Apple® iPhone users can now tap into real time global market data and prices for oil, gas, metals, agriculture and other commodities with the launch today of an iPhone compatible version of AspectDSC - the Web-based information and decision support system for traders from Aspect Enterprise Solutions.
AspectDSC (Decision Support Center) is the world's first wholly Web-based markets information resource and gives commodity traders, buyers, sellers, analysts and end users a trusted single source for news and prices - together with advanced analytics - to support minute-by-minute financial decisions.
The iPhone move marks a significant expansion for the Aspect solution according to the company's CEO Steve Hughes. "AspectDSC has consistently remained a first choice for energy and commodity professionals wanting to do business on the move through their PDAs and smartphones. iPhone compatibility takes us into a new and fast-growing sector of the market where mobility, speed of access and accuracy of information are key."
As well as iPhone, AspectDSC is also available on desktop, Blackberry® and a wide range of other mobile devices. It provides both real-time and historical spot and futures prices and news for energy, metals, agricultural and other commodities. Built-in decision support tools are included alongside advanced charting to more quickly uncover revenue opportunities, and enhance profitability in buy/sell decisions.
Delivered as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) application, AspectDSC requires no software to be installed, is easy to support and simple to learn and use. Users can customize the solution to their own specific needs, displaying as little or as much information as they require.
Already widely deployed with global traders, brokerage companies and financial institutions as well as commodity producers, processors and dealers, AspectDSC combines some of the world's most respected sources of market information including NYMEX, ICE, Forex, LME, COMEX and CBOT together with publishers like Platts, Dow Jones and the BBC.
About Aspect Enterprise Solutions
Aspect Enterprise Solutions provides enterprise class market information, trade and decision support tools for energy, metals and commodities professionals. The company delivers near real time position keeping, risk management, market prices and intelligence to users virtually anywhere, anytime. Trusted by over 500 corporations in more than 80 countries, the company's solutions routinely support more than $10Bn of transactions every day. They go live quicker, fit more exactly and deliver greater ROI yet cost far less to implement than first generation offerings. See http://www.aspectenterprise.com for more information.
Apple and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Aspect Enterprise Solutions:
Jane Pryce-Jones
jpryce-jones@aspectenteprise.com
+44 (0)20 7632 0170
PR Agency:
Sage Partnership
kevin@sagepartnership.com
+44 (0)1189 344007
I had an opportunity to audit a computer science class this week at Washington University, a class that was teaching students how to write iPhone apps. It was their final presentation, and I got to see a dozen apps that were very impressive. As I was watching the kids present, I was thinking back to [...]
Cloud computing is a game changer. The cloud is disrupting traditional software and hardware business models by disrupting how IT service gets delivered. Entrepreneurial opportunities abound as this classic disruptive technology begins to proliferate, so it is no surprise that SYS-CON's industry-leading International Cloud Computing Conference & Expo series is going from strength to strength.
My colleague, Peter Palmieri, just penned a blog post about Microsoft’s recent announcement that the Azure platform will offer extensive and familiar relational database features via SQL Data Services (SDS). In his post, Leveraging Skills, Peter discusses the fact that .NET developers will be able to leverage their existing SQL Server database skills when developing against the Azure platform.
There are many good reasons to go down the virtual infrastructure road. The illusion that it’s cheaper than dedicated hardware solutions is not one of them.
I was reading an interesting predictive article on WAN optimization that contends that virtualized WAN optimization controllers (WOC) are, well, just better than sliced bread. One of the reasons why the author opined this way was presented as the great benefits of horizontal scalability (linear) in cloud computing environments.
Savings and scalability. This approach ensures that there is no need for dedicated hardware to support WAN optimization, saving on CAPEX and OPEX. Cost savings will also be realized through virtual scalability. As enterprises add more services or applications to be accessed by additional remote workers via the cloud, the virtualized WAN optimization model will be able to scale linearly.
The implication here is clear: WAN optimization via virtual solutions saves CAPEX and OPEX over dedicated hardware and additional savings are achieved through virtual scalability. But that’s ignoring that the initial investment cost is simply shifted from CAPEX to longer-term OPEX when scalability enters the picture. Not just scalability of the solution, but the impact of application and virtual infrastructure scalability on the solution as well.
One of the reasons you see cost savings in cloud computing is that the costs of the hardware – the physical servers – are shared. You only pay a “nominal” fee per hour for using that hardware. The cost of that hardware is shared across hundreds of other customers, all seeking the same reduction in operating and capital expenditures. So far, so good. Sharing the physical hardware certainly does spread the cost around and results in a cheaper operating environment – at least for the customer.
