Sensors & Switches

You've lived with the fact that your computer — and now your smart phone — is vulnerable to hacker attacks. But as computers and remote access technologies find their way into cars, appliances, and buildings, are you bothered by the security implications? As this article underscores, we're nearing a time when technically-savvy stalkers or kidnappers could follow your car, and — on command — kill your ignition and unlock the doors. Does this kind of threat worry you? Is the remedy to avoid embedding these kinds of technologies into our homes, offices, and cars? Or would you argue for enhanced security to counter the threat?

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

Three towering figures in the consumer electronics, computing, and semiconductor industries passed away in 2011: Steve Jobs, Bob Pease, and Jim Williams. In this thought-provoking article, the author says what made these three individuals legendary was their passion and total dedication to their work. She also contends that many others can have an equally profound impact on the world if they have the same passion and figure out their strengths. She finishes by asking the big question: Will you leave a legacy? Is that something you aspire to? Do you know a friend or associate who might be up to it?

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

In this Network World article, several futurists and technology analysts outline significant technology trends that they see, as well as changes in workstyles that may be either results of technology advancements or drivers of technology trends. Among those cited: mobile devices replacing desktop and laptop computers, browser-based videoconferencing replacing face-to-face meetings — indeed, the traditional office going away. Take a look at the article and see what you agree with and what you would dispute. What reasons do you cite for your thumbs-up or thumbs-down? What forecasts of your own do you have?

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

Wireless sensor networks are great for instrumenting processes and locations that are difficult, uneconomical, or just plain impossible to cable. Energy-harvesting technology can free you from the periodic battery replacement/recharging maintenance chore. But how practical and mature is the technology? Is your organization using energy harvesting for sensor nodes? If so, what's been your experience? Any consequences that you hadn't expected? If you've considered or are considering the technology, are there specific issues holding you back? What forms of energy harvesting (solar, wind, thermal, vibration, etc.) have you found most practical and/or cost-effective? Why?

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

How do you keep up-to-date on the latest technology in your field? What training opportunities does your employer offer? Do you feel that it's adequate to keep you current, or do you need to take steps on your own to further your knowledge of your field? Writing in Design News, an editor offers some creative and relatively inexpensive ways to stay abreast of events in your specialty. Are you using any of these, and if so, how useful are they, in your opinion? What tips of your own do you have for your colleagues, on keeping current?

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

Earning your masters in business administration may help to differentiate you from the rest of the engineering pack and show you've got the breadth of knowledge needed for engineering management. But this Design News story notes that 63% of full-time MBA programs and 46% of part-time programs are reporting that applications are down this year. What do you think is behind this lowered demand for advanced education? Sheer economic stress? Scepticism about whether the career payoffs will accrue? In your organization, do you think getting an MBA is still a good career move for an engineer?

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