E-Commerce News: E-Commerce: Amazon Hits Sales Jackpot in Lucky 13th Holiday Season

Once upon a time, there were doubts across the land about the viability of online commerce. No longer. Last week, Amazon reported that customers spent $881 Million in just one day - Dec 10. They also reported that it was their biggest year to date. That's in a year when Christmas shopping was not so hot. Quite a record! E-Commerce News: E-Commerce: Amazon Hits Sales Jackpot in Lucky 13th Holiday Season

8 bold predictions on Google's next moves

Google is so innovative, it has everyone guessing as to what it will do next. In this Computerworld article, Stacy Collett sets out 8 possible new initiatives that Google might take in 2008. 8 bold predictions on Google's next moves

E-Commerce News: Telecom: Ribbit Offers Way to Leapfrog the Phone Company

Thee are several new VOIP applications out there, but one that is gaining some attention is Ribbit, which offers new ways to integrate voice into applications. E-Commerce News: Telecom: Ribbit Offers Way to Leapfrog the Phone Company

globeandmail.com: NebuAd sniffs out your Web desires

NebuAd is a new service which can track all the activities of users on the web to identify their wishes and desires and therefore direct ads to them most likely to be of interest. They think they have addressed the privacy concerns people might have. Not everyone agrees. globeandmail.com: NebuAd sniffs out your Web desires

Technology Review: Evolving Privacy Concerns

Facebook's advertising policy, under which it publishes on a user's profile page, their recent activities forwarded to it by other sites the user has visited, have raiseed some serious concerns and also placed the spotlight on data mining by companies. Technology Review: Evolving Privacy Concerns

The top 12 mobile and wireless issues for 2008: Part 1

There is a lot going on in the mobile and wireless world and Computerworld is compiling a list of the major issues for 2008. As they point out, it is a very difficult job to narrow the list down to a workable 12 items. In this article, they publish the first 6. The top 12 mobile and wireless issues for 2008: Part 1

Dark secrets and ugly truths: When ethics and IT collide

There is a whole new set of ethical issues for IT workers these days. And very little guidance for them. They center around the issue of what does an IT person do when they find evidence of wrongdoing on an executive's - or a peer's - computer. How far do they push it? It can be a perilous journey. Dark secrets and ugly truths: When ethics and IT collide

Retailers expect this Christmas to be the weakest season since 2002. To try to counter that, they are beefing up their web offerings with special offers. It's an example of how online sales strategies can be lined up with traditional offline sales to benefit the whole company. Technology Review: Online retailers see surges in traffic as the online holiday shopping season offically begins

Google: In Search of Itself - Knowledge@Wharton

Google has been one of the most successful companies in history. But its very success has raised a host of issues for it, not the least of which is its strategic mission. Is it enough to excel at innovation or must there be something more to tie a company's strategies together? http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=1839

PayPal, E-payments Gain Online Ground

This Christmas season, internet payment systems like Paypal and Google Checkout are more popular than ever. The trend appears to be driven by fear of identity theft and online fraud. PayPal, E-payments Gain Online Ground

Virtual Worlds, Real Business?

Virtual worlds, like Second Life, are often touted to have great commercial potential. In this article Accenture provides a good overview of that potential and offers up a realistic prespective on these unreal worlds. Virtual Worlds, Real Business?

Technology Review: Wireless Internet links give businesses an alternative to the telephone company

Wireless has been spreading for a few years now, and its use has been increasing. It is likely that all internet access will be wireless in the longer term. One of the catalysts for change to wireless will be Wimax, a newer technology that is being rolled out by Sprint and others soon. It has a range of several miles, and therefore can cover whole cities with high speed, high quality wireless service. Some smaller providers are beginning to offer it. Look for a lot more. Technology Review: Wireless Internet links give businesses an alternative to the telephone company

A UN Committee has approved the transfer of spectrum from land based television to mobile devices. That means more spectrum will become available in most parts of the world, and will enable the spread of high speed internet to most of the world. The implications of this will be profound, in both economic and social terms. UN approves opening TV spectrum to wireless devices

Technology Review: US control over Internet dominates discussion at UN conference in Brazil

At a major UN conference currently taking place in Rio de Janiero, there is once again considerable debate about the control that the United States exercises over Internet addresses. The issue exists because the US developed and funded the internet in its early stages, and has been reluctant to give up its influence since then. Technology Review: US control over Internet dominates discussion at UN conference in Brazil

Electronic Commerce in Canada - e-News

Last week, StatsCan released a report assessing the use of Government Online (GOL) with a thorough analysis of demographics of users, motivations, areas used, etc. It provides an interesting insight into this important government initiative. Electronic Commerce in Canada - e-News

The Benefits of the XBRL Voluntary Filing Program
Contributed by Bob Schneider, who is the editor of Data Interactive, the Hitachi XBRL blog.

