Quick Takes update from September 2003

Siemens OpenScape Suite 1.0

Unified communications suite OpenScape 1.0 from Siemens operates independently of a corporate voice communications platform toconsolidate access to all enterprise communication tools. The suite--which includes voice capabilities, e-mail and instant messaging tools--uses Microsoft's Greenwich platform for presence-based access, which ensures time is not wasted tracking down a colleague. Users also can choose how they wish to be contacted and to whom they are available at different times. Collaboration is handled through a buddy list. Conferences are set up, participants verified and documents distributed by choosing audio conference or multimedia collaboration. OpenScape works with Active Directory and Microsoft Exchange 2000, is customizable and gathers intelligent data that can be used to ascertain where communication dollars are being spent.

$400 per user license. Siemens, (800) 765-6123. www.siemensenterprise.com

ISSS Stopzilla 3.0
Popup-elimination engine Stopzilla now can suppress third-party adware and spyware applications. Most popup-elimination applications require users to monitor for and maintain a list of intruders--they simplytarget the popup windows. International Software Systems Solutions' Stopzilla uses proprietary auto-update technology, Zillasmart, to ensure continual updates against the most prolific popup offenders. Stopzilla also offers free 24/7 customer support.

Starts at $29.95. International Software Systems Solutions, (877) 463-3797. www.stopzilla.com

Red Gate Software SQL Data Compare 3
Red Gate Software has released version 3 of its SQL Data Compare program, which features a new and faster interface. Designed for developers who need to move and verify data between SQL server databases, SQL Data Compare synchronizes changes between databases and verifies that the data has been moved to ensure that the replication worked as intended. In case of data conflicts or connectivity loss, the software displays the current status and lets the user automatically move databases back in sync, using color coding and side-by-side displays to provide a quick visual for comparison.

$195 for single-user license. Red Gate Software, (866) 733-4283. www.red-gate.com

Neon Software CyberGauge 5.0
Neon Software has announced improvements to its competitively priced bandwidth-monitoring tool, CyberGauge 5.0. Users can format CyberGauge's Excel usage reports to include daily, weekly, monthly and yearly throughput averages, which should aid in planning for future requirements. Additionally, the monitoring interval for bandwidth testing has been reduced to as little as one second, giving users more precision for monitoring.

Starts at $295 for five devices. Neon Software, (800) 334-6366, (925) 283-9771. www.neon.com

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