP PBX

Hosted VoIP PBX systems (https://www.aitonic.com/product/plans-pricing) have the potential to fundamentally change the shape of the small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) communicate through the centralization of all vital business voice communications and provide economies of scale. With superior functionality and flexibility, as well as important cost efficiencies that brings, hosted VoIP PBX (https://www.aitonic.com/resources-faq/whitepapers/aitonic ...) appears to be naturally suited for most small and medium-sized companies. However, there are still some obstacles to the widespread adoption of VoIP technology; and it seems that the occurrence of inappropriate products and services on the market have raised doubts about the ease of use of VoIP. VoIP providers are often focused exclusively on fast-earning, when it should be focused on customer satisfaction and retention. It is a recurring problem that has received negative attention for quite some time. But fortunately, there are examples of real-world VoIP services, which can cancel some of this bad rep.

So what exactly makes this a bad reputation for the VoIP provider and while discouraging some accept SMB VoIP? The aim of the hosted service providers VoIP PBX (https://www.aitonic.com/product/plans-pricing) should be to streamline the way businesses communicate, helps them increase productivity. They should focus on offering more for less, which means that the real value of business VoIP is offering advanced communication skills for better price compared to traditional business phone systems. Unfortunately, many providers of hosted VoIP (http://aitonic.com/) makes the sale, even if it is not correctly analyze the costs or the customer VoIP-ready quite yet. Don't take the time to work with potential customers fully understand their needs and explain the application of hosted VoIP PBX.

Instead of reducing the cost of communication, the business eventually fall prey to fraudulent suppliers, whose valuation models are complicated and far from transparent. Hidden fees, for example, pay extra for features that should be included in the price of a standard VoIP calling plan, is just one part of the problem. The effect of unforeseen costs – customers eventually leave the provider dissatisfaction and some vendors end up with 25% per year. With Aitonic we make sure that we provide all the features that your business requires the best price possible – and that is why we have designed the all-inclusive, economic and predictable pricing model.

Before you implement VoIP, organizations must ensure that their existing computer network can handle voice transmission to avoid costly setbacks. Some Internet service providers do not offer to evaluate the readiness of the potential customers of the network to determine if VoIP can be executed without errors. In many cases, businesses unknowingly agree to establish systems that are not yet ready to support, leading to a VoIP system, which operates under the expectatoins.  Aitonic's expert advisers to prevent future causes of frustration by helping customers maximize the value of their existing network and allow a smooth transition to VoIP.

The most important thing that is missing from many providers of VoIP customer support is sufficient. The number one reason that customers have the VoIP providers is poor customer service. After you implement VoIP, service providers often leave customers and let them work, technical and other issues that may arise by themselves. If customer service and technical support available when it's needed, customers feel underappreciated and spoil the reputation of the VoIP provider. When errors occur in a business VoIP system and are not dealt with immediately, limits the company's ability to operate efficiently and provide professional services to its customers. Frequent calls to the location is one of the many possible inconveniences which may have serious consequences for the business.

Customer support Aitonic's Guardian provides a high level of customer service. Our technically gifted customer service personnel are available to respond quickly and effectively to the problems that may arise with the professionalism and respect for the customer and business needs. We believe that our customer service sets us apart from the competition. We invite you to talk to a customer support to get a feel of their efficiency, technical capabilities and commitment to your success.   There is no better way to do it than trying to service for yourself with our 30-day satisfaction guarantee, without risks and without disturbing the existing phones.   Service can be up and running in 15 minutes.  Welcome to the good customer support.

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Viking Hot-Line - Stainless Steel

Auto dial 1 (up to 32 digits) programmable speed dial numberMulti-number dialer mode adds 5 (up to 16 digits) speed dial numbersTouch tone or pulse dialingNon-volatile memory (no batteries required)Operates on analog PABX and key syst

Price: $761.90

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Worktank Announces Partnership with ON24

Worktank Enterprises, LLC, a virtual event management company based in Seattle, WA, is excited to announce the addition of ON24 to its growing list of supported virtual event platforms. ON24’s proven, enterprise-level platform and broad set of features will allow Worktank to create powerful, interactive events for current and future clients. This partnership ensures Worktank will continue to provide exceptional virtual event management and webcasting services to their customers combined with a feature-rich platform which is known for its reliable video and mobile attendee experience.

“ON24 is thrilled with this opportunity. Partnering with Worktank makes ON24 platform features and flexibility shine because of Worktank’s deep technical expertise and big-picture, customer-oriented solutions,” says ON24’s Chuck Brotman, Vice President of Channels.

In addition, its feature-rich platform, known for its reliable video and mobile attendee experience, will support Worktank in continuing to focus on providing customizable solutions for our clients.

Sydney Eggleston, Virtual Events Producer at Worktank, produced the first event using the ON24 platform. The event was a technical overview and hands-on training presented by two industry experts. “I’m thrilled to include this platform as a service. With On24’s robust features and ability to handle pre-recorded content, and as well as high quality live video, it takes us to the next level and further allows us to offer best-in-class webcasting solutions.”

Sydney further praised the ON24 platform as having “a highly customizable user interface that includes features such as interactive widgets for social media, certification widgets, closed captioning and transcription services, and the ability to easily integrate pre-recorded content. In addition, ON24 offers up-to-the-minute event metrics that customers can access any time with a self-service URL.”

By partnering with ON24, Worktank expands its commitment to be a service and platform one-stop shop. Customers will be able to buy this package of platform and service directly from Worktank without the commitment of a huge enterprise contract. To learn more about Worktank, visit www.worktankseattle.com or call 1-877-975-8265.

About Worktank

Worktank has produced over 20,000 virtual events in the past decade: our finely tuned virtual event production process ensures that each message is delivered, regardless of audience size—from internal team meetings, to public events reaching thousands. Worktank supports multiple major platforms, guiding customers to the platform that best suits their needs and positions them for success.

About ON24

ON24 is leading the transformation of virtual communication with cloud-based webcasting and virtual environments that drive outstanding results for companies of every size and in every category. ON24’s industry-leading platform helps organizations to communicate with employees, clients, prospects, and partners with measurable and greater impact.

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Viking Electronics EWP Stainless Steel Hansdsfree

EWP Stainless Steel Hansdsfree Phone Enhanced weather protection handsfree phone is designed to provide quick & reliable communication and can be connected directly to a C.O. line or analog PABX/KSU station. Feature non-volatile memory, a built in 2 number dialer & intelligent call progress detection for automatic hang-up when the call is completed.

Price: $385.20

Click here to buy from Amazon

Zain Kuwait to Bundle iPass with iOS and Android Phones

iPass Inc. (http://www.ipass.com/) (NASDAQ: IPAS), a leading provider of mobile services for enterprises (http://www.ipass.com/solutions/ipass-enterprise-mobility-services/) and telecom service providers (http://www.ipass.com/open-mobile-exchange/), announced today that Zain Kuwait, a pioneer of mobile telecommunications in the Middle East and North Africa with more than 41 million customers, will bundle “Zain Pass” with all iOS and Android phones. Zain Pass is an International Wi-Fi Roaming services that allows subscribers to roam the world’s largest commercial Wi-Fi network when travelling outside of Zain Kuwait’s domestic serving area.

According to a recent iPass survey on international data roaming, 98 percent of respondents own at least one smartphone, and more than one-third (33.8 percent) travel with two or more. The survey showed high levels of smartphone adoption across all geographies, including emerging markets. International travelers regularly spend large sums of money at airports and hotels to access Wi-Fi when abroad, and the new bundle allows Zain Kuwait to capture that spend.

