I found a very interesting and at the same time a rather sad article regarding information technology being used in Mexico. As we all know, Mexico has become rather violent recently with gangs fighting back and forth especially drug cartels. This surge of violence has captured the world's attention with the amount of homicides being committed and the involvement of innocent victims either caught in the crossfire or tourists becoming trapped at their vacation destinations basically "held hostage" too scared to emerge with the possibility of becoming harmed.
This particular article I found involves a town called Reynosa which is synonymous with Mexico's drug war. It lies on the border of Texas and is the site of gunbattles recurring daily. With authorities pretty much non-existent everybody takes their lives in their hands everyday by just stepping outside onto the streets. Frustrated by the lack of response by authorities and officials who are concerned about protecting the state's image the townspeople have turned to outlets such as twitter, youtube and facebook to relay important information.
Twitter is being used to constantly relay the positions of people and to protect themselves as citizens. It is vital to be able to access crucial information about potential gun-fights that are taking place and ensuring the safety of others. The "green revolution" in Iran was sparked with the use of twitter and thus the idea was mirrored down in Mexico. Youtube videos are being posted to express the dissatisfaction the Mexican people have with the officials. Facebook is being used to organize demonstrations and rallys almost spontaneously.
Ben Parr a particular social media expert commented on just how successful the twitter idea was down in Mexico with over 5,000 followers able to easily announce where the cartels are operating. He was quoted as saying, "This really shows how far-ranging the use of social media goes and how quickly information can spread".
I think it just goes to show you how those that are well-informed are able to make better decisions and it is inspiring to see common citizens take the issue into their own hands after being fed up with the government. In a world that we live in with technology accessible at every turn it comes as no shock to me that people have resorted to using the internet for such means. It just is sad that in America we use Twitter for people to follow us and allow them to know what we are doing and just south of the border people are using the same website to stay alive and relay information. Regardless the internet is a vital resource and just seeing it be used in so many different ways is impressive.
I know that the drug war down there has calmed down substantially with a pretty large crackdown by the government but I do hope that Twitter will be able to be used for its intended purpose sooner than later. Its amazing to see the human power and will to stand up and take action when not satisfied with current situations. I guess it is true that where there is a will there is a way!
http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/03/08/mexico.crime.social.media/index.html?npt=NP1
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
High-tech Achiever: Netflix
The article I found for this blog is on Netflix, and it talks about the strategies Netflix is using to not only attract customers, but to also keep those customers coming back again and again. This article came out in late 2005, which I found interesting because it was a year in which they grew tremendously and it was interesting to see how the growth all started. We know from the news today that Netflix has basically taken over the online and overall movie rental industry and is, to some, looking like a monopoly within that business. Recently Blockbuster has been on the hot seat due to their 964 million dollars worth of debt and has been said to be near filing bankruptcy multiple times. One huge reason for this 200 million dollar cut, closing stores and cutting expenses, by Blockbuster is the online movie industry and the concept of no late fees. To some Netflix has been the parasite that has given Blockbuster this big blow and has forced other franchises such as Movie Gallery to file for chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Netflix has created a whole new industry when it comes to movie rentals. Netflix uses a myriad number of information systems and technologies that have put them above and beyond their competition over the past ten or so years. They have created a competitive advantage unlike any others in their field. One example of this is their creating the Friends network online. This is where you become friends with people you know on the Netflix network and this gives them access to see what movies you have been renting and what might be interesting to them. This is a way for users to get connected to other users as well as invite people they may know to use Netflix. “The Friends network gives Netflix a way to more deeply engage customers in its service. But someday, it may also help Netflix detect possible spikes in movie demand so that it can avoid DVD shortages. People with lots of friends, after all, have the ability to affect a lot of movie watching. Friends is just one of many ways online DVD pioneer Netflix is building on its technology roots to continue enhancing the customer experience.”
Also in 2005 Netflix spent 8 million dollars to further automate their high tech distribution centers. This effort was to keep costs low and speed up their shipping time, which is a good thing for customers to hear. Along with that, they added their own RSS feeds, sending updates on new releases to customers on a real time basis. Within this, Netflix programmed their software to allow multiple accounts within users, separating what the kids rent from the parents, if need be. All of these additions made to better serve the customer. “The Friends network and profile capabilities, for example, are testaments to how well Netflix listens to customers: Each was added in response to consumer demand.” Netflix is also heavily an employee innovator company as well, which doesn’t relate as much to information systems but the article did talk about this as well.
Something that we have talked about a lot in class is an online site recommending different products or services to repeat customers. Netflix uses a software system called Cinematch, which “urges customers to go through a rating exercise, tuning the system to find movies they will like.” The more movies that are rated the more accurate their recommendations are. Netflix makes the site an experience that is truly tailored to the user. “In a sense, Cinematch is one-to-one, mass-customized, cocreated customer-relationship management, all rolled into one. If the Starbucks secret is a smile when you get your latte, ours is that the Web site adapts to the individual's taste." Even Amazon, which does personalization so well, doesn't consider reviews of past purchases when giving recommendations”.
The article talks about some other strategies that Netflix uses to gain their competitive advantage in the movie rental industry, but the ones I have mentioned related directly to what we have talked about in class or incorporate some information technology within them. Netflix truly is taking over the market, one movie rental at a time… with no late fees of course.
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/99/open_customer-netflix.html?page=0%2C0
Esquire magazine is changing the way people read magazines. They have recently used IT to improve the quality of reading a magazine through augmented reality. The way Esquire uses augmented reality is by holding up different pages with a box of black and white designs on it to a webcam. This triggers a virtual reality to pop up on the screen. In December’s edition Robert Downey, Gillian Jacobs and Jeremy Renner are seen doing various things or telling stories and jokes. Esquire also uses this virtual reality for advertisements.
I think this new improvement in technology is very interesting. Users of augmented reality need to download a software so they are able to view parts of this magazine. The idea of holding the black and white designs up to a webcam is an advancement but not everyone has a webcam or carrying a laptop or near a computer. Augmented reality is not readily available on the go like magazines are. Most people enjoy reading magazines because they are portable and not a hassle. To get the entire stories, ideas or points that Esquire is trying to get across a computer is needed.
I saw a video on YouTube of how Augmented reality worked. It looked really cool and it felt as though the actor or feature story was made just for you. Jeremy Renner is seen walking through different varieties of weather, putting on a coat and throwing snowballs and Gillian Jacobs tells a joke about hunting. It feels like the magazine was purposely there to accommodate the user. Will this affect how much the customer reads magazines and will magazines eventually become mostly augmented reality? I wonder if this augmented reality would be able to work on the new iPad or Amazon Kindle? Will different magazines try to use augmented reality in upcoming editions or will augmented reality be a fail?
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704222704574501122991439500.html
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Smart Water Meters Take Hold in California
Smart water meters are taking off in the state of California, and are expected to cut down water usage by about 20% by 2020. Although 2020 is still a decade away, once a good amount of these new meters have been installed across the state, there could quickly be a water usage cut of 5-15%. Currently most homes in California have manual water meters in place, but the life on those is about 15 to 20. This gives these homes near-future opportunities to replace the soon-to-be outdated water meters with the new smart meters.
While current water meters have to be checked manually, and are only checked every few months, the smart meters record water usage on an hourly basis. In the state's attempt to conserve water, state-wide installation of these systems will drastically reduce water consumption, bringing down home and business utility bills, and leaving more water available for use where it is really needed. This new technology has been studied over the past year, and results from studies show that serious conservation percentages are a reality for California.
These new smart water meters are an important part of the nation's continuous efforts to conserve resources, be kinder to the environment, and to make our citizens more environmentally conscious. Prices for the smart water mater has not been disclosed, but with more research, hopefully these meters will be priced low enough that people from all areas of the country will be able to afford them. By having the hourly updated water readings in your own home, a homeowner will know if there is a leak in their well if say, showers aren't running and no sprinkler system is on.
I believe the state of California, and ultimately the nation's government, should make these new water meters mandatory for everyone. Reaching a more environmentally-conscioused mindset will allow the United States of America to head the global shift toward conservation of energy and resources.
While current water meters have to be checked manually, and are only checked every few months, the smart meters record water usage on an hourly basis. In the state's attempt to conserve water, state-wide installation of these systems will drastically reduce water consumption, bringing down home and business utility bills, and leaving more water available for use where it is really needed. This new technology has been studied over the past year, and results from studies show that serious conservation percentages are a reality for California.
