Statistic errors in Business / Data Analysis

Taken from:

http://www.information-management.com/newsletters/statistics-analytics-data-quality-mistakes-10021691-1.html?ET=informationmgmt:e2823:2262124a:&st=email&utm_source=editorial&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=IM_Daily_122711

1. Sophistication in statistics compensates for lack of data and/or business understanding. - hey - I can do the second derivative and rotate around the mean, and do advanced analysis - but ... what? You only wanted the average - or what does this mean? [Many years ago, teaching mathematics, students would divide 1000 by 50 and get something like 2000 - a little common sense would have helped!!]

2. Extracting meaning out of randomness. - there are times where there really isn't a pattern in the data (or ... you are not using the correct data - or not using the correct data in a meaningful fashion) - this might be another version of #1 - what is the business understanding - what does this really mean and imply?

3. Correlation versus causation – modeling will help uncover causal relationships. - so which came first - the chicken or the egg? Did A CAUSE B - or did B cause A - or are they just related? Did Steve fall in love with Sara; or did Sara fall in love with Steve or did they both fall in love with each other? (the article has this illustration:)

QR codes on headstones??

Taken from:

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/qr-codes-grave-markers/story?id=14102071#.Tvh_VzXOV2A

While QR codes are used in marketing - how about marketing 'from the grave'? Really putting a QR code on a grave market can be a good idea - as it takes you to a webpage where you can learn more about the person. Whether QR codes survive the test of time - and in 50 years you can read about John Doe who died in 2011 from his QR code on his market, it makes for an interesting concept!!

Tablet computing Growth

Taken from:

http://www.baselinemag.com/c/a/Innovation/Tablet-Computing-Experiences-Remarkable-Growth-174141/

This is this kind of adoption curve that, when multiplied by the millions, has made tablet computing the top business technology trend for 2012. Half of midsize and larger organizations expect to increase their investments in tablets at least moderately.

With the increase in interest, there is a corresponding growth in applications and development. As Apple says "There's an App for that"!!!

Top Ten Business Trends for 2012

Taken from:

http://www.baselinemag.com/c/a/Innovation/Top-10-Business-Trends-for-2012-149938/

Predictions for 2012 (click on links for more information)

Trend 1: Tablet Computing Experiences Remarkable Growth

Trend 2: The Marketing Tech Revolution

Trend 3: Network and Wireless Build-Out

Trend 4: Advanced Communications

Trend 5: Business Intelligence and Big Data

Trend 6: IT Strategies Shift Toward Revenue Growth

Trend 7: Development of the Customized Cloud

Trend 8: Security Investments Remain Strong

Trend 9: The Consumerization of IT Continues

Trend 10: Hardware Investment Continues

More on these in future posts

So you plan on skipping work this week?

Taken from:

http://www.baselinemag.com/c/a/Careers/Worst-Excuses-for-Missing-Work-226705/?kc=BLBLBEMNL12262011STR1

Some of the excuses that were used:

• I drank antifreeze by mistake
• Bats go into my hair
• A refrigerator fell on top of me
• A deer bite
• Brother-in-law was kidnapped by a Mexican drug cartel
• My daughter stole my car (she was age 12)
• Calling in sick (when really well - taking a 'mental health day'?)

And ... some employer reactions:

• Fired workers for illegitimate excuses
• They have called their bluffs (called home / doctor / other)
• Some have driven by the employees house to verify

(Aside note - I've had students 'email' in sick - (I'm not feeling well) - and then I've run into them later in the day. It makes it hard to write a glowing recommendation!!)

Google's Pitt Patt

Taken from:

http://www.fastcompany.com/1768963/google-may-be--to-face-recognize-the-web

Google has worked with Carnegie-Mellon University and then acquired the rights to the Pitt Patt (from Pittsburgh Pattern) facial recognition application.

Google is making it an opt-in for Google Plus (Google +) - to avoid privacy issues of facial recognition with approval.

One can only start to imagine what facial recognition can mean in a varieties of uses. With Google's Android phones (with built in cameras), you can be identified. With Google Wallet technology - this can be a verification that the person making the charge / payment is who he/she is (because of the facial recognition).

Other organizations are using facial recognition - like homeland security and other governmental groups. In class we have looked at a retail store using it.

Top Paying Business Skills for IT Pros

Taken from:

http://www.channelinsider.com/c/a/Careers/Top-Paying-Business-Skills-for-IT-Pros-323148/?kc=CITCIEMNL12072011STR1

The first item was that "Technology plays a driving role in the automation necessary for impactful business process changes, but if those who deploy it don't know how the business works in the first place they won't be nearly as effective at their jobs". That is: IT pros need to know the business environment and how IT brings a value to that environment.

The second item is using prediction models - business analytics - the best decisions are based on the best models.

The third item is enterprise architecture. IT professionals who want to advance need solid understanding of business process workflows and technology. (The Open Group Architecture Framework [TOGAF] is given as a good start)

Skunk Works

Taken from:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/359534/When_IT_Gets_to_Play?source=CTWNLE_nlt_dailyam_2011-12-05

Skunk works are places where staff are encouraged to play. (Meaningful play that is ...)

Google Labs has been known for creating new ideas as well as Apple. This article mentions several examples, but largely looks at the success NASA's Jet Propulsion labs has had with their skunk works.

The concept is that it is a place to try (and fail if that happens) - to try out new technologies, see what might give a company or organization a competition advantage.

If you want to try some of Google's new ideas you might like this link: http://www.google.com/experimental/

Do you want an "Ice Cream Sandwich"?

Taken from:

http://www.phonesreview.co.uk/2011/12/02/android-ice-cream-sandwich-review-ranks-of-mobile-os/

"Originally unveiled back in May, Google’s new Android Ice Cream Sandwich OS is now here".

New operating systems almost always are faster, more robust and more fulfilling. Some features that look interesting are: easier and more functional screen lock (with sliding lock - like on the iPad and iPhone); and better text editing and spell check.

