Distributed Development
Software projects often involve far-flung developers, managers and other resources, so keeping everyone on track can be a time-consuming chore. Now SpeeDev has introduced a software project collaboration product intended to keep everyone working together. The product consists of four modules -- SpeedREQ, SpeedISSUE, SpeedTASK and SpeedPROCESS -- that are designed to keep relevant users up-to-date on the project's progress. For example, if an issue -- a bug, or even a legal issue -- arises, the software can automatically send e-mail alerts to the proper people. SpeeDev also provides best practices templates to aid initial project setup. The product currently runs only on platforms supported by Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 and up, though the company is working to have the modules run on Netscape Navigator 6.0. SpeeDev is available as an ASP or licensed software model. Enterprise pricing begins at $900 per user. For more information, visit www.speedev.com or call 866 773-3338.
Recovery Support
Disaster recovery company Comdisco has announced a pair of new programs intended to help companies recover more than just their information infrastructure. The first program, Ground Zero, provides disaster response for issues such as provisioning (generators, emergency housing and security), human resources (counseling, check writing and day care), and other issues not typically covered by an IT disaster recovery plan. The program also offers use of the Ground Zero Portal, which lets customers manage disaster recovery efforts remotely. The other program, ICS Services, helps companies adopt the Incident Command System methodology used by government relief agencies. Ground Zero pricing begins at $5,000 annually. ICS Services consulting starts at approximately $50,000. For more information, visit www.comdisco.com or call 800 272-9792.
Mobile Maker
Wireless Internet toolmaker Speedware has announced the 2.0 release of MobileDev development tool for wireless applications. The product includes a graphical integrated development environment that allows for rapid creation of mobile applications based on WAP technology. The tool includes specific features aimed at the handheld device markup language and wireless markup language standards. It also supports proprietary features found in microbrowsers from Nokia, OpenWave and others. A free trial version is available from www.speedware.com. Pricing for the commercial version begins at $495 per developer seat. For more information, call 800 361-6782.
Big Storage
Tape automation maker Quantum/ATL Products has announced the availability of its M1500 enterprise-class library. The system is rack-mountable and comes in increments of two DLT8000 drives and 20 cartridges. It can be scaled to handle 20 drives and 200 cartridges, using a pass-through mechanism called StackLink to move cartridges from one module to another. Administrators can also add new modules or replace nonfunctioning ones while the unit continues to operate, preventing downtime during upgrades. The product features a maximum capacity of 16 terabytes with throughputs of up to 864GB per hour using 20 drives and 2:1 data compression. A single, 20-drive cartridge unit lists for $19,995. For more information, visit www.atlp.com or call 800 624-5545.
Portal Reporting
Crystal Decisions (formerly Seagate Software) has announced the release of its Crystal Enterprise reporting tool. The product provides a Web-based interface through which users can view a variety of report types produced from data generated by ERP, supply chain, CRM, data warehouse and other applications. Administrators can set security levels on reports, allowing access only to authorized users. Users can also view the history of a report to ensure that they are always reading the most up-to-date version. The product supports standard reporting features, including drill-down, charting, hyperlinking and geographic mapping. Flexible pricing is available based on first-time user, concurrent user and processor. For more information, visit www.crystaldecisions.net or call 800 877-2340.
