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December 31, 2004
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In This Edition
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David Coursey: The Coursey Report
1. Tsunami Warning Systems Need Major Work
2. Microsoft in 2005
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David Coursey: The Coursey Report
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Tsunami Warning Systems Need Major Work
We will start 2005 on a sad note, as the aftermath of the
Great Sumatra Earthquake continues to unfold. Early in the
disaster, media attention focused on the Indian Ocean's lack
of a tsunami warning like that used in the Pacific region. I
wrote a column, based on my experience as an emergency
management volunteer, wondering how valuable such a network
really is.
In the case of the Indian Ocean, I heard a scientist from
Caltech on the BBC talking about how major tsunamis occur on
the order of once every 300 years. (Listen to the "Plates
Interview" down on the page). It would be interesting to
study how many lives such a system might have saved in this
case. In a region with poor communication, transportation,
and education, I am doubtful it would have much changed the
outcome.
http://ct.enews.eweek.com/rd/cts?d=186-1486-20-86-22237-165582-0-0-0-1
A warning system might have been able to trigger warning
sirens on resort beaches or generate other alerts for
tourists, but the average resident of these low-lying
regions would still be caught by surprise.
The Caltech scientist said he'd recently been placing
posters in Sumatra explaining the risk of tsunami and
warning residents that when they feel an earthquake they
should head for higher ground. This might be fine in areas
close to the quake, but I wonder how many people in Sri
Lanka and India noticed the earthquake it at all or would
have considered it sufficient warning to take action? I am
thinking the number would be on the order of none.
As a result of this tragedy, I bet the Indian Ocean gets a
warning system. Millions will be spent on it and people
will, for a time, feel more secure. But the fundamental
problems of communication, transportation, and education
will still exist. I wonder if the money might save more
lives if spent on something else.
If you want to help the tsunami's millions of victims, the
best way is to send cash. Having been involved with one of
the major disaster charities, let me assure you these groups
don't need your old clothing, blankets, or whatever. These
are too difficult to sort and ship. Further, the money can
be spent, when possible, in the local economies of the
afflicted areas, something that is very important to help
get these communities back on their feet.
MSN has a page of organizations seeking donations.
http://ct.enews.eweek.com/rd/cts?d=186-1486-20-86-22237-165585-0-0-0-1
I can't vouch for most of these groups, but have in the past
supported the Red Cross (American and International
Federation), UNICEF, and the Salvation Army.
Tsunami Warning Systems Need Major Work
http://ct.enews.eweek.com/rd/cts?d=186-1486-20-86-22237-165588-0-0-0-1
Wireline Works as Fallback When Disaster Strikes
http://ct.enews.eweek.com/rd/cts?d=186-1486-20-86-22237-165591-0-0-0-1
Computer System Might Have Reduced Tsunami Toll
http://ct.enews.eweek.com/rd/cts?d=186-1486-20-86-22237-165594-0-0-0-1
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Microsoft in 2005
Two year-ender columns on Microsoft this week. The first, a
mild suggestion that Redmond ought to buy Symantec and start
giving its security software away. After all, Microsoft's
customers didn't cause these problems, so why should they
bear the brunt of paying for them? I'm not holding my
breath, but we need to ratchet-up the pressure on Microsoft
to provide relief of some sort.
I'm Sick of Fighting Redmond's Battles
http://ct.enews.eweek.com/rd/cts?d=186-1486-20-86-22237-165597-0-0-0-1
The second column explored how Microsoft technology might
evolve. Or be held back by Microsoft's installed base. It
would be smart for Microsoft to offer a next-generation OS
that sacrifices backward-compatibility, if it must, for a
more modern and forward-thinking architecture.
A Peek Under Microsoft's Secret 'Bigtop'
http://ct.enews.eweek.com/rd/cts?d=186-1486-20-86-22237-165600-0-0-0-1
Does Microsoft's 'Bigtop' Plan Hint at New Direction?
http://ct.enews.eweek.com/rd/cts?d=186-1486-20-86-22237-165603-0-0-0-1
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Best Wishes for the New Year
While the world is filled with much sorrow as we close the
calendar for 2004, there is still much to be thankful for.
For me, that includes the support I've received from my
readers and industry friends in 2004, the fine people at
Ziff Davis that I work with, and, of course, my family and
friends.
I hope that all your dreams come true in 2005.
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