Archive for January 31, 2015

VMware to Offer Google Cloud Platform Services on vCloud Air

Posted in Commentary with tags , on January 31, 2015 by itnerd

VMware has announced an expanded agreement with Google to deliver greater enterprise access to public cloud services via VMware vCloud Air. As part of this agreement, Google Cloud Platform will be tightly integrated into vCloud Air, providing enterprise customers with greater access to industry-leading cloud services on VMware’s hybrid cloud platform.

The initial set of Google Cloud Platform services that will be available on vCloud Air include:

  • Google Cloud Storage – Google’s distributed low-cost object storage service
  • Google BigQuery – A real-time big data analytics service suitable for running ad-hoc business intelligence queries across billions of data points in seconds
  • Google Cloud Datastore – Google’s schema-less, document-based NoSQL database service with automatic scale and full transactional integrity
  • Google Cloud DNS – A globally distributed low-latency DNS service

Expected to be available later this year, existing VMware vCloud Air customers will have access to the new services under their current service contract and existing network interconnect, and simply pay for the Google Cloud Platform services they consume. The two companies also announced they are exploring extended management support for Google Cloud Platform as part of VMware’s award-winning vRealize Cloud Management Suite.

You can learn more about the VMware and Google Cloud Platform announcement via these blog posts:

VMware

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ViewSonic Receives 2014 Cloud Computing Product of the Year Award

Posted in Commentary with tags on January 31, 2015 by itnerd

ViewSonic this week announced that the SC-T47 thin client and SD-A245 smart display client has won Cloud Computing’s 2014 Product of the Year Award. Presented by Cloud Computing magazine, the award honours vendors with the most innovative, useful, and beneficial cloud products and services that have been brought to market in the past year.

The ViewSonic SC-T47 thin client provides an economical and feature-rich virtual desktop solution along with the capability to drive four 1080p displays. Featuring Citrix Ready–HDX Verified status, the SC-T47 ensures amazingly fast, high-speed virtual desktop performance with excellent 2D/3D graphics capabilities. With integrated WiFi, four DVI outputs and five USB ports, the SC-T47 provides connectivity for a wide range of displays and peripherals for optimal productivity.

ViewSonic’s SD-A245 smart display clients provides a flexible all-in-one, locked-down and extremely secure desktop solution. It features 1080p Full HD resolution and 10-point capacitive touch for superior intuitive user interaction. The SD-A245 comes preinstalled with the Citrix Worx Home app for easy enrollment and management under the Citrix XenMobile environment. The SD-A245 is a complete multimedia display with WiFi, Bluetooth, integrated 2M pixel webcam, and speakers. Versatile connectivity includes HDMI/MHL, 4-port USB, SD card reader and RJ45 LAN.

This award cements ViewSonic’s leadership in the cloud computing space, and it should be something that gets them a lot of attention.

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BrainStation Academy Hosts Hack That Page Event For High School Students

Posted in Commentary with tags on January 31, 2015 by itnerd

Fuelled by Konrad Group, a global leader in technology, BrainStation offers part-time courses in business, design & development. It is also one of the first tech schools to offer specific programming to youth from grades 9-12 with BrainStation Academy.

On Saturday, February 7th, BrainStation Academy is hosting Hack That Page!, a free introduction to web development course for Toronto high school students, offering students the opportunity to learn about the importance of digital literacy and be inspired by industry experts from Shopify and Twitter. By the end of the event, over 150 students will leave the workshop equipped with their very own website and basic knowledge of web development.

This sounds like a very interesting event and I will see if I can attend to share what goes on during the event. Stay tuned!

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GM OnStar RemoteLink App Rolls Up With A New Look

Posted in Commentary with tags on January 31, 2015 by itnerd

Users of the OnStar RemoteLink mobile app will soon find an update with a new look and capabilities waiting for them in the app store. The update, now available for Android and iOS users, is the result of years of customer feedback and includes a modern user experience to streamline access to information and application commands.

OnStar RemoteLink’s new interface comes as more customers than ever are opening the app seeking their current tire pressures or requesting a remote start as winter enters full swing. The updated app will also provide customers with more information, including access to OnStar account details previously only available by phone or through OnStar.ca.

For Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles equipped with OnStar 4G LTE, RemoteLink includes the ability to view data consumption and see how much data is left on a particular plan. Customers also can manage their Wi-Fi hotspot (if equipped) from the app, by either turning it on/off or changing their Wi-Fi SSID (hotspot name) and password. Wi-Fi requires a paid data plan.

The remote features of the app – ability to remotely start/stop an engine with factory-installed remote start, lock and unlock automatic door locks and activate the horn and lights – are included with no service plan cost for five years from delivery on most 2014 MY and newer GM vehicles. The ability to manage the vehicle’s Wi-Fi hotspot is also included for five years on properly equipped 2015 MY and newer Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles. All other RemoteLink features require a paid OnStar service plan.

OnStar RemoteLink is currently available for iOS, Android, Windows Phone and BlackBerry devices. The update will be available for Windows Phone and Blackberry users in the upcoming weeks. For a full list of supported vehicles and devices visit https://www.onstar.com/ca/en/services/remotelink.html.

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