Messaging and the dark side of the moon

Unified Communications This newsletter is sponsored by Raritan Computer, Inc. Data Center Build outs Simplified Download this whitepaper, Data Center Transformations, to learn how to make data center build outs, consolidations and acquisitions (BOCA) less complex and time consuming. Discover tools and techniques as well as key questions and topics that should be discussed with the business management side of the house. or more information click here. Network World's Unified Communications Newsletter, 09/06/07 Messaging and the dark side of the moon By Michael Osterman Back in the days of manned missions to the moon, astronauts would be out of communication with Houston for several minutes as they passed behind the moon. Aside from the beverage service, flying is a bit like that experience, at least from a messaging perspective. For those of us who rely heavily on e-mail to do business and stay in touch, not having access to e-mail while on a flight means a drop in productivity, delays in responding to clients and other problems. Although there has been some promising potential for being able to use messaging while in-flight, there has been relatively little movement in this area since the several trials that have taken place over the past few years. However, a newer company, Row 44, has big plans for providing broadband communication services to airline passengers. The company’s plan is to provide both entertainment services, such as more than 100 channels of live television; as well as 802.11b/g Wi-Fi connectivity for those with appropriately configured laptops, smartphones, BlackBerry devices, etc. Communication speeds for the downlink will be 81Mbps, while the uplink will be 1.6Mbps, allowing even instant messaging conversations to take place with very little latency. In addition to passenger-oriented services, the system can also be used for private airline communications, cabin surveillance, electronic logbooks, cargo bay monitoring and other services. Network World Security Buyer's Guide Find the right security products for your enterprise - fast. From anti-spam to wireless LAN security, our Buyer's Guides have detailed information on hundreds of products in more than 20 categories. With the side-by-side comparison tool you can evaluate product features to make the best decision for your enterprise. Click here to go to the Security Buyer's Guide now. The HughesNet satellites used in the system connect with the aircraft via a radome mounted on the top of the aircraft. The 130-pound system, which can be deployed on a wide range of aircraft types, takes only a couple of evenings to install so it can be completed during normal aircraft downtime. Initially, three Hughes satellites will cover all of North America, but transatlantic service will be following initial deployment of the system. Trials of the system are set to begin shortly. Data service prices are expected to be under $10 per flight.   What do you think? Post a comment on this newsletter

TODAY'S MOST-READ STORIES: 1. Google: Apps not a Microsoft Office add-on 2. Cisco unveils 802.11n WLAN access point 3. IBM stores data on an atom 4. Why do AdblockPlus users hate my kids? 5. Cisco plans to blend two NAC schemes 6. Cisco playing network defense 7. Foleo, Foleo, where are thou, Foleo? 8. UTM firewalls: Ready for the enterprise 9. Microsoft buying RIM (Blackberry) 10. MPLS proposal spawns IETF, ITU turf war MOST-READ REVIEW: IBM Lotus Sametime tops corporate IM platform review

Contact the author: For webinars or research on messaging, or to join the Osterman Research market research survey panel, go here. Osterman Research helps organizations understand the markets for messaging and directory related offerings. To e-mail Michael, click here. This newsletter is sponsored by Raritan Computer, Inc. Data Center Build outs Simplified Download this whitepaper, Data Center Transformations, to learn how to make data center build outs, consolidations and acquisitions (BOCA) less complex and time consuming. Discover tools and techniques as well as key questions and topics that should be discussed with the business management side of the house. or more information click here. ARCHIVE Archive of the Unified Communications Newsletter. 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