News

Tech Leaders Call for Global Harmony on Privacy, Security

In the borderless digital world, tech and finance companies can get tangled up in a web of laws and regulations on privacy and data security.

By Kenneth Corbin

Jan 27, 2012 6 mins

Compliance Cybercrime Government

FTC Commissioner Talks Online Privacy, Puts Data Brokers on Notice

On the heels of high-profile settlements with Google and Facebook, the Federal Trade Commission's Julie Brill signals that lower-profile members of data economy can expect heightened scrutiny.

By Kenneth Corbin

Jan 26, 2012 5 mins

Government Privacy Regulation

Your Complete Guide to Facebook Timeline

Whether you like it or not, Facebook Timeline is becoming mandatory. Here's CIO.com's complete guide on everything you need to know — including first steps and privacy changes — to help ease the transition.

By Kristin Burnham

Jan 25, 2012 10 mins

Facebook Privacy Social Networking Apps

Are CIOs Championing Consumer Tech?

Debunking myths about the consumerization of IT, a new survey shows companies embracing consumer gadgets. One shocking discovery: More than half of companies already have had a security breach.

By Tom Kaneshige

Jan 25, 2012 2 mins

Mobile Security Smartphones Tablets

4 Ways to Manage Your Online Reputation

As we approach Data Privacy Day, it's a good time to grab the reins of the sprawling online content about you that you and others have created. Microsoft offers steps to protect your increasingly important online image.

By Shane O'Neill

Jan 24, 2012 4 mins

Data Breach Malware Phishing

Check Forgery: It Can Happen to You

During a recent personal encounter with white collar crime, CIO.com's Bill Snyder learned that check forgery is shockingly easy and check writing software companies do little to prevent counterfeiting. Here's how he survived check theft and

By Bill Snyder

Jan 24, 2012 7 mins

Data Breach Data and Information Security Physical Security

10 Best Windows Phone Apps for Staying Productive

Here are the coolest Windows Phone apps we could find for business-related tasks such as scanning documents, backing up files to the cloud and analyzing Web traffic.

By Shane O'Neill

Jan 23, 2012 5 mins

Mobile Small and Medium Business Windows

Growth-Market M&A: a Risky Necessity

Companies wanting to use deals as a way to enter growth markets, or build their presence when they're already there, this year face risks and rewards well worth contemplating.

By Roy Harris

Jan 23, 2012 3 mins

Mergers and Acquisitions

iPad, iPhone App Promises to Secure Confidential Documents

The BYOD popularity of iPads and iPhones can put at risk confidential documents stored or accessed from those consumer devices. The WatchDox iOS app is designed to let enterprise users in financial services, manufacturing and other industries securel

By James A. Martin

Jan 23, 2012 3 mins

Mobile Mobile Security Small and Medium Business

Apple Aims iPads at High Schools

Would you fork out a few hundred dollars for an iPad so your kid can keep up with classmates? An IT director of public schools in Ohio discusses the pros and cons of making iPads available to high schoolers.

By Tom Kaneshige

Jan 23, 2012 5 mins

Tablets Wi-Fi iPhone

10 Things to Know About RIM’s New CEO, Thorsten Heins

RIM has named its former COO and SVP, Thorsten Heins, as its new president and chief executive officer. CIO.com's BlackBerry watcher Al Sacco shares 10 interesting facts about the new BlackBerry CEO.

By Al Sacco

Jan 23, 2012 4 mins

IT Strategy Small and Medium Business Smartphones

Are CFOs Turning Greener?

Report from GreenBiz, citing survey results from E&Y, point to finance as a factor in environmental steps despite recession.

By Roy Harris

Jan 20, 2012 2 mins

Green IT IT Leadership

The Patriot Act and Your Data: Should You Ask Cloud Providers About Protection?

Does the USA Patriot Act give the U.S. government too much access to data stored on the cloud servers of American providers regardless of where those servers are located? That's the concern among European IT leaders.

By Stephanie Overby

Jan 20, 2012 6 mins

Government Legal Regulation

Facebook hopes this new class of apps will keep you on its site longer, but you can expect something else, too: a lot more noise in your Ticker and News Feed and an influx of over-sharing. Here's a look at the settings you need to know.

By Kristin Burnham

Jan 19, 2012 5 mins

Facebook Social Networking Apps

Microsoft’s Revamped System Center Focuses on Managing the Cloud

On Tuesday, Microsoft unveiled the latest version of System Center, which promises to make it easier to manage virtual and cloud environments. Here, Microsoft officials, industry analysts and customers talk about how the new version lets you better

By John P. Mello Jr.

Jan 19, 2012 6 mins

Developer IT Skills Server Virtualization

The Mobile Enterprise: Killing IT’s Sacred Cows

CIOs need to break with tradition or risk having IT get outsourced, say modern IT managers. But how do they gain an edge? Don't be a slave to ROI, work with startups, and bring iPads and mobile apps into the enterprise.

