Big Data software providers find themselves wearing many hats
The newness of Big Data means software companies, including startups, must go beyond supplying software tools, Steve Lohr writes. "[T]he aspiring software companies find themselves training, advising and building pilot projects for their commercial customers. They are acting far more as services companies than they hope to be eventually," he writes. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (12/14)

Google project aims to promote Internet of Things innovation
A new program by Google focuses on research and innovation to advance the Internet of Things. The company is taking proposals for grants to advance the standards, security and other requirements for a more connected world. VentureBeat (12/12), CIO.com/IDG News Service (12/12)

Oracle, IBM target the enterprise with server systems
IBM and Oracle are looking to compete with x86 server technology by promoting their respective Power and Sparc systems for enterprise customers, according to observers. "The way x86 is developing and evolving, it's eroding the bottom end of that market away, while IBM's mainframe is nibbling away at the top end, so they've got to come up with something to convince people these are technologies to invest in, and they've both realized that this is the best way," said Roy Illsley of Ovum. V3.co.uk (U.K.) (12/15)

IT Channel

Verizon, Ford and Magna create Detroit tech incubator
Techstars will introduce a mobility program in Detroit in 2015 that will bring Verizon Telematics, auto parts maker Magna International and Ford Motor Co. together to sponsor a three-month "boot camp." The companies have pledged $2 million to support the efforts of 10 startups aimed at solving traffic-related problems such as congestion, infrastructure and crowded urban areas. The Detroit News (12/11), Crain's Detroit Business (12/13), Automotive News (free content)/Crain's Detroit Business (12/11)

IT Workforce

Commentary: Collaboration is key to navigating holiday IT schedules
IT management needs to carefully coordinate schedules and communication among employees to ensure productivity through the holiday season, writes Annekathrin Hase of MindLink Software. Employers can use tools such as collaboration and chat applications designed for the enterprise to prevent miscommunication and stay connected, Hase writes. Enterprise Innovation (Asia) (12/15)

Individuals create game-changing ideas
Novel, industry-changing business strategies are typically the product of individual people, not companies, writes Ken Favaro. "[T]hey start with individuals working on big, specific challenges who find novel ideas in unexpected places, creatively combine them into innovative strategies, and personally take those strategies to fruition -- against all odds," he writes. Strategy+Business online (free registration)/Strategy & Leadership blog (12/15)

Policy Watch

Canadian agency examines whether Apple may have hindered competition
The Canadian Competition Bureau is seeking documents from Apple as it investigates whether consumers in the country might have faced higher costs for wireless services and cellphones as a result of Apple's deals with carriers in Canada. A court filing by the agency alleges that Apple may have asked competitors to inflate or refrain from discounting the prices of rivals' devices, among other actions. Reuters (12/12)

Executive order prompts U.S. regulators to add cybersecurity guidelines
Federal agencies are working to implement guidelines under the voluntary Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, which emerged as the result of a 2013 executive order. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it is taking steps to protect against interference in connected-car and vehicle-to-vehicle communications, while the Food and Drug Administration says it is working on cybersecurity standards in part to protect private health records. NextGov (12/15)

CompTIA News

Learn how field service technicians keep pace in today's changing landscape
What does it take to keep mission-critical IT systems supported now and in the future? Learn how field service technicians are keeping pace with high-stakes, high-availability environments in this on-demand webinar featuring CompTIA's Dr. James Stanger interviewing Bob Marlatt, Information Systems Operations Manager for the Washington State Patrol. Learn the tips, tricks and traps for supporting evolving IT systems that can have an impact in your business. Access the webinar and earn CE Credits!

Exigo CEO joins CompTIA to help the Wounded Warrior Project
CompTIA Councils and Communities donated $15,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project in 2014, including a $5,000 donation from the CompTIA Vendor and Telecom Advisory Councils. In this piece, Exigo's Stephanie Martin shares her experience delivering the check to the group and how the organization is helping returning veterans. Find out why the Wounded Warrior Project deserves -- and receives -- CompTIA support.

SmartQuote