“The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reports that international tourism exceeded one billion for the first time ever in 2012, equating to 3.8 percent year-on-year growth from 2011. The volume of international travel is set for robust growth again this year, with the UNWTO forecasting an increase of 3-4 percent in 2013. Since each international trip represents a potential roaming event, the addressable market for international Wi-Fi roaming has never been greater,” said Steve Livingston, senior vice president at iPass. “With international travel now at record highs and multiple-smartphone ownership so common among these travelers, Zain Kuwait has significantly increased the value of its core products and services with Zain Pass.”

“Smartphone owners expect their in-home or in-office Wi-Fi experience to be replicated when they travel internationally,” said Zain Kuwait CEO Omar Al Omar. “The inclusion of international Wi-Fi access for our subscriber base is of high strategic importance to Zain Kuwait and strongly differentiates us from our competition by making it even easier for Zain Pass subscribers to connect to any of the 1.2 million Wi-Fi venues offered. By working with iPass, we are accelerating our time-to-market with international-Wi-Fi-roaming services and leveraging their knowledge about best practices learned from over a decade of Wi-Fi leadership.”

About iPass OMX (http://www.ipass.com/solutions/open-mobile-exchange/wi-fi...)

iPass Open Mobile Exchange (OMX) is the world's largest commercial Wi-Fi roaming and exchange platform for Communication Service Providers (CSPs). Through a single interface, iPass OMX connects more than 150 unique Wi-Fi networks representing over 1.2 million commercial Wi-Fi venues with certified WISPr interoperability across 123 countries and territories worldwide.

About Zain Kuwait

Zain is a leading telecommunications operator across the Middle East providing mobile voice and data services to over 41.4 million active customers as of 30 September 2012. With a commercial presence in 7 countries, Zain operates in the following countries: Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Sudan. In Lebanon, the company manages ‘mtc-touch’ on behalf of the government. In Morocco, Zain has a 15.5% stake in Wana Telecom, now branded ‘INWI’, through a joint venture. Zain is listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (stock ticker: ZAIN). For more, please email info@zain.com or visit: www.zain.com

About iPass Inc. (http://www.ipass.com/about/)
iPass helps enterprises (http://www.ipass.com/solutions/open-mobile/) and telecom service providers ensure their employees and subscribers stay well connected. Founded in 1996, iPass (NASDAQ: IPAS) delivers the world’s largest commercial-grade Wi-Fi network (http://www.ipass.com/mobile-network/) and trusted connectivity platform. With more than 1.2 million Wi-Fi hotspots across 123 countries and territories, iPass gives its customers always-on, frictionless connectivity for smartphones, tablets and laptops anywhere in the world – simply, securely and cost-effectively. Additional information is available at www.iPass.com or on Smarter Connections (http://www.ipass.com/blog/), the iPass blog.

iPass® is a registered trademark and Open Mobile Exchange is a trademark of iPass Inc. Wi-Fi® is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. All other trademarks are owned by their respective owners.

Media Contacts:

US

Kristin Bleier

Tel. +1 650 232 4337

Email: pr@ipass.com

UK

Leila Hajaj, Spark Communications

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7 436 0420

Email: leila@sparkcomms.co.uk

View the original article here

VTech - Slide And Talk Smart Phone

The Slide & Talk Smart Phone is a slide phone that allows for pretend texting and cell phone play. The toy features a slide-out keyboard and the LCD screen automatically recognizes when the device is in phone or message mode and adjusts accordingly. The phone also features a phone book that contains four friends who you can text or call. Surprise "wrong number" phone calls from a variety of silly characters adds to the fun. Teaches letters, numbers, counting, alphabetical order.

Product Measures: 1.4 by 2.5 by 4.7

Recommended Ages: 2 years - 4 years

Price: $29.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Xtel communications is ready for E-rate funding year 2014 (FY2014)

Marlton/NJ – the universal service administration Corporation (USAC) http://www.usac.org/sl/(http://www.usac.org/sl/) now has an online submission for funding by 2014 (FY2014) for FCC form 470, a description of the required services and certification form. The first day is 1 July 2014 FY2014. USAC is an independent, not for profit corporations designed http://transition.fcc.gov/learnnet/the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as the universal service Fund (USF). USAC collects contributions from telecommunications operators and manages programs of aid intended to help communities across the country to secure access to affordable telecommunications services. USAC through management of these programmes, provides support for the high costs of companies in rural areas, the consumer is entitled, rural health care providers, schools, and libraries.

Schools and libraries (E-rate) program of the UNION makes available discount eligible schools and libraries for telecommunications services, Internet access, and internal connections. The Program is designed to ensure that schools and libraries have access to affordable telecommunications and information services. Percentage discounts are determined by the number of students in the district qualify for free and reduced price lunches (National School Lunch Program or NLSP). Library to use the number of students (total and NSLP-eligible) for the public school district in which the library is located.

"We have been a leading provider of services New Jersey E-rate funding year 2013, provides more than 8.5 million dollars in telecommunications and Internet services for most New Jersey schools districts," notes Liz Sorino, Xtel's Executive Vice President. "For many schools, E-course provides an opportunity for innovation technologies, which districts simply could not afford without this funding," he adds. "We've specialized in custom solutions for K-12 school since our inception in 1994. We know that school, we know E-course, and we are ready to help New Jersey school districts in the new year funding! "

About Xtel Communications, Inc.

Xtel communications, Inc. http://xtel.net/, regional facilities-based competitive local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) is now in the 19 years of its activities, providing voice, data, Internet and cloud communications services to businesses, schools and municipalities in Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

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Pentagon clearance for iOS could open even more doors for Apple in the private sector

The Pentagon's decision to grant Apple the security clearance required for iOS 6 devices to go head-to-head with BlackBerry 10 and certain Samsung Galaxy S4 devices on secure military networks could have with a cascading effect that spills over into the private sector. BlackBerry 10 and the Samsung Galaxy S4 received security clearance from the Pentagon earlier this month. The Pentagon has not approved Android in general, or even the Samsung Galaxy S4 in its default state. The Samsung Galaxy S4 is authorized only as long as it uses Samsung’s Knox security software.

The Pentagon uses approximately 600,000 mobile devices. The vast majority of those are BlackBerry, because BlackBerry established itself early on as a secure, manageable mobile platform. Now, BlackBerry will have to fight with Apple and Samsung to maintain that dominance. The United States Air Force is eager to jump on the iOS bandwagon. Following in the footsteps of many commercial airlines, the USAF plans to replace bulky flight manuals and flight plans with iPads.

The investment in an estimated 18,000 iPads is projected to save the Air Force more than $50 million just in the cost of paper. And by eliminating 90 pounds of paper from each aircraft and 30 to 40 pounds carried by each pilot, the Air Force expects to save about $7.5 million in fuel costs (both savings figures are 10-year estimates). If you need evidence that iOS is secure, consider the fact that law enforcement agencies can’t crack its encryption. The Department of Justice and the NSA consider iOS encryption to be virtually impenetrable.

There is a way to get around it, but it seems Apple is the only entity that knows the trick (and apparently it’s not easy for Apple, either. It was recently reported that Apple has amassed a significant backlog of requests from law enforcement assistance to bypass iOS encryption. On the other hand, it seems odd for a mobile operating system that can be jailbroken to be considered secure. Jailbreaking essentially bypasses all iOS security and gives the user root access to the device. It allows users to circumvent Apple’s “walled garden” and download apps from outside the Apple App Store approval process.

Hackers launched an untethered jailbreak for iOS 6 earlier this year. The process allows users to jailbreak their iOS devices without having to connect to a syncing cable simply by visiting a website. If a user can jailbreak the device simply by visiting a website, might an attacker be able to trick a user into visiting a malicious website and gain root access to the device? In reality, it’s not that easy, and after years of iOS jailbreaking, no such threat has emerged.