Innovation is generally good, and this looks like a very good innovation for android phone operating systems!!!

Will you invest?

Taken from:

http://www.businessweek.com/technology/facebook-said-to-be-planning-10-billion-ipo-11282011.html

So, Facebook is planning an IPO (initial public offering) of stock? Will you invest?

While users of Facebook get it for free; the data is valuable. Ads are tailored for users. With millions of users and ads customized based on their status, profile and usage, Facebook looks to gain a great deal of revenue from the ads - and here 10 billion in stock.

I think it would be a great investment.

Android phone spies on users

Taken from:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2068225/Secret-app-installed-millions-Android-phones-reads-messages.html

The article notes that there is software on Android phones that keeps track of keystrokes, all Google searches, your browsing and your messages. Supposedly the company uses the data to analyze the effectiveness of the phones and software and does not save the data; but ... what if they do?

Over the years, technology has developed so that we can 'spy' almost anytime / almost anywhere. Our cars have GPS units that keep track of where we are, our speed, and driving habits; video cameras exist in parking lots, stores and more (yes, they do help catch bank robbers and convenience store thefts); and our phones are being tapped. If I tell my wife (or a very close friend) that "person X is a jerk" (or some stronger language), can I eventually be sued for libel? If I express a very personal 'dark secret' (if I had any), will my phone save that - and eventually if I run for president, it will come out?

Is George Orwell from the novel 1984 correct when he stated that "Big Brother is watching you"?

More Cyber Monday tips

Taken from:

Here are three more tips

"4) Buy gift cards ONLY from sources you know and trust. Don’t buy cards from online auction sites -- the cards could be fakes.

5) Be stingy with your personal information, and use only secure sites. Don't email your credit card number, account number, or other financial information. Email isn't a secure way to transmit numbers

6) Don't give out your credit card or other financial information in exchange for an unsolicited “free” or “sale” offer of the newest tech gadget, a gift card, a seasonal job or a holiday vacation rental."

The internet is full of spams and potholes. Getting a $50 Wal-Mart gift card from an auction site for $20 may seem like a great deal until you find out it is a bogus offer - and somebody took your $20 and you can't use the gift card!!!

Look for the https - or similar indicator that the site is secure!!!

I don't look at the wonderful "offers" that frequently pop-up in the margin of sites. Some (and that is too many) are spam sites.

Cyber Monday hints / suggestions

Taken from:

http://oxford-ct.patch.com/articles/better-business-bureau-offers-cyber-monday-tips-poll

This article has twelve tips for shopping on line - explicitly for Cyber Monday, but also for other online shopping.

Here are the first three tips:

1. "Know who you're dealing with. Deal with well-known online sellers as much as you can. If you’re trying out a retailer you are unfamiliar with, at least confirm the online seller's physical address and phone number before you buy. It comes in handy if you have questions or problems later.
2. Know what you're buying. Read the seller's description of the product and (even though it can be painful), the fine print.
3. Check out the terms and conditions. Can you return the item for a refund if you're not satisfied? Who pays the shipping costs? Is there a restocking fee? Print and save records of your online transactions, including all emails to and from the seller."

(From 1 above) There are sites that imitate real sites. There are sites that imitate Amazon.com - and other major etailers. (Note - references exist for the terms "etailer" and "e-tailer" - meaning an electronic retailer company).

(From 2 above) And ... the descriptions online are generally good - but you need to do your homework.

(From 3 above) And ... for the third tip, do get the terms and conditions!!! My wife bought something online - and after it didn't come for a 'long' time, she checked out the conditions and found that they etailer had a note that it could be up to 90 days for delivery!!!

Cyber Monday historical perspective

About 12 years ago, "Cyber Monday" came into being. With the already famous "Black Friday" as the big kickoff to the Christmas / Holiday shopping season on the day after Thanksgiving, it was discovered that many people did a lot of their online shopping on the Monday after Thanksgiving.

Historical perspective:

Twelve years ago, many home users were using dial up technology (yes, remember that) like AOL online. While reading email and surfing the net were part of the AOL (and other) experiences, the speed wasn't really there.

So, many people did their shopping analysis - and then at WORK on the Monday after Thanksgiving, using their employers HIGH SPEED INTERNET, they went shopping - so "Cyber Monday" was the idea that when users could get to faster internet connection, they could go shopping on line.

In this day (2011) where most users have fairly high speed connections at home (with cable companies or with high speed DSL connections), dial up connectivity is pretty much dead. So, in reality, we can (and do) go shopping on line almost anytime. (My wife did a major shopping purchase online on "Black Friday" instead of going into the busy, crowded stores.)

So, the name "Cyber Monday" still exists - and many people will use their employers high speed internet today to go shopping; but it is not the same as the fight against dial up connections!!!

Gifts for the tech folks!!

Taken from:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45344179/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/

While this article has ten interesting articles, I think the "Office Chair Bed" might be on my list!!! There are times when a quick ten minute nap might just keep me going for hours!!!

Google's Top Secret Lab

Taken from:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9221796/Top_secret_Google_X_lab_rethinks_the_future?source=CTWNLE_nlt_pm_2011-11-14

Seemingly Google is at work on many ideas - From: "The lab, dubbed Google X, gives researchers an opportunity to work on developing technologies that might lead to people riding elevators into space some day or have a dinner plate report one's dinner menu to Google+."

There are a lot of robotic research projects - including the robotic, unmanned car!!! (Imagine looking at the car coming towards you with no driver!!!).

I've wanted us to look at future ideas - what is now, will be old soon - technology keeps changing - and we need to anticipate the technology of the future and see how we can incorporate it into business for a competitive advantage.

iPad at work; Kindle at play

Taken from:

http://blogs.cio.com/tablet-pcs/16619/ipad-work-kindle-fire-play?source=CIONLE_nlt_insider_2011-11-14

The article suggests that the two tablets really do not compete all that well with each other. The iPad with the bigger screen (and huge leap in applications) can be more of a business machine. The Kindle Fire with the smaller screen - and with thousands (millions?) or electronic books is more for ebook reading and other activities.

