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ITMD releases new Peer-Led research report on security Creation: 2012-08-15
A wide range of management and technology concerns pack the 2012/2013 agenda
Cloud and the Canadian SMB Creation: 2012-03-31
New ITMD research illustrates the upside – and impediments – to Canadian SMB adoption of cloud computing
Collaboration and the Canadian SMB Creation: 2012-03-30
New white paper provides insight into how SMBs are adopting collaboration technologies – and how their use of these technologies is expected to change in the future
Microsoft POV: All About Licensing Creation: 2012-03-13
Editor’s note: IT in Canada has invited Microsoft, as a sponsor of the Cloud Insights website, to provide us with content that can help our readers to better navigate cloud and related issues. This article provides information and resources on licensing Microsoft products.
Improving business (and IT) operations with Office 365 Creation: 2012-03-10
A Calgary-based IT solution provider – and its customers – obtain reduced costs, increased productivity, and simplified IT management with Office 365
Security and the Canadian SMB Creation: 2012-02-29
New white paper provides data on investment tradeoffs around security, and contains the first ever “report card” with business management grades for IT security practices
SMB Mobility Creation: 2012-01-31
Mobility is a key issue for both IT and business management: business managers are looking to unlock productivity, and IT managers are grappling with ways to support and secure mobile workers equipped with “BYOD” laptops, smartphones and tablets. An IT Market Dynamics survey of 300 business managers illustrates the challenges and opportunities faced by SMBs.
Microsoft POV: Cloud Computing – How It Can Work For You Creation: 2012-01-30
In this advertorial submission, Microsoft Canada's Damir Bersinic highlights Microsoft resources designed to support users considering - or currently undertaking - a shift to the cloud
Case study: Baycrest builds cloud portal with SharePoint online Creation: 2012-01-06
Leading Canadian healthcare provider adopts Office 365 for document sharing to improve productivity in the healthcare community.
Enesco Canada migrates email to Office 365 Creation: 2011-12-04
The Canadian branch of global giftware distributor, Enesco, has transferred its email from an on-premise Exchange Server solution to Microsoft’s online service, in a “smooth” deployment with many “pros.”
Enabling IT productivity Creation: 2011-10-22
Dell Canada country manager Paul Cooper provides his views on freeing up budget for IT-enabled innovation and providing support for mobile environments.
Peering inside Cloud in Canada: a new research report from IT Market Dynamics Creation: 2011-08-03
IT Market Dynamics and IT in Canada’s Cloud Insights provide insight into how cloud is being used in Canada, and on the security issues that worry some Canadian IT decision makers
HP’s Instant-On, Explained Creation: 2011-08-01
In recent months, we’ve been hearing a lot about HP’s “Instant-On” architecture. This white paper helps explain the technology behind the approach
Mike Sharun on virtualization, cloud computing, and sustainable IT Creation: 2011-07-06
In conversation with IT in Canada CCO Michael O’Neil, EMC Canada managing director Mike Sharun discusses the impact that virtualization and cloud computing can have on energy costs and carbon emissions
Executive Perspective: HP’s Peter Galanis on CIOs and the cloud Creation: 2011-05-24
IT in Canada launches a new series, Executive Perspectives, with a wide-ranging interview in which HP Canada president Peter Galanis talks about the cloud, CIO priorities, and differences between Canada and U.S. approaches to IT.
Virtualization increases security, nullifies hardware failures Creation: 2011-02-07
VMware VP says organizations of any size can benefit from virtualization
IT hiring improves for 2011 – but it’s getting complicated Creation: 2010-11-25
Canadian businesses are hiring more than they planned to last year, according to an IBM Canada – Sapphire Canada survey. But specialization across numerous areas is the name of the game.
CFOs lack insight into data centre costs Creation: 2010-11-05
Chief financial officers (CFOs) are called upon to help businesses reduce costs – especially in these post-financial-crisis times. But according to a study, many CFOs don’t realize how much money their organizations can save in the data centre.
Combine IT and facilities for a real green ROI Creation: 2010-11-04
IT and facilities usually go hand in hand – but it’s even more important for these two aspects to work together for true environmental and financial returns. In a case study featuring St. Lawrence College, IBM Corp. argues for an integrated approach to data centre enhancements.
Cisco's Goodwin on strategic priorities and partners Creation: 2010-10-13
Cisco’s senior vice president, Worldwide Partner Organization, Keith Goodwin recently spoke with CRN Canada about the strategic priorities of the organization and the importance of the Channel. Features a CRN podcast and Q&A download.
Capitalizing on Complexity: Insights from the Global Chief Executive Officer Study Creation: 2010-10-06
Karen Gardner, Associate Partner with IBM Global Business Services, delivered a presentation entitled Capitalizing on Complexity: Insights from the Global Chief Executive Officer Study. Moderated by Canadian Government Executive editor, Toby Fyfe.
