Technology Blog

Sometimes I just can’t get over the fact that corporations and government don’t value the concept of quality assurance or testing.

Last week, a man discovered a security flaw with Passport Canada’s website. “that by changing one character in the Internet address displayed on his Web browser, he could view the application forms of others.”

One character! In an age where identity theft is common on the internet, why would an organization have this kind of set up? Sure, it’s a flaw, but come on, that’s a pretty bad flaw, no more how temporary the situation is.

Now, I beta test websites from time to time. I’ve beta tested software applications in the past as well as have years of customer/technical support experience. So sure I know the value of my work. What bothers me, what’s bothered me since I first started working in IT is how often other people dismiss or downplay the need for Quality Assurance.

Would you want to apply for a passport after reading this?

I know I have my reservations. So much so, when it’s time to renew, I’ll like do it by mail.

Ok, call me just a little disappointed as I browse through news articles across the net and learn of Apples ‘new’ and ‘innovative’ products. Unfortunately, I’m going to play the doubting thomas in this entry in the same way I did with this post about Apple’s iPhone. Why is Apple introducing a new browser for PC’s called the Safari? What’s the point? The fact that they have captured 5% of the market share of browser is merely because it’s something new that some geeks want to try out, and because of name brand recognition.

The battle of the browsers have existed since the commercial viability of the internet exploded in the mid-90’s. I’ll admit, I was dead-set against Internet Explorer as my browser of choice, given Netscape’s stability, or Mosaic. As a tech support analyst, supporting Netscape was an absolute breeze. It handled HTML language quite well. That is, until HTML evolved just like any other language and more site start appearing that required a dependable browser. Over the years I noticed the marketshare literally reversed over night, and Microsoft’s Internet Explorer dominanted what used to be mostly a Netscape landscape.

Sure, we now have Firefox. Aaaah, the guys at Mozilla have not let me down. And many of the geeks I know have come to appreciate Firefox. The fact that Apple is trying to show up to the party a little late with their Safari browser is a little amusing to me.

Say with the Mac people guys. For real. I don’t see Safari dominating the browser wars anytime soon.

Apple To Roll Out IPhone On June 29.

There’s been a lot of buzz around Apple’s iPhone set to be released June 29, but after reading the above article I can’t help but be a little disappointed. Internet access and storage for music and video are two great features that one can come to expect for *most* smart phones. As early as 2001, I recall telling my partner that I couldn’t wait until the day cell phones combine, storage, and highspeed cell internet access *as well as* 802.11b/g WIFI access in order to take advantage of highspots now commonplace all over the world. And you know what? I’m still waiting for an affordable option that includes internet, storage, digital camera, and wifi.

Apple’s iPhone if this article is correct is set to be launched with 4-8 gigabytes of storage. Not bad. But not too good given the $499-599 price tag. While it appears to be as top quality as most smartphones out there, with perhaps more emphasis on widescreen and other media enriched features, it’s not likely be revolutionary.

Where’s the wifi access? Is this a conspiracy amongst cell providers? It makes me wonder. Is the storage built in, or flash? If built in, 4-8 gigs will soon seem limiting to most people.

And with that, I must confess, the search for me continues: 6 years later.

It’s about time that cisco get into the game of “fusion” technology. By fusion I mean combining electronics in the home and making things more streamline.

Cisco’s CEO recently quoted in the article link below said it best: “What matters in the home is simplicity,” says the 57-year-old Californian whose receding blond hair gives the impression of an aging surfer. “People don’t want separate features and services running on different devices.”

And amen to that.

Click here to read more

Here’s a great article regarding: Victoria, Vancouver cab fleets go green

I heard this on the radio the other day and thought it was a perfect story addition to my previous post about admiring the hybrid cab that brought me home from the airport.

It’s true that hybrids are more expensive. The article touches on this, but also points out that there tax credits to consider provided by the government. I personally believe it’s a smart idea for all cab companies to go green. Perhaps over the time the cost savings in gas will reach the passengers.

I should pay attention more to tech news (funny considering I’m starting this blog).

I’ve been a happy Vonage customer for over a year. I’ve been an internet ‘phone’ enthusiast for 12 years. Watching the technology of voIP mature to the arena of regular use has been a dream come true. My wife and I are able to stay in touch since we live in separate countries. Vonage has saved us literally thousands of dollars in communication costs.

While I’m sure other companies will continue to spring up, I do hope that Vonage will continue. I don’t want the dream to end.

Vonage Chief Resigns; Company to Cut Marketing Costs (Update2)