by Gary Mintchell | Jan 15, 2025 | Cloud, Enterprise IT, Operations Management, Technology
Technology advancements and innovations plus applications solving bigger problems have led my work, research, and writing from virtual PLCs to virtual servers. That’s why I have loved technology ever since I was 14 and soldering resistors, capacitors, and coils into circuits.
Here is a Dutch company (the product is available globally, of course) that has launched a “highly efficient” Virtual Private Server (VPS) solution.
Some of the year-end prognoses sent my way (many sort of self serving) predicted les reliance on cloud and a return to more on prem solutions. Perhaps this company provides help both ways.
Their blurb touts, “Powered by High Performance CPUs, Local NVMe Storage and Lightning-fast 10 Gbps Uplink Speed, Packages Start at Just €3.99/month.”
Leaseweb Global, a cloud services and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provider, January 14 announced the launch of a new highly efficient Virtual Private Server (VPS) solution. Designed for businesses that need a combination of exceptional price-performance, fast local storage and easy deployment, Leaseweb VPS packages start at just €3.99/month to deliver affordable solutions that don’t compromise on quality.
Leaseweb’s new VPS solution provides customers with the flexibility to expand their infrastructure as their business needs grow. Delivered via a low-touch, self-service portal, it requires limited technical expertise for setup or management, enabling users to configure their server, monitor resources and manage snapshots with ease. This makes it ideal for businesses seeking a straightforward, scalable and efficient hosting service, as well as those looking for an entry-level solution to Leaseweb Public Cloud.
Technical specifications keep advancing.
With lightning-fast 10Gbps uplink speed, and powered by high performance processors and local NVMe storage, the Leaseweb VPS solution provides ample compute, RAM and generous traffic across all packages. In addition, built-in security and reliability features, including firewalls, DDoS protection and ISO-certified data centers, offer peace of mind and comprehensive protection for all customers. For those customers wanting to include backup, this is available as an add-on service.
“Our new VPS solution has been designed from the ground up to offer the ideal balance of performance, usability and cost,” said Mathijs Heikamp, Director Product Management at Leaseweb Global. “By combining the latest hardware, advanced automation and an intuitive self-service portal, we’re delivering a cloud infrastructure solution that can effortlessly adapt to customer requirements.”
Here is information about Leaseweb since this company is new to me—and perhaps to you.
Leaseweb is a leading Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provider serving a worldwide portfolio of 20,000 customers ranging from SMBs to Enterprises. Services include Public Cloud, Private Cloud, Dedicated Servers , Colocation, Content Delivery Network , and Cyber Security Services supported by exceptional customer service and technical support. With more than 80,000 servers, Leaseweb has provided infrastructure for mission-critical websites, Internet applications, email servers, security, and storage services since 1997. The company operates 28 data centers in locations across Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America, all of which are backed by a superior worldwide network with a total capacity of more than 10 Tbps.
Leaseweb offers services through its various Leaseweb Sales Entities which are Leaseweb Netherlands B.V., Leaseweb USA, Inc., Leaseweb Singapore PTE. LTD, Leaseweb Deutschland GmbH, Leaseweb Australia Ltd., Leaseweb UK Ltd, Leaseweb Japan KK, Leaseweb Hong Kong LTD, and Leaseweb Canada Inc.
by Gary Mintchell | Jan 13, 2025 | News
Had I lived in California, I most likely would not have voted for Arnold Schwarzenegger for Governor. I’ve since experienced a different side of the Governator. He sent an email a couple of years ago touting the “positive side of the Internet.” I subscribed to the Pump Club newsletter and was an original member of the Pump Club app. He and his colleagues have built a site that positively reinforces people in their struggles to live a healthier life—fitness and nutrition.
We have been out of the country for 2.5 weeks on holiday but have kept abreast of some news. We were aware of the devastating fires sweeping through populated city neighborhoods. We are also aware of how some people gleefully have posted Schadenfreude messages about wealthy people getting their just desserts or politically motivated posts.
Consider that real people have lost everything. Not just physical property, but also memories that are sometime irreplaceable. Consider also the thousands of firefighters and support people working to help those in need. Those of you who have experienced tornados or floods can understand.
