September 2007 Archives

I attended the IT Pro Round Table today for September.  The discussion centered around a presentation by EqualLogic regarding iSCSI implementations of IP based SAN technology.  This newer method of providing enterprise storage has potential to save money for groups who are already using SAN based storage solutions. 

The good and bad is that the technology relies upon Ethernet infrastructure for its service.  It is good because this infrastructure is in place, readily available, and relatively inexpensive.  The bad news is that this is one more application moving rapidly into a space already getting crowded by data, email, VoIP, IPTV, VCoIP, and lots of other apps.

Network NPI Episode 2 - Meet Phil Coolick was uploaded today.  Phil talks about what exactly his team does at NP&I.  Application Development Engineering works on voice over IP and video conferencing designs.

Listen here at iTunes U. 

I am planning to go to the VON Expo in Boston at the end of October.  I have two questions.

1.    Are there any readers out there?

2.    Are you planning to go to VON? 

I keep hearing lots of people question the iPod Touch as a device.  Why would you buy that when you can get the iPhone for $100 more.  Hmmm.  This is a little fun with numbers for those who might be wondering.  Here is a breakdown of phone and iPod prices for a basic cell phone user like me.  I have AT&T right now, with a national plan that has no data.  I have WAY more rollover minutes than I will ever use.  About 5,500.

So, if you are like me how much does an iPhone cost?
    Phone:      $399
    Min Plan:   $60/month with 2 year contract $1,440
    ___________________________________________  
    Total:      $1,839

How about an iPod Touch with separate phone?
    iPod:        $399
    Phone:      $100
    Plan:        $30/month with 2 year contract $720
    __________________________________________

   Total:      $1,219

For those still with me, that means that I would save $620 by doing this my way.  I have kids, so $620 could be a nice trip to a big zoo or a day seeing The Wiggles live.  If I want to be a little more selfish, how about an XBox 360 or Nintendo DS with games.  Loads of books or DVDs.  A new snowblower (for those in PA).  The list goes on.

As for the problem of carrying two devices, I think that is what could be referred to as a happy problem.  It isn't like we are worried about where our next meal is coming from.  It's just an iPod after all.


 

I have been busily working on Network NPI, the new podcast that my department is starting.  I wanted to share with the world these two links that I have come across recently for free to use PSU related media.  Make sure that if you use them, you pay attention to the terms.

Department of Public Information Media Gallery

Dave Strong's ITS Lion Images 

This warning was posted in a coffee shop in a Kirkland, WA.  Do you know where your children are?

I spend a fair amount of time here at Penn State trying to figure out what kinds of things would make life easier for the users of technology.  I am starting a podcast for my department Network Planning and Integration at iTunesU.  The early idea is to start with audio and introduce you to the group that designs all your network and some of its applications.

Hopefully, we can be a little more interesting than a bunch of engineers sitting around talking about technology.  I would like to open up the floor to my huge list of readers for ideas.

What do you want to know about us?  Do you care?