9/30/2011

Inside Network Perimeter Security (2nd Edition) Review

Inside Network Perimeter Security (2nd Edition)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This review is for the 2nd edition of this book.
"Inside Network Perimeter Security" (INPS) by Northcutt, Zeltser, Winters, Kent, and Ritchey suitably covers the broad topic of securing a network's edge. The book is based, on part, from various SANS Institute training material (Northcutt is the CEO of the SANS Institute). Most of the items documented in INPS are honed from years of discussions in classes (and is mentioned an `excellent supplementary resource" for the GIAC Certified Firewall Analyst (GCFW)).
The book first focuses on perimeter fundamentals - including dedicating about 100 pages to the three main types of firewalls (Packet, Stateful & Proxy). The second section discusses how to fortify other areas of the perimeter - by implementing hardened routers and hosts, VPNs, IDSs, and IPS. The third section discusses designing a secure perimeter from the ground up (consider it best practices). This includes a much-needed chapter on wireless security. The last section is how to monitor and maintain the perimeter.
It is hard to characterize who this book should be aimed at. While configurations examples are given for many different platforms and OSs, the configs cannot be considered complete. I feel this book would serve network admins well as a starting point and as introduction to concepts that they might not be familiar with.
Some items I like from Inside Network Perimeter Security:
-Chapter 6 gives a great discussion on Cisco routers. What really impresses me is, since the documentation is from someone besides CiscoPress, you get an idea of other ways to harden Cisco routers (see the telnet trick on page 142). The first appendix also gives a great collection of different ACLs (consider it an update of the NSA's list). I have over 50 CiscoPress books, and information found in these 2 chapters I have not seen documented in any CiscoPress book.
-Chapter 21 provides a `quick' list of tools to use to help troubleshoot and isolate an issue. While there are some great books that are wholly dedicated to showing the ins-and-outs of different tools, sometimes you can't see the trees through the forest. Within just a few short pages, INPS is able to suggest a plethora of different tools to use based upon the issue.
The book mentions that it's goal "...is to create a practical guide for designing, deploying, and maintaining a real-world network security perimeter." I believe they have done just that!
I give this book 5 pings out of 5:
!!!!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Inside Network Perimeter Security (2nd Edition)



Buy NowGet 37% OFF

Click here for more information about Inside Network Perimeter Security (2nd Edition)

Read More...

9/29/2011

Supply Chain Management Best Practices (Wiley Best Practices) Review

Supply Chain Management Best Practices (Wiley Best Practices)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Dave Blanchard writes in a clear, concise style and supports his points with case histories that relate each point to the real world. The book is divided into three parts to create a process of its own. It leads the reader through supply chains used in different channels, discusses the core questions that must be answered in creating a system and then looks at solutions the best companies use to help meet obstacles that arise.
He has a light-hearted style (the first sub-head is, "You Knew This Job Was Dangerous When You Took It"), which keeps the book from bogging down or becoming pedantic. But the information is up to date and concisely presented.
The book is heavily annotated, offering additional resources if the reader desires, and the index allows specific points to be located quickly, so it works well as a reference guide as well as an overview. That he occasionally references his own articles makes it clear that he has a long history in the industry, offering experience and context he can bring to bear on the topic.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Supply Chain Management Best Practices (Wiley Best Practices)


Learn what it takes to develop and have a "best-in-class" supply chain

This new edition shows you how to build supply chains that work by illustrating how leading companies are doing it. Identifying world-class supply chains in more than a dozendifferent industries and explaining in detail how these companies got to where they are, this essential book reveals the proven strategies, solutions, and performance metrics used by leading companies to design their extended enterprises.
Identifies proven strategies, solutions, and performance metrics for supply chain management best practice benchmarks
Shows how to manage supply chains in a global marketplace and how to choose third-party providers
New edition includes new chapters on green supply chains and lean supply chains, and expanded analysis of emerging technologies
Includes coverage of supply chain metrics, planning and forecasting, procurement, manufacturing, transportation, globalization, customer service, collaboration, security, and workforce management
Written by the Editorial Director of Penton Media's Supply Chain Group and a Contributing Editor to IndustryWeek magazine

It also offers guidance on the latest technology, green supply chains, going lean, how to choose third-party logistics providers, and how to manage the supply chain in a global environment.