But when you start virtualizing the infrastructure (as in virtual software equivalents) you generally don’t get to share the costs of the solution and you never share the costs of management. Most of the time you just share the same costs you do for any other generic virtual image: the underlying physical hardware. You’re also forced to scale horizontally based on the capacity constraints inherent in the virtual image. The provider and/or solution vendor sets the RAM/compute resources available for the virtual instance and if you need more resources when you’ve reached the largest configuration you’ll have to start scaling horizontally. Whether you want to or not. The second image incurs the same management costs as well as the hourly fees. Likely, too, you’re paying for the licensing because virtual versions of solutions aren’t free, after all, unless you’re leveraging open source solutions that are.
You don’t share those costs with anyone. They are yours, and yours alone. The buck passes from CAPEX to OPEX. CAPEX is reduced, yes, but OPEX? Not so much. Perhaps that’s better from an accounting point of view, but from a total cost perspective it doesn’t really change much.
perspective, but it is just as disruptive a process and may lead to jumping onto the horizontal scalability path earlier rather than later because it is so easy to simply “add another instance” when compared to “upgrade to a new image.” Consider, too, that deploying virtual infrastructure means it is not integrated with the rest of the environment. That may not sound bad, until you realize that automatic scalability means new instances of applications – and perhaps other infrastructure solutions - may be popping up that you need to manage via the infrastructure. How is the infrastructure going to know about it? Either you are manually managing this process or you are going to be doing some integration work. That’s yet another soft-cost of “scalability” that isn’t factored into the equation when comparing hardware to virtual infrastructure.
Contrast that to a model in which services are provided via shared hardware infrastructure solutions. The cost of the hardware is not nominal. But like the rest of the physical infrastructure its costs are shared across all customers. Providing traditional network and application network solutions as services is inherently better suited to a cloud computing environment in that it allows the management costs to be shared (the provider manages the solution, not the customer) and is completely on-demand. Scalability is not the concern of the customer and generally speaking the limitations on RAM/compute resources do not exist in the same way they exist in virtual solutions. Bandwidth in both scenarios can be limited or unlimited, depending on requirements and implementation. Integration should also be taken care of by virtue of the fact that it’s a part of the cloud computing environment and the provider likely wants to ensure that they are billed properly for services rendered.
The current method of deploying a virtual infrastructure actually breaks the “shared resources, shared costs” model of cloud computing and negates the cost savings associated with the elimination of CAPEX for the hardware with the OPEX costs of management, integration, licensing, and a more constrained operating environment that ultimately leads to the need to scale out sooner than would otherwise be required. Certainly a shared model could be implemented via virtualized software solutions, but this model has the same implementation roadblocks as hardware solutions that lead to non-implementation today. Virtual infrastructure shifts many of the management and maintenance-related burdens offloaded by a public cloud computing model back onto the organization and requires more vigilance and dedication to ensuring the overall architecture is operating as expected.
I’m not arguing against virtual infrastructure in theory or against the control and choice they offer customers. There are challenges with such implementations, mind you, but that’s not really the point today. I’m simply arguing against the “it’s cheaper” mantra that is patently false and fails to take into consideration all the variables in the equation and instead focuses only on the most tangible ones.
There are certainly benefits realized from both deployment models and it is up to the organization to decide which model is right for them. But don’t fall into the trap of thinking virtual infrastructure is a “cheaper” solution, because when you step back and take a look at the entire cost of a solution, that’s just not the case and in fact a services-enabled infrastructure may be a much more financially advantageous solution – except for the provider.
Which may be the real reason the only option you ever have is a virtual one.
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So far I’ve remained relatively aloof from the whole “eBook” craze. Ordinarily, given my geeky background and borderline insane craving for technology, one would think that I’d be all over these things. The problem is, my love for the written word also extends to a love for the experience of reading a book. Call me crazy, but I love the smudged thumbs I get from a 3-hour reading session where the real world ceased to exist and it was just me and my alternate reality, lovingly prepared for me by my favorite authors. I love the smell of books and the feel of curling up with a book in a comfortable chair with a ridiculously strong coffee.
A JetBlue Embraer ERJ-190, registration N279JB performing flight B6-904 from Chicago O'Hare, IL to New York JFK, NY (USA) with 64 passengers and 4 crew, was on final visual approach to JFK's runway 31R descending through 2000 feet, when the crew reported they needed to abort the approach due to a slat/flap indication. The airplane climbed back up to 3000 feet and was vectored to allow the crew troubleshoot the problem. The crew requested the longer runway 31L and advised, their approach speed would be "a little bit higher" and requested the emergency services on standby and subsequently declared emergency due to an abnormal flaps indication. The airplane landed safely on runway 31L 25 minutes after aborting the first approach and taxied to the apron.