These new smart water meters are an important part of the nation's continuous efforts to conserve resources, be kinder to the environment, and to make our citizens more environmentally conscious. Prices for the smart water mater has not been disclosed, but with more research, hopefully these meters will be priced low enough that people from all areas of the country will be able to afford them. By having the hourly updated water readings in your own home, a homeowner will know if there is a leak in their well if say, showers aren't running and no sprinkler system is on.
I believe the state of California, and ultimately the nation's government, should make these new water meters mandatory for everyone. Reaching a more environmentally-conscioused mindset will allow the United States of America to head the global shift toward conservation of energy and resources.
In Germany, Switch On the Street Lamps Yourself
Stadtwerke Lemgo, a German municipal power company, released the company’s newest technology idea. The company’s new "dial4light" technology allows residents to use their personal mobile phones to turn on streetlamps only when needed. The system allows residents to call in to turn a streetlamp on when needed. The city would only turn them on if called; this is shown to save money and energy. Stadtwerke Lemgo is seeking out partners to put this idea into practice in more German towns.
Dieter Grote originally thought of this idea when he noticed that the streetlamps in his town were being switched off during the night to save money. He was concerned about the safety of his children and others in the community. While visiting a public-services exhibit, he came up with the idea of being able to switch the light on and off as needed. The technology is easy enough to use by anyone. A resident would register their personal cell phone to the system for free and when they needed a light turned on they would just call in the streetlamp number and the neighboring lights would be turned on as well. It would take a matter of seconds for the lights to be turned on.
Dial4light seemed to work best in areas where there is little activity at night. When used in an area where the light needed to be turned on more than three times a night, the streetlamp consumed more energy to warm up each time than if it were to stay on the entire night. This is a crucial part of the new technology. Stadtwerke Lemgo is investigating where the new technology would be most useful before installing it. The system also tracks usage so it can be adjusted by the city.
Dail4light is a very interesting concept. If the city and residents used the system properly, it would be a very influential change to the community. The money that was going to pay for the energy to light the streetlamps can now be put towards other expenses the city needs to pay and the energy saved will help with the energy crisis faced by today’s society. With the streetlamps no longer on a timer, a resident would only need to call to turn on a streetlamp before about going outside in the dark, especially when it gets darker earlier in the evening or stays darker in the early morning. Registering phones to the system will help track who and when the streetlamps are being requested to be turned on. Stadwerke Lemgo’s new technology can help change the way many municipals could be performed. Even with the recession affecting everyone, this new technology has the potential to make it in today’s marketplace.
Amherst-based CampusLive gets angel funding to build start pages for 600 schools
CampusLive Incorporated is a great example of the blending of the way information is shared and presented using technology. CampusLive is a company that was founded by several former University of Massachusetts Amherst students. The boston.com article describes how the young founders of this company have received financial and legal help in expanding their enterprise. Their idea was to create what is essential the perfect homepage for a college student. They would then sell advertisements on those homepages for local restaurants and businesses.
It is in my opinion a very intelligent and convenient proposal. A website that would provide the college student with links to their school’s blackboard.com pages and email along with video chatting, weather, news, to-do lists, and local restaurant menus. When on the Loyola University Maryland page, the first toolbar you see provides links to Loyola.edu, inside.loyola.edu, Loyola’s email, Blackboard, Loyola’s radio station, Loyola athletics, Loyola’s library, and even a map feature. The homepage itself is customizable with news updates to areas of your interest. For example, a business major can have current business articles on their homepage right next to their facebook.com feed. The Food Finder feature provides a list of restaurants local to the university and whether or not they are currently open, deliver, and links to their menus. This is a major selling point when considering areas of revenue for the website. It is certainly the place that a college restaurant wants their information.
As a Loyola University Maryland student, I recently received an email announcing that CampusLive Inc. has expanded to include my university. The email itself focuses on the video chatting capability through which CampusLive will connect you in a video chat with other random college students anywhere in the United States of America. This anonymous chatting feature resembles the chatroullette.com setup but seems to be a bit more controlled with regard to who you chat with and it displays the name of the university that your chat partner attends. Chatroullette.com has been a worldwide craze recently and by adding this technology to their website, CampusLive Inc. is sure to attract college students to their website. Another way that CampusLive is attracting students is by offering raffles for items such as BestBuy gift cards for spreading the word about CampusLive on social networking sites.
CampusLive Inc. uses the internet to create a homepage that brings together information from many sources. It adds periodicals with facebook.com events, ESPN updates, and Market Watch stock tickers. Mashable.com says that CampusLive, “There’s no question that this service does provide useful information for student in a timely manner.” Additional praise for CampusLive Inc. and its founders comes from BusinessWeek, Fortune, and ABC. CampusLive Inc. uses Information Technology to provide college students with very useful and timely information that touches all aspects of their lives, academic and social, all in one centralized location.
"Amherst-based CampusLive Gets Angel Funding to Build Start Pages for 600 Schools - Innovation Economy -." Boston.com. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. http://www.boston.com/business/technology/innoeco/2010/02/amherst-based_campuslive_gets.html.
"Best Young Entrepreneurs, Class of 2008: CampusLive - BusinessWeek." BusinessWeek Slide Shows and Multimedia. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. http://images.businessweek.com/ss/09/10/1009_alums_roundup/8.htm.
"CampusLIVE Gives Students Real-Time News They Can Use (Video)." Social Media News and Web Tips – Mashable – The Social Media Guide. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. http://mashable.com/2008/10/06/campuslive/.
It is in my opinion a very intelligent and convenient proposal. A website that would provide the college student with links to their school’s blackboard.com pages and email along with video chatting, weather, news, to-do lists, and local restaurant menus. When on the Loyola University Maryland page, the first toolbar you see provides links to Loyola.edu, inside.loyola.edu, Loyola’s email, Blackboard, Loyola’s radio station, Loyola athletics, Loyola’s library, and even a map feature. The homepage itself is customizable with news updates to areas of your interest. For example, a business major can have current business articles on their homepage right next to their facebook.com feed. The Food Finder feature provides a list of restaurants local to the university and whether or not they are currently open, deliver, and links to their menus. This is a major selling point when considering areas of revenue for the website. It is certainly the place that a college restaurant wants their information.
As a Loyola University Maryland student, I recently received an email announcing that CampusLive Inc. has expanded to include my university. The email itself focuses on the video chatting capability through which CampusLive will connect you in a video chat with other random college students anywhere in the United States of America. This anonymous chatting feature resembles the chatroullette.com setup but seems to be a bit more controlled with regard to who you chat with and it displays the name of the university that your chat partner attends. Chatroullette.com has been a worldwide craze recently and by adding this technology to their website, CampusLive Inc. is sure to attract college students to their website. Another way that CampusLive is attracting students is by offering raffles for items such as BestBuy gift cards for spreading the word about CampusLive on social networking sites.
CampusLive Inc. uses the internet to create a homepage that brings together information from many sources. It adds periodicals with facebook.com events, ESPN updates, and Market Watch stock tickers. Mashable.com says that CampusLive, “There’s no question that this service does provide useful information for student in a timely manner.” Additional praise for CampusLive Inc. and its founders comes from BusinessWeek, Fortune, and ABC. CampusLive Inc. uses Information Technology to provide college students with very useful and timely information that touches all aspects of their lives, academic and social, all in one centralized location.
"Amherst-based CampusLive Gets Angel Funding to Build Start Pages for 600 Schools - Innovation Economy -." Boston.com. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. http://www.boston.com/business/technology/innoeco/2010/02/amherst-based_campuslive_gets.html.
"Best Young Entrepreneurs, Class of 2008: CampusLive - BusinessWeek." BusinessWeek Slide Shows and Multimedia. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. http://images.businessweek.com/ss/09/10/1009_alums_roundup/8.htm.
"CampusLIVE Gives Students Real-Time News They Can Use (Video)." Social Media News and Web Tips – Mashable – The Social Media Guide. Web. 24 Mar. 2010. http://mashable.com/2008/10/06/campuslive/.
Two Laptops Take Images to Another Dimension
In our modern world, technology is advancing everyday. The article I read explains how two different laptops can now present 3-D images and movies. The Acer Aspire and the Asus G51 are the two laptops that are taking on this new technology. With the same kind of new IT, these two laptops are targeted toward two different crowds. The Acer is designed primarily as laptop and then a 3-D game player while the Asus is meant for gamers who are looking for the 3-D experience.