Buy NowGet 37% OFF

Click here for more information about Supply Chain Management Best Practices (Wiley Best Practices)

Read More...

Content Networking: Architecture, Protocols, and Practice (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Networking) Review

Content Networking: Architecture, Protocols, and Practice (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Networking)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is a fabulous book. It is well-written (enjoyable to read and sometimes even entertaining), well organized, and technically competent - it's a real delight. The book certainly is a keeper and a re-read for everyone who needs to understand how content is delivered over the Web/Internet.
If you're looking for a complete and detailed reference to the HTTP protocol, this is not the book for you. But if you're interested in learning and understanding the fundamentals underlying the Web and content delivery over the Internet, this is the book you want to read. Ever wondered why it takes seconds or even minutes to load certain Web pages or access audio/video files? The book does not only give the answer, but explains how these problems can be overcome. Hofmann and Beaumont focus on explaining the core principles and the fundamentals underlying these solutions, giving you a broad understanding that will be helpful and valuable for years to come. They master connecting the various dots and explain extremely well how all the little pieces fit together. When reading the book, your quickly feel that Hofmann and Beaumont know what they're writing about, that they worked in this field and have lots of "real-life" experience that mixes skillfully with their research background. Overall, an excellent book that should be on book shelf of everyone interested in the Web and in delivering content and services over the Internet.
Also check out their companion Web page at http://www.content-networking.com.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Content Networking: Architecture, Protocols, and Practice (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Networking)



Buy NowGet 36% OFF

Click here for more information about Content Networking: Architecture, Protocols, and Practice (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Networking)

Read More...

9/28/2011

MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-642): Configuring Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure (PRO-Certification) (PRO-Certification) Review

MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-642): Configuring Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure (PRO-Certification) (PRO-Certification)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This book prepared me for the 70-642 test. I downloaded evaluation copies of windows server 2008 and ran them in virtual server. I found that reading the ebook (included) was easier than reading the real book (I ended up doing both). After reading the book, doing the labs and taking the practice tests in custom mode (so I could review the answers) I was able to pass the test.
I noted only one typo in one of the practice tests so I would recommend this study guide.

Click Here to see more reviews about: MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-642): Configuring Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure (PRO-Certification) (PRO-Certification)



Buy NowGet 37% OFF

Click here for more information about MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-642): Configuring Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure (PRO-Certification) (PRO-Certification)

Read More...

9/27/2011

IT Compliance and Controls: Best Practices for Implementation Review

IT Compliance and Controls: Best Practices for Implementation
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This book is a must have for business professionals who are looking to develop awareness and deeper insight into IT controls and regulatory compliance. DeLuccia does an excellent job describing the compliance and regulatory environment that so many public and private companies face today in their industries. The information is presented in a way that readers can easily grasp and understand and the author also shares several solutions using his practical experience on how to effectively manage these compliance issues day in and day out. DeLuccia has a very solid understanding of the business risks associated with each IT related government and industry mandate and he uses a risk based approach to help organizations identify and prioritize initiatives to help streamline remediation efforts by aligning requirements and developing an enterprise IT control framework to manage the process. This book is a wealth of information for directors, managers and C-level executives who are interested in learning more about IT compliance and controls, or anyone who is wanting to develop strategies and techniques for solving the compliance issues.

Click Here to see more reviews about: IT Compliance and Controls: Best Practices for Implementation



Buy NowGet 26% OFF

Click here for more information about IT Compliance and Controls: Best Practices for Implementation

Read More...

