http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/08/technology/08class.html?pagewanted=3&_r=1&ref=technology
The above is to a link which discusses social networking applications and the enourmous potential that they have. The article focuses a class at Stanford University in 2007 where groups of students would make Facebook applications. The applications were often very simple and recieved a lot of traffic via Facebook. Once ads were included in the applications, large revenues were coming in. An important theme of the succesfull groups was the simplicity of the applications. In one instance, the code for a group's application was mistakingly deleted three days before launch. The group's forced rudimentary version turned out to be the most successfull group.
Another important note about the article is how recent technology has made it significantly easier for start ups. For example, open source software and cloud technologies allowed the groups to make these applications for very little startup costs. Without these technologies, the initial costs would be too great for a small group of college students.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Data Privacy
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/01/business/01stream.html?ref=technology
The above link is to an article which discusses data privacy. In particular, data privacy regarding doctor patient relations. There has been controversy regarding whether pharmacies can sell prescription records for marketing purposes. In Vermont, a law was passed which allowed doctors to decide whether or not they wanted pharmacies to sell the information. However, there have been talks of extending the decision to the patients as well. Not everyone is supportive of the more privacy conscious legislation. pharmacueticals argue that since patients records are encrypted before they are sold, they are not able to be linked to the prescriptions that they recieve.
I chose this article because I think that data security and privacy is an increasingly relevent topic. As we share more information via the internet, there will be more opporunities for data to be mined and privacy to potentially be intruded upon. In this particular case, I do believe that the right of whether doctor patient prescription should be sold be extended to the patient as well. In the end, i believe that privacy situations like this are very delicate because threats to privacy via the internet are only going to increase.
The above link is to an article which discusses data privacy. In particular, data privacy regarding doctor patient relations. There has been controversy regarding whether pharmacies can sell prescription records for marketing purposes. In Vermont, a law was passed which allowed doctors to decide whether or not they wanted pharmacies to sell the information. However, there have been talks of extending the decision to the patients as well. Not everyone is supportive of the more privacy conscious legislation. pharmacueticals argue that since patients records are encrypted before they are sold, they are not able to be linked to the prescriptions that they recieve.
I chose this article because I think that data security and privacy is an increasingly relevent topic. As we share more information via the internet, there will be more opporunities for data to be mined and privacy to potentially be intruded upon. In this particular case, I do believe that the right of whether doctor patient prescription should be sold be extended to the patient as well. In the end, i believe that privacy situations like this are very delicate because threats to privacy via the internet are only going to increase.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Amazon cloud problems
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/23/technology/23cloud.html?ref=technology
The above link is to an article that discusses Amazon and problems in its cloud computing services the past week. Amazon has been an industry leader in the cloud computing services, having over 1000 different companies, many of them start ups, relying on its services to supply the computing power for their operations. The cloud model makes sense for many small businesses interested in rapid growth who do not want to pay for large, up front hardware and software costs. However, Amazon's cloud has experianced problems this past week, resulting in many companies being forced to halt their operations. This has further increased the discussions surrounding the cloud model; is it worth allowing a third party controlling a company's data, beyond its control? By tapping into the cloud, companies forgoe large startup costs. However, is the cloud model less costly when taking into account the added risk of a thrid party managing such a large portion of your resources? This is a question that companies must ask themselves when deciding to use the cloud model.
The above link is to an article that discusses Amazon and problems in its cloud computing services the past week. Amazon has been an industry leader in the cloud computing services, having over 1000 different companies, many of them start ups, relying on its services to supply the computing power for their operations. The cloud model makes sense for many small businesses interested in rapid growth who do not want to pay for large, up front hardware and software costs. However, Amazon's cloud has experianced problems this past week, resulting in many companies being forced to halt their operations. This has further increased the discussions surrounding the cloud model; is it worth allowing a third party controlling a company's data, beyond its control? By tapping into the cloud, companies forgoe large startup costs. However, is the cloud model less costly when taking into account the added risk of a thrid party managing such a large portion of your resources? This is a question that companies must ask themselves when deciding to use the cloud model.