Arnold (whose house is close to the fireline himself) posted on today’s newsletter to remember all those who help out. And reminded us that complaining or posting social media comments do nothing to help. He noted the many visits to the front lines while he was governor.
Rather than complain or dismiss, he offered links to some organizations he’s worked with in the past where you might consider donating.
The LAFD Foundation: Currently looking for donations to get more gear to firefighters battling the blaze
The CalFire Benevolent Foundation: Supports firefighters and their families, as well as burn victims and disaster relief
The California Fire Foundation: Supports firefighters, families, and communities impacted by fires.
World Central Kitchen: Every time there is a disaster, Jose’s team is there. They’re in LA feeding evacuees.
Thank you.
by Gary Mintchell | Jan 9, 2025 | Automation, Technology
CES goes on this week in Las Vegas. Qualcomm is there; I am not. But…I have news. I’ve also heard that Qualcomm is quietly taking chunks of business from Nvidia. Not sure about that, but the company does put out some quality chips.
This news regards Qualcomm Aware, a platform enhancing applications like IoT.
Highlights:
• Qualcomm Aware adds observability, monitoring and location services to enable the development of IoT solutions that meet specific needs and challenges of consumers and enterprises across a wide range of industries and use cases.
• By pre-integrating Qualcomm Aware software across select Qualcomm Technologies and third-party processors, Qualcomm Technologies will provide a simple, fast and cost-effective mechanism for developers and enterprises to access data on the state, health, status and location of device deployments.
At Consumer Electronics Show 2025, Qualcomm Technologies announced the next evolution of the Qualcomm Aware Platform, a cloud-based services platform that allows companies to add observability, monitoring, and location capabilities to intelligently connected devices across industries, including logistics, retail, energy, smart home, robotics and more. As a key component of the broader IoT Solutions Framework, Qualcomm Aware will eventually be pre-integrated across select Qualcomm Technologies chipsets and third-party hardware—adding value for OEMs and ODMs, enterprise users, distributors, retailers, and consumers.
As a horizontal enablement platform, Qualcomm Aware allows for a highly integrated way to add cloud-based observability and insights, geolocation, fine indoor positioning, firmware updates, and device management services to connected devices. This means that device manufacturers can unlock new insights on the connected devices they sell and take preventative actions to fix and troubleshoot devices. Similarly, retailers can understand how often their high-value inventory turns over and get alerts if items are stolen. Distributors can also view delivery efficiency and accuracy metrics for their fleets, and users of those devices can add longevity to devices by always having them equipped with the latest software, operating system, and features.
by Gary Mintchell | Jan 8, 2025 | Business
I’ve read Om Malik’s writing on technology for probably 20 years. I remember him at the old Red Herring magazine and the online news source GigaOm. Lately he’s taken a broader outlook.
I left manufacturing and marketing to join the trade media a little more than 25 years ago. We studied media from the point-of-view of selling writing in my university writing classes. The Columbia Journalism Review decorated my mailbox for a few years. Actually being a part of the media was eye opening. A new boss came along in 2010. He told me I was the old print guy. He was going to take us forward. Notwithstanding I’d started blogging in 2003 and podcasting in 2007. I left to go online only in 2013.
Malik reflects some of that evolution:
The old media has consistently misunderstood digital transformation, and it’s no surprise that we have a media ecosystem still trapped in old monetization models, where “interruptions” have only grown more aggressive. What began as occasional magazine ads has evolved into a constant barrage across all platforms—from billboard-cluttered webpages to podcast sponsorship breaks and algorithmic social feeds designed for ad delivery.
Not afraid to take on the big (but shrinking?) social media platforms:
Social media platforms, built around algorithmic feeds and advertising models, have reduced content discovery to a game of clicks, likes, and engagements. Mass-market media has followed suit, optimizing for sensationalism rather than depth. All of it, from podcasts to news apps, interrupts users constantly with ads, pushing all of us to exhaustion.
Wow, did I ever discover this next point. When I was in management training early in the career, they taught me sales people should sell and never be managers unless trained. Then an old friend laughed at me when I expressed shock in the magazine business, “Gary, who runs magazines? Sales people! What’s a long-term outlook for a sales person? Two months?”
