Data Centers Breath Easier with Less Oxygen
Only a few vendors are offering oxygen-deprivation systems, but interest in the technology is growing. It involves pumping air into the data center that has such a low oxygen content that a fire can’t start. MORE

Telecom Giants Having Their Way with State Politicos
The shift to Democratic control of Congress derailed many telco initiatives, but they’re having good luck getting what they want on the state level, notes Telecom Update. MORE

Cool Your Chips: What’s Ahead in Energy Management
There are already ways to add liquid to your existing rack server, and cooling the chips themselves is a logical next step, some believe. Various technologies are at different stages of commercialization. MORE

Congress Nudges an FCC on Hold
Agency tackles backlog of pending matters after Democrats complain. MORE

Telecom Firms Oppose FCC’s
New Rules on Phone Privacy
The telecom industry is warning that new federal phone privacy rules are too broad and will hurt competition, but consumer advocates are praising the measures as a significant step in protecting customers’ phone records from unauthorized disclosure. MORE

Tech Firms Push to Use TV Airwaves for Internet
A coalition of big technology companies wants to bring high-speed Internet access to consumers in a new way: over television airwaves. Key to the project is whether a device scheduled to be delivered to federal labs today lives up to its promise. MORE

Telecom Equipment Spending Growth to Slow in ’07
The market for wired communication infrastructure equipment is projected to reach nearly $41 billion in 2007, despite relatively anemic growth of 1.6 percent from 2006. MORE

SIDE TRAQS

IRS Found Lax in Protecting Taxpayer Data
Thousands of taxpayers could be at risk of identity theft or other financial fraud because the Internal Revenue Service has failed to adequately protect information on its 52,000 laptop computers and other storage systems, a new government report concludes. MORE

The Corporate Cost of Daylight Saving Time? $3B
Lost productivity outweighed IT costs related to time change. MORE

Researchers Explore Scrapping Internet
Although it has already taken nearly four decades to get this far in building the Internet, some university researchers with the federal government's blessing want to scrap all that and start over. MORE

Eco Group Warns of Freshwater Crisis
A study by the environment group, World Wildlife Fund, focuses on the ten rivers most in danger of drying up or dying, and warns that, without action, the world faces “a freshwater emergency” if no action is taken. MORE

More Men Taking Wives’ Last Names
Only seven states allow a man to change his name as easily as a woman can after marriage. MORE

The Crazy Boss Hall of Fame
CNET News.com’s Michael Kanellos salutes a litany of zany personal behavior in Silicon Valley and beyond. MORE


 

EVENTS CALENDAR

APRIL
MPLScon, the premier multiprotocol label switching conference, is expanding its focus to stay at the forefront of the telecommunication and IP network transformation. Beginning in 2007, MPLScon will be renamed FutureNet: MPLS, VPLS and Beyond. FutureNet represents the evolution of MPLScon.
Apr 29–May 03, 2007 | New York, NY MORE

TEM2007 is the premier event for telecom and IT professionals who want maximum impact and take-away success from a single, information-packed event. TEM2007 is where innovation for telecom environment management thrives. It’s the only industry event that delivers real strategies and solutions for implementing best practices and processes for your enterprise.
Apr 30, 2007–May 03, 2007 | Orlando, FL MORE

MAY
Interwire presents “Wire in Motion” WAI’s 77th annual convention will run in conjunction with Interwire 2007 and include an extensive technical papers program, plant tours, guest speakers, an awards ceremony, committee meetings and industry networking activities. Make the most of your trip to Cleveland and register to join us at Interwire, the largest and longest running wire and cable marketplace in the Americas.
May 5–10, 2007 | Cleveland, OH MORE

UTC TELECOM 2007 is the “Critical Infrastructure Communications Experience” for every telecommunications, information technology and networking professional at every utility anywhere.
May 6–9, 2007 | Austin, TX MORE

Interop Las Vegas 2007 brings together IT and business leaders to see all of the latest technologies in action. Visit more than 400 exhibitors, attend 200+ educational sessions, and see live demos of practical business solutions.
May 20–25, 2007 | Las Vegas, NV MORE

JUNE
COMPUTEX—Taipei International Information Technology Show 2007 is the world’s 2nd largest IT show.
Jun 5–9, 2007 | Taipei, Taiwan MORE

NXTcomm is the next-generation global forum and marketplace for the business of information, communications and entertainment technology. Learn about the most innovative and up-to-the-minute technologies, business solutions and revenue-generating applications which will be discussed in-depth at NXTcomm’s exceptional line-up of keynotes and conference programs.
Jun 18–21, 2007 | Chicago, IL MORE

CSCTE Cable-Tec Expo 2007 will feature a technology-focused exhibit hall, workshops, seminars and a variety of networking opportunities. Cable-Tec Expo attracts more than 10,000 cable telecommunication managers, engineers and technicians each year.
Jun 19–22, 2007 | Orlando, FL MORE

JULY
Wireless & Mobile Expo is the global meeting place for the wireless industry, attracts key decision-makers to learn and purchase the latest products and solutions, offered by innovative technology vendors and service providers.
Jul 17–18, 2007 | Toronto, Canada MORE