Each laptop has a different way of converting the 2D images into 3D. The Aspire uses a software program called TriDef 3-D which users must use to view their downloads in 3-D. Some problems that arise with the Aspire are that it is unable to play all QuickTime or MP4 video files. In addition, the screen of the laptop has to be tilted at a certain angle to see proper 3-D or it appears blurry. The more expensive Asus G51J 3-D comes loaded with Nvidia's 3-D vision software. Although more expensive, it is said to have a much higher quality 3-D experience. Both laptops require that the user wears glasses. The Nvidia glasses present a much higher resolution per eye and allow for wider viewing angles.
A difference in these laptops is how they convert the images and videos. The Acer Aspire is able to convert 2-D photos and videos into 3-D while the Asus G51J depends on originally produced 3-D material. With video games however, the Asus G51J is able to convert 2-D games to 3-D. Acer plans to create a laptop with Nvidia's technology in the near future so it can compete with the resolution of the Asus G51J.
Acer and Asus are definitely taking a step in IT with laptops. 3-D TV's are not available yet so people will be willing to buy these 3-D laptops. By targeting different groups, the companies will be able to expand their sales and increase revenue. Gamers will be willing to purchase the Asus G51J because it offers the 3-D experience that was once only available on desktops. On the other hand, the Acer Aspire is more of a complete laptop that allows user to view pictures or movies in 3-D. The 3-D software gives these laptops a competitive advantage over other companies because they are the only laptops with this ability.
Reimagining Mobile Search: Introducing Yahoo! Sketch-a-Search
Yahoo! has just come developed its latest new app for the iphone and ipod touch. The app called "Sketch-a-Search" is the new way for iphone or ipod users to search their surrounding environment or location for valuable places that pertain to their interests. The key component of the new app is the simple, easy to use concept that Yahoo! hopes will gain popularity. Sketch-a-Search does not require a zip code of the surrounding areas, street addresses or numbers. Users simply draw a circle, with their fingers, around the area they would like to target, and the app creates a list of, for example, restaurants. Then, the user can obtain further details of each individual restaurant by selecting it on the list, which then provides information such as reviews, prices, and types of food. Taking the search even another step forward, the users can also prioritize or make their search more specific by then breaking down the surrounding restaurants by food, reviews, etc...
In my opinion, Yahoo! has now set the bar for search applications using the iphone and ipod touch. On a personal basis, I know that anyone who has the phone has used the search application to find specific places in their surrounding area, or even broad options such as all the different restaurants. It can be a pain staking process if you are unfamiliar with the area and most likely do not know the zip code because then you have to do a separate search for the zip and so on. Now, by just being able to "sketch" a simple circle around your current location for example, it simplifies the search exponentially. In todays society, the simpler something is, the more popularity it most likely to gain. Therefore, given the simplicity of the app, I believe it will gain widespread success. It also allows for Yahoo! to perhaps track the most "sketched" areas based on people and determine how much more specific information to put, which can help them make money through ads or save money by not wasting time putting as much information in less searched areas. Yahoo! could even potentially sell the information of how often a specific area is searched and charge companies for putting their information higher on the list, or even on the list.
The examples given above could prove invaluable for Yahoo! in the future. With the new "Sketch-a-Search" application, Yahoo! has now permanently engrained itself in not only a rising technology in the iphone, but the perhaps one of the most valuable assests it offers, the ability to search for anything at anytime in the convenience of your pocket. Now, when people download and use the app, they will always see the search engine Yahoo! and incorporate the easy, new interface of searching surrounding areas with the search engine giant. This could prove extremely profitable for both Yahoo! in the form of advertisements and perhaps the sales of information, and surrounding businesses who could gain exposure because of the app. In terms of users, it could also prove most valuable as both a convenience and time saver. Perhaps even in the updated version Yahoo! could create an option where the user could create a history or favorites list which they can always refer to as a referance point and then expand their search of the area based on places which are similar to their history or favorites. This option could again prove helpful in the sense that Yahoo! could track favorites or commonly marked places on the application to gain insight into where users are most likely going to spend their money. They could then make better business decisions based on this gathered information by advertising more heavily in the areas or selling these results to companies for a profit that revolves around the concepts of what Google does: charging companies more for being higher on the list of the search.
Finally, this new application could prove extremely useful both on an information technology front and business aspect. The easy interface will urge and motivate users to choose Yahoo!'s new search over others, which could help expand and market, thus helping them to better compete with other search engine providers such as rival google.
http://ymobileblog.com/blog/2010/03/23/reimagining-mobile-search-introducing-yahoo-sketch-a-search-and-yahoo-search-for-the-iphone
In my opinion, Yahoo! has now set the bar for search applications using the iphone and ipod touch. On a personal basis, I know that anyone who has the phone has used the search application to find specific places in their surrounding area, or even broad options such as all the different restaurants. It can be a pain staking process if you are unfamiliar with the area and most likely do not know the zip code because then you have to do a separate search for the zip and so on. Now, by just being able to "sketch" a simple circle around your current location for example, it simplifies the search exponentially. In todays society, the simpler something is, the more popularity it most likely to gain. Therefore, given the simplicity of the app, I believe it will gain widespread success. It also allows for Yahoo! to perhaps track the most "sketched" areas based on people and determine how much more specific information to put, which can help them make money through ads or save money by not wasting time putting as much information in less searched areas. Yahoo! could even potentially sell the information of how often a specific area is searched and charge companies for putting their information higher on the list, or even on the list.
The examples given above could prove invaluable for Yahoo! in the future. With the new "Sketch-a-Search" application, Yahoo! has now permanently engrained itself in not only a rising technology in the iphone, but the perhaps one of the most valuable assests it offers, the ability to search for anything at anytime in the convenience of your pocket. Now, when people download and use the app, they will always see the search engine Yahoo! and incorporate the easy, new interface of searching surrounding areas with the search engine giant. This could prove extremely profitable for both Yahoo! in the form of advertisements and perhaps the sales of information, and surrounding businesses who could gain exposure because of the app. In terms of users, it could also prove most valuable as both a convenience and time saver. Perhaps even in the updated version Yahoo! could create an option where the user could create a history or favorites list which they can always refer to as a referance point and then expand their search of the area based on places which are similar to their history or favorites. This option could again prove helpful in the sense that Yahoo! could track favorites or commonly marked places on the application to gain insight into where users are most likely going to spend their money. They could then make better business decisions based on this gathered information by advertising more heavily in the areas or selling these results to companies for a profit that revolves around the concepts of what Google does: charging companies more for being higher on the list of the search.
Finally, this new application could prove extremely useful both on an information technology front and business aspect. The easy interface will urge and motivate users to choose Yahoo!'s new search over others, which could help expand and market, thus helping them to better compete with other search engine providers such as rival google.
http://ymobileblog.com/blog/2010/03/23/reimagining-mobile-search-introducing-yahoo-sketch-a-search-and-yahoo-search-for-the-iphone
Judge approves Facebook's settlement offer in Beacon case
A lawsuit was filed against Facebook, a social networking website, in August 2008 for violating federal privacy laws with their Beacon advertising program. Finally, two years later, a settlement has been reached. Facebook has agreed to pay $9.5 million of grant money to fund online privacy projects and set up a privacy foundation. They have organized three well known, respected board members to decide which privacy projects will receive money. The lawsuit originated from Facebook sharing private information about their users with Beacon affiliates like Blockbuster and Overstock.com. These affiliates posted specific personal information about customers on the internet after Facebook shared their information with them. This violated the Electronic Communications Privacy Act and the Video Privacy Protection Act.
This lawsuit presents the ethical dilemma of the downside of technology. It conveys the risk of privacy invasion from following IP addresses and people using cookies or web beacons to track whose reading what, from where, and when. I think Facebook’s proposal and final settlement is a great way to protect people’s information and avoid a dilemma like this again once these projects develop. In this case, the actually company was sharing their own information of their users with other trusted companies. If Facebook shared their information anyone who wanted to use the data wrongly and continue to share it with others, not only Facebook users’ privacy would be at stake but their safety as well. A stranger could find out where you are, your friends, and certain aspects of your life through your conversations with others. Facebook’s grant to help protect people from this benefits everyone. Yet, a big argument against the settlement was made arguing that the settlement did nothing to indemnify the already exposed victims of Facebook’s violation. I do not think there is much that can be done for these victims because once information is on the web it is out there for all to see. Personally, I understand how web beacons help companies with efficiency, effectiveness, and web metrics to realize trends and traffic patterns to help the company excel. I do not agree with them continuing to follow IP addresses after a user leaves the company’s site. Yet, the fact that there is so much information out there on everyone gives us some privacy because it is hard to track one specific person, but it’s not impossible.
