The network really is the platform

A look at just how critical networking really is Wide Area Networking Alert NetworkWorld.com | LANs & WANs Research Center | Update Your Profile Sponsored by CDW Threat Control & Containment A proactive approach can lead to more mobile network security plus peace of mind. In this timely whitepaper read how a security solution can be specifically geared to the mobile components of your network. Learn More! Spotlight Story The network really is the platform By Steve Taylor and Jim Metzler In our last newsletter we discussed the fact that the Vegas Interop conference is notably less focused on networking than it used to be and that naive people can interpret that to mean that networking is less important. We don't agree with that interpretation and will use this WAN newsletter to discuss a few sessions that Jim will moderate at Interop that highlight just how critical networking really is. Read full story Steve Taylor is president of Distributed Networking Associates and publisher/editor-in-chief of Webtorials. Jim Metzler is vice president of Ashton, Metzler & Associates. Related News: The network is dead, long live the network The Las Vegas Interop conference is upon us once again. At one time, Interop was all about networking, and the conference would devote multiple tracks to network technologies such as ATM. At this year's conference, there are tracks on a wide range of topics, including Enterprise 2.0, Green IT, cloud computing and virtualization. Interop soldiers on in the face of a bad economy, swine flu Interop Las Vegas faces challenges because of restricted IT budgets nationwide, the poor economy and the unpredictable impact of a swine flu epidemic, but the show is forging ahead with new programs including a segment dedicated to cloud computing. Interop: 25 random things about Las Vegas For those who attend Interop this month and think they have some free time, here are 25 quintessentially Vegas things to consider while visiting the city of lights. Plus: The Network World Las Vegas Interop 2009 Planning Guide Interop off to a good start Cisco Subnet blogger Larry Chaffins says that based on the number of vendors contacting him for meetings/briefings at Interop, this year's attendance should be pretty much on par with last's show. Best of Interop Awards are going well, I am a judge this year. But who will make the biggest bang? The Best of Interop Awards are going well this year, this being my first appearance as a judge. I have had a few people ask me if I was going to judge this year, so I decided it was time to let... The Best of Interop finalists Cisco Subnet blogger Larry Chaffin unveils the list of Best of Interop finalists -- do any surprise you? May Giveaways Cisco Subnet, Microsoft Subnet and Google Subnet are collectively giving away books on Google Apps Deciphered, the CCNA Security exam, an awesome SQL Server 2005/2008 training video and the grand prize, a Microsoft training course from New Horizons worth up to $2,500. Deadline for entries May 31. Network World on Twitter Get our tweets and stay plugged in to networking news. Evolution of Ethernet From 3Mbps over shared coax to 40/100Gbps over fiber…and beyond. Apple iPhoneys: The 4G edition iPhone enthusiasts from around the Web offer their visions for the next-gen iPhone. Sponsored by CDW Threat Control & Containment A proactive approach can lead to more mobile network security plus peace of mind. In this timely whitepaper read how a security solution can be specifically geared to the mobile components of your network. Learn More! Compare Identity Management Products Get side-by-side product comparisons, buying tips, market trend information, case studies and more with Network World's newly enhanced Identity Management Product Guide. Click here to visit now. EMA: Refining privilege access security. Close the security gaps in high-privilege access control and authentication by selecting the right security products for the job. This whitepaper, "Resolving the Privilege Management Paradox," details how. EMA outlines how to find products that offer strong shared access management, better control and clear visibility and multifactor authentication. Click to download.   05/14/09 Today's most-read stories: Poster on Chinese forum leaks next-gen iPhone specs Too much experience could be hurting your IT job search Where the IT jobs are: 10 American cities Juniper ships 'cloud' switch Google ran out of bandwidth? PoE without the PoE switch Microsoft: Corporate Vista testers should switch to Win 7 RC Pirated Windows 7 software part of criminal botnet VidyoConferencing vs. videoconferencing Inside a data leak audit Network World on Twitter: Get our tweets and stay plugged in to networking news Everybody says "Do more with less!" But no one tells you how. We will and it costs nothing to find out at IT Roadmap Conference and Expo. Coming to 10 cities in 09. Register now, attend free Compare products, get advice, and check out tests and reviews from the experts at Network World. Over 70 categories. Visit now   This email was sent to networking.world@gmail.com Complimentary Subscriptions Available for newsletter subscribers. Receive 50 issues of Network World Magazines, in print or electronic format, free of charge, Apply here. Terms of Service/Privacy   Subscription Services Update your profile To subscribe or unsubscribe to any Network World newsletter, change your e-mail address or contact us, click here. Unsubscribe Network World, Inc., 492 Old Connecticut Path, Framingham, MA 01701 Copyright Network World, Inc., 2009 www.networkworld.com