The SEC began its XBRL Voluntary Filing Program (VFP) in April 2005; currently, about 40 or so companies are enrolled. Although the Commission has tried to put the best face on the participant numbers – in September, it released a press release stating that the companies' combined market cap exceeds $2 trillion – there’s reason to believe that SEC Chairman Christopher Cox himself is disappointed in the enrollment rate. The Orange County Business Journal conducted an interview with the Chairman in late October and reported:

Cox expressed frustration with the slow pace of voluntary implementation and the reluctance of businesses to embrace superior technology that he said is demonstrably inexpensive to adopt. “Whatever the SEC says doesn’t go into the part of the business brain that says, ‘Here’s how we earn a profit.’”

With CFOs having so much else on their plates, it's not surprising that many have chosen not to get involved with XBRL before they have to. Nevertheless, I think they are missing out on an excellent opportunity to position their companies for XBRL adoption. Here's how Neal Hannon -- currently Director, Financial Reporting Technologies, Financial Accounting Foundation – describes the advantages of enrolling in the VFP:

...The benefits from filing in the voluntary program will be many. First, the companies that participate will be looked upon as supporting a more transparent financial disclosure system. Studies have shown that if more information is available to capital markets, the risk associated with the company securities will be reduced. Second, the process of preparing a marked-up filing using XBRL tags requires a deep level of understanding about how the company puts financial information together. The benefit to the filing company will come from additional discovery that will happen during the filing process. This in turn will increase the quality of both the official and the voluntary filing to the SEC. Third, the creation of financial data in an XML-based language will prepare the filing companies for the reuse of this data for internal reporting activities. These activities might help a company improve its internal controls, which would benefit compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley requirements.

Neal made his comments shortly before the VFP was introduced, and it’s now apparent several more plusses can be added to his list:
VFP participants can enjoy expedited reviews of registration statements and annual reports;
In a recent article in the Journal of Accountancy, John Stantial -- Director of Financial Reporting for United Technologies -- notes that once the initial learning curve for XBRL filings is eliminated, the company's XBRL filings proceeded smoothly. If UT’s experience is representative, the earlier companies get their initial XBRL expenditures behind them, the greater will be the return on their XBRL investment.
Early XBRL adopters enhance their reputation not only as corporate role models for transparency, but also as technology leaders receptive to innovation. A reputation as a leader in both areas may be particularly useful to smaller firms eager to receive analyst coverage in a time of contracting equity research departments.
It seems more and more probable that XBRL will be mandated for filers within the next few years. With adoption increasingly likely, early adopters can ease the transition to XBRL statements over time and be prepared when XBRL filings are required.

Canada introduced its own VFP in May; most of the benefits enumerated above should also accrue to participants in that program. As the adoption of XBRL for financial reporting comes into clearer view, North American companies will be wise to consider (or reconsider) their participation in the voluntary filing programs available to them.

Google has a bold business plan. They have been expanding rapidly and have a real knack for selecting fields of endeavour that pay off. This article summarizes their immediate plans and also includes a number of links to related articles, providing an interesting overview of Googles business model. Google's Growing Grasp - Forbes.com

globeandmail.com: Forget your wallet, use the cellphone

Cellphone payments have been in use in Asia for years. But North Americans have been slow to adopt the technology. In fact they have been less than speedy to adopt so-called contactless payments, like Paypass, although it was recently adopted by Tim Hortons. But the time for Cell phone payments may be here. RBC has launched a pilot, which will be carried out in conjunction with Visa. The latter recently conducted a suurvey which showed that over 50% of the respondents favoured some type of cell phone payment system.
globeandmail.com: Forget your wallet, use the cellphone

A 4G Standards War Is Brewing

Here's something to watch - the big wireless companies are moving away from third generation wireless technology CDMA. But they are looking at two possible directions - LTE and WIMAX. Which way a company goes could spell success or big trouble for it down the road. It's one of those major strategic decisions that comes along only once every several years. The last big shift in wireless technology was in the 90's. A 4G Standards War Is Brewing

globeandmail.com: Google plan sees phones by mid-2008: report

Will google trump the iPhone? We'll have to wait until mid 2008. Word is that the new Google Phone will include several Google applications, like Google Maps, Youtube and Gmail. globeandmail.com: Google plan sees phones by mid-2008: report

