Data Center Consolidation

In 2011, data center consolidation is easy.

"For too long, the Federal Government allowed the American people’s hard-earned tax dollars to fund ineffective and duplicative projects, failing to leverage advances in technology to achieve savings. The result is that taxpayer dollars have been wasted. This should never be tolerated, but particularly with the tough fiscal situation, it’s unacceptable. It’s time that we live within our means, cut the waste too prevalent in Washington, and live up to our responsibility to the American people."

I agree. The above statement was made in the context of eliminating about 40% of the federal data centers. Let's not stop there.

I've reviewed the original presentation and the recent update. No where does it mention staff reductions (unless it is some political-speech/code that I don't understand.)

IT Reforms 25 Point Plan (PDF)
IT Reforms 25 Point Plan - Progress Report (PowerPoint)

Seriously, with virtualization, cloud based computing, and ubiquitous internet access the decision to retire, consolidate, and outsource is not difficult. To truly become lean, they need to get rid of people. That's the tough call to make. It sucks. Lives are impacted. If you don't get rid of some jobs, then you can't expect real change to occur. Industry learned this lesson long ago. Adopt the technology of 2011 and the business practices of the 80's.

Baofeng UV-3R: The Manual

*** UPDATE (2011-06-02): New download link is here.

*** UPDATE (2011-05-31): There is a newer version of the manual available. ***
*** UPDATE (2011-05-31): Information about the updated manual is here. ***

There have been a lot of posts about the manual being incomplete and/or just plain wrong. Since I don't have my radio, I can't confirm that this one is incorrect, but just a heads up.

Baofeng UV-3R Manual

It isn't easy being Green.

I have no idea why it matters what color the bullets are.

Baofeng UV-3R: Rainbow of Colors

I was surprised to see the color options on the Baofeng website. I think I could help then out. I should go into marketing..

Git 'R Done Camo Green
Police Blue
Fire Engine Red
Submarine Yellow
Tactical Black

Baofeng UV-3R: The Company

Finding Baofeng's website was a little harder than a typical Google search. It helps if you know the actual name of the company: Fujian Nan'an Baofeng Electronics Co., Ltd.



Here you can find the Baofeng UV-3R product page.

And here is the basic information about the company.

Fujian Nan'an Baofeng Electronics Co., Ltd. specializes in the research, manufacturing, and marketing of communication products. Founded in 1993, we now have over 300 employees and operate two manufacturing plants.

Baofeng is committed to offering efficient service and products of reliable quality and ultimate performance. Having positioned Baofeng as one of the leading wireless solution providers, current product lines include long-range cordless phones and transceivers.

We insist on developing our company by advancing technologies. Our R&D team has greatly contributed to the success of our products. Under efficient management and strict quality control, we regularly introduce new items to meet the demands of the rapidly changing market.

I have a friend in China and I've asked him if he can find out anything about Baofeng other than the information posted on the web. It's a small country. He probably knows the Baofeng CEO.

Programming Note

Apologies to those who aren't interested in the new radio I keep posting about. It really has me intrigued and there doesn't seem to be a lot of information out there - at least not in the US. Most of my sources have been in the UK. I suspect we'll get back to your normally scheduled random drivel shortly.

Colbert on Atlas Shrugged Part 1

The Colbert Report
Tags: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

I had not seen the Rotten Tomatoes rating - currently at 13%. I will admit it was not the best film I had ever seen, but I think this rating represents more than people's views of the actual movie.

Baofeng UV-3R: Yahoo Group

I was just wondering if anyone was going to create a Yahoo group for the UV-3R. A quick search and, of course, there is one: Baofeng UV-3R Yahoo Group.

My next pondering is why the Yahoo groups are so popular with the ham radio crowd.

Baofeng UV-3R Review: DENMONKEY YouTube Follow-Up

DENMONKEY addresses some questions that resulted from his first video.

Baofeng UV-3R Review: Eden Valley Radio Society Forum

M5TXJ has a review of the Baofeng UV-3R on the Eden Valley Radio Society Forum.

Overall, another positive review. I won't repeat everything he says, but he sums up:

"Pros
Size, price, performance, dial locks by pressing down, charging battery in situ, clear display, simple menu system, long battery life, reasonable power output, did I say price!

Cons
instructions don't match updated firmware, no dual band aerial, slightly poor fit of battery cover."

Some of the sellers are now offering a dual band antenna instead of including both a UHF and a VHF antenna. Since I don't use 440, if I get slightly better performance out of the VHF specific antenna on 2M, then that's a win for me.

I'll say it again - the barrier to entry, from a cost perspective, to ham radio is very low. I suggested that someone could spend $15 to get their license and then use Echolink from a phone or PC to "get on the air." If you want to play radio with a real rig, a $55 UV-3R would go a long way. (Of course, some people spend a lifetime and small fortune on ham gear.)