Software Industry Announcements and News


Souped Up Program Solution for Windows 7 Multi-Monitor Setup

[ Comments Off ] Posted on 05.19.10 under ASP Member Companies, System Utilities

Set to end the frustrations of all Windows 7 users who work with more than one monitor, Actual Tools has just launched a new version of Actual Multiple Monitors. It is the first multi-monitor management utility that provides the most complete emulation of Windows Taskbar on secondary displays.

The Taskbar is an integral part of the Windows user interface and has been significantly redesigned in Windows 7 with such handy features as Pin and Peek. But owners of multi-monitor Windows setups discovered rather quickly there were no proper tools to efficiently manage tasks on secondary monitors. Even the newest Windows 7 still does not provide a Taskbar for this scenario.

No Taskbar means it is necessary to drag the mouse to the primary display and back each time certain programs need to be activated via the Taskbar button. This is also the case when a new application is launched via the Start menu or a particular icon is accessed in the notification area. This “mouse shuttle” effect quickly annoys and distracts, greatly increasing the workload and mouse clicks which may lead to repetitive strain injury.

Actual Multiple Monitors 2.1 by Actual Tools is the first product on the market to offer equivalent implementation of the Windows 7 Taskbar on secondary monitors. When launched, the program adds a full copy of the main Taskbar onto each secondary display. Each Taskbar copy has a Start button, copy of the notification area, and shows live previews over the Taskbar buttons (with support for the Aero Peek feature). It provides the unique ability to pin buttons, which is the case with the main Windows 7 Taskbar.

“Efficient task management in a multi-monitor environment is impossible without habitual instruments,” said Michael Tretyakov, CEO of Actual Tools, “and our primary goal is to provide all multi-monitor Windows users with a task management tool fully identical to the main taskbar.”

In addition to the outstanding multi-monitor Taskbar, Actual Multiple Monitors has many other features to manage multi-monitor desktop in an efficient manner. An Alt-Tab Task Switcher is cloned on all monitors. There is a quick toggling of secondary displays on/off. The primary display can be assigned via the context menu of the notification area icon. A special button in each window’s title bar allows instant transfer of any window onto the required monitor.

Actual Multiple Monitors provides the ability to maximize any window to the entire desktop or implement horizontal/vertical maximization to its current monitor. It’s possible to store various desktop configurations as named profiles and switch between them in a single click. Furthermore, the current order and layout of desktop icons can be stored and fully restored.

All these features combined in a single product make Actual Multiple Monitors a must-have program for each and every owner of dual-, triple- or other multi-monitor setup. The streamlined product answers all the prayers of those running Windows 7.

Pricing and Availability

Actual Multiple Monitors runs on all Windows platforms since Windows 2000 (including 64-bit editions) and costs $29.95 (USD) for a single-user license. Discounts for volume buyers are available here http://www.actualtools.com/multiplemonitors/order/#volume_discounts . Additional information on Actual Multiple Monitors, a collection of tutorial articles and success stories, as well as a 30-day evaluation copy is available from http://www.actualtools.com/ .

About Actual Tools

Founded in 2001, Actual Tools is a software development company specializing in desktop enhancement applications. The innovative solutions provided by Actual Tools are created to meet the needs of the users and to make work with a computer fast, pleasant and convenient. For more information please visit http://www.actualtools.com/

Adware Uses Subterfuge to Entice Facebook Members to Click

[ Comments Off ] Posted on 05.15.10 under Security & Privacy

AVG Researchers Identify Massive Propagation of Rogue Applications Through Social Network Application

AMSTERDAM—AVG Technologies today revealed research into a very aggressive, expansive push by rogue applications on Facebook this past weekend. AVG researchers indicated that from midnight to 9 a.m. EST on Saturday, May 15, 2010, AVG software detected and blocked more than three hundred thousand rogue applications. That rate was more than three times the rate of the number two for the day for rogue anti-spyware.

“This latest issue really underscores how powerful, while at the same time vulnerable, social networking applications are. This attack was actually stunning in terms of scale”

“This latest issue really underscores how powerful, while at the same time vulnerable, social networking applications are. This attack was actually stunning in terms of scale,” said Roger Thompson, AVG’s Chief Research Officer. “Facebook is very responsive to threats when we identify them, and removing these applications as soon as they find them, but they’re still able to generate huge traffic, just because of the viral nature of social networks. It is staggering how many threats were propagated before they were stopped.”

Ironically, the attack, which offers a picture of a girl in a bikini to entice the victim to install an adware-supported viewer, was not viral according to AVG researchers, and was first seen in different forms last week. AVG’s malware detection servers are set to alert the research team when certain nefarious behaviors and activities are detected. By 9 a.m. EST, AVG’s servers had detected more than 200,000 of this particular threat. By comparison, the second highest detection at that same time was about twenty-four thousand of a particular rogue anti-spy, so at one point, this push was nearly ten times the number two detection.

Last week’s rogue push peaked at about 80,000 for the day, and had dwindled to just a couple of hundred per day by Friday, May 14, 2010. At that point AVG researchers were hopeful that the adware attack would cease; however, all indications point to the fact that they were just gearing up for a fresh start… and a powerful one at that.

