In my lifetime, (which has only been 29 years) I have seen computers become something that we cannot live without. This has opened the market to many companies to flourish and fail throughout the years. Microsoft has become synonymous with almost every computer made today and continues to be successful. Though, recently we have seen the emergence of another company that keeps taking market share away from Microsoft and that company is Apple. Whether it is through great marketing techniques, a great business model, or pure excitement for the next product they will introduce into the market. Apple has become the one computer company that is hard to ignore. Does anyone purchase a computer today without thinking of switching to an Apple? Probably not, but what does the company do to communicate its goal to the employees and how does Steve Jobs CEO of Apple communicate his goals back to the employees?
As I was researching how Apple communication throughout the organization works, I was struck by a MacWorld speech that Steve Jobs gave in 2008. The ability to look back on what the company accomplished in the previous year was uncanny. He seemed to be able to bring all the positives about what the company had accomplished and make sure that he sounded appreciative of the employees that were there watching him. Secondly, he was able to bring excitement about for a new product. It was a backup hard-drive with a wireless network adapter built in. In the world of technology that is not a new thing, but it was the software that went along with it. The software was called “Time Machine” and it allowed a customer to back-up files simply by turning Time Machine on, very easy I would say. Finally, it was his ability to bring excitement about. We know that Steve Jobs is a very successful CEO, but to get to that level one has to be a great communicator of a mission.
I believe that Steve Jobs does a great job at what he does. He appears to have a knack about what customers want and how to run a successful company. He knows how to communicate what he wants his employees to accomplish and what the customer wants to hear. I do not believe he is trying to make the biggest computer company; he just wants to make the best computer company. By making a product that consumers and employees believe in, he is accomplishing that goal.
References:
Singh, N., & Pereira, A. (2005). The Culturally Customized Web Site. Burlington, MA: Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann.
Jobs, S. (Actor). (2008). MacWorld Conference [Online video]. Retrieved December 13, 2009, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owv3Z_WkHRY
Electronic Communication During Elections
“Political candidates’ Web sites function as news sources for a variety of information and news items that might not easily be available on a consistent basis through more traditional media such as newspapers and television.”
This quote is about internet communication regarding the 2008 presidential election. I found that this form of communication was very important during the election. Regardless of which candidate was using it, it became a resource of communication throughout the election. The Obama campaign used their website to try to fight against possible erroneous information. The McCain campaign used their website to try to show the positive information about Sarah Palin. Both campaigns had to fight against information that other media sources were reporting. Regardless of truth, the campaigns had to find a forum to combat information that would hurt the campaign. Communication of the truth became a full-time job for both campaigns. As very interested voters, my wife and I used these websites to help us as volunteers.
As the internet evolves, we have seen campaign websites become more important to voters. The websites are used for videos of the candidate communicating to voters, money donations, and fact checking. It was obvious at times during the election how important the communication to voters was. In fact, many people thought the reason the Obama campaign won was because of the ability for voters to communicate through the website. It offered ways for other voters to communicate through the website to get together. Phone call gatherings were done through the website using the internet to further connect people trying to communicate with other voters. The most interesting aspect of this type of communication was the information we received on Election Day. The campaigns were actually receiving up to the minute information about who had voted and who had not. This allowed the campaigns to try to get the voters out to the polls and all of this communication was done with the internet.
In the end, it is obvious that people are using the internet to communicate, learn, and decide on political campaigns. Whether or not people are deciding on who to vote for based on the internet is debatable, what is not debatable is that the internet is a huge source of communication from the candidates to the voters. When we look back someday, I am sure in will be obvious that these were the beginning days of something much bigger. I think that in the future, we will use internet communication more as a rule and less as a format of basic written communication. As we have seen with social websites, connecting people together is the next realm of the internet and communication and this is sure to become the future of the internet.
References
Pollard, T., Chesebro, J., & Studinski, D. (2009). The Role of the Internet in Presidential Campaigns. Communication Studies, 60(5), 574-588. doi:10.1080/10510970903260418.
This quote is about internet communication regarding the 2008 presidential election. I found that this form of communication was very important during the election. Regardless of which candidate was using it, it became a resource of communication throughout the election. The Obama campaign used their website to try to fight against possible erroneous information. The McCain campaign used their website to try to show the positive information about Sarah Palin. Both campaigns had to fight against information that other media sources were reporting. Regardless of truth, the campaigns had to find a forum to combat information that would hurt the campaign. Communication of the truth became a full-time job for both campaigns. As very interested voters, my wife and I used these websites to help us as volunteers.
As the internet evolves, we have seen campaign websites become more important to voters. The websites are used for videos of the candidate communicating to voters, money donations, and fact checking. It was obvious at times during the election how important the communication to voters was. In fact, many people thought the reason the Obama campaign won was because of the ability for voters to communicate through the website. It offered ways for other voters to communicate through the website to get together. Phone call gatherings were done through the website using the internet to further connect people trying to communicate with other voters. The most interesting aspect of this type of communication was the information we received on Election Day. The campaigns were actually receiving up to the minute information about who had voted and who had not. This allowed the campaigns to try to get the voters out to the polls and all of this communication was done with the internet.
In the end, it is obvious that people are using the internet to communicate, learn, and decide on political campaigns. Whether or not people are deciding on who to vote for based on the internet is debatable, what is not debatable is that the internet is a huge source of communication from the candidates to the voters. When we look back someday, I am sure in will be obvious that these were the beginning days of something much bigger. I think that in the future, we will use internet communication more as a rule and less as a format of basic written communication. As we have seen with social websites, connecting people together is the next realm of the internet and communication and this is sure to become the future of the internet.