Prevention is key in new IBM end-user support strategy Creation: 2010-09-03
End-user technical support, unfortunately, the very idea generally conjures up ideas of frustrating support calls, lengthy onsite resolution or unhelpful self-help documentation. For many organizations, realizing these frustrations has led to high costs for support and lowered productivity due to wasted time.
New Whitepapers from Dell on virtualization, server refresh Creation: 2010-08-26
A series of exciting new whitepapers from Dell detailing, getting started with Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Hyper-Von Dell Servers, why virtualization is big business, and understanding what businesses need from a server refresh.
Sustainability as a means of driving energy efficiency – and a Smarter Planet Creation: 2010-08-16
IBM Canada president Bruce Ross discusses how sustainability drives both cost efficiencies and the broader social age
Using Analytics to drive better business performance Creation: 2010-08-12
IBM Canada president Bruce Ross discusses analytics and the “three I’s:” instrumentation, interconnectivity, and the intelligence that can be gleaned from analytics
Calling for backup on backup power systems Creation: 2010-08-10
Organizations spend more time exploring the features of backup power systems than they spend considering service plans for those systems.
Power provider offers cost-cutting counsel Creation: 2010-08-06
In this age of critical information – when data centre operators can ill afford system downtime – one power-minded equipment provider says companies don’t have to break the bank to support anytime access.
IT in Canada to Provide Sustainability Training to CMAs Creation: 2010-06-18
IT in Canada's research arm, IT Market Dynamics, is expanding its offering with a new training session that provides CMAs with professional development credits.
Video: Virtualization Roundtable Creation: 2010-06-15
Nailing down exactly what your organization needs from virtualization technology can be frustrating.
Announcing Microsoft Communications Server 14 Creation: 2010-06-01
The keynote presentation of Microsoft Communications Server 14
Exchange 2010 - An Upgrade Worth Considering Creation: 2010-05-31
Forrester Research has released a new white paper detailing the launch of Exchange 2010 and this version's improvements over past iterations, most notably, back-end infrastructure, information worker experience and archiving.
A CFO's Perspective on the Green Data Centre Creation: 2010-05-21
Centralize, virtualize, consolidate – these are common terms for IT managers. Here, though, a CFO explains how a data centre project reduced risk and delivered green benefits and cost advantages.
Optimizing Efficiencies in the Data Centre Creation: 2010-05-18
Steve Sams and Bernie Oegema describe the technology that`s now available to help organizations maximize operational efficiencies in the new data centre facility – assuming the right attitude is also there.
Increasing Scalability with SQL Server 2008 R2 Creation: 2010-05-12
Microsoft is building on the features delivered in SQL Server 2008 with a wealth of additions in SQL Server 2008 R2.
Always On, Always Connected: SharePoint 2010 Creation: 2010-05-12
Having a productive and mobile workforce can be a challenge, but Microsoft's SharePoint 2010 is enabling people to access the resources and knowledge they need no matter where they are.
Igniting Collaboration: SharePoint 2010 and Office 2010 Creation: 2010-05-12
The need for collaborative business productivity software has never been greater. Most businesses that operate today face the challenges that come from working with tighter budgets. Where in the past, it might have been appropriate to travel for collaborative business projects, it is now, imperative for colleagues to collaborate from any location.
A CFO Perspective on Green and IT Creation: 2010-05-12
Once viewed as added cost, green solutions have evolved to deliver positive IRR in addition to eco-benefits. In this interview, a CFO explains why IT is essential to fiscally-sound green projects
A New View of MS SQL Server Creation: 2010-04-26
Microsoft Canada’s Daniel Shapiro describes three categories of developer that rely on SQL for service delivery - and their use of the cloud and BI tools to unlock the power of data to gain competitive advantage.
What you do in private cloud is nobody’s business but yours Creation: 2010-04-26
Private clouds enable organizations to address information growth – without opening the kimono on sensitive data. In a new white paper, IBM details the steps for private cloud success.
IBM's Role in Delivering the Green Data Centre - a CFO's Perpsective Creation: 2010-04-23
In a recent interview, St. Lawrence College CFO Glenn Vollebregt explained how IBM helped him to understand how a green data centre would meet SLC’s business and financial requirements.
IBM outlines ways to extend data centres’ lives Creation: 2010-04-19
With just eight years left in most data centres’ lives, organizations need to keep their existing facilities running – without breaking the bank. IBM provides a solution in a new white paper.
You want to put your data centre where? Creation: 2010-04-13
When Goldcorp discovered it had to put its new technology hub on the very spot it would be mining in a few years, the Vancouver gold producer had to get creative, according to an IBM white paper.
The Business Case for Green IT Creation: 2010-04-13
IBM’s Steve Sams and Bernie Oegema explain how IT managers can develop a successful business case for new data centre facilities, describing the components needed to grab the ear of senior decision-makers.