Jaikumar Vijayan, Computerworld. March 18th 2010.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2010/03/18/urnidgns852573C400693880002576EB0003C03C.DTL
This lawsuit presents the ethical dilemma of the downside of technology. It conveys the risk of privacy invasion from following IP addresses and people using cookies or web beacons to track whose reading what, from where, and when. I think Facebook’s proposal and final settlement is a great way to protect people’s information and avoid a dilemma like this again once these projects develop. In this case, the actually company was sharing their own information of their users with other trusted companies. If Facebook shared their information anyone who wanted to use the data wrongly and continue to share it with others, not only Facebook users’ privacy would be at stake but their safety as well. A stranger could find out where you are, your friends, and certain aspects of your life through your conversations with others. Facebook’s grant to help protect people from this benefits everyone. Yet, a big argument against the settlement was made arguing that the settlement did nothing to indemnify the already exposed victims of Facebook’s violation. I do not think there is much that can be done for these victims because once information is on the web it is out there for all to see. Personally, I understand how web beacons help companies with efficiency, effectiveness, and web metrics to realize trends and traffic patterns to help the company excel. I do not agree with them continuing to follow IP addresses after a user leaves the company’s site. Yet, the fact that there is so much information out there on everyone gives us some privacy because it is hard to track one specific person, but it’s not impossible.
Jaikumar Vijayan, Computerworld. March 18th 2010.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2010/03/18/urnidgns852573C400693880002576EB0003C03C.DTL
18-to-24-year-olds Most at Risk for ID Theft, Survey Finds
With technology improving and evolving everyday, identity theft has been on the rise. Most at risk are the millennials, the people who are 18-24 years old. Most of the people in this age range are students, who are away from home for the first time, and just starting to learn how to live independently. They have not yet learned that you need to check your bank statements to ensure that there are no fraudulent charges. These people are ones that have grown up with technology their entire life. They are always warned of the dangers of the internet, yet most have no experienced them. Shopping on the internet to them is just as regular as going to the mall and shopping, they forget that internet makes it easier for people to steal credit card numbers. In their minds, they are thinking “it's never going to happen to me”. Using a credit or debit card to them is more second nature than using cash, so most don't even think twice when they go somewhere and pull out a credit card. Yet technology has evolved so much that someone can withdraw money from a bank account without even having the bank card.
As student who is in the age range, it makes me realize how much I don't know about identity theft. Yes, I know it is possible, especially with the use of the internet, but I am one of those “it will never happen to me” type of people. I should know better since neither one of my parents is comfortable using their credit card over the internet. Yet to me the ease and availability over powers the “what if my card number gets stolen?” We are always warned of the dangers of the internet, especially as young children. But as we get older, we forget about the dangers of the internet, since it has become second nature for us to go online everyday, multiple times a day. I think it would be wise for schools, either high schools or colleges, to go over the dangers of identity theft and ways that it can be prevented, specifically on the internet.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/16/AR2010031604209.html
Target Takes Coupons Mobile With 2-D Technology
In summary, this article discusses Target's newest innovation. Target is properly using technology to lure in their customers. What they will be doing is sending a text message/ email with coupons each month to registered users. These customers will be able to bring their phone to the register at Target during check out and have a unique barcode scanned from their phone. This way a customer does not have to worry about forgetting coupons or dealing with the hassle of cutting the coupons out. Since this is still a very new experiment for Target they are running into some kinks. Even with these kinks customers are still rapidly registering for this service and responding favorably. By using the technology of creating scan bars on a cell phone screen customers can save some time and money.
Personally, I find this new effort by Target to be very innovative and a step in the right direction. I feel that the service is now reaching out to a different target group of consumers, these being the younger shoppers. For example, my mother is more likely to sit down and cut out coupons to use at the store, whereas I would normally just buy the product without the coupon. Now, I am able to avoid the wasted time spent looking through flyers to find the coupons I need and just hand my cell phone to the cashier.
Target is using technology in a favorable way. The company seems to understand that the years of people looking through merchandise circulars has become outdated. More people are using email to search through weekly circulars and as a place to find good deals.
After some research it seems that Target is not the only chain to be accepting mobile coupons. Most notably is the attempt by Procter & Gamble, Clorox, Del Monte, Kimberly-Clark and General Mills. This spring the companies will be running a test, in association with Kroger Co. grocery chains, to accept mobile coupons just as Target is doing. Their plan is to reach out to consumers between the ages of 25 - 34 who are not as likely to clip coupons as older consumers.
Using this new technology businesses are able to reach out to new consumers, which means bettering their business. By using already implemented coupon programs all companies need to do is advertise the coupons in a place where the new target group of consumers are more prone to looking, their email.
I also feel that this is an advantage for Target over their biggest competitor, Wal-Mart. Now consumers are able to achieve lower priced items, as they would at Wal-mart, without the hassle of paper coupons, just like at Wal-Mart.
Personally, I am very happy to hear about this program. Although I am a little younger than the target age group, I know I will be benefiting from this program. The ease of having coupons sent to my Smartphone and just having it scanned at the counter is very enticing.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/35803064 - original article
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9078918/5_companies_to_test_mobile_coupons_at_grocery_chain - grocery chain that will be implementing new coupon technology.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Can 4G wireless take on traditional broadband?
A new revolution is happening with wireless internet service. Previously there was only 3G wireless service, this was a revolution in mobile internet usage. People could access the internet with their smart phones, netbooks, and laptops while on the go. Now a company called Clearwire is introducing 4G WiMax service. This service marks a major step in wireless internet usage. The download speed of this 4G service is comparable to DSL and cable internet services. This has the potential to shake up the internet service market. Companies that offer internet service have invested large sums of money in the infrastructure required to provide customers with reliable and fast internet service. With wireless competition, companies like Verizon and Comcast have to reevaluate their business. A trend in occurring where people are using smart phones and netbooks more and more, which makes wired service less appealing to customers. The introduction of a wireless service that is as fast as traditional wired services will make customers think twice about paying for both their internet at home and their mobile usage. Therefore the internet providers will have to lower their rates or introduce a 4G service of their own in order to compete with Clearwire.
This new technology will have an effect on how our culture and business dealings will work in the future. With people having portable internet that is just as fast as wired services people will be able to accomplish a lot more when they are on the go. Just imagine being able to stream a full length movie, or download a large file as quickly as you can now from home or the office while on the go. It has the potential to change how businesses operate. The introduction of a fast and reliable service will decrease profits from internet providers who don't adapt, but it will offer an opportunity for established and startups to cater to the market of wireless internet users. Entertainment companies will benefit greatly from this service. Companies like Netflix will be able to provide their entire video library to people on the go. Mobile gaming will also be a winner with this new technology. People will be able to play games that were only playable on wired services on the go. This will increase the amount of time people spend on mobile gaming because people will play from anywhere they wish. This new technology will have a huge impact on our culture and it will be interesting to see more and more customers embrace this new technology.
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12261_7-20000832-10356022.html?tag=newsEditorsPicksArea.0
This new technology will have an effect on how our culture and business dealings will work in the future. With people having portable internet that is just as fast as wired services people will be able to accomplish a lot more when they are on the go. Just imagine being able to stream a full length movie, or download a large file as quickly as you can now from home or the office while on the go. It has the potential to change how businesses operate. The introduction of a fast and reliable service will decrease profits from internet providers who don't adapt, but it will offer an opportunity for established and startups to cater to the market of wireless internet users. Entertainment companies will benefit greatly from this service. Companies like Netflix will be able to provide their entire video library to people on the go. Mobile gaming will also be a winner with this new technology. People will be able to play games that were only playable on wired services on the go. This will increase the amount of time people spend on mobile gaming because people will play from anywhere they wish. This new technology will have a huge impact on our culture and it will be interesting to see more and more customers embrace this new technology.