References
Pollard, T., Chesebro, J., & Studinski, D. (2009). The Role of the Internet in Presidential Campaigns. Communication Studies, 60(5), 574-588. doi:10.1080/10510970903260418.
Cisco Systems
“Some of Cisco’s new products help break down barriers with business-to-business collaboration” - Leanne Schrotzberger Cisco Systems.
When the Internet was first introduced, most people had no idea how this new technology would affect our daily lives. Most people would not have envisioned that they would be able to do all their banking online. Nor would have thought they would be able to do most of their shopping on line, and in both cases within secure environments. Many banks are now offering a bill payment feature that allows you to pay bills online rather than sending a check through the mail. With the conception of the Internet and the higher speeds offered by Internet Service Providers (ISP), there have been many other advances in technology that allow one’s Internet connection to be used for much more than browsing web pages or downloading files. Let’s look at Cisco System’s and some of the tools they offer that use these innovations to encourage group collaborative communication among a company’s employees.
Cisco Systems is a company that offers cutting edge technology that can be used for many business applications. One of their main areas of focus is business collaboration and communication. Much of their new technology deals with businesses being able to communicate effectively, some of Cisco’s new products help break down barriers with “business-to-business collaboration” (2009, ¶ 2). One package offered by them is Cisco’s Tele-Presence. This package allows users to generate a live face-to-face meeting similar to simple video conferencing, but it also allows people to “share content, create high-quality video recordings and events, consult with experts and deliver powerful personalized services; all using the power of the network for an immersive in-person experience” (n.d., ¶ 3). Setting up a meeting is very simple and requires no Information Technology (IT) support. Starting a meeting is as easy as picking up the phone and making a call. The high quality makes people appear “lifelike and life-size” (¶ 4). Up to 48 locations can participate in a single meeting and “Collaboration applications are plug and play” (n.d., ¶ 4).
Another application that Cisco uses to foster collaboration is Unified Communicator (UC). This application provides a very high quality meeting like Tele- Presence, but it includes a high degree of security across any work space (n.d.). Cisco Unified Communications connects people, information, and teams, helping to enable comprehensive and effective collaborative experiences” (n.d. ¶ 1). It allows user companies to connect partners, vendors, co-workers, and their customers with the information and data they require. UC allows workers to be connected through a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone systems, an Instant Messaging (IM) application, and also mobile devices, which allows employees to be productive anywhere in the world. UC also permits people to access and share video on a “desktop, on the road, and on-demand, as easily” as dialing a phone (n.d. ¶ 3). So not only does it offer conferencing, messaging, IP communications, mobile applications, but it also offers a high amount of customer care.
WebEx is another application Cisco designed that allows group collaborative communications. WebEx can be used for much more than just company meetings by offering broader needs for a business. There is no restriction on the type of computer system, platform, browser, or devices, in any country in the world (n.d). The application can be used for real-time meetings, webcasts, corporate instant messaging, and it can be used for training sessions. The training can be e-Learning or distance learning around the world (n.d.). The large benefit for a business is that WebEx also allows remote technical support attended or unattended (n.d.).
The items listed here are just a few of the many tools offered by Cisco Systems. As we have seen, some of the options include high quality video conference with either audio or video. Their other package “unified communicator” can handle voice and data traffic as well as instant messaging and mobile devices, all with improved security. It also allows a high degree of improved customer care. WebEx has many of the same features as the other two packages, but it also has no restrictions on the type of operating system or computer system used by the business. It also allows for company training and remote technical support either attended or unattended. As we can see, Cisco Systems offers a vast variety of products that improves group collaboration within the business community allowing a business to work in a more effective manner.
References
Cisco System’s. (n.d). Fostering Collaboration with Everyone, Everywhere. Retrieved December 8, 2009 from http://www.cisco.com/en/US/netsol/ns669/networking_solutions_solution_segment_home.html?POSITION=SEM&COUNTRY_SITE=us&CAMPAIGN=HN&CREATIVE=TelePresence&REFERRING_SITE=Google&KEYWORD=cisco+telepresence
Cisco System’s. (n.d). Gain Competitive Edge using Cisco WebEx Solution. Retrieved December 8, 2009 from http://www.cisco.com/en/US/solutions/ns990/webex_deployment.html
Cisco System’s. (n.d). New Communications Experience. Retrieved December 8, 2009 from
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/netsol/ns151/networking_solutions_unified_communications_home.html
CNNMoney.com. (November, 2009). Cisco Breaks Down Barriers to Business-to-Business Collaboration Retrieved November 2, 2009 from http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0556505.htm
When the Internet was first introduced, most people had no idea how this new technology would affect our daily lives. Most people would not have envisioned that they would be able to do all their banking online. Nor would have thought they would be able to do most of their shopping on line, and in both cases within secure environments. Many banks are now offering a bill payment feature that allows you to pay bills online rather than sending a check through the mail. With the conception of the Internet and the higher speeds offered by Internet Service Providers (ISP), there have been many other advances in technology that allow one’s Internet connection to be used for much more than browsing web pages or downloading files. Let’s look at Cisco System’s and some of the tools they offer that use these innovations to encourage group collaborative communication among a company’s employees.
