For a Computer Weekly Social Media Award…

Which is kind of cool and I’d really appreciate you taking 5 minutes (probably less) to vote here for Simon-May.com which is listed in the IT Professional section, although I’d also like you to vote for Rich.

There’s been much discussion on the “devpro” email list about a “Community lunch” following the MVP Open Day on Saturday December 11th.  The discussion is about location London or Reading and the answer isn’t yet clear.

The idea of the lunch is to get Community Leaders and MVPs together for a good old chin wag about all things community and to have a bit of pre-Christmas Holiday Season fun.  I’d personally like to meet everyone and so would Claire (the new MVP lead).
The advantage of Reading is two fold; Some MVPs will be there naturally as they will have stayed over Friday evening and secondly, Claire has some money if the day is in Reading - the reason that she doesn’t have it if we need to travel into London is that we’ve both got families who would like to see us (I actually also have to get to a fancy dressed party wearing pijamas, a dressing gown and carrying a towl – yes Arthur Dent from Hitchickers, I digress…)

The advantage of London is that lots of people have to travel via London in some way or live there or can get there more easily than Reading.

So I thought I’d post a poll, it’s limited to 100 responses (but I can add a 2nd poll if I see it fill up fast with no clear winner).

Last weekend I went to a fantastic event, SharePoint Saturday, which was the first time the UK SharePoint community had gotten together on a Saturday in the UK.  It was brilliant, well organised, the speakers rocked the content rocked.  There will be more on how great the event was soon.  This post isn’t about that, not directly.  One of the presenters* said something along the lines “if you put your data in the cloud it will be subject to the Patriot Act, [which is a US law]”.  That’s not verbatim but it’s close.  I announced that he was wrong…

So which one of us right or wrong?  Neither of us.

Just like the picture, it doesn’t work well in black and white.

I took away a public action to find out what the deal was, if you use cloud services can the US government get access to it?

The frame for the picture

Most countries have wide-ranging powers for law enforcement agencies to obtain intelligence for criminal investigatory and anti-terrorist purposes. The UK certainly does. There are wide powers to obtain data for national security reasons and the prevention and detection of crime. The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 is one such UK law. The Patriot Act is the US equivalent.

What does this Patriot Act do?

Basically, it’s intended as an anti-terror law to allow the US Federal Government to respond rapidly to a threat using legal means. The effect of it would be that in some circumstances the US authorities may be able to obtain data belonging to a UK cloud customer residing in a data center of a US cloud provider. However, the Patriot Act is neither the saviour nor demon it has been portrayed to be. Rather, it is a collection of amendments to existing laws that seek to enhance public safety. In certain instances, law enforcement’s tasks are made easier and communications data is more readily accessible.

So, can the U.S. government demand access to my information hosted on a cloud provider’s servers?

Any company with a presence in the U.S. is obligated to respond to a valid demand for information from the U.S. government – regardless of the location of that information.  That is not to say that the U.S. government has unfettered access to customer information as it still must follow the tough legal standards set out in the Electronic Communications Privacy Act and others laws relating to its access to electronic information before it can gain access. This obligation to comply with subpoenas or court orders from the U.S. government applies equally to Microsoft, its competitors in the U.S. and any foreign corporation with a sufficient presence in the U.S.

Microsoft is sensitive to the fact that companies want to control the parties to whom their information is disclosed and believes that its customers should control their own information. Accordingly, if law enforcement approaches Microsoft directly for information hosted on its systems for its enterprise customers, Microsoft will unless prohibited by law redirect law enforcement to the customer.

Microsoft will only provide customer records where it is legally required to do so and will limit the production to only that information which it is required to disclose.

In the event that Microsoft received what it believed to be an unlawful or otherwise invalid request for data from the U.S. government, U.S. law provides mechanisms for a provider to challenge a subpoena, court order, or search warrant. If necessary, Microsoft’s legal compliance lawyers will directly contact the requesting law enforcement agency to explain the issue and seek a resolution that adequately addresses Microsoft’s concerns.

Obviously if law enforcement want access to your data locally they can always get it by obtaining a warrant or subpoena to legally gain access.  A fairly crude analogy to this would be that when you host your data on your own property and on your own servers the doors could be bashed in for law enforcement to access your data, if Microsoft holds your data in our data center then law enforcement have to knock on Microsoft’s door first, we then ensure that they only get access to what they have a legal right to access.

This sounds overly complicated, what’s going on to fix this situation?

Our industry as a whole recognises these challenges and is lobbying governments to deliver clarity. A balance needs to be struck between protecting users’ data whilst enabling law enforcement to have the tools they need.   One of the things I love about technology is the speed of development and in this case it totally outpaces the law which is a problem but one that will eventually be resolved – eventually we’ll get to full colour and HD, right now we have grey scale.  That leads to the idea of risk.

