HDPCD guide - Hortonworks Data Platform Certified Developer Updated: 2023

Microsoft has announced the release of TypeScript 2.7. The new version includes stricter property checks, definite assignment assertions and easier ECMAScript module interoperability. Visual Studio Code support is expected to come soon.

“We always try to bring more joy to the TypeScript experience,” said Daniel Rosenwasser, program manager for TypeScript, in a blog post. “We hope this release continues the tradition of making you more productive and expressive to bring that joy to the core experience.”

InterSystems announces new data platform 
InterSystems has announced the release of the InterSystem IRIS Data Platform. The platform is designed to deliver multi-workload and multi-model data management, native interoperability, and an open analytics platform in one product.

“InterSystems shares a commitment to innovation with our customers and partners, and we’ve developed InterSystems IRIS Data Platform to accelerate the development of new, more robust and data-rich applications,” said Paul Grabscheid, InterSystems vice president of Strategy. “InterSystems IRIS is empowering innovative organizations to become truly data driven, taking data out of stagnant silos and turning it into actionable insights that drive better business decisions and customer experiences.”

WayRay announces AR SDK challenge and hackathon
WayRay has launched the True SDK Challenge for developers. From across the globe, participants will join the competition in order to create AR applications for cars. The winners will receive a $10,000-40,000 grant and the brand new Navion devices.

“The competition is the next step for WayRay towards creating a strong community of software engineers, content providers and hardware manufacturers creating AR solutions for cars,” the company said in a statement.

Hortonworks updates data management solution
Hortonworks, Inc has announced the release of Hortonworks DataFlow (HDF) 3.1. This new release is designed to enhance operations and developer productivity, and deliver stronger integration and interoperability between HDF and Hortonworks Data Platform. The platform will combine governance, security, and management for real-time decisions.

“As more and more organizations embrace the value of capturing data in motion, they are also devising more ambitious objectives and sophisticated approaches to maximizing the utility of that data and leveraging the insights provided,” said Scott Gnau, chief technology officer at Hortonworks. “This latest release improves ease-of-use and time to value by enabling developer productivity while also expanding enterprise interoperability.”

Our comprehensive testing methodology builds on CR’s expertise in testing cameras, televisions, and other connected devices. We focus our tests on how quickly a camera sends alerts to your smartphone when motion is detected—and for video doorbells, when you can see who pressed the bell—as well as its video quality, smart features, data privacy, and data security. These factors can make or break your experience with wireless security cameras and video doorbell cameras.

For the response-time test, we measure how long it takes for the camera to detect movement occurring in its field of view and send alerts to its smartphone app. For video doorbells, we also time how long it takes for a button press to result in a smartphone alert and, subsequently, a live video feed, which is critical if someone is waiting at your front door.

For the video-quality test, we set up a room with multiple resolution charts, everyday objects, and mannequins as stand-ins for people, and evaluate how clear the video is from cameras in good light, low light, and zero light (to test night vision). CR’s engineers designed this test to expose weak spots in the cameras, whether in their sensor, lens, or software. We also add different levels of backlighting to each lighting scenario. All these tests assess whether you would be able to clearly see people or objects in the frame, such as a potential intruder. The results of these tests appear in an individual video quality score for each wireless security camera and video doorbell in our ratings.

When it comes to smart features, we assess a wide variety of capabilities, depending on the type of home security camera. They may include monitoring zones, person detection, facial recognition, voice and app control (with Amazon Alexa, Google Home/Assistant, and Apple Home/Siri), smartphone alerts, two-way audio, scheduling, and geofencing (which turns alerts on and off, depending on whether the device reads that your smartphone and you, presumably, are nearby). All these features factor into our unique Smart IQ score for smart home devices, allowing you to see which cameras are smarter than the competition.

Due to repeated hacks of wireless security cameras and the growing privacy concerns about video doorbells that record audio in public areas (such as streets and sidewalks), we test all these cameras for data privacy and security. In these tests, we evaluate each company’s or service provider’s public documentation, such as privacy policies and terms of service, to see what claims the manufacturer makes about the way it handles your data. The tests include inspection of the user interface and network traffic from each camera and its companion smartphone app to make sure it’s using encryption, adhering to manufacturer policies, and not sharing your data with irrelevant third parties. Additionally, we conduct testing to see if whether can find security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals could exploit.

Finally, our test engineers take the results of these individual tests and use them to calculate our Overall Scores for both wireless security cameras and video doorbell cameras.

