Red Hat is bringing more cloud-based automation to Java developers in an update to its OpenShift Platform as a Service. The update integrates Red Hat’s JBoss tool suite and supports two popular open-source tools that will shift more of the programming workload to the cloud itself, the company said.

There’s a foot race among Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) players like OpenShift, launched last May, Salesforce.com’s Heroku, VMware’s Cloud Foundry  and Microsoft Azure  to provide full multi-language support and more automation to software developers. Red Hat, because of its provenance as an enterprise open-source software company, is bound to get a look from corporate developers with an open-source preference.

While this update focuses primarily on Java developers, OpenShift also supports PHP, Python, Perl and Ruby programming languages.

The three big-ticket items in this OpenShift update are integration of the JBoss integrated development environment (IDE); support for Maven, an open-source technology that allows automated dependency resolution; and support for Jenkins, a tool that lets the cloud automatically perform software compilation.

The basic takeaway for developers: They can code their application in the familiar JBoss IDE but then use OpenShift to build, deploy and scale that application.

“You can code the way you want. You can work directly from your IDE and then hit one-click deploy into the cloud, where a lot of this work can now be done for you,” said Issac Roth, PaaS master for Red Hat and CEO of Makara, a PaaS company Red Hat bought a year ago and which forms the basis of OpenShift. Programmers typically have to log into multiple software libraries, fetch what they need, and with each change they have to recompile. Much of that process — including onerous dependency resolutions — can now be offloaded to OpenShift, he said.

These changes make OpenShift more enterprise-ready, said Jay Lyman, senior analyst at The 451 Group. “Although much of this work will be done in test and dev this will let developers take more advantage of cloud resources.”   Most programmers have a favorite language for most of their work, but typically also use a bunch of secondary tools for specific tasks.   “If you’re going to pick one tool Java’s a big one since there is so much Java work out there,” Lyman said.

“We’re still very early on in the PaaS realm,” he noted.  ”The keys [to success] will be openness and flexibility and I see Red Hat and VMware CloudFoundry as the ones to watch. Heroku, clearly, is also important in the Saleforce.com context.”

As enterprises evaluate the PaaS model, one big question is whether they will be able to run both new and legacy applications in the cloud. OpenShift promises they can do both.

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• Infrastructure Q2: Big data and PaaS gain more momentum
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• Infrastructure Q3: OpenStack and flash step into the spotlight

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After I wrote my recent article about Bluetooth integration with car audio, Ford contacted me about the Microsoft SYNC  functions built into the Ford Fiesta and asked if I knew about the the AppLink functions. I took it for a test drive (literally) and and surprisingly, I found that a new Ford may just be about the best (and probably most expensive) iPhone accessory out there.

What is SYNC?

SYNC is a Microsoft Windows-based embedded automotive system found in a variety of Ford cars. Go ahead and get the Blue Screen of Death and “crash” jokes out of your system, because SYNC actually worked quite well in my testing, and is smartly integrated with iOS devices.

SYNC is a suite of functions that combines Bluetooth audio and phone functions, USB audio, and extended “services” via a yearly subscription. Pressing a button on the steering column activates voice recognition and allows a driver to issue commands. In select Ford models, AppLink allows software developers to interact with SYNC via APIs and a software development (SDK), allowing for the creation of apps specifically for Ford cars.

For my test drives, I used my iPhone 4 and Ford provided both the vehicles and the complimentary SYNC services account.

Bluetooth phone functions

Similar to many factory or add-on car stereos, SYNC supports standard phone functions such as dialing by name, and answering phone calls via the SYNC button on the steering column. Calls were crisp, clear and understandable, so no complaints in this regard.

Bluetooth audio functions

SYNC supports AD2P audio which allowed me to stream iPod, Pandora and Audible content via Bluetooth from my phone to the stereo. While audio paused when a call came in via the iPhone, when SYNC was announcing directions, the audio did not pause. This is completely consistent with my Bluetooth experiences with other integrated car systems, but still not ideal.

USB audio functions

Now things get interesting. The car comes with a USB port that is treated by the iPhone as a standard dock connector. Using it, you can control your iPhone’s audio functions via the steering wheel controls, and when SYNC gave directions, the audio did not drop out. In fact, when SYNC detected I was playing music, it simply showed the directions as text on the radio display and didn’t interrupt playback.

AppLink

An API for your car? That’s what AppLink is all about. Currently only Pandora and Stitcher for the iPhone support the AppLink APIs (BlackBerry has more). I tested the system with Pandora. When I open the app and instruct SYNC to take control, a Microsoft SYNC logo shows up on my iPhone screen and SYNC assumes control.

There’s nothing to download as the SYNC support is already baked into recent versions of the the Pandora app. Once SYNC’ed, I could then issue voice commands to switch stations, mark items with thumbs up or thumbs down, and skip songs.

The experience is a bit clunky. The app must be open and in the foreground and the iPhone must be directly connected to the car’s USB audio port. Hopefully, changes which occur to what developers can access in iOS in later versions of Apple’s mobile platform should make this process more natural.

