tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272973002009-11-14T15:07:17.779-08:00Making IT simple...Harry Hileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01523695704883401146noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27297300.post-2669148456163780112009-11-07T12:02:00.000-08:002009-11-07T13:12:00.666-08:00

Most everyone has used or knows about USB or universal serial bus. It's how we connect PCs to printers, external drives, web cams, smartphones and MP3 players. Well, the USB specification is being kicked up a notch with the introduction of USB 3.0.The new USB 3.0, also called SuperSpeed USB, is ten times faster than the current Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and offers data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps. USB

Harry Hilesblog@hbhtech.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27297300.post-27034011885135820312009-10-23T00:51:00.000-07:002009-11-07T14:08:42.565-08:00

What will the post-recession IT landscape look like? This tough economic climate has forced businesses to rethink their IT strategies. Businesses are delaying or canceling all but their most critical projects, and adopting a "bare bones" approach for maintaining their IT infrastructure.While this approach might stifle innovation, it can also inspire ideas for improving IT services. Instead of

Harry Hilesblog@hbhtech.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27297300.post-33835241809358205992009-10-08T19:42:00.000-07:002009-11-07T13:09:25.485-08:00

About two months ago, I upgraded my plain old cell phone to the T-Mobile myTouch 3G Android™ smartphone. This is my first smartphone and it's been a very interesting and exciting experience. I'm extremely pleased with the myTouch overall, but it's not perfect (more on this later).I chose this phone because of Android's potential as an all-around mobile operating system. Android is also the only

Harry Hilesblog@hbhtech.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27297300.post-16343967628280168632009-10-01T23:39:00.000-07:002009-11-07T13:06:16.057-08:00

Google, the online search and software giant, recently shocked the open-source community by sending a cease and desist letter to Cyanogen, an open source developer. Cyanogen distributes a modified version of Google's Android mobile operating system, which Cyanogen aptly named CyanogenMod.The many blog posts that sprang up in the wake of the now infamous C&D notice decried Google's stance against

Harry Hilesblog@hbhtech.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27297300.post-39139796777688784392009-09-09T20:59:00.000-07:002009-11-07T13:14:16.570-08:00

A war wages in the US and battles ensue between 4G network factions WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) and LTE (Long Term Evolution). Both offer faster broadband speeds than 3G, and both stand to revolutionize wireless networking.Will a winner eventually emerge, or is there room for both?In one corner, Clearwire (a joint venture between Sprint Nextel, Comcast, Time Warner

Harry Hilesblog@hbhtech.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27297300.post-69566636465828937282009-09-02T18:19:00.000-07:002009-11-07T13:06:16.058-08:00

On Tuesday, September 1st, Google web mail servers went down for nearly two hours. Google posted an alert on their Apps Status Dashboard at 12:53 PM PDT stating that a majority of users were unable to access Google Mail.Of course, I already knew there was a problem since I received the infamous "500 - Server Error" message while trying to access Google Mail with my web browser. I've been using

Harry Hilesblog@hbhtech.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27297300.post-17400293149086434542009-08-08T16:38:00.001-07:002009-11-07T13:14:16.570-08:00

Google is getting serious about business. Have you noticed they removed the "beta" label from their Google Apps products? This was just one of Google's steps to show that their predominately consumer oriented services are open and ready for business.But are businesses ready for Goggle?Microsoft must think so judging by its recently announced free (for Windows Live users at least) online versions

Harry Hilesblog@hbhtech.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27297300.post-30312524480541240782009-07-26T23:54:00.000-07:002009-07-27T01:13:16.259-07:00

A few days ago I lost my Bluetooth headset. It was tragic. In fact it was so traumatic that it bothered me for the rest of the evening. I kept checking and rechecking all my pockets. I just couldn't believe my headset was gone!It wasn't so much losing the headset—it's so small I'm surprised I didn't lose it sooner—as it was how it affected me. I felt lost. I thought about how convenient it was