The article notes that a huge number of people are planning on buying a tablet device for Christmas.

The tablet wars can be interesting!!!! Stay tuned!!!

Business Intelligence throws a party

Taken from:

http://www.information-management.com/blogs/business_intelligence_social_media-10021292-1.html

The blogger starts out with this statement:

"As much as we love to ruminate on the frontiers of transformational computing trends like big data or cloud, the field of information management has really become as much about observing the way people work as anything else. That has made it all the more interesting to watch social behavior begin to collide with the business application world."

I think that statement is an eye-opener. IT is really about how people work? Really? In some respects, YES!!! How do people use data, what data is relevant to them, how do they manipulate it, (and ... how does it manipulate them).

Google versus Apple

Taken from:

http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/10/8739058-5-reasons-google-is-sweating-apple

In this interesting article - that (1) the Apple Siri search option on the iPhone 4.s will be taking away search revenue ad revenue from Google. (2)Apple is also developing a mapping application that would take away from the Google Maps; (3) Apple Television is coming along; (4) While Google Wallet is here, the new Apple shopping app might be a better and faster was to shop and (5) Apple has 80 billion - which can be used for research and development - while Google has recently laid off some R&D folks.

Taken from:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz17lbjOFn8

This video looks at Omni Touch!!! A wear-able - project on to any surface (including your hand). We (compute users) will probably be almost 'hardware' free in the future - any surface (or ... no surface at all with holograms)!!!

Another change of pace

This week saw the breaking of a scandal at Penn State. It raises the questions of ethics, reporting, and more.

Seemingly a person who saw the act performed reported it to Joe Paterno; who reported it to a higher level - and it stopped. Now, the question becomes - other than the perpetrator, who is guilty of the cover up? Should Joe have pressed it - and/or fired the assistant coach? Who else knew?

The end result to students might be to be ethical in all your actions - and remember - in these days of Facebook, Twitter, and all - actions (and videos) can go viral in a matter of minutes - and a lifetime of performance (like Joe Paterno) can be undone quickly - even if you did report the action.

The Internet of Things

Taken from:

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9221614/Today_the_Internet_tomorrow_the_Internet_of_Things_?source=CTWNLE_nlt_dailyam_2011-11-09

Just when I think I had an idea of most things, something like this comes along - the Internet of Things:

"This is an example of the widely predicted Internet of Things (IoT), where anything with intelligence (including machines, roads and buildings) will have an online presence, generating data that could be put to uses currently unimagined"

The article talks about a jogger with a GPS unit in his shoe during a five mile event. His girlfriend could see exactly where he was. (Just think .. .he could have put a webcam in his shoe as well to see the pavement!!!)

Another prediction: ""In the coming years, anything that has an on-off switch will be on the network". So, the household lights, toaster, microwave, TV, electric toothbrush, etc. can be on the network!!!

This might even lead to a total data overload!!! I can trace the light bulb in my office to see if it is dimming and needs replacing? (Of course, it is a compact fluorescent bulb - so it just might outlast me by years!!!!)

Tablet wars - Christmas 2011

Taken from:

http://gadgetbox.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/07/8682322-tablet-war-2011-nook-vs-kindle-vs-ipad

Barnes and Noble have a new Nook tablet - with more memory than the Amazon Fire - but at $50 more. The Fire is a hot buy at $199; way less than Apple iPad at $500. But, the iPad is much bigger than the Fire or Nook.

Will Amazon throw in additional items - or cut the price? Will Barnes and Noble also compete on the price? Will Apple ignore them? How about the others? The Samsung Galaxy is slightly bigger than the iPad and about $60 less. The Motorola Xoom is only $359.

What features do you want on your tablet? Is the most important feature that it says "Apple"?

US CIO - changing the culture of Federal IT

Taken from:

http://www.cio.com/article/692614/U.S._CIO_Changing_the_Culture_of_Federal_IT?source=CIONLE_nlt_insider_2011-10-28

The federal government is not known for innovation. The US CIO Steven VanRoekel noted that he wanted:

"[to] weed out inefficiencies, reap cost savings, and change a fiefdom culture to a sharing culture through exciting new technologies such as cloud computing, XML data, mobile and Web services."

Technologies are changing, and the slow moving bureaucracy of the federal government needs to move with the technologies as well!!!

HP to keep PC line

Taken from: http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9221301/HP_team_of_100_helped_decide_PC_unit_s_fate?source=CTWNLE_nlt_pm_2011-10-28

Hewlett-Packard (HP) decided to keep its PC line. The article states:

"In the end, the company concluded that the costs of separation are greater than its benefits."

They also say the reasons were: "They were related to the supply chain benefits, internal IT issues and extensive back office integration."

As compared with Netflix's moves - these seemed to be a well reasoned out approach on a tough subject!!

Geeky Halloween

As many of you know, I dress up for Halloween (and ... do like to recycle my old costumes in the weeks prior to Halloween).

I saw this article about Top Geeky Costumes and thought I would have to share it!!!

Taken from

http://www.itsj.com/launchpage.aspx?CID=336388&NUOSID=100576204

I do have a new costume this year, we'll see how it goes on Monday!!!

Disruptive technologies - 2

What to do with tablets? With cloud computing and data storage 'in-the-cloud", tablets might be an ideal connection device. Small, light-weight, equipped with WiFi and features (music players, book readers, camera, etc.), they can provide connection and more.

Disruptive? Yes, computing life is changing - from my early days with a dumb terminal (which was like a thin client / cloud computing device anyway), to robust desktop systems, to laptops, and now to tablets.