Apple has already invaded corporate America, with the iPhone and the iPad serving as catalysts for the consumerization of IT and BYOD trends while BlackBerry's share of the smartphone market has plummeted: The company is now in fourth place—behind Windows Phone. Certain industries continue to resist the BYOD revolution, however, and many of them also seem reluctant to abandon BlackBerry. Companies in the healthcare and finance segments, for instance, must comply with strict regulatory guidelines when it comes to managing and protecting sensive data. But if iOS 6 devices and Samsung's Galaxy S4 running Knox security software are secure enough for the Pentagon, they're probably secure enough for your business, too.

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Pyle PRT45 Retro Antique Country Wall Phone - Retail Packaging - Wood

The PRT45 is a very special phone. It's an authentic reproduction of the classic early American Heritage telephone - seen in houses throughout the United States starting in the 1920s.This phone is handcrafted from wood, veneered, and features bronze-plated hardware for a truly retro look. There's even a little compartment at the bottom to store important notes. Standard telephone features include last number redial and flash function.

Price: $197.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Patch Tuesday leaves Internet Explorer zero day untouched

It’s Patch Tuesday time again. This month Microsoft has unleashed nine new security bulletins. Nine is a reasonably high number of updates, however, only two of them are rated as Critical. So, it’s actually a little more laid back than most months, but there’s still cause for concern. There are seven security bulletins rated as Important, which affect a range of platforms and services including Active Directory, the Windows antimalware client, and the Windows Kernel. The two Critical security bulletins apply to Internet Explorer and Remote Desktop. Be prepared—most of the patches require a reboot.

Wolfgang Kandek, CTO of Qualys, suggests that IT admins focus on Internet Explorer first. “This month, the most important bulletin to apply to your infrastructure is MS13-028, which contains a new release of Internet Explorer (IE) covering all versions of the browser starting with IE6 going to IE10, and also including Windows RT, the operating system for mobile devices and tablets.”

Andrew Storms, director of security operations for nCircle (a Tripwire company), agrees that Internet Explorer deserves attention, but adds that Internet Explorer lacks its usual “patch immediately” urgency. Microsoft has assigned the underlying IE flaws with an exploit index rating of two, which indicates that Microsoft believes they are exceptionally difficult to exploit, and there’s not likely to be a successful exploit in the next 30 days.

It’s not all sunshine and roses, though, according to Marc Maiffret, CTO of BeyondTrust. First, he notes that the flaws addressed in the Internet Explorer update affect all supported versions of Internet Explorer, and warns that attackers will be working diligently to develop an exploit with such a large pool of potential targets. Maiffret also points out that the Microsoft update does not address a recently-discovered vulnerability in Internet Explorer 9, which could enable an attacker to bypass security controls and execute additional exploits.

As always, all relevant patches should be applied as soon as possible. Once a patch is released, attackers can reverse-engineer it to figure out how the vulnerability works and develop an exploit for it. It’s a race to get your PCs patched before attackers craft an exploit, and the reality is that most malware attacks use exploits against known vulnerabilities for which patches have already been developed.

Consumers and small businesses should have Automatic Updates enabled. Businesses that need to test and validate patches before deploying them should get to work. As an aside, Adobe also released updates today for ColdFusion, Flash Player, and Shockwave Player.

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Nite Ize Clip Case Cargo Magnet Tall - 1 Pack - Bulk Packaging - Black

Protect that valuable large-screen smart phone display (iPhone, Motorola Droid X, HTC Evo, and Samsung Epic 4G) with proper protection. The convenience and durability of our popular Clip Case Cargo, re-designed to accommodate the deluxe dimensions of large-screen smart phones with or without form fit covers. (Works great for smaller-sized GPS units as well!)

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Outlook is a game changer for Windows RT tablets

Microsoft has announced that the 2013 Outlook RT RT will be coming to Windows, with Windows 8.1 update. Sale Windows RT RT underwhelming tablets like the Surface so far, but the Outlook will change that. When Windows 8.1 update comes in the store Windows later this year, will join the RT Word Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote as a free app on Windows RT systems. This is huge news in General, but this is especially intriguing to business users.

Surface RT (RT for Windows and tabs in General) is a decent tablet, but it's not a great device for business computing. It has clear advantages over its Surface Pro sister is thinner, lighter, cooler, quieter and has much better battery life, but he was unable to join a Windows domain.

Windows Update 8.1 it still will not be able to join a network domain, but he and BYOD 8.1 in Windows Management features make it a much friendlier to business. Add Outlook is a real game changer, though. The default mail client in Windows 8.1 is not suitable for Outlook and business users need consistency among the tools that they use on their main PC and applications available on the Tablet Windows RT.

It is expected that the smaller Windows tablets, starting later this year. Small size, coupled with features Windows 8.1 (and Outlook) will make Windows RT tablets are very powerful business tools. Earlier this year, Nvidia CEO Jen Hsun Huang told an audience of financial analysts, "If Outlook to show at RT, my life will be complete," Adding, "I'm one of the Outlook on computing nirvana. God, please ... " Assuming that "God" means Outlook Steve Ballmer, Huang's guilt apparently fell on deaf ears. Minions ...I mean Microsoft developers ... Juan heard in prayer.

NVidia CEO: why care? nVidia has a vested interest in the success of Windows RT, because this makes the ARM processors, which are used in some Windows RT tablets. The success of RT for Windows means more demand for processors nVidia. Outlook 2013 RT is a very welcome addition to the suite of Office applications for Windows RT devices, but it could be better. This may be the Outlook of MX. Microsoft has engineered 2013 Office be more touch than in previous versions, but it still hits the desktop mode, and it is harder to work with than on touchscreen application designed specifically for Windows MX 8 as OneNote.

Cover the keyboard touch and type are actually part of the surface of the Tablet experience, so Surface RT users still have a physical keyboard and touchpad to work with. but most other Windows tablets that are not RT for and used exclusively as touch screen tablets. There will be fewer Windows RT tablets with Outlook
great mobile business tools. OneNote MX, with a radial menu that offers a much better experience than 2013 OneNote at work with touch screen. It does not appear to be part of this upgrade, but Microsoft should be working on the development of special versions of Windows MX 8 of all Office applications.

The Bureau is a powerful carrot, Microsoft hopes will lure customers on Windows tablets — be it Windows or Windows 8 Pro RT models. Add Outlook is a significant advantage for Windows RT pills, but even if Windows RT doubles ... or even triple its market share, would still be a massive audience of iOS and Android tablet users are left in the cold. According to the document, reportedly leaked an internal plan, a couple of months ago Outlook RT shouldn't have been ready before the end of 2014. The plan also proposed that the Bureau for iOS and Android are also becoming available around the same time.

The roadmap could leak was just wrong. Assuming that this was legitimate, the accelerated availability of Outlook offers hope that RT sparks Bureau for iOS and Android will also be available sooner than expected. I asked Microsoft whether it is so. If Microsoft works on iOS or Android versions of Office applications, it is still being coy about it. The official response I got was, ' we have a great experience on Windows 8 tablets.  For the iPad and Android tablets can people use Office Web Apps.

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Data Over Radio Data and Digital Processing Techniques in Mobile and Cellular Radio

With the emergence of new technologies like Voice over IP and Wireless LANs, the decentralization of enterprises, and the increased mobility of employees in the work force, separate data and voice networks are no longer adequate for today's organizations. The needs of companies, both large and small, require a newly structured, consolidated corporate network. Focusing on infrastructure, this unique resource provides professionals with practical guidance on reorganizing enterprise networks for maximum efficiency in today's marketplace.