In reality, the seeds of media’s destruction are built into its architecture, because outlets must feed advertising systems, not the audience. The media establishment disregards why audiences visit them, and it’s no surprise the system has reached its limits. Too many advertisements, too many interruptions, and too much “content” mean that, as an end customer, you are decoupled from media brands.
Looking more broadly:
The internet was originally envisioned as a place for connection, collaboration, and discovery. But over time, it has been distorted by business models that prioritize engagement metrics over meaningful interaction. Discovery has long been the open web’s greatest challenge, with search engines turning it into an SEO game and social platforms creating algorithmic echo chambers. AI platforms are making discovery almost irrelevant.
Amen to that. Thanks, Om.
by Gary Mintchell | Jan 7, 2025 | Industrial Computers
Computing hardware has been part of my working life and study since the late 1970s. We incorporated PCs into automated assembly systems in the mid-1980s. Recently a publicist I’ve known for years signed on a new client that brings me back into computing technology innovations—Other World Computing (OWC). I’d never heard of the company only to discover the headquarters is located less than 30 minutes from my new home in northern Illinois.
I have successfully avoided the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) having had experiences exhibiting at the old COMDEX in Las Vegas. I am not there again this year. I do have news from CES by way of OWC. For you computer hardware junkies out there—enjoy.
OWC Archive Pro Now Includes Hedge’s Acclaimed Canister Software
Other World Computing (OWC) and Hedge announced a strategic partnership. Under terms of the agreement, every OWC Archive Pro purchase will now include a license for Hedge’s acclaimed Canister software for streamlined Linear Tape-Open (LTO) backups – a $399 value at no additional cost.
The alignment between OWC and Hedge addresses several critical challenges faced by professionals managing large volumes of data. As the demand for higher-resolution media and stringent compliance grows, organizations grapple with the complexity of securely backing up, archiving, and retrieving vast datasets. OWC Archive Pro, paired with Hedge Canister, simplifies this process with drag-and-drop functionality, automatic cataloging, and cross-platform compatibility, ensuring data preservation is fast, efficient, and reliable. This solution also mitigates risks associated with data sprawl, compliance failures, and operational inefficiencies, empowering users to focus on creative and business goals without compromising data protection.
The OWC Archive Pro Thunderbolt archiving solution for M&E pros, corporations, government branches, and small businesses seeking to preserve critical data, offers:
- A 577% ROI with up to 55% lower costs vs HDD storage
- Up to 18TB native and up to 45TB compressed storage capacity per tape cartridge
- Built-in IBM LTO-7, LTO-8, or LTO-9 drive options
- Up to 30-year tape longevity
- LTFS compatibility – archive files/folders with drag and drop ease
- Up to 300MB/s native, up to 750MB/s compressed transfer rates for fast tape creation
- Easy drag, drop, and retrieval of files with the included Hedge Canister archiving app
The Hedge Canister app offers:
- A canister filled to the brim with technology to ensure tapes are taxed as little as possible
- A canister that is at home on Windows just as well as on macOS – because all Hedge apps are crafted specifically for each OS, they make the most of what each OS has to offer
- Queuing – while transfers are running, keep queuing up new files and folders to be archived
- A Canister’s spanning engine that keeps track of your files across multiple tapes
- The all-new Library Manager — the only true drag-and-drop UI in the world for working with tape libraries
by Gary Mintchell | Jan 6, 2025 | Industrial Computers
Computing hardware has been part of my working life and study since the late 1970s. We incorporated PCs into automated assembly systems in the mid-1980s. Recently a publicist I’ve known for years signed on a new client that brings me back into computing technology innovations—Other World Computing (OWC). I’d never heard of the company only to discover the headquarters is located less than 30 minutes from my new home in northern Illinois.
I have successfully avoided the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) having had experiences exhibiting at the old COMDEX in Las Vegas. I am not there again this year. I do have news from CES by way of OWC. For you computer hardware junkies out there—enjoy.
