IEEE-USA SmartBrief

Reading this on a mobile device? Try our optimized mobile version here: https://r.smartbrief.com/resp/edsbCfbwnseXbilBVcot

December 27, 2012

Policy Watch

GAO launches a review of U.S. cybersecurity efforts
The Government Accountability Office says it's conducting a sweeping survey of the state of U.S. government cybersecurity efforts to identify vulnerabilities and deliver recommendations for improving protections. The GAO study, slated for completion in January, was initiated by U.S. Comptroller General Gene Dodaro and will include a review of all previous agency reports on information security. GovInfoSecurity.com (12/20)

Experts consider how a small-claims process would affect patent law
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is seeking comment on a proposal that would provide a small-claims process for intellectual-property cases. "A small patent claims court would allow inventors, universities and small firms to get their day in court without having to spend millions of dollars," said Alexander Poltorak of American Innovators for Patent Reform. However, Edward Reines of Weil, Gotshal & Manges noted that the office already has many other changes on its plate. The National Law Journal (free registration)/(free registration) (12/21)

Technology Trends

Researchers: Magnets may prompt quantum-computing advances
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology say a newly discovered type of magnetism may drive advancements in computing, data storage and communications, and may propel quantum-computing developments. Network World/IDG News Service (12/19)

Peel-and-stick cells give solar power added flexibility
A team of engineers at Stanford University has created peel-and-stick solar cells that could one day add a little juice to gadgets on the go. The flexible cells, composed of silicon, silicon dioxide and nickel, can stick to almost anything, the developers say, and could give rise to a host of new products, such as chargeable "smart" clothing. TG Daily (12/21)

Career & Workforce Development

Microsoft, Nokia to spend millions to recruit mobile developers
Nokia's AppCampus program, supported by Microsoft to foster development of Windows Phone applications, will get about $24 million to spend over three years to recruit coders, Alex Wilhelm writes. Developers can receive funding of about $26,000 to about $93,000, depending "on the complexity of the app," Microsoft says. TheNextWeb.com (12/19)

Companies warm to incubators
Big companies are running incubator services in a bid to boost their R&D efforts, which is a great way to inject startup-style innovation into a company's operations, says PayPal Chief Operating Officer David Chang. "It's great to be on the cutting edge, but not have your foot fully in," Chang says. "The incubator, we hope, will keep us really sharp." Inc. online (free registration) (12/21)

SmartQuote

Never get so fascinated by the extraordinary that you forget the ordinary."

--Magdalen Nabb,
British author

Subscriber Tools

Print friendly format | Web version | Search past news | Archive | Privacy policy

Advertise

Account Executive: Diana Angel (202) 470-1146