February 21, 2012
Earlier this month, startup Nicira officially came out of stealth mode. The company launched its software, which is called the Network Virtualization Platform (NVP), in hopes of dramatically changing cloud computing.
As Martin Casado, Nicira’s co-founder and CTO, explained to us, the software creates virtual networks in cloud data...
February 17, 2012
The FBI recently sent out a request to tech companies asking for proposals in the development of a social media application. The bureau is seeking input for a system that would alert it of matters dealing with terrorism, crime, and anything else pertaining to national security.
Although the FBI has said that it would only utilize the “publicly available” information that users provide, some...
February 16, 2012
A lot of controversy was sparked after Google announced that it was consolidating more than 60 of its privacy policies into one. The search giant believes one policy would create a more fluid experience for users across the Internet.
For example, if users are conducting multiple Google searches about skateboarding, then Google might assume they want a skateboarding video when they visit...
February 15, 2012
The FCC is in the process of reviewing multiple documents regarding whether or not to permit cable companies to encrypt their basic programming. Cable giants such as Comcast and Time Warner are lobbying for the FCC to change the policy since digital boxes could be serviced remotely, which they say would reduce costs.
Internet streaming set-top box companies such as Boxee, however, disagree. Avner Ronen, the...
February 14, 2012
Last year, YouTube announced several partnerships with media and production companies in an effort to bolster original programming on its site. One of the new partners, the Young Hollywood Network (YHN), launched last month and is finding that YouTube is quickly turning into a “destination viewing” site.
WebProNews spoke with RJ Williams, CEO and Founder of...
February 10, 2012
For 25 years, the FCC has pushed a Lifeline program that helps low-income families in the U.S. have access to telephone services. Recently, the Commission announced an update to the program that also calls for a way to bring high-speed Internet access to this same group.
The problem, as Larry Downes, a Senior Adjunct Fellow at...
It’s no secret that the wireless industry is in need of more spectrum. Both wireless subscribers and their data usage are growing at a rapid rate resulting in congestion across networks.
While the “spectrum crunch” issue is not disputed, the way in which new spectrum would be distributed is sparking a big debate in Washington. The solution involves putting the spectrum that is no longer used by broadcast radio and television companies up for auction. However, the...
February 9, 2012
The commercials in the Super Bowl this year made a big splash, but not all of them hit in a good way. Which ads were effective and which were not? Ace Metrix, an authority in measuring television ad effectiveness, compiled its data and recently revealed the winners and losers.
According to Peter Daboll, the company’s CEO, the top spot was...
February 7, 2012
On Monday, Verizon and Coinstar, which is Redbox‘s parent company, announced a partnership that will bring a service very similar to Netflix‘s to consumers. The companies will offer both a physical and streaming video platform that will be available online and on mobile devices.
While the news adds another player to...
February 3, 2012
While Facebook’s IPO has raised a lot of excitement in the tech space, it has also raised some questions. WebProNews has already reported on the impact of the IPO on users and marketers, but what about from a business standpoint?
Francis Gaskins, the President of IPODesktop....