Network +: Test Yourself Practice Exams Review

Network +: Test Yourself Practice Exams
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This book deserves less than a 1 star rating, if it were only available!
The CompTIA Network+ Certification Exam is supposed to be as vendor neutral as possible, while still recognizing the three major network operating systems. The authors of this Practice Exam book write the majority of their questions from the NT4 MCSE approach to networking. Even then, the questions were often confusing and misleading. The majority of their specific questions or their specific subjects do not even appear on the CompTIA exam.
This book was the low point in my preparation for the exam (which I passed quite easily using other study resources). The companion Syngress study book was a bit better, but contained several glaring errors. I checked their web site for errata, but found little in the way of help to help deal with the differences between this book and the other study aids I used.
In my opinion, the best books to prepare for the Network+ exam are the Network+ Exam Prep and Cram and the Network+ Certification for Dummies book. Even these have a few errors (but accurate errata are available on the web for the exam prep and cram), and they tend to go into greater depth than what is required to pass the exam, but if you really want to know your stuff in addition to having a CompTIA Network+ certificate to hang on your wall, these are the three books to have!
I wish I could get a refund on this book. It was useless in preparing for the actual test.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Network +: Test Yourself Practice Exams



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Network +: Test Yourself Practice Exams

Read More...

9/26/2011

Practicing Profitability - Billing Network Effect for Revenue Cycle Control in Healthcare Clinics and Chiropractic Offices: Collections, Audit Risk, SOAP Notes, Scheduling, Care Plans, and Coding Review

Practicing Profitability - Billing Network Effect for Revenue Cycle Control in Healthcare Clinics and Chiropractic Offices: Collections, Audit Risk, SOAP Notes, Scheduling, Care Plans, and Coding
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Doctors don't understand medical billing. Medical billing is important, complex and increasingly adversarial. In these days of decreasing reimbursement, doctors in offices are pitted against large insurance companies with significant resources devoted to denying reimbursement. Federal law makes non-compliance with arcane rules punishable by both fines and criminal sentences. The doctors and staffs of small offices need the knowledge and tools to obtain the insurance reimbursement to which they are entitled.
"Practicing Profitability" is the single best book on medical billing I have seen.
It describes the complexities of medical billing as well as offering cost effective methods to optimize reimbursement while at the same time following all rules of compliance.
Complete, concise and well organized, written by a recognized expert in the field, I can recommend it without reservation.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Practicing Profitability - Billing Network Effect for Revenue Cycle Control in Healthcare Clinics and Chiropractic Offices: Collections, Audit Risk, SOAP Notes, Scheduling, Care Plans, and Coding



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Practicing Profitability - Billing Network Effect for Revenue Cycle Control in Healthcare Clinics and Chiropractic Offices: Collections, Audit Risk, SOAP Notes, Scheduling, Care Plans, and Coding

Read More...

9/25/2011

Information Security Best Practices: 205 Basic Rules Review

Information Security Best Practices: 205 Basic Rules
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Security 101 dictates the importance of an effective set of information security policies and procedures. The granddaddy of such books is Information Security Policies Made Easy by Charles Cresson Wood that contains over 1000 well-written security policies.
The importance of best practices for information security is easily understood in the post September 11 era, combined with the fact that more and more companies are connecting their corporate networks to untrusted public networks without the appropriate level of security and protection.
With such a need, Information Security Best Practices: 205 Basic Rules sounded like it could fill such a void. Unfortunately, the book suffers from a number of flaws. First, its organizations is not logical. The book starts chapter 1 with the topic of e-mail spam, while a fundamental topics such as network architecture is not dealt with until chapter 5.
The book contains numerous errors. While some are small, many others were rather significant. Innocuously, the author called the ICSA the NCSA, even though its name was changed over 4 years ago. Incorrectly, the book states the an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) will eliminate power surges along power lines. A UPS will provide protection from power surges, but can't eliminate them. Finally, the book states as a best practice to use halon for fire control, yet halon production was banned under the Clean Air Act of 1994.
The author has significant department of defense experience, which explains why the book would suggest security controls such as C2 and TEMPEST shielding. First off, the C2, from the Orange Book has been retired and replaced by the Common Criteria. Secondly, TEMPEST shielding is far too expensive for most companies, combined with the fact that the there are few individuals who are competent in Tempest technology in the private sector, since the specifics of TEMPEST are still classified.
Those looking for a good reference would be better served by reading Information Security Policies Made Easy or its less expensive cohort Writing Information Security Policies by Scott Barman (New Riders, 2001 ISBN: 157870264X)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Information Security Best Practices: 205 Basic Rules



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Information Security Best Practices: 205 Basic Rules

Read More...

