Facebook in Privacy Controversy

Often times many of us who are accustomed to the digital era often take our privacy for granted. A site such as Facebook holds data that could, if mishandled, be used to exploit issues in our everyday lives. Most of us would not think twice about trusting these companies with our information, yet according to an investigation conducted by the Wall Street Journal, Facebook may actually be sharing our information with third party developers.

If you step back and look at the privacy policy of Facebook, they claim to "not permit access to anyone's private information on Facebook." While this may have some truth to it, the report reveals that they actually transmit our Facebook user id which can be used to access any part of our public profile. This means that a simple google search with our name will reveal the id, thus delinking our once thought anonymous profile ID. While Facebook isn't technically lying, the information they share and sell easily can be linked with anything available in your public profile.

While this investigation certainly raised questions as to what Facebook is doing with our data, we have to wonder whether other sites follow similar practices. Most of us are already aware that many companies use browser cookies and other tactics to trace and better target individuals. In an area that is relatively new it seems appropriate to question who is responsible for keeping our information safe. It certainly will be interesting to watch how things play out.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304772804575558484075236968.html

Google Recharges Place Results

Google, Inc. hopes to attract advertisements from more business located near people using its search engine by adapting their search results to focus more on local businesses. This change will come in the form of Google’s Place Search, which should be in place this Thursday, giving users of the search engine local business information related to their search directly on the first page, alone with a photo, user ratings, and review snippets with links from sites such as CitySearch.com or Yelp.com.

Many small business owners have expressed excitement over the new Place Search as it will legitimize their businesses and draw more consumer attention. However, others are concerned about how reviews on Yelp and similar sites that will be so prominently displayed and any negative comments may hurt business. Either way, Google is simply responding to competition for local business advertising dollars from Facebook Inc. and other sites that have made information about local businesses readily available to users. Therefore, on Monday, Google announced their new Boost ads, which would appear above the Place Search results but look similar to those results. These ads would cost between $100 and several hundred dollars a month.

Google has already created Place pages for over four million businesses, and it is estimated that 20% of Google searches focus on local places. This market research indicates why Google is choosing to make these platform changes targeting local businesses. They have found a niche in their already successful business that could profit from a fresh marketing approach, thus they are revamping their Place search and adding in Boost Ads to local businesses, which will find both these options extremely appealing. If Google’s marketing mix is successful, then they will be able to compete with Facebook and create a strong foothold in the market of local business advertising.

The New Myspace: My_____

According to the Wall Street Journal, Myspace was bought in 2005 by News Corp. for $580 million. Since then, the company has been trying to bring a fresh image to the social networking site in order to combat Facebook's increasing popularity. Myspace's users were down 12% from September 2009. Yet, the owners believe users have use for move than one social media site. The new website, released on Wednesday, has been in development for 8 months and was designed to appeal to people between the ages of 13 and 35.

An enormous difference between the old Myspace and the newly enhanced website is the shift of focus from networking between friends to finding media appealing to the user and also allowing the user to share media of their own. The sharing of video will be encouraged by rewarding users who frequently upload content with graphical "badges" on their page. The home page of the new website shows content that's rising in popularity and when the user signs in, personalized music and media is displayed. The point of the website is to provide the user with content that will appeal to them. Myspace has also announced that not only has their image been revamped, but the techonology driving the site has also been updated to provide better searches and decreased loading time. As always, Myspace, as well as Facebook, is being facing critisism about users security. This is an inevitable issue when it comes to anything on the Internet, and it is a big issue that should be addressed with full attention. If users don't feel safe, they simply will not use the site.

I think this redesign is a great move for Myspace. Facebook has become so common and popular that Myspace has been left in the past, but it is time for something different. The new features of the website are very interesting and can prove to be very popular by users. I think media content is a great way to appeal to high school and college students.

Telecom competition landscape and trend

In the telecommunication industry there is not as much space for competition as for the hotel, restaurant or retail industries for example. In this industry the company-consumer relations are probably the most important thing and the major players have been working on it for many years now. This in addition to the high costs and even higher probabilities of not leveling up the already exiting companies is what strains a lot of competition to rise.

Because of this “lack of competition” there a few major service providers and they have to keep competitive prices at all times, because if not the costumers will just move to one of the other companies that offer the same service. This tendency of “sticking to competitive prices” results in a very small difference in prices for specific services. AT&T, for example offers for $39.99 a plan of 450 minutes (8.89 cents per minute) while T-Mobile has a 500 minutes plan(8.00 cents per minute) for the same price. As you can see the difference is  of eight decimals of a cent making it almost insignificant. But as I sayd in the first paragraph the difference between companies in this industry is marked  by the consumer relations, this companies probably have similar prices but each of them offer different promotions and offers to fit the needs of every consumer. Besides that, consumers also have their personal reviews of the different companies and many times they choose service quality over any other thing.

