Abstract: An approach for protecting (e.g., insuring) against data loss (e.g., due to SLA failures) in a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment) is provided. In a typical embodiment, a risk table is created that associates cloud/solution providers with a corresponding risk factor and a cost of insuring the providers based on the risk factors. The risk factors are typically calculated using historical data that is based on (among other things), each provider's historical capability of honoring SLA terms, expected performance levels, etc. In any event, each provider may be associated with a cost of insuring that provider against failing to perform/process one or more future jobs/workloads. This allows a consumer who needs a workload to be processed to: view the risk table, select a provider, and/or insure against any failure to properly and/or timely process the workload.

Abstract: A method includes performing a boot up of a computer having a system on-chip having multiple processors and a nonvolatile read-only machine-readable medium. The boot up includes enabling a first processor of the multiple processors, while maintaining others of the multiple processors in a disabled state. The boot up includes retrieving initial stage instructions from the nonvolatile read-only machine-readable medium. The boot up also includes executing the initial stage instructions and validating multiple stages of firmware separately. The boot up includes, in response to validating the multiple stages of firmware, executing the multiple stages of firmware in consecutive stages of the boot up, wherein executing of each stage of the multiple stages of firmware enables a different set of disabled hardware components of the computer. The boot up also includes validating an operating system and, in response to validation, transferring control of the computer to the operating system.

Abstract: A method includes performing a boot up of a computer having a system on-chip having multiple processors and a nonvolatile read-only machine-readable medium. The boot up includes enabling a first processor of the multiple processors, while maintaining others of the multiple processors in a disabled state. The boot up includes retrieving initial stage instructions from the nonvolatile read-only machine-readable medium. The boot up also includes executing the initial stage instructions and validating multiple stages of firmware separately. The boot up includes, in response to validating the multiple stages of firmware, executing the multiple stages of firmware in consecutive stages of the boot up, wherein executing of each stage of the multiple stages of firmware enables a different set of disabled hardware components of the computer. The boot up also includes validating an operating system and, in response to validation, transferring control of the computer to the operating system.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically controlling and adjusting the audio profile of pervasive devices, like cellular phones, within controlled zones. The system and method utilizes RFID and sensors to geographically control and adjust the audio profiles based on set criteria, such as default settings and hierarchy. The audio profiles may be controlled or adjusted based on a control zone profile settings or based on the profile settings of other individual devices within the same control zone. The zones may be adjusted due to the hierarchy or rank of devices present within the zone.

Abstract: A design structure embodied in a machine readable medium used in a design process includes a circuit that employs an anti-tamper sensor. The circuit employs an anti-tamper sensor that includes a circuit element that is responsive to a first input and to a second input. A selective coupling element couples the circuit element to the first input and is responsive to the anti-tamper sensor. The selective coupling element has a first state that allows the circuit element to operate normally when the anti-tamper sensor does not detect a tamper condition and is configured to enter a second state that causes the circuit element to become inoperable when the anti-tamper sensor detects a tamper condition. A decoy coupling element is disposed between the second input and the circuit element and has an appearance corresponding to the selective coupling element.

Abstract: Inappropriate behavior, such as harassment, expletive laden communications, violence or sexually explicit behavior in a virtual universe (VU) can lead to negative experiences for VU users. Younger users of a VU can be more susceptible to inappropriate behavior than adult users. A VU system can monitor behavior and associate behavior ratings with avatars within the VU to respond to avatar/user behavior. A system can determine behavior ratings based upon avatar interactions, user complaints or complements about an avatar, actions within the VU, etc. The system can subject poorly behaving avatars to various penalties (e.g., restriction from certain areas, account termination, etc.). The system can also reward avatars that exhibit good behavior (e.g., allowing access to bonus areas or content, awarding points that can be used as VU currency, etc.). Penalizing inappropriate behavior and rewarding positive behavior can increase safety of minors in the VU, and increase user experience overall.

Abstract: A system for selectively moving computer equipment to a naturally cooled underground data center. In one aspect of this disclosure, the system includes at least one movable pod for mounting computer equipment. The pod is electrically connected to a power and communications source to provide power and communications to the computer equipment mounted in the pod. The pod is mounted on a vertical conveyor that is driven by a motor to selectively move the pod to and from the underground data center.

Abstract: A circuit that employs an anti-tamper sensor includes a circuit element that is responsive to a first input and to a second input. A selective coupling element couples the circuit element to the first input and is responsive to the anti-tamper sensor. The selective coupling element has a first state that allows the circuit element to operate normally when the anti-tamper sensor does not detect a tamper condition and is configured to enter a second state that causes the circuit element to become inoperable when the anti-tamper sensor detects a tamper condition. A decoy coupling element is disposed between the second input and the circuit element and has an appearance corresponding to the selective coupling element. The decoy coupling element will cause the circuit element not to operate normally if the decoy coupling element has a selected physical property of the selective coupling element in the first state.

Abstract: A design structure embodied in a machine readable medium used in a design process includes a circuit that employs an anti-tamper sensor. The circuit employs an anti-tamper sensor that includes a circuit element that is responsive to a first input and to a second input. A selective coupling element couples the circuit element to the first input and is responsive to the anti-tamper sensor. The selective coupling element has a first state that allows the circuit element to operate normally when the anti-tamper sensor does not detect a tamper condition and is configured to enter a second state that causes the circuit element to become inoperable when the anti-tamper sensor detects a tamper condition. A decoy coupling element is disposed between the second input and the circuit element and has an appearance corresponding to the selective coupling element.

Abstract: A circuit that employs an anti-tamper sensor includes a circuit element that is responsive to a first input and to a second input. A selective coupling element couples the circuit element to the first input and is responsive to the anti-tamper sensor. The selective coupling element has a first state that allows the circuit element to operate normally when the anti-tamper sensor does not detect a tamper condition and is configured to enter a second state that causes the circuit element to become inoperable when the anti-tamper sensor detects a tamper condition. A decoy coupling element is disposed between the second input and the circuit element and has an appearance corresponding to the selective coupling element. The decoy coupling element will cause the circuit element not to operate normally if the decoy coupling element has a selected physical property of the selective coupling element in the first state.