• Free software flows
  Developers have realised that free versions - whether cut-down or time-limited - are an ideal way to get new users interested in their software, and that means network managers can get stuff done for a lot less money.
• Bandwidth management is here to stay
  With so many vendors pushing their different implementations, from Cisco downwards, we look at the future for bandwidth management, the need for standards, and the upcoming battle for control.
• Book review: No Lobbyists As Such
  The war between the open-source movement and the big software companies' lobbyists shook up the EU. One of the leading lights on the open-source, Florian Mueller, has now written a book detailing the fight so far ... and how it's far from over.
• Lessons learned from the NTP-RIM battle
  Blackberry lived on, but how do we deal with the next patent suit?
• SIP provides the unifying force for messaging
  You can do unified messaging without SIP, but it's not as easy, according to early users. That's why some argue that SIP is the key development that will make unified messaging practical - and cheaper too.
• Free code for sale: the new business of open source (part 2)
  Open source is becoming a vital piece of enterprise infrastructures -- and a a moneymaking proposition. Understanding those who sell and develop it is becoming a critical part of your job.
• The WAN plan
  WAN application acceleration might get all the headlines, but application performance is a problem on LANs too. Look out for LAN and WAN perfomance management to start converging this year.
• Free code for sale: the new business of open source (part 1)
  Open source is becoming a vital piece of enterprise infrastructures -- and a a moneymaking proposition. Understanding those who sell and develop it is becoming a critical part of your job.
• What is local authority wireless actually for?
  We all know the public sector wants wireless networks. But what applications are they planning, and why are they so important?
• Desktop Linux: If we build it, will they come?
  The Linux desktop remains elusive -- only now does it seem to be approaching the tipping point. Where is desktop Linux at the moment?
• Obsolete defined
  Why does the IT industry abandon technology that users are happy with? You think you know why -- but do you?
• Users lukewarm on Microsoft push e-mail
  Users and analyst agree. Push e-mail from Microsoft is a good idea, but so far Blackberry is more usable.
• Network managers grow wise to apps
  As everything gets networked, you can't rely anymore on the apps guys to do all the performance management.
• Cisco AON: Fight fire with fire
  AON hasn't set the world alight, so maybe what it needs is some rivals - with a petrol can.
• Tomorrow's forecast: blue skies and open source
  With increasing attention on open source, CIOs have many questions regarding its capabilities, viability and cost to the organisation. Here's why many are taking this route.
• Why the BlackBerry "blackout" isn't a crisis
  Even if RIM service is shut down, it's only in the US, and not for eight weeks.
• Microsoft's support lifecycle - built for business
  Microsoft spells out its patching and long-term support policies for the enterprise.
• CIOs upbeat on IT budgets
  IT budget growth estimates for the coming year increased again, according to the latest CIO Magazine Tech Poll.
• Looking ahead: the PC of 2007
  PCs enjoyed a better year in 2005 than most analysts had predicted but, in terms of groundbreaking new features, there wasn't much to cheer about last year.

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