The potential of AppLink is amazing. Theoretically any iOS app could be made to use SYNC, it’s just a question of iOS developers adding SYNC functionality to their apps.

SYNC Services vs. Siri

A yearly subscription (three years free are included with a new car purchase) includes access to a “Services” call center that extends the function of SYNC to the realm of a virtual assistant. When you click the SYNC button on the steering column and request services, your phone will dial a special toll free number that recognizes your iPhone and provides you access. This allows you to take your account from vehicle to vehicle, as it’s tied to the phone and not your car.

SYNC services provide a range of information, such as weather forecasts, news, and phone number lookups. These requests, unlike with Apple’s own Siri, had to be issued in a rigid structure as opposed to using natural language. Additionally, you have to wait for Services to dial a phone number, while Siri is more or less instant.

Navigation is where SYNC shined. The first vehicle I used could not determine my current location. Apparently its GPS sensor needed a reboot, but the second vehicle had flawless navigation. Instead of requiring downloaded maps or updates like a standard GPS, Services downloaded the directions directly to the car and provided turn-by-turn instructions via audio and visual signals on the car stereo. This relies on the car’s own GPS sensor, and currently cannot use the iPhone’s built-in location services. The download process took about a minute. If you go “off-route,” SYNC offers to dial and get new directions.

Both Siri and SYNC can search for destinations either by business or category (for example “Computer Repair in Lawrence, Kansas”). SYNC also offers a downloadable app for bookmarking destinations, however. You can use nicknames like “hotel” or “conference venue” and then call services and ask for the destination. This is something Siri can’t do. If you have a set of destinations you’d like navigation for, you can’t easily pre-plan and give it a complete route. Having navigated with only the iPhone, and then having SYNC services grab GPS turn-by-turn directions for comparison, I was extremely impressed. Plus, SYNC services works with any phone.

Similar to Siri, SYNC services requires a carrier signal to make a phone call. If you’re lost and can’t make a call, you are out of luck. A standard GPS doesn’t suffer from this flaw, but Siri also needs the ability to access data to complete queries, which SYNC does not.

Another function of SYNC is the ability to contact 911 after an accident. Unlike GM’s OnStar system, SYNC uses your mobile phone to call 911 directly on your behalf and provide your location. This “911 Assist” function relies on your mobile phone not being damaged during the crash.

But how did it drive?

I’m by no means a car reviewer, but having recently test-driven a number of cars, I was impressed. What’s surprising is the Fiesta is a very affordable car, and these type of tech features I’d expect on a higher-end model. When I was on my last car search, built-in navigation, Bluetooth audio and hands-free cost several thousand more as add-ons.

Overall, I was extremely impressed with the iPhone integration via SYNC. If more iOS developers use the SYNC APIs, Siri’s virtual assistant will seem rather limited by comparison, at least when you’re driving. While Siri is stuck inside my iPhone, SYNC has the ability to directly talk and interface with my car itself, which can come in very handy on the road.

Special thanks to Thoroughbred Ford of Kansas City for the initial demo and training.

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• From car to cloud: the future of the in-vehicle app landscape
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Several people are right now interested in making business through developing websites. If you are attempting to fit with this kind of community it is always good and best for you to take a look on the current list of software that may help you make your dream come true. Should you did a little research you might already encountered joomla on your way to find the best software program. Your search is over once you already met Joomla. It is because at this present moment most of the web developers no matter their level are all using Joomla.

You might be wondering why several people are recommending Joomla. You will surely know the reason for yourself if you are going to understand more about its contents. However in order to give you the slight details of this software you will be amazed to discover that this software does not require you any amount. It is actually the first reason why joomla became popular. Another reason is that it is updated by group of software developers every now and then. It is an assurance that the tool that you are going to use for your prepared website is free from any bugs or errors.

If you are also wondering with the capability of this computer software it would be best to find out more and more. Several videos will also be posted in the internet to give you more info on how each of its application works. It is not difficult to find a duplicate of this software; in fact it is the easiest process of the story. Once you search for joomla in the internet, you will certainly discover download buttons for it. How big Joomla isn’t that big and it won’t take you more than hour to download it provided that your online connection is working excellent. Even though its file size isn’t that heavy for you normal pc, you should still see to it you have enough space left for this.

Once you already have a copy of this software it is now the time to set up it in your computer. You will need the help of the internet if you have uncertainties upon installing Joomla, but this happens in very few instances because installing Joomla is just like installing a game in your computer. You don’t have to be a computer geek for you to have it installed in your computer.

The moment Joomla appears in your computer, it is the exact moment to start building your career. This time it would be best for you to watch video tutorials especially if it is your first time to use a web developing software program. It will surely take time before you can fully grasp how this thing functions. Once you are already familiar with it, your future website is surely a minute away. Your ability or even skills as a web developer will still depend on how often you exercise or use Joomla during your working hours.

