Can Plymouth Host a Google Data Centre?

Can Plymouth host a Google Data Centre?

Digital Plymouth – Can We Host A Google Data Centre?

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Flexible Computing – What is it?

Flexible Computing is about the technology, devices, security, processes and people to deliver client experiences such as this.

Future of UMPC?

LapDock or LapSkin, you decide

OK, so I’ve been lying here thinking about my presentation to the UK VMware User Group about Consumerisation and how consumers are changing the face, mmmm, preferred device of computing.

Gartner say that soon there will be laptops designed specifically for women, and I tend to agree, but this made me think about how women would use these devices (and I’m not the best person to do this, so excuse me). I think perhaps the look and feel, let’s call it a skin for arguments sake and the device will be independent. Which leads to needing some form of common interface to dock your device into the skin. The skin will take on many forms, as do handbags and will range in price from pence to £10,000 pounds, but it will provide the keyboard and screen functions.

So the device; more usb stick with VMware PocketACE or Apple iPod / iPhone with a VMware kernel could be the computing device. Kind of iPod shaped with enough computing power. Ah ha, the iPod, with probably the world’s largest common docking standard.

So hey presto, one Apple docking port, one computing device (oh, or even more than one) and a skin, gives us the LapDock. Laptops will no longer exist and will eventually just provide the user interface functions that we require, screen and keyboard, much like the REDFLY device and the LapDock/Skin will become a designer accessory for 2010.

Borovets Ski Apartment – Available Winter Season ‘10

www.borovetsskiexperience.eu 

My Borovets, Bulgaria apartment is now available for rent for winter ‘10.

Borovets has got the lot and is in the top visited ski resorts in Bulgaria. It is Bulgaria’s first ski resort, dating from the 19th century when it was only known to an exclusive few. Set amidst the majestic forest-clad Rila Mountains, once a hunting ground for Bulgarian Kings, Borovets is now internationally renowned. There are lots of bars and cafes, and these along with the many clubs make après-ski a real attraction. Quite rightly, skiing is its prime concern and Borovets is justly popular with all grades of skiers, with a setting that’s near perfect. If you haven’t discovered this ski resort yet, you’re in for a treat!

Just one hour away from the capital Sofia. Semiramida Gardens is the culmination of 2 years meticulous planning and upon completion will create its own purpose built ski village in the very heart of Borovets extensive ski network.

Flanked by picturesque woodland on three sides, Semiramida Gardens takes full advantage of its idyllic setting and the sympathetic design maximizes sunlight and allows all apartments generous south facing balconies opening on the dramatic landscape.

The resort’s network of pistes and lifts are quite literally on the doorstep and you will enjoy unlimited use of all Semiramida Gardens’ luxury leisure facilities including: modern spa & wellness centre, indoor swimming pool, fitness centre, sauna, Steam Room, Jacuzzi and relaxation room. The five star facilities will be complemented by an international cuisine restaurant, lobby bar, late night bar and nightclub, underground parking and 24 hour security and concierge.

With the capital Sofia just an hour away, this truly ‘ski-in’, ‘ski-out’ complex is both the perfect setting for a holiday.

The Spa Centre

Guests will benefit from an extensive range of treatments in the Spa centre including:

• Indoor swimming pool
• Sauna
• Turkish Bath
• Russian Bath
• Temperature-contrast pool
• Hot Tub
• Whirlpool Bath
• Vichy Bath
• Pearl Tub
• Tanning Beds
• Cosmetics Parlour with wide range of health and beauty treatments (individual treatments subject to local charge)
• Physiotherapy Section
• Fitness Centre
• Four medical massage parlours
• Doctors’ Offices

The Restaurants

Fine dining in two restaurants, offering Bulgarian and international cuisine.

Borovets Hills

The “Borovets Hills” restaurant in the main building accommodates 120 guests offering a supreme selection of gastronomic delights in an exquisite dining atmosphere.

Chanove

The “Chanove” restaurant in the hotel gardens is decorated according to a traditional Bulgarian mehana theme. A true Balkan culinary experience where dishes are attractively prepared in front of the guests, in wood burning stone ovens and barbeques.

