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SiliconIndia Mobile Developer Conference 2009

I am back from Bangalore from SilliconIndia Mobile Developer Conference 2009. It was a very nice to see how mobile application development is picking-up to the mainstream audience. I wasn’t surprised to see that all exhibitors aren’t the same big names in the INDIAN software development industry. There was also a shortage of attention to Software Services Firms in the exhibitor hall, while the startups and mobile application developers grabbed more visitors. One exhibitor was a very early start-up with just two developers working their way out to make it big.

There were many Key Note sessions occupying the first half of the day, while speakers tried to engage everyone during the panel discussions. I liked the the Cool Applications Sessions after the lunch break. Around fourteen (14) exhibitors presented their applications along with some demonstrations using real devices.

I appreciate the leaders from Forum Nokia for the information and insights from Nokia’s prespective. Thanks for Forum Nokia and Sun Startup Essentials for sponsporing this conference. It goes without saying that SiliconIndia has done a very good job of pulling all of us together and orchestrating nicely.
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By Venkatraman Balasubramanian – November 2, 2009

Open at last !!!

I am big fan of Microsoft Outlook, for it offers, apart from archiving my emails, a rich set of features that I can’t live without. For some reason Microsoft got STUCK to to a notion that it had to use a proprietary storage format for storing emails through the Outlook client. It missed to cross-sell Microsoft SQL Server Express and all the database embedding opportunities that it is selling to its customers and partners. It would be nice to see leaders show their commitment to their own products (I like VS 2010 use WPF).

I appreciate Microsoft’s initiative to “open-up” the PST file format. May be this would increase Thunderbird, Evolution and other email clients to support PST archives. Interoperability initiatives like these streamline user expectations and experiences out of commonly used software.
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By Venkatraman Balasubramanian – October 30, 2009

Adding TRUST to mobile platforms

I have been thinking after noticing the Common Criteria EAL4 certification awarded to Microsoft Mobile 6.1. This certification makes me think that Microsoft Mobile 6.1 based devices are secured better than the other Mobile OS implementations. In the market, we see more operating systems showing-up in the Mobile devices which are used for personal, enterprise and sensitive (gov) needs.

Its a given fact that some vendors have a very strong hold on what can be be deployed or even run (Apple’s ability to, preemptively, remote administer my phone and uninstall an application is a scary thought) on these devices. Most of OS vendors want our applications to be digitally signed by them, some force their own software delivery platform on us.
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By Venkatraman Balasubramanian – October 29, 2009

Good product to evaluate

I always look for some new product to try and I think this product is worth mentioning.

Please take a look at Divine. While still in BETA, this product tries to help you generate a WordPress template out of a Photoshop Document.

Convert PSD into a WordPress Template, without a need for HTML developers, is a great tool for pre-sale engagements. I would like this effort to succeed so it will help people save numerous hours of development work.

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By Venkatraman Balasubramanian – August 9, 2009

Some Cool Devices to Tap

What a great way to start the year to see Laptops with Android. Here are some new devices that are worth waiting for:

  1. REDFLY has already put a great product in the market extending Windows Mobile Phones. Now REDFLY working on Android proof-of-concept, trying to get their Laptop (Shell) running Android. Though still in prototyping status, this is a clear sign of emerging devices that can pair with a mobile phone.
  2. Now a member of the OHA, ASUS is looking into Android for Eee Phone and Eee PC. With ASUS’s R&D strength and ability to reach faster to market, this could push us in between some serious competition among Laptop/NetBook vendors. This could become a buyer delight, since competition brings more innovation and cost savings to the buyers. Note that the port of Android to ASUS Laptops have already produced successfull results.
  3. Intel Atom based Tablet…better a Convertible Tablet announcement by ASUS (visit here and here) is very interesting. They have managed to pack GPS and TV within this Touch Screen based Convertible Tablet. I would buy it without blinking, provided it comes preloaded with Android (Yes, I am becoming a serious Android fan).
  4. I always welcomed the idea of bringing computers to the living room. CES has showcased so many things  including “Seamless Computing Vision” by Bill Gates in CES 2004. To my surprise, this time at CES 2009 ASUS (again ASUS, I know…) has announced a Home Entertainment variant in a Keyboard Profile. What an idea…take a look at the image gallery from Engadget here and see for yourself.
  5. Lenovo IdeaCentre A600 All-in-One Desktop (here and here) is a nice to have (could be pricy). I like the aspect ratio, keyboard (with the track pad placed on the right hand, should have been this way everywhere) and their motion sensitive remote control capable of acting as VOIP handset and regular remote as well.

