Oakton beds vendors
Software consultants Oakton Computing has announced an agreement with Microsoft, Intel Australia and Dell Computer to establish a solution centre in Melbourne.
The solution centre is being designed for the current and potential customers of both Oakton and the three vendors who wish to conduct proof-of-concept, scalability and performance testing for proposed applications.
Lloyd Borrett, national marketing manager for Oakton Computing, said the solution centre allows potential customers to see working prototypes of business applications, ensuring more confident purchasing decisions.
All four parties will be providing marketing and tech support for the centre, with Intel and Dell providing hardware and networking equipment, and Microsoft providing software.
The physical building will be constructed within the next few weeks, with orders for the infrastructure soon to follow and the launch expected in March.
Sun ONE unveiled
In a move aimed squarely at the Microsoft .NET initiative, Sun Microsystems has unveiled the Sun Open Net Environment (Sun ONE), which includes server software, development tools and other products for building Web-based e-commerce applications and services.
Large businesses and service providers can use the tools and applications as components to roll out their own Web-based services to customers and employees, Sun officials said. These Web services are touted as being able to modify their behaviour based on the identity of user, as well as location, timing and level of access permission.
Products highlighted included the Sun ONE Webtop technology developer release 1.0, as well as updates to of iPlanet server software products.
The Webtop technology helps service providers deliver productivity applications via a branded, customised Internet-based desktop that users will be able to access on any type of device, officials said. Sun also claimed the new technology changes Web browsers from "read only" to "read and write".
Learning XML online
IT professionals interested in exploring the world of XML have a new online learning centre. XMLSolutions recently started classes at xmlclassroom.com, an interactive learning site dedicated to enhancing XML skills. The site's initial course prepares students for IBM's Test 140, XML and related technologies.
Modules include an introduction to XML, creating XML documents, information modelling, transformation and rendering, and programming XML. The course is available for $US250. Corporate discounts are available.