Solution providers, VARs and strategic service providers look to IT vendors to provide them with the industry-leading hardware and software products they need to meet their customers’ needs. No surprise, then, that IT vendor product portfolios are often the most important component of vendor-channel relationships.

But a critical part of any solution provider decision about which IT vendors to work with is what a vendor has to offer to help partners be more successful, including margins and financial incentives, sales and marketing assistance, training and certifications, and more. When solution providers choose which IT vendors to align with, vendors’ partner programs must be a big part of that decision. To help with those evaluations, CRN assembles its annual Partner Program Guide. This year the guide is based on detailed applications submitted by more than 300 vendors, outlining all aspects of their partner programs.

Vendors know they have to be at the top of their game when it comes to offering solution providers incentives, training, recurring revenue opportunities and more. Here are the vendors leading the way.

We asked IT vendors to provide their “elevator pitch” to convince solution providers to join their partner program. Here’s what 25 had to say.

We asked IT vendors what element of their partner program they wished more partners took advantage of and what benefits partners are leaving on the table. Here’s what 25 had to say.

IT vendors were asked what they considered to be the top goals for their partner programs in 2023. Here’s what 25 had to say.

Five-Star Profiles

As part of the Partner Program Guide, CRN designates some top vendor channel programs as 5-Star Partner Programs - programs that offer the most comprehensive lineups of incentives, training, services and benefits. The following slide shows highlight the vendor programs with 5-Star recognition. We’ll be rolling out these slide shows through the week according to technology category.

5-Star Emerging Vendor Programs >>

5-Star Distributor Programs >>

5-Star Security Vendor Programs >>

5-Star Networking and Unified Communications Vendor Programs >>

5-Star Device And Peripherals Vendor Programs >>

5-Star Data Storage And Backup Vendor Programs >>

5-Star Software Vendor Programs >>

5-Star Cloud Platform And Infrastructure Vendor Programs >>

5-Star System And Data Center Vendor Programs >>

Partner Program Details

2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011

See Also: 2023 Channel Chiefs

Select categories Show all Clothing & AccessoriesCoffee Table BooksCookingCraft & HobbyEntertainmentFood & DrinkGames & GamingHard to PleaseHome & DesignInexpensiveKidsOutdoor & TravelSelf-CareTechTeens

These items were independently chosen by editors of The New York Times and Wirecutter. The Times may earn a commission on purchases through these links.

Illustration by Angela Kirkwood

Buying a new HVAC system is one of the most important purchases you can make for your home. Consumer Reports indicates that more than 75% of U.S. homes use air conditioning, and 90% of new homes are equipped with central air. An efficient HVAC system offers a comfortable environment in which to work, relax and enjoy your home.

How Much Does Air Duct Cleaning Cost

Gathering all the correct information about HVAC systems can be intimidating. With the volume of information available online, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and confused about HVAC systems.

To help, we’ve built a guide for buying HVAC systems so you make an informed buying choice.

What Is an HVAC System?

HVAC refers to technology that allows for regulation of a home’s  atmosphere. HVAC is an abbreviation for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. HVAC systems enable occupants to have proper control over the heating and cooling temperatures of a space. They are also commonly known by the names of some common components: ductless AC units, boilers, central air conditioners, heat pumps or furnaces.

Types of HVAC Systems

There are four main types of HVAC systems: Split systems, hybrid systems, ductless systems and packaged heating and air systems. You should choose what’s most suitable for your home and budget.

• Split system: “Split” between two main units or systems (one for cooling and one for heating), most common among the HVAC systems
• Hybrid system: Advanced version of the split system, main difference is that it has improved energy efficiency as it is equipped with a hybrid electric heater system
• Ductless system: consists of an outside air conditioner for cooling and a heat pump for cooling and heating, suitable for homes where conventional systems of ducts cannot be used
• Packaged system: offers high-quality heating and cooling combined into one unit, usually used in homes without basements and is usually installed outdoors

HVAC System Factors to Consider

Home Comfort: Temperature and Air Quality

You should always consider how various heating and cooling units will influence your indoor temperature, energy consumption and air quality. For example, did you know that choosing elements such as UV light in your HVAC system can increase your EPA indoor air quality score? A little inquiry will help you tackle airborne particle content and identify the best HVAC unit for reducing humidity.

Efficiency

HVAC systems have improved over the years. As a result, there are rating systems that determine their efficiency. Take a look at the system ratings, such as the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), HSPF, AFUE and EER. For example, the SEER rating should be at least 15.