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-12261_7-20000832-10356022.html?tag=newsEditorsPicksArea.0
Intersil Agrees to Acquire Techwell for $370 Million (Update2)
Intersil Corp., a maker of semiconductors used in flat screens and cars, agreed to buy Techwell Inc. for about $370 million. The reason for this purchase is so that Intersil can expand its lineup of video chips. According to a statement released today, they agreed to pay $18.50 a share in cash for Techwell, which is 49% higher than its closing price. The reason why Intersil wanted and was interested in Techwell is because of their purpose in the IT world. They develop chips that handle video in recorders, auto dashboards, rearview mirrors, and rear-seat LCD screens. Since Intersil makes semiconductors used in flat screen monitors and cars, they need all of the chips they can get and since Techwell produces and makes these chips, it seems like a clear decision to buy the company and use it to their advantage. Techwell’s board unanimously approved the terms of the offer and is fully agreeing to sell their shares over to Intersil. Morgan Stanley is advising Intersil on the deal and has offered Intersil $390 million needed for the acquisition. Intersil expects the deal to close during the second quarter.
I believe that Intersil Corp. is very wise about buying Techwell because it will benefit their company tremendously. Their profits and revenue will increase because of the amount of chips they are about to receive from Techwell. Once these chips are in possession of Intersil, they can begin to produce more semiconductors for flat screens and cars. Thus, the company’s assets will increase immensely. By expanding the company’s lineup of video chips, Intersil will have a lot more options to develop different kinds and types of semiconductors. For example, they can invest in new ideas by bettering and developing better video technology in cars and flat screens. This possible new development might help their company increase the amount of revenue and services they receive. Perhaps, one day all cars in the United States will consider it a necessity to have some sort of video technology in each and every car.
Another smart decision made by Intersil is they definitely have increased their status as a manufacturer of technology chips. Now, companies will be turning to Intersil since they have a surplus amount of chips by buying Techwell. These companies will look to them as being the primary “care givers” to produce flat screens and videos in cars, such as GPSs and DVD players. It is also a good strategy by Techwell because they are benefitting another company, which will do its best to produce more technology by using the chips from their company. This is also a beneficial way to keep technology going forward and onward. Even though Techwell is being bought out and might be ceasing to exist, at least they can have the satisfaction of benefitting and helping another company. I think it is a wonderful idea when companies take interest and buy other companies for the best interest of furthering their mission, which is to provide better technology.
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-03-22/intersil-agrees-to-acquire-techwell-for-370-million-update2-.html
I believe that Intersil Corp. is very wise about buying Techwell because it will benefit their company tremendously. Their profits and revenue will increase because of the amount of chips they are about to receive from Techwell. Once these chips are in possession of Intersil, they can begin to produce more semiconductors for flat screens and cars. Thus, the company’s assets will increase immensely. By expanding the company’s lineup of video chips, Intersil will have a lot more options to develop different kinds and types of semiconductors. For example, they can invest in new ideas by bettering and developing better video technology in cars and flat screens. This possible new development might help their company increase the amount of revenue and services they receive. Perhaps, one day all cars in the United States will consider it a necessity to have some sort of video technology in each and every car.
Another smart decision made by Intersil is they definitely have increased their status as a manufacturer of technology chips. Now, companies will be turning to Intersil since they have a surplus amount of chips by buying Techwell. These companies will look to them as being the primary “care givers” to produce flat screens and videos in cars, such as GPSs and DVD players. It is also a good strategy by Techwell because they are benefitting another company, which will do its best to produce more technology by using the chips from their company. This is also a beneficial way to keep technology going forward and onward. Even though Techwell is being bought out and might be ceasing to exist, at least they can have the satisfaction of benefitting and helping another company. I think it is a wonderful idea when companies take interest and buy other companies for the best interest of furthering their mission, which is to provide better technology.
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-03-22/intersil-agrees-to-acquire-techwell-for-370-million-update2-.html
Nintendo:Staying Ahead of the Game
With all of the technological advances in cell phones today, gaming systems have been affected. People are questioning Nintendo's gaming abilities when put up next to an iPhone. Nintendo is working hard to stay at the top, they realize that any entertainment time that isn't for them is hurting them. Playstation and Microsoft are planning to add motion control systems to their gaming stystems. Nintendo is stepping up their game with their second generation of motion control with their wii motion plus. Nintendo is a good spot because most of their software is motion-enabled whereas all of it's competitors have to make software and all of the applications that goes along with motion-enabled.
Nintendo has hardware developers working with software developers dailty to strategize and come up with the next big thing for Nintendo like Wii. Even though Nintendo hasn't been working to have social networking along with their software they are workingon applications to add to it so consumers can use the Wi-Fi that's enabled with it. For examle, they are working to have a Netflix application so that as long as the consumer has an internet connection and a Netflix subscription, they can watch the movies with their Wii.
Nintendo is one of the oldest gaming systems, and it was the first company to have the motion-enabled software with its product. Nintendo opened the door to a new level of gaming. It's about time that Microsoft and Playstation step it up and join Nintendo. I don't think it's even possible to put the iPhone in the same category as the Wii or DS. Personally, Nintendo is my favorite gaming company and I would hate to see it lose the top spot to the iPhone.
http://www.forbes.com/2010/03/09/wii-xbox-playstation-technology-business-intelligence-nintendo_3.html
Nintendo has hardware developers working with software developers dailty to strategize and come up with the next big thing for Nintendo like Wii. Even though Nintendo hasn't been working to have social networking along with their software they are workingon applications to add to it so consumers can use the Wi-Fi that's enabled with it. For examle, they are working to have a Netflix application so that as long as the consumer has an internet connection and a Netflix subscription, they can watch the movies with their Wii.
Nintendo is one of the oldest gaming systems, and it was the first company to have the motion-enabled software with its product. Nintendo opened the door to a new level of gaming. It's about time that Microsoft and Playstation step it up and join Nintendo. I don't think it's even possible to put the iPhone in the same category as the Wii or DS. Personally, Nintendo is my favorite gaming company and I would hate to see it lose the top spot to the iPhone.
http://www.forbes.com/2010/03/09/wii-xbox-playstation-technology-business-intelligence-nintendo_3.html
What is the impact of new technology in the workplace
In the last few decades information technology has grown at an exponential rate. This growth has naturally made its way into the business world. Most companies of the modern age see this new technology as a means to making their business more efficient. A more efficient business is a more profitable business. Those businesses that do not hop on to the the evolutionary curve are usually doomed to obscurity. However, the companies that choose to "play ball," retain their ability to stay competitive in a rapidly changing technological world.
In the past, information technology was responsible for employing about half of the population. That number has more than likely risen since then due to the extreme influx of new technology in this highly electronic age. This new technology has aided employees greatly. It has given them much greater mobility. With the use of emails and cell phones, communication with employees has become almost boundless. This gives the average employee a way to work away from the office. These subtle advancements make life among the working class smoother and more efficient. Better efficiency translates to increased profit margins.
New technology allows for companies to break traditional molds of business. For instance, in 2010 91% of businesses allow employees to work from their homes on occasion. This would not even have been a possibility in the eighties. However, in our modern times businesses are beginning to see the benefits of telecommuting. These benefits include productivity gains, reduced absenteeism, reduced employee turnover costs, reduced real estate costs, and reduced relocation costs to name a few. In combination with these benefits, telecommuting also offers more flexibility and a relief from workplace policies such as dress code and formal office hours.
This innovative technology also allows the formation of cyber/virtual teams. This allows companies to bring together the best people for a certain job regardless of time or location. Technologies such as email, teleconferencing, and video conferencing are making such collaborations possible. These collaborations allow businesses to work more smoothly internally and to work with other businesses to accomplish certain goals.
http://www.helium.com/items/436615-what-is-the-impact-of-new-technology-in-the-workplace?page=2
In the past, information technology was responsible for employing about half of the population. That number has more than likely risen since then due to the extreme influx of new technology in this highly electronic age. This new technology has aided employees greatly. It has given them much greater mobility. With the use of emails and cell phones, communication with employees has become almost boundless. This gives the average employee a way to work away from the office. These subtle advancements make life among the working class smoother and more efficient. Better efficiency translates to increased profit margins.
New technology allows for companies to break traditional molds of business. For instance, in 2010 91% of businesses allow employees to work from their homes on occasion. This would not even have been a possibility in the eighties. However, in our modern times businesses are beginning to see the benefits of telecommuting. These benefits include productivity gains, reduced absenteeism, reduced employee turnover costs, reduced real estate costs, and reduced relocation costs to name a few. In combination with these benefits, telecommuting also offers more flexibility and a relief from workplace policies such as dress code and formal office hours.
