Enterprise freebies get serious

Like it or not, free software is powering the enterprise, so get comfortable with SaaS, Google Gears, Adobe AIR, application virtualisation, and free apps from scores of start-ups and big-name vendors, or get left behind, reports Information Week.

Why are corporate-issue PCs so locked down? Enterprise PCs have to offer stability and security first with flexibility coming in a distant third.

Allowing free rein for users to download free software can upset the delicate balance between core applications and the operating system, resulting in system slowdowns and intermittent crashes.

Infosys Technologies worked with Bekins Van Lines to successfully transform its enterprise application architecture to support new business channels and growth opportunities, according to The Hindu Business Line.

Bekins is one of the largest North American integrated networks and provides services for movement of household, tradeshow, high-value and military goods.

Working closely with Infosys, Bekins simultaneously modernised all critical operational quote-to-cash logistics systems from a 25 year-old legacy platform to a service-oriented architecture workflow-based system in only 18 months while maintaining business continuity, a release stated.

SafeMashups, an application authentication company, has unveiled the first trust infrastructure for mashups, according to PRNewswire.

The core of its offering is the breakthrough MashSSL standard, which, based on the proven cryptography of SSL, enables applications to mutually authenticate each other before "mashing up".

The MashSSL Web Toolkit enables developers to easily integrate MashSSL into any application, and the SafeMashups Community Service provides a free, online authorisation service.