There has been much talk in recent years about the Semantic Web, but little hard action, although standards have been promulgated by the W3C. The semantic web esentially involves methods of organizing the infomration on the web for individual users. It likely will involve tagging information in some form, so it can be easily retrieved or searched for retrieval. Some semantic web applications have been produced, including one called Twine, which is a new website that people can use to store references to the vast array of information they deal with every day, including email and website visits. Twine was developed following the W3C standards and may be an importaant new application that could move the semantic web forward. It is further explained in this article: Technology Review: The Semantic Web Goes Mainstream

globeandmail.com: There's no single answer to securing online banking

Online banking is one of the most popular eBusiness applications out there. But it has also attracted a lot of scams and criminal activity. Banks continue to try to deal with this, and have been in the process of trying to make their security tighter. A major approach they use is multi-factor authentication. globeandmail.com: There's no single answer to securing online banking

E-Commerce News: E-Marketing: Creating Synergy With Online and Offline Marketing

One of the significant challenges with eBusiness when there is a bricks and mortar business as well is schyronising the online and offline strategies. Keeping the marketing strategies online and offline in tune with each other is a particular challenge. This article explains how to optimize that relationship. E-Commerce News: E-Marketing: Creating Synergy With Online and Offline Marketing

Technology Review: Google Earth

Ever wonder how google Earth creates those images of the Earth's surface? It's a combination of satellites, as explained in this article. Technology Review: Google Earth

globeandmail.com: Making the world a giant Internet hotspot

Transmission of data, voice and video over the internet is a wave that will eventually engulf the world. That means there needs to be the technology in place to make internet access available to all, everywhere. It would need to be wireless, and WIMAX is a strong contender. There is more about WIMAX at www.wimax.com. Cisco just moved into this arena with the acquisition of Navini Networks. I may be an idea whose time has come. globeandmail.com: Making the world a giant Internet hotspot

Systems integration is still one of the major challenges of eBusiness. SOA is a useful tool for that purpose, but one that has not achieved its potential in Canada. This article shows how SOA has been very useful for a Grocery chain. globeandmail.com: Unlocking the potential of SOA

13 future mobile technologies that will change your life

Mobile technology is having an increased impact on business and personal lives. This article outlines 13 important high impact mobile technologies. 13 future mobile technologies that will change your life

Technology Review: Skype Goes Mobile

Cell phone carriers still charge high prices for many of their services, expecially international calls. Skype offers free calls domestically and very low prices for international calls. The problem so far has been that Skype has not gone mobile. That may be changing and it looks like something that could shake up the cell phone industry, Technology Review: Skype Goes Mobile

Making YouTube Pay Off - Forbes.com

Finding ways to make money from online videos by inserting ads is a consuming interest to Google and others who operate online video sites. Software that scans the video and then puts forward contextual ads may provide an answer. There's more in this article. Making YouTube Pay Off - Forbes.com

Technology Review: Google to show YouTube videos, with ads, on other Web sites

In a massive money-making venture, google will start showing videos on various websites, accompanied by non-video ads paid for by participating companies. The ad revenue will be shared with the content providers. Technology Review: Google to show YouTube videos, with ads, on other Web sites

Wal-Mart's Latest Sale: Broadband

Wal-mart is moving into broadband. Look out! Admittedly, it's only the fringe satellite service, but maybe they can make it less than fringe. Wal-Mart's Latest Sale: Broadband

The 8 most dangerous consumer technologies

There are many small devices out there, like memory sticks and pda's. Many of them pose serious security risks and computerworld has published a list of the 8 most dangerous devices for companies - and individuals - to consider. The 8 most dangerous consumer technologies

globeandmail.com: Paying for goods – on the fly

Mastercard's new paypass system is starting to gain some visibility. Now you can use it in Tim Horton drive-throughs and at Loblaws for groceries along with numerous other outlets. It's one example of the new tap-and-go technology, a payment system that uses plastic, but differs from credit cards and debit cards in that they don't need passwords and you just tap a screen with it and the payment goes through. Similar technology has been available at ESSO stations and other outlets for several years. As a society, we have been looking for convenient ways to make small payments since technology began to rule. Eventually we will use cell pones, but in the meantime, you'll continue to see Paypass and competing products popping up here and there. globeandmail.com: Paying for goods – on the fly

Will A Google Phone Change The Game?

Does the idea of cell phone ads really agravate you? How about an approach that allows you to select the ads in return for getting the phone service for free. Maybe that would work. The word is out that Google is planning a cell phone - the gphone - that is based on just that concept. As always, Google has a talent for seeing through the current maze of issues to find an innovative business model - Will A Google Phone Change The Game?