Building a Healthy Multi-ethnic Church: Mandate, Commitments and Practices of a Diverse Congregation (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series) Review

Building a Healthy Multi-ethnic Church: Mandate, Commitments and Practices of a Diverse Congregation (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Not Your Father's Multi-cultural Book
Mark DeYmaz has the credentials to write this book: pastor of the Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas, a multi-ethnic and economically diverse church where men and women from more than thirty nations currently worship God together. And he writes it unlike so much of what has recently been penned on the topic. He artfully integrates theory/theology and methodology/practice.
He unites these twin themes around seven core commitments of a multi-ethnic church: embrace dependence, take intentional steps, empower diverse leadership, develop cross-cultural relationships, pursue cross-cultural competence, promote a spirit of inclusion, and mobilize for impact.
Pastor Miles McPherson has said it well. "Mark DeYmaz has provided the body of Christ with the answer to one of its most embarrassing dilemmas: Sunday segregation. Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church is a very biblical plan for church leaders committed to building a church that looks like the world in which they minister."
Church leaders already along the path and those no where yet near the path all need this book. It's challenging exhortations, biblical explanations, and practical implementations are invaluable.
Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of
Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Building a Healthy Multi-ethnic Church: Mandate, Commitments and Practices of a Diverse Congregation (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series)



Buy NowGet 34% OFF

Click here for more information about Building a Healthy Multi-ethnic Church: Mandate, Commitments and Practices of a Diverse Congregation (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series)

Read More...

9/24/2011

Designing Social Interfaces: Principles, Patterns, and Practices for Improving the User Experience (Animal Guide) Review

Designing Social Interfaces: Principles, Patterns, and Practices for Improving the User Experience (Animal Guide)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Malone and Crumlish have done the user-experience design community an amazing service with this volume. It does the hard, rigorous work that most of us simply do not have time or dedication to do -- creating the first solid set of building blocks for designing socially driven digital platforms.
The book goes beyond the easy categories of things like "blogs & wikis" and breaks those and other compounds down into their essential elements, helping us make more informed and less platform-dependent decisions.
Design patterns are always challenging to produce, especially since designers inevitably nit-pick them to death. But these patterns are up to the challenge: they actually make sense, and I suspect will stand up handsomely to the persnickety-designer test. But even if you differ with some of their particulars, it's incredibly valuable to have the heavy lifting already done, so all you have to do is react, refine and "improve" for your own use.
More than a mere collection of patterns, the book doles out large helpings of hard-won wisdom from the authors and other veterans of the industry who have wrestled with the volatile, emergent nature of socially driven digital design.
If you're doing anything with social design, from being asked to create a corporate blog to enhancing the way employees share knowledge on your intranet, do yourself a favor and get familiar with Designing Social Interfaces.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Designing Social Interfaces: Principles, Patterns, and Practices for Improving the User Experience (Animal Guide)


From the creators of Yahoo!'s Design Pattern Library, Designing Social Interfaces provides you with more than 100 patterns, principles, and best practices, along with salient advice for many of the common challenges you'll face when starting a social website. Designing sites that foster user interaction and community-building is a valuable skill for web developers and designers today, but it's not that easy to understand the nuances of the social web. Now you have help. Christian Crumlish and Erin Malone share hard-won insights into what works, what doesn't, and why. You'll learn how to balance opposing factions and grow healthy online communities by co-creating them with your users.