Cisco Systems is a company that offers cutting edge technology that can be used for many business applications. One of their main areas of focus is business collaboration and communication. Much of their new technology deals with businesses being able to communicate effectively, some of Cisco’s new products help break down barriers with “business-to-business collaboration” (2009, ¶ 2). One package offered by them is Cisco’s Tele-Presence. This package allows users to generate a live face-to-face meeting similar to simple video conferencing, but it also allows people to “share content, create high-quality video recordings and events, consult with experts and deliver powerful personalized services; all using the power of the network for an immersive in-person experience” (n.d., ¶ 3). Setting up a meeting is very simple and requires no Information Technology (IT) support. Starting a meeting is as easy as picking up the phone and making a call. The high quality makes people appear “lifelike and life-size” (¶ 4). Up to 48 locations can participate in a single meeting and “Collaboration applications are plug and play” (n.d., ¶ 4).
Another application that Cisco uses to foster collaboration is Unified Communicator (UC). This application provides a very high quality meeting like Tele- Presence, but it includes a high degree of security across any work space (n.d.). Cisco Unified Communications connects people, information, and teams, helping to enable comprehensive and effective collaborative experiences” (n.d. ¶ 1). It allows user companies to connect partners, vendors, co-workers, and their customers with the information and data they require. UC allows workers to be connected through a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone systems, an Instant Messaging (IM) application, and also mobile devices, which allows employees to be productive anywhere in the world. UC also permits people to access and share video on a “desktop, on the road, and on-demand, as easily” as dialing a phone (n.d. ¶ 3). So not only does it offer conferencing, messaging, IP communications, mobile applications, but it also offers a high amount of customer care.
WebEx is another application Cisco designed that allows group collaborative communications. WebEx can be used for much more than just company meetings by offering broader needs for a business. There is no restriction on the type of computer system, platform, browser, or devices, in any country in the world (n.d). The application can be used for real-time meetings, webcasts, corporate instant messaging, and it can be used for training sessions. The training can be e-Learning or distance learning around the world (n.d.). The large benefit for a business is that WebEx also allows remote technical support attended or unattended (n.d.).
The items listed here are just a few of the many tools offered by Cisco Systems. As we have seen, some of the options include high quality video conference with either audio or video. Their other package “unified communicator” can handle voice and data traffic as well as instant messaging and mobile devices, all with improved security. It also allows a high degree of improved customer care. WebEx has many of the same features as the other two packages, but it also has no restrictions on the type of operating system or computer system used by the business. It also allows for company training and remote technical support either attended or unattended. As we can see, Cisco Systems offers a vast variety of products that improves group collaboration within the business community allowing a business to work in a more effective manner.
References
Cisco System’s. (n.d). Fostering Collaboration with Everyone, Everywhere. Retrieved December 8, 2009 from http://www.cisco.com/en/US/netsol/ns669/networking_solutions_solution_segment_home.html?POSITION=SEM&COUNTRY_SITE=us&CAMPAIGN=HN&CREATIVE=TelePresence&REFERRING_SITE=Google&KEYWORD=cisco+telepresence
Cisco System’s. (n.d). Gain Competitive Edge using Cisco WebEx Solution. Retrieved December 8, 2009 from http://www.cisco.com/en/US/solutions/ns990/webex_deployment.html
Cisco System’s. (n.d). New Communications Experience. Retrieved December 8, 2009 from
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/netsol/ns151/networking_solutions_unified_communications_home.html
CNNMoney.com. (November, 2009). Cisco Breaks Down Barriers to Business-to-Business Collaboration Retrieved November 2, 2009 from http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0556505.htm
Using Technology to Collaborate
The high tech implementations of Intel's creations/upgrades have changed, and will indubitably continue to influence, the way individuals communicate around the world. Intel remains a major cornerstone in the advancement of universal technologies. "Technological advances resulting from global pioneering collaborations establish and maintain the highest level of standards-based innovation." (Intel, n.d., ¶ 1)
"Intel has refocused its efforts to get a better toehold in new markets, particularly those for smart phones, netbooks, and other mobile Internet devices. The emerging vessel of choice is the system-on-chip (SoC) hardware. It will be less power hungry and capable of doing graphics processing, complex wireless communication, and on-chip temperature sensing, as well as general number crunching and memory management. (Technology Review, 2009, ¶ 1)
This eco-friendly, consumer ready ideology has the potential to offer consumers more effective opportunities to communicate within a group collaborative. I think platforms like Intel Architecture-Based Media Phone systems, Intel Core processors and InTru 3D further facilitate technologically advanced environments to promote group interconnection.
Consumer's voracious desires to own the latest upgradable and backward compatible technological gadgets will continue to inspire Intel to meet and exceed consumer communication demands. "Intel's global infrastructure relies on the stability and consistent interoperability between devices." (Intel, n.d., ¶ 1) Intel has enjoyed longevity for decades by being flexible and thoughtful in their product line creation. Based on past reliability and current development, I would imagine that Intel will continue to be around for decades to come.
References
Intel. (n.d.). Technology: standards and initiatives. Retrieved December 4, 2009
http://www.intel.com/standards/index.htm?iid=tech_home+body_standards
Technology Review. (2009). Intel's new breed of chips. Retrieved December 4, 2009
http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/22068/?a=f
"Intel has refocused its efforts to get a better toehold in new markets, particularly those for smart phones, netbooks, and other mobile Internet devices. The emerging vessel of choice is the system-on-chip (SoC) hardware. It will be less power hungry and capable of doing graphics processing, complex wireless communication, and on-chip temperature sensing, as well as general number crunching and memory management. (Technology Review, 2009, ¶ 1)
This eco-friendly, consumer ready ideology has the potential to offer consumers more effective opportunities to communicate within a group collaborative. I think platforms like Intel Architecture-Based Media Phone systems, Intel Core processors and InTru 3D further facilitate technologically advanced environments to promote group interconnection.
