A New Day and Age of Business

Kid Stuff

2006-05-04T10:28:00.000-04:00

Google on Microsoft's browser: A fine whine

Well, it’s finally here… my last blog entry. I know it will be hard for some of you – mostly Jaime and Kyle who routinely stay in on Thursday nights to catch up on my new blog material, but we’re going to get through this. With that said, I am leaving for Canada to rest. I will see you all on Tuesday, can’t wait.

On to the final article… and it is perfect for the occasion. My article talks about the two biggest players in the computer industry in my opinion; Google and Microsoft. Apparently there is some ill will between the companies ever since Google started dominating the search engine market. Let me explain… Microsoft recently announced the release up its updated version of Internet Explorer – IE7. The new software will have a built-in search bar with a default setting to use MSN search. Google is angry because they feel that it should be an individual’s decision of which search engine to use. We have seen Microsoft in trouble in the past for such monopolistic conduct – but is this really on the same level?

A few bloggers had some responses to the issue and most of which were not in Google’s favor. They pointed out that on Apple’s internet browser – Safari, Google is set as the default browser… so what about freedom of choice? Also, on Google’s homepage they have hyped up Mozilla’s Firefox web browser, which is in direct competition with Microsoft’s Internet Explorer.

The main problem with both of these companies is that they can’t accept the fact that they are in a competitive market. Microsoft saw the success Google was having and realized the growth potential in the search engine market and made a move – Google didn’t like it. However, competition makes companies work for their business – they can’t just expect to sit back collecting checks. Strategic actions have been taken by both companies and they need to just face reality and stop whining about it. The default browser setting really isn’t that big of deal, if you don’t want a search engine set as your default you can just change it.

Pictures taken from CNET.com

Nintendo Gets Weird

2006-04-27T14:42:00.000-04:00

Nintendo goes 'Wii' ... (not a typo)
As company strives to appeal to mass audience, the Revolution gets renamed: Gamers scream: Why!

The article I chose to blog on this week is about Nintendo’s new game console having a name-change. For quite some time now, Nintendo had codenamed their new, yet to be release, console, the Revolution. The name symbolized what Nintendo is planning on doing in the video game industry – starting a revolution in the way people play and enjoy video games. The new system loses the traditional controllers that need two hands to operate. Instead, the new console will incorporate remote controls for players to use. At first glance, it seems nearly impossible to play a video game with a controller right? I mean, how are you going to make T.O. run a hot route for a long bomb in a game of Madden without two hands? Apparently the new controllers will actually translate wrist and hand movements into the games…sounds pretty crazy to me. On the bright side, drinking and playing video games will be much easier with one free hand. Ok, enough background info about Nintendo’s overall plan for their new game console.

I guess changing the way play people play a video game wasn’t enough for the people at Nintendo. They went a step further when they renamed the Revolution to the Wii. The name is pronounced like “we”. There is good reasoning behind the change in the name that I definitely agree with. The purpose for the strange name was to make it appealing to people around the world, not just Americans. Wii can be interpreted in one way, Wii. That’s the point though… as information and technology bring people around the globe together, there will be times when we need to standardize things across different countries. The Toyota website we saw in class is a perfect example of this. A user can view the website in a number of different languages so everyone has a chance to read it. Nintendo made one name that could appeal to anyone, anywhere.

So far, gaming forums such as IGN.com and Gamespot.com have made a negative uproar. One person dubbed the Wii the “Worst console name ever.” Nintendo is not worried though, they say other companies started out with weird names before they became popular. You might have heard of some of them… Google, Yahoo, and Napster to name a few. People just need to give the name change some time to set in.

Pictures from CNN.com

Another Way to Make Money

2006-04-20T20:24:00.000-04:00

Social networking - it's not just for kids anymore

Ok guys, the Facebook thing isn’t over. You know how it usually takes parents and other old people a while to catch on to things? Well this is no different. Facebook.com became a huge phenomenon among college students, and then MySpace.com came along so recent graduates could talk to each other, and all of that fun. Well now it’s our parents’ turn… great.

With the recent success of Facebook, MySpace, and Friendster big time investors are taking an interest. News Corp. bought MySpace for $580 million last July and now GE and NBC have their sights on Internet networks. The investors have no interest in making friends or setting up photo albums though. They are interested in the buyer potential created by these social networks. Let me explain…

First, social networks like MySpace allow users to share music, pictures, jokes, etc. These social networks are also a great place to put advertising aimed a niche market of users. Second, people on these networks can share their thoughts on certain products with each other. Basically, it would be like your friend telling you to go out and try a product. Advertisers are starting to take advantage of the possibilities of advertising on these sites and more will follow.