Green Savings in the Data Centre Creation: 2010-04-09
IBM’s Steve Sams looks beyond CAPEX to OPEX, energy and the unknowable future to locate the source of savings in the design of data centre facilities.
Microsoft datasheets outline SQL features Creation: 2010-04-06
Microsoft Corp. has released a handful of datasheets detailing the features of SQL Server 2008 R2, outlining how the new software supports business intelligence and data reporting.
A new weapon in the fight for information management Creation: 2010-04-06
In the latest white paper from the IT in Canada Efficiency Platform, Microsoft points to master data management as one of the keys to quelling information overload.
Green IT Triggers Creation: 2010-03-31
IBM’s Steve Sams discusses business triggers driving organizations to implement Green IT, including growing IT demand, increasing energy costs, and the need for more flexible data centre environments.
Tout sur le RCI de l’informatique en nuage Creation: 2010-03-30
Il y a peu de doute que l’informatique en nuage deviendra une force qui prendra une importance croissante au sein de l’industrie des TI dans les années à venir.
Veille stratégique: se renforcer malgré l’incertitude économique Creation: 2010-03-30
Dans un livre blanc intitulé Veille stratégique : Comment ressortir plus fort d’une situation économique incertaine, Microsoft explique comment ses outils de veille stratégique permettent de suivre le rendement financier et opérationnel de l’entreprise, un atout précieux dans le climat économique actuel.
IBM’s Steve Sams on Greening the Data Centre Creation: 2010-03-25
IBM's Steve Sams on transforming the data centre through services to improve efficiencies, effective technology that matches company needs, and software to measure and manage energy consumption.
Learning where cloud computing doesn’t work Creation: 2010-03-18
Organizations need to understand where the cloud doesn’t belong – as well as where it does – to benefit from the technology, according to one IBM Canada executive.
Extending IT into the Cloud with Azure Creation: 2010-03-18
Senior Developer Advisor, Christian Beauclair has outlined the service components of Microsoft’s cloud offering, as well as 5 Azure development patterns that align with various user compute requirements.
Optimism buoys security outlook Creation: 2010-03-06
New research indicates that 41 per cent of Canadian companies are eyeing security tech investments in 2010, up from 26 per cent in 2009.
IT skills gap makes way for managed services: IBM exec Creation: 2010-03-04
Companies are finding it harder than ever to fill the skills to take IT to the next level – and many are turning to managed services for support, Dan Fortin says in a video interview.
Interested in the cloud? New report provides answers Creation: 2010-02-22
According to the latest research from IT Market Dynamics, cloud computing calls for a new approach to IT solution costing, and a different attitude towards staffing.
Cloud connectivity – the next frontier in dynamic IT Creation: 2010-02-09
Servers and storage infrastructure usually gets all of the cloud-computing press attention. But according to an IBM white paper, organizations that ignore the network do so at their peril.
The cloud’s key elements – and what to do with them Creation: 2010-02-09
In a new white paper, IBM lays out the building blocks of cloud computing, and provides advice for organizations looking to make the most of this shared infrastructure
‘More’ and ‘faster’ – Two words driving cloud deployments Creation: 2010-02-01
Business triggers for cloud computing include the need to get more technology into the hands of more people – without driving up the IT management overhead – according to IT in Canada’s expert tech panel.
Savings and new capabilities hidden in the cloud Creation: 2010-01-29
Cost savings are just the beginning of cloud computing’s benefits, according to an IT in Canada expert panel including BMO’s Mark Kovarski, Laval School Board’s Rene Marquis, and IBM’s Doug Jones
New research points to new way forward for virtualization Creation: 2010-01-26
Virtualization in the Canadian Market – A First Look at 2010, a new report from IT Market Dynamics, uses case studies and extensive survey results to illustrate how virtualization will evolve in 2010
Deloitte Canada Releases 2010 TMT Predictions Creation: 2010-01-20
Deloitte Canada has released this year’s Technology, Media, and Telecom predictions – and hot topics like cloud computing, smart grid, and net tablets, feature prominently in the firm’s 2010 outlook
Bruce Cowper on System Center and Virtualization Creation: 2010-01-18
Microsoft’s Bruce Cowper talks with IT in Canada about System Center, explaining how the suite's comprehensive and centralized management framework supports, not only virtualization deployments such as the Citrix virtual desktop, but all components of a customer's IT infrastructure.
Building the Business Case for Cloud Computing Creation: 2010-01-17
Our expert panel discusses the factors that go into a successful cloud business case, and the issues involved in building a cloud RFP.
Using the Cloud to Deliver Business Continuity Creation: 2010-01-10
In our Cloud Computing ROI series (posted on the IT in Canada network), we have focused primarily on ways of using the cloud to deliver support to end-user computing requirements. However, it’s also true that the cloud can be used to automate core IT functions. “Business continuity and resiliency services from IBM”, a white paper from IBM’s Global Technology Services Unit, focuses on using the cloud as a means of providing cost-effective and scalable business continuity.