Understand the overarching principles you need to consider for every website you create
Learn basic design patterns for adding social components to an existing site
Rein in misbehaving users on an active community site
Build a social experience around a product or service and invite people to join
Develop a social utility without having to build an entirely new infrastructure
Enable users of your site's content to interact with one another
Offer your members the opportunity to connect in the real world
Learn to recognize and avoid antipatterns: emergent bad practices in the social network and social media space


Buy NowGet 33% OFF

Click here for more information about Designing Social Interfaces: Principles, Patterns, and Practices for Improving the User Experience (Animal Guide)

Read More...

9/23/2011

Talent Management Systems: Best Practices in Technology Solutions for Recruitment, Retention and Workforce Planning Review

Talent Management Systems: Best Practices in Technology Solutions for Recruitment, Retention and Workforce Planning
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
My title for this book review may seem a bit out of the ordinary, but so is this book. If you're thinking about buying it, you're probably hesitant because of the unusually high price. Forget the high price issue. If you are an executive, a company owner, or a human resource professional, this book has more value-per-page than practically any other book you'll read this year.
The whole concept of talent management is undergoing major change. The whole field is in a state of evolution as a result of the economy, technology, new approaches to employment, outsourcing, the increasing use of metrics, the emerging strategic partnership of the CEO and CHRO, legal and ethical issues, diversity, and more. Talent management has turned into a jungle that seems to get thicker with every step we take.
With the increasing complication, this field becomes more difficult to understand-at the same time that more people and more companies are entering the arena. Somebody who knows what it's all about needs to write a guidebook that will explain the terms, dig into the issues, and make sense of all this. "Talent Management Systems" is that book. And Allan Schweyer, Executive Director of the Human Capital Institute, the leading comprehensive not-for-profit organization in the field, is the ideal author.
This book covers just about every topic you want to learn about in the talent management arena. The depth is appropriate for the reader who wants a solid overview with enough detail to "get" the picture...and be able to relate all the parts. My problem in reading it was overcoming my habit of turning down page corners. When you turn down almost every page, you eventually give up and realize that you'll probably use the index for reference and re-read at least parts of the book over and over.
In these pages, you'll find lots of best practices. That resource makes this book a valuable asset. Even more valuable, however, is the clarity of presentation as the author explains the terms, the processes, the benefits, and the interrelationships. It's all here. I was a bit concerned when I thumbed through the book and found precious few graphics. As I got into the text, I discovered I didn't need graphics. The illustrative nature of the words is quite sufficient to convey the messages.
The book is current, state-of-the-art. If you're in this field, it should be on your shelf-or better: on your desk. If you're considering any aspect of workforce recruitment, management, development, or retention as a career, read the book now. In fact, suggest that your university professor add it to the class reading list. Read the book before you talk with the prof, and you'll probably discover you know a lot more than the academic does! I've been in this field-and its predecessor fields-for over two decades. Remember, I'm the one who was turning pages down.
"Talent Management Systems" is highly recommended for practitioners, aspirants, and the teachers and mentors-who want to help their protégés, but also keep a step ahead of them.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Talent Management Systems: Best Practices in Technology Solutions for Recruitment, Retention and Workforce Planning