Thompson added, “Interestingly, they launched it on a Saturday. I guess they figure we don’t watch on the weekend, but malcode researchers are all cut from the same cloth as Inspector Gadget… we’re always on duty.”

AVG recognizes the power that social networking brings to our professional and personal lives and does not advocate giving up on the technology altogether. However, AVG does have some recommendations on how to best protect yourself:

1. Make sure you practice safe surfing. AVG LinkScanner is a free web tool that can identify threats in real-time and let you know if a page or link is poisoned, before you click.

2. If you ever have to install a viewer to watch a video, something is probably not right. Go to the video player application’s official website and download the application there. Never download through a link.

3. Make sure your anti-virus and security software is up to date. If you don’t have anti-virus software, you can download AVG Free here.

About AVG Technologies

www.avg.com

AVG is a global security software maker protecting more than 110 million consumers and small businesses in 170 countries from the ever-growing incidence of web threats, viruses, spam, cyber-scams and hackers on the Internet. AVG has nearly two decades of experience in combating cyber crime and one of the most advanced laboratories for detecting, pre-empting and combating Web-borne threats from around the world. Its free, downloadable software allows novice users to have basic anti-virus protection and then easily upgrade to greater levels of safety and defense when they are ready. AVG has nearly 6,000 resellers, partners and distributors globally including Amazon.com, CNET, Cisco, Ingram Micro, Play.com, Wal-Mart, and Yahoo!

Big Jump Predicted in Use of e-Discovery, CompTIA Survey Reveals

[ Comments Off ] Posted on 05.11.10 under Business

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Organizations will increase their use of electronic discovery, according to new research from CompTIA, the leading trade association for the world’s information technology (IT) industry.

The CompTIA study shows 88 percent of attorneys surveyed expect law firms to engage in e-discovery processes more frequently as more and more cases involve electronic information.

Among more than 650 IT professionals surveyed, 53 percent expect the use of e-discovery within their organizations to increase over the next few years.

E-discovery conventionally refers to the discovery process in civil litigation using electronically stored information. However, many firms routinely engage in data collection and informal investigations related to personnel matters, violations of company policies and security breaches that never involve the legal system but may nonetheless fall under the umbrella of e-discovery.

The CompTIA survey identified situations that most often trigger the use of e-discovery. They include:

* Investigating an employee suspected of violating company rules (cited by 66 percent of survey respondents)
* Security breach stemming from an outside threat (62 percent)
* Pending lawsuit (60 percent)
* Intentional internal security breach (53 percent)
* Unintentional internal security breach (44 percent)

Fifty percent of organizations surveyed have already developed an e-discovery strategy, either partial or comprehensive. Another 26 percent indicate that their organization has no official e-discovery strategy but have engaged in e-discovery processes informally. Among organizations that have yet to develop an e-discovery strategy, cost and expertise are cited as the primary reasons.

“Many organizations lack expertise in this emerging area,” said Tim Herbert, vice president, research, CompTIA. “That’s significant because the increasingly connected and digital world in which companies operate means the number of situations calling for e-discovery will only grow.”

Given this rising need for more expertise, more opportunities should exist for IT solution providers with the right skills and expertise.

“IT companies that offer services such as security, data storage and archiving may find opportunities to expand their business and their client base by becoming an e-discovery resource,” said Herbert.

Among the steps IT firms can take to enhance their e-discovery credentials: get employees trained in e-discovery; stay up to date on the regulatory environment; and learn and follow industry best practices for conducting e-discovery.

The CompTIA study E-Discovery Trends and Practices offers insights into current understand e-discovery practices, policies, and training among both IT professionals and attorneys. The online survey was administered during the fourth quarter of 2009 with 665 IT professionals and 271 attorneys participated in the U.S.-based survey. The complete study is available at no cost to CompTIA members who can access the report at www.CompTIA.org or by contacting research@comptia.org.

About CompTIA

CompTIA is the voice of the world’s information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. For more information, visit www.comptia.org or follow CompTIA on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/comptia.

IT Industry Business Confidence Highest among Companies in China and India

[ Comments Off ] Posted on 05.05.10 under Business

More Sober Outlook on Future Business Climate from Firms in Canada, UK and US

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Information technology (IT) companies in China and India are notably more bullish on prospects for business growth in the next six months than their counterparts in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, according to a new survey from CompTIA, the leading trade association for the global IT industry.

The CompTIA IT Industry International Business Confidence Index finds that business confidence trends are well above the global average among IT companies in China (77 on a 100-point scale) and India (76). Among other countries, Canadian sentiment falls roughly at the average (64), while business confidence among IT companies in the United States and United Kingdom lags slightly behind the global average.

Confirming the strengthening economies in many parts of the world, the overall index recorded a jump of nearly nine points in March 2010 since the previous reading in October 2009. Looking ahead, IT companies expect further improvements, reflected in their six-month confidence forecast of 68, up nearly 4 points over the March 2010 reading.

“The IT industry held up relatively well during the global economic downturn,” said Tim Herbert, vice president, research, CompTIA. “This research is another sign the IT industry is well positioned to out-perform many other industry sectors over the next year.”