Capacity

Your new HVAC system should be able to heat and cool the space in your home effectively. The capacity of an HVAC system is measured by BTUs (British Thermal Units). Generally, the higher the BTU rating, the greater the capacity.

Programmable Thermostat Compatibility

Ensure that the system you buy is compatible with a modern, programmable thermostat. This allows you to control your heating and cooling from virtually anywhere. In addition, you’ll be able to save money on your energy bills by turning the systems on or off when you are not using them. It will also prolong the life of your HVAC system. Some units can be controlled via a wire to other parts of a house, while the most modern can be controlled via smartphone from anywhere the phone receives service.

Maintenance requirements

HVAC systems need regular maintenance for optimal performance, so buy a low-maintenance, cost-effective system. When you negotiate your installation, you should also negotiate a service plan that combines regular inspections with discounts on repairs and a labor warranty into the overall price.

Sound

Depending on the type and where it is installed, an HVAC system can be pretty noisy. Consult with your HVAC contractor to ensure the unit you choose is a good fit for your home and your noise tolerance levels.

Price

When choosing the right HVAC system, your goal should be to provide a comfortable temperature for your home, even if it’s more expensive than others. While you should buy an HVAC unit according to your budget, consider other factors as well, such as energy efficiency and durability.

The cheapest option isn’t always the best quality and rarely will be the most efficient—remember too that the money saved in energy and repair costs, by purchasing the correct size and a better quality unit, should weigh into any buying decision.

HVAC System Costs by Type

The average cost is dependent on the brand purchased, the size of a home and the HVAC installation cost charged by the contractor. An HVAC is a complicated system made up of many different parts. You might be making a complete replacement or just getting a new piece for your existing unit. In any case, it helps to know the system cost for several parts.

A central air conditioner works to keep your whole home cool by circulating air over refrigerated coils. The cost to install an air conditioner runs roughly between $3,350 and $5,950. On the other hand, a heat pump transfers air from a cooler area to a warmer area using thermal energy. A conventional heat pump will cost you around $4,000 to $8,000, while a geothermal pump can be about five times that price, about $15,000 to $35,000.

A furnace is a heating system that uses some sort of fuel to heat an entire building. A gas furnace will cost an average of $1,800 to $4,000, an oil furnace between $4,200 and $6,900 while an electric furnace ranges from $1,600 to $2,500. On the other hand, a boiler works to heat a home using hot water forced through pipes. It costs an average $1,500 to $3,500.

How to Choose the Right HVAC System for You

Size System

Be sure to purchase the right size system for your home. Older homes may not have the correct size system. Oversized equipment cycles too frequently, shortening its life. Also, it won’t provide the same level of comfort and indoor air quality as a correctly sized system.

Your contractor or HVAC technician should tell you what size system your home needs, as the calculations required often involve a multitude of factors including tree coverage, sun exposure and insulation in addition to square-footage and ceiling height.

High-Efficiency

Buy the highest efficiency HVAC equipment you can afford that will work with your home. Even though a standard-efficiency system and a high-efficiency system might have the same labor component, the high efficiency will prove more cost-effective in the long run.

Contractor

Choosing the best HVAC contractor is a very crucial factor affecting the quality of the system. An HVAC system must be designed, customized and fabricated for each home. A good HVAC contractor will evaluate your entire system, including ductwork and indoor air quality requirements. They will cater to your individual needs and make recommendations that will best suit you, your home and your lifestyle.

Make sure your contractor is properly licensed in their field. Ensure you sign a consumer contract for home improvements. Your agreement should include both start and completion dates and include an agreement for who pays for what, should the contract go over-bid.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) components

IAQ components like humidifiers and high-efficiency air filtration systems are common add-ons to HVAC systems. Most contractors will discount these additional items when installing a new system. Ask about add-ons from your contractor.

Warranties

Spend some time comparing manufacturers’ and contractors’ warranties. A warranty can save you a lot of time and headache when things break. Oftentimes, at least some parts and repairs are covered with a default warranty when buying new. If flipping a home or planning to sell a home or space, be sure to buy warranties that are transferable.

Students pay nothing up front, but most will need to take out loans to cover tuition and living costs, here we offer a definitive guide to student finance. University is expensive. Students from England pay tuition fees of £9,250 per year of study, or £27,750 for a typical three-year degree. You will also have to cover living costs and rent if you live away from home, so the total cost for a degree may come in at around £60,000. How on earth can anyone afford this, you may wonder. That's where loans and grants come in. Here's everything you need to know about student finance.