Talent Management Systems addresses the transformation Web-based technologies have brought to workforce acquisition and management. It examines proven and leading-edge best practices, and what tactics and strategies organizations should employ to remain competitive in this arena. The book is part practical, offering advice on how to institute best practices in e-recruitment and talent management, and strategic, discussing trends and state of the art technology and practices that should be adopted or avoided.
"We're at the brink of the next global battle in the war for talent, and companies with a firm grasp on today's technologies, and the best view over the horizon, are positioned to win. No one understands the intersection of talent and technology better than Allan Schweyer and, as this book demonstrates, no one tells us the story as clearly as he. This is an essential read and an important work in the now-critical discipline of human capital management."—Michael Foster, CEO, AIRS, and Author of Recruiting on the Web
"Allan Schweyer has been on the leading edge of recruitment technology since the dawn of the Internet. In many ways the Internet has created more confusion than solutions for the world of recruiting and talent management. It has certainly made things more complex. HR professionals and even company presidents have become desperate for clarity on the future of talent management-Allan Schweyer's book provides that clarity and establishes him as the authority on web-based hiring and talent management. No major implementation decision should be made without this invaluable guide."—Graham Donald, President, Brainstorm Consulting
"Talent management has suddenly gone from being a nice idea to a core business function. No one knows more about this new function, and the technologies that make it possible, than Allan Schweyer."—David Creelman, Senior Contributing Editor, HR.com, and Independent Human Capital Analyst
"Once again, Schweyer has produced the best writing in North America on this subject, which I've covered for fifteen years."—Bill Kutik, Technology Columnist, Human Resource Executive
"As corporate executives quickly come to the shocking realization that the global workforce-and how that talent is managed and developed both locally and globally—will almost unilaterally determine their future success in global markets, few workforce experts have bothered to provide business leaders with a useful compass and map for the next chapter of workforce management. Mr. Schweyer generously and eloquently provides the talent compass and workforce map for the first pragmatic steps of the new global journey."—John Chaisson, CEO, Global Workforce Solutions

Buy NowGet 20% OFF

Click here for more information about Talent Management Systems: Best Practices in Technology Solutions for Recruitment, Retention and Workforce Planning

Read More...

Building an Enterprise Architecture Practice: Tools, Tips, Best Practices, Ready-to-Use Insights (The Enterprise Series) Review

Building an Enterprise Architecture Practice: Tools, Tips, Best Practices, Ready-to-Use Insights (The Enterprise Series)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
As a practicing Enterprise Architect (EA) I have found the to be an good book for reference - if used as a filler along with other books.
If your are new to EA this is a good book to have in your library, however it is not the only one you will need. This book is somewhat thin on content in many critical areas, but what is present is of fairly good quality.
An example of missing detail would be how to create and maintain an ongoing EA practice that will survive beyond the first budget review cycle. This book talks about the steps of creating a practice in theory and uses a sample company as an example, however it is idealized for the book and does not reflect reality in today's world of "what have you done for me lately" economics.
It is quite expensive for what you get, considering that it is just enough to make you realize that you need a whole lot more that you did not get.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Building an Enterprise Architecture Practice: Tools, Tips, Best Practices, Ready-to-Use Insights (The Enterprise Series)

This book provides practical advice on how to develop an enterprise architecture practice. The authors developed different tools and models to support organizations in implementing and professionalizing an enterprise architecture function. Coverage applies these tools and models to a number of different organizations and, as a result, will help readers avoid potential pitfalls and achieve success with enterprise architecture.

Buy NowGet 20% OFF

Click here for more information about Building an Enterprise Architecture Practice: Tools, Tips, Best Practices, Ready-to-Use Insights (The Enterprise Series)

Read More...

9/22/2011

E-Business and E-Commerce Management: Strategy, Implementation and Practice (4th Edition) Review

E-Business and E-Commerce Management: Strategy, Implementation and Practice (4th Edition)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I really impressed by this book as it cover the most basics any e-business entrepreneur has to learn.
It's informative, interactive, and updated with the latest statistics and real world cases.

Click Here to see more reviews about: E-Business and E-Commerce Management: Strategy, Implementation and Practice (4th Edition)

Popular for its cutting edge and contemporary coverage, its international approach and its balance of the technical and managerial topics of central importance to developing an understanding of this subject, this book is ideal for students or practitioners of e-business or e-commerce at any level.

Buy NowGet 28% OFF

Click here for more information about E-Business and E-Commerce Management: Strategy, Implementation and Practice (4th Edition)

Read More...