This innovative technology also allows the formation of cyber/virtual teams. This allows companies to bring together the best people for a certain job regardless of time or location. Technologies such as email, teleconferencing, and video conferencing are making such collaborations possible. These collaborations allow businesses to work more smoothly internally and to work with other businesses to accomplish certain goals.
http://www.helium.com/items/436615-what-is-the-impact-of-new-technology-in-the-workplace?page=2
Smarter Data Centers to Reduce Energy Costs
The article by Dana Gardner discusses computer power and its increasing energy use and what two executives from HP are using to decrease energy use and costs. Doug Oathout, Vice president of green IT energy servers and storage at HP, discusses the problems of energy capacity in data centers. John Bennet, director of data center transformation (DCT) solutions, discusses that customers want to build out data center and infrastructure that correlates to their business plans and objectives.
What first caught my eye is that Oathout states that IT professionals and managers never see an energy bill from utility that they never focus on solving energy consumption. In my opinion if one works directly with technology that uses energy they need information on how much capacity they are using, how much space is left for new projects.
Through reading the article HP is moving forward on going green through information technology infrastructure. “You can deploy a particular workload onto an IT infrastructure that is optimally designed to run efficiently and optimally designed to continually run in an efficient way, so that you know you’re getting the most productive work from the least energy and the more energy efficient equipment infrastructure” (Oathout). He is discussing the idea that Bennet discusses DCT, it is an integrated system of data-center project that is consolidated and continuous such ahs virtualization and automation. HP is changing the way data centers are setup. In my opinion why not reduce energy costs while increasing computing capacity and capability with their new views on the centers it is a gain not just for the company but also the planet. If a company’s goal were to be as economically friendly as possible looking at energy costs and attempting to reduce them would be my first choice of action after recycling.
Bennet also states that in order to reduce energy costs and with new energy regulations, they have found that they have to look at infrastructure and facilities management. Oathout states that “few clients have deployed comprehensive software strategies or facility strategies to corral this energy consumption problem… software, hardware, and people need to come together in a process as an energy audit or energy management”. They are looking within and finding ways to reduce costs and increase capacity eventually the clients will have auditing capability built into the software. HP’s use of information and data on how much energy is being absorbed by different equipment they then can make decisions on what software to use, such as, HP SiteScope to do performance analysis. In my opinion this point of view and information not only saves the business money but also helps the planet companies cannot do wrong by implementing this strategy.
To sum up my opinions if a company can consolidate information, see where they are using the most energy, analyze it, and constantly audit it’s equipment performance to not only reduce costs but also help the planet why would a company not want to reduce fixed utility costs and gain more computing capacity and revenue.
Gardner, Dana. Smart Grids for Smarter Data Centers. http://www.technewsworld.com/story/69443.html 03/03/2010
Fashionable IT investments don't help the bottom line, study says
With all of the major headlines these days, there has been a frenzy of them surrounding major corporations who are constantly switching to the newest and up to date Information Technology systems. Throughout this semester we have learned that new Information Technology Systems can dramatically improve the performance and operations of a business. If this stands true, it would seem reasonable for every company to constantly switch over to the newest IT systems. So the question to ask is, why not keep switching Information Technology Systems.
In a recent article published by Mitch Betts, he discussed and analyzed the major corporations frenzy towards obtaining the hottest systems for the company on the market along with the overall benefits of these systems. As Mr. Betts explains, the trend in acquiring and implementing the newest systems do not necessarily correlate with an automatic boost in a company’s performance. Studies have shown that companies who constantly switch over Information Technology systems generally see a decline in financial performance after an investment in new IT systems. On average the study has shown a 3-year recovery period for the company to make up for profits loss due to the implementation of new systems. So the question now is why do companies continue to implement new IT Systems that do not benefit the company. The answer to this question is a result of public reputation and top line management compensation. The article states, "The analysis showed that corporate reputation scores and CEO pay jumped at companies known for implementing hot technologies."
When I first read over the article, the catchy title made me think about all that we have learned about information systems and their purpose within helping to improve an organizations performance. It seems that instead of putting the success of the company in front, top line compensation and "system approval ratings" have been deemed first priority. This new stride towards the hottest IT Systems goes against the three business questions that a company should ask themselves before making an technology purchase to gain a competitive advantage over competition. Prior to this article we have discussed Hersey Co., and their negative experience to try to keep up with changing technology and thought that they were the odd balls out of the bunch. This article shows that this unnecessary jump in newer technology for the wrong reasons, is more common than not.
“These results support a fashion explanation for the middle phase diffusion of IT innovations, illustrating that following fashion can legitimize organizations and their leaders regardless of performance improvement.”
This practice has not been around forever; in fact this practice of acquiring new technology by major corporations has been around since the early 90’s. I believe that this process is unprofessional in not only cheating the company but also the company’s investors as well. An information system in my mind is much like raw data. Just like data, and new Information system is useless for a company unless it was acquired by the company for a specific purpose!
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/347583/Study_Chasing_Fashionable_IT_Doesn_t_Pay_Off
http://www.misq.org/archivist/vol/no34/issue1/PingWang.html
For Hire: Social Media Rep for Businesses
“Social media is incredibly important...and incredibly time consuming. Many small business owners must choose between properly promoting their companies on Facebook and Twitter or actually running their companies. The solution is to delegate some of the social media work to an employee or outside consultant.”-Minda Zetlin, technology.inc.com
One of the hottest new jobs is a social media representative. What does this job entail? Big companies are utilizing the fast growing social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter. Facebook had 111 million visitors in 2009 which creates a very convenient, cheap way for companies to utilize this new technology for both customer relations and marketing. These sites promote building relationships with consumers, and that is exactly what companies want in order to obtain and retain a strong customer base.
A detailed look at companies utilizing this new social media technology one can look towards the auto industry which has been hit hard. Automakers have been one of the hardest his industries by the decline in the economy and they are trying everything to get back in the green. Companies like Ford, Honda, GM, and Toyota have looked to their PR department to join the Twitter, Facebook world and reach out to possible customers.
Mashable.com, “The Social Media Guide” has ranked the top 40 brands that are utilizing twitter the best. In the car business Honda and GM are among others that lead the industry. An example of a Tweet from a Honda, done by head of corporate affairs and communications, Alicia Jones is “Honda outboard engines are 65% cleaner than what’s required by the U.S. EPA and Environment Canada”. The social networking sites are primarily used by younger people from the late teens to 30 years of age. This bracket is an extremely important segment of the market a car company wants to reach out to. Car companies build relationships with their customers and if successful make consumers life-long buyers of their brand. This is why the companies utilizing the new technology in Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites are new, innovative and looks to be very profitable in the near future.
http://mashable.com/2009/01/21/best-twitter-brands/
http://technology.inc.com/internet/articles/201003/socialmedia.html
Apple, Amazon, Google Wage Content Wars
Apple, Amazon, and Google are looking to advertise themselves through more than just their websites, but by mobile devices as well. In order to do this, they are hoping to create their own content portals by formatting their applications on to different technological devices. The article says that businesses should not just see gagets (such as smart phones and ipads) as "silly toys" but rather as new marketing-medium. Supposedly, these companies lock out one another's content, so the question raised about these content portals is how can they compete for potential customers if this is the case?
I think using mobile devices to advertise a company is not a bad iadea because it is just a new way of reaching out to a company's target audience. Unfortunately, there would be consumers that dislike receiving text messages from various companies, but there may also be people that are susceptible to ads so they can become aware of new products and ideas. Even if companies lock each other's content out, if they are willing to spend the extra money on research, testing, and following through with technologically formatting their apps on to devices, then they should be able to do so without other companies being upset about having their content locked out. Locking out other companies is their way of promoting themselves in the marketing world. Because the world is rapidly changing its technology, Apple, Amazon, and Google are simply trying to find new ways to use the most up-to-date technology to bring them to a competitive advantage against other corporate giants. In other words, they are adapting to new technology in order for their companies to benefit. By formatting their applications on to mobile devices they would not only be advertising themselves, but they would also make applications convenient to access for their consumers.
I think using mobile devices to advertise a company is not a bad iadea because it is just a new way of reaching out to a company's target audience. Unfortunately, there would be consumers that dislike receiving text messages from various companies, but there may also be people that are susceptible to ads so they can become aware of new products and ideas. Even if companies lock each other's content out, if they are willing to spend the extra money on research, testing, and following through with technologically formatting their apps on to devices, then they should be able to do so without other companies being upset about having their content locked out. Locking out other companies is their way of promoting themselves in the marketing world. Because the world is rapidly changing its technology, Apple, Amazon, and Google are simply trying to find new ways to use the most up-to-date technology to bring them to a competitive advantage against other corporate giants. In other words, they are adapting to new technology in order for their companies to benefit. By formatting their applications on to mobile devices they would not only be advertising themselves, but they would also make applications convenient to access for their consumers.
