 Technology advances change industry wish list
We've come a long way from jealously-guarded proprietary solutions to the open systems and technologies of today. Since technology is no longer an excuse, we're left with the challenge of getting companies to think and operate as single, unified entities... (more) |
 In conversation with Aingharan Kanagaratnam
Broadband deployment means that communications will go way beyond people-to-people communication and will revolutionise not only the way we talk to machines, but also how machines talk to machines... ( more) |
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Virtualisation is not a silver bullet
by Andrea Lodolo, CA Southern Africa
Virtualisation is an important technology. It was introduced to the IT market at the right time, when "off the shelf" servers provide far more computer power than the majority of applications need. This is part one of a two-part article... ( more) |
DIY data centres - the hidden costs
by Gys Geyser, Teraco Data Environments
Building and running a data centre in-house has appeal: keep control of sensitive data, utilise in-house space and resources, and avoid last-mile costs by locating applications and data in the building... ( more) |
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Next generation data centre ICT infrastructures
by Harry Forbes, Nexans UK
In addition to server consolidation and virtualisation, recent trends towards service-orientated architectures, Web 2.0 applications and cluster computing are accelerating the implementation of unified network fabrics in order to cope with the higher I/O throughput and greater bandwidth needed to deliver these services... ( more) |
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Empowering the smart grid with WiMAX
by Dr. Monica Paolini, Senza Fili Consulting, USA
Smart grid applications will profoundly change the way utilities operate, and will bring telecommunications to the core of their activities. Wireless will be a key part of the telecommunications infrastructure; it allows utilities to reach their subscribers, fixed assets, fleet, and staff in secure and cost-effective ways, using both fixed and mobile connections... ( more) |
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Industrial Ethernet for mission-critical applications
Information from H3i Squared
Industrial Ethernet has rapidly become the reliable technology infrastructure for automation communication within production plants, utility substations and intelligent transportation system environments...
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Smart machines, more power
Information from Rockwell Automation
Information-enabled machines arm manufacturers with a valuable resource for gaining the critical operational insight they need in today's knowledge-based business environment...
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Field trials for successful wireless implementation
by Hans van de Groenendaal, EngineerIT
The SIM20A is a short range transceiver, operating in the 433 -434,79 MHz frequency band. On paper, the device is capable of a 1500 m transmission distance, but how will the equipment perform under field conditions which may vary considerably from industry to industry?... ( more) |
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Electric power measurement
by Hans-Jörg Oppliger and Ronald Sommerer, Infratek, Germany
The days of unlimited energy use belong to the past. Manufacturers of electric apparatus and machines are forced to optimise energy consumption of their products. One of the means to achieve this is to increase the efficiency... ( more) |
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Pressure calibration using electronic sensors
by Mark Finch, Fluke Precision Measurement, UK
Every day in the world of pressure measurement, many gauges and transducers are calibrated using varying specification levels of piston gauges/deadweight testers as standards. These standard devices need a skilled operator and can be cumbersome to use... ( more) |
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Zero-drift operational amplifiers
by Reza Moghimi, Analogue Devices, USA
Zero-drift amplifiers dynamically correct their offset voltage and reshape their noise density. Two commonly used types of zero-drift amplifiers - autozero amplifiers and choppers - achieve nanovolt-level offsets and extremely low offset drifts due to time and temperature... ( more) |
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Computers for road control
by Hans van de Groenendaal, EngineerIT
There are so many electronic functions in the modern car, that the traditional motor mechanic or car enthusiast can often no longer easily tune the engine or fix something, without sophisticated electronic equipment to locate the simplest of faults... ( more) |
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Consumer electronics for automotive application
by Hans van de Groenendaal, EngineerIT
Nowadays people expect some of the advanced devices that they have at home or in the office to be in their cars. To achieve this successfully, many of the systems and components need to be adapted to withstand the shocks, vibration and temperature changes experienced in motor vehicles... ( more) |
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Amateur radio: Lalela - around the world balloon experiments
Lalela is the Zulu word for "listen" and that is exactly what radio amateurs around the world are invited to do: listen to signals coming from a balloon travelling around the world at a height of approximately 22 km. Once at that height the prevailing winds will drive it around the world... ( more) |
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Telecoms developments in Africa
compiled by Matthew White, Iona Press Services
- Angola's Unitel approves US$800-million investment plan
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Probe ordered into MTN-Uganda's subscriber "exploitation"
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World Bank's additional US$44,7-million for Ghana project
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World Bank gives Sierra Leone US$5-million for connectivity
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Econet Zimbabwe threatened with closure
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EASSy cable switch-on will reduce dependency on Seacom
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France Telecom settles US$325-million Kenyan dispute
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Three shortlisted for Mozambique's third mobile phone licence
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Bharti Airtel earmarks US$600-million for Nigerian projects
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Gadgets for geeks
We bring you the latest in gadgetry: Fischertechnik - a "learning toy"; an all-purpose headrest DVD player; and Bluetooth to enable wireless comms on your landline... ( more) |
Industry and institute news
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