Fighting back against software-agent overload; Three nuggets for talent gold

Network/Systems Management News Alert This newsletter is sponsored by Akamai Technologies Improve app performance globally Find out how Nike made the decision to go with a managed Web application service provider to improve performance on one of its key retail applications. After deciding a distributed datacenter was too costly, Nike went with Akamai. Its once sluggish app is now chugging along. Network World's Network/Systems Management News Alert, 08/02/07 Fighting back against software-agent overload, 07/31/07: Software agents — long seen as a necessary evil by those securing and managing servers, desktops and other endpoint devices — have proliferated to the point of polluting enterprise environments. Three nuggets for talent gold, 07/31/07: It's widely accepted that government can't compete as an IT employer with the private sector for both salary and stock option reasons. And demographics mean that any day now all the baby-boom IT staff will retire. Podcast: Tackling configuration complexity with automation: Industry watchers will tell you that human error and unauthorized change more times than not are the culprits behind unplanned network downtime and poor application performance. To prevent such configuration errors from wreaking havoc on networks and applications, vendors such mValent, equip software with automation technology. The automation, mValent says, reduces error, speeds time-consuming tasks and ensures improved application uptime. Listen to mValent founder and chief strategy office Swapnil Shah discuss with Network World Senior Editor Denise Dubie how his company works to help IT infrastructure teams support mission-critical applications. (23:02) Network World's Network Infrastructure Buyer's Guide Find the right infrastructure products for your enterprise - fast. Our extensive database of detailed product information in over 20 specific network gear market segments will help you quickly pinpoint what you need. With the side-by-side comparison tool you can evaluate product features and make the best decision for your enterprise. Click here to go the Buyer's Guide now. Cisco updates CCDP program: Cisco has rewritten 90% of the course for its Cisco Certified Design Professional certification and a new exam for it will be available at Pearson VUE testing centers Oct. 11. 12 issues you need to know about software-as-a-service, 07/31/07: Software-as-a-service is just about the most-discussed topic in software these days. It’ll probably save you money and lead to faster implementation, but it’s not always a no-brainer. Here are 12 things to think about before choosing a software-as-a-service application. More on HP's big software strategy, 07/30/07: You have to give it to HP: when company executives say they are "serious about software" they follow it up with billions of dollars in acquisitions.

TODAY'S MOST-READ STORIES: 1. IBM saves $250M with Linux-run mainframes 2. Nortel lands huge $300M VoIP win 3. Cisco muffles Linksys death knell 4. NAC alternatives hit the mark 5. Grid pays handsome dividends for HR firm 6. AT&T, IBM among winners of $50B federal deal 7. Online gamers' dirty little secrets exposed 8. IBM supercomputer more powerful than before 9. Hogwarts IT director quits 10. Apple iPhone battery complaints mounting MOST-READ REVIEW: NAC alternatives hit the mark

Contact the author: Senior Editor Denise Dubie covers network and systems management for Network World. This newsletter is sponsored by Akamai Technologies Improve app performance globally Find out how Nike made the decision to go with a managed Web application service provider to improve performance on one of its key retail applications. After deciding a distributed datacenter was too costly, Nike went with Akamai. Its once sluggish app is now chugging along. BONUS FEATURE IT PRODUCT RESEARCH AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Get detailed information on thousands of products, conduct side-by-side comparisons and read product test and review results with Network World’s IT Buyer’s Guides. Find the best solution faster than ever with over 100 distinct categories across the security, storage, management, wireless, infrastructure and convergence markets. Click here for details. PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE You've got the technology snapshot of your choice delivered to your inbox each day. Extend your knowledge with a print subscription to the Network World newsweekly, Apply here today. International subscribers, click here. SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES To subscribe or unsubscribe to any Network World newsletter, change your e-mail address or contact us, click here. This message was sent to: networking.world@gmail.com. Please use this address when modifying your subscription. Advertising information: Write to Associate Publisher Online Susan Cardoza Network World, Inc., 118 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA 01772 Copyright Network World, Inc., 2007