Hunters

Here you will find delicious food, excellent drinks, a cosy and warm atmosphere and experience the genuine hospitality of the infamous Serma & Christo who will make you feel at home. Whether it’s a hot drink after a hard day skiing or a delicious meal in the evening, you can guarantee there will always be a smile on their faces! Don’t forget to use your loyalty card to claim your 10% discount on all food and drink throughout your stay. N.B. Please be aware, bookings must be made in advance during the peak season.

Directions: On entering the resort, you will see the entrance to the Mura Hotel on the left hand side – Hunter’s is a further 10metres up the road on the same side.

Hrima

Another place where you can feel the Bulgarian spirit and where you can hide from the cold in the winter evenings! A must to try is the special (Wild Boar Stew) not a stew as you know it, but large chunks of meat with rice and gravy….it’s definitely not to be missed!

Directions: It is situated just across the road from the Flora Complex.

The Apartment

The apartment has;

• 2 double bedrooms (1 x double, 2 x singles)
• 2 bathrooms, 2 x showers
• Cable TV (BNT 1, bTV, Nova TV, TV2, TV7, Animal Planet, National Geographic, Hobby TV, TV1000, Planeta TV, Diema Family, Diema 2, The Voice, Discovery Channel, Diema, Hallmark, MTV Europe, Cinemax, Europsport, City TV, Eurosport 2, AXN, AXN Sci Fi, AXN Crime, Fox Life, Fix Crime, Private Spice ***)
• XBOX 360
• Internet connection (3Mb Speed).

Ski Hire

I can provide full ski package including;

• Ski hire
• Ski lessons
• Airport transfer

Things To Do

Snowmobiles

To experience the mountain magic from a totally different perspective, you can hire a snow mobile and and have great scenic fun! Please contact us for further details.

Spa Facilities

In the villages of Belchin Banya and Dolna Banya you will find tranquillity and also enjoy the healing quality of the mineral springs, which can be found here! They both are just 15-20 km from Borovets.

Getting There

Value Flights:

www.easyjet.com
www.balkanholidays.co.uk/bulgaria_winter_ski/w08/flightonly.htm
www.air.bg

Booking

Please send me an email (only available to friends and family) and we’ll sort out the details.

More Pictures

Samsung Projector Phone

Samsung has released a projector phone at CES this week:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=CgnADSuF8MA

Windows Optimized Desktop

New desktop technologies from Microsoft ……….

BETA can be access on the Microsoft Connect website.

 

How to Participate

The Infrastructure Planning and Design Windows Optimized Desktop Scenarios Assessment Beta is hosted on Connect and you can follow this link to sign up for the beta and get the download. If you have already signed up, you can get to the program page here . You may be prompted to sign in with a Windows Live Id .

Windows Azure

https://connect.microsoft.com/site/sitehome.aspx?SiteID=681

Paas to SaaS

Windows Mobile 7

Flexible Computing

It is the abstraction of applications from the OS and the OS from the hardware.

The Ultimate Mobile

The Ultimate Mobile.

1.      Small and powerful device
2.      Integrated device input
3.      Large usable screen
4.      Secure
5.      Bluetooth
6.      Video out
7.      Touch screen

Has NVIDIA come up with a crucial part of the puzzle. The NVIDIA APX 2500 chipset provides a mobile device with 720P output via a HDMI connector.

Could HTC take this and develop a device with video out?

Combined with Citrix, it could be the ultimate roaming device?

UMPC News

What’s new in UMPC world.

Software as a Service

SaaS, what does it all mean?

G.ho.st – Free Cloud Virtual Machine

We are now seeing cloud services providing virtual machines, I’m not sure businesses will currently trust their data within such services, but for the general public and students it could become a fundamental tool. We just need a version now for grown ups.

We are now really starting to see Flexible Computing moving into the mainstream. For corporates and small businesses, similar functionality can be acheived with XenDestop, but at a cost.

Checkout: g.ho.st (no www required)

Active Directory Cloud Connector

Microsoft has released the Community Technology Preview (CTP) of their Services Connect.