Consumer's voracious desires to own the latest upgradable and backward compatible technological gadgets will continue to inspire Intel to meet and exceed consumer communication demands. "Intel's global infrastructure relies on the stability and consistent interoperability between devices." (Intel, n.d., ¶ 1) Intel has enjoyed longevity for decades by being flexible and thoughtful in their product line creation. Based on past reliability and current development, I would imagine that Intel will continue to be around for decades to come.
References
Intel. (n.d.). Technology: standards and initiatives. Retrieved December 4, 2009
http://www.intel.com/standards/index.htm?iid=tech_home+body_standards
Technology Review. (2009). Intel's new breed of chips. Retrieved December 4, 2009
http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/22068/?a=f
Election/Campaign Use of Internet
"'They made online the central nervous system for their organization; smart brands are going to start doing this,' said Pete Snyder, co-founder and CEO of New Media Strategies." (ESBCO, 2009)
Internet usage was of great assistance in revolutionizing the election of 2008. Regardless of political affiliation, reaching and motivating current and potential base members to vote by way of user friendly projected messages, on such massive scales, are increasingly necessary towards successful campaigning in America. It is one thing to create a blurb but quite another to organize and launch an intelligent technology blitz. I would venture to say that both U.S. major party presidential candidates were successful in their attempts to connect to a broader America in effort to realize victory in the election process. The use of texting, social sites [Facebook, Twitter, You Tube etc…] and email are key components that were strategically tapped into to aid the U.S. presidential candidates in their quests to become the 44th president of the United States of America. I believe those and updated technological advances will become the fundamental tools used to steadily excite, enlighten and entertain its political users for decades to come. I also think launching personal campaign appeals via those technological resources have and will certainly continue to have a radical impact on future campaigns in the U.S. on local, national and international levels. The phasing out of less than cost effective marketing campaigns while still being able to positively influence base momentum remains, in my opinion, a win win scenario in the political process.
Reference
EBSCO. (2009). Social media paves way to whitehouse. Retrieved November 19, 2009
http://web.ebscohost.com.dml.regis.edu/ehost/detail?vid=4&hid=6&sid=16933e99-49fb-465e-8598-d07f9c6b8dce%40sessionmgr12&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=37280974
Internet usage was of great assistance in revolutionizing the election of 2008. Regardless of political affiliation, reaching and motivating current and potential base members to vote by way of user friendly projected messages, on such massive scales, are increasingly necessary towards successful campaigning in America. It is one thing to create a blurb but quite another to organize and launch an intelligent technology blitz. I would venture to say that both U.S. major party presidential candidates were successful in their attempts to connect to a broader America in effort to realize victory in the election process. The use of texting, social sites [Facebook, Twitter, You Tube etc…] and email are key components that were strategically tapped into to aid the U.S. presidential candidates in their quests to become the 44th president of the United States of America. I believe those and updated technological advances will become the fundamental tools used to steadily excite, enlighten and entertain its political users for decades to come. I also think launching personal campaign appeals via those technological resources have and will certainly continue to have a radical impact on future campaigns in the U.S. on local, national and international levels. The phasing out of less than cost effective marketing campaigns while still being able to positively influence base momentum remains, in my opinion, a win win scenario in the political process.
Reference
EBSCO. (2009). Social media paves way to whitehouse. Retrieved November 19, 2009
http://web.ebscohost.com.dml.regis.edu/ehost/detail?vid=4&hid=6&sid=16933e99-49fb-465e-8598-d07f9c6b8dce%40sessionmgr12&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=37280974
“Google”
Ryan Davis
Google has successfully utilized today’s technology to their full advantage. With Google using PageRank™ which is how they get us our search results so fast and accurately. They also keep their site up to date and they always have a different design for their name. They also have blackle.com which reaches out and appeals to energy conscious individuals.
We have all seen these companies that come from left field and are a huge hit. Well a lot of their success depends on how well they are able to appeal and communicate with the community. Google came in at the right time while other search engines would give you useless results that have nothing to do with what you typed in; Google developed a program called PageRank™ which is a system for ranking web pages. While other web pages rely heavily on how many times a word appears on a page, Google uses a ranking system in which each webpage has votes and votes count for different values to include hypertext matching.
Google is also working with Open Handset Alliance to develop a complete open, free and mobile platform to develop Android which will give people access to all the information they need anywhere anytime. Yet another example of how they are connecting the world’s information at just a click of your mouse or finger. This is why Google has been so successful they sell their product to all demographics because we all at one time or another have “Googled.”
References:
http://www.google.com/corporate/tech.html
http://www.google.com/technology/pigeonrank.html (Funny rip off of “PageRank.”)
Ryan Davis
Google has successfully utilized today’s technology to their full advantage. With Google using PageRank™ which is how they get us our search results so fast and accurately. They also keep their site up to date and they always have a different design for their name. They also have blackle.com which reaches out and appeals to energy conscious individuals.
We have all seen these companies that come from left field and are a huge hit. Well a lot of their success depends on how well they are able to appeal and communicate with the community. Google came in at the right time while other search engines would give you useless results that have nothing to do with what you typed in; Google developed a program called PageRank™ which is a system for ranking web pages. While other web pages rely heavily on how many times a word appears on a page, Google uses a ranking system in which each webpage has votes and votes count for different values to include hypertext matching.
Google is also working with Open Handset Alliance to develop a complete open, free and mobile platform to develop Android which will give people access to all the information they need anywhere anytime. Yet another example of how they are connecting the world’s information at just a click of your mouse or finger. This is why Google has been so successful they sell their product to all demographics because we all at one time or another have “Googled.”
References:
http://www.google.com/corporate/tech.html
http://www.google.com/technology/pigeonrank.html (Funny rip off of “PageRank.”)