Clicks That Count - Forbes.com

Advertisers on the Web often pay for their ads based on the number of clicks on them. However, there are various ways of inflating the number of clicks - a phenomenon known as click fraud. There are several organizations who will monitor the clicks for the advertisers, so the advertisers don't end up paying for phoney clicks. The efffectiveness of this monitoring, and the ability to monitor click fraud are issues that continue to plague web advertising. This interview sheds some interesting light on the controversy. Clicks That Count - Forbes.com

Technology Review: New York Times to stop charging fees for access to columnists, other material on Web site

Marking yet another shift in onlne business models for newspapers, the New York Times has announced that it will no longer require subscription for its content on its website. They say times have changed since they implemented that policy and that there are now better ways to make money online, primarily through advertising and other online linkages. People spend far more money on the internet than they once did. Technology Review: New York Times to stop charging fees for access to columnists, other material on Web site

AT&T : Enterprise Business : Emerging Technology White Paper : Executive Summary : RFID: A Business Revolution Providing Strategic and Competitive Advantage

RFID has been used for several years, and in the eyes of some, has not measured up to its potential. Nevertheless, it has crept into several types of applications, and has become an essential tool in such areas as inventory control. Now the use of RFID is gathering steam in the area of SCM. There it is proving very useful. AT&T : Enterprise Business : Emerging Technology White Paper : Executive Summary : RFID: A Business Revolution Providing Strategic and Competitive Advantage

There is a large swathe of high end spectrum due to be auctioned off by the US's FCC which could have major implications for internet connectivity. Use of the high end spectrum could enable much faster network speed for broadband networks. Apple and Google are being touted as two potential bidders. But there will be strong competition from telephone companies and others in the communications industry. It's not cheap, with the expectation that $9 Billion will be required to buy. That points to big players with lots of cash - like Apple and Google. Apple Eyes the Wireless Auction

The Right Way to Use Web 2.0

Web 2 is essentially a social network, and therefore presents some real marketing opportunities. But this requires a strategic and coordinated approach. This article presents some useful pointers. The Right Way to Use Web 2.0

globeandmail.com: Higher education for the high-tech savvy

Education has been moving away from the long lecture format for years. Few top educators now use that format. But what comes next? A variety of approaches have been used. Lately, however, technology is providing an answer. In the past few years, students have developed their own tech culture, involving social sites, chat groups, e-mail, text messages, and podcasts. all of these are useful for education, so some innovative educators are using them heavily for their courses. globeandmail.com: Higher education for the high-tech savvy

globeandmail.com: Kapica's Cyberia

The market is trying out different applications that might work commercially on cellphones. A new and different one comes from Britain - comic strips. It is even regenerating some of the old classics. It may be a good idea for the use of cells. Small high impact images that are easy to download and will look fine on a small screen. It could be really popular here as well. globeandmail.com: Kapica's Cyberia

Technology Review: Technology helps reinvent cell phone advertising, distant it from spam

The increasing use of cell phones and pda's for activities other than just talking has led to a frantic search for ways to convey advertising on them without bothering the users. The latest idea is to use the search facilities on the phones along with their ability to know where the user is located to offer up ads that might be of particular interest to a user. Technology Review: Technology helps reinvent cell phone advertising, distant it from spam

Seminar – XBRL Canada

The Voluntary XBRL Filing Program of the Canadian Securities Administrators

Where: Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre, 1088 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia.

When: October 2, 2007, 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Purpose: To provide an understanding of the benefits and requirements of the CSA Voluntary Filing Program (VFP) and knowledge and skills related to participating in it.

Instructors: Eric E Cohen, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Gerald Trites, CICA, XBRL Canada
A representative of the CSA/BC Securities Commission

Proposed Program:

MORNING SESSIONS: Intended for senior decision makers, as well as those who will be involved in filing under the VFP

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Breakfast: Background and call to action
- Introduction to the use of XBRL, its global importance, and the SEC (US) program
- Background on the Canadian VFP, its benefits and requirements
- Call to action: Why your company should participate
With special speaker xxx, BCSC

10 AM -11:30 AM What you need to know to get started
- Technical aspects of the CSA program
- SEC (US) filings examples
- The Canadian taxonomy: what and where it is, and why you need it
- Resources for you to get engaged: Software, Services, Web site and other educational and technical resources

Lunch – to be provided on site

AFTERNOON SESSION: Intended for those who will be in charge of or actually preparing the XBRL files for submission under the VFP. This is a hands-on event for participants to learn-by-doing.