Apple Swears iPad Partners to Secrecy
Apple is curently preparing for the release of their new product, the iPad which is set to release on April 3. It is now known that Apple has upped their demands for secrecy of this product compared to products in the past. Apple has always been very secretive with newly released products as they do not want consumers and competing companies to know the software and hardware used in their products till after it is released. The iPad is potentially a billion dollar product in Apple’s mind and they are taking its release very seriously. Any software developer who wants to try the iPad before the release must prove to Apple that they have signed off on a 10 page pact with Apple. Apple will also come in when they deliver the device and tether it down to a fixed object so that the iPad cannot be moved, misplaced, or stolen.
Apple is extremely secretive with their products and do not want any information leaked to competitors or the public. I agree with the senior teams at Apple for keeping their products on such a tight leash. They are constantly coming out with the newest and best products for the average consumer and for businesses and if a highly priced project such as the iPad was to fall into the hands of a competitor and they are able to come out with the same technology before or near the release of the iPad then it would prove detrimental to the sales of the iPad. The secrecy that Apple uses ensures that they will have a very nice grace period in technological advancements over their competitors as their competitors will have to wait for the product to be released and then remake a similar technology which could take years. As that time passes the product that Apple released, such as the iPad, will be making Apple lots of money in sales as they are the only company producing it.
At the same time, I think Apple is hurting their own products in a minor capacity by not allowing all software producers to have an iPad in order to develop their software for the product. The producers of applications for Apple products are at a disadvantage if they cannot use the iPad to test their products. All pieces of personal technology have different features and different feels, and a product with a touch screen brings even more difficult dynamics to attempt to copy in order to create their technology. These software producers will not be able to make their products compatible with the touch screen until they are able to purchase the iPad and use it themselves so that they can see how it works with their application. If Apple was a little bit more lenient with releasing their product to the manufacturers of their software applications then I think they would be giving themselves an even stronger advantage because they would be able to develop many of the applications before the release of their product and make their product an even stronger buy for the consumer.
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/mar2010/tc20100318_833402.htm
Dots Do It Better, Says Phone Camera Chip Designer
InVisage Technologies has announced that they will be introducing a new, crystal clear camera chip for smart phones. This new camera chip is called "Quantum Film." It uses quantum dot-based image sensors that conduct the light and transform it into a digital image. InVisage claims that the new technology will "offer four times the performance and twice the dynamic range," as compared to previous silicon camera technologies. In addition, they predict that by targeting smart pones first, they will be able to attract professional photographers because of the high quality professional features.
This new technological innovation will allow smart phone manufacturers and distributors to potentially gain a lead or become more level in competition to Apple's iPhone. Apple has revolutionized the cell phone and taken it to a whole new level. As a result, the smart phone distributors have lost some of their market share. InVisage has extremely high hopes that they will be able to take back that share.
I believe the Quantum Film will succeed in the smart phone industry, however, i think they may be over thinking the immediate customer reaction. I own a smart phone now and while the camera taking abilities is not anything to brag about, it is definitely suitable for what I'm using it for. Of course i would be more than happy to have a better quality camera on my phone but professional photography features is not something I really need to pay more for. Instead of only targeting smart phones, InVisage Technologies should consider reaching into the camera industry. If they feel they have "revolutionized" the camera, then it would only make sense to me that they bring it to the camera industry first to test. this way they could get a better perception on the customer's reactions. then, they could go back and introduce it to the cell phone industry. I think this approach to the new technology would be much more beneficial. In addition, I am not completely sure why they feel that targeting smart phones will attract more professional photographers. Does InVisage think professional will convert to using smart phones instead of real cameras? I do not believe the professional photographer would take such a drastic change.
InViage has made a large advancement in camera technologies. I have faith that they will be successful in eventually changing the quality and abilities of the smart phone. They will also be able to bring back some of the market share from Apple's iPhone. However, they should reconsider their approach to the product's introduction to the public.
Adhikari, Richard. "Dots do it Better, Says Phone Camera Chip Designer." TechNews World. 22 March 2010. www.technewsworld.com
This new technological innovation will allow smart phone manufacturers and distributors to potentially gain a lead or become more level in competition to Apple's iPhone. Apple has revolutionized the cell phone and taken it to a whole new level. As a result, the smart phone distributors have lost some of their market share. InVisage has extremely high hopes that they will be able to take back that share.
I believe the Quantum Film will succeed in the smart phone industry, however, i think they may be over thinking the immediate customer reaction. I own a smart phone now and while the camera taking abilities is not anything to brag about, it is definitely suitable for what I'm using it for. Of course i would be more than happy to have a better quality camera on my phone but professional photography features is not something I really need to pay more for. Instead of only targeting smart phones, InVisage Technologies should consider reaching into the camera industry. If they feel they have "revolutionized" the camera, then it would only make sense to me that they bring it to the camera industry first to test. this way they could get a better perception on the customer's reactions. then, they could go back and introduce it to the cell phone industry. I think this approach to the new technology would be much more beneficial. In addition, I am not completely sure why they feel that targeting smart phones will attract more professional photographers. Does InVisage think professional will convert to using smart phones instead of real cameras? I do not believe the professional photographer would take such a drastic change.
InViage has made a large advancement in camera technologies. I have faith that they will be successful in eventually changing the quality and abilities of the smart phone. They will also be able to bring back some of the market share from Apple's iPhone. However, they should reconsider their approach to the product's introduction to the public.
Adhikari, Richard. "Dots do it Better, Says Phone Camera Chip Designer." TechNews World. 22 March 2010. www.technewsworld.com
ACS to Process Parking Violations in Los Angeles County.
Affiliated Computer Services (ACS) is a technological company that has been able to provide companies throughout the United States with updated technology to better their primary and support services. The Los Angeles Sheriff Department collects over nine and a half million dollars per year as a result of traffic and parking violations, and it’s through ACS that they have been able to run their processes efficiently and effectively. Affiliated Computer Services has provided the LASD with handheld devices to aid sheriff’s in the issuance of citations, as well as an advanced automated license plate recognition program.
According to the article, “ACS is the nation's leading violations processing company, processing nearly 15 million parking and moving violations, and collecting $818 million annually.” With that being said, it is extremely crucial for the technology within this sector of society be up to date. It must serve as a way to strengthen the county of Los Angeles and enhance the security efforts put forth by the LASD. ACS does not only provide technology to aid in the prosecution of vehicle violations, and rather they can provide the technology to accurately collect fines, help with issues regarding toll booths along some of the busiest highways in California, and it allows police forces throughout the country to enhance the transportation of people and goods.
State governments and police forces are the factors in which provide safe living environments for its residents and therefore, I believe it is absolutely mandatory for governing institutions throughout the United States to run smoothly and efficiently. The LASD is putting forth successful efforts to enhance these processes, but it can be argued that if they were to participate in some of the other technologies ACS offers, they could dramatically increase the speed of these transactions. California already receives a large amount of taxable revenue from these violations, but enhancing the programs responsible for the ticketing process could increase that revenue. As a direct result, this could make parking lots and highways throughout California much safer.
ACS is a subsidiary of Xerox, and is headquarted in Norfolk, Connecticut. If ACS were to engage in more contracts with companies throughout the United States (rather than a focus on California), police forces everywhere would have a competitive advantage over the ticketing process. Although the states would arguably be spending a significant amount of money more to enhance these processes, I believe these technological advancements could greatly increase the amount of tickets issued, and substantially decrease the amount of time spent doing it. It appears that ACS is the leader in the industry of this type of technology. If they continue to manufacture great tools to aid these processes, this relationship with their clients will only increase.
http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/BCRC?srchtp=adv&c=1&ste=31&tbst=tsVS&tab=2&aca=nwmg&bConts=2&RNN=A221523935&docNum=A221523935&locID=loyola_main
According to the article, “ACS is the nation's leading violations processing company, processing nearly 15 million parking and moving violations, and collecting $818 million annually.” With that being said, it is extremely crucial for the technology within this sector of society be up to date. It must serve as a way to strengthen the county of Los Angeles and enhance the security efforts put forth by the LASD. ACS does not only provide technology to aid in the prosecution of vehicle violations, and rather they can provide the technology to accurately collect fines, help with issues regarding toll booths along some of the busiest highways in California, and it allows police forces throughout the country to enhance the transportation of people and goods.