The recession of 2008-2009 has definitely created an impact on the balance sheet of the key players of the industry. Using the trends of AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. as reference, the industry’s trend was rising since 2000 to precisely the middle of January of 2008 when the trend fell drastically until mid 2009. The graphs show that the trend has been recovering since then but it has not get to the point it was before the recession.

References:

Yahoo Finance: http://finance.yahoo.com/q/bc?t=5y&s=T&l=on&z=l&q=l&c=VZ

Thomson Reuters

Claudio Lacayo

Microsoft and Facebook Strengthen Ties

Microsoft Corp. and Facebook Inc. announced that they would be deepening their partnership to increase competitiveness between Microsoft’s search engine, Bing, and Google, Inc. These changes would make searches more personalized by tapping into friends’ interests on Facebook. The executives at Microsoft hope that this will give users a way to distinguish Bing from Google, and hopefully choose it as their go-to search engine. This is based on the idea that people value what is relevant to their friend’s and people they identify with over what complex algorithms think will be relevant to them. However, privacy concerns have been raised because Bing will have access to all of a user’s public data, including friends and photos.

While this seems like it will be a profit-booster for Microsoft and Facebook, the privacy concerns cannot be ignored and the two companies need to consider how they will respond if ethical issues arise. The amount of information available on Facebook is incredible, and they have been under fire countless times before due to user complaints that their privacy controls are complicated and vague. However, Facebook may be taking these complaints to heart and hoping to improve CSR as they announced recently that along with two other large platform changes, they would be greatly advancing the ease and accessibility of the privacy controls. It also may be no coincidence that this comes at the same time as this change in their relationship with Microsoft. As long as Facebook is receptive to users’ concerns about privacy and remains consistent in response to ethical issues, this deepening partnership will likely reap them great profits and improved CSR.

Using the iPad to Connect

Ipad is just an amazing invention.  I always thought Ipad is just a waste, I use to say it’s just a bigger version of the Ipod touch.  Well I was wrong, my perspective of it changed when I first touched that piece of device.  That device has so many features it is just incredible.  It got the needs of people into one machine.  It helped people to use less money for more features in their life. 

As referred in the Wall Street Journal, the Ipad has benefited the children that have communication problems.  For example the WSJ has interviewed the mom of a two-year-old daughter who has speech problems.  She now uses a software application that is purchased for $190 that says the words that the little child picks the pictures.  The mom mentioned in the story that she is proud of her daughter and that she is happy she doesn’t have to fight so she could prove to people how smart her daughter is. 

The problem with these programs that are made for the Ipad is that they are getting other companies in trouble.  According to the WSJ other companies who use to specialize in these fields and use to make millions of dollars are now being interfered by the Ipad and its software.  As mentioned in the WSJ specialized speech devices are sold from $2,500 to $15,00.  In other hand you could just purchase the software for the ipad, which is $190.

 

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703440004575547971877769154.html?mod=WSJ_Tech_LEFTTopNews

Tablet Computers: Now and in the Future

As a consumer, I am very caught up with tablet computers. My personal opinion is that they are a waste of money, I simply don't understand the appeal when laptops and even cell phones are available to perform the same and more functions. Yet, they are very popular and selling like crazy. Apple alone has sold more than 3 million units since the iPad's release in June and other companies, such as RIM and Samsung, are developing their brands' tablet. The first commercial tablet was released in 1989 and called the GRiDPad; sales were not incredibly impressive. After years of technological advancements and innovations came the sensation of the iPad. Ipads are cool, they have a sleek design and run on an operating system similar to that of the iPhone, instead of that available on laptop computers. Iphones are obviously very popular and intriguing, but I am still not convinced that the iPad is necessary. I wonder if tablet computers are simply a trend or if they will have a significant impact on our lives.

IPads are being purchased and utilized by professionals in various industries. For example, in the pharmaceutical industry, iPads are proving to be very helpful. The size is very nice because it can be taken by field reps into physician's offices and hospitals when laptops are obtrusive or prohibited. The large screen is also ideal for utilizing the interactive qualities. The large screen is an aspect that other companies are changing which brings up the question if there will even be a purpose for these other tablets in the industry since Apple is currently satisfying both the commercial and the professional sector.

Although I will not be going and purchasing an iPad any time soon, I can't deny my interest in the appeal. The entire personal computer industry is very new and very difficult to predict. It will be very interesting to see if these tablet computers will be a trend that will soon end or if they will transform the way we use personal technology. Also, the innovations and changes that each developer will have to make in order to make their product more distinguishable than they many other tablets that will soon be available.

Technology and Telecommunications

Technology plays a major role in the telecommunicatons industry, not only because it improves the way of production or supplying of its products but because this is the most important gadget in people’s lives and they are always seeking for the most cutting edge tech. The telephone and mobile network, for example, some years ago had a lot of interference and difficulties with the signal levels but when it changed from analog to digital those things were not a problem anymore and the costs for providing the service was lower. Besides that the telecommunications industry before was limited by countries’ boundaries but as the technology evolved and things as roaming appeared those limitations vanished. 