I think this is a great opportunity for companies to reach a certain type of consumer. These consumers are usually younger in age, tech savvy, and educated. I think the best part of this type of advertising is just people talking to each other about the products.

With that said, I would just like to ask anyone who reads this to feel free to ask me to be friends on Facebook… Thanks guys, I know I can count on you.

Give Wal-Mart the Finger

2006-04-13T15:04:00.000-04:00

Let your fingers do the paying

A few weeks back I wrote about an article on PayPal. The article talked about using your cell phone to pay for goods, and this article is very similar. Instead of using your cell phone, you’ll now make payments by simply pressing your thumb on a fingerprint reader. Companies planning on using the new service include Wal-Mart, Target, and Costco. This may raise a few red flags for a few of you but let me first tell you about the advantages of the new technology.

First, identity theft and fraud will greatly be reduced. The fact that you are using your unique finger print to pay for items means that no one can possibly pose as you and make unwanted purchases – unless of course, they have your finger somehow...

Another important benefit of biometrics is increasing the checkout process… by 70%. No more waiting on people to fumble over cash and checks and no more old people counting pennies.

One of the most important features of the new service will be reduction of processing fees paid by retailers which means lower prices for consumers. More specifically, when a retailer offers credit card services to their customers, they are charged a percentage of every purchase by the credit card company. The new fingerprint service will allow stores to set up their own accounts in which customers draw directly from their checking accounts.

There obviously has to be a downside to this though right? Well the biggest problem lies in personal privacy issues. This has been such a huge factor recently with the emergence of so many online services (banking, shopping, etc). Vendors already using the touch service say that people’s actual fingerprints will not be copied and stored but only certain key measurements. This way there is no possible way for a vendor to reproduce an exact copy of someone’s fingerprint.

Only time will tell if this new technology is a big hit or a flop. Be on the watch though, as more companies realize they can reduce costs by incorporating fingerprint scanners, they will start using them. They just have to make sure that the process of signing up for the service is fast and easy, otherwise people might just say forget it.

The fingerprint pic was taken from http://www.ic.ac.uk/pictures/2005/fingerprint.jpg
The finger eater pic was taken from http://www.kidszine.co.uk/Dick%20K4.jpg

Citigroup Jumps on the Bandwagon

2006-04-04T15:39:00.000-04:00

Citigroup launches Internet bank

Ok, this article relates to a lot of the things we talk about in class, especially the growing importance of the internet. It is no surprise that the internet has made life easier for people in a number of different ways. You can pay bills, buy movie tickets, chat, and even do your banking. With the success of a number of direct banks that operate online-only, many of the big name companies want a piece of the action.

Citigroup, the largest bank in the U.S., recently announced that it would be offering an online banking service. The e-savings account will offer a very attractive 4.5% interest rate when linked with a checking account. If someone doesn’t sign up for the checking account it doesn’t say what the rate will be, but you can bet it will be substantially lower. Other direct banks are currently offering around 4% which is still high. Ok, so now that Citigroup is entering the scene, everyone else better run for the hills, right? I don’t think so. I actually work for ING Direct which is one of the most successful direct banks right now and I can tell you that they should not be worried. One thing direct banks pride themselves on is the fact that they started as direct banks and they know how to operate as such. In other words, Citigroup may be a successful bank, however, there is no guarantee they will be successful online. One major problem Citigroup may face is stretching the company too thin. They will have physical locations as well as an online bank to run, which can be difficult at times, especially in terms of customer service. When a company becomes too large the customers usually suffer.

So maybe I’m just being pessimistic but we’ll see. Either way, Citigroup is trying to go in the right direction which is towards the internet. People are getting lazier by the minute and this service will cater to them. Alright, I’m going to go watch TV.

Microsoft Drops the Ball

2006-03-23T14:17:00.000-05:00

Vista delay potential boon for rivals

Ok, I have to apologize in advance for the article I’ll be discussing. It talks about this year’s holiday season which is… nine months away. I hate it when stores put out Christmas gear way too early so this article was questionable. Oh well, let’s proceed.

Microsoft recently announced that it won’t be able to release its new operating system, Vista, in time for the holiday season. Commercial versions will be available in mass quantities; however, consumers will not have the option of buying it until the New Year. Microsoft dropped the ball with this delay as the holiday season is a great time to create a buzz about a new product – just look at what happened with the Xbox 360 last year. Since the new Windows operating system won’t be available many consumers may be inclined to purchase other items such as flat-screen TVs, DVD players, or video game consoles instead of PCs. Microsoft’s biggest problem comes from my favorite company to talk about – Apple. This is a huge opportunity for Apple to step in and take some of the computer market share that Microsoft has. Apple will be offering new computers with an updated operating system, and there are also talks about an Apple computer that will be used in the living room to record live TV. The success of the iPod shows what Apple can do with new technology and the right amount of time. If Apple gets the jump on the home entertainment sector, they may be impossible to catch.