9/21/2011

GWT in Practice Review

GWT in Practice
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I am surprised to hear so much lofty praise for this book. It is mediocre at best, and the editing is quite horrible. Here the advice I would give the authors and in particular the editors:
- I hate having to flip from one chapter to the previous one in order to find a particular snippet being referenced. If you are starting a project, all the source for that needs to be close to each other. I dislike being told 'Go find table 1.1, (with no page number given) and use the code from there.
- The code examples given clearly have NEVER been through the compiler. There are missing methods in examples, and silly typos that are quite unacceptable since it leads me to question the effort put into creating the book. (see page 52, listing 2.12 for example, - Private is NOT the same as private. setInitDisplay is never defined. )
- My preference - and probably for a number of other people - is to use the well defined hello world approach, rather than a discourse on how configuration is to be set up. Eclipse should be introduced earlier. I'm sure others would disagree, but getting a HelloWorld going gets my blood flowing
- The section on design patterns is a TOTAL waste. Please dont introduce examples that focus on MVC, not GWT. I am not reading GWT to understand how MVC works. Make simpler examples that gets rid of this fluff, and focusses on GWT.
- How exactly does showing what StringBuffer looks like in pretty & obfuscated mode help the user? It looks like an attempt to pad the size of the book
Manning books are always a hit and miss. THis is a clear miss. Really, the editors need to pull up their socks and get things out right, not get it out quick.

Click Here to see more reviews about: GWT in Practice



Buy NowGet 39% OFF

Click here for more information about GWT in Practice

Read More...

Frame Relay: Technology and Practice Review

Frame Relay: Technology and Practice
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
If you are a newbie trying to break your way into the world of Frame Relay, this book is a must have. (I have LAN experience, but not WAN experience) Plenty of illustrations and analogies to help understand the concepts. This book was a pleasuer to read. I cant say that for most technical books...

Click Here to see more reviews about: Frame Relay: Technology and Practice

Frame Relay: Technology and Practice is the most comprehensive, current, and practical handbook available for understanding and deploying frame relay. Gathering information from many different sources, this book provides essential facts and techniques in one convenient volume. It explains frame relay technology in understandable terms, interprets frame relay standards, and discusses vital deployment issues. This book offers an overview of the benefits and limitations of frame relay and how it compares to other networking technologies. It contains a thorough description of frame relay technology, including architecture, interfaces, virtual circuits, and traffic management. In addition, the book describes the differences between the various carrier implementations and discusses real-world issues in design and management of frame relay networks, pricing, and procurement. The book also features several exercises, as well as numerous useful diagrams.You will find coverage of the most current frame relay topics, including:*Voice over frame relay (VoFR) *Data-oriented virtual private networks (IP VPNs) *Frame relay-to-ATM integration *Quality of service (QoS) offerings from carriers and vendors *Switched virtual circuits (SVCs) *Virtual circuit network design *Recovery from virtual circuit failures *Capacity allocation and congestion management *Non-CIR versus flow-controlled approaches to frame relay networksEspecially useful for network managers considering migrating to frame relay or those expanding their use of public frame relay services, this book will help you make well-informed decisions about purchasing, designing, and deploying frame relay technology for high-speed, reliable, and cost-effective networks. 0201485249B04062001

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Frame Relay: Technology and Practice

Read More...

9/20/2011

Medical Billing Networks and Processes - Profitable and Compliant Revenue Cycle Management in the Internet Age Review