State governments and police forces are the factors in which provide safe living environments for its residents and therefore, I believe it is absolutely mandatory for governing institutions throughout the United States to run smoothly and efficiently. The LASD is putting forth successful efforts to enhance these processes, but it can be argued that if they were to participate in some of the other technologies ACS offers, they could dramatically increase the speed of these transactions. California already receives a large amount of taxable revenue from these violations, but enhancing the programs responsible for the ticketing process could increase that revenue. As a direct result, this could make parking lots and highways throughout California much safer.
ACS is a subsidiary of Xerox, and is headquarted in Norfolk, Connecticut. If ACS were to engage in more contracts with companies throughout the United States (rather than a focus on California), police forces everywhere would have a competitive advantage over the ticketing process. Although the states would arguably be spending a significant amount of money more to enhance these processes, I believe these technological advancements could greatly increase the amount of tickets issued, and substantially decrease the amount of time spent doing it. It appears that ACS is the leader in the industry of this type of technology. If they continue to manufacture great tools to aid these processes, this relationship with their clients will only increase.
http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/BCRC?srchtp=adv&c=1&ste=31&tbst=tsVS&tab=2&aca=nwmg&bConts=2&RNN=A221523935&docNum=A221523935&locID=loyola_main
AT&T Plays Down Verizon's LTE Lead
Verizon has decided to introduce a new wireless technology called Long Term Evolution. The LTE technology is meant for the new 4G, or fourth generation, devices. Right now, those devices are not fully developed. According to AT&T CTO, John Donovan, the current third-generation, or 3G, devices are not capable of the new LTE technology. The LTE-compatible handsets require two antennas and chips that are larger than what is built into current 3G devices. Verizon is going to continue to introduce the new technology regardless of its competitors blatant disagreement. Most carriers are already adopting the LTE for the fourth generation devices but are moving at a slower pace than Verizon.
According to Mr. Donovan, there are a variety of disadvantages to the technology when it is used with the current third-generation technology. The technology is still new and not fully mature. Specifically, the developers must work out the small problems that may develop in the handsets that would not allow users to make use of the faster LTE speeds. Right away, the first LTE handsets are going to drain batteries and be built like a 'fat brick.' The new LTE technologies will be too fast paced for the older networks (3G) they will have to use.
I agree with AT&T and Mr. Donovan's opinions. I feel that Verizon's new technology is too fast paced. The current third-generation technology cannot handle the high speed Long Term Evolution technology. If the new technology will not be as superior as it can be, then Verizon should not introduce it to the public. All problems and issues with the LTE technology must be worked out and solved before it is available. Not only should the LTE technology be flawless, but also Verizon should work to improve the overall system before it is launched.
Other major world carriers, Verizon's competitors, have not yet pioneered this program but are expected to. Verizon may be pushing the early introduction in order to be the first of its kind to have this type of technology. Yet this could be the wrong strategy for the company. This plan could backfire if the LTE technology is slow or develops problems for consumers. AT&T will be using the new technology but not until next year. This competition will allow for a network-quality battle between the two popular carriers. The LTE fourth-generation technology of AT&T will be easy for consumers to see and experience.
I believe that this type of innovation and technology is extremely important for the very near future. Without new and faster technologies developing, businesses and industries will have trouble growing. With Verizon's LTE lead over other carriers, there begins a strong competition for new information technology systems. I think that strong competition is a good thing for modern technological advancement. The advancement is crucial for growth of wireless technology. This type of system will lead to other bigger and better advancements in technology. This is extremely important for businesses and consumers looking for new and faster expertise and knowledge regarding technology.
Sheth, Niraj. "AT&T Plays Down Verizon's LTE Lead". The Wall Street Journal. 22 March 2010. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703775504575136392654780262.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_sections_tech
More employers use tech to track workers
More employers use tech to track workers
Companies hire millions of workers every year that they believe will help to better the company and help them to make money. Salaries are big chunk of where a company’s money goes, but it is worth it if the employee is doing his or her job to the best of their ability. The problem that many companies are facing now is that some employees are slacking off. They are using the time that they are getting paid to do work, to do things on their own agenda – some are using the computer to look up Youtube videos, Facebook, sports highlights, or simply just to chat with their friends and family. Although these things don’t seem harmful, they are wasting valuable time and money that the company can’t afford to lose. To stop this from taking place, many companies are tracking their workers.
I believe that if a company is paying you and supporting you then they have every right to track what their workers are doing. Many people refuse this idea because they believe it’s a lack of privacy. I do not agree that it is a lack of privacy because they are simply tracking what you’re doing at work to make sure that their money is being well spent. When you are at work, work should be the only thing on your mind and you should be focused. Not only does tracking your workers keep an eye out on your workers that would rather “Surf the internet” but it can also prevent information being leaked. If a company is tracking their employees it would make it much more difficult for someone to give away classified information to opposing competition.
“A court precedent says that employees have no rights to privacy in e-mail, even if a company promises not to track it.” Many people think that this is unfair. In my opinion makes sense. You should be using your work computer and email for business emails, anything personal should be done on your own time, on a separate account, on your own computer. Most people believe that they aren’t being tracked if their boss doesn’t tell them, but contrary to what they think – more and more companies are now “tracking.”
Tracking is just beginning to takeoff and I believe that soon it will be a standard aspect in every company. Although is seems a little scary to think that someone is constantly watching you, and it is a lot of pressure – but it may be the right amount of pressure. When most people are being watched they seem to be more on the edge of their seat, but in a good way. Being watched and judged encourages people to work harder and prove themselves worthy. If employees were all being tracked they would stay on schedule with their work and be more dedicated with less distractions. I can only imagine the amount of time employees waste during a day on Facebook, personal emails, text messages, phone calls, etc., and think about the amount of money they are getting paid for every minute that they are wasting the companies time. In conclusion, I agree with the idea of tracking you’re employees to protect your company and make sure your money is being well spent.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Businesses See Silver Lining In IT Spending
Businesses See Silver Lining In IT Spending
This article discussed the growing importance of IT in all size companies. IT is becoming an important division in all organizations. Even in this economy, companies are spending money on IT in order to help them reduce operating costs and increase company efficiency. Although small businesses are more optimistic about the status of the economy than larger companies are, they are all spending on IT priorities based on the capabilities they’re looking to provide.
According to the author of this article, demand for IT solutions never go away. Businesses are prioritizing and planning to find ways to implement these services and pushing it off will hurt the company in the end. Currently, price points have decreased because of the high demand of the new IT services and the cost reducing benefit for the companies has made it affordable for businesses to purchase advanced IT systems. Upgrading storage infrastructure has been a huge investment to analyze customer orders and service them better. In fact, enterprise storage solutions are the number three priority for companies in the next 12 months, following backup and recovery and business intelligence. Last year, tech spending increased six percent and is continuing to increase this year.
The main message of this article did not surprise me. With the changing times and rapid advancements in technology, it only makes sense that the business world would have to keep up in order to continue to be successful. Furthermore, since IT upgrades are in high demand with lower prices and will increase efficiency and cut operating costs, it only makes sense the most companies would take advantage of this opportunity.
Also, in the article the author presents this statement, “Bob Dutkowsky, CEO of Clearwater, Fla.-based distributor Tech Data, believes businesses holding off on IT purchases because of economic concerns are creating a [negative] self-fulfilling prophecy.” I agree with Mr. Dutkowsky because these companies delaying the IT systems will be behind all the companies taking advantage of these deals. They will not be able to service their customers up to the level that the other companies will and ultimately this will hurt them in the end.
However, I was surprised that it reported that smaller companies were more optimistic than larger ones. I thought that the larger companies would be more secure and have a larger range of leeway if sales decreased due to the economy. In addition, I have heard of a lot of “Mom and Pop” companies closing down due to the economy, but only a few larger businesses.
Either way, whether the company is large, small, or midsize, the development of the IT industry goes hand-in-hand with the business world. In order for a business to have continued success, they need to be able to stay competitive for their customers’ business and for them to do that they need the most efficient IT system.
Campbell, Scott. Businesses See Silver Lining In IT Spending. Search Jobs, Resumes, Recruiting & Career Site - Beyond.com. Web. 19 Mar. 2010.
http://www.beyond.com/articles/businesses-see-silver-lining-in-it-spending-3728-article.html
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