Obama
"Tens of thousands of young people downloaded voter-registration forms on Facebook; when a supporter used Obama's phone-bank tool to call undecided voters, it appeared in her friend feed." By Michael Learmonth
With social networking sites be so popular, it is no wonder Obama used this as a tool during his campaign. He potentially won the election because of how many millions if not billions of people he reached out to with using Facebook or Myspace. There is so much potential to get your name out there with these sites. There have been many musical artist who became famous because they posted their music to their myspace page and would link it to music producers to listen to. Some might say it replaced sending a recording on a tape of your music to music producers.
With these sites being so easy to keep in touch with family and friends. You have to be careful about what you post to them. Do not post any personnel information you do not want the whole world to know. If you do your research you can easily start a business or advertise on these sites and be seen by millions of people. The possibilities are endless with what you can do on Myspace or Facebook. President Obama was very smart for using this as a way to reach out and touch people for their support during his campaign.
With social networking sites be so popular, it is no wonder Obama used this as a tool during his campaign. He potentially won the election because of how many millions if not billions of people he reached out to with using Facebook or Myspace. There is so much potential to get your name out there with these sites. There have been many musical artist who became famous because they posted their music to their myspace page and would link it to music producers to listen to. Some might say it replaced sending a recording on a tape of your music to music producers.
With these sites being so easy to keep in touch with family and friends. You have to be careful about what you post to them. Do not post any personnel information you do not want the whole world to know. If you do your research you can easily start a business or advertise on these sites and be seen by millions of people. The possibilities are endless with what you can do on Myspace or Facebook. President Obama was very smart for using this as a way to reach out and touch people for their support during his campaign.
There's an App for That
--Ian Lynch Smith
The Apple App Store is changing mobile computing. Smart phones are becoming the “Swiss Army Knives” of the digital age due to the large amount of information and applications available at your fingertips. (Wortham, 2009)
The App Store has applications for everything from email and text-messaging to games, maps, and even wireless keys to remotely unlock cars. If you are looking for an application for your iPhone or iPod Touch, chances are the App Store has it. There are more than 10,000 developers, over 100,000 applications, and there have been more than 2 billion application downloads since the App Store opened in 2008.
Apple has been very supportive of developers who were once shunned by large telecommunications companies. What used to take hundreds of thousands of dollars and months of time to develop for an individual phone vendor can now be done in a matter of a couple of months and for very little overhead through the App Store.
Apple reviews all of the applications that are submitted to help prevent malicious software and preserve the stability of the devices. With more than 10,000 submissions each week that process can take some time to be completed. The goal is to have the review process completed and the application available on the App Store within 2 weeks. Even though a review of the software is necessary, the process has come under scrutiny. Apple is currently involved in an FCC investigation due to its decision to reject an application by Google. This has caused critics to question whether or not Apple will maintain a fair marketplace.
Apple’s App Store has helped create a new digital world where everyone from a weekend hobbyist to a professional software developer can have the opportunity to make money on the iPhone. Analysts estimate the App Store generates as much as a billion dollars a year in revenue for Apple and the developers. Jim Balsille, co-chief executive of Research in Motion, the maker of the BlackBerry smart phones, says, “It’s inevitable that all cell phones will be smart phones. There will be more services and new ways to monetize and more consumption. Growth is a given; it’s just a question of who is going to innovate in the right way to drive that value proposition to capture that growth.” It certainly appears Apple has found a way to capture the growth. There’s an app for that.
Wortham, J. (2009, December 6). Apple's Game Changer, Downloading Now. Retrieved December 6, 2009, from The New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/06/technology/06apps.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1260126251-iksGv9RVpZx8gRpN1/3efg
Qualcomm
Qualcomm chose to take a different approach from traditional wireless standards. In 1989, the company introduced Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). This is an improved technology for wireless and data products that changed the global face of wireless communications forever (Qualcomm History, 2009). Code division multiple access (CDMA) is a channel access method utilized by various radio communication technologies. CDMA is what the wireless provider I work for uses today.
Qualcomm is a company with vision in both technology and how the world communicates by providing people a better way to stay in touch where they work and live. This company continues to create new and innovative products for consumers around the world. Qualcomm is currently embracing a next generation network technology called Long Term Evolution (LTE), a 4G broadband technology (Reuters, 2008).
Qualcomm has been recognized for many industry awards. Its corporate success includes; Fortune’s Most Admired Companies since 2002. Qualcomm has been voted Computerworld’s 100 Best Places to Work in IT since 2004. The company won PC Magazine’s 2008, Technology Excellence Award. Qualcomm continues to be in the forefront of the environmental movement, winning recognition for the Uptime Institutes 2009 Global Green 100, which honors companies’ energy efficient efforts by decreasing their carbon footprint. By staying focused in the technological arena and being mindful of the environment at the same time makes Qualcomm a world class leader.
I believe this pioneering, innovative and collaborative spirit has allowed Qualcomm to expand the boundaries of technology, while making changes in the world that provide more economical resources. This organization does not rest on its laurels, but continues to build a solid company through research, development and collaboration within the telecommunication industry.
References
Woyke, E. (2009, Jan 07). Qualcomm Could Shine At CES. retrieved from Forbes website:_http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/07/ces-qualcomm-broadband-tech-wire-cx_ew_0107qualcomm.html (retrieved December 2, 2009).
Qualcomm. (n.d). Retrieved from website: http://www.qualcomm.com/who_we_are/history/index.html (retrieved December 1, 2009)
LeClaire, J. (2006, Jan 06). Qualcomm, Samsung to Demo Mobile-TV Tech for Cell Phones from technewsworld website:_ http://www.technewsworld.com/story/48113.html?wlc=1259904852 (retrieved December 1, 2009).