By Tom Kaneshige

Jan 19, 2012 6 mins

Business IT Alignment Developer Manufacturing Industry

Foreign Cloud Privacy Issues Dismissed by U.S. Officials

Amid rising concerns over foreign 'digital protectionism,' leaders at Justice and State Departments look to quell controversy about U.S. jurisdiction over cloud data U.S. companies store overseas.

By Kenneth Corbin

Jan 19, 2012 5 mins

Data Breach Government Regulation

Senate to Consider Cybersecurity Overhaul

Majority leader Harry Reid is poised to bring long-debated cybersecurity legislation to floor in hopes of broad bipartisan support, according to comments from his senior aide at the State of the Net conference.

By Kenneth Corbin

Jan 18, 2012 4 mins

Cybercrime Data Breach Data and Information Security

Is Cockiness a Man’s C-Suite Edge?

While women have earned more than a third of MBAs awarded in the U.S. for at least a decade, and account for three of every five accountants and auditors, they make up less than 9% of CFOs within the Fortune 500, according to Catalyst, a nonprofit fo

By Karen M. Kroll

Jan 18, 2012 3 mins

Careers IT Leadership

Backers of SOPA and PIPA Hopeful Revised Bills Can Move

With controversial DNS blocking provisions gone and an equivocal statement from the Obama administration, content industry lobbies press for passage of anti-piracy legislation. However, thousands of destinations websites such as still Wikipedia plan

By Kenneth Corbin

Jan 17, 2012 5 mins

Government Intellectual Property Regulation

iPhone App Spotlight: Abukai Expense Reporting

No one looks forward to monthly expense reporting. With new mobile apps hitting the market, though, this unavailing task could be a thing of the past.

By Tom Kaneshige

Jan 17, 2012 3 mins

Consumer Electronics Personal Software iPhone

SOPA, PIPA Opponents Prepare for Capitol Hill Piracy Showdown

Competing visions for how to address overseas copyright infringement will take center stage in Washington.

By Kenneth Corbin

Jan 16, 2012 7 mins

Cybercrime Government Legal

CIO Challenge: Mobile App Vendors Bypass IT

At the AppNation Enterprise Summit, mobile upstarts learn to do an end-run around straight-laced CIOs. This will surely test the often rocky IT-business relationship, but could ultimately improve it.

By Tom Kaneshige

Jan 13, 2012 4 mins

Business IT Alignment CIO Small and Medium Business

Google's controversial search update brings content from Google+ to the forefront of your search results. Here's what you need to know about what you can control, and how to personalize the new features.

By Kristin Burnham

Jan 12, 2012 5 mins

Internet Legal Privacy

U.S. CIO Unveils Mobile Strategy for Federal Government

Obama administration tech chief Steven VanRoekel looks to narrow mobile gap between feds and private sector, also cites consumerization of IT and the migration to the cloud as key areas.

By Kenneth Corbin

Jan 12, 2012 5 mins

Carriers Government IT Small and Medium Business

Vital Allies: CFOs and Tech Chiefs Form a Bond to Scope Out Customer Needs

TradeCard's finance chief and CTO represent a new breed of C-suiters, bridging the finance-tech gap at the software-as-a-service firm.

By Roy Harris

Jan 10, 2012 8 mins

CTO IT Leadership

CFOs Enter 2012 Seeing Strong Backlogs, Expect Other Improvements

After positive December turn, Tatum survey results continue positive – though fragile world economy warrants use of term "cautious optimism"

By Roy Harris

Jan 10, 2012 4 mins

IT Leadership

Apple in the Enterprise: $19 Billion to Be Spent on iPads, Macs in 2012

If you thought Apple made strides in the enterprise last year, it was only the first lap of a remarkable run, according to analyst firm Forrester.

By Tom Kaneshige

Jan 10, 2012 3 mins

Computers and Peripherals MacBook Tablets

Gen Y Traits in the Workplace Unveiled

A study of 4 million Gen Y Facebook users provides insight on the 20-something generation, which will account for three-quarters of the workforce by 2025.

By Kristin Burnham

Jan 9, 2012 3 mins

Careers Facebook Social Networking Apps

Android Arrives: Consumerization of IT Gets Muddy

Many tech pros secretly abhor the consumerization of IT, says an Apple expert. Now, it will get tougher as holiday Android devices are surging toward the corporate network. But IT's reaction to Android might surprise you.

By Tom Kaneshige

Jan 9, 2012 6 mins

Carriers Mobile Security Smartphones

Anonymous, LulzSec, AntiSec, Etc.: A Brief History of Hacktivism

The hacktivist collective Anonymous began getting media attention in 2008 with its attacks on the Church of Scientology. Three years later, Anonymous and its many offshoots and associations, including LulzSec, AntiSec, TeamPoison and the Peoples Libe

By Meridith Levinson

Jan 6, 2012 9 mins

Data Breach Intrusion Detection Software Security

5 LinkedIn Tips for Career Success in 2012

From sprucing up your profile to branding yourself as an expert, here's how you can better use the professional social network to set you on the path to success.