Be a pro and master the skills of creating and creating your own advertising site even if you lack the knowledge and skills of a web developer. You can travel to http://www.JoomlaGallery.org for more details on where you can download the easiest way to install Joomla.

Whenever a person uses internet for own purposes, it becomes an chance of those who fortunately posses the info that the person was presently looking for. One of the most amazing options that come with the internet is that it allows it’s viewers to find the information that they need in just a matter of mere seconds. The internet can instantly locate the page or the site where such information is located or hosted. And all of these things occurs with the help of those are part of the internet world.

The real thing which makes it possible is through the use of web developing tools or software. Nowadays most of the applications or applications are now driven by software data. It is indeed the time for computers. In developing a website you are require to choose certain software which will cater your website.
If you are less than familiar with the different software which are used in making websites, the best option left for you is to conduct a little research. It pays much to see and learn new things by watching video tutorials. Most of the time individuals web pages found in the internet tend to be maintained by expert web-developers. They have exceptional skills within transforming their ideas into a single page of information to entice their viewers and also to gain greater traffic.

These types of web experts are usually while using most prominent and well-liked type of computer software which is none other than Joomla. Joomla is actually developed by a group of software program developers and they often give it for free. If you think the word free no longer exist at this existing moment you might want to try and click on Joomla and see it for yourself.

There are several applications and functions that you can find upon using Joomla. If you are not that great and creative in choosing the best look for your website, it is not a large problem at all as long as you are utilizing Joomla. Joomla contains different templates and banners which are made especially for those a person don’t have the patience and time of creating their own. However you can also customize your own banners since it is the main feature of Joomla. You can instantly decide for a design if you are already familiar with its contents.

As time passes by, Joomla remained as the people’s option when it comes to building and developing websites. The group of software program developers also managed to created the idea of enhancing Joomla with another form of software such as Mambo and Dreamweaver.

Mambo and Dreamweaver are actually termed as extension tools when it comes to creating templates with regard to Joomla. If you are already tired and full of using the same themes over and over again, you might want to explore the extra effects of Mambo and Dreamweaver. However unlike Joomla, this extension software is not really for free. You need to pay for these types of programs so that you can do much more templates and banners for your website.

Be a pro and master the skills of creating and creating your own marketing site even if you lack the understanding and skills of a web developer. Just click this site http://www.JoomlaGallery.org for more information on where you can download the simplest way to install Joomla.

Google Tech Talk October 21, 2009 ABSTRACT Even Better Than the Real Thing – Lessons Learned from Testing GWT Applications. Presented by Nicolas Wettstein at the 4th Annual Google Test Automation Conference, October 21st, 22nd, 2009, Zurich, CH Web applications are hard to write and even harder to test. GWT – the Google Web Toolkit – simplifies these tasks to some extent and there are still pitfalls that make GWT applications hard to test. This talk will discuss the most important pitfalls and demonstrate how they can be avoided. Bio: Nicolas joined Google in May 2007. He has contributed to various projects as a specialist for developer testing. His focus includes developing testing tools, conducting performance studies, and advising software developers on writing testable code. He is currently based in Sydney, Australia and works on Google Wave. Nicolas holds a Dipl. Informatik-Ing. degree from ETH in Zurich and joined Google with several years of testing experience acquired in Zurich at Esmertec AG and Greenliff AG.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

If you do own a computer, you should know what is a registry cleaner. You are more than right if you know that a registry cleaner will repair your Windows OS errors. Most computer’s users with previous experience with such programs under Windows Vista and XP know that they will boost the OS performance. But what happens under Windows 7 ? Here Windows 7 Registry Cleaner you will find good infos about Windows 7 Registry Cleaners.

Many computer’s users did not have time to test the new Windows 7. So to ask them a question like “Are Windows 7 Registry Cleaners worth it” will give no answer. On the other hand, we have the registry cleaner software developers that have a more objective view over this. Those developers did create programs (registry cleaners) designed to fix the problems found in Windows 7 and to optimize it if needed. They know the operating system and they do know how it works. This website Registry Cleaner Reviews has very good reviews about registry cleaners.

The question “Are Windows 7 Registry Cleaners worth it ?” is still pending and not answered. Before we have to know that Windows 7 will use the System Registry the same way it did with Vista (or XP). You should take into account that cleaners for Vista will simply not work if used on a Windows 7 system. You should understand that the registry still being part of Windows, it also means that the same errors will occur after a while.

You can use a registry cleaner to change Window’s settings even if the system registry has no error. It has a great interface making any changes very easy to do unlike the registry editor found in Windows 7. Changing values in the system registry will result in modifying your Windows 7 configuration. If you do not use a registry cleaner to do that but you try the one coming with Windows: you can make errors and you can find out your computer is not working anymore.

Now we can answer to “Are Windows 7 Registry Cleaners worth it, or not” ? The answer here would be that the registry cleaners for Windows 7 are worth it just as much as the registry cleaners for other operating systems, and you might have an idea about that.