OWC Unleashing Next-Level Performance, Connectivity, and Capacity for Creatives and Business Professionals
Other World Computing (OWC) announced its latest innovations: the OWC ThunderBlade X12, a game-changing professional-grade RAID solution – the next step in OWC’s TB5 solutions; and the OWC USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable, for long-distance connectivity without compromising speed or reliability. OWC also announced the general availability (GA) of the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub, redefining workflow efficiency with its unparalleled connectivity.
The OWC ThunderBlade X12 is the answer to Motion Picture Professionals and DITs looking for a production shuttle RAID capable of offering large amounts of storage at blazingly fast sustained speeds in a portable solution. To be more specific, the biggest problem this product solves is the need for a RAID solution compatible with RAID 5 that offers large amounts of storage at blazingly fast sustained speeds to streamline ingestion and backup times on set while also having a small footprint so that can be used as a shuttle drive. Beyond that, it’s also considered a premium editing drive for video editors and VFX artists working with cutting-edge workflows such as multi-cam sequences at 4K and 6K, 8K and 12K RAW video, or stereoscopic 360 VR (Spatial Video). It’s the ultimate shuttle RAID for production use and the premium external editing drive for cutting-edge workflows.
The OWC ThunderBlade X12 will be available in March.
The OWC Active Optical Cable is the fastest, most powerful, and most reliable solution for cost-effective long-distance connectivity of Thunderbolt 4/3 and USB4/3/2 devices. It provides up to 40Gb/s of stable bandwidth, up to 240W of power delivery, and up to 8K video resolution at up to 15 feet. Featuring universal USB-C connectivity and optical fiber technology, it eliminates the 2-meter distance limit of traditional copper-based Thunderbolt and USB4 cables so devices can be placed further away for noise reduction, provide more convenient access, be hidden for a more aesthetic work environment, or enable more efficient cable management in professional settings.
OWC Active Optical Cable – Key Features/Functionality:
- Longer distance connectivity enables optimal placement of USB4 and Thunderbolt 4/3 devices for a highly organized, convenient, quieter, and productive workspace
- Work and play faster with up to 40Gb/s of stable data transfer speed over long-distance
- Connect to millions of Thunderbolt 4/3 and USB4/3/2 USB-C equipped docks, displays, eGPUs, PCIe expansion, external SSDs, RAID storage, and accessories
- Lab-certified to safely deliver up to 240 watts (3M) or 60 watts (4.5M) to charge your devices quickly
- Supports high-resolution displays up to 8K, including DisplayPort over Thunderbolt, Apple Pro Display XDR, Apple Studio Display, LG Ultrafine, and any display plugged into a Thunderbolt dock or hub
- Braided nylon exterior over advanced internal fiber optical cable for highly durable and consistent signal reliability immune to EMI/RFI interference
OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub
Now generally available (GA), the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub is the perfect compact connectivity solution to solve the big problem of not having enough Thunderbolt 5 ports. Now you can turn a single cable connection from your machine into three Thunderbolt 5 ports and one USB-A port. With up to 80Gb/s of bi-directional data speed – up to 2x faster than Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 – and up to 120Gb/s for higher display bandwidth needs, you will redefine your productivity.
OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub – Key Features/Functionality:
- Adds more universally compatible Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports to a Mac, PC, or iPad Pro to greatly expand device connectivity possibilities and productivity
- Work and play faster with up to 80Gb/s of bi-directional data speed and up to 120Gb/s for higher display bandwidth needs
- No worries or confusion…connect to Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, or USB-C machine or device with 100% compatibility
- Delivers the best performance of devices with today’s computers and the best speed possible in the future with any Thunderbolt 5 Mac or PC
- Create three separate daisy chains of devices – even bus-powered – and remove devices from one chain without affecting the other chains
- Safely delivers up to 140 watts to charge the most power-hungry notebook computer
- Connect to the latest and future Thunderbolt, USB-C, and DisplayPort displays for incredible 4K, 5K, 6K, and up to three 8K displays
- Built-in OWC reliability and dependability for Mac and Windows
- Fanless aluminum enclosure for quiet and cool operation
The OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub is now generally available for $189.99
by Gary Mintchell | Jan 3, 2025 | Security
OPSWAT Acquires Leader in Advanced Data Diode Technology to Strengthen Cyber Defenses for Critical Infrastructure
Cybersecurity was a top topic for the past couple of years. I anticipate it being a top topic for the foreseeable future. One sub-trend has been market consolidation through acquisition. This news concerns OPSWAT acquiring Fend Inc. to broaden their offering in the Data Diode technology space.