Monday, April 18, 2011
New Tech Bubble
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/11_17/b4225060960537_page_5.htm
The above link is to a businessweek.com article that argues the current technology bubble we are in may not be such a great thing. The current tech bubble focuses on social media websites and better ways to market ads to consumers of these sites. Therefore, the emphasis in this bubble is not on new technology, but instead based on the underpinnings of older technology. The author then asserts that a significant portion of this generation's brightest minds will be wasted trying to develop advertising models for websites when they could be developing new technology for a greater purpose. The article then shifts to discussing companies which have applied the data analysis tools used in the Silicon Valley realm to solve real-life tangible problems, such as cancer. The company Claudera, started by a former Facebook employee, is trying to build an operating system for analysing enourmous amounts of data for answering questions regarding cancer.
The above link is to a businessweek.com article that argues the current technology bubble we are in may not be such a great thing. The current tech bubble focuses on social media websites and better ways to market ads to consumers of these sites. Therefore, the emphasis in this bubble is not on new technology, but instead based on the underpinnings of older technology. The author then asserts that a significant portion of this generation's brightest minds will be wasted trying to develop advertising models for websites when they could be developing new technology for a greater purpose. The article then shifts to discussing companies which have applied the data analysis tools used in the Silicon Valley realm to solve real-life tangible problems, such as cancer. The company Claudera, started by a former Facebook employee, is trying to build an operating system for analysing enourmous amounts of data for answering questions regarding cancer.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
iPad effects on market
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/11_16/b4224031138429.htm
The above link is to a businessweek.com article which discusses the iPad and how it has had a detrimental effects to other companies in the PC market. The article discusses Acer and Asustek, two PC manufacturers who were very successful in selling inexpensive netbooks the past few years due to the economic downturn. However, Apple's iPad has allowed customers to purchase a product more appealing at the same cost. This has caused sales growth in companies like Acer and Asustek to decline dramatically. In response these companies are planning to launch their own line of tablets. A major problem for these companies though is to find a capable operating system for the tablets. Currently companies like Microsoft and Google have focused their time on operating systems for smart phones and have not geared toward tablets. This poses a major problem for companies looking to get into the tablets market as they are already far behind Apple. The author then suggests a strategy for Acer and Asustek to take back their market share would be to undercut Apple with price cuts. However, Apple already set its iPad price so aggresively low that it is very difficult to do this.
The above link is to a businessweek.com article which discusses the iPad and how it has had a detrimental effects to other companies in the PC market. The article discusses Acer and Asustek, two PC manufacturers who were very successful in selling inexpensive netbooks the past few years due to the economic downturn. However, Apple's iPad has allowed customers to purchase a product more appealing at the same cost. This has caused sales growth in companies like Acer and Asustek to decline dramatically. In response these companies are planning to launch their own line of tablets. A major problem for these companies though is to find a capable operating system for the tablets. Currently companies like Microsoft and Google have focused their time on operating systems for smart phones and have not geared toward tablets. This poses a major problem for companies looking to get into the tablets market as they are already far behind Apple. The author then suggests a strategy for Acer and Asustek to take back their market share would be to undercut Apple with price cuts. However, Apple already set its iPad price so aggresively low that it is very difficult to do this.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Google and Social Networking
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/technology/31ftc.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&ref=technology
The above link is to a new york times article which analyzes a recent Google move into the social networking spectrum. The article discussed a new tool, called +1, which allows users to "like" certain web pages/advertisements and share this information with friends. According to the article, the tool is very similiar to Facebook's "like" tool. The author discusses how the new tool is a response to Facebook's increasing threat to Google. Users are more likely to trust reviews from friends, family, etc. Thus, Facebook is cutting into time users would normally spend on Google, lowering revenue recieved from advertisers. +1 is a response to this threat by allowing Google users to see what their friends and contacts have to say, making the search engine service more user friendly. The article also discussed potential privacy complications with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over its new tool. There is debate over whether the information displayed via +1 is truly public and thus whether or not is violates Google's privacy policy. Either way, i think this is a step in the right direction for Google to further compete with Facebook.