So what should I do and what’s the risk?

The issues should always be understood in relation to the overall business opportunity The UK data protection regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office, has specifically referred to a customer taking the Patriot Act into account in its necessary due diligence as part of any outsourcing. Needless to say, this does not mean that a US cloud provider should not be used. In many and perhaps most circumstances, there will be no real problem. Greater care will be needed perhaps when the data is particularly sensitive.

What if I want my data back, does Microsoft own it.

You own it, it’s yours not ours, we aren’t even allowed to access it.  Your data always remains your data Microsoft absolutely don’t have any claim to it and as we say in the contract you will always have access to your data through the normal feature-set of the service.  That means you can migrate your data away from our offerings again if you wish.  (I’m pretty confident you won’t and if you do I’d love to know why).

I’m still freaked that the US Government could get to my data

Many people wonder what the U.S. government can do with data it receives through these laws and legal procedures. U.S. privacy protections ensure that evidence obtained through investigative means can only be used for official purposes and generally cannot be used for purposes beyond the scope of the investigation. So if industrial espionage is where your mind is taking you need to remember that the risks are very low for you and the price is very high for the other person.

It’s worth noting that the U.S. does not share with U.S. businesses any data it collects through investigations. In fact, there are criminal and civil penalties for such unlawful disclosures.

In truth, the U.S has a very mature and detailed legal regime for restricting government access to data. Privacy protections begin with the U.S. Constitution and extend to federal and state laws protecting health care and financial records, electronic communications, and other kinds of information. Unfortunately, such things as the debate over the Patriot Act have had a negative effect on perceptions of data privacy and data security in the U.S.

Summary

To get to the full colour HD version of the truth about the issues of data security around cloud you need to understand the issues specific to your situation. Microsoft’s cloud offerings may very well provide you with far more cost effective options than you use for on premise solutions, but equally on premise solutions have their place. Change is a constant in this industry and being well armed to understand the complexity like this is now part of an IT Professionals role, you don’t always need to know the answers but you need to be able to ask the right questions, such as “what’s my data being used for and by whom” and to help make informed choices based on the answers.

As I was investigating this I came across another term that’s specific to people within the EU, “Safe Harbour”, which is actually not related to the Patriot Act but I think it’s worthy of a post in the future.

Try BPOS or Azure with a trial account to determine if it fits your business’s needs.

I’m currently getting into my eReaders trying to find a way to learn all the stuff I need to learn without humping big books about.  I was interested to note that one of my favourite series of books, the Administrator’s Pocket Consultants (available for most of our stuff) area available in the iPhone App Store.  I think that’s quite cool, you could have a device in your pocket with all the answers you need.

I was a Microsoft Partner Network event yesterday and a guy called Matt (sorry I didn’t get your second name) gave me a new porridge flavour sensation suggestion.  He’d seen the light and tried peanut butter and honey but he added his own unique twist.

Cinnamon

Awesome just got awesomer.  Here it is in all it’s glory this morning.

Back at the Media Center user group event earlier this year I had the chance to talk to Eddy Caroll from Amulet about their very cool new Windows Media Center remote.  It’s the remote I’ve been most looking forward to ever since.  Simply put it’s awesome.  Basically it does everything any learning remote does, except that you can control Media Center in a very granular and fine controlled way by speaking to it.  It’s now been submitted to the FCC for approval, which means it’s not far off…

Amulet voice control Windows Media Center remote hits the FCC – Ian Dixon’s Blog – TDL – The Digital Lifestyle.com – digital lifestyle community

Weezer have released a new album, Hurley that I’ve added to my download list.

1. Because it has a picture of Hurley from Lost on the front cover (I’m not a LOST fan but I like the thought)
2. Because my Windows 95 CD had Buddy Holly by Weezer on the CD and I love it.  By the way I love Ninja Tuna by MrScruff which is in Windows 7.

Hurley by Weezer via Uncrate

Veyron 16.4 Super Sport on Cool Hunting

I love this, as found by James via Reddit

Shawn Stussy’s d’man when it comes finding cool retro stuff.  I’m loving the idea.

Shawn Stussy’s Blog: August 2010

This really appealed to me, not because of the IE but because it reminded me of my classical Latin class where I learnt this.  It wasn’t as fun as Oatmeal.

I love good coffee, what geek doesn’t.  I’m also short on time and when running out the door one of these would rock.  Also the big thing with these is that it’s dishwasher safe…most of those travel mugs aren’t.

Note to people looking to buy me presents – this colour is good.

Travel Coffee Maker | The Office Stylist

This is all kinds of awesome.  The Goonies 25th Anniversary Collector’s Edition via Uncrate.

MyFord Touch Preview July 2010 from Cool Hunting shows just how much like KIT you can make your car these days.  I wish we had this in the UK.