Harry Hilesblog@hbhtech.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27297300.post-66429842448521153272009-07-07T07:09:00.000-07:002009-11-07T13:09:25.485-08:00

T-Mobile USA recently announced their second Android based phone, the myTouch 3G with Google. This follow-on product to last year's T-Mobile G1 greatly improves on the somewhat kludgy design of the G1, which I held off from buying.The T-Mobile myTouch 3G will be available in early August. However, existing customers (like me) can pre-order the myTouch 3G starting July 8th. And from what I've seen

Harry Hilesblog@hbhtech.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27297300.post-35174681638410110382009-07-02T14:16:00.000-07:002009-11-07T13:13:15.513-08:00

Wireless technology is becoming more pervasive everyday. From ubiquitous cell phones and Wi-Fi enabled laptop computers, to other wireless devices such as music players, audio speakers, headphones and security systems, we use wireless technology every day.While some wireless devices are powered by batteries, either rechargeable or single-use throwaways, others need to be physically connected to a

Harry Hilesblog@hbhtech.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27297300.post-61920798836229472062009-06-03T07:32:00.000-07:002009-11-07T13:04:00.996-08:00

Some organizations are uncertain where to start when they decide to apply ITIL good practices to their IT service management (ITSM) processes. When it comes to the CMDB1, it seems ITIL practitioners have different ideas on what to do first.One approach says that since the CMDB is the key component of all ITSM processes, it must contain each and every CI2 to effectively support the processes.

Harry Hilesblog@hbhtech.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27297300.post-69983909892378881462009-05-08T21:34:00.000-07:002009-11-07T13:08:38.826-08:00

There is a treasure trove of software that for the most part is free for the taking. Open source software is arguably one of the most valuable resources available today. While we might take it for granted, open source is an intriguing concept that's worth a closer look.Most of us have used some type of open source software at one time or another. In fact, you just might be using an open source

Harry Hilesblog@hbhtech.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27297300.post-27446275256126141992009-04-05T23:49:00.000-07:002009-11-07T13:00:18.584-08:00

Unless you are deeply involved with ITIL or project management, you've probably not had much opportunity to use a RACI matrix. If you've never used or even heard of a RACI matrix, you're probably wondering what it is and what it can do for you.In an nutshell, a RACI matrix is a two dimensional diagram (see below) that shows the role assignments for the resources participating in a project or

Harry Hilesblog@hbhtech.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27297300.post-63751090947407447602009-03-31T22:51:00.000-07:002009-11-07T13:03:08.092-08:00

In the first part of this series on ITIL terminology, I examined some of the more commonly used ITIL terms, and discussed the important role terminology plays in understanding ITIL concepts. This second installment focuses on the terminology used to describe specific processes.In the V3 update of 2007, some ITIL processes were redefined and a few new ones were introduced in an effort to clarify

Harry Hilesblog@hbhtech.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27297300.post-31922508661254379682009-03-07T15:04:00.000-08:002009-11-07T13:00:18.585-08:00

In a previous article, I wrote about the complexity of ITIL, especially with the advent of V3. Without a doubt ITIL is indeed very complex, and this complexity might be the cause of some confusion and misconceptions about the terminology used with ITIL.In this article, I'll point out some of the more egregious examples of ITIL terminology misuse and provide definitions for some common ITIL terms

Harry Hilesblog@hbhtech.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27297300.post-21734187989430838252009-03-01T21:11:00.000-08:002009-11-07T13:16:17.998-08:00

There are several tools available that can help with strategic planning in the early stage of a project. During the planning stage you identify, organize and evaluate information on your current state. One of the most useful tools for organizing information is the SWOT analysis.The SWOT analysis can help you evaluate your organization's current capabilities and conditions, and is essential for

Harry Hilesblog@hbhtech.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27297300.post-68826826055578308132009-02-03T00:06:00.000-08:002009-11-07T13:00:18.585-08:00