The above link is to a new york times article which analyzes a recent Google move into the social networking spectrum. The article discussed a new tool, called +1, which allows users to "like" certain web pages/advertisements and share this information with friends. According to the article, the tool is very similiar to Facebook's "like" tool. The author discusses how the new tool is a response to Facebook's increasing threat to Google. Users are more likely to trust reviews from friends, family, etc. Thus, Facebook is cutting into time users would normally spend on Google, lowering revenue recieved from advertisers. +1 is a response to this threat by allowing Google users to see what their friends and contacts have to say, making the search engine service more user friendly. The article also discussed potential privacy complications with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over its new tool. There is debate over whether the information displayed via +1 is truly public and thus whether or not is violates Google's privacy policy. Either way, i think this is a step in the right direction for Google to further compete with Facebook.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sentiment Analysis Technology
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/feb2011/tc20110228_366762.htm
The link above is to an article from Businessweek.com which discusses new data mining that technology that could have an enormous impact on market research in the future. The article focused on car manufacturer KIA and how they "will use a tool that can swiftly analyze large numbers of opinions on the Web, including blogs, the microblogging site Twitter, and social networking service Facebook." The technology is called Mass Opinion Business Intelligence (MOBI). While the idea is innovative, many have been skeptical as to how reliable the mined information actually is.
I thought that this new approach to market research was extremely innovative. MOBI is a definetly more efficient data mining tool than surveys, and other data mining techniques. However, there are a few potentially complications that I can foresee with this new technology. First, the reliability of the mined data is questionable. There may be posts via Twitter or Facebook that are sarcastic in tone that the computer may read in a wrong way. Second, MOBI poses potential privacy issues. People may not be comfortable with a computer mining their information and using it to better market to them.
The link above is to an article from Businessweek.com which discusses new data mining that technology that could have an enormous impact on market research in the future. The article focused on car manufacturer KIA and how they "will use a tool that can swiftly analyze large numbers of opinions on the Web, including blogs, the microblogging site Twitter, and social networking service Facebook." The technology is called Mass Opinion Business Intelligence (MOBI). While the idea is innovative, many have been skeptical as to how reliable the mined information actually is.
I thought that this new approach to market research was extremely innovative. MOBI is a definetly more efficient data mining tool than surveys, and other data mining techniques. However, there are a few potentially complications that I can foresee with this new technology. First, the reliability of the mined data is questionable. There may be posts via Twitter or Facebook that are sarcastic in tone that the computer may read in a wrong way. Second, MOBI poses potential privacy issues. People may not be comfortable with a computer mining their information and using it to better market to them.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Facebook teaming up with Skype
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-03-05/facebook-is-said-to-resume-talks-with-skype-on-video-calling.html
The link above is to an article that discusses a potential team up between Skype and Facebook. According to the article, Facebook and Skype are working on integrating Skype's video conferencing features into Facebook. This would allow Facebook to compete with both Apple and Google; both companies have introduced video conferencing technology in the past year. While there are no official announcements yet regarding this potential integration, it makes sence for both sides. For Skype, it allows millions of users to be introduced to a service that otherwise would have been ignored. For Facebook, it allows them to enhance their service and allow them to compete more effectively against Apple and Google. In addition, this broadens Facebook's horizontal integration. For example, users can now accomplish many activities through Facebook that they otherwise would have had to use another website to accomplish.