What is a SatNav? I would define it as a small pocket sized computer, with a built-in GPS receiver, running navigational software on a lightweight but efficient Operating System. Indispensable in today's age, but adding to the number of small technological marvels that need to be carried on your person. Unless you have a utility belt or do not worry about carrying a rucksack, then it won't be an issue.
In a conversation last week I was asked my point of view with regard to the number of applications on the Apple App Store and what I believe to expect next. Here is a portion of my reply... I am not even going to state the current number of applications available, as this will be out of date immediately, but one can easily predict that this number will continue to grown rapidly, even with the large number of application on the App Store already. Some would suggest that saturation point is near for the App Store?
To help you gear up for the holidays, blinkx has researched and compiled some of the season's best holiday-themed videos. Trimming the perfect tree, researching the latest must-have gadgets, making a flawless batch of eggnog, and discovering the finest holiday tunes are a snap this year with blinkx. Visit www.blinkx.com/topics/holidays for the greatest how-to videos, and visit blinkx Music (www.music.blinkx.com) to start compiling this year's holiday soundtrack.
This may feel like Christmas when all you get is ties but Samsung is launching its own smartphone operating system called bada, which it expects to compete with Android and LiMo. It’s not yet clear exactly what it is. Could be still another Linux variant. More likely it’s Samsung’s proprietary operating system with a new front-end. Samsung says it’ll be open so third-party developers can write to it and it’ll be backed by an app store. Carriers will be able to customize the thing. The first bada-based phones are scheduled to be out in 2H10. An SDK will be available in December 1. The word bada means ocean in Korean. Unfortunately it’s also a Shia Moslem concept of God.
Gartner Application Architecture, Development & Integration Summit, Dec 7-9 in Las Vegas. Learn the latest on Cloud computing, SOA, Event Processing, Agile, Application governance, Application development life cycle, Application and data integration, Application modernization, and more.
“The industry is at an inflection point that is perhaps more significant than at any juncture in North American telecom history,” says Rob Chimsky, inCode Telecom Vice President and CTO. “Incremental revenue is shifting from voice to data. However, threats from new competitors offering ‘over-the-top’ business models emphasizing value delivered by applications directly to consumers, rather than simple connectivity, will reshape the industry.”n Each year, telecom watchers await the inCode predictions, known for their insight and accuracy. inCode is one of North America's largest consulting organizations focused on the telecommunications and mobility applications market. The highly experienced consulting team advises top players in the industry including leading wireless, wireline, and cable operators; infrastructure and device suppliers; application and service developers; private equity and venture capital firms; and enterprises that are mobilizing their businesses. Over the previous six years, inCode annual predictions have proved correct about 80 percent of the time.
The past month has seen an unprecedented concentration of Cloud-related articles, events, tweets, and - above all - product launches, partnership announcements and M&A moves. So is Cloud Computing, after three years, finally coming to the boil? Here, by way of allowing you to judge for yourself, SYS-CON's Cloud Computing Journal brings you a timeline of the trajectory of the Cloud so far.
Talk to iPhone developers and they will tell you that game development for the iPhone is not hard. OK, that’s great for them, but what about us mere mortals that quake at the thought of having to write code. For us there is now alternative: GameSalad.com GameSalad is two products. The first product is a piece of software you download to your desktop that allows you to build your games. The second is a service you upload your game too and have it converted for your iPhone.
While Apple has blocked the Someecards app because some of the cards have made fun of public figures, Google has asked the app to port on over to Android phones. (BTW, I got a Droid today.)
It was only a matter of time, especially as with the SDK 3.0, developing for an accessory was made possible. Now within the next few weeks Apple Retail will withdraw the Symbol based devices running Windows CE and replace it with an iPod Touch based device with custom credit card reader. Is that a cheer I hear? I've always wondered when this will happen and initially the roll put will be in the US, but other countries will follow soon after.
This week I begin a new series of video screencasts for Dell’s IT Expert Voice Web site. The site has all sorts of useful information for corporate IT folks that are interested in migrating and using Windows 7, and my humble part will be to produce a regular series of videos similar to what I have been doing on my own over at WebInformant.tv. Do check out this video which talks about the differences between Windows 7 and earlier versions when it comes to networking controls.
Netbiscuits, a leading B2B web software platform for the creation, operation and monetization of mobile websites, was honored as the “Best Mobile Publishing Platform 2009”. Over 400 industry execs made their choice for the prestigious ME Awards and handpicked Netbiscuits from a short list of six finalists from all over the world. Netbiscuits won the prize for the first time and thereby demonstrates the ongoing exceptional success of its software platform globally.
