How Will the Economic Meltdown Alter IT Spending?

In Chapter 1 of 3 of my latest video blog, I examine this question in detail with a focus on IT budget forecasts for 2009 and the impact on specific vertical industries. 

Why Did Symantec Buy MessageLabs?

Earlier this month, Symantec forked over $695 million for messaging security services leader MessageLabs.  Wait a minute.  Doesn't Symantec already have a leading product in this space?  Why buy a completely seperate service when you are already a well established player?

Based upon ESG analysis, these questions are no match for the massive market Symantec gained by adding MessageLabs to its messaging security offerings and services portfolio.  See my new video blog for more.

The Onset of Virtual Micro Networks

Everything has gone virtual these days -- servers, storage, desktops, etc.  Networks have long been virtual to some extent but I see a new requirement that links any user to access any service over any network.   This will require a new level of security, dynamic configuration, and policy management that I call Virtual Micro Networks (VMNs).

See my recent C/Net blog for more.  Is this a good idea or am I crazy?  Let me know (note: the answer to one question is mutually exclusive from the other). 

Sun and Virtualization?

It's true, Sun announced a broad and deep virtualization strategy and new products as well.  See my recent C/Net blog for more. 

Why Won't Apple Play Nice In The Enterprise?

Maybe it's me but its seems like Apple has everything to gain and nothing to lose by opening up and adhering to well-established enterprise technology rules.  Obviously, the folks in Cupertino think differently.  See my recent C/Net blog for more. 

Enterprise DNS Woes

In July, security researcher Dan Kaminsky discovered a serious flaw in most DNS server software.  Since that time Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have reacted but what about DNS in the enterprise?  ESG believes that the Kaminsky vulnerability should be an IT catalyst to finally give DNS its due.  See my recent C/Net blog for more. 

Is Oracle Becoming an Identity Management Leader?

ESG doesn't count boxes or track market share, but my gut tells me that Oracle is really carving out a healthy business in the Identity and Access Management (IAM) space.  See my recent C/Net blog for more.

Does Anyone Remember Enterprise Rights Management (ERM)?

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) still receives its share of industry buzz but what about ERM?  ERM seems to be forgotten but it really should still be front-and-center as the DLP players seem to be moving in this direction.  See my recent C/Net blog for more.

Security Grifters

Do we really need security companies to offer rewards to people who can hack into their products?  I for one don't think so.  See my recent C/Net blog for more.

We need a new term for Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

DLP isn't DLP anymore.  So what is it?  How about Data Governance, Risk, and Compliance?  See my recent C/Net blog on why I believe this is a better fit.