The book offers detailed information on key technologies and services such as VPNs (virtual private networks), VoIP (voice over IP), MPLS (multi protocol label switching), and mobile data services. Moreover, this authoritative volume discusses the role of the CIO and the IT department within the organization and offers a thorough understanding of the costs and security issues related to enterprise network development.

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Opinion: CISPA isn’t the evil, privacy-infringing legislation you think it is

A bill that would foster stronger cyber security by enabling government and private sector companies to share information is facing opposition from privacy and civil liberties groups. The controversy is misguided, though, and the legislation is a step in the right direction.

CISPA, or the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act, was introduced last year by the ranking members of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence—Mike Rogers (R-MI) and Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD). The legislation's goal is to establish a framework for government and private companies to share sensitive information in the effort to identify and block cyber attacks more effectively.

CISPA initially made it through the Senate, buoyed by support from a large number of high-tech companies like AT&T, Comcast, Oracle, Symantec and Microsoft. It later died on the vine, however, over concerns of Big Brother spying on American citizens. But now it's back again: Last month, its congressional sponsors resurrected the bill in response to high-profile attacks against American targets during the last year.

CISPA is intended to strengthen cyber security, not spy on American citizens.

Yes, the bill is back, but CISPA hasn’t gotten any more popular since last year. The EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation), ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union), and other privacy advocacy groups are aligning to oppose the legislation once again. What's more, Facebook, an original supporter of the legislation, just rescinded its its support this week.

The ACLU shared with me a letter that was sent to congressmen Rogers and Ruppersberger on behalf of a coalition of concerned organizations. The letter expressed serious reservations with CISPA, calling out failure to establish civilian control over the information-sharing program; failure to require private organizations to strip personally identifiable information from data shared with the government; and failure to ensure iron-clad protection for the information that is shared.

Kurt Opsahl, senior staff attorney with EFF, explained to me, "The Mandiant report shows how much useful information could be shared without a new bill... The problems [with this bill] are fundamental, and probably too deep to fix with a compromise."

But, is the backlash warranted? On April 16 of 2012, an amendment to the bill was aimed at tackling privacy concerns. There were questions over terminology, so the amendment clarifies what is meant by “cyber threat information” to ensure a narrower interpretation that does not include “intellectual property."

Some expressed concerns that the bill would authorize ISPs or service providers to block accounts or remove content. In response, the amendment specifies that the legislation is limited to identifying, obtaining, and sharing cyber threat information, and expressly states that the bill does not provide any authority to block accounts or delete information.

The amendment addresses the key privacy concerns. It prevents any information obtained from being used for any other purpose than the intelligence gathering it was intended for, and allows for the US government to be sued if the information obtained is used in ways that violate the limitations placed on the bill. The ammendment also gives the United States Attorney General oversight to monitor activity under CISPA and ensure privacy safeguards are maintained.

Microsoft shared with me its official statement on CISPA, which simultaneously stresses the privacy concerns, but also acknowledges that progress is being made, and implies Microsoft's support for the underlying goals of CISPA:

“Microsoft believes that any proposed legislation should facilitate the voluntary sharing of cyber threat information in a manner that allows us to honor the privacy and security promises we make to our customers. Legislation introduced in mid-February reflects important changes resulting from an active, constructive dialogue about a prior version of the bill, and that dialogue must continue.  We look forward to continuing to work with policymakers and others to improve cyber security while protecting consumer privacy.” - Scott Charney, Corporate Vice President, Trustworthy Computing

In late February at the RSA security conference, I sat down with the sponsoring representatives, Rogers and Ruppersberger. Rogers explained the motivation behind supporting the bill once again. “The amount of wealth that has been transferred from the United States to places like China is breathtaking and dangerous," he said.

Rogers and Ruppersberger believe that if United States intelligence agencies could share classified information with the private sector, then the security industry and private corporations will be better armed to defend themselves. Similarly, the intelligence community could also benefit from private companies sharing what they know about attacks with the government.

The two-way sharing of information is vital in seeing the big picture of security threats, and detecting and preventing attacks. Indeed, information-sharing following the Operation Aurora attacks against Google and other organizations provides a solid example of how effective such sharing can be. Each company might know something suspicious is going on, but may only see one piece of the puzzle. By comparing notes with other companies and intelligence agencies, the pieces can be locked together for a more complete view of the attack.

The goal, according to Rogers, is to tackle information-sharing in a way that has broad, bipartisan support, and buy-in from key stakeholders in both the government and the private sector. The congressional supporters believe that CISPA is the best way to give the government and private sector the necessary tools to detect sophisticated attacks, and guard against advanced, persistent threats.

Rogers and Ruppersberger re-submitted CISPA following President Obama’s State of the Union address, in which he called for protecting the nation against cyber attacks. Has anything changed in the bill that differentiates it from the version that was shot down? No, nothing has changed.

Ruppersberger explained that he and Rogers are both members of the “Gang of Eight,” a group of elected officials who are given access to key intelligence information, and who are briefed on national security issues deemed too sensitive to be shared more broadly with the rest of Congress. He said he is often asked what keeps him awake at night, and one of his top responses is “cyber attacks.”

We need to take action to stop sensitive and proprietary data from being stolen. But why submit the same legislation over again? Ruppersberger said that the threat landscape has changed since last year, and there is more support now for what they’re trying to accomplish with CISPA. “We are being exposed, and these attacks are getting more aggressive—the Washington Post, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, I mean the Treasury Department, and it goes on…Aramco, 30,000 computers knocked out. They got a lot more aggressive.”

One criticism of the bill concerns how much information private companies would share with the government. CISPA opponents want various types of data to be stripped or minimized before being sent to the government, but private companies don’t want the added burden of trying to sift through data before sharing it.

Ruppersberger explained that the NSA already has the tools and technology for minimizing the data once the government receives it, and that this is an issue he believes can be worked through. Some of the other concerns related to CISPA are a matter of jurisdiction. Rogers and Ruppersberger are viewing the world through the lens of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and they’ve crafted legislation to address the problems they see within the scope of that committee.

So where are we at now? The legislation must now go through mark-up and get through committee before it even has a possibility of being voted on. So there’s still time to work through issues and negotiate compromises to address any remaining concerns.

CISPA demands a tough balancing act, but it's crucial to the economic and national security interests of the United States that we address the threat of cyber attacks. Neither the government nor private industry can tackle the problem alone, so legislation like CISPA is necessary to facilitate the kind of sharing and cooperation we need. The views expressed in this article are those of the columnist, and not necessarily those of PCWorld.

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TextSpeech Pro Text-to-Speech Converter for Windows Mobile Smartphone (with 1 U.S. English high-quality voice)

*** Do not get fooled by other "similar" software! TextSpeech Pro is the highest quality and the most feature-rich text-to-speech software on the market used by many Fortune 500 companies! ***

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Unleash the power of spoken text with TextSpeech Pro Deluxe for Windows Mobile, the most natural-sounding, easy to use text-to-speech software on the market.

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Utilizing synthetic voices of exceptional quality (U.S. English David and Diane), TextSpeech Pro Deluxe for Windows Mobile lets you:

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Microsoft takes care of IE zero day with Patch Tuesday update

It’s Patch Tuesday again, and Microsoft has plenty to keep IT admins and users busy this month. Microsoft has released ten new security bulletins for May, but the two that should get the most attention and the highest priority are both related to the Internet Explorer Web browser. Microsoft patched a total of 33 vulnerabilities this month. There are eight patches ranked as Important, which affect a range of technologies and products including Microsoft Word, Publisher, Visio, and Lync as well as the .NET framework and the Windows kernel. The remaining two patches are both rated Critical, and both address vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer.