12:30 PM – 5:00 PM Working/Tagging Session (limited to 12 with priority for companies who are planning to file on the program. Participants should bring a portable computer[1] and their own financial statements)
- Working with the Canadian taxonomy
- Introduction to XBRL “technical” issues: the terms and tasks
- Introduction to Fujitsu Taxonomy Editor and Instance Document Creator
- Use of Fujitsu to “tag” financials
- Hands-on time: attendees will prepare their own financial statements with assistance from instructors
- Special topics Canadian/US, industry specific and company extensions

To register, please email to gtrites@zorba.ca or call Lucia Ng at 416-977-3222 x526


[1] The Computer should be Windows XP or Vista, with available disk space for loading up to 50 MB of files and sufficient access rights to be able to load software. Registrants will be sent additional requirements in advance as well as instructions to download and prepare their systems. The XBRL Canada Blog

Technology Review: Making Money in Second Life

The virtual world - Second Life - has a real economy, where people are making real money. In this article, the CFO of Linden Lab, comments on the Second Life economy. Technology Review: Making Money in Second Life

Good Technology Is Nice; A Good Idea Is Better - Forbes.com

A good idea is better for obtaining venture capital than new technology, on that people seem to be agreed. And there seems to be lots of venture capital out there, although the current liquidity crunch in the equity markets will change that. However there still is debate about whether a good business model is required up front. When the dot.com bubble burst in the nineties, we learned the importance of a good business model. Are we getting slack again? Good Technology Is Nice; A Good Idea Is Better - Forbes.com

E-Commerce News: E-Marketing: Buy.com Wants to Steal eBay's Friends

Buy.com has launched a new service - Garage Sale - which is intended as a direct competitor of eBay. The idea is that Garage Sale would be used on social networking sites to auction goods and services. With the tremendous popularity of sites like Facebook, and the entrenched usage of auctioning, especially through eBay, it makes a lot of sense to bring the two together. E-Commerce News: E-Marketing: Buy.com Wants to Steal eBay's Friends

Google has revealed a prototype cell phone. Their idea for a business model is to rely on advertising for revenue rather than the traditional sales price. This will mean that users will have to listen to commercials when they use their phone. An interesting idea, but will it work? Report: Google Shows Phone Prototype to Vendors - CIO.com - Business Technology Leadership

Google Checkout was launched about a year ago to challenge Paypal, as the leading online payment system. So far it hasn't achieved that. Here's a comparison of the two. Technology Review: Review: Google Checkout offers simple payment option, but PayPal far more versatile

globeandmail.com: YouTube slammed over copyright issues

YouTube is getting a lot of flack over copyright. It's an issue they need to deal with. Otherwise it could be a drain on them and on Google's new investment. globeandmail.com: YouTube slammed over copyright issues

Technology Review: Securing Cell Phones

Data moves around a lot these days often on different types of unit, like PDA's and Cell phones. A recent security breach on Apple's new iPhone is causing some companies to take a closer look at their mobile data security measures. Technology Review: Securing Cell Phones

globeandmail.com: IBM guidelines govern virtual employees

IBM has issued guidelines to govern its some 5000 employees who are using Second Life and similar sites. Virtual worlds have increasingly become forums for the conduct of e-business, and IBM has a large presence there. Although the company is concerned about preserving its business image, the issuance of guidelines for behaviour in the relatively free virtual world is not without controversy. globeandmail.com: IBM guidelines govern virtual employees

Technology Review: Making Money from Online Video

The business model for video sharing websites continues to evolve. There is big money there for the organizations hosting the videos and potentially even for the producers. Youtube is a good example of the former. This article gives some insight into other video sharing organizations and how they are trying to make money. Technology Review: Making Money from Online Video

globeandmail.com: New BlackBerry works on Wi-Fi, cellular

Blackberry is going to release a new model that will work on WiFi in addition to Cellular. It's being released in the United States during the summer. Plans for a Canadian release have not yet been announced. Hey guys, are you forgetting your roots? globeandmail.com: New BlackBerry works on Wi-Fi, cellular

Technology Review: The Future of Search

It's for good reason that we are often called the information age. Information - and finding it - is at the core of our economy and society. And Google has been a clear leader in that activity. This interview with Peter Norvig, Google Director of Research, shows some of the thinking of Google as it moves forward. Such as moving to mobile units, voice search and other initiatives. It gives an interesting insight. Technology Review: The Future of Search

Departmental and End User Computing > Small-Area Networking (SAN) > Canada beats U.S. in broadband speeds

Broadband speed is very important to successful e-business activities. A recent report showed that, while Canada is ahead of the US in this area, it falls significantly behind some other nations, like Japan and South Korea. Departmental and End User Computing > Small-Area Networking (SAN) > Canada beats U.S. in broadband speeds

The main emphasis in e-marketing is on attracting people to your website. But what happens when they get there and can't find what they want? Or get confused and lost? A solution with growing appeal is Navigation Planning - making sure that the site is well planned and intuitive and easy to navigate. E-Commerce Times: Because E-Business Means Business

Technology Review: The iPhone's Potential

Apple's new iPhone, announced in the US yesterday, has a jazzy new design and better capalities like video and music playing. But its real impact could be a mini-revolution in Mobile e-business as a result of a lot of new features that have not been hyped so much. Technology Review: The iPhone's Potential