The International Cloud Computing Conference & Expo series is the world's leading Cloud-focused event and is held three times a year, in New York, Silicon Valley and in Europe. Over 200 corporate sponsors and 10,000 industry professionals have participated in Cloud Computing Expo since its inception, more than all other Cloud-related events put together. The three-day event will offer a rich array of sessions led by exceptional speakers about the business and technical value of cloud computing with more than 80 sponsors and exhibitors on the 70,000 sq. ft. show floor and over 5,000 estimated delegates from well over 48 different countries.
Apple today introduced new Apple TV 3.0 software featuring a redesigned main menu that makes navigating your favorite content simpler and faster, and makes enjoying the largest selection of on-demand HD movie rentals and purchases, HD TV shows, music and podcasts from the iTunes® Store even better on your TV. You can now enjoy iTunes Extras and iTunes LP in stunning fullscreen with your Apple TV, as well as listen to Genius Mixes and Internet radio through your home theater system. The new Apple TV software is available immediately free of charge to existing Apple TV owners, and Apple TV with 160GB capacity is available for just $229.
We are now only 5 days away from SYS-CON's iPhone Developer Summit in Santa Clara, CA. On Tuesday November 3rd the Santa Clara Convension center will be the place where you can hear nine presentations, most related to developing and using the iPhone in the Enterprise.
Ever looked into Apple’s Push Notification? If you thought it was as a simple as flicking a switch, think again! Enabling Push in your app is just the start and Joe Pezzillo, Co-Founder of Push IO LLC and the founder of Metafy LLC, will show you how to get your application up and running with Push Notifications in no time.
The recent announcement from Amazon of the Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) represents the next big advance in the evolution chain for cloud computing. Enterprises can now integrate their IT infrastructure with Amazon's vast computing and storage resources, using a VPN connection from their data center to their own virtual private cloud which then looks like part of their internal network.
Until the release of VPC, companies were left to build applications and utilize the cloud as a separate and somewhat siloed portion of their computing environment. In addition to the VPN connection, VPC allows cloud users to control their IP addressing within the Amazon cloud (previously IT addresses were assigned randomly). This may sound trivial, but it solves some tricky problems that made it hard to integrate cloud and internal resources.
Prior to VPC, every time you started a server in Amazon, you would get a new, randomly assigned IP address for that server. This created a lot of issues with how typical applications operate, e.g.: how do you communicate the address of this new server? How do you run authentication/certificate processes with a changing address? How do you deal with identity when IP addresses change at every start? Add to this the fact that cloud servers were separate from internal servers, so internal services that you normally take advantage of (DNS, LDAP, etc.) were not available without a lot of work. VPC provides a way to connect cloud resources to your data center and start to smooth over the differences.
Okay, how does this work? A standard edge networking device in your data center is configured to connect with Amazon's VPC. You can create your own sub-nets within Amazon, and when you launch a server you assign it to one of them. You specify the IP address range for your servers, and VPC performs the "security dance" to build the VPN between the edge device and your private network in Amazon's cloud. All you have to do is update your routing tables so that processes in the data center can reach applications in the cloud and you're off to the races.
By allowing customers to integrate their data center networks with Amazon's cloud, VPC takes the first step in bringing the cloud and the enterprise data center together. While one large hurdle has been removed, there's still work to be done, as indicated in RightScale's blog. As enterprises review the VPC offering, there are things they need to consider as they determine how to deploy and use it.
So to sum up, Amazon's VPC represents an exciting step forward along the road to making the cloud truly enterprise-ready. Cloud computing has come a long way over the last two years, and in many ways Amazon has been setting the pace. Their new offering lays the foundation for the next set of solutions for enterprise adoption from other companies in the cloud computing ecosystem. At CloudSwitch, we're excited to take advantage of the ongoing improvements by Amazon to their infrastructure, and working hard to eliminate complexity and make cloud computing simple, seamless and more cost-effective than ever.
With the iPhone more than earning its place in the consumer market, it is now being adopted by enterprises. But just how easy it is to create robust enterprise applications for the iPhone, as well as all the other major mobile platforms? With Ruby and HTML in the cloud, according to Rhombobile CEO Adam Blum, the answer is "Very easy." Blum will be presenting a 45-minute breakout session at iPhone Developer Summit 2009 West, being held November 3rd, 2009, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in conjunction with SYS-CON's 4th International Cloud Computing Expo (November 2-4, 2009).
