SQL 2008 Forums: SSWUG

This is so cool. I have been looking for a good SQL user group for a long time. I am part of some on Linkedin.com and other various ones around the Internet but this one is great. I know many companies are pushing to advance their structure in house. Many people who call themselves "Pro's" in SQL have not yet grasped SQL 2008. This group is a great way for those who are on the outside looking in to get well acquainted with a technology they might not always get dirty with. This is also a great way for those who are already in production with SQL 2008 to teach and mentor us "Newbies" on the proper protocol and procedures. I think this Sql 2008 user group is is one of the better maintained on the Internet. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Follow the link below to check out the group.

http://www.sswug.org/

Also RELAY|technology is currently looking for SQL professionals current with SQL 2005 & 2008. We have a 3 month contract position open as well as a permanent role for a well seasoned Sql Server DBA in the St. Louis Missouri region. If you or anyone you know is interested please forward all resumes and telephone numbers to jcatalano@relaytechnology.com.

Joseph Catalano
RELAY|technology

Linux Security Advise... From The Pros

Many of us open sourcers run as much Linux as we can. It just makes sense to do everything you can to keep your pockets full and innovation more substantial. But did you know how at risk your Linux could leave your computer. Just because you don't access the Internet or open e-mail doesn't mean your not at risk of getting a virus. Hackers and other virus planting punks are getting smarter and better everyday; don't you want to be prepared? Don't you want to out-smart the virus? Follow the link below to review 6 simple steps to keep your Linux machines at home safe and sound. I hope this prevents any of you from getting the proverbial computer flu!

http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/how-your-secure-your-linux-system-915651

Joseph Catalano
RELAY|technology
jcatalanorelaytechnology.com

Smartphones: Taking Over Big Business

It is a bright future for the smartphone in today's enterprise world. From the Blackberry to the iPhone and now making a splash, Windows. It is a new world with the smartphone not only knocking on big business' door but rather kicking the door in with a squad of new accessories. So many large companies are turning to making smartphones mandatory for all employees. But where does it stop? What about the older generation that wants nothing to do with a touch screen? I am not saying that it is great for technology to help advance the company into new lime light; but is it really that important to see an e-mail while getting an afternoon snack? I think it is ridiculous to go to a kids soccer game and watch all the parents checking the Internet for weekend e-mails. In my opinion there is a time and a place for budding technology.

Then again, where would the line be drawn? Who am I to say it is not helpful for those men and women who prefer to work 24/7 to have access to their e-mail, Internet, etc.. Atleast now that parent can make it to the soccer game with a smartphone in hand. The advancement of technology in the past 50 years has skyrocketed past the development of the 100 years before it. should we not be careful that we don't grow too fast or too much? I guess not.

The article below is a pretty cool statement about how bigger companies are increasing the use of smartphones for their employees. It is very cool that just like it is still cool to get on with a company and get an expense account, a company car or even a company computer, like the one I'm typing on right now; to get a company phone. and no longer will we be limited to a certain number of character to fit in a text. But now we can access whatever we want whenever we want! Welcome to the future; a changed landscape of how busness is lived.

<"This was NOT sent from my iphone">

http://www.infoworld.com/d/mobilize/smartphones-in-the-enterprise-changing-landscape-479

Joe Catalano
RELAY|technology

Open Source Video Games

It is a wonder why there are not more open source video games available. When thinking about the practicality of using open source technology; it just makes sense. From a financial outlook, why would a producer want to use a product that would be outrageously more costly than a similar open source product? But maybe it would be wise to not make many video games open source. What would be the point of giving a technologically advanced person the availability to change a game that so many people worked so hard to make it what it is. The argument is that it you feel the need to change a game then why buy it in the first place?

In my personal opinion I think it would be cool to see what people can do with an open source video game. The world could see firsthand what some of our most gifted and creative people can do with a little help. However I think that there needs to be a line drawn that some games can be open source but others should not. For example, I don't think it would be fair to others in a game like "Call of Duty." When playing in the online/ multi-player setting it would not be fair for one person to change his settings for his advantage when the other players would not get the same options. On the other hand; it would be appropriate to change the game in a 1 player game.

These are my two cents. Also go to the link below to read more on the article.
http://www.tildehash.com/?article=too-many-shoot-em-up-games

Joe Catalano
RELAY|technology

Lnux; Compapatable With All Religions

This is a cool article. Microsoft, being a household name, is recognized to even the no tech savvy person. Most open source technologies are only studied by people who have a genuine interest in getting hands on. I feel that until Linux, and other open source technologies, breaks into the everyday life of non-technical people; it will just stay under the radar. But bringing it to a church setting and showing the abilities to save money on a large scale is a great idea. If everyone brought open source technology to their religious institute the word of mouth could sky-rocket many sources into popularity, make local/national news, news papers, and of course the Internet. Follow the link to a cool and new interesting way to save a church some money. 

http://blog.eracc.com/2010/12/08/linux-tux-goes-to-church/

If you are in IT and looking for a new and interesting job let me help. As an IT recruiter I see many job openings of all kinds. Use me to take that next step in your career!

Joseph Catalano --- jcatalano@relaytechnology.com
RELAY|technology

Fedora No More!

The last day for Fedora 12 was last week. The biggest question I have is does it matter? there are so many new opportunities in Linux that I am not sure if it will make too many ripples in the IT pond. At the same time the Fedora project, sponsored by Linux is a great tool to bring together the IT community and combine innovative ideas and thinking.
Not to worry for too long. Just as technology is evolving everyday so is Fedora and Linux. Those of you who rely on Fedora 12 can download Fedora 13, 14 or 15(soon). I say the closing door of Fedora 12 only opens with 15 so be ready and make a difference because that is what the open source community brings to the table; Open, Honest, and Collaborated Thinking.

To read more go to http://news.softpedia.com/news/Goodbye-Fedora-12-170841.shtml .

Joseph V. Catalano --- Find me on Linked In!

RELAY|technology  ( twitter or join us on Facebook )

jcatalano@relaytechnology.com 

www.relaytechnology.com  

Difference Between Android and iPhones

The link below is a great little comic humor at the iPhone's expense. The short cartoon touches base with the topic that Android Apps can change, evolve, and shape to your personal liking. Don't get me wrong; there are MANY great aspects of Apple products. iTunes, iPod, iPad, iPhone and all the other gizmos and gadgets are at the cutting edge of technology. The new evolution of these products will shoot our generation well beyond what most of us thought possible. However, I feel the opportunity that follows the development of Android products is much greener on all sides. Much like open source technologies, the Android point of view is ever-changing, ever-challenging, and ever-ours! Link open source products before Android, it is the passionate people behind the product that push the envelope of what is possible. Together these bright minded and future focused "techies" can reach new heights with a collaboration of ideas from friends from all around. We may not speak the same language or believe in the same ideals or morals. But together a common interest to better the new technologies that touch our lives everyday, We believe in Android. Now laugh at the funny comic relief!

http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/09/16/comic-the-difference-between-android-and-iphone-this-pretty-much-sums-it-up/

Joe Catalalno
RELAY|technology
http://www.relaytechnology.com/
jcatalano@relaytechnology.com