Storage: If IBM and the seven other vendors in the Aperi consortium have their way customers will be able to use free open source software to manage storage across a variety of vendors’ systems. Big Blue intends to kick off the initiative by donating some of its storage infrastructure management technology, and the other members will contribute as well including Brocade, Cisco, Computer Associates, Engenio Information Technologies, Fujitsu, McData and Network Appliance. Security: A new virus is making rounds in Russia that encrypts PC files and extorts money from the owner to have them encrypted. Greg Nawrocki, meanwhile, puts forth the question: Securing the grid and securing Web services — one in the same? Best of the blogs: Matt Asay begins today’s post by downloading Flock, but leaves that topic behind almost immediately to pontificate about the problems with Silicon Valley — the fact that everyone drinks the same high-tech Kool-aid, specifically. That and the self-indulgence. SOA: Jon Udell sketches out Day 2 of our upcoming InfoWorld SOA Executive Forum in New York and, as he did for Day 1, opens the virtual floor to suggestions. Topics includes SOA and security, cross-disciplinary SOA, and SOA to the desktop and mobile devices. The news beat: IBM says its Gluecode SE replacement will appear in mid-November, Google appoints Johnny Chou boss in China, migrating applications is proving to be a challenge for Munich Linux project, Sun signs a deal with Alcatel to collaborate on core network gear, and a chip-enabled ball may be used at the World Cup soccer tournament next year. Technology Industry