Mobile / smart phones are another disruptive technology - as we move to alternate ways to access data and programs on the go!!!

Disruptive technologies

Some technologies can have very disruptive impacts on the status quo. For some simple examples, the car totally upset the transportation world (as did the locomotive, steam / diesel trains, and airplanes).

Today I'm going to look at a vary basic change - the Internet.

The internet has been very disruptive!!! (understatement!!)

Commerce - we used to shop at stores, now we shop on line (and frequently at the store website to see what they sell - and then go to the physical store). Amazon.com is an online only bookstore (and much more - see previous blog posting on Amazon).

Communication - where would we be without e-mail, instant messaging, and even texting without the internet? And ... if you want to talk about phone calls, look at Skype and others for FREE VIDEO calls!!!

News - newspapers are in trouble as more people get their news from RSS news feeds (or web searching)

Music - while not directly the internet, indirectly iTunes, Google's Music player, Pandora, and more (and ... indirectly, the digitization of music / movies)

In my next few posts, we'll look more at disruptive technologies.

Amazon - the hidden empire!!

Taken from:

http://www.slideshare.net/faberNovel/amazoncom-the-hidden-empire

Amazon has an amazing hidden function with web services. It is a leader in cloud computing services with AWS - Amazon Web Services

It is a leader in supply chain management.

And ... you thought it sold books!!!

More from the top iPhone apps for CEO's

CamCard: Business Card Reader

Swapping business cards at, say, a conference usually meant a lot of work on the backend inputting the contact information into your address book. With CamCard ($7), it's never been so easy -- and fun! Just snap a picture of the card and you're done. Sure, some iPhone business reader apps wirelessly link up phones. But that seems a little intimate for someone you just met. Besides, it's hard to refuse such a request. Just gimme your damn card.

On my visit to interns this summer, two places took my drivers license and scanned it at the security desk - and then made a slap on label for me to wear while I was in the company. Not quite the same, but the ability to quickly scan a business card or to scan a driver's license is better than the old "I'll make a photocopy" routine.

Now if this works you don't have to enter names into a Rolodex - but store the data into a database of people. Seemingly the software does OCR (optical character recognition) so can be very helpful!!!

15 Best iPhone apps for busy CEOs

Taken from:

http://www.cio.com/article/690135/15_Best_iPhone_Apps_for_Busy_CEOs?source=CIONLE_nlt_insider_2011-09-22

Taking the first one: Expensify:

Expensify: Expense Reporting

After a weeks-long business trip, the last thing you want to do is sit down with a stack of receipts and a confusing expense report form. Why not file expenses as you make them via a simple iPhone app, such as Expensify (free)? The app syncs with credit cards to track purchases in real -time, pulls in electronic receipts, scans paper receipts using the iPhone camera, and produces a PDF report that can be e-mailed to those annoying guys in finance.

I've just returned from an accreditation visit in the Miami area. While I didn't have many extra expenses, it would have been good to have an app to scan those receipts and save them appropriately. I like to travel, but I don't like doing the end paper work. This could be a real smooth way to simplify expense reporting!!!

Another death "in the family"

Taken from: http://techcrunch.com/2011/10/13/father-of-c-and-unix-dennis-ritchie-passes-away-at-age-70/

Dennis Ritchie died last weekend at the age of 70. He worked in Bell Labs for most of his life - and is most noted for two very important computing projects: the Unix operating system and the C programming language.

The article notes:

"Today, C remains the second most popular programming language in the world (or at least the language in which the second most lines of code have been written), and ushered in C++ and Java; while the pair’s work on Unix led to, among other things, Linus Torvalds’ Linux. The work has without a doubt made Ritchie one of the most important, if not under-recognized, engineers of the modern era."

So, we lose another pioneer whose work will continue past his death!!!

Not a good reason to give to your employer about telecommuting

Here are some reasons given to telecommute:

A. I have a long, difficult commute that represents time I could be working, as well as needless environmental waste.

B. I am more productive in a quiet, relaxed setting where I am not constantly interrupted.

C. There is nothing in my job that requires being in a specific place, so why not work wherever it’s most convenient?

D. Working from home will help my transition back from maternity leave, since I can still nurse my baby (who is being cared for by someone else in my home during working hours, but visits me for meals).

E. Think of all the money I’ll save by not having to pay for childcare!

The only bad reason is the last one!!! You boss will understand items A to D, but not E.

Netflix kills Qwikster - before launch!!!

Taken from: http://allthingsd.com/20111010/qwikster-is-gonester-netflix-kills-its-dvd-only-business-before-launch/

For my business students (and really all) - you should think through your announcements and actions!!!

So ... Netflix raised prices - which caused customers to complain, which caused the CEO (in a bit of a 'knee-jerk' reaction), to separate their business into two parts - regular Netflix and Qwikster, and the stock prices and claimants have continued.

BUT ... they didn't really solve the root cause that started the problem - the increase in price - up to 60% for some of their customers. That issue has not been addressed. Has the CEO (Reed Hastings) and the board really done their homework? I think not.

How Do You Sell BI To The Business Executives?

Taken from: http://www.information-management.com/blogs/business_intelligence_BI_ROI_data_quality_jobs_career-10021279-1.html

So ... how do you sell business intelligence to the executives?

The article says: "Business intelligence (BI) is an employee market right now; a key challenge for most BI employers is finding, recruiting, and retaining top — or actually any, for that matter — BI talent. Consider that IBM BAO alone added more than 4,000 (!) BI positions in just over a year! Every other major, midsize, and boutique BI consultancy I talk to is struggling to find BI resources. So if you have been fighting this uphill battle for a while, consider new channels for your noble efforts."

It seems that business intelligence systems are a mixed bag of results - some good successes - but ... also some failures. The article also notes: "And if you’re still standing after that and have suffered only a mild concussion, consider that many BI projects have been less than successful, and ROI on BI — one of the most expensive enterprise apps — is extremely difficult to show. So can you really blame your CEO?"