Implementing Cloud Solutions Creation: 2010-01-10
In the fourth segment of our five-part analysis of cloud computing ROI, our expert panel – Mark Kovarski of the Bank of Montreal, Rene Marquis of the Laval School Board, and Doug Jones, Business Unit Executive for Cloud Computing at IBM Canada – takes us through the factors involved in successful cloud computing implementations.
Optimizing Cloud Systems Creation: 2009-12-15
In the final segment of our five-part analysis of cloud computing ROI, our expert panel – Mark Kovarski of the Bank of Montreal, Rene Marquis of the Laval School Board, and Doug Jones, Business Unit Executive for Cloud Computing at IBM Canada – takes us through the ways in which post-implementation optimization can drive enhanced ROI from cloud-based solutions.
On Cloud Privacy – Interview with Dr. Ann Cavoukian Creation: 2009-12-15
There are compelling economic, environmental and management issues prompting organizations of all sizes to consider cloud computing. Yet many firms are loathe to commit to cloud strategies because they are concerned about information privacy. To explore the real-world options, considerations, and requirements of privacy in the cloud, IT in Canada interviewed Dr. Ann Cavoukian, Ontario's Information and Privacy Commissioner.
Changing Tides in the Canadian Channel: 2009 Review Creation: 2009-12-07
IT Market Dynamics has released its “final word” on the Canadian channel in 2009. The report – available as a free download on IT in Canada – includes the results of 598 surveys with readers of CRN Canada, plus input from Compugen President Harry Zarek, CDW Canada General Manager Mary Ann Yule, OnX co-founder Sheldon Pollack, and Alex Topitsch, Director, Advanced Solutions for Soroc Technologies. The vendor perspective is provided by Corinne Sharp, National Director for Microsoft Canada's Partner Sales and Marketing organization, and the report also draws on over 2300 end-user surveys to provide insight into how rising 2010 budgets will affect the channel.
The Proof in the Pudding – The Importance of Solutions to VAR Business Success Creation: 2009-12-04
The 'Proof in the Pudding – The Importance of Solutions to VAR Business Success' document, sponsored by Samsung, Kaspersky Labs, and Eaton Power, presents a clear and compelling comparison of trends in product sales and solution sales, highlighting the areas that will be critical to IT business success in 2009.
Mohammad Akif on Emerging Trends in Canadian IT Security: The Efficiency Platform Interview Series Creation: 2009-11-27
In November, Mohammad Akif – National Security and Privacy Lead for Microsoft Canada – spoke with IT in Canada Chief Content Officer Michael O’Neil about emerging trends in Canadian IT security. During the course of their discussion, Mr. Akif offered his perspective on current issues in the dynamic IT security market, including the need to extend security into the design of applications, and the balance between protection, or the ability to safeguard users and data from threats like malware, and prevention, the ability to keep sensitive data from leaking out of the corporation and into the hands of criminals or into the public domain, as well as the related ability to support compliance activities through auditable workflow procedures.
Corinne Sharp on Changing Tides in the Canadian Channel: The Efficiency Platform Interview Series Creation: 2009-11-20
In November, IT in Canada Chief Content Officer Michael O’Neil conducted a far-ranging interview with Corinne Sharp, National Director for Microsoft Canada's Partner Sales and Marketing organization. During the course of an almost 30 minute discussion, Ms. Sharp offers her perspective on many of the most important issues faced by the Canadian channel in 2009 and 2010, including the migration of VAR business models to a more services-intensive, solutions-focused approach, important considerations in the virtualization, security, and UC markets, and the characteristics she found across partners who succeeded in maintaining growth during a challenging year.
Selecting a Search Engine Optimization Company Creation: 2009-11-13
In “Selecting a Search Engine Optimization Company,” the final installment of the SEM/SEO series, web marketing expert James Burchill provides practical advice on evaluating SEO services suppliers.
Search Engine Keywords Selection Creation: 2009-11-07
“Search Engine Keywords Selection,” the ninth installment of the SEM/SEO series, looks at the key factors in selecting keywords to steer web traffic to your site. Like the other documents in the series, it offers a concise perspective on a critical search engine marketing/optimization issue. Here, we delve into the three factors that a site owner needs to consider when selecting keywords: popularity, specificity, and motivation.
Using IT to Stimulate Recovery Creation: 2009-10-31
What is the role of IT in helping business to regain ground lost during the downturn? In Finding a Route to Recovery: Four Strategies, a concise (two pages) position paper, Cisco lays out four areas in which IT can help small businesses to generate better economic returns: increasing revenues, reducing labour costs, improving cash flow by reducing overheads, and rethinking current approaches to IT supply.