Marc Maiffret, CTO of BeyondTrust, explains that MS13-037 affects all supported versions of Internet Explorer—and therefore impacts all supported versions of Windows as well. He points out that three of the vulnerabilities addressed are present in all versions of Internet Explorer, and attackers will likely focus on these to target the broadest possible pool of vulnerable systems with the least amount of effort.

MS13-037 is the expected, or planned, update for Internet Explorer. MS13-038, on the other hand, is a rushed, last-minute addition to the Patch Tuesday inventory. It was less than two weeks ago that a zero day flaw was discovered in IE8. Andrew Storms, director of security operations for nCircle (a Tripwire company), says, “As anticipated, Microsoft released a critical update for Internet Explorer 8 today that patches an outstanding zero-day bug reportedly used in a targeted watering hole attack against the US Department of Labor. Speculation earlier this week suggests the same attack also targeted employees at USAID and Department of Energy.”

Storms commends Microsoft for the quick turnaround. He points out that going from advisory to patch in only eleven days is an example of Microsoft’s responsiveness to it’s users, as well as to the security community.

Ross Barrett, senior manager of security engineering for Rapid7, agrees mostly. He commented that the quick turnaround is Microsoft at its best. However, he also notes that the predictable barrage of monthly critical updates for the Microsoft browser indicates a flawed patching and support model. He suggests that Microsoft adopt a system like rival browsers Chrome and Firefox, which patch silently in the background as the updates are available.

In a blog post, Qualys CTO Wolfgang Kandek reminds us that Microsoft is not the only game in town. Adobe also released some crucial updates today. There are updates for ColdFusion, Reader and Flash.

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JL Childress Crib Mobile Attachment Clamp, White

Safely attach crib mobiles with the easy to use Crib Mobile Attachment Clamp. The Crib Mobile Attachment Clamp features large rubber pads that grip the crib railing and protect your crib from scratches and damage left by post and knob style arms. Use the clamp as a replacement for post and knob styles that don't fit all cribs. The crib mobile attachment clamp fits onto both traditional and convertible cribs, including Baby's Dream and specialty and decorative cribs. Can also be used on changing tables.

The clamp opens to 2" wide and the arm features a convenient safety button to lock the clamp in position. The quick attach clamp is easy to use simply push on the lever to open the clamp and slide it over the crib railing; the clamp will automatically adjust to the width of the railing. The attachment clamp is portable and perfect for use on vacations. Measures approximately 18" high when assembled. Not recommended for soft or rounded crib railings. Extra assembly require for mobiles with closed attachment loops or closed loops at the top of their music box.

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Microsoft Lync has to kill, rather than integrate it with Skype

Microsoft has rolled out the first phase of the integration of Communicator and Skype. Merging the two makes both services together better, but even the best solution would be to eliminate one of them. In a blog post announcing Microsoft Update explains that Skype contacts can now be added to the Lync, Lync and users can be added to Skype. Current integration enables voice calls and instant messages between two services, but video is not yet integrated.

Integration with Skype available for Lync, Lync 2010, Lync 2013, but it must be enabled. An IT administrator can configure Communicator-Skype connections on the server, Lync, Lync in Central Administration or the portal Office 365. Skype users must use the current version of the Skype client software, and they need to sign in using your Microsoft account to take advantage of the integration of Lync. If you have a login to Xbox Live, SkyDrive, Windows Phone or Outlook.com, you already have an account with Microsoft that you can use with Skype.

The two services merged enterprises that rely on Lync can now more easily communicate with customers and partners around the world who use Skype. Integration provides two-way presence information, so users and Skype Communicator will be able to see who is online and available to chat.

Does not integrate the Lync, kill it

This is a step in the right direction, but Microsoft still has some work to do to optimize their messaging services. I noted in my last 30 days with Pro Series Surface that duplicates the functionality of Lync and Skype, and Windows 8 messages app almost useless.

Microsoft needs to consolidate its messaging into a single platform instead of requiring users to select. Right now on my Windows 8, Windows 8 tablets have the messages app by default, Communicator and Skype app. I also have the Lync 2013 and Skype for Windows on my desktop. On my iPhone and iPad I have Skype and Lync app. There are simply too many unnecessary options.

The logical choice is Skype. Lync is the name of the rebranding for Microsoft Office Communications Server (OCS), and it's still relatively new. It is also unclear, as compared with the global recognition of Skype. Skype is synonymous with online voice and video calls to the point that it became a verb. You can Skype someone but no one "Lyncs" people. Just as there is a consumer version of SkyDrive, and business-focused SkyDrive Pro, which connects with SharePoint and provides it administrators with greater control, Microsoft should offer Skype and Skype Pro to change the Lync.

To complete the process of rationalization, then Microsoft should fix in Windows 8 messaging app and do a Skype app defaults for messages in Windows 8. One application that provides integrated voice, video and instant messages without jumping through hoops.

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Kidoozie My First Mobile Phone

G02379 Features: -Kidoozie My First Mobile Phone.-Bilingual early learning aid teaches English and Spanish.-Learn numbers and counting.-Plays 9 different songs.-Realistic ringing and tone phone sounds.-Chunky phone is perfect for little hands.-Recommended for ages 12 months and up.

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Microsoft can learn a crucial lesson from BlackBerry

Microsoft continues to be an industry leader, generating healthy profits from sales of its Windows operating system and productivity software, such as Office. But Microsoft could learn a lesson from BlackBerry's ongoing problems.

At its recent BlackBerry World conference in Orlando, BlackBerry announced that BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) will soon be available as a free app for both iOS and Android smartphones. While the news was arguably one of the highlights of the event, its timing was nonetheless too little, too late. What would have been seen as a brilliant tactical move two or three years ago is viewed today as desperate act with little chance of making a difference.

BBM is coming to iOS and Android, but it's too late to make a difference. BBM is a defining feature of the BlackBerry mobile platform. There was a time when it was one of the most coveted features of BlackBerry smartphones. But keeping the software exclusive was not enough of an attraction to keep customers from defecting to iPhone and Android smartphones.

Instead, new messaging services like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger exploded on those iOS and Android platforms and now eclipse BBM. At this point, WhatsApp has more than three times as many users as BBM, and Facebook Messenger has nearly 12 times as many users—and those are just two examples from a crowded selection of messaging apps. The ship has sailed when it comes to demand for BBM.

The lesson for Microsoft is that using a popular product as a carrot to coerce customers to adopt a less popular product doesn’t work. Customers simply move on and find alternatives that fit their needs.

While Microsoft Office is the de facto productivity suite, it is slowly losing market share as competing suites gain traction. Microsoft offers its Office suite for Windows and for Apple's OS X operating system for the Mac, but Google Docs, Open Office, Libre Office, and other suites offer similar features and capabilities in productivity tools that work on those platforms as well as Linux. Docs to Go, QuickOffice and Apple’s iWork apps (Pages, Numbers, and Keynote), meanwhile, fill the void on the iOS and Android platforms.

On the traditional PC front, Microsoft has little to worry about. Windows still has greater than 90 percent market share, and Apple's OS X owns another 7 percent. The problem is that the personal computer market is shrinking rapidly while the mobile device market is exploding. And Office runs on just a tiny fraction of mobile devices.