Alright, back to Microsoft… does anyone else think that someone definitely screwed up somewhere? They are missing out on a huge amount of potential revenues. This also makes the company look very un-professional. Not only are they messing things up for their own company but they are also making things difficult for the manufacturers of PCs and processors. The only positive side to this huge delay is the fact that they made the announcement well before the scheduled release date. They admitted defeat in a timely fashion – well done.

The above picture was taken from homepage.mac.com.

CBS: Making Dreams Reality

2006-03-16T14:22:00.000-05:00

CBS' Internet hoop dreams

It was a sad, somber day as I walked into the computer lab today for my shift, until I read this article. You see, up until that point I was pretty down and out on my whole day. Two of my colleagues, who will remain nameless, told me that after our last class together they would be going to Grotto’s to watch the NCAA tournament. There would be other people there enjoying themselves as well with a few laughs and a few beverages. Good for them. Upon reading the article my spirits were uplifted and I was filled with a sense of relief.

The arcticle talks about CBS offering users a means for watching non-televised broacasts of basketball games throughout the whole tournament. The service is called March Madness on Demand and it’s FREE! All you have to do is sign up for CBS Sportsline and put up with their weekly emails. No big deal if I can watch March Madness at work for free. Actually, when you stop and think about it, since I am at work watching it…I’m actually being paid to watch. Life doesn’t get much better than that. They even offer a special “Boss” button which, when pushed, hides the games you’re watching and opens up a spreadsheet to make it look like you’re working – now you’re unstoppable.

CBS commented on their reasoning for offering the service for free when it cost $19.95 last year. Basically, they feel that potential advertisers will see this as a golden opportunity to reach thousands of people across the country. Not only will they reach a large number of people but they’ll also be reaching a particular segment of consumers. Big name advertisers that have jumped at such a golden opportunity are: Courtyard by Marriott, Lowes, Dell, State Farm, and GM.

Ok, so I’m watching the Boston College/Pacific game right now and I will say, there are A LOT of ads throughout the broadcast. The picture quality is not the best but the sound is right on. Am I disappointed by the large amount of ads or poor picture quality?... absolutely not. I don’t think I’m alone on this one when I say that the chance to watch the tournament while at work is so unbelievable that nothing could ruin it. Thank you CBS.

Do you take Razr?

2006-03-07T14:45:00.000-05:00

Pay bills by text message? PayPal going mobile

Ok, I read the title of this article and immediately became interested. The article talks about the company which a lot of you I’m sure are familiar with – PayPal. PayPal got its start by settling auction sales through eBAY. PayPal grew fast with the success of eBAY and eventually eBAY bought the company. Now, PayPal still is primarily used on eBAY but also offers users payment options through email.

The next step is taking this payment plan to the wireless phone community. To really appreciate what this could mean to society you have to look at an example of when this would be beneficial.

I’ll speak from experience… How many times have you been to a restaurant with friends, got the check, and had to split it five ways on five different credit cards? Not only is this a pain for the server, but it’s very time consuming for you and your friends…”Ok, we had 4 pitchers at $5 each and you had the burger. I had the wrap, so that leaves the pizza for Chucky Cheese over there.” - Very annoying. PayPal’s new system will allow you to reconcile your bill on the spot, at the table, so one person can just cover the whole tab. The transaction will be taken care of before you leave the table so you don’t have to worry about your friend’s I.O.U. – they’re just as good as money, right. PayPal also talks about using their technology at supermarkets, yard sales, and anywhere else consumer transactions take place.

One huge benefit of this service will be seen by small businesses that can’t afford to pay credit merchants. Typically, when you use your VISA to buy something at a store, 9% of the transaction goes directly to VISA. This is expensive for a company just trying to get its feet off the ground. PayPal’s take of each transaction tops out right around 2.9% which is much more reasonable. Initially, the service will be free for all consumers – sweetlife.

PayPal expects the service to be available as soon as June. They need to get moving on the project and they’re currently hiring new employees like crazy to do just that. They face competition from other companies already; however, they have high street credibility with all those people that use their current service on eBAY. I think they’ll do fine in terms of competition, and I look forward to trying out their service.

Apple Makin' Moves

2006-02-28T14:25:00.000-05:00

Apple's Big News: Lights, Camera, Mac-tion!