The link above is to an article that discusses a potential team up between Skype and Facebook. According to the article, Facebook and Skype are working on integrating Skype's video conferencing features into Facebook. This would allow Facebook to compete with both Apple and Google; both companies have introduced video conferencing technology in the past year. While there are no official announcements yet regarding this potential integration, it makes sence for both sides. For Skype, it allows millions of users to be introduced to a service that otherwise would have been ignored. For Facebook, it allows them to enhance their service and allow them to compete more effectively against Apple and Google. In addition, this broadens Facebook's horizontal integration. For example, users can now accomplish many activities through Facebook that they otherwise would have had to use another website to accomplish.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Google's Business Plan
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/feb2011/tc20110211_680322_page_2.htm
The link above is to an article discussing a potential flaw in Google's business plan. The author, Jeffrey Rayport, argues that Google's horizontall search engine may not be as applicable in the future. What Rayport means by this is that internet users are finding more specialized, vertically integrated, sites to fulfill their searching needs. For example, websites such as Monster.com (job listings) or Travelocity.com (travel) have specialized purposes and allow internet users to bypass Google completely for a more specialized, complete search. Rayport also points out in his article that Google recognizes the potential for this to hurt earnings (solely generated through advertisements) and has responded. In mid-2010, Google placed a $700 million bid to buy a travel based software company that would put it in direct combination with Travelocity, Orbitz, Expedia, etc.
I found this article to be a very interesting read and had not previously thought about the future of search engines in this way. I agree with Rayport. It is very important for Google to somehow become more vertically integrated as more and more websites are stealing potential Google users.
The link above is to an article discussing a potential flaw in Google's business plan. The author, Jeffrey Rayport, argues that Google's horizontall search engine may not be as applicable in the future. What Rayport means by this is that internet users are finding more specialized, vertically integrated, sites to fulfill their searching needs. For example, websites such as Monster.com (job listings) or Travelocity.com (travel) have specialized purposes and allow internet users to bypass Google completely for a more specialized, complete search. Rayport also points out in his article that Google recognizes the potential for this to hurt earnings (solely generated through advertisements) and has responded. In mid-2010, Google placed a $700 million bid to buy a travel based software company that would put it in direct combination with Travelocity, Orbitz, Expedia, etc.
I found this article to be a very interesting read and had not previously thought about the future of search engines in this way. I agree with Rayport. It is very important for Google to somehow become more vertically integrated as more and more websites are stealing potential Google users.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
"'TiVo' for Reading" thoughts
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/11_09/b4217040967211.htm
The above link is to a businessweek article that discusses new applications which allows users to save online articles to a mobile device. The new apps, currently being offered by a few websites, were developed in response to those who have found interesting, long articles to read, but do not have the time at that moment to read them. Thus, this application allows users to save the article to read in the future. This technology is becoming increasingly popular. Instapaper and Read it Later, the two largest websites that offer the technology, collectively have more than 4 million subscribers.
I think that this is a great idea. There are many times when one comes across an article at work or home that is enticing to read but not convenient at the time. This application is a proper response to a problem encountered by many. Another interesting point to consider is the potential revenue these applications could be taking away from publishing companies. Since the article that is saved to the mobile device does not include ads, publishing companies may begin to lose out on ad revenue if these applications become large enough.
-Matt Hines
The above link is to a businessweek article that discusses new applications which allows users to save online articles to a mobile device. The new apps, currently being offered by a few websites, were developed in response to those who have found interesting, long articles to read, but do not have the time at that moment to read them. Thus, this application allows users to save the article to read in the future. This technology is becoming increasingly popular. Instapaper and Read it Later, the two largest websites that offer the technology, collectively have more than 4 million subscribers.
I think that this is a great idea. There are many times when one comes across an article at work or home that is enticing to read but not convenient at the time. This application is a proper response to a problem encountered by many. Another interesting point to consider is the potential revenue these applications could be taking away from publishing companies. Since the article that is saved to the mobile device does not include ads, publishing companies may begin to lose out on ad revenue if these applications become large enough.
-Matt Hines
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