The ITIL framework is complex. This is a point that very few will dispute. After all, it endeavors to describe virtually every aspect of IT service management. Even at first glance, the comprehensive scope of ITIL is overwhelming.This revelation is not surprising, given that most everything in IT is complex. More to the point is that ITIL doesn't attempt to hide its complexity under a simplistic

Harry Hilesblog@hbhtech.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27297300.post-71072659268440480982009-01-14T18:01:00.001-08:002009-06-03T09:42:00.744-07:00

Whether recognized or not, security is perhaps the most critical component of any IT service. Security is integral to the architecture of all applications and services, and must be built-in from the ground up.The security field has grown enormously over the years, covering all aspects of IT. There are many types of security such as physical, environmental, access control, video surveillance,

Harry Hilesblog@hbhtech.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27297300.post-28018917770636241062008-12-31T23:12:00.000-08:002009-11-07T13:15:25.049-08:00

The Reluctant FuturistI'm not an IT visionary. At least I don't think I am. But I have recognized the importance of some technologies over the past decade or two, and pondered their future significance in IT.When I first discovered the Internet and web browsing some 15 years ago, I was in awe. Imagine, viewing a file stored on a server halfway around the world! I'm still a bit amazed by it. I

Harry Hilesblog@hbhtech.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27297300.post-39891978411770793492008-12-24T02:37:00.000-08:002009-11-07T13:00:18.586-08:00

In 2007, ITIL underwent its latest major revision. Commonly referred to as ITIL V3, this newest incarnation of the popular British IT service management framework adopts a lifecycle model.In addition to the V2 processes and functions, V3 includes new concepts and processes. There are now 27 processes in V3 including some new ones such as Service Portfolio Management, Service Catalog Management,

Harry Hilesblog@hbhtech.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27297300.post-74625051851260761112008-12-09T01:22:00.000-08:002009-11-07T13:06:48.177-08:00

When asked what makes them most anxious, people may answer public speaking, flying, heights or even spiders. But from my observations, the one thing that causes the most stress is change.I happen to like change, even embrace it, and believe change is necessary. Without change, there would be no innovation; no new technology. And since working with technology is both my profession and passion,

Harry Hilesblog@hbhtech.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27297300.post-25248287274565199992008-11-30T20:57:00.000-08:002009-11-07T13:00:18.586-08:00

A California lawsuit filed by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) over a botched $95-million payroll project was in the news recently. The suit alleged that the new SAP payroll system generated erroneous payroll checks, making a huge mess that cost LAUSD millions of dollars to clean up.1The defendant in this case was Deloitte Consulting, who should have been able to avert these

Harry Hilesblog@hbhtech.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27297300.post-74091252108261237002008-11-29T19:00:00.000-08:002009-03-28T22:06:49.796-07:00

[The following article originally appeared in the November 2008 issue of the Tech News newsletter]OpenOffice.org released its long-awaited 3.0 version of this free open source office suite in October to an eager audience. Having used the 2.4.x version for quite some time, I immediately downloaded the new 3.0 release. Apparently, I wasn't the only one that wanted to upgrade. In fact, the 3.0

Harry Hilesblog@hbhtech.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27297300.post-80855332844269966712008-11-29T17:37:00.000-08:002009-11-07T13:15:25.049-08:00

[The following article originally appeared in the November 2008 issue of the Tech News newsletter.]Is it the latest craze or an evil plot by Google's detractors? Either way, Google bashing is getting a bit annoying.Some weeks ago, reports clogged the web telling of continuing Gmail outages and how CEO's couldn't get their email for several hours. But when I researched these reports, I could only

Harry Hilesblog@hbhtech.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27297300.post-9190547646998413722008-10-30T21:38:00.000-07:002009-11-07T13:00:18.587-08:00

If you've already implemented an IT service catalog or are developing one, you probably understand its importance. But if you think a service catalog is not important, you might be missing out on one of the best tools for integrating IT with your business.Implementing a service catalog might seem to be a daunting task and not worth the time and effort. But before dismissing it as unachievable or

Harry Hilesblog@hbhtech.com2