Medical Billing Networks and Processes - Profitable and Compliant Revenue Cycle Management in the Internet Age
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Medical Billing is one of those niche targeted books that demonstrates the benefit of place like Amazon.com. This is the kind of book that you would NEVER find if not for the Internet. This book is a veritable cornucopia of information and advice on how a medical practice needs to structure itself to ensure viable billing practices. This is valuable to not only the physician but also to the patient.
The author suggests that although the managed care billing system may appear to be broken, with the right disciplines we can FIX IT ourselves in many cases. In my work with medical practices and hospitals I can't tell you how often I come across physicians that have no choice but to reduce certain patient services because they just don't have the income to invest it where they would like. In the same way I have seen improper billing procedures frustrate patients so much that they literally REDUCE the number of doctor visits just to avoid the hassle of dealing with insurance and billing companies.
What I particularly liked about Yuval's book is that it can be easily understood by medical professionals, billing and insurance company representatives but also by the common person. He starts with a clear, thorough explanation of the history of the medical billing system, the advent of managed care and then gets into the nuts and bolts of billing explaining in a very down-to-earth manner, Super bills, allowable, write-offs, charge-backs, how the clearing houses work and so on. The book is loaded with graphs, captions, bullet points and images that just aid in the understanding of what can often a rather confusing topic.
Throughout the book, the author makes reference to how the system needs to change and what new variables may be on the horizon. I found this to be helpful in guiding my medical clients toward some policies and procedures that we may want to put in place regarding the new ICD codes and CPT10 system, the new FTC Red Tag privacy issues, and new HIPA regulations. The book makes a great reference tool for planning as well.
As a consultant that spends time consulting with hospital administrators, practice managers and physicians I have to say this is probably THE MOST comprehensive, easy to understand manual on medical billing that I have ever seen. I have actually purchased several copies to give to some of my clients and I suggest other medical consultants do the same.
I STRONGLY recommend this book to all medical professionals, practice managers and medical consultants. That said, if you are a patient and really want to understand the medical billing process I will say this is the ONLY book for you.
Also check out Yuval's book on practice management as well. Thanks Dr. Lirov for helping us to all take charge in fixing what is a broken system!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Medical Billing Networks and Processes - Profitable and Compliant Revenue Cycle Management in the Internet Age

Is your practice profitable and compliant?Some state-managed insurance company audits have discovered up to 30% in mishandled and wrongly denied claims. This book shows private practitioners how to automate and enable such insurance claim payment audits in real time. You' will discover how to:'Improve your cash flow and reduce audit risk using Straight-Through Processing (STP) technologies'Design and implement industrial-grade network standards for continuous billing quality improvement and compliance maintenance'Reduce operations risk and improve your balance sheet using Software as a Service (SaaS) and outsourcingUnderstand the rules of the modern "payer-provider conflict" and learn to apply and manage winning Internet strategies, such as the "billing network effect." Gain further insight from guest chapters by Dennis Alessi, Esq., of Mandelbaum, Salsburg, Gold, Lazris & Discenza, PC; Eric Fishman, MD, of EHR Scope; Joe Kamelgard, MD, of Billing Integration, LLC; and Erum Raza, Esq, of Fox Rothschild, LLP.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Medical Billing Networks and Processes - Profitable and Compliant Revenue Cycle Management in the Internet Age

Read More...

Whole Church: Leading from Fragmentation to Engagement (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series) Review

Whole Church: Leading from Fragmentation to Engagement (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Whole Church is one of those books that a reader might respond to with,"This makes so much sense...I'm surprised no one captured this before!" Eschewing siloed ministries Mel proposes that connecting to God, the church, the community and the world can be a seamless and interactive learning experience that serves us well in both spiritual formation and mission. For leaders who want to integrate ministry emphases...this is your book

Click Here to see more reviews about: Whole Church: Leading from Fragmentation to Engagement (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series)

A new model for creating greater involvement and cohesion in churchesMel Lawrenz has been using an engaged, "whole church/whole-ministry" value system, strategy, and commitment in his missional church. He provides a new model to help churches maximize their strengths and revitalize their ministries through engaging with God, each other, their community, and the world. This "engagement" model is not merely a list of functions or stages of growth–it integrates the church, connecting worship and mission, local witness and global involvement, small groups and personal devotion.
Mel Lawrenz (Brookfield, WI) is senior pastor at the large Elmbrook Church, recently named one of the most influential and innovative churches in the U.S. His new Internet ministry, The Brook, offers text, audio, and video content to both church leaders and a general audience.

Buy NowGet 24% OFF

Click here for more information about Whole Church: Leading from Fragmentation to Engagement (Jossey-Bass Leadership Network Series)

Read More...