Google goes after Microsoft and IBM tries to get smart about on-demand software

Google Chrome Debut Draws a Line between Browsers and Operating Systems
A massive industry debate over where the browser and underlying operating systems converge has been kicked off with the arrival of Google's Chrome browser. Obviously, Microsoft with the forthcoming launch of Internet Explorer 8, which is reviewed here, insists that browsers and operating systems are intrinsically linked. Google says its too early to say that browsers will replace operating systems as a platform for application development. In the meantime, Google is already catching grief for doing harm to its partners, missteps when it comes to security and privacy and other flaws.

Google Claims Hundreds of Thousands Business Customers for Google Apps
Looking to put Microsoft on notice in the enterprise, Google has led it be known that there are thousands of customers paying to use Google applications despite recent crashes that have caused Google to issue credits to customers. Google is now pushing into video in the enteprise and also starting to attract third-party application developers such as Prelytis, a provider of business intelligence software, to its cause. That may be the way that Microsoft might also want to go because right now third-party companies such as Xpresso seem so be providing a richer Microsoft application experience online than what Microsoft currently offers.

IBM Pushes into Data Analytics on Demand
With business intelligence the next big frontier in software-as-a-service, IBM is trying to bring its considerable wealth of data analytics software to bear as a service. Meanwhile, SAP says it will play both ends of the business intelligence game in terms of supporting services and on-premise software. Elsewhere, SenSage is entering the data warehouse space, companies such as GreenPlum and Aster Data Systems are embracing mapping tools to enhance their analytics and Kalido is telling everybody that most business intelligence applications are dumb. All this activity comes at a time when customers are increasingly trying to master the art of operational business intelligence while simultaneously trying to figure out whether they should buy or build applications, a decision that is increasingly being affected by how much access they have to capital. By the way, hare are some tips on how to get the CFO to back your IT budget.

Cisco Moves to Acquire PostPath to Deliver the Electronic Mail
In another sign that Cisco is poised to compete with rivals such as Microsoft on a broader front, Cisco has acquired a company that provides hosted e-mail services.

IBM, Hewlett-Packard Extend Server Rivalry
Both companies this week launched what each described as next generation servers designed to take on the challenges of cloud computing and virtualization.

Hurricanes Should Prompt Re-Examination of Business Continuity Requirements
With hurricanes ravaging the country, the time to push vendors about the level of built-in redundancy in their products is now upon us. In the absence of perfection, however, here are some best practices for disaster recovery.

Seven Deadly Sins of Offshore Outsourcing
There just like all the ones in real life except that when you commit one everybody eventually finds about it.

The Technology Stars of the NFL
With the pro football season about the get under way, here's a look at the information technology that will be in play as the season gets under way.