HP execs: We’re on course, but more work is ahead

§  Why energy efficiency will become a top IT priority
Saving on energy costs is expected become a top IT priority in the next two years, and that will prompt IT service providers to improve energy-saving capabilities, according to research from Verdantix. “Businesses want to improve sustainability across the organization,” Verdantix CEO David Metcalfe says, adding that he expects greater adoption of energy-metering technology. ComputerWeekly.com (U.K.) (2/14) ????

§  There will be more mobile devices than humans this year, Cisco says
This year will see the number of mobile devices exceed the world’s population, according to research from Cisco Systems, which predicts that mobile data will have an annual growth rate of 78% for the next five years. Cisco predicts that mobile networks will carry 10 exabytes of data each month by 2016, and that two-thirds of that traffic will be video. The Register (U.K.) (2/15), Bloomberg Businessweek (2/14) ????

§  Intel chipset to take on networking
Intel’s upcoming “Crystal Forest” chipset is aimed at speeding up data processing, according to this article. Industry analyst Nathan Brookwood said the chips could have microprocessors handle networking tasks, and could replace custom chips that handle heavy networking workloads. Network World/IDG News Service (2/14), TelecomEngine.com (2/14) ????

§  Analyst: Why ultrabooks won’t be a panacea for PC-makers
The PC market isn’t going to get a major boost from ultrabooks, according to Mark Moskowitz, a JPMorgan Chase analyst who notes that prices are too high and the ultra-light notebooks need better features. “The MacBook Air form factor has been a success for Apple, but we are skeptical that similar success can be replicated by Windows-based Ultrabooks in the near to mid term,” Moskowitz wrote in a report. CNET/Digital Media blog (2/14) ????

§  Other News

• Norton refreshes Norton 360, announces plans for a support service
  Network World (2/15)

§  HP execs: We’re on course, but more work is ahead
Hewlett-Packard has transformed its business strategy in the past year and company leaders say progress has been made, but they acknowledge there is work to be done. “We set out an ambitious goal to transform the infrastructure industry from top to bottom,” HP’s Dave Donatelli says. The Wall Street Journal (2/14), eChannelLine USA Daily News (2/14) ????

§  VMware rolls out a plan to increase VARs’ expertise
VMware is looking to bolster its partners’ expertise with incentives to get resellers on board. The company also will offer additional training in an effort to get partners to achieve at least two levels of product competencies. “At a time when other technology companies are pulling money out of the channel, VMware is doubling down,” VMware’s Scott Aronson says. CRN.com (2/14), The VAR Guy (2/14) ????

§  IBM exec: Cloud services requires a partner-focused plan
Service providers that want to take advantage of demand for cloud-computing services should map out a strategy to gain the greatest value for partners and customers, says Jan Jackman of IBM’s Global Cloud Services. “Where do you fit in in the cloud and who do you partner with to reach the best opportunities?,” Jackman says. “How do you put together an ecosystem to deliver that value to the end customer?” CRN.com (2/14) ????

§  Other News

• Rackspace cites quarterly profit, says customer base increased
  Bloomberg Businessweek (2/15)

§  Why it may be time for an IT mobile-management role
Forrester Research points to the need for a new IT management role — the chief mobility officer — given the increasing use and IT oversight of mobile devices and applications. “To remain vital in this business technology reformation, CIOs must step up and work with other executives to establish an office of the chief mobility officer to implement an enterprisewide mobile strategy,” Forrester states in a report. The firm predicts that spending on mobile efforts will increase 100% in just three years and that mobile-application spending will hit $55 billion in 2016. Computerworld (2/14) ????

§  CEO: VMware seeks to successfully serve millennials
The CEO of VMware says millennials have high expectations when it comes to computing. “I am a father to three millennials. They expect things to work in a certain way, and they want to receive information in context where they are and when they need it. They want to have all their information pooled together and presented in context,” VMware CEO Paul Maritz said. He added that providing that means a new computing infrastructure. CRN.com (2/14) ????

§  Hire people who fit your team’s culture
Knowing your company’s culture is the first step to hiring promising job candidates, Marty Parker writes. Some people have skills that are better suited for team-focused environments or individualistic ones. Parker suggests taking some time to think about the values your organization holds dear, then hire the people who will thrive there. Financial Post (Canada) (2/13) ????

§  Business community takes aim at Senate cybersecurity bill
Senate Republicans and U.S. business community representatives expressed concern over bipartisan cybersecurity legislation introduced Tuesday, with some GOP lawmakers saying the measure fails to satisfy their “process concerns” and needs more time in committee. Meanwhile, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Financial Services Roundtable lashed out at the bill — which would tighten regulation of companies with critical infrastructure — calling it unnecessary and burdensome. Bloomberg Businessweek (2/15), The Hill/Hillicon Valley blog (2/14) ????

§  Other News

• Hackers attack stock exchanges’ websites
  Reuters (2/14)

§  Managing IT security risks through training and certification
According to CompTIA’s latest cybersecurity study, 41% of U.S. organizations report moderate or significant deficiencies in security expertise among their IT staff. Companies in Brazil, India, Japan, South Africa and the U.K. also report similar levels of deficiencies in staff skill levels. Across countries surveyed, organizations view certified staff as an integral part of their security apparatus. Read more. ????

§  Policy Watch roundup
With more than 2,000 members representing all facets of the industry and as the leading global provider of vendor-neutral IT certifications, CompTIA uniquely sits at the intersection of innovation and education. Having a strong advocate in government has never been more important than in today’s global economy. Subscribe to CompTIA’s Policy Watch newsletter to receive the latest research reports, industry-related news and other IT matters each month.

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