Alex Topitsch on the Green Benefits of Virtualization (Podcast and Transcription) Creation: 2009-10-20
Virtualization is widely recognized as a technology that offers energy-related efficiencies to adopters – but because it has other easily-identified benefits (such as the ability to reduce equipment-related CAPEX, and potentially, labour-dependent OPEX as well), it isn’t always clear whether buyers are pursuing virtualization to further a green agenda, or if the green capabilities are just a by-product of the purchase.
Unified Communications: Foundations for Growth in 2010 Creation: 2009-10-20
As we move into 2010, IT buyers and suppliers alike are starting to align budgets with the technologies that offer the greatest potential for cost cutting and/or support for new opportunity pursuit. This activity is creating a sense of change throughout our industry – a sense that we are at a point where IT priorities are evolving, with new applications emerging to connect technology with business objectives in new ways. Unified communications is one area that is at the forefront of these changes.
Bryan Rusche on Unified Communications: The Efficiency Platform Interview Series Creation: 2009-10-20
In October, IT in Canada Chief Content Officer Michael O’Neil and UC in Canada (and The Efficiency Platform) Editor Mary Allen conducted an extensive interview with Bryan Rusche, UC and Collaboration Product Manager for Microsoft Canada. During the course of this nearly 20 minute discussion, Rusche offers his perspective on some of the main factors driving UC adoption in Canada.
Achieving Cost and Resource Savings with Unified Communications Creation: 2009-10-20
This white paper, written by Unicom Consulting, calculates cost savings exceeding $5,000,000 (per 1,000 employees) in a 6-9 month payback time frame for organizations that deploy Microsoft unified communications solutions. According to Unicom report authors, these savings can be achieved through: reduction of out-of-pocket communication costs for telecom, cellular services and hosted audio and video conferencing, and for related expenses such as travel and office facilities; consolidation of communications infrastructure through replacement of multiple diverse and dispersed legacy products with new, integrated UC solutions; and by leveraging human capital through enhanced individual productivity and workgroup collaboration, and better risk management with enterprise governance and secure communications.
Intel UC Case Study Creation: 2009-10-19
Intel recently deployed Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007. This deployment represented Intel’s first formal use of a SIP-based communication solution to integrate instant messaging, presence, data, voice, and video and web conferencing.
The Compelling Case for Conferencing Creation: 2009-10-19
In The Compelling Case for Conferencing, consultants from Unicom Consulting and Wainhouse Research detail the increased business efficiencies, total cost savings, and environmental footprint reductions that companies can look forward to through deployment of conferencing and collaboration solutions.
Intel UC Case Study - video Creation: 2009-10-19
This video delivers a snapshot of Intel’s use of UC to integrate all communications channels to enable collaborative sharing and decision making across multiple locations across the globe.
Frontline Journal - Dave and Christal Kawula on Exchange 2010 Creation: 2009-10-19
IT in Canada Frontline Journal video interview with Christal and Dave Kawula of Calgary-based Tri-Con Technical Services, who describe the many Exchange Server 2010 upgrades that simplify the working life for system administrators
Frontline Journal - Derek Chan on WS2008 Creation: 2009-10-19
IT in Canada Frontline Journal video interview with Derek Chan of Bell Canada's Internet services team on the changes in Windows Server 2008
Frontline Journal - Gini Wong and Mohammed Reza Yaesubi on WS2008 Creation: 2009-10-19
IT in Canada Frontline Journal video interview with Gini Wong and Mohammed Reza Yaesubi of BJLC, developers of property management software, on WS2008
Frontline Journal - Terence Luk on WS2008 and Unified Communications Creation: 2009-10-19
IT in Canada Frontline Journal video interview with Terence Luk, a Systems Consultant at Unis Lumin, whose interest in WS2008 morphed into discussion of UC customer deployments
Demo – Hyper-V Server and Live Migration Creation: 2009-10-19
To mark the launch of Hyper-V Server and provide a sneak preview of the updated version of Hyper-V available in Windows Server 2008 R2, Edge.Technet.com prepared this video demo on the operation of Microsoft’s first stand alone hypervisor.
Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V Live Migration Creation: 2009-10-19
This white paper focuses on enhancements to Microsoft’s Hyper-V virtualization platform that are available in the Windows Server 2008 R2 offering.
Top 10 Reasons to Upgrade to Windows Server 2008 R2 Creation: 2009-10-19
This paper from Microsoft outlines ten advantages that Windows Server 2008 R2 offers to organizations looking to increase energy efficiencies and reduce costs.
Lionbridge Technologies - Windows Server 2008 R2 Customer Solutions Case Study Creation: 2009-10-19
This case study details the efforts of a localization services provider, Lionbridge Technologies, to centralize its core IT infrastructure, including line-of-business applications and web, email and file servers, and to migrate 300 branch office servers to corporate headquarters.