“a new Windows Server® component that seamlessly connects Active Directory users to a suite of Live services and Microsoft Online Services. After Microsoft Services Connector is installed, users are able to log into their Active Directory account and be given seamless access to Microsoft services as if those services were hosted on your organization’s own network”

So …. who has more users, Microsoft Active Directory, or Google?

https://connect.microsoft.com/servicesconnector

Smartphones to overtake laptop sales

Sales of smartphones are expected to overtake those of laptops in the next 12 to 18 months as the mobile phone completes its transition from voice communications device to multimedia computer.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7250465.stm

Windows 7 – Media Center Revealed

There has been some early information about Windows 7 presented at PDC 2008 this week.  Of particular interest to me as a former member of the Media Center team is some detailed information about upcoming Windows 7 Media Center features.  Here are a couple of links to some information that Charlie Owen posted on his blog about Media Center end-user features and developer/platform features:

• Summary of new Windows 7 Media Center features – http://blog.retrosight.com/WindowsMediaCenterInThePDCBuildOfWindows7.aspx 
• Summary of new Windows 7 Media Center platform development features – http://blog.retrosight.com/WindowsMediaCenterPlatformInThePDCBuildOfWindows7.aspx

If you’re interested in Media Center and/or Media Center development and want to get an early preview of what is planned for Windows 7, I encourage you to check out the information in these posts.

Mobile Phone Watch

A great selection of mobile phone watches online here:

http://www.bigboxstore.com/electronics/cellphones/wrist-watch-phones?gclid=CMm8pqSh9JYCFQITswodcAczYA&p=1

Flexible Keyboards

A range of flexible keyboards, details here

http://www.sizlopedia.com/2007/07/04/5-flexible-rubber-keyboards-for-your-computer/

Cloud Computing Comes to Plymouth?

There is now an 80 acre business park next to a brand new power station in Plymouth, providing 885 megawatts. There are rumours that a very large cloud computing company is considering building a mega data centre in the area.

Power Station: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/5085972.stm

Flexible Computing – Bendy Chips

Normally fragile and brittle silicon chips have been made to bend and fold, paving the way for a new generation of flexible electronic devices.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7313203.stm

Mobile Internet usage on the increase

Mobile internet usage is on the increase.

http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7748372.stm

Consumerisation / Flexible Computing Goes Mainstream?

Laptops can now be purchased with SIM cards and are heavily discounted in the same way mobile phones are. What does this mean?

Well …… SMEs and Enterprise organisations that are embrasing ‘Consumerisation’ are able to significantly reduce their costs. By giving the employee freedom to purchase any laptop for use with the organisations corporate applications and transfering the responsibility to the user for maintenance and support (which can be purchased with the laptop), can significantly reduce operations costs.

How will we control the desktop …….. By enforcing end point securirty, it is possible to force users to have the latest AV software, Microsoft or Apple MAC patches, etc.

For Enterprises this means controlling and restricting access to the data and this can be achieved using a PKI and encrypting the data at source. Solutions from Citrix / VMware and Microsoft allow publishing of applications to most devices from the central Data Centres.

The next generation of students and school children leaving our education establishements will thrown on carrying multiple devices and the current contraints within corporate laptops, so encourgage graduates by embrassing Consumeration and Flexible Computing.

In the words of a forward thinking organisation embrassing Consumerisation and Flexible Computing, “If you can get to Google, you can get to our applications”.

Edison PC Power Management Software

Microsoft has released the following software on their website (http://www.microsoft.com/environment/campaign_edison.aspx).
If you’re interested in power management and the impact on the environment, it is worth checking out Microsoft’s site (http://www.microsoft.com/environment/)

Devon Boat Charters – Summer ‘09

Well ……. Devon Boat Charters has been very slow in starting up, but I’ve now selected the rib of choice, which will be a Cobra Nautique 8.6m. We’ve looked at several ribs and we think this will be the best one for us. With the current market we should be able to bag ourselves a bargain.