The CompTIA IT Industry International Business Confidence Index also reveals that after a period of cutting or maintaining costs, a number of IT companies are looking to invest in their business.

“Nearly two-thirds expect to increase spending over the next six months on revenue-generating initiatives such as research and development; while 58 percent expect to increase spending on technology,” Herbert noted.

Though unemployment has been persistently high in many countries, the CompTIA survey data suggests hiring may start to pick up. Among all IT companies surveyed, 42 percent expect to increase hiring in the next six months, with companies in China and India having the highest expectations for staffing increases. But as a sign of the still fragile recovery, 13 percent of all respondents indicate they expect to cut staff in the next six months.

Global IT industry growth is forecast to range from flat under the most pessimistic scenario to an increase of 4.5 percent under the most optimistic scenario. Firms are slightly most bullish on IT services growth, followed by software and hardware. Firms in India see the most upside to global IT industry growth at 5.5 percent, while Canadian firms express the most concern.

Perceived threats to economic growth vary by country, the CompTIA survey indicates. U.S. IT companies are relatively more concerned about weak consumer demand, while firms in the UK voice concern about weak corporate demand. China is concerned about exports and India about domestic competition. Canadian companies believe a general lack of confidence could inhibit growth in their market.

The CompTIA IT Industry International Business Confidence Index is based on an online survey of more than 850 IT companies in more than 70 countries conducted in March. The full report is available at no cost to CompTIA members who can access the report at www.CompTIA.org or by contacting research@comptia.org.

About CompTIA

CompTIA is the voice of the world’s information technology (IT) industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through its educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications, and public policy advocacy. For more information, visit www.comptia.org or follow CompTIA on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/comptia.

Digital River Acquires fatfoogoo

[ Comments Off ] Posted on 05.05.10 under ASP Member Companies, Business

Creates industry-leading in-store and in-game commerce solution for game publishers

MINNEAPOLIS–Digital River, Inc., a leading provider of global e-commerce solutions, announced that it has acquired fatfoogoo, a Europe-based, in-game and online commerce service provider. The combined forces of Digital River’s e-commerce solutions with fatfoogoo’s technology will offer game publishers and developers an unparalleled, single e-commerce connection to manage their online product sales both in-store and in-game.

“The sale of virtual goods through micro transactions continues to grow in popularity with consumers and is establishing new revenue models for the games industry,” said Joel Ronning, CEO of Digital River. “With the addition of fatfoogoo, we’ve strengthened our commitment to the gaming marketplace. We believe the combination of our in-game and in-store commerce solution along with our subscription management capabilities will be unmatched in the industry. This partnership continues our promise to provide existing and future clients with the leading e-commerce technology and expertise they expect from Digital River.”

The e-commerce solutions from Digital River and fatfoogoo are easily integrated to offer game publishers all the scalability and reliability of a proven in-store platform along with turn-key technology designed to operate a successful in-game marketplace. In addition to providing in-game store functions, such as global payments and inventory management, the solution supports the use of virtual goods and currencies, electronic wallets, peer-to-peer marketplaces and auction capabilities.

Digital River’s fatfoogoo business unit will continue to operate out of its current location in Vienna, Austria. fatfoogoo will deliver its technology as an integrated part of Digital River’s e-commerce offering for games as well as a stand-alone solution.

“We are excited to join Digital River’s family of companies. This acquisition provides fatfoogoo with the backing of a proven e-commerce leader and enhances our leadership in the European market,” said Martin Herdina, fatfoogoo’s CEO. “Together we’re positioned to lead the future of in-game commerce with a solution that will uniquely stand out in a competitive marketplace.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Digital River acquired fatfoogoo as part of a cash transaction for approximately $10 million. The agreement also provides fatfoogoo shareholders with an earn-out opportunity based on the fatfoogoo business unit achieving certain performance targets. Other terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About fatfoogoo

fatfoogoo is the leading in-game commerce ecosystem for monetizing online games and virtual worlds. fatfoogoo’s solutions allow both publisher-to-player and player-to-player financial interaction, as well as virtual currency management and traditional user and subscription management. Publishers can choose white label turnkey solutions or individually configured modules.

Founded in 2006, fatfoogoo is headquartered in Austria and also has offices in the U.S. and U.K. For more information, please visit www.fatfoogoo.com.

About Digital River, Inc.

Digital River, Inc., a leading provider of global e-commerce solutions, builds and manages online businesses for software and game publishers, consumer electronics manufacturers, distributors, online retailers and affiliates. Its multi-channel e-commerce solution, which supports both direct and indirect sales, is designed to help companies of all sizes maximize online revenues as well as reduce the costs and risks of running an e-commerce operation. The company’s comprehensive platform offers site development and hosting, order management, fraud management, export controls, tax management, physical and digital product fulfillment, multi-lingual customer service, advanced reporting and strategic marketing services.

Founded in 1994, Digital River is headquartered in Minneapolis with offices across the U.S., Asia, Europe and South America. For more details about Digital River, visit the corporate website at www.digitalriver.com or call +1 952-253-1234.

Next Entries »