So, IT staff working on business intelligence needs to prove its value; and management needs to listen - and in-between, all need to make it work for the good of the company.

Your boss thinks he can do more without you!!!!

Taken from: http://www.baselinemag.com/c/a/IT-Management/Your-Boss-Thinks-He-Could-Do-More-Without-You-230580/?kc=BLBLBEMNL10032011STR1

"Doing more with less is the new normal, as companies continue to look for cheaper ways to accomplish the same work. According to a survey from Chronos Consulting, a majority of bosses now believe that streamlining operations via familiar means such as layoffs, outsourced projects, and contract workers actually improves performance, and most say they can deploy smaller teams without hurting results. Some results are more cautionary, particularly those relating to the use of virtual teams and the inherent challenges of communications across time zones and different geographies. That means businesses should move forward carefully…but moves are coming nonetheless. “It is best for organizations to utilize virtual teams after a customized assessment to identify business benefits from that model, as part of an overall strategy for talent optimization,” says Imaad Mahfooz, managing principal of Chronos Consulting."

In this class, we have studied virtual teams - and now the question is "how to be so important to not be downsized?"

C-level missing out on computer security

From:

http://www.baselinemag.com/c/a/Security/Cocky-Execs-Missing-Security-Risks-167361/?kc=BLBLBEMNL10072011INDEPTH

The article states: "Never mind all those stories you've read over the years about costly data breaches -- senior executives around the world apparently think they're doing a bang-up job on the security front. This despite the fact that most of them admit they aren't making good use of encryption, don't have strategies for securing emerging areas of IT, aren't paying enough attention to safeguarding privacy, and aren't availing themselves of the latest security technologies."

Security problems can be significant. This article suggests that the top of the management pyramid are not savvy enough - and haven't invested the time and effort to keep updated on potential security problems. When the next major bank announces that a million accounts could have been compromised or that data has been lost, there will be a cry for more security - but ... it is available now and should be implemented now!!!

iPhone 4s launch

From http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/story/2011-10-08/apple-iphone-pre-orders/50706650/1 and other sources.

the iPhone 4s launched this week.

"The iPhone 4S features a better camera, faster processor and Siri, a new digital personal assistant"

But some consumers were looking for the iPhone 5 - but that is not announced yet. Computer makers generally name their major releases 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. but then give intermediate releases subnumbers - like release 4.1 (or ... in this case 4s).

"Apple is trotting out a new iPhone on Oct. 14, but it's not the iPhone 5 some were expecting. Instead, it's a more modest upgrade, the iPhone 4S. Here are some facts to help you decide if it's time to make the plunge."

"There's speculation that the more significant iPhone 5 upgrade may be less than a year away, and it could add important new features that are worth waiting for."

So, consumers have some deciding to do - go with the newest and latest (and faster) - or wait for the next version?

Super Cheap Tablet (that we will not have)

From:

http://www.cbronline.com/news/india-launches-35-aakash-tablet-computer-for-students-061011

In India, a company is introducing a touch screen tablet for about $35 (USD) for students. From the days of the caste system in India, the lowest levels of society have little access to technology. Eventually (according to the article), they want to get the price to $10 a tablet.

This follows the concept of the $100 laptop from a few years ago.

It has 2 GB of Ram, WiFi, USB ports and runs on a two watt power supply (to keep the power demand low). It is hoped that this technology can be used to revamp education in India.

Steve Jobs dies

It is the end of an era. Steve Jobs, founder, visionary, CEO of Apple until 6 weeks ago, has died.

Jobs and Steve Wozniak started Apple with the Apple II (the Apple I was a prototype) - that eventually got accepted in schools (Minnesota was actually one of the early states to go with computing and Apple II's).

The Apple II was quite a change from the existing models of the day - maybe the most 'popular' was the TRS-80 (from Radio Shack) - a black-and-white 16K (yes 16K) machine; while the Apple II had floppy disks and a color screen.

One of the earliest success stories was that of VisiCalc - a revolutionary package known as a 'spreadsheet' (wow!!!). I taught a VisiCalc class in 1981.

Apple had some early successes and some early failure (like the Lisa - ahead of its time). By the late 1990's with Steve Jobs at the helm, it came out with 'hit' after 'hit' - with the Macintosh (the old job was Windows 1995 was Macintosh 1990). Apple found a great niche with the iPod and iPhone and now the iPad.

Rest In Piece Steve Jobs!!!

Kindle Fire / iPad - differences

The recently announced Kindle Fire is to sell at $199; while the comparable iPad is about $499 - that is a significant difference.

But ...

The Kindle Fire is smaller (depends on the person if that is good or bad) - smaller screen - but is also lighter to carry

The Kindle Fire does not have a camera

The Kindle Fire does not have a microphone

The Kindle Fire has 8 gigabytes of storage to the iPad's 16 gigabytes of storage

BUT ... the Kindle fire can get you to the Amazon cloud storage - with an immediate 5 GB for free (and more for a reasonable price)

The Kindle lets you get to your Amazon cloud music player (more songs, more storage)

The Kindle gets you to the Amazon Kindle books (although you can also have the free Kindle app on the iPad to get to your Kindle e-books).

The Kindle probably doesn't exactly compete with the iPad - but could cut into iPad sales for the user who wants ebooks, webaccess, music, videos, e-mail reading and doesn't want to pay the Apple price.

Mistakes on Facebook

Taken from:

http://www.bnet.com/videos/dont-make-this-facebook-mistake-secrets-of-successful-startups/6306829?tag=drawer-container;load-video-river

A major company would have announcements and interaction for their Facebook site / Twitter site cleared by their legal department. But ... smaller companies don't have that option. Smaller companies need to think of their message in the context of legality, being accurate, not implying any biases, and yet attractive to the market.