Before I get started, let me just say that I am the proud owner of an Apple Powerbook so I can’t really say too many bad things about the company – but I do have one problem, sort of. After I touch on that I’ll get into my article. As we all know, Apple is notorious for coming out with new products all of the time. This seems like a good thing right? Maybe, but what about the thousands of students here on campus that bought the iPOD only to be disappointed two months later with a cooler, sleeker update? Also, we cannot forget the iPOD Nano that debuted and took our breath away with its ridiculously small design. I personally, sold my iPOD Photo (forgotten already) on ebay and used the earnings to buy a Nano so I too fell victim to their ever-changing product line.

The article I read talks about the new products that we might see in the near future from Apple. I think the iPOD has had subtle changes made to the point of exhaustion and the article pretty much solidifies this. The future of Apple will revolve around some major changes in order to compete with competitors like Sony and Dell.

First, Sony has the PSP which is a phenomenon in itself. This thing plays games with Playstation 2-quality graphics and also plays tiny, specially formatted DVDs. It really blows my mind that people will actually buy a separate DVD so they can watch it on their little PSP. Apparently people buy them though because Apple feels they must create a new iPOD with a larger screen to compete. There are talks of a new iPOD with touchscreen controls. In other words, the whole front of the new iPOD will be a video display and the old click-wheel control will be replaced by the touchscreen much like a Palm Pilot. Sounds good to me.

Apple also made a huge and controversial change when they put an Intel chip in their notebooks (they're now in the iMAC and MacMini). The new MacBook Pro boasts faster speeds and a cooler temperature – no more sweaty thighs. However, Intel chips have long been used in Windows-based systems which may anger some of the die-hard Apple fanatics out there – me not being one of them. If it makes the computer better, who cares?

Finally, there are talks of wide-screen notebooks. This is a great idea because the notebook displays are just ok right now. Widescreen displays on notebooks just look better if you ask me and they also allow for DVDs to be displayed properly.

With all of these products on the horizon, I think Apple will pick up even more interest from people still a little unsure about their products. If you don’t have an iPOD, get one and I bet you’ll be hooked. Apple really knows how to use technology to keep their products fresh and up-to-date. They also have an incredible marketing plan that keeps existing customers interested as well as drawing in new ones.

all pictures were taken from apple.com

HP Making Their Presence Known

2006-02-23T15:07:00.000-05:00

HP Launching Photo Kiosks in Retailers

In this article we learned that Hewlett Packard will begin setting up photo kiosks in discount retail stores. People can then bring in their digital photos and develop them on the spot. HP has pretty much been known for their printers and digital cameras so far and this is another step towards greater consumer recognition. HP already has photo printers that let people just plug in their camera and print out the photos they choose but by adding these kiosks to local stores anyone can use them. These type of photo kiosks already exist in stores and HP will be faced with some heavy hitters as far as competition. They will now be directly competing with Kodak, Sony, and Fuji. This is a good idea I think despite the added competition they'll face. Too many companies choose to sit idly by while advances are being made all around them. We can see this in the case of Netflix and Blockbuster. Blockbuster basically wrote Netflix off as a threat and now they're paying for it with loss of revenues. By just sitting back doing nothing while Netflix was emerging they come off as an arrogant company with poor management - it's just bad business. I think HP will be successful with this project based on their standing reputation alone. Everyone knows they make quality products and this should be treated no different.

RSS: Real Simple Stuff

2006-02-16T14:29:00.000-05:00

My name's Jeff Townsend and over the next couple of months I'll take a look at the way businesses are using technology to move foward in their respective industries. I'm a senior Finance and Marketing major so I'll probably end up in Corporate America like a lot of you - at least for the first few years. Basically, this blog will give us an idea of what the companies we might someday work for are doing and what I think about it. I'm looking foward to see what you guys think too - critics welcomed.

CNN - Companies Tap Into RSS

The first article I read was "Companies Tap Into RSS." The article basically tells us that a lot of companies are adopting RSS as way to keep their employees and customers informed and up-to-date. Right now, a lot of communication in big companies is done through email. Working for a large corporation this summer I was always slammed with emails about things that had nothing to do with my job. RSS takes care of this problem. By having a homepage that is constantly updating you cut out the pointless, mass emails. RSS is being used already by a number of companies such as FindSavings.com. The ease of use of RSS is so great that other companies wont be able to turn it down. The service just makes everything run smooth and efficient. Employees need up-to-date information to do their jobs to the best of their ability. Even more benefits of RSS can be seen from the standpoint of the average consumer. Personally, if I log onto the website of a company and they have a RSS feed giving me the newest information possible I'm going to be pretty impressed. Obviously, all companies can do it so I'm not gonna give them too much praise but a company that uses the latest technology just comes off as a better company. Tell me I'm not alone on this - it just seems obvious. The best use of RSS feeds I think are on news websites such as CNN.com. When you're on their website you can read about breaking news as soon as it happens. RSS seems like the only way to go when making a website now and I think that all websites will probably use it in the very near future.