Technology Review: Second Earth

Second Life and google Earth are working together to create a new environment that will make the whole second life experience more real - and more relevant to business. How about location specific advertising with super real visuals to guide the prospective customer through the facilities. Or showing condos for sale. Or vacation resorts. Technology Review: Second Earth

Verizon To Offer Mobile Payments With Obopay -- Obopay -- InformationWeek

In a significant move to initiate the use of cell phones for payments, something that is going to spread quickly, Verizon has introduced a payment system for its customers. Verizon To Offer Mobile Payments With Obopay -- Obopay -- InformationWeek

globeandmail.com: eBay reinvents itself

ebay is reinventing itself again. this time its trying to adjust to its tremendous success by making a better shopping success for itself. eBay was once one of the internet's new poster boys, but now is an moving into middle age. What will that do to its market? globeandmail.com: eBay reinvents itself

For years books as a source of information have presented a problem in the busy information age, because they are designed for linear reading, which means you must read through a lot of irrelevant material to get what you want. There has long been a need for a way to get information from them without going through that laborious process. Google has helped with fast retrieval of information, but doesn't get much information from books, which are still valuable for the best information. Now, a U of T student has come up with an innovative new technoque - called Docuburst, which may lay the groundwork for a better way. TheStar.com - News - You are looking at an open book

Move over full mobile video. With the current interest in mobile anything, mobile video is a natural evolution. And the technology is available, according to this article by Accenture. Exploiting the Full Potential of Mobile Video Services

Palm's New Dough�and New Blood

In a move that shows the growing importance of the smartphone market, Palm has chipped with a new model intended to meet apple's iPhone head-on. Palm's New Dough�and New Blood

SOA Concepts and Research: Explore the great potentials of Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) at Accenture

Accenture has released a number of Podcasts on their site which discuss the advantages and disadvantages of SOA and the issues and opportunitites around this important evolutionary phase in IT infrastructure development. SOA Concepts and Research: Explore the great potentials of Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) at Accenture

Social Networking sites are big these days. For most people such sites represent the free sharing of information and they don't make money on it. However, some people are making a lot of money, and their business success depends on all that voluntary labour. E-Commerce News: Best of ECT News: Social Networking: Sharing or Sharecropping?

There are contracts being let in the US for the redesign of the Internet. Very few people foresaw, when the internet started, the tremendous impact it would have on society. Once an academic curiosity, the internet has now become a fundamentally important part of modern society's communications infrastructure. Therefore, its architecture and particularly its security are now major concerns.Technology Review: Internet pioneer to oversee its redesign under government contract

globeandmail.com: YouTube founders unfazed by big media threats

It's difficult fitting new e-business paradigms into the existing structures. Faced with copyright lawsuits, Youtube has had to adopt a variety of new strategies, including detection of videos that might violate copyright. globeandmail.com: YouTube founders unfazed by big media threats

Muscling MySpace - Forbes.com

The pressure on social networking sites continues with actions and potential actions against MySpace over weeding out sexual offenders on the site. Muscling MySpace - Forbes.com

globeandmail.com: U.S. college students snared in piracy crackdown

In a move designed to convince music pirates, primarily young people, that there are consequences to this illegal activity, the Music Industry has come out swinging with the threat of lawsuits against those who refuse to pay for the music they downloaded. It just might have an impact. globeandmail.com: U.S. college students snared in piracy crackdown

America's Most Wired Cities - Forbes.com

Forbes magazine recently did a survey of the 30 most "wired" cities in the US. This was based on access to high speed internet, so it included wireless. Were San Francisco and Philadelphia at the top of the list? No. SF was 4th and Philly 27th. Top of the list was Atlanta followed by Orlando. America's Most Wired Cities - Forbes.com

Another hard drive with data of employees has gone missing. This time its the Transport Security Administration of the US. It contains data of some 100,000 current and past employees and would be a gold mine for criminals seeking to steal privacy. The TSA is responsible for airport security. The disappearance is being investigated by the FBI and the Secret Service. TSA hard drive goes missing, 100K worker records at risk

reportonbusiness.com: U.S. puts Canada on piracy watch list

For several years, Canada has been a leader in music and movie piracy. In a move that Canadians should not be proud of, the US has again placed Canada on a watch list of countries requiring special scrutiny as technological pirates. The listing could lead, in future, to sanctions and complaints to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). reportonbusiness.com: U.S. puts Canada on piracy watch list

Technology Review: TR10: Augmented Reality

MIT has released its annual list of the top ten emerging technologies. It's always fun to speculate which of them will have an impact on e-business. This year, one that particularly catches the eye is that of Mobile Augmented Reality, which is the idea of including location sensitive digital information on mobile units like PDA's and cell phones, in effect superimposing a digital reality on the real surroundings, enhancing a person's ability to navigate and interact effectively. Mobile augmented reality gets my vote as a new killer ap for the next year or two. Technology Review: TR10: Augmented Reality