One negative post that the article pointed out was the company what asked "What are you doing this weekend"? (Not much of their company message there!!)

Stop, reflect, think of how your users will read and accept your message. Is it upbeat and positive? Does it appeal to users? Does it promote your company in a good way?

Make your social media efforts pay off - don't just post, but post with a purpose!!

Amazon introduces a tablet

Amazon today (Sept 28) introduced a tablet - Amazon Fire.

Smaller than the iPad, yet attractively prized at $199, it might be a good competitor to the iPad.

But, more than some of the other tablets, it also has better 'stuff" - as it ties to Amazon's resources - with more direct books than the iPad's library; and has access to the Amazon Cloud Music player.

If Amazon can get the apps, and can hit the books, music, news, and flash games, it might give the iPad a run (especially on the price!!!)

Loving Apple looks like a religion to a MRI Scan

From:

http://www.tuaw.com/2011/05/17/bbc-loving-apple-looks-like-a-religion-to-an-mri-scan/

It seems like to a MRI scan, the brain that is thinking about Apple is akin to a brain that is thinking about God.

Call it a "fanatic" or a "deeply held belief" -

" And when a team of neuroscientists with an MRI scanner took a look inside the brain of an Apple fanatic it seemed the bishop was on to something. The results suggested that Apple was actually stimulating the same parts of the brain as religious imagery does in people of faith."

So, if a person is very fanatic about his iPad / iPhone / iMac / iPod / etc - it may be a form of worship for him.

Is your car spying on you?

Taken from:

http://blogs.cio.com/security/16518/your-car-spying-you

The article indicates that OnStar "may" continue to gather data on you (even if you are no longer an OnStar subscriber).

While I love GPS units, and the basic concepts of OnStar are that if I need any help, I can just press the OnStar button and immediately get help. (see a spoof here: http://www.guzer.com/videos/blonde_star.php)

But, OnStar can monitor many things on my car - speed (can they report this to police for a speeding ticket? - or to my insurance company in case I cause an accident); even location (customer stops at a coffee shop [generally Dunkin Donuts] every morning - can they sell that information to Starbucks and try to get you to stop there?)

As a General Motors product, it can give an analysis of your driving habits (good driver, slows down and stops effectively - or - a reckless driver) - and give you a good driver discount on your next car - or a larger trade-in value for a better maintained car. They could sell your driving record to insurance companies (for a price - of course).

So, is General Motors spying on us???

The Hazards of Being Too Social in the Age of Social Media

Taken from:

http://www.bnet.com/blog/ceo/the-hazards-of-being-too-social-in-the-age-of-social-media/8509?promo=713&tag=nl.e713

The article suggests that by doing too much with social media can undermine corporate information. It suggests that the overuse of Twitter, LinkedIn, and even Facebook gets executives so they accident 'blab' inside information.

For example, "Now, Bloomberg reports that HP vice president Scott McClellan tipped off competitors about previously undisclosed details of the company’s cloud computing strategy on his LinkedIn profile."

The old adage "loose lips sink ships" in the military meant that even a casual comment like "our ship is leaving port tonight" could tip off an enemy submarine. Likewise a casual comment like "we are selling off our PC group" could cause prices to drop and a company to look bad.

(as I am reading and grading assignments, one student had this comment: "I do know for a fact that some employees have been terminated due to their social networking post."

Continuing the six hottest jobs

Hot IT job No. 4: Mobile technology expert

Mobile devices (Smartphones) are HOT - and being able to effective manage such devices is a HOT IT job!!

"Mobile is the biggest factor changing IT right now, Building mobile apps, architecting mobile strategies, and securing those devices" are the top concerns facing the enterprise today."

So ... what does that mean to the business and to the job hunter?

With thousands of apps available, what suite of apps should be on corporate smartphones? If (say) Travelers Insurance was to equip all its salespeople with an iPad and with appropriate insurance and industry apps, what apps would you pick? Why? And ... how would you manage a fleet of such devices?

Talented individuals who have strength in evaluating and selecting appropriate business apps (and also with the skills to work on teams to develop specific apps for that company and industry) look to be very employable!!!

The "expert" analyst

Yesterday I was an 'expert' on Craigslist security

http://www.criticalmention.com/ctv3-1/landing_email.php?type=email&video=true&random_string=3c1c206e34c0faba78880023cca7011c

My suggestions:

• insist on a public place like a cafe, restaurant, mall, grocery store parking lot, etc. where they will be people and security cameras
• take somebody with you
• see the item first before showing the case (or come back a second time with the money when you feel you can trust the individual)
• use good judgment
• be careful with high value items (rings / jewelry) as they can be quickly snatched out of your hands
• if it could be suspicious, record the conversation (your iPod can record). Your friend can also take pictures
• find out what you can about the sellers - frequently sales on Craigslist?
• have your cell phone for quick calls to 911 if you need to
• if you suspect a fraud , back away
• if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is NOT true!!!

The standalone GPS is dead

From: http://blog.cmbinfo.com/in-the-news-content-/bid/65932/All-Car-Tech-Taps-For-TomTom-The-Standalone-GPS-Unit-Is-Dead

The standalone GPS unit (TomTom / Garmin / Magellan) is going to die. With smartphone GPS apps, the GPS unit as a standalone is only going to appeal to the non-smartphone users. And ... as smartphones take over the planet, that will be only my 98 year old mother and my 88 year old uncle!!!

A nice, handy device that is loosing out as times change.

Talk like a pirate day???

From:

http://www.talklikeapirate.com/piratehome.html

The website notes: "In the nine years since Dave Barry mentioned us in his nationally syndicated newspaper column, what was once a goofy idea celebrated by a handful of friends has turned into an international phenomenon."

While talking like a pirate is probably not a technology concept, the idea that through social media and the www.talklikeapirate.com website, it has grown. In computer terms, "Talk Like A Pirate" has gone viral!!!!