We all love the 80’s but is there anything better than a Back to the Future hover board.  No.  So here one is.  Working.  With laser guidance.

Dornob has the skinny: The Future is Back: Real-Life, High-Tech Hoverboard Design

I love my Sony camera and I’m intrigued that Sony made the only kit up to this job.  Just like Microsoft Made the only software up to the job.  Above is a still taken from the unbelievably deeeeep and immersive panoramic photo from Budapest that broke all records.  It’s amazing, go look.  Also it’s hosted on Azure and delivered in Silverlight.

70 Billion Pixels Budapest – The largest photo on Earth – created by 360world.eu

Or plaster for us British folk.  Simple solution, fun.  Not compatible with Windows Phone 7 (or any other phone on the market)

[via: Apple Bumper | The Office Stylist and available to buy from Antenn-aid on Etsy]

How would you like a phone made of wood?  How about a PC?  How about anything, like this helmet?  Technaro a German company that makes plastics from a wood has a product called ARBOFORM that is made from  100% renewable materials and works just like a plastic.  So even wooden components like printed circuit boards are possible.

[via: Dornob]

I’m pretty sure this is the coolest watch ever created….more so than the TAG Monaco…

Horological Machine No4 Thunderbolt on Cool Hunting

Dieter Rams’ 10 principles of good design.  Five is important.

1. Good design is innovative.
2. Good design makes a product useful.
3. Good design is aesthetic.
4. Good design makes a product understandable.
5. Good design is unobtrusive.
6. Good design is honest.
7. Good design is long-lasting.
8. Good design is thorough down to the last detail.
9. Good design is environmentally friendly.
10. Good design is as little design as possible.

Ten principles for good design via David Airey, graphic designer

[image from Arch Tonic]

I like maple syrup.  I like bacon.  I like coffee.  Not so sure about the 3 together…

Maple Bacon Coffee on Uncrate

Very nice retro digital watches…Cool hunting has the deets

Raised by Wolves x Furni Digital Watch on Cool Hunting

The man’s done it again, how does James find this awesome stuff….

Bat(man) On Fire | Tenniswood Blog

This is a superb video of just why it’s critically important to have a great team behind you.  Be brilliant at what you do, rely on and be appreciative of the value those around you add.  Reminds me of most IT Pros.

Via James: Tenniswood Blog

Sometimes all I seem to do is reblog James’ finds… oh well, very nice.

Walk the tube | Tenniswood Blog

One for @Deepfat, he’d love this…Water Walking Ball, via Uncrate

The end of manned space missions feels like another step back but photo’s like this are a nice side effect.  Unemployed Astronauts from Gizmodo, via James Tenniswood (king of design cool)

The guys over at Download Squad just blogged this and the name says it all.  It’s the ultimate task scheduler and get stuff done app for geeks.

This is some super cool packaging, superb typography and very fine humour.  Wish it were real…

No Weight Gain Chocolate | David Airey, graphic designer

I just can’t believe the size of this HD display 6800+ ft.  Massive.  More here:

http://3rings.designerpages.com/2010/06/30/daktronics-hd-video-board-lights-up-the-n-f-l/#axzz0sQyLVQLX

OK, I don’t actually believe I’m going to change the world, I’m not six.  I am however going to join a company who’s products I like a lot and who’s people have inspired me.  Things here might change, I have a plan or two up my sleeve.

The above image is courtesy of the magnificent @gapingvoid aka Hugh MacLeod, genius business card cartoonist.  I hope he won’t mind me using it, his work can be found here my favourite product is his wine.

I love this video that SwissMiss found

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYjFoCIfyAU&feature=player_embedded

swissmiss | Andy Murray Tennis Street Magic.

The Oatmeal is genius and I love and painfully remember this…

What I remember most about LEGOs – The Oatmeal.

I really want this stamp!

We “Like” You! | The Office Stylist.

Yeah this is just cool.

Cool Wall Mirrors: Aviator Style | The Office Stylist.

Kinect is the new name for project Natal.  I just can’t wait.

I’ve always liked mind mapping, helped me get through lots of exams and provides a nice way to think clearly.  An interesting take on task lists by Chris Brogan Stay on Target.

This is amazing…Snoop Dog with a light sabre, Daft Punk with R2 and C3PO, Noel Gallagher and Beckham and storm troopers…very cool.

Adidas Cantina 2010 « Whitezine | inspire Create and Share.

Love Lego, Love this: Patchwork Orange: Art of Fixing Buildings with LEGO Blocks | Designs & Ideas on Dornob.

The Windows Live Essentials set of tools from Microsoft is being updated very soon, as are the online components like Hotmail.  LiveSide.net have a super breakdown and highlight of the features that are coming.