Technology Review: Bucking convention, Time Warner Cable lets customers set up cheap Wi-Fi hotspots

As wireless becomes more prevalent, new ways of gaining access are being offered. Some of them, like Time-Warner's new sharing service involving Fon, a small wireless startup, auger well for consumers. Are much lower costs in the works? Partially, it's a natural response to the growing proliferation of free municipal networks, although they often don't work really well. Technology Review: Bucking convention, Time Warner Cable lets customers set up cheap Wi-Fi hotspots

globeandmail.com: Internet hosts should be made to pay for libellous statements, suit contends

There are a lot of sites on the Internet that allow free posting and that comment on individual people, whether they are politicians, professors, teachers, or even friends, etc. There seems to be a widespread feeling among internet users that anything goes. that they can say anything they like about that other person. However, there are libel laws, and as with so many other bodies of law, it may be that they just haven;t reached the internet yet. that will change no doubt, and one indication may be the recent lawsuit launched by a west coast business man against Google, Wikipedia and others for slanderous remarks. Legal actions like this could lead those hosting such sites to change their ways, and could have a big impact on the way the Internet is used. globeandmail.com: Internet hosts should be made to pay for libellous statements, suit contends

E-Commerce News: Infrastructure: The Nuts and Bolts of Virtualization

Companies have been using virtualization to get the most effective use of their infrastructure. It can make it possible for even relatively small companies to deliver better value in their online business and within their system generally. E-Commerce News: Infrastructure: The Nuts and Bolts of Virtualization

Technology Review: Seeking to spur new revenue, wireless industry brings TV to cell phones

The Wireless industry is launching cell phone TV. Will it work? Will people watch TV on their Cell Phone? Will they be willing to pay for it? In other words will it be a viable business model? These are good questions. Technology Review: Seeking to spur new revenue, wireless industry brings TV to cell phones

InformationWeek Weblog: Five Signs That India Isn't Just For Back Office Work Anymore

India has been a prime outsource destination for years. It may be moving beyond that status to become a major competitor for North American high tech jobs. InformationWeek Weblog: Five Signs That India Isn't Just For Back Office Work Anymore

Technology Review: Video: Tim Berners-Lee on the Semantic Web

The semantic web could have a big impact in the future on how we use the web and on e-business. Here's a video by Sir Berners-Lee, father of the Web on the subject. Technology Review: Video: Tim Berners-Lee on the Semantic Web

Verizon's High-Speed Network: If They Build It, Will You Come? - Knowledge@Wharton

Verizon is developing a new high speed fiber optic network carrying right into the homes of people. Most telephone companies have a morass of old telephone lines going into homes. If it works, Verizon will be a leader in the potentially lucrative Home Internet service, able to provide online TV and games at high speed. The question is - is fiber optic the way to go, or should they be relying on wireless? http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm;jsessionid=a8307d1e602bc4176f7d?articleid=1689

Web anonymity can sink your job search

Looking for a job in Information Systems? Better get yourself a presence on the web. That means start your own website, blog and more. Web anonymity can sink your job search

globeandmail.com: Privacy for Internet names moves forward

People who own their own websites need to have their information about the ownership listed on Whois, a publically available database that contains ownership information of all websites Unfortunately it is used by hackers, spammers and other criminals. A move is afoot to remove it from the public eye - a move that will give the owners a lot more privacy. globeandmail.com: Privacy for Internet names moves forward

Apple TV is soon to be introduced and it will be a major test of the potential for TV on demand. With the Apple TV, people will be able to buy a user firendly high quality unit that will use broadband connections to get their favourite shows and movies on demand. This could trigger a major change in the way people watch TV. And some new business models for the industry. Will Apple TV be bigger than iPhone?

Technology Review: Could Al Qaeda Plunge England into an Internet Blackout?

Intrnational terrorizm is a distinct threat to the internet, which in turn could crate havoc with the business and financial systems around the globe. Precautions based on good disaster recovery and business continuity principles need to be implemented to take the proper precautions, especially by the participants in the internet infrastructure. Technology Review: Could Al Qaeda Plunge England into an Internet Blackout?