Let's put that in a business sense - how can marketing pair up with IT to create a viral (and virtually free) marketing campaign? With a slick idea, and with some ingenuity and luck, you could get a great push for your products without a lot of work!!!

So, avast ye landlubbers or walk the plank!!! Arghh!!!

Netflix changes - due in part to Social Media

Taken from: http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-20078960-93/dear-netflix-price-hike-ignites-social-media-fire/

So in July Netflix announced up to a 60% hike in fees and caused a massive customer backlash.

According to the article:

Within a few hours after announcing the change, over 9000 people had comments on Netflix' Facebook page (about 99% of the comments were negative).

Today (September 19th) Netflix' CEO, Reed Hastings, " admitted that he had fallen victim to "arrogance"". They are separating into two functional areas - the DVD by mail that had been Netflix first claim to fame, and Qwikster - a new brand for the streaming video part of the company.

Hastings admitted that " it is on track to lose 600,000 subscribers in the current quarter"

There already has been many comments about the change - ranging from the new name ('why not Netflix Streaming Video instead of Qwikster?" was one comment).

To me, it demonstrates the power of consumers - and the power of social media.

Social Media Architect (continuing IT jobs)

According to the article:

"Social media no longer means just Facebook and Twitter. IBM, Jive, and Yammer are now the companies to watch, offering social tools for public and private clouds that redefine the role of social media for business. This creates a demand for IT pros with the specialized knowledge to build secure communities within a business network and between businesses and customers."

I know social media is HOT!!! I guess I hadn't given a thought to having an 'architect' for it. As the article mentions companies like IBM are advancing in social media. The use of internal "facebook like" accounts for virtual teams (maybe like our videos and introductions) help teams from dispersed areas to interact and know a bit more about their colleagues.

These positions will focus on the platforms, the uses, the direction that social media can have internally with a company - as well as externally.

It will be interesting to follow this trend!!!

Continuing the six hottest jobs

Taken from: http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/061411-the-6-hottest-new-jobs.html?page=2

The second hot job was "Data Scientist"

With the huge amount of data acquired, we get the ideas of data warehousing and data mining. Think of a gold mine of information, where the gold might be so hidden in the ore and rocks and only constitute 1% of the material - but the gold is worth so much, that even 1% of the material will pay for the cleaning of 99% of the materials.

Mining those hidden trends in data, 'nuggets' of valuable information about customers, products, marketing, and more are what a 'data scientist' does. And ... that data might be worth 'its weight in gold' to the company.

The article stated: "data science jobs will require workers with a spectrum of skills, from entry-level data cleaners to the high-level statisticians, yielding a range of opportunities for newcomers to the field. As the business world gets increasingly social, the demand for people to plumb the depths of all that social networking clickstream data will only increase. The cliché going around is that "data is the new oil." A career in refining that raw material sounds like a good bet." And ... I agree!!!

The Six Hottest Jobs in IT

Taken from:

http://www.networkworld.com/news/2011/061411-the-6-hottest-new-jobs.html?page=1

The article gives these six hot jobs (they admit to being somewhat unscientific though):

1) Business Architect

2) Data Scientist

3) Social Media Architect

4) Mobile Technology Expert

5) Enterprise Mobile Developer

6) Cloud Architect

Speaking to the business architect position, the article stated: "The notion that IT is separate from business has faded into antiquity. Upper management recognizes that technology is not just integral to success, but actually drives the way companies pursue their business goals. To help merge technology and business processes, a new breed of enterprise architect -- known as the business architect -- is emerging."

Maybe we called this a "Business Analyst" in the past, but it combines business acumen with technical expertise.

The broad spectrum of IT

IT (information technology) covers a broad (huge?) spectrum.

I got this link by email the other day for a webinar on web performance testing (or ... as they put it ... "Getting ready for Cyber Monday")

http://www.sdtimes.com/content/resources.aspx?ShowOnlyResourceID=524

The complexity of network issues, backups, help desk, internet connections, through speed, hardware issues, software issues, development issues, 'bugs' (aka "defects" or "flaws") and getting business value can boggle the mind.

So more of a systems analyst / business analyst, I prefer to look at the new systems and ways that can give value and competitive advantage to a company, (and ... I prefer not to look at the 'mess' behind the scenes). Create this system (or buy a package and install it) and life will be good (unless the network goes down, I have been hacked, the data is compromised, the traffic is too heavy for Cyber Monday or some other infrastructure problem occurs). Ah, it is nice to wear rose-colored glasses (but ... I am so glad there are realists behind the infrastructure making it all work!!!)

Windows 8

From: http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/09/13/7745761-hands-on-preview-of-new-windows-8-features

Microsoft (and Apple and HP and Intel and Dell and all others) needs to have new products to sell. If an ultimate computing experience has been created on my current laptop - then why should I spend money to get the newest and latest devices? I can read email, surf the web, use Word, Excel, etc.

BUT ... with Moore's Law and faster computers, all the computer companies are counting (hoping / relying) on us needed to buy new devices.

Here we have a new operating system - Windows 8 - do I need it? Yes, it has great features, yes, it is a step up from Windows 7, yes, it combines touchscreen (oh!!! neat) and other functions. So, the consumer is put between the rock and a hard place - get the newest and latest - or stay with the known (and cheapest).

Fortunately, I'm an employee at an academic institution who is part of a Microsoft package buying license, so I can probably get the update fairly cheaply. So, yes, I'll probably look at Windows 8, but maybe not until next summer (when I'll have time to play with it)

WiFi to eliminate in-flight entertainment?

From:

http://overheadbin.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/09/13/7748301-will-wi-fi-kill-airline-seatback-entertainment

The article suggests that within 5 years, airlines will not offer in-flight movies, entertainment. The premise is that for a relatively little amount of money (or for free!!!), you can get WiFi - so, with your iPad you can watch your own movies or archived television shows (like Hulu or others) - with shows you want to watch, not the stuff the airlines show. And ... with your iPad (or laptop or whatever), you can read your books, surf the net, check email - so why watch the movie anyway?