CES 2009 is a great show. I am eagerly waiting for the CES 2009 Innovations and Tech & Engineering Emmy® Award winners list.

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By Venkatraman Balasubramanian – January 8, 2009

Some more Android Devices

I would like to see more innovations through Android. Just like Linux breaking the barriers into Desktops, I would love to see a Linux variant move into Mobiles and raise the bar on the mobile user expectations.

By looking at the new set of members joining the Open Handset Alliance this month (Ref: Open Handset Alliance announces 14 new members), there is a good chance for Android to make its in-roads into consumer electronics like a great virus (in a good way).

I am still worried about letting self-branded applications from the for-profit organizations (like Google) to come under this open source OS. From what I can see, this can be removed as long as the device manufacturers (ODM and OEM vendors) allows the device owners to load their own custom version of the OS to satisfy their individual needs.

Believe me freedom is like fresh air, where we are and will forever be addicted to it. Is it too much to ask for the freedom to load what we want in our mobiles/devices, just like the freedom we have with the Desktops?

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By Venkatraman Balasubramanian – December 16, 2008

Secure OS | EAL 6+

Green Hills Software Inc has raised the bar for the Operating System Software Vendors. It is very nice to see their Commercial Operating System certified by the National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP), a U.S. government initiative operated by the National Security Agency (NSA), to Common Criteria Evaluation Assurance Level (EAL) 6+, High Robustness.

Green Hills Software Inc. Integrity RTOS EAL 6+ Certificate

Green Hills Software Inc. Integrity RTOS EAL 6+ Certificate

http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Green-Hills-Software-Inc-921108.html

The mainstream Operating System Software Vendors have been able to get only up to EAL 4+. This is pushes STOP 7 (EAL 5+) from BAE Systems as the Second Most Secured Operating System. It is interesting to note that WindRiver is also working in getting their VxWorks RTOS certified at EAL 6+.
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By Venkatraman Balasubramanian – November 27, 2008

Mac Retail Store in Chennai

Visiting a Apple Retail showroom was something that I missed after reloacating to Chennai from Denver, CO. With a very low coverage Apple sales network in Chennai, I recollect an experience trying to purchase a box product from a Mac store in Banglore from Chennai. Now with the new Reliance iStore open in Chennai (Reliance iStore, 89, Dr Radhakrishna Salai, Mylapore, Chennai – 600004), there could be a more Mac followers in Chennai too.

Pay a visit when you get a chance; its worth it. May be, in a short time, I can find a Mac User Group in Chennai; anyone interested?

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By Venkatraman Balasubramanian – November 23, 2008

STOP Genetic Modification

Genetic Modification issues are crossing its limits in INDIA. Too many vegetables are in final stages of GM trails. Now Brinjal (Eggplant) then what?

I am a firm believer of science and support scientific research. But why ayurvedic medicines? Modifying the medicinal plants like Brahmi, Jivanti, Aswaganda and Nilavembu are now being modified and are about to be released for open air field trial in the name of experiments.

Under various known circumstances, these open air trail are not conducted in quarantined areas. This can cause affect the current ecosystem in INDIA and chaos in new formulations can have severe ramifications.

Please raise your voice to STOP GENETICALLY MODIFYING MEDICINAL HERBS AND POLLUTING ANCIENT INDIAN MEDICINE SYSTEM.

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By Venkatraman Balasubramanian – November 7, 2008

Close to Moon

Wow…what a great feeling. Looking at the INDIAN achievement of making the first step towards the first step to Moon.

Successful launch of our 316 tonne PLSV-C11 into the space (around 3, 86,000 km from earth) has raised the bar of INDIAN outlook within the global space. In the progress, INDIA is looking forward to reach some great findings, including but not limited to Helium-3. Chandrayaan-1 is a great mission.

The Hindu: An international mission with India as captain.
The Times of India: Moon, here we come.

I bow to all those great scientist and fellow INDIANs instrumental in making this happen. Jai Hind.

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By Venkatraman Balasubramanian – October 23, 2008