By Kristin Burnham

Jan 5, 2012 5 mins

IT Jobs LinkedIn Relationship Building

10 Best iPhone Apps for Healthy Living

Make good on your New Year's resolution to live a healthier lifestyle through diet and exercise — and let iPhone apps help you. Here are 10 iPhone apps that s will keep you from slacking off in 2012.

By Tom Kaneshige

Jan 4, 2012 4 mins

Mobile Small and Medium Business iPhone

BlackBerry PlayBook Apps: 7 Must-Have Downloads

CIO.com's Al Sacco rounds up seven great applications for BlackBerry PlayBook tablets — many of which are free — including software for organizing notes and digital media, reducing stress, finding the latest celebrity news and gossip, and more

By Al Sacco

Jan 4, 2012 4 mins

Enterprise Applications Small and Medium Business Tablets

Facebook Timeline Scams Prey on Wishful Thinking

If you're not a fan of the new Facebook Timeline design, beware of bogus Facebook groups and pages promising a return to the old design.

By Kristin Burnham

Jan 4, 2012 3 mins

Facebook Security Social Networking Apps

The Curse of the H1-B Visa Program

How it works is limiting for companies and frustrating for the non-immigrant temporary workers themselves. How can it be fixed?

By Karen M. Kroll

Dec 29, 2011 8 mins

H-1B Visas IT Leadership

Company IT Spending Forecasts Brighten

Surprisingly strong index numbers are recorded by Maven Wave Partners, which now says that indications 'bode well for 2012.'

By Roy Harris

Dec 29, 2011 2 mins

IT Leadership

5 iPhone and iPad Apps That Make Great Gifts

If you're searching for a last-minute gift for the holidays, look no further than Apple's App Store.

By Tom Kaneshige

Dec 23, 2011 2 mins

Consumer Electronics Tablets iPhone

Why RIM Should Not Sell the BlackBerry Brand–and Why It Should

Recent rumors suggest tech heavies including Microsoft, Nokia and Amazon have all been courting RIM and considering a BlackBerry buyout. CIO.com's Al Sacco offers up two simple reasons why RIM would be wise to resist such a takeover, as well as

By Al Sacco

Dec 22, 2011 6 mins

Mobile Small and Medium Business Smartphones

Facebook Year in Review: 2011 Props and Flops

From new features to ongoing privacy concerns, this year was a busy one for Facebook. Here's a look at the best and worst from Facebook in 2011.

By Kristin Burnham

Dec 20, 2011 5 mins

Facebook Privacy Social Networking Apps

Microsoft in 2012: All Eyes on Windows 8

While Microsoft's Server and Tools and Business Divisions will remain strong in 2012, the pressure is on to improve in mobile and cloud. But Microsoft's biggest challenge is convincing businesses and consumers that Windows 8 matters, especi

By Shane O'Neill

Dec 20, 2011 6 mins

Microsoft Office Small and Medium Business Smartphones

5 Facebook Timeline Changes You Can’t Wait to Make

Facebook gives you seven days to make changes to your Timeline before it goes live for all to see. Here are five things you should do in that time, from aesthetics to removing content.

By Kristin Burnham

Dec 20, 2011 4 mins

Consumer Electronics Facebook Social Networking Apps

Enterprise iPad App: A Deal Closer?

Can a new-fangled iPad app really change the way a 100-year-old energy company sells hydraulics equipment? Eaton Corp. says its new app has already led to more sales.

By Tom Kaneshige

Dec 20, 2011 6 mins

CRM Systems Energy Industry Manufacturing Industry

7 Free Siri Alternatives for Android

Android device owners have a number of voice-controlled personal assistants to choose from. Here are seven that you can chat up to do your bidding.

By Howard Wen

Dec 15, 2011 5 mins

Enterprise Applications Small and Medium Business Smartphones

Pressure Grows for IT Spending, Hiring, but Goods, Workers Won’t Come Easy

Bottlenecks, shortages of equipment, and personnel problems remain an issue for companies even if surveys show significant needs.

By Roy Harris

Dec 15, 2011 4 mins

Careers IT Leadership

U.S. Tech M&A Could Swell in 2012

After a relatively quiet year — similar to that for overall dealmaking — Ernst & Young thinks strong M&A fundamentals will finally kick in

By Roy Harris

Dec 15, 2011 4 mins

IT Strategy Mergers and Acquisitions

Honeywell CFO Sees Profit Strategy ‘Paying Off’

Honeywell International Inc. is looking for 13% higher earnings in 2012, CFO David Anderson is telling the analyst community, as its "investments and focus on emerging regions' expansion is paying off."

By Roy Harris

Dec 15, 2011 3 mins

IT Leadership IT Strategy

American Airlines CIO on Stepping Down Amid Bankruptcy

In this Q&A, CIO Magazine Hall of Fame member and soon-to-be ex-CIO of American Airlines Monte Ford talks about technology influence, cultivating future leaders and feeling sad.

By Kim S. Nash

Dec 15, 2011 5 mins

CIO IT Strategy Small and Medium Business