Why the iPhone will change the (PC) world

A friendly User Interface is the major feature of information technology that has enabled the widespread proliferation of computer technology and therefore - of e-Business. The standard icon based technology we see today in Windows, was developed initially by Xerox way back when and pioneered by Apple in the early versions of the Mac. Microsoft, of course, widely commercialized it in the Windows Operating System, but it has remained unclanged in its basics for almost 25 years. Now Steven Jobs has demo'd the iPhone, which could mark not just a new and innovative cell phone, but a remarkable change in user interfaces, one that could soon be reflected in the next generation of user interfaces for personal computers. It could therefore also cause major changes in e-business. Why the iPhone will change the (PC) world

Business Intelligence & Search: A Marriage of Convenience

Most companies have a vast amount of information in their systems, but it is often a challenge to gain access to it. Business Intelligence has contributed to this issue, since it involves accumulating a lot of information, but also requires producing reports to be able to make use of that information. The production of the reports can be a time consuming and complex process. That's why organizations are starting to look at combining search technology with BI databases. It seems a logical way to approach the problem. Business Intelligence & Search: A Marriage of Convenience

E-Commerce News: ECT News Exclusives: PayPal's Pearson on Staying Consumer-Friendly

Paypal has revolutionized. In this article, Paypal's Pearson provides a provocative picture of this portentous payment process. E-Commerce News: ECT News Exclusives: PayPal's Pearson on Staying Consumer-Friendly

Marriott International: Web Services

Marriott recently developed a new strategy and supporting infrastructure for their website, which has led to a large increase in their web based sales. Done with the help of Accenture, the major element was that classic element of e-business - integration of the web based front end with the core reservations and inventory systems. The web system itself was made more robust to accomodate the increased activity. It's an approach that the lodging industry needs to take. Marriott International: Web Services

How to protect yourself at wireless hot spots

It's great having the ability to use a laptop on wireless networks at the airport, hotel and coffee shop. However, if the laptop has sensitive data on it, there is a risk of having someone steal it corupt it. All those other networks don't necessarily have the security features your home office has. But there are precautions that can be taken. and they are well worth taking. How to protect yourself at wireless hot spots

globeandmail.com: YouTube to begin sharing revenue

Youtube, a phenomenally successful website, has decided to change its business model and begin paying users for content. They hope to improve content this way, and ultimately gain a greater gross revenue. Is this an example of a website maturing into a more commercial online venture? globeandmail.com: YouTube to begin sharing revenue

globeandmail.com: MUSIC: THE RISE OF THE SONG

The Internet and the short history of music downloading has had an effect on the music industry, but not exactly the one that the industry feared at first. Although the CD may be doomed to the dustbin of history, the sale of songs may experience a revival. This may change the marketing strategies of the industry, but does not spell its downfall. globeandmail.com: MUSIC: THE RISE OF THE SONG

A new wireless service provider has arrived on the Canadian scene - Amp'd Mobile Canada. The company arrives at a time when the times are changing in the industry and competition is heating up. they also have some strategies that are in tune with the times, and take advantage of the new portable phone number system. It'll be interesting to watch how they fare. globeandmail.com: Wireless upstart sets sights on Bell, Rogers

A Dutch court is going to deal with two alleged cybercriminals who have been into phishing, extortion and key logging. Their efforts have cost plaintiffs and no doubt others a good deal of money, time, and other difficulties. Hopefully, if found guilty, they will be dealt with to the full extent of the law. E-business has become a fundamental part of our economy and we can't afford to have it disrupted by cybercrime. That's not to mention the threats to privacy and personal loss. Dutch prosecutors seek jail time for botnet duo

Arharrr!! It looks like we Canadians are world class movie pirates, right up there with the Phillipines and China. Besides the bad rep that this might entail, it also could mean that Canadians will get cut out of world distribution of films, or have their openings delayed. When will we learn that piracy is illegal and immoral?. globeandmail.com: Pirates of the Canadians

Paypal has become one of the major payment systems on the internet. But it has been plagued by Phishing, a scam that entices users to givereveal their password to a scam artist who then milks their account. Now paypal is offering a new approach to counter this threat. It is a token password system, that uses dynamic passwords. When it is used, a user's password changes every 30 seconds. It's a more sophisticated approach, but one that may do a lot of good. We can expect to see more of this approach in other arenas in future, as phishing and identify theft continue to spread. PayPal hopes it's got the key to thwart phishing

Nokia has announced a new cell phone that makes use of Skype as well. Skype is based on the VOIP technology and enables telephone calls around the globe at extremely cheap rates. Is simply requires access to a wireless network and the internet. This type of phone is likely to change the landscape for mobile markets. It will raise new challenges for building new business models for those who offer mobile phone service. Nokia - ShowPressRelease

We've talked a long time about media convergence, including the idea that TV, Computers and Stereos will all be one - or at least connected. It took a little longer than expected 10 years ago, but now it is happening. Commercial interests are getting interested in the idea. Technology Review: The Boob Tube Goes Broadband

Web Services are playing a growing role in the architecture of business Systems, meaning a larger role for them over the next year in the direction of e-Business. It marks a move of companies to greater reliance on the Internet for their core applications. 5 Disruptive Technologies To Watch In 2007 - News by InformationWeek