Carew, S. (2008, Nov. 13). Reuters retrieved from website:_http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1335969420081113?rpc=401&
(retrieved December 7, 2009).
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company
With all of this turmoil, how did Ford succeed? For many years the three major American car companies have endured financial losses. In 2009 Chrysler filed chapter 11 bankruptcy and also acquired US$6.6 billion in government bailout funds. Chrysler’s sales from January 2009, through October 2009, have declined by 39%. General Motors filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2009, and now the United States Treasury and Canadian government own majority stock for General Motors. This was an investment of US$57.6 billion from the United States Government. The last of the “Big three” auto companies is Ford Motor Company. Ford, at first, attempted to work with United States lawmakers, in collaboration of General Motors and Chrysler, to secure financial aid. This attempt failed and Ford decided not to accept bailout funds and work affective robust plans to reduce their debt. Because of this financial strategy Ford has been able to post almost US$1 billion profit this last quarter.
For Ford to recover financially it was critical that Ford did not accept bailout funds. This allowed Ford to continue to spend monies where the others had to cut back and hold cash while waiting for bailout funds. But what Ford’s major accomplishment was to take advantage of the negative impression of the other auto makers.
Ford launched many collaborative initiatives. The first was Ford Motor Company’s board worked with bondholders to reduce their debt. Foremost, Ford began in collaborating with multiple companies that would enhance their product. One of such companies was Best Buy. An unlikely company to collaborate with but Ford worked with 30 Best Buy locations to pilot a program to enhance safety and in-car connectivity systems called SYNC. SYNC gives the owner abilities to get turn-by-turn directions, 911 assistance, vehicle health reports, news, sports, weather updates, real time traffic reports and business searches.
Ford has overcome many obstacles to move forward as a profitable company once again. In my opinion Ford has set forth an abundance of collaborative efforts that has economically profited Ford but has also made them listen to the end user.
Reference:
Chrysler. (n.d). In Wikipedia. Retrieved December 2, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler
General Motors. (n.d). In Wikipedia. Retrieved December 2, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Motors
Ford Motor Company. (n.d). Retrieved December 2, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Motor_Company
Vlasic, B (2009, October 10). For Car Buyers, the Brand Romance Is Gone. Retrieved December 2, 2009 from The New York Times website: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/21/business/21auto.html?_r=2&scp=10&sq=&st=nyt
Ford, Best Buy Matchup Drives Increased Consideration for Ford Products, (n.d.) Retrieved December 2, 2009, from Ford Motor Company official website: http://www.ford.com/about-ford/news-announcements/press-releases/press-releases-detail/pr-ford-best-buy-matchup-drives-31503
About SYNC, (n.d). Retrieved December 2, 2009, from Ford Motor Company official website: http://www.fordvehicles.com/innovation/sync/about/
High Tech Communications over Wireless Technologies.
“CLEAR is excited to bring to North Carolina residents, businesses and visitors an Internet experience similar to what they’re used to having at home or the office, anywhere around town or on the go,” said Michael Nash, regional general manager for North Carolina. (Clearwire, 2009)
Clearwire is a new up and coming 4G wireless provider. They started out in the West Coast and have slowly built up network infrastructures all over the country focusing on Tier 1 markets (Baltimore, New York, Chicago, Detroit, Charlotte, etc) to start. Clearwire has developed and is using technology to provide more available internet connections to everyone. The use of cellular technology is able to bridge traditional wired carrier boundaries. As a result, you can have access to the internet throughout an area regardless of whether or not it is serviced by Verizon, Comcast, Windstream, etc. It also reduces the need for multiple internet connection accounts. You can use the same carrier at home and at the office or even a local coffee shop.
People have become used to this accessibility of Internet connections wherever they go. They can get on the Internet at McDonalds, Barnes and Nobles, the malls, and even most coffee shops. Providing the ability to get Internet access in areas that don’t provide local wireless access makes a company like Clearwire even more attractive. With this technology, users can be anywhere and get on the Internet at speeds they are used to at the office or home without having to pay for multiple services. This level of access makes individuals, companies, and families even more productive and efficient regardless of location.
Clearwire (2009, December 1). Clearwire opens retail stores and expands sales for clear(tm) 4g mobile internet service in North Carolina. Retrieved from http://newsroom.clearwire.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=214419&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1360322&highlight=
Clearwire is a new up and coming 4G wireless provider. They started out in the West Coast and have slowly built up network infrastructures all over the country focusing on Tier 1 markets (Baltimore, New York, Chicago, Detroit, Charlotte, etc) to start. Clearwire has developed and is using technology to provide more available internet connections to everyone. The use of cellular technology is able to bridge traditional wired carrier boundaries. As a result, you can have access to the internet throughout an area regardless of whether or not it is serviced by Verizon, Comcast, Windstream, etc. It also reduces the need for multiple internet connection accounts. You can use the same carrier at home and at the office or even a local coffee shop.
People have become used to this accessibility of Internet connections wherever they go. They can get on the Internet at McDonalds, Barnes and Nobles, the malls, and even most coffee shops. Providing the ability to get Internet access in areas that don’t provide local wireless access makes a company like Clearwire even more attractive. With this technology, users can be anywhere and get on the Internet at speeds they are used to at the office or home without having to pay for multiple services. This level of access makes individuals, companies, and families even more productive and efficient regardless of location.