How Windows Server 2008 R2 Helps Optimize IT and Save You Money Creation: 2009-10-19
In this white paper, Microsoft explains how Windows Server 2008 R2 can reduce cost through streamlined and automated management (fewer man hours spent on rote administrative tasks), less reliance on expensive third-party software, more scalable application serving, server consolidation and lowered power and WAN bandwidth costs.
Datacenter Virtualization with Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V Technology and 3PAR Utility Storage Creation: 2009-10-19
This technical white paper describes Hyper-V, the hypervisor-based server virtualization feature of Windows Server 2008, and introduces 3PAR InServ Storage Servers, a complementary virtualized storage platform.
Server Infrastructure Optimization: Best Practices to Reduce IT Operational Costs Creation: 2009-10-19
Microsoft has developed a “Core IO Model” that illustrates 31 core infrastructure best practices on key server workloads to help IT managers understand how they can optimize IT infrastructure to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.
Frontline Journal - Bill Crockbank, Andy Houghton, and Eli Robillard on SharePoint Creation: 2009-10-19
IT in Canada Frontline Journal video interview with a group of experts – including Bill Crockbank, a Navantis solutions architect, Andy Houghton, a Houghton CC computer expert, and Eli Robillard, an Infusion Development architect, who each led training sessions targeted at helping user organizations standardize and apply best practices in their SharePoint deployments.
Frontline Journal - Jayne McCaugherty on Tech Days and SharePoint Creation: 2009-10-19
IT in Canada Frontline Journal video interview with Jayne McCaugherty, an IT systems coordinator at the marine engineering solutions firm AKA, who attended SharePoint and other sessions to help her growing company keep up with new technologies
Frontline Journal - SharePoint with Dan Douglas Creation: 2009-10-19
IT in Canada Frontline Journal video interview with Dan Douglas, Senior IT Consultant with Magna International – Dan is looking at using SharePoint to develop customized dashboards to drive out Excel data beyond the “power users” to a broader user group.
Frontline Journal - Daniel Guo on SharePoint Creation: 2009-10-19
IT in Canada Frontline Journal video interview with Daniel Guo, an IT operations specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Government Services who sees the SharePoint platform as a good vehicle for building out web-based collaboration services for government workers.
Optimizing Your Data Center Using Microsoft System Center Creation: 2009-10-19
This 11 page white paper from Microsoft provides a concise view of the challenges facing IT management today. It begins by outlining four main data centre challenges: the need to efficiently consolidate and optimize servers, the ability to ensure that systems are available and responsive to business needs, the requirement to support compliance mandates and processes, and the necessity to create systems to ensure that critical data is backed up, and can be quickly restored. It then highlights four features of the System Center Server Management Suite that respond to these issues.
Virtualization for Windows: A Technology Overview Creation: 2009-10-19
Virtualization for Windows: A Technology Overview was published by David Chappell of Chappell & Associates for Microsoft in July, 2007. It contains a good overview of several important virtualization subjects, starting with why hardware virtualization is important and how it works, and moving on to detailed discussions of presentation virtualization and application virtualization.
How Customers are Cutting Costs and Building Value with Microsoft Virtualization Creation: 2009-10-19
How Customers are Cutting Costs and Building Value with Microsoft Virtualization “examines how Microsoft customers are using virtualization technology to simplify their IT infrastructure, IT processes, and save money.”
Managing the Dynamic Desktop Using Microsoft System Center Creation: 2009-10-19
Managing the Dynamic Desktop Using Microsoft System Center, a white paper published by Microsoft in May, 2008, looks at three core issues: the expanding range of user types and access requirements, the need to provide management support across the diverse infrastructures needed to meet these requirements while providing an optimized user experience, and the necessity to maintain security and meet compliance requirements while user types and associated infrastructure environments are expanding. Against this backdrop, System Center is positioned as a means of helping IT organizations to “reconcile the competing demands of security and open access to resources by streamlining the connection of any authorized user to the appropriate application, regardless of their location or connectivity.”
The Forrester Wave™: Enterprise Database Management Systems, Q2 2009 Creation: 2009-10-19
This 15 page report, published in June 2009, provides an analysis of the DBMS (database management system) market, its market-share leaders, and the attributes of major vendors. Unlike many software markets, the DBMS segment is highly concentrated across a handful of leading suppliers: as the report says, “Today, most DBMSes offer very good enterprise-class features and functionality, but a few lead the pack in delivering extreme high-end performance, scalability, and availability. The DBMS market has consolidated to three major vendors — IBM, Microsoft, and Oracle — that dominate more than 88% of the market.”
Total Economic Impact of SQL Server 2008 Upgrade Creation: 2009-10-19
This report, prepared for Microsoft by Forrester in August 2008, is intended to “provide readers with a framework for evaluating the potential financial impact on their organization of upgrading from a previous version of SQL Server to SQL Server 2008.” It uses Forrester’s “Total Economic Impact” model, which looks at costs and cost reduction, organizational benefits, risk, and flexibility.
