Web 2.0 Encourages a Trend Toward Internet Appliances, Says Industry Expert
Enterprises have concerns about SaaS (Software as a Service) solutions, but desire the elegance and simplicity of Web 2.0. The answer for many is an Internet Appliance, according to industry expert Philip Callender of Phinza Pte Ltd.
Singapore (PRWEB) July 16, 2007
The popularity of Web 2.0 applications is driving users of Enterprise Level Applications towards an increased acceptance of Internet Appliances, according to recent comments from industry expert Philip Callender of Phinza Pte Ltd.
Said Callender: "Large Organizations want the benefit of the SaaS (Software as a Service) and Web 2.0 applications - namely, simplified installation and support - but are nervous about running important business applications over the Internet."
An Internet Appliance (sometimes referred to as a Server Appliance) is a server machine designed to run a specific application automatically, immediately from power up. Installation is simplified because there is no need to configure servers, or to install an operating system, database, or application software. In many cases, installing an Internet Appliance requires nothing more than taking it out of the box, plugging in power and network cables, then pressing the "on" button.
Mr. Callender commented: "The word we are hearing from the marketplace, is that large corporations have concerns about using SaaS (Software as a Service) solutions, for reasons of lack of control, uncertain security, and worries about the reliability and performance of the Internet. They want the benefits provided by Web 2.0 and SaaS service providers, but want to cut out the communications middle man - namely, the Internet. The solution in many cases is an Internet Appliance."
"Global businesses in particular are nervous about increasing their reliance on the Internet, especially after experiences of Christmas 2006 when an earthquake near Taiwan cut undersea cables. Communications around the pacific rim were crippled for days, and took weeks to return to normal. Many people are nervous now about relying on the Internet for important business tasks. The larger the company, and the more global their presence, the greater their degree of concern."
Mr Callender went on to state that Internet Appliances are a result of convergence between "Software that runs over there" (across the Internet), with "Software that runs here" (on a user's own machines). A properly designed Internet Appliance combines the efficient delivery of services provided by Web 2.0 with the performance and security of an in-house application.
For 20 years Mr Callender has been developing bespoke applications in the areas of Banking, Telecommunications, and Health Care, with a focus over the past ten years on Internet based solutions. His most recent venture is a company that produces a Web 2.0 ITIL (IT Infrastructure Library) solution for IT Asset and Service Management. "When we were choosing the technology behind Phinza, the ability to deploy as an Internet Appliance was a fundamental requirement - as it should be for anyone developing an Enterprise level application."
"Several development tools now allow the economical development of large scale browser based applications that can be deployed in a variety of configurations. Deployment as an appliance gives us cost efficiency and simplified installation, whilst retaining the speed and reliability of a traditional, locally installed application".
This week Phinza is releasing a cut down version of their comprehensive IT Asset and Service management solution, as an Internet Appliance. Phinza DCM (Data Center Management) is a product focused specifically on the needs of Data Centers, and includes comprehensive inventory management, change mangement, impact analysis, location and movement planning and tracking, and compliance monitoring. "We see Phinza DCM as just part of a larger movement within the IT community towards Internet Appliances".
When asked what he expects for the future, Mr Callender predicted further convergence, with a hybrid SaaS / Internet Appliance hosting model emerging over the next few years. "An SaaS solution provided using an ISP located Internet Appliance gives customers all the benefits of current SaaS solutions, but with more assured security and performance because it does not rely on the 'Internet-Cloud'. Over time the distinction between PC based, Intranet based, Internet based, and ISP based applications will become less clear."
Alternatively, a new type of service provider might provide access to hosted applications via your ISP but without communicating over the broader Internet, perhaps with the concept of a 'nearby-net' emerging.
"Of course, the largest organizations will always want to run their mission critical systems in-house and on their own servers".
About Phinza:
Phinza Pte Ltd (http://www. phinza. com (http://www. phinza. com)) is a provider of Internet Appliance based IT Management Solutions, developed using the Tooltwist development and customization toolset (http://www. tooltwist. com (http://www. tooltwist. com)).
Contact:
Aravind Naidu, director
Phinza Pte Ltd
+61 414 579 907
Http://www. phinza. com (http://www. phinza. com)
Http://www. tooltwist. com (http://www. tooltwist. com)
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