Friday, August 29, 2008

Technology for Small Business

Cloud computing has been a trend that many businesses find useful in dealing with infrastructure costs, flexibility and security issues. There is a wide reange of cloud computing services, from backup to daily bookkeeping to CRM systems, for example. The internet is the basis for cloud computing and the growing availability of high speed connections has enhanced its advantages. Small business is a major beneficiary, but big business is also plugging into cloud computing in a big way. Technology for Small Business

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Video Demand Spearheads 802.11n Wi-Fi At Colleges -- Wireless -- InformationWeek

The 802.11n standard is gaining ground in universities and will in other arenas as well to accomodate the rising demand for video and its need for high bandwidth. Video is already a growing phenomenon for communicating news and events and is growing as a means of communication between people, giving reports, presentations, etc.. Video Demand Spearheads 802.11n Wi-Fi At Colleges -- Wireless -- InformationWeek

Friday, August 22, 2008

Intel, Yahoo unveil joint effort to link Web, TV

Convergence is one of the oldest attributes of the e-Business era. But there is a new wave of convergence coming down that will change almost every piece of technology we use and perhaps result in the elimination of what we presently see as personal computers. A recent announcement by Intel and Yahoo to link the Web with TVs is a part of that trend. If successful, their effort will make television a part of the web and much more interactive than ever before. Couch potatoes may become a thing of the past. Intel, Yahoo unveil joint effort to link Web, TV

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

More people get news from web than TV or print - Times Online

Just over a quarter of Americans (27 %) read a paper newspaper last year. Those who read newspaper content which includes newspaper websites, dropped to about 34%, down from 40%. Cable news bulletins remain a bit higher and weekly news magazines stayed largely constant. More young people (under 25) don't seem to read any news at all. More people get news from web than TV or print - Times Online

Monday, August 18, 2008

File-sharing Networks Return with Legitimate Ways to Share Music -- and Make Money - Knowledge@Wharton

P2P file sharing sites have been famously operating in the music business for years. Initially, they simply stole music and made it available, but various court rulings have made that illegal and most of the large operators in that area have closed down or converted to legal activities. However, numerous P2P sites still exist and many are trying to find a business model that enables them to continue to function and even make money. It's been difficult but some are making some headway with it. One of the issues for example is that P2P theoretically means participants willingly share all their music. However, experience has shown that while many are eager to obtain free music, fewer are willing to share it - the "freeriders". So perhaps it they are paid, they will. This means the music needs to be sold or some other revenue needs to be found to fund the payments. This article from Wharton outlines the progress that is being made with issues like this. http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm;jsessionid=a83081ecae696c475e34?articleid=2025

Friday, August 15, 2008

VCs Hope to See Wi-Fi Everywhere

WiFi has been a growth phenomenon for a few years now in the PC/laptop world. Now it is poised to venture into television, cars, home appliances and other areas. We have long anticipated the connection of home appliances, such as refrigerators, to the internet. WiFi may be the means for this to happen. VCs Hope to See Wi-Fi Everywhere

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

SEC Advice Ahead for Web-posting Results - E-Commerce - CFO.com

The SEC has been encouraging companies to take a better approach to disclosing financial information on their websites. it paved the way by making it possible for websites to be the sole vehicle of disclosure, recognizing the obsolesence of paper reports. Most public companies have been using the web for disclosure, but most have not made effective use of technology in doing so. Instead, they have used the sites as compendiums of the paper reports, thus effectively carrying forward the paper paradigm into this powerful new technology. While unfortunate, it is normal behaviour when a new technology is new. The old paradigm is carried forward until the users come to understand the possibilities of the new technology. Now that the websites have been recognized as the primary vehicle, companies should begin to realize the benefits of showing their financial stories in a more interactive and transparent way. SEC Advice Ahead for Web-posting Results - E-Commerce - CFO.com

Monday, August 11, 2008

Kiva - Loans that change lives

Microloans are known as a good way to help fledgling businesses in the developing world. The experience is that many of them require funding that by Webtern Standards is extremely low. So perhaps it was inevitable that a venture be started up on the Web to facilitate such loans. Kiva.com is just such a venture. On the site you can loan as little as $25 to a specific person with an idea for a new or expanded business. It's a wonderful idea that has become extremely popular. Check it out. Kiva - Loans that change lives

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

reportonbusiness.com: The wired world goes airborne

Delta has announced WiFi availability on its flights. It's inevitable that this be the norm, but the Canadian Regulatory System is slow to respond. It'll take a little longer as a result, but will happen. reportonbusiness.com: The wired world goes airborne