UNHM will feature a discussion about emerging trends in technology presented by Janine Jacques, computer information systems lecturer, Thursday, May 4, 2006. “Technology Trends,” will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the third floor auditorium.

Some trends impact our lives substantially while other new gadgetry will simply amaze us. She will discuss the following technology:

• WiMax. In the fall of 2006, a new version of WiFi will be released. Envision this version as WiFi on Steroids. While WiFi can only transmit short distances of less than 1000 feet, WiMax is designed to broadcast the Internet up to 15 miles. Therefore one WiMax tower can broadcast the Internet for an entire city.
• VoIP. Voice over Internet Protocol has been evolving for some time. Vendors like Skype and Vonage will continue to gain market share while consumers benefit from lower prices and flexibility. There are as many disadvantages as there are advantages. Consumers need to be fully educated in both before they are lured by the cost savings.
• Open Source Software. Open source software is virtually free downloadable software that is available to anyone connected to the Internet. There is nothing new about Open Source except it is finally recognized as a viable solution to business systems and applications. More and more businesses are embracing open source as it has finally become reliable and secure. Learn how it has become integrated into valued business platforms.
• BioMetrics. Your hands, eyes, fingers, face are all unique to you and soon you will be using your unique fingerprint to make purchases at the local convenience store, gain entry to private areas and be expedited through airport security.
• Computer Crime. Criminals have a new image in 2006. They are no longer thugs with big muscles and slick hairstyles.  Hackers and crackers are white collar technologists that often earn high rewards for new illegal, electronic innovations. Computer crimes are more sophisticated, intrusive and transparent. Learn all about the new crime strategies, how to protect yourself from computer crime and what measures the government is taking to protect you and your private information.
• New Product Releases. As the world enters the era of technology, we will continue to see technology deliver efficiencies, education and entertainment. Jacques will describe a series of new gadgets and systems that are not only exciting but leave you wondering ‘What will they think of next’.
• RFID. Radio Frequency Identifiers are tracking devices that are currently being deployed in a number of industries and application. The future tracking opportunities deliver enormous benefits, yet issues relating to privacy are equally enormous. RFIDs are positioned to penetrate into our daily lives in the next few years. Learn about how they work, what they can track and why you should care.
• Outsourcing Jobs. The Internet has enabled us to create a global market place and a global work force. This is concerning to many Americans who fear job losses as a result of all types of work moving off-shore. From legal service, help desk support to tax preparation, learn what the recent statistics are relating to the number of jobs moving off-shore. What are the pros & cons, the lessons-learned and the future of OffShoring.
• Government & Technology. The government is struggling to create laws to protect information while at the same time recognizes the value of information sharing over the Internet. The face of crime has changed. Phishing, Pharming, and Identity Theft now span continents and are outside the jurisdiction of the United States. Computer forensics has become a necessity for stopping crime both on and offline. Learn how the government is creating new computer forensic labs through out the country, deploying surveillance systems and defining new penalties for computer crimes.

Jacques teaches database management, information security, systems analysis and design.  She is researching radio frequency identification (RFID) data management and information security. Previously, she has been active in researching the off shoring trend as it relates to IT professionals. Jacques is working toward her PhD at Nova Southeastern University.

The event is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact 603-641-4101.