SQL Server 2008: Spotlight on Cost Creation: 2009-10-19
This Microsoft white paper is subtitled “Twelve Ways to Reduce Costs with Microsoft SQL Server 2008. Written in December 2008, it talks about challenges caused by the economic downturn, and about the need to use a two-pronged approach to efficiency: maximizing existing investments, and making “strategic new investments that will bring tangible returns and save you money.”
IT in Canada Frontline Journal video interview with Dan Douglas Creation: 2009-10-18
IT in Canada Frontline Journal video interview with Dan Douglas, Senior IT Consultant with Magna International – Dan is looking at using SharePoint to develop customized dashboards to drive out Excel data beyond the “power users” to a broader user group
Canadian Tire Rolls Out SharePoint For Worker Collaboration Creation: 2009-10-18
This case study outlines the steps Canadian Tire took to refresh its Intranet site known as inTIREnet.
Cineplex Entertainment strengthens search capabilities with the 2007 Office system Creation: 2009-10-18
This case study details the Cineplex upgrade to the 2007 Office system, including SharePoint 2007. With the upgrade, Cineplex was able to create an accessible and central information repository.
Police Services Group Arrests Information Issues with Office SharePoint Server 2007 Creation: 2009-10-18
This Microsoft case study looks at the L’Association des policièrers et policiers provincaux du Québec (APPQ) implementation of an information management system to support front-line staff.
Document Management with SharePoint Server 2007 Creation: 2009-10-18
In this white paper, Microsoft explains how to extend document management to all employees with the goal of enforcing widespread adoption of enterprise standards – to ultimately reduce corporate risk.
Five Ways SharePoint Can Save You Money Creation: 2009-10-18
In this white paper, Microsoft outlines five ways that businesses can realize best returns on enterprise solution investments through implementation of the SharePoint information management platform
Business Intelligence: Emerging Stronger from Economic Uncertainty Creation: 2009-10-18
In this white paper, Microsoft explains how organizations can use business intelligence tools from Microsoft to gain the visibility into financial and operational performance that is necessary to manage in the current economic environment.
Alex Topitsch on Windows 7 Deployment - Podcast and Transcript Creation: 2009-10-16
In September, IT in Canada Chief Content Officer Michael O’Neil conducted a far-reaching interview with Alex Topitsch, Director, Advanced Solutions for Soroc Technology. In this podcast, they discuss the issues surrounding Windows 7 migration and deployment.
Protecting Your Search Engine Rankings Creation: 2009-10-09
“Protecting Your Search Engine Rankings,” the most recent issue in the SEM/SEO series by Canadian web marketing process expert James Burchill, looks at the factors that search engines use to determine whether a web site is legitimate, or using proscribed tactics to boost rankings. It provides site owners with advice on to avoid being black-listed by search engines.
Pay-Per-Click Advertising Creation: 2009-09-25
“Pay-Per-Click Advertising,” the most recent issue in the SEM/SEO series by Canadian web marketing process expert James Burchill, looks at the considerations surrounding pay-per-click campaigns. It provides a perspective on how PPC campaigns work, and how they differ from SEO as a means of building website traffic.
Green Across the Internet - 2009 Creation: 2009-09-25
'Green Across the Internet - 2009' addresses the need to organize the numerous green resources available on the web into a cohesive framework. With more than 100 references, Green Across the Internet - 2009 helps managers to understand opportunities for green action, and to communicate with staff members, other leaders within the organization, and the broader community.
Paid URL Inclusion Creation: 2009-09-23
“Paid URL Inclusion” is the sixth instalment in the ten-part SEM/SEO series. It discusses the pros and cons of a strategy that may be important to businesses that depend on rapid indexing in search engines like Ask and Excite.
Monitoring Search Engine Positions Creation: 2009-09-17
In “Monitoring Search Engine Positions,” issue 5 of the ten-part SEM/SEO series, Canadian web marketing process expert James Burchill identifies the factors that should be tracked to help protect and improve your search engine rankings.
Increasing Your Search Engine Ranking Creation: 2009-09-10
In “Increasing Your Search Engine Ranking,” issue 4 of the ten-part SEM/SEO series, author James Burchill builds on the content from the earlier instalments, providing practical advice for improving your site’s Google rankings.
Increasing Link Popularity Creation: 2009-09-02
In Issue 3 of the ten-part SEM/SEO series, available on IT in Canada, web marketing automation expert James Burchill provides practical tips on how to build high-value links to help search engines and customers to find you online.
Evaluating Web Site Performance Creation: 2009-08-28
In Issue 2 of the ten-part SEM/SEO series, web marketing automation guru James Burchill describes the essential aspects of web site performance evaluation.