OPSWAT announced its acquisition of Fend Incorporated. Fend is a pioneering data pipeline and cybersecurity company dedicated to securing operational technology (OT) against cyber threats, ransomware, and other evolving risks. Based in Arlington, Virginia, Fend is known for its expertise in protecting U.S. government agencies, utilities, oil and gas, manufacturing, and other critical industries where air-gapped environments are essential for defense against cyber incidents. The announcement establishes OPSWAT as providing the most comprehensive variety of Data Diodes and Unidirectional Gateways in the industry that utilizes proprietary technology like Multiscanning with up to 30 anti-virus engines, Deep CDR for zero-day threats, Sandboxing, and Proactive DLP technologies prevent sensitive data leakage.
Fend’s data diode technology creates a secure one-way communication channel, allowing data to flow from one network to another while physically blocking reverse transmission. This hardware-based approach is valued in high-security environments like defense, industrial control systems, and critical infrastructure, where preventing external access is paramount. Originally reserved for sensitive applications such as nuclear power plants, data diode technology has evolved to become more accessible and affordable, making it a practical solution for industries that require secure online monitoring and predictive analytics. With benefits such as increased operational efficiency, reduced unexpected downtime, and improved staff productivity, Fend’s data diodes offer protection across diverse industrial sectors.
Previous acquisition:
OPSWAT’s industrial OT offerings significantly expanded with its 2021 acquisition of Bayshore Networks. The acquisition of Fend further enhances OPSWAT’s capabilities in both centralized and distributed deployments, providing true cross domain security with connectivity to our MetaDefender Kiosk and MetaDefender Managed File Transfer to help secure solutions for remote assets and smaller facilities, such as water utilities, which have large numbers of endpoints at the edge that still require high security. Fend’s comprehensive connectivity options—accommodating Ethernet, cellular, and even serial connections for older networks—will enable OPSWAT to meet both the demands of emerging technologies such as 5G and Industry 4.0 and the vast landscape of legacy infrastructure around the world. To see the comprehensive options of OPSWAT’s variety of data diodes and unidirectional gateways, you can view the product comparison chart here.
by Gary Mintchell | Dec 23, 2024 | Security
Two topics dominated my inbox this year. AI, of course, was one. Everything cybersecurity was the other. Mostly the various cybersecurity suppliers released a variety of reports and surveys. This report comes from Dragos—the OT Cyber Threat Intelligence Report. I’ll be highlighting a few important notes from the blog post by Abdulrahman H. Alamri.
The third quarter (July – September) of 2024 brought transformative shifts to the ransomware landscape, emphasizing its dynamic and continuously evolving nature. The ransomware threat ecosystem remained highly active in the third quarter, fueled by new groups, rebranding of existing entities, expansion of initial access broker operations, and proliferation of illicitly traded tools. Ransomware operators increasingly demonstrated their ability to pivot in response to disruptions during the third quarter, leveraging technological advancements and strategic realignments to maintain their operations.
This period witnessed a critical shift as dominant groups like LockBit faced significant setbacks due to coordinated international law enforcement actions, including Operation Cronos, which dismantled key infrastructure elements of LockBit. This led to a decline in their activities and forced affiliates such as Velvet Tempest to transition to other groups, including RansomHub.
Concurrently, the ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) model continued to mature, with an expanded reliance on Initial Access Brokers (IABs) that exploit vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and stolen credentials that facilitated entry into targeted environments. These brokers acted as force multipliers, enabling ransomware groups to scale their operations by focusing on payload deployment and extortion strategies. In general, this industrialization of ransomware has continuously lowered the barriers to entry for new actors, fostering a competitive and dynamic threat environment, and the third quarter of 2024 was no different.