Clearwire (2009, December 1). Clearwire opens retail stores and expands sales for clear(tm) 4g mobile internet service in North Carolina. Retrieved from http://newsroom.clearwire.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=214419&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1360322&highlight=
Nintendo©: Technologically Collaboratively Brilliant
“At Nintendo we are proud to be working for the leading company in our industry. We are strongly committed to producing and marketing the best products and support services available. We believe it is essential not only to provide products of the highest quality, but to treat every customer with attention, consideration and respect. By listening closely to our customers, we constantly improve our products and services.
We feel an equal commitment toward our employees. We want to maintain an atmosphere in which talented individuals can work together as a team. Commitment and enthusiasm are crucial to the high quality of our products and support services. We believe in treating our employees with the same consideration and respect that we, as a company, show our customers (Nintendo of America, 2009).”
Nintendo© was introduced to America in 1985. The Nintendo© Entertainment System was an immediate hit. In some cases this was the first time a system like this was brought into people’s homes. After Nintendo’s big hit in 1985, they did it again in 2006 with the new interactive, innovative, amazing gaming system, Nintendo Wii©. The Nintendo Wii© is not only an interactive system it connects via wireless internet to allow users to interact with individuals all over the world creating a bond with individuals we have never met.
In my opinion, Nintendo© has not only created the neatest gaming system technologically but it has also assisted in the need for people to remain active. Nintendo has cornered the market in listening to what the world needs. In America, the overwhelming numbers of obesity and other health problems have increased at an alarming rate but Nintendo© did its research in trying to create a healthier world. Even though it is a gaming system it requires not only hand-eye coordination but real-time body movement to thoroughly enjoy this gaming experience.
Nintendo’s mission and philosophy statement says worlds of how about important it is to not only listen to its customers but its employees to create incredible, collaborative products that not only corner technology but impress any user. Their products are user-friendly, extremely innovated and not at an extreme cost compared to other gaming systems. Nintendo’s products are made for any individual, they do not simply cater to one age group, gender, or ability; any person can enjoy these games which is collaboratively brilliant.
Reference:
Nintendo of America (2009). Company history. Retrieved from http://www.nintendo.com/corp /history.jsp
We feel an equal commitment toward our employees. We want to maintain an atmosphere in which talented individuals can work together as a team. Commitment and enthusiasm are crucial to the high quality of our products and support services. We believe in treating our employees with the same consideration and respect that we, as a company, show our customers (Nintendo of America, 2009).”
Nintendo© was introduced to America in 1985. The Nintendo© Entertainment System was an immediate hit. In some cases this was the first time a system like this was brought into people’s homes. After Nintendo’s big hit in 1985, they did it again in 2006 with the new interactive, innovative, amazing gaming system, Nintendo Wii©. The Nintendo Wii© is not only an interactive system it connects via wireless internet to allow users to interact with individuals all over the world creating a bond with individuals we have never met.
In my opinion, Nintendo© has not only created the neatest gaming system technologically but it has also assisted in the need for people to remain active. Nintendo has cornered the market in listening to what the world needs. In America, the overwhelming numbers of obesity and other health problems have increased at an alarming rate but Nintendo© did its research in trying to create a healthier world. Even though it is a gaming system it requires not only hand-eye coordination but real-time body movement to thoroughly enjoy this gaming experience.
Nintendo’s mission and philosophy statement says worlds of how about important it is to not only listen to its customers but its employees to create incredible, collaborative products that not only corner technology but impress any user. Their products are user-friendly, extremely innovated and not at an extreme cost compared to other gaming systems. Nintendo’s products are made for any individual, they do not simply cater to one age group, gender, or ability; any person can enjoy these games which is collaboratively brilliant.
Reference:
Nintendo of America (2009). Company history. Retrieved from http://www.nintendo.com/corp /history.jsp
Yahoo Groups
“Friends, I have noticed lately that we've been exchanging many ideas about kites, as well as announcements about events in the coming season. I knew that there could be a more efficient way of exchanging our ideas via email so that everyone gets to participate without having to maintain lengthy address lists. I already knew about some of the exciting things people were doing with so called "virtual communities", so I decided to look into it further. Most of the search engine companies offer free services to any sort of club and many free virtual communities exist on the www.
-Mark Kunoff, Hoosier Kitefliers Society
This quick note by this gentleman to all of his Kiteflier colleagues is an example of how Yahoo saw a need for online collaboration and capitalized on it. In June of 2000, Yahoo acquired an online group collaboration platform company called egroups. Yahoo was able to boost its communications offering, including mail, messenger and clubs according to Larry Dignan Staff Writer, CNET News. In this way, Yahoo provides the ability for massive mailing lists or discussion groups to be formed in an easy manageable way. Anyone can search and find a group they would like to subscribe to, or create a group of their own. Collaboration and communication to the masses becomes quick and efficient.
Developing a group is easy, it only requires that you specify public or private membership and choose a newsletter-only type membership or a collaborative membership. Once you've set up the basics, you need to add members to your group. You can do this by either sending out a blast email invitation, or entering members yourself. If the size of the group is too large then this can be somewhat of a deterrent. This has been a great way for associations or organizations to share information and collaborate on a large scale. For example, there is a group call Ruthie’s List developed by a human resources practitioner whereby job leads and information is shared pertaining to the human resources industry/function. This group has over 3000 members who share this common interest and association.