Analyzing Web Site Traffic Creation: 2009-08-26
In Issue 1 of the ten-part SEM/SEO series, web marketing automation guru James Burchill discusses the basics of web traffic analysis.
The “Secret Sauce”: Valuing Social Media and Microsites - Position Paper Creation: 2009-07-31
After discussions with experts from many fields, IT in Canada published “The ‘Secret Sauce’ on valuing social media in 2008. The document was updated in July 2009, and now covers microsites as well.
The Cloud - and Control? PowerPoint presentation Creation: 2009-07-31
“The Cloud – and Control?” is the deck I used in a presentation to the Toronto COBIT users group in April, 2009. It analyzes cloud computing drivers and suppliers, and provides IT strategy guidance.
Sun Canada: Pre-Oracle Profle Creation: 2009-07-31
Sun Canada: Reasons For Domestic Success responds to questions arising from Oracle’s acquisition of Sun. The document, first released in early 2009, provides insight on Sun’s pre-Oracle position.
Green Links – reference document Creation: 2009-07-31
“Green Links” is designed to help answer the question “where do I start?” It contains links 20 IT-specific resource sites, 11 related resources, and seven references to green IT documents.
Green Tiering© in Practice: Using Green Tiering For Self Assessment and Building Action Plans Creation: 2009-07-30
The “Green Tiering” White Paper, co-authored by Cisco VP Paul Marcoux and IT in Canada’s Michael O’Neil, is a “transformation roadmap,” for assessing and evolving green IT strategies.
Alberta Recycling Management Authority – Interview with Jim Sellers Creation: 2009-07-30
The Alberta Recycling Management Authority profile, based on an interview with Communications Director Jim Sellers, describes some of the guiding principles used by the Authority to build its program.
On Partner-to-Partnering, and the Venture Tech Network Creation: 2009-07-30
“On Partner-to-Partnering” is an interview conducted with JoeAnne Hardy, President of WBM Office Systems and co-President of the Venture Tech Network, exploring success factors in P2P alliances.
The Impact of Analytical Skills on Project Success – PowerPoint Presentation Creation: 2009-07-30
“The Impact of Analytical Skills on Project Success” PowerPoint Presentation contains the results of 119 surveys about major, functionality-oriented projects with budgets of more than $250,000.
Re-Integrating the Enterprise – a UC in Canada White Paper Creation: 2009-07-30
“Re-Integrating the Enterprise” is a UC in Canada white paper that combines insights from industry luminaries, Info-Tech, and other sources to create a business-level view of UC opportunities.
Rational Expansion – UC Luminary Interview with Joe Greene Creation: 2009-07-30
“Rational Expansion” is based on an interview with IT industry expert Joe Greene. It uses a business case example to examine the barriers to effective UC deployment and the need for sound planning.
The Borderless Enterprise – UC Luminary Interview with John Reid Creation: 2009-07-30
“The Borderless Enterprise” is based on an interview with CATA President John Reid. It covers issues ranging from how UC is suited to a slowing economy to its ability to help integrate Gen Y staff.
Re-Integration – UC Luminary Interview with James Burchill Creation: 2009-07-30
“Re-Integration” is based on an interview with web guru James Burchill. In it, he looks at why UC should be positioned as a means of re-integrating distributed enterprises, not a productivity tool.
The Paradigm Paradox – UC Luminary Interview with Andy Woyzbun Creation: 2009-07-30
“The Paradigm Paradox” is based on an interview with Andy Woyzbun, Lead Research Analyst at Info-Tech Research Group. It looks at how UC is best positioned for users, and building a UC business case.
In Alberta, It's All About Power - Green IT Case Study Creation: 2009-07-30
“In Alberta, it’s All About Power” is a case study of SAIT Polytechnic. Because SAIT was planning for a new data center facility, this case provides guidance on design considerations and resources.
Dialing in the Future: Remote Care for Diabetics Research Report Creation: 2009-07-30
“Dialing in the Future: Remote Care for Diabetics” is a report looking at a diabetes care system. It contains extensive information on the need for IT in the Canadian healthcare industry.
An Analytical Shade of Green - Green IT Case Study Creation: 2009-07-30
“An Analytical Shade of Green” is a case study of a US-based educational institution. Its approach is analytical, and has led to intriguing insights, including “green supports cost effectiveness.”
Green by Opportunity, Not by Design - Green IT Case Study Creation: 2009-07-30
“Green by Opportunity, Not by Design” is a case study based on a discussion with the IT Director of a Transportation firm in the northern US. In it, we look at the pragmatic aspects of being green.
The Importance of Being Ubquitous: Wireless Mesh Deployment in Saskatchewan Creation: 2009-07-30
The Province of Saskatchewan has deployed wireless mesh networks in its four largest cities. The project is unique from several perspectives, but what stands out most about it is the decision process used to launch the initiative, and its rationale.