It makes sense for Microsoft to use Office to add value to Windows Phone, Windows RT, and tablets and hybrids running Windows 8. But the availability of Office—or the lack thereof—won't sway a purchase decision one way or the other. Businesses won't decide against buying Android or iOS devices if they think those platforms will suit their needs best. If Office isn't available, they'll find apps for those devices to take its place. In this way, Office could be rendered irrelevant as the demand for traditional PCs plummets.

Microsoft needs to learn from BlackBerry. Hubris is deadly, and extortion will always backfire. The way to maintain dominance and relevance is to ensure customers continue to rely on your products and services no matter what platform they choose.

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iPhone 5 USB Cable, Car Charger 5V 1A White with AC Wall Charger Adapter for iPhone 5

Description of 8 Pin Data Sync Cable:
Brand New 8 Pin Lightning USB 2.0 Sync-Charging Cable for iPhone5 iPod.
Connect your iPod iPhone to your computer charge it and let you sync data.
Data Cable has 2 in 1 functionality.Support Data transfer and Power Charger.
Length: About 1M or 3 feet
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Mini Design,New generic Universal USB Mini Car Charger Adapter
Use your car to charge any devices that can rely on USB for power! This adapter plugs into your car's cigarette lighter jack to become a powered USB port.
USB car charger adapter charges your PDA from any standard cigarette lighter in any vehicle. (Use together with USB charging cable.)
Patented circuit board designed to protect your valuable gadgets from short circuits.
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Apple iPhone 5 5G
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HP launches new CRM tools and MDM

Mobile devices and cloud have changed the way of doing business. HP today introduced new tools for business customers use this conversion and interact with Salesforce and good for business. HP has a strong position with business customers buying PCs and servers. As the market for traditional PCS, HP has worked to expand its sphere of influence in software and services.

SalesForce, meanwhile, is one of the leading providers of management platform (CRM) customer relationships. The company name has become synonymous with cloud-based business tools, and HP believes that many of its customers rely on Salesforce to get things done.

And so HP designed the new app: HP deal, cloud-based tool that integrates with Salesforce and allows users to easily create documents, sales quotes, business proposals, marketing and correspondence. HP believes that HP includes allow users to spend less time creating content and more time directly with the client. HP are available directly from the Salesforce AppExchange marketplace.

Alistair Firmin, Vice President for customer service at standard, explains, today, with HP tied for the Sales Department, we are able to create personalized customer communications, helping us to connect with them in a meaningful way that provides on our commitment to an excellent experience. "

HP also rolling out integration with good technology is the leading management (MDM) platform of the mobile device. HP ePrint Enterprise for good iOS enables users to reliably print from a good company, or a rich set of applications designed to work with the good.

Good for enterprise integration gives it administrators more control over data and ability to defend it. HP ePrint for enterprise enables it administrators a good iOS manage content that can be printed and limited to only print network printer securely firewall company. Businesses using HP equipment might appreciate these new tools. Salesforce and good both leaders in their respective fields, and users will be able to use tools designed to make it easier to work with them.

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Viking Electronics RED No Dial Desk Phone (VK-K-1500P-D)

Viking dial-less phone- Standard wall or desk configuration with built-in ringer- Can be used on an analog PABX station port or standard CO line to receive calls.- Built in volume adjustable ringer - No dial pad - Hearing a

Price: $161.50

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Amazon Cloud is great, but not for business

Amazon added a new element to its Cloud Drive service this week that expands it usefulness. The new Cloud Drive Sync app keeps files in sync across different devices and platforms, and pits Amazon Cloud Drive head-to-head against rivals such as Google, Microsoft, and Apple. However, businesses should steer clear of Amazon Cloud Drive.

The Amazon Cloud Drive Sync app is available for Windows or Mac OS X. Similar to other cloud file syncing tools, the app places a folder on your PC. Any files saved to the designated folder are automatically synced to Amazon Cloud Drive, and instantly available from any device that can access Amazon Cloud. By default, the local Amazon Cloud Drive folder created on a Windows or Mac OS X PC includes sub-folders for Documents, Pictures, and Videos. Amazon doesn’t offer a very consistent experience across platforms, though.

The Kindle Fire stores and accesses the data through separate tabs of the mobile OS: Docs, Photos, Videos, and Music. It can get a little confusing because a JPG file stored in the Documents sub-folder on a Windows or Mac OS X PC ends up in Photos on the Kindle Fire, while a video clip stored under Documents will be found in Videos. It makes sense, logically, but may throw people off because the files are not located in the same place from device to device.

Cloud Drive and Cloud Player are related, but distinctly different services. On the Web, there is an additional folder called Archived Music. That folder (which also shows up as a folder under Docs on the Kindle Fire), contains the music files from Amazon Cloud Player. However, Amazon Cloud Player is still a separate service, and uploading or playing music should be done through that. You can download music files from this folder, or click on a file to play it in the default music player. However, uploading or syncing music files, playing entire albums, or shuffling playlists should be done through Amazon Cloud Player.

All in all, Amazon Cloud is on a par more or less with other cloud storage and syncing services. With 5GB of free storage for data that can be automatically synced and accessed from a diverse range of platforms and devices, Amazon Cloud users should check out what it has to offer—especially people who use a Kindle Fire, or frequently purchase content from Amazon.

Amazon Cloud Drive is not a business tool, though. As we’ve seen with Dropbox and other consumer-oriented cloud storage services, users often take matters into their own hands and store data in such cloud services for convenience. However, that data can't be accessed, managed or protected by the business, which could lead to exposing sensitive information.

Box, Dropbox for Teams, Google Drive for Business, and Microsoft SharePoint or SkyDrive Pro are examples of services that provide similar cloud storage, data syncing and file sharing capabilities, while also giving IT the tools necessary to manage access, enforce policies, and protect the data. Ultimately, the single biggest factor in choosing a cloud storage and file syncing service is which ecosystem you rely on. Google Drive, Microsoft SkyDrive and Apple iCloud all make perfect sense for users invested in the platforms and tools related to those respective ecosystems.

Amazon Cloud is a solid competitor for all of the above, and the no-brainer choice for users of Kindle Fire tablets, or for avid Amazon customers. However, Amazon Cloud Drive is a consumer-centric service that lacks the oversight IT admins need to control and protect business data. Amazon provides guidance for businesses that wish to block access to Cloud Drive. It recommends that businesses block DNS resolution for zcd-00.s3.amazonaws.com to prevent access to Cloud Drive, and zcd-01.s3.amazonaws.com to block access to Amazon Cloud Player from corporate networks.

You might not want to count on that solution, though. At least check frequently to ensure that it’s still working. That solution will only work as long as those specific URLs are required to access Cloud Drive or Cloud Player, and Amazon notes that the specifications are subject to change at any time.

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Viking Hot Line Desk Phone - Ash

Viking hotline phone Good for catalog sales, information kiosks in malls, courtesy and customer service phones, automated tellers, hotline reservation phones, security and emergency phones Telephone line powered Hearing aid compatible amplified handsets Rotary handset volume control 132 digit programmable speed dial number Touch tone and 10/20 pps pulse dialing Nonvolatile E2 memory (no batteries required) Restricts fraudulent calls from hand held dialers K1900D/W2 available in red or ash Optional Q170600 ringer Operates on a CO line or analog PABX/KSU extensions Ring detection (will not dial on incoming calls) Programmable security code to enter programming mode Touch tone programmable K19006 fits standard 500, 554, 2500 and 2554 set phonesVKK1900D2ASH

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4 things Microsoft Office 'Gemini' needs to succeed

Whether talking about the constellation in the night sky or the sign of the zodiac, the word "Gemini" is synonymous with twins. It's no coincidence that Gemini is reportedly the code name for an upcoming Microsoft Office build that could be the twin project to Windows Blue. Together, the two efforts represent a complete shift in the way Microsoft develops and rolls out software.