Adding to this complexity, escalations in geopolitical tensions during the third quarter introduced a new dimension to ransomware threats. Specifically, conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe spurred a rise in hacktivist personas employing ransomware to disrupt industrial operations. Unlike traditional financially motivated ransomware campaigns, these actors appear to prioritize operational sabotage, posing a distinct and potentially catastrophic risk to critical infrastructure.
There is a significant amount of information on the post. If this is your area of concern, you can check it out here.
by Gary Mintchell | Dec 20, 2024 | Podcast
This podcast is sponsored by Inductive Automation. Two topics dominated my inbox this year–and will probably continue to do so. These are AI Large Language Models and Cybersecurity.
by Gary Mintchell | Dec 20, 2024 | News
Have you noticed new buildings under construction during your drives around your areas? I have observed for many years. The purpose was often from the point of view of sales. I was looking at potential clients.
Over a period of 40 years I have noticed the change from large manufacturing sites to large warehousing sites to large healthcare sites.
Reports of sales and jobs from the US manufacturing sector have been depressing. First we had off-shoring. We have had many years of successful “reshoring” that seem to have yielded little momentum for US manufacturing.
I see that in the reduced emphasis for user group meetings in the US from Emerson, Siemens, ABB, Yokogawa, Schneider Electric, and yes even Honeywell. Rockwell Automation remains a mainly US-centric supplier, and its recent successful Automation Fair reflects that.
This report from the US Manufacturing USA Strategic Plan recently came my way. I’ve worked with people from a variety of US government agencies. All bright and knowledgeable people. I’ve always wondered to what degree the work gets translated into actual work.
[Note: I am definitely not baiting for Trump’s DOGE effort. All organizations get bloated over time. I did a paper in grad school on the topic. I’m a pragmatist. I wonder what works.]
The Strategic Plan for the Manufacturing USA Program describes the program’s vision, mission, goals, and objectives. It also outlines the program’s technology investment strategy, how investments made by federal agencies will be coordinated, and how the program will be assessed.
The vision for the Manufacturing USA program is U.S. global leadership in advanced manufacturing through the development and transition of innovative technologies into scalable, cost-effective, and high-performing domestic manufacturing capabilities.
I would actually like to see leadership and vision from the President and Congress people. But I’ll take what I can get.
To support this vision, the mission of the Manufacturing USA Program is to connect people, ideas, and technology to solve industry-relevant advanced manufacturing challenges, thereby enhancing industrial competitiveness.
Connecting people is vital. I just listened to an interview with Iceland’s new president. She sees this as one of the most important tasks of her presidency.
Four Goals:
- Goal 1 Increase the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing.
- Goal 2 Create and facilitate the transition of innovative technologies into scalable, cost-effective, and high-performing manufacturing capabilities.
- Goal 3 Accelerate the development of an advanced manufacturing workforce.
- Goal 4 Promote a network of institutes that build long-term support for and within their communities.
Strategic Plan for the Manufacturing USA Program, Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce (2024).
It has been several years since I caught up with John Dyck, CEO of CESMII. I went to the part of the report that listed successful work being done by various groups under this Manufacturing USA umbrella. I garnered this from the report:
Successful Smart Manufacturing Workforce Model (CESMII): The project team of El Camino Community College (ECCC), California State University Northridge (CSUN), UC Los Angeles (UCLA), and UC Berkeley (UCB) leveraged existing education and workforce training systems to deliver the workforce needed for the adoption of smart manufacturing (SM). Their work resulted in: launching a SM certificate program at CSUN in Advanced Professional Development – Smart Manufacturing that is comprised of four 36-hour courses and an 18-hour project; incorporation of SM modeling and process control into existing UCLA chemical engineering classes that resulted in six journal publications; commitment from five California high school districts and colleges to adopt a new SM Career Pathway Program; and ECCC training of its incumbent workforce that resulted in engaging 53 manufacturers, training 2,017 employees and training-the-trainers with 17 colleges.
I realize that probably 35% of my readers are not in the USA, maybe a bit more. I see problems with manufacturing innovation and growth also in Germany and Italy. I would like to challenge all the readers to consider actions you can take to promote and improve manufacturing in your areas.