I really love the Multitouch Support that they say is going to be added to Photo Gallery – I think it’s the best application in a tool set ALL of which are essential!  I also really like the facial recognition feature that should make tagging up photo’s a whole lot easier.

Wave 4: What’s New in Windows Live Essentials – LiveSide.net.

Doornob have found a great house that’s really hiding an aircraft hanger in side, and that’s not even the best bit.  The front porch opens up transformers style to reveal the plan.  Great design.  Have a look at doornob for the full details and video.

Home Opener: Huge Garage Door Hides Whole Plane Hangar | Designs & Ideas on Dornob.

Things have been slow for a while, but using the power of in flight Wi-Fi, I’ve just found the time to update my press comments page with some rescent stories.  So here they are.

More coming soon.  By the way, I’ve done some playing with the iPad and it’s a great device and I think it’s a great forerunner for the tablet / slate space.

A few weeks ago I posted a (scathing)* comment on Logitech’s approach to getting customer feedback.  I was annoyed as a long time customer about a UI frustration that I felt was misleading.  Brilliantly, Logitech have fixed it.  Great work. 

It’s nice to be listened to, it’s mega customer service and a great example of how to engage in this space.  Well done guys.

Mr Rogers, thank you.

I going to place my Logitech Harmony 1100 order now.

*ok I admit it I was kind of over the top.

Synergy allows you to use one keyboard and mouse across multiple systems and they don’t even have to be the same OS.  Well it’s just been updated with a new project on Google Code called Synergy+.  This is an essential application for me.  The list of bugs that have been fixed is quite long too and it’s fantastic to see updates to this brilliant concept

.

James has a superb step by step on how to make one of the best looking keyboards work with Windows 7.  I’m jealous he owns one.

How to pair an Apple Wireless Keyboard with Windows 7

Sarah’s written a great and very, very, comprehensive article for On10.net about all the different options for watching TV in Windows Media Center without a TV tuner, she covers:

• Hulu
• PlayOn
• Boxee
• SecondRunTV
• TunerFree
• TubeCore
• ZeeVee
• SkyPlayer

Wow, it’s impressive there are so many options…

Simon May

SkyDrive from Microsoft offers everyone 25gb of cloud storage for free, it’s the same space that’s used by Live Photo Gallery to create online photos and it’s exceptionally useful.

If you’re using the Office 2010 beta you’ll find that it’s super simple to publish directly to your SkyDrive and from there you can share with other people or just use it for your own storage.

Those without Office 2010 can also make use of the storage by “mapping a drive” to it, basically assigning a drive letter, just like a USB drive in cloud to it.  First off you’ll need to register if you’ve not then you can download software like Gladinet or SkyDrive explorer.

There’s a new kid on the block today though, Mike Plate has discovered how to connect to SkyDrive directly from Windows 7, no extra software required.  I’ve just tried it and it works a treat!

How to connect to SkyDrive with WebDAV – and my Office 2010 awakening – Mike Plate.

According to the New York Times a group called DECE (Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem) is planning an announcement at CES about their plans to make content (Movies specifically) available in any format you choose once you’ve bought a single license to own it.  So you buy it once on DVD, and get the right to make copies, download it for mobile or even in a hotel suite if you choose and you only pay once…sounds too good to be true doesn’t it?

This might actually work though, there are big, big names signed up including Microsoft and all the biggest film studios (there is a notable exception) are signed on and at CES the group will announce that membership has grown and includes vendors like Tesco and Best Buy along with Netflix and some other big names.

This could work.

The way it will work might cause problems though, but that’s just detail surely?  The mechanics basically requires an online vault that stores your license for content and it checked against every time you want to use some kind of content….Ok this is all gong to go down to the mechanics isn’t it?  Hopefully with the whole life cycle (except the consumer?) represented in the chain we’ll see something workable.  Or we might see another DRM.

But this could work.  I’m sceptical but I’d love to be proved wrong, I’d really like the distributor to take over the burden of remuxing, transcoding, covnerting and the admin I have to do around content.

The big names not at the table, Apple and Disney.

[via TiPB]

Last week suffered a close family bereavement hence very little activity here (and elsewhere) of late, but things should get back on track quite soon.  I’m working on an interesting little software project and have some creative things bubbling in the back of my mind.  Normal service will resume soon.

Until then I thought I’d take a moment to update my press quotations page with most of my comments from 2009 and also to highlight this excellent tool for managing Windows 7 libraries, http://zornsoftware.talsit.info/?p=3.  TIP: It even lets you change the icons with a couple of clicks and to add network locations.  Great stuff.

The Xbox beta program is looking for more participation according to Major Nelson.  Requirements etc. are located here, and as always there’s no guarantee that you’ll be accepted to the Beta (Gold Members have a better chance) but there’s some interesting stuff in this Beta, especially the Zune video store.  Although you might want to get the chat pad before you try twittering from your Xbox controller…