03.19.08

Floating Data Centers

Posted in Information Systems/Technology at 12:38 pm by Paul Ambrose

International Data Security (IDS), a Silicon Valley startup, is building data centers on a fleet of decommissioned cargo ships using sea water as a coolant. Shipboard cargo spaces will be built out as data center floors and deck space will be used to stack modular data centers in standard shipping containers. The ships will connect to onshore power and network links, fuel backup power generators with biodiesel and reuse equipment waste heat to manage onboard temperatures. IDS projects that using sea water as a coolant will save about 30% of their energy costs. The first ship will go online this April, and will  be berthed in San Francisco’s Pier 50.

03.12.08

10 Most Wanted IT Skills

Posted in Information Systems/Technology at 4:28 pm by Paul Ambrose

A recent article in eWeeklisted security, networking, and operating systems as important skills that US employers are looking for in IT professionals. Here’s a list of top 10 IT skills as reported by eWeek.

  1. Security/Firewall/Data Privacy
  2. General Networking/Network Infrastructure
  3. Operating System
  4. Hardware
  5. Non-specific Server Technology (database, storage, maintenance, and administration)
  6. Soft Skills (customer service, sales, project management, and communication)
  7. Application-Level (architecture, design, development, programming, and integration)
  8. Specific Programming Languages
  9. Web-Based Technologies (Web 2.0, service-oriented architecture, software as a service, rich Internet application, and AJAX)
  10. RF Mobile/Wireless