Mobility and cloud computing are colliding. So, what does this mean for the future of mobile devices? How soon will video-conference calls on our mobile devices become commonplace? How can service providers enhance their competitive position by delivering cloud and managed services?

While research has been conducted on mobile and cloud computing as separate trends, to date very little data has existed on the impact of mobility and cloud together. To understand this dynamic market better, Cisco IBSG surveyed more than 1,000 business users to understand their current and future needs with regard to the mobile cloud. Read More »

Tags: cloud, collaboration, IBSG, mobility, Service Provider

Cisco continues to introduce opportunities for improved productivity in cloud to its service provider customers. Today, we announced that Tokyo-based NTT Communications Corporation has deployed the Cisco Hosted Collaboration Solution for its cloud-based Unified Communication Service “UCaaS (Unified Communication as a Service) Plan.”

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Tags: cloud, data center, NTT, Service Provider, UCaaS, UCS, usd

As Telework policy initiatives expand globally the number of events, articles and forums has grown exponentially. Intersections are everywhere… and sometimes where you least expect them. As an example, Australia’s National Broadband Network (NBN) initiative, industry and goverment Cloud events - “Telework” is a common thread.

How should government agencies be investing in the cloud for their “Mobile Workforce?” How do policies need to change to address cybersecurity threats? What technologies best align with both government mandates? All of these were explored in detail. But, there’s a critical element that was strangely missing from many of the dialogues.

Technology and policy alone do not guarantee a successful “Telework” program. We the people – you and me – do! We are the final and third component of any successful Telework program – where the mix and balance of policy, technology, and people create the desired outcome – workforce efficiency. But how do you identify and hire the right people? How do you track workforce performance? How do you hire for success? According to a recent research study, “Top 5 personality traits of successful web workers,” there are personality traits to help guide your selection and retention of the workforce. 

Personally speaking I was not surprised to learn that extroverts make for great web-workers (teleworkers) – being one myself ;0).  What about you?

Tags: cloud, cybersecurity, telework, workforce mobility

As summer rolls into fall, my kids are heading back to school.  It’s always an interesting transition but this year even more so with my daughter going away to college for the first time.   This has brought back a flood of memories from my own college education experiences. 

I have always had a passion for education and have a strong belief in continous learning. 

Today, so much is available on the web, through social media websites, and online video. 

In the world of technology and government, there is so much more to learn every day.  New technologies: cloud,  cybersecurity and virtualization, new delivery methods: virtual classrooms, online video, and collaboration, and new government requirements and certifications.

I recently came  across some useful learning resources including the Cisco CCNP Security Certification courseware and VMware/Cisco  network considerations for desktop virtualization.    

See below.   

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Tags: certifications, cloud, cybersecurity, government, security, Video Learning, virtualization

Defining key terms for understanding the basics of this emerging technology

Cloud computing continues to be a hot trend in technology and is a great option for budget-minded and resource-constrained small businesses. Cloud-based services offer a more cost-effective solution for accessing applications and hardware on demand and provide small businesses with greater flexibility. In fact, many smaller companies are using cloud services without realizing it. And therein lies the challenge—there’s a general lack of understanding when it comes to cloud computing.

In this installment of our Talkin’ Tech series, we define key terms to help you understand the basics of cloud computing. If there’s a term we didn’t include that you’d like defined, please let us know!

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Tags: cloud, Cloud Computing, Hybrid Cloud, paas