Sources
CNET News – Larry Dignan, April 2001,http://news.cnet.com/Yahoo-acquires-privately-held-eGroups/2100-12_3-259494.htmlWikipedia – The History of Yahoo – accessed on December 1, 2009
-Mark Kunoff, Hoosier Kitefliers Society
This quick note by this gentleman to all of his Kiteflier colleagues is an example of how Yahoo saw a need for online collaboration and capitalized on it. In June of 2000, Yahoo acquired an online group collaboration platform company called egroups. Yahoo was able to boost its communications offering, including mail, messenger and clubs according to Larry Dignan Staff Writer, CNET News. In this way, Yahoo provides the ability for massive mailing lists or discussion groups to be formed in an easy manageable way. Anyone can search and find a group they would like to subscribe to, or create a group of their own. Collaboration and communication to the masses becomes quick and efficient.
Developing a group is easy, it only requires that you specify public or private membership and choose a newsletter-only type membership or a collaborative membership. Once you've set up the basics, you need to add members to your group. You can do this by either sending out a blast email invitation, or entering members yourself. If the size of the group is too large then this can be somewhat of a deterrent. This has been a great way for associations or organizations to share information and collaborate on a large scale. For example, there is a group call Ruthie’s List developed by a human resources practitioner whereby job leads and information is shared pertaining to the human resources industry/function. This group has over 3000 members who share this common interest and association.
Sources
CNET News – Larry Dignan, April 2001,http://news.cnet.com/Yahoo-acquires-privately-held-eGroups/2100-12_3-259494.htmlWikipedia – The History of Yahoo – accessed on December 1, 2009
Facebook
Recently facebook reached 350 million profiles and shows no sign of slowing down. Facebook has provided an accessible and easy way for people to keep in touch with friends and family, for parents to become involved with their children and to get to know them better, and for business and associations to open communications with their clientele. Facebook has created an entire new way to search for information or recommendations by using word of mouth type of collaborations. And finally facebook is experimenting with advertisement and endorsements by monitoring products purchased on the internet and reporting that to the purchasers ‘friend’ list.
Facebook was created by Mark Zuckerbert in 2004 while he was a college student at Harvard University. Facebook is designed to be a social networking site, but it has become much more than that, it is a worldwide social phenomenon. Facebook started out for Harvard University Students only, its popularity was immediately evident within the first week. Within a few months demand was so great, facebook was available to other Ivy League Colleges, and soon after that, all colleges. Students found the networking so addictive soon the eligibility was expanded to high school networks. In 2006 the network was opened up to adults and a whole new purpose came to light – finding old school friends. Parents also discovered they could ‘communicate’, monitor, and network with their own children. The newest use of the networking site is companies and club setting up networks amongst their clients and members.
Search sites such as Google and Yahoo could be compromised by facebook in the future. The article by 60 Minutes goes on to give an example that if you search for information about a specific vacation, you will come back with a list of hits, most likely more than necessary and not all relevant to your search. However if you post a request on facebook, you would get word of mouth responses about personal experiences. This most likely would be far more helpful and personal to your inquiry than hits generated by search engine.
Facebook has also experimented with advertising and sharing with friends what people purchase. This is an interesting approach to product endorsements. Basically by showing people what people they know are actually buying. Culturally this provides personal assurances and you can get personal feedback for confidence in selecting an item. There have been drawbacks to the initial program called “Beacon” which inadvertently revealed purchases intended as surprise gifts, however they are working on new privacy options which will help offset some of the initial drawbacks.
Bibliography
Common Sense Media. (2009). Facebook. San Franscio: Common Sense Media.
TopTenREVIEWS. (2009). Social Networking Websites Review. Ogden: TopTenREVIEWS.
Zuckerberg, M. (2008, January 13). The Face Behind Facebook. (L. Stahl, Interviewer)
Recently facebook reached 350 million profiles and shows no sign of slowing down. Facebook has provided an accessible and easy way for people to keep in touch with friends and family, for parents to become involved with their children and to get to know them better, and for business and associations to open communications with their clientele. Facebook has created an entire new way to search for information or recommendations by using word of mouth type of collaborations. And finally facebook is experimenting with advertisement and endorsements by monitoring products purchased on the internet and reporting that to the purchasers ‘friend’ list.
Facebook was created by Mark Zuckerbert in 2004 while he was a college student at Harvard University. Facebook is designed to be a social networking site, but it has become much more than that, it is a worldwide social phenomenon. Facebook started out for Harvard University Students only, its popularity was immediately evident within the first week. Within a few months demand was so great, facebook was available to other Ivy League Colleges, and soon after that, all colleges. Students found the networking so addictive soon the eligibility was expanded to high school networks. In 2006 the network was opened up to adults and a whole new purpose came to light – finding old school friends. Parents also discovered they could ‘communicate’, monitor, and network with their own children. The newest use of the networking site is companies and club setting up networks amongst their clients and members.
Search sites such as Google and Yahoo could be compromised by facebook in the future. The article by 60 Minutes goes on to give an example that if you search for information about a specific vacation, you will come back with a list of hits, most likely more than necessary and not all relevant to your search. However if you post a request on facebook, you would get word of mouth responses about personal experiences. This most likely would be far more helpful and personal to your inquiry than hits generated by search engine.
Facebook has also experimented with advertising and sharing with friends what people purchase. This is an interesting approach to product endorsements. Basically by showing people what people they know are actually buying. Culturally this provides personal assurances and you can get personal feedback for confidence in selecting an item. There have been drawbacks to the initial program called “Beacon” which inadvertently revealed purchases intended as surprise gifts, however they are working on new privacy options which will help offset some of the initial drawbacks.
Bibliography
Common Sense Media. (2009). Facebook. San Franscio: Common Sense Media.
TopTenREVIEWS. (2009). Social Networking Websites Review. Ogden: TopTenREVIEWS.
Zuckerberg, M. (2008, January 13). The Face Behind Facebook. (L. Stahl, Interviewer)
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