NBAR (Network Based Application Recognition)

Network Based Application Recognition (NBAR) is a mechanism that classifies and regulates bandwidth for network applications to ensure that available resources are utilized as efficiently as possible. Cisco Systems developed NBAR as part of its Content Networking platform for implementing intelligent network services.

NBAR allows network routers to recognize programs and take various actions based on that information. For example, a router might allocate all necessary bandwidth for mission-critical applications or flag low-priority, bandwidth-intensive applications for bandwidth throttling. The network administrator can view the mix of applications in use by the network at any given time and decide how much bandwidth to allow each application. (This regulation process is called bandwidth policing.)

Other capabilities of NBAR include:

• Optimizing multiple-service performance.
• Eliminating data-flow bottlenecks.
• Minimizing latency.
• Reducing or blocking spam.
• Detecting and blocking malware.
• Enhancing network security.
• Easy addition of new protocols.
• Reducing expenses and maximizing revenue.

One real-life example of NBAR in use was during the Code Red worm attacks of 2001. Most firewalls couldn't look into the HTTP data stream to identify Code Red traffic. However, implementation of NBAR made it possible to identify the suspect traffic and block access.

Source: www.whatis.techtarget.com

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Softcooling

Softcooling is a software-based method of computer component cooling, conducted either by adjusting component settings or by using softcooling products. The practice reduces system heat by decreasing the power used by the CPU, graphics card and motherboard when the computer is idle or under light use.

Softcooling typically reduces component power consumption by one or a combination of three methods:

• Undervolting: setting the processor core voltage lower than the default value specified by the manufacturer.

• Underclocking: setting the processor speed lower than that specified by the manufacturer. (This is the opposite of overclocking.)

• Controlling halt instructions: turning off inactive components or putting them in standby mode.

A home user might use softcooling to improve hardware function. For example, undervolting a laptop can keep it cooler and extend battery life. In a data center, softcooling can reduce power costs and help control ambient temperature. The practice can also save hardware and maintenance costs: Computer parts that overheat usually have a shorter life span and may not work reliably. Network administrators can install softcooling software on both servers and desktops. As a rule, the end user should not be aware of any reduction in computing power.

source: www.whatis.techtarget.com

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Virtual Flopply Disk

A virtual floppy disk is an alternative to the traditional floppy that exists as a file rather than physical media. A virtual floppy is mounted to the same drive letter (A:) and accessed in the same way but is actually a disk image stored as a file on the hard drive.

Virtual floppy disks are used for a number of reasons. Although many manufacturers are no longer including floppy drives on computers and fewer retailers are selling floppy disks, some software installation processes still require their use. Other uses include partitioning a hard drive, accessing the command line prompt and transfering files between virtual machines. Some people prefer to use virtual floppies simply because they are easier to manage - there is no physical media to get damaged or lost.
A virtual floppy disk can be created by copying a physical disk to an image file.

There are also a number of programs, such as Diskcopy, Virtual Floppy Drive (VFD) and Floppy Image Creator, that can create a virtual floppy in the absence of a physical disk (or, possibly, the absence of a computer with a floppy disk drive).

Source: http://whatis.techtarget.com

Distribution Mangement System (DMS)

I was invited to attend a product demo on DMS (Distribution Management System). The system was presented by the DMS Group from Serbia. DMS is a program used to manage electric distribution networks. This system provides a schematic and geographic presentation of the electric distribution network. Large DMS systems provide interfaces to SCADA Systems (Supervisory Control and Data Aquisition Systems), GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and OMS (Outage Management Systems). The product demo was conducted by Nenad Katic - the groups sales manager.


DMS Structure

The DMS provides a high-quality realization of all electrical engineering tasks in a DC, including monitoring, operation management and planning, optimization and incidents analyses, control and network development planning. SCADA was one of the first systems developed to enhance distribution automation. It consists of computer software, hardware and telecommunications equipment. SCADA is used for remote monitoring, centralized acquisition of substation data (measuring, alarms and statuses of switches), remote operation of switchgear and remote setting of local control devices (relay protection and voltage/reactive power control).

DMS software consists of DataBase, a DMS server that integrates all components, user interfaces and DMS analytical functions. Many DCs in Serbia and throughout the world now use DMS software produced by the DMS Group Ltd. (Serbia and Montenegro, office@dmsgroup.co.yu.). The system encompasses power analytical calculations and optimization, providing the tools necessary for efficient monitoring, management and design of distribution systems.

