Solutions for Industrial Computing

Free browser-based applications seem to be picking up in popularity. Microsoft will offer a lightweight version of Office 2010. Then there's Google Apps, the Chrome OS, and others. But some companies see only a small fraction of their workforce as being able to use such applications because of security and the need for dedicated client applications. Could you use Web-centric software in your job? Under what circumstances would it be acceptable? Would it help if it is more easily accessible via mobile devices?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Solutions for Industrial Computing, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Solutions for Industrial Computing today.

These days, lots of jobs require answering e-mails, text messaging, Web surfing, quotes, and more. And to handle this functionality away from the office, many are opting for the optimum in portability with a pocket-sized device. Numerous employers now require employees to answer e-mails ASAP. Some companies actually give employees handhelds to do their job better. Even if you had to pay for it — perhaps getting credit for a non-reimbursed employee expense or not — would you do so for the added portability?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Solutions for Industrial Computing, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Solutions for Industrial Computing today.

Inevitably cloud computing is here to stay. It's even being explored by the U.S. government as part of its revamped technology infrastructure. But will it be cost-efficient? Only time will tell. Obviously there will be advantages and disadvantages. One plus that comes to mind is hopefully not having to deal with reviewing, then downloading and installing fixes and upgrades for operating systems and programs. But will it yield equivalent performance to user-tweaked software that's typically now purchased by users? Cloud computing could be just what many computer users want to order. Will it be cost-effective? What do you think?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Solutions for Industrial Computing, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Solutions for Industrial Computing today.

As reported in the May 2009 issue of Solutions for Industrial Computing, energy-harvesting technology will power electronic devices in the future. Undoubtedly, this appears to be the way to go, perhaps even combined with solar sources. How practical do you think this technology will become? The sooner, the better, say some — based on limited battery life. Inevitably, battery manufacturers will probably be selling energy-harvesting devices instead of power cells. What do you think? Do you welcome the change?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Solutions for Industrial Computing, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Solutions for Industrial Computing today.

Do you approve or disapprove of unwanted solicitations for products and services on your cell phone via voice or text messaging? What about ads for businesses sent to you when your GPS position indicates you are nearby? British citizens are not too happy having been spotted in 25 U.K. cities on Google Street View. What do you think?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Solutions for Industrial Computing, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Solutions for Industrial Computing today.