According to Mary Jo Foley, a respected authority on Microsoft with reliable inside sources,  Gemini will be released inititally this fall alongside Windows Blue, with new versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. For Office, Gemini could have multiple meanings. It could even be an altogether new Microsoft Office suite, a fraternal twin to the existing Office 2013. Perhaps instead of replacing Office 2013, Gemini will be a suite of Office MX apps designed for the Windows 8 Modern interface, following in the style of the current OneNote MX.

What does Microsoft have in store for Office Gemini? Here are four things Redmond should consider:

1. 'Office MX'

What if the next Office reflected the Windows 8 Modern interface, with its Charms bar and bold Live Tiles? The leaked Windows Blue code indicates that Microsoft has no intention of backsliding on its commitment to its Modern interface, and supports the theory that the desktop mode will fade away over time. With that in mind, expect Gemini to be built to run in the Windows 8 Modern interface rather than switching to desktop mode.

Microsoft Office runs on Windows 8, but in desktop mode as opposed to as a native Windows 8 app. It makes sense for Office Gemini to be designed for Windows 8 in the style of OneNote MX, built primarily for touch input within the Windows 8 Modern UI. Bringing all of the core tools from Microsoft Office to the Modern UI is significant and necessary to get businesses and consumers to switch and start spending more time in the new interface, rather than just skipping over Windows 8's Modern screen in order to essentially run Windows 7 in desktop mode.

2. 'Outlook MX'

MicrosoftHow else could Microsoft reimagine Outlook? According to Mary Jo Foley’s sources, Gemini lacks Outlook. That would be a mistake. Outlook should be included in Gemini, as it's a crucial part of Microsoft Office, particularly for businesses. The core functions of Outlook—email, calendar, and contacts—are handled in Windows 8 by its Mail, Calendar, and People apps. Those apps have their strengths, but they don’t integrate as fully with Exchange or work as seamlessly as Outlook does.

3. Radial menu

The radial menu in OneNote MX is a great innovation. The radial formatting menu in OneNote MX is genius. Microsoft took all of the formatting and features you'd normally find in a menu bar, and put them all under a single button. When you tap the button, it becomes a circle with different options to choose from and drill down into.

Microsoft has gone out of its way to make all of the Office 2013 desktop applications more touch-friendly, and they are. The traditional menu bar can be used in mouse mode, the way it always has, or in touch mode, which enlarges the choices and spaces them a little farther apart so they're easier to tap with a finger. However, OneNote MX offers a much better experience on a touchscreen Windows 8 tablet than OneNote 2013 does in desktop mode, and the primary reason is the radial menu.

4. Cross-platform strategy

Office software like Word runs on Windows tablets only, not iOS or Android. Microsoft is facing lagging PC sales, and it’s late to the tablet party. It’s easy for Microsoft to use Office as a carrot to lure customers to buy Windows PCs, tablets, and smartphones. Holding Office hostage on Windows is a mistake, though, and will ultimately hurt Office more than it helps Windows.

As it is, Microsoft Office is not entirely Windows-centric, even now. Microsoft already crossed that line in the sand when it developed Office for Mac. It makes sense to offer Office across a broad range of platforms to ensure that businesses and individuals continue to choose Office no matter what device they're working on. The tech landscape has shifted. Mac OS X computers have been chipping away, albeit slowly, at Microsoft’s virtual monopoly of the PC market, which is more or less stagnant thanks to the rising popularity of mobile devices.

In both tablets and smartphones, Microsoft is a distant third place at best—far behind Android and iOS. Even if Windows Phone handsets and Windows-based tablets become wildly successful, the best Microsoft can hope for is a respectable three-way race. If Microsoft keeps Office only on Windows and Mac OS X, it will leave a majority of tablet users with no choice but to find a suitable alternative.

It’s too early to say with any certainty what Microsoft has in mind for Office Gemini or Windows Blue. It appears though, that Microsoft is providing even more incentive for users to embrace the Office 365 subscription model rather than purchasinga perpetual license for Office 2013 desktop software. If major new updates are released more frequently, Office 2013 will become outdated sooner than expected.

If Gemini brings Office fully into Windows 8 with enhanced touch support and Outlook included, it will help to drive sales of Windows 8 PCs and tablets, as users have more incentive to adapt and embrace the new Windows. If Gemini also includes native apps for Android and iOS, Office 365 subscriptions will skyrocket. Microsoft is potentially leaving billions of dollars of revenue on the table by not offering Office for iOS and Android. Granted, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has maintained that iOS and Android users can work with Office through the browser, making native Office apps unnecessary. He's wrong. The browser versions of Office will do in a pinch, but native apps provide a better experience and work offline as well.

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Microsoft takes the offensive against Google, and it's about time

Google was once a humble startup with a big dream—to be the David that takes down Microsoft’s Goliath. Google has become a tech force to be reckoned with, challenging Microsoft in almost every area including Web search, browsers, email, operating systems, productivity software and mobile platforms. Over time, it has chipped away at Microsoft’s market share.

Microsoft is great at many things, but over the years marketing has not been one of its strengths. Microsoft has also been a victim of hubris, ignoring threats to its products because it believes its dominance is untouchable. Lately, though, Microsoft has been campaigning more aggressively against Google to protect its market share.

Microsoft's marketing playbook

At times, saying nothing or saying too little, too late has done more damage for Microsoft than a poor marketing campaign. Windows Vista had its issues out of the gate, but overall it was a solid operating system with unique benefits. However, Microsoft let its rivals—primarily Apple—control the messaging. The narrative that brainwashed the general population is that Vista was a failure, and Windows PCs aren’t cool.

Microsoft has launched a number of confusing or outright awkward marketing campaigns. The recent Surface RT and Surface Pro commercials focus on random strangers breaking out into a dancing flash mob with colorful, snapping keyboard covers, or even breakdancing in the board room about the digitizer pen. The ads are entertaining and sort of catchy, but fail to convey anything useful about the product that would make anyone want to buy one. Still, these Surface ads are a significant improvement over the awkward 2008 commercials where Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld bump into each other at the mall.

Taking on Google Docs

In some areas—notably, Web search and mobile platforms—Google is the clear leader and Microsoft the underdog. But when it comes to productivity software, Microsoft Office is the de facto standard while Google Docs is the challenger. If you need evidence to support the fact that Microsoft holds the dominant position, consider that Google Docs and other alternative productivity suites like Libre Office are only useful if they’re compatible with Microsoft Office file formats.

The reality is, they’re not, at least not fully. They’re compatible enough for most people and can get the job done. However, Google Docs and other competing productivity tools often scramble formatting when converting to and from Microsoft Office formats. They're also incapable of working with some of the more advanced features unique to Microsoft Office.

Microsoft is going on the offensive with ads (like the commercial above) emphasizing that Google Docs isn’t worth the gamble, while Microsoft Office is a "team player." In a blog post, Microsoft stresses that Google's lack of functionality is not limited to advanced features. "Many basic features are missing from Google Docs like grammar check, support for columns, custom date formats, slide numbers, and mail merge."

The aggressive nature of the ads is a welcome departure from Microsoft’s standard playbook. This effective campaign helps to preemptively drive home that Microsoft Office is the gold standard, rather than silently letting Google claw away market share and playing defense from the sidelines.

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Scary flaw makes your USB ports a major security risk

It’s the second Tuesday in March, which means that it’s also the third Patch Tuesday of 2013. Microsoft released seven new security bulletins today, with four rated as "critical," but security experts are particularly concerned about a flaw rated as merely "important" that exposes your Windows PCs to major risk. Wolfgang Kandek, CTO of Qualys, notes in a blog post that the number of security bulletins is about par for the course for Microsoft. He adds, “In technical terms though we are seeing some interesting vulnerabilities that definitely rate higher-than-average.”