The DataBase is a software system necessary for operation of all other DMS software components, as well as for several other DC technical tasks, including maintenance and trouble call management. DataBase is implemented as a Relational Data Base Management System (RDBMS) and consists of three basic parts:

• Static data (electric parameters, history of the load, state and network topology).

• Slowly varying data (changes of switchgear statuses, control devices settings).

• Periodically varying data (values of state variable — measurements, alarms).

DMS Server is implemented as an Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) for Process Control (OPC) server. It integrates a real-time OPC server, an historical OPC server and an ODBC (Open DataBase Connectivity) gateway for DataBase access. The DMS Server provides multi-user operation for a large number of users over the same set of real-time data or DataBase data; open architecture of the system that offers full connectivity with different SCADA systems and DataBases; enhanced support for real-time operation and fully automated control room operations.

User interfaces are the software tools necessary for the application of DMS Software. The most important user interfaces are:

Distribution Network Builder (DNB) is the main front-end application for DB editing. This editor enables efficient editing and overview of all data about the distribution network. It provides a multi-user and user-friendly, fully graphical environment for DB browsing and editing. DNB is capable of editing alphanumeric as well as graphic data — schematic and geographic schemes.

Dynamic Mimic Diagram (DMD) is a multi-user graphical (schematic and geographical) user interface for visualization of the distribution system, and efficient managing and monitoring of the distribution system state. It is a modern replacement for the old wall-diagram schemes. DMD clients are provided with views of distribution network, SCADA view of all substations and technical data on every element.

DMS Analytical Functions System is the most sophisticated component of the DMS. Its foundation is the mathematical model of the distribution network, Network Model. It transforms the distribution network elements (transformers, lines and switchgear) into scaled, normalized equivalent circuits (mathematical models of elements) and graphs. These graphs provide efficient processing of the topology, state and performances of the distribution network. Network Model provides the basic platform for integration and running of all other DMS analytical functions. DMS analytical functions are classified into four groups:

• Preparatory analytical functions (Network Model, Topology Analyzer, Load Calibration, Load Forecasting).

• Analytical functions (Load Flow, Fault Calculation, Reliability Analysis, State Estimation, Circuit Breakers/Fuses Capacity, Performance Indices, Motor Start).

• Basic analytical functions (Under-load Switching, Voltage Control, Relay Protection, Supply Restoration, Network Reconfiguration, Capacitor Placement, Energy Losses, Volt/VAR Control, Switching Sequence Management, Security Assessment, Maintenance Scheduling, Load Management, RTU Placement, Network Reinforcement, Network Development).

• Composite analytical functions (Operation Improvement, Fault Management, Network Scanner, Dispatcher Training Simulator).

Source: Transmission and Distribution World Magazine

General Public License (GPL)

The GNU General Public License, often shortened for GNU GPL (or simply GPL), lists the terms and conditions for copying, modifying and distributing free software. The GPL was created by Richard Stallman in order to protect GNU software from being made proprietary. It is a specific implementation of his "copyleft" concept. According to Stallman, copyleft is a derivative from copyright law that serves "the opposite of its usual purpose: instead of a means of privatizing software, it means of keeping the software free." (The name was taken from a humorous slogan, "Copyleft -- all rights reversed.")

The first term of the GPL states that programmers may freely copy and distribute verbatim copies of a software program's source code, under the condition that each copy displays a copyright notice, disclaimer warranty, intact GPL notices, and a copy of the GPL. The second term of the GPL, which deals with modification and redistribution of software, requires the same conditions as the first, along with notification of any changes made to the software.

The GPL itself is under the copyright ownership of the Free Software Foundation (FSF), a tax-exempt charity organization founded by Stallman's GNU project in order to generate funding for free software development.

source: www.whatis.com

Anti-money Laundering Software (AML)

Anti-money laundering (AML) software is a type of computer program used by financial institutions to analyze customer data and detect suspicious transactions.
AML systems filter customer data, classify it according to level of suspicion and flags it for for inspection for anomalies. Such anomalies include any sudden or substantial increase in funds or a large withdrawal, and structuring - depositing multiple smaller amounts with in a certain period that sums up to a large amount.
The software flags these transaction. The software mines the data and flagged suspect transaction and generate the report, which is evaluated or will be subject for investigation and call the customer, if necessary.

Reference: http://searchfinancialsecurity.techtarget.com