Cobra Nautique 8.6M

Features

Standard Features for comfort & safety

• One of the deepest V hulls on the market the new 8.6m features a redesigned higher shear on the bow designed to cut through the waves, and giving the driest of rides.
• 5 separate air chambers and a slightly tapering tube to give her a new mean look which also improves the rough water ride
• Radically new designed sunbed stowage box
• Luxury Seating – and a new contoured rear bench
• Bow sunbathing areas.
• Futuristic state of the art forward curved A frame.
• Cobra’s unique helm seat at which you can sit and cruise in comfort or stand and race the waves yet still feel safe and secure.
• Sculptured rear bench seat in which to recline and enjoy the ride in style and safety.
• Large grab handles, strategically placed, but always close to hand, so wherever you or the crew are, there is always something to hold on to.
• Cavernous secure dry storage lockers to hold all of your boating paraphernalia. No other boat in its class has as much storage space.
• The list goes on and on…

Options

• V berth bow seating with dry lockers under that convert to sunbed or, Cave locker/fixed sunbed with masses of dry stowage
• Choice of single or twin outboard or inboard engines
• Single or twin jockey seats
• Electric Windlass and Anchor
• Rear Sunbed / locker option or extra seating
• Overall, On water cover or Bimini Top
• Multiple electronic options
• Large choice of colours.
• Optional Teak hardwood flooring.

Engines

A large selection available. Mmmmmmmm, which one are we going to get?

Borovets: Summer Season

Sporting activities

Outdoor Pools

If you wish to experience true Bulgaria and visit in the summer, one of the local attractions is the outdoor pool in the village of Belchin Bani, which is about 20 km away from Borovets. The pool is filled from the mineral springs which are famous for their healing qualities. Being a large outdoor complex, there is lots to do there.

Horse-Riding

Horse riding is available in many places around Borovets, all of them offering stunning rides through mountain forests and catering for all abilities. Contact us for details.

Fishing

There is a choice of fishing options around Borovets. You can take your pick from the more traditional form of fishing (by taking your chances in the Iskar Dam) or alternatively, visit the local fish farm which is located between Samokov to Borovets, where you are guaranteed a catch! You will have to pay for it afterwards but at least your supper will be sorted for the night!

Hiking

Bulgaria boasts some of the best mountain scenery in Europe, with many unspoilt areas in the Borovets Rila Mountain range.
If you are willing (and able!) you can also try to climb the Musala Peak, which is the highest peak on the Balkans. You will not need to worry about a guide as there is an easy-to-follow tourist route.

Only 20 km away from Borovets is yet another peak to ‘conquer’ – the Malyovitsa peak, where you can also enjoy rock climbing.

Mountain Biking If you are keen on biking we can also offer you a mountain biking trip. Numerous places offer mountain bikes for rent and there are several trails up the mountain.

Lake Iskar

This is yet another local destination where you will be able to enjoy the beauty and breathtaking tranquillity of the mountains in the summer. Lake Iskar is just a few minutes drive from Borovets and offers summer water-sports, fishing, mountain sun-bathing and swimming.Para-gliding

Another sport to try is paragliding in the mountains near the Seven Rila Lakes where you will be spoilt with the magnificent views. Please contact us for details

Golf

Golf fanatics can enjoy the golf course near the town of Dolna Banya ‘Ibar’ – a small town about 50 km from Borovets. There you will also find a swimming pool, football field, tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts.

Sight-seeing & Cultural

The Seven Lakes

We can arrange for you to take a safari in the lakes. These are situated high in the Rila Mountain and not many places can offer you such astonishing beauty and serenity. This is something you definitely shouldn’t miss during your stay in Bulgaria!

Rila Monastery

The Rila Monastery is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bulgaria. It is situated in the Rila Mountain range, approximately 70 km away from Borovets. Founded in the 10th century it is regarded as one of the most important sites in Bulgarian Heritage. On-site, there is also a museum and library for visitors. The whole experience will leave you in awe, for there you will be able to perceive the spirit of the Monastery and see the majesty of this unearthly place! Village Life You can also visit the neighbouring villages such as Beli Iskar, Mala Tsarkva and Govedartsi. These villages have kept their Bulgarian traditions, with churches, small restaurants and cafés and peace and calmness where you can appreciate the traditional Bulgarian spirit.

Vista SP2 Available for Download

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/dd262148.aspx

Windows 7 BETA Released

Windows 7 BETA is now available to MSDN or TechNet subscribers.