For starters, there is a cumulative security update for Internet Explorer (MS13-021). It addresses nine separate vulnerabilities, one of which has had exploit code circulating in the wild for the past month. Kandek urges IT admins to apply this update as soon as possible. “Every supported version of Internet Explorer (6 through 10) is affected, thus implicitly making all supported Windows platforms (including Windows RT) a target for attackers,” points out BeyondTrust CTO Marc Maiffret.

According to Paul Henry, security and forensic analyst at Lumension, the second priority should be MS13-022—a "critical" security bulletin that deals with a remote code execution vulnerability in Silverlight 5. Simply browsing to a website with malicious content with a vulnerable version of Silverlight is all it takes to become a victim of this attack.

Possibly the most interesting of the seven security bulletins, though, is MS13-027. Microsoft only rates it as "important" because the attack requires physical access to the vulnerable machine. Andrew Storms, director of security operations for nCircle (currently in the process of being acquired by Tripwire), explains that this flaw allows anyone with a USB thumb drive loaded with the attack code to bypass security controls and access a vulnerable system even if AutoRun is disabled, and the screen is locked.

Storms cautions, “Just imagine what a properly motivated janitorial staff could do with this vulnerability in just one evening. This vulnerability also seriously impacts security on all those public kiosks and co-location centers that don't have locked cabinets. The potential for harm with this vulnerability can’t be overstated.” Security experts agree that MS13-021, MS13-022, and MS13-027 pose a very serious threat and should be addressed immediately. As with any Patch Tuesday, you should review all of the security bulletins to determine the potential impact to your systems, and prioritize the patches accordingly.

While you’re at it, Adobe has released a new version of their Flash player, which addresses four critical vulnerabilities. Make sure you take a look at that and update Flash player as soon as possible as well.

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Security experts weigh in on Patch Tuesday priorities

It's Patch Tuesday is the sixth from 2013. As for Patch Tuesday, June was relatively light, with only five security bulletins and only one rated as critical, but that is no reason to let down your guard. The average number of security bulletins for the first five months of 2013 was nine. A paltry five security bulletins for June is only about half what it administrators have come to expect, so it was good to get to calm down a bit. One security bulletin is a cumulative update for Internet Explorer, as well as four important bulletins which still deserve urgent attention.

Lamar Bailey, Director of security research for Tripwire, recognizes that a monthly update of Internet Explorer became the norm. Bailey points out that he still is a bit unusual for a IE Update to resolve vulnerabilities in 19 individual and proclaims that "it's just a matter of time before one of them gets exploited." Qualys CTO Wolfgang Kandek agrees. Kandek voltages in a blog post that the deficiencies in the MS13-047 affect all supported versions of Internet Explorer from IE6 to IE10, works on all supported versions of Windows from XP to RT. "given the large number of vulnerabilities fixed, this will be a prime target for hackers reverse engineer and construct an exploit that can be delivered via a malicious Web page.

Most security experts agree that the MS13-047 should be your highest priority and apply the update at the earliest opportunity. There are some who believe that the MS13-050 is more relevant, though. Ross Barrett, Senior Manager of safety at Rapid7, believes that the first priority should be the MS13-051 security bulletin addresses vulnerabilities in Office 2003 and Office for Mac 2011.

According to Barrett, "this problem is seeing limited, targeted exploitation in the wild, and the only reason Microsoft did not mark it as" Critical "is based on a limited number of affected platforms. Barrett also stresses that the use of this question requires the user to interact with the malicious document. Tyler Reguly, technical manager of security research at Tripwire, laments, "it's disappointing to see that Mac users Microsoft software get the short end of the stick when it comes to security. You have to wonder how a vulnerability that affects only Office 2003 is to Office for Mac 2011, "adding," as a Mac user, I find very disconcerting in this release.

Adobe also joins the party today with the release of a new version of Flash. This update resolves a security vulnerability discovered by Google. Users chrome and Internet Explorer 10 will get updates automatically, depending on the updates for their browser. As always, all five Microsoft security bulletins and updates from Adobe, must be considered, and you must determine the priority regarding the products and services used by your systems and the possible impact of the exploit.

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Smaller Windows 8 tablets will be huge

Microsoft has confirmed that smaller Windows 8 tablets will come to market in the near future. These will fill a gap in the Windows ecosystem and boost demand for Windows 8 by addressing key downsides to the early Surface tablets.

Windows tablet sales seemed to start off impressively, but the overall results so far are mediocre at best. Microsoft isn't sharing the numbers, but recent reports suggest that 1.5 million Surface tablets have sold, with 400,000 of them Surface Pro. The Surface Pro sold out almost instantly, but without actual sales data, it’s hard to know whether that’s impressive. Surface Pro was hot when it launched, but overall sales are disappointing.

Windows 8 tablet failings

If one thing has hampered the success of Windows 8 tablets, it's price. The Surface RT is an impressive piece of hardware and a worthy tablet competitor, but it costs the same $500 as the entry-level model of the extremely popular iPad—and nearly double the price of the Amazon Kindle Fire 8.9 HD. Starting at $900, the 10.6-inch Surface Pro is astronomical for a tablet. Even though it’s really a tablet-ultrabook hybrid of sorts, it is perceived as a tablet.

Another related handicap of Windows 8 tablets is size. Led by the original Amazon Kindle Fire and followed by the Samsung Galaxy Tab, Google Nexus and iPad Mini, the 7-inch tablet market has exploded. The fact that smaller tablets tend to cost about half as much as their larger counterparts has a lot to do with that.

Windows 8 backlash

Windows 8 has been blamed for a steep drop in PC sales, with the primary culprit being the missing Start button. However, recent PC sales data doesn’t include tablets—not even those like the Surface Pro, which is literally a PC running the full Windows 8 OS. IDC's latest research did not count anything with a fully detachable keyboard as a PC.

Contrast that with Microsoft's quarterly financial report this week, which shows Windows holding its own in spite of lagging Windows 8 demand. The upcoming Windows 8.1, codenamed “Windows Blue," will spark demand for Windows. A number of rumored, key updates and changes are based on leaked builds. For example, Windows Blue might boot straight to the more familiar Windows 7-esque desktop mode, and even return the Start button.

Smaller Windows 8 tablets

What will ignite sales of both Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 tablets? Smaller, more affordable Windows 8 tablets. A Windows 8 Pro tablet can replace a traditional desktop or laptop PC because it is, in fact, a full PC. Tablets running Windows RT, on the other hand, can arguably replace a traditional PC for many users, but they can’t run legacy Windows software. For those who aren’t looking to replace their PC, though, a smaller tablet makes much more sense.

The Surface Pro is only marginally smaller, thinner and lighter than most Windows notebooks or even ultrabooks. Businesses and consumers who have already invested in a Windows laptop gain little value from purchasing a Windows 8 tablet.

A 7-inch Windows 8 tablet in the $200 price range would change everything, driving adoption of Windows 8. It would fill a gap between smartphone and laptop, and provide the consistent Windows experience alongside tools like Microsoft Office. There's the rumored benefit that Windows Blue will automatically sync apps and settings between the desktop or laptop and the tablet. A stylus or digitizer would sweeten the deal.

"It's a (good) sign that the new Microsoft is aggressively and proactively going to play in every new hardware segment," says Onuora Amobi, chief editor of the WindowsBlue blog. "They'll stop to figure out if it's a good decision later. That's a good strategy."

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