I think the author is correct - WiFi will kill the in-flight entertainment - at least on domestic flights (you still might get options on international flights)

Finally!!! US moving to smart credit cards

From: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=140340362

In the article is this quote: ""The card system in this country has been dysfunctional for a long time," says Mallory Duncan, general counsel of the National Retail Federation. "We have far, far too much fraud because we have a very antiquated payment system relative to the rest of the world. This is something they should have fixed a long time ago."

Yes, American credit cards have a magnetic strip - which holds information about the user, the account, and more. What is really happening to your credit card in the restaurant when the server takes your card and your bill to the back room to process it? It is out of your sight and out of your control. The card reader reads the magnetic strip (and it is possible for the server to write down your account number, expiration date and even the CVV number on the back. Later they can go on line, order something, have it delivered to an anonymous place and fraud has occurred.

The new cards have a chip in them and the servers have to bring the reader to your table and you have to enter a pin - no disappearing into the back room with your care. The server doesn't even touch your card, doesn't see your account number or expiration date or CVV value. Even if the card is stolen, unless the criminal knows (or can guess) your code, you are safe.

Unfortunately, there will need to be new card readers for the new cards to work. The technology in swiping cards is old, while the new will be wireless devices brought to your table or on the checkout stand - where you swipe (or tap) and enter your pin. It will take a few years (Visa says by 2015) to make the change.

Tablet wars

Taken from: http://www.pcworld.com/article/239480/tablet_war_is_heating_upfor_second_place.html

This article talks about the new tablets - HP had one (and is dropping it), Lenovo (formerly IBM's PC maker) has a tablet; Google has an Android tablet (check out: http://lifehacker.com/5750114/five-ways-the-android+powered-google-tablet-is-better-than-the-ipad). This article talks of the upcoming Amazon tablet as a competitor to the Apple iPad. The conclusion of both that author and this reviewer is that for the near future, nobody is really going to complete with the Apple iPad.

With the predictions that tablets will replace traditional laptops, it would seem like Apple is going to sweep the competition. We will see!!!

Ten Trends that will change your workplace

I found this to be very interesting - from:

http://www.baselinemag.com/c/a/Intelligence/10-Trends-That-Will-Change-Your-Workplace-580123/?kc=BLBLBEMNL09082011STR2

The first one is:

Top Demographic Trends:

• Baby Boomers leaving the workplace
• Global shortage of skilled workers
• Increases in chronic health conditions

Baby Boomers (or just 'boomers') is the term to children born between 1946 and 1964. Basically the concept is that as soldiers came home from World War II, they had children. (WWII ended in 1945). The parents of the boomers has been called "the Greatest Generation" - as they lived through the Great Depression and into World War II and the post war economy.

The 1950's saw a great growth in population, in housing building, increase in schools, etc. For colleges, the 1965 incoming freshmen was sometimes twice as large as the freshmen of 1964.

The GI Bill helped parents get an education and the world changed. Prior to WWII, if your father was a carpenter, you became a carpenter; if your father was a mechanic, you became a mechanic. But, with more education, you did not have to follow your father's direction - you became your own person.

But ... now the first of the boomers is turning 65 - many have already retired - and the job force is changing - which can be considered both good and bad. The good is that some of these boomers have not kept up with technologies, are not as productive as they once were and their leaving jobs opens jobs to younger more technological savvy employees. The bad is that these people really know the business and have a lot of collective wisdom in running, managing, and doing business.

As I write this, I am 64 - one of the early boomers (born in 1947). I think I have kept up with technology (part of my job is to be relatively current); and I think I have more wisdom and understanding than others. Retirement is a concept yet for me, not on my immediate agenda. I hope to be able to teach, instruct, lead and guide a new generation into technology and critical thinking and problem solving.

From: http://www.baselinemag.com/c/a/Intelligence/Identifying-the-Fraudster-in-Your-Company-863593/

Identifying the fraudster in your company:

"Who commits fraud in your company? He may be one of your hardest-working and most trusted colleagues, someone who is often stressed, rarely takes vacations, and protects his business unit from scrutiny while personally attending to the top vendors. That’s the profile of a typical fraudster produced by KPMG International, revealed in its study of global fraud. The research draws on nearly 350 actual investigations conducted by KPMG member firms in 69 countries, and it shows that the majority of cases exhibited at least one red flag that should have triggered intervention. Yet only 10% of these cases resulted in action before requiring a full-blown investigation. Patterns of fraud often remain undetected for years, costing millions. Senior management must be proactive, supporting a robust ethics and compliance policy while providing an easy way for employees to report an issue without fear of retaliation, all while maintaining appropriate due diligence."

While we tend to think of computer crime as outside hackers, many fraud events are actually inside jobs. It might be a disgruntled employee, mad since he didn't get a promotion, or upset that somebody doing about the same job gets more money. Sometimes the person gets started just on a lark, and then goes farther and farther.

Can such a person gain from the fraud? Depends, can he (or she) sell the information to a competitor? Can he (or she) sell account numbers on the black market? Can he (or she) use the information to open credit card accounts in the names of customers? Can he (or she) move money and funds to a secret account?

When I worked at Citibank's credit card division, the federal banking regulations required that a person take a two week consecutive days off vacation. This dated back to the depression of the 1930's where bankers could daily swap the books and accounts to make the bank look solvent. (Like if Mrs. Smith comes in to withdraw her money, the banker quickly moved money from Mr. Jones' account to Mrs. Smith). It was thought that a two week vacation should 'tell' if fraud was occurring. I'm not sure if that federal requirement is still in force in these days of being able to adjust accounts electronically from home.

So, when you become managers, watch out for insider fraud as well as outsider fraud, and have the controls and communications in place to enforce your actions!!!