The services that were provided by the telecom industry increased in a radical way, currently they offer thousands of options to satisfy the different demands of the costumers.

The supply chain of the telecom industry is not as implicit as for other industries because this is sort of an oligopolistic industry and in most cases the same corporation that provides a specific telecom service is the one that produces most things. Subscription tv services are an easy example their supply chain begins with the company that creates the shows or the movies, then the different channels that will show the program and then the carrier of the service such as Comcast for example. In the mobile network there are parts and it distributors and then the carrier because as I sayd before they produce most of their product. In this industry there is not that much manufactury per se and as a result mostly everything is done domestically.

http://www.wifinotes.com/mobile-communication-technologies/evolution-mobile-communication.html

http://www.logisticsbureau.com/supply_chain_and_logistics_services_IT_and_telecom.htm

Claudio Lacayo

Industry Presents Limitless Opportunity For Innovation

The telecommunications industry has always cast the notion of being composed of few elite companies, leaving very little room for entrepreneurs to innovate. While this is true to an extent, the open source nature of the industry has allowed several smaller companies and entrepreneurs the opportunity to enhance such a rapidly growing field. This TechRepublic article for example gives us an example of software that can be applied to enhance and extend capabilities of Skype, a leading VOIP provider. While this may not prove to be significant to all, especially to non Skype users, there are larger messages that permeate the discussion.

The add-ons list in the article is quite interesting and shows the innovate spirits of some of our best minds. Often times we will be using something and think of a way the service or product can be enhanced. Each of these followed that methodology and can even lead to productivity increases in the business world. The HotRecorder for example allows businesses to record and save normal Skype conversations for later use in quality and training exercises. This free add-on eliminates the need for expensive equipment that would be necessary to record a traditional landline call. While the widespread use of VOIP is yet to be seen, it is growing at a very fast rate. This leaves open the possibilities for independent developers to enhance the product drastically in a way that would boost their bottom line.

Why should Skype be the only product this theory applies to? As we have reported on several occasions, 4G technology may be the fastest emerging trend in the industry. Several efforts are being used to harness the power of the new technology. Sprint's mobile hot spot comes to mind which allows four users to simultaneously connect to the device anywhere a cell signal is available. It delivers the same functionality as wifi but in mobile form. Why should 4g use be limited to smart phones when indeed those with laptops can harness the power of the technology. The products that are developed often directly enhance the original service and push others to innovate and improve as well. This goes to show while most don't have the money to enter the business of telecommunications, that doesn't mean there isn't an opportunity to profit upon it. The cost of infrastructure is no doubt well beyond every entrepreneur's price range, yet the power to harness the technology and translate it into new and exciting products is well within reach.

http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-6179517.html

Laptop Sales Sapped by Tablet Frenzy

It is very true that the ipad is taking over the place.  It is referred in the wall street journal that the tablets are now more popular than the laptops.  Laptop companies have been loosing money since the tablets have been made and introduced to this world.  Steve said its way to early to judge if the tablets are taking over the market. Mr. Otellini thinks that the tablets will compelemt rather than take over the laptops. “IPad sales remain just a fraction of total portable computer sales, but industry executives expect the competition for consumer dollars to become more important next year, as more tablet options emerge” as written in he wall street journal by Mr. Clark.

I personally now use the ipad so much more than the laptop.  I would only use a laptop if I really need to.  Everything has an end; laptops are on its way.  Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying it is very close for an end, I am just saying its on its way.  I remember when CD’s came out, people stopped using cassette.  And now Ipods and MP3’s are out, people are using less and less CD’s.  This is how the world is, products replace products.  And most humans always want different and new things.

 

 

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704789404575523800740263636.html?mod=WSJ_Tech_LEFTTopNews

Security Company To Focus On Telecom Industry

There is no debating that the exponential spike in technology has caused companies to make several changes, especially in the past few years. In some cases these may be minor adjustments that are necessary to keep up with times, yet other cases require a complete reanalysis of policy. In a move announced on the first of the month, electronic security leader Zicom stated they are redeveloping their business model to provide security coverage to the telecommunications industry. According to the article, the primary focus of this initiative will be on base tower stations where theft is becoming more prevalent.

With the recognition of the rapid increase in the telecom industry, it seems like a great move to redevelop the strategic plan to capitalize on the situation. They sought out a need in the market to protect these base tower stations, and are in the process of implementing a plan to carry out their vision. Their goal is that in the first three years they will provide coverage to at least 20,000 out of the 3,000,000 towers in India. To accomplish this, Zicom hopes to form a subsidiary that can manage the security services, a division whose primary focus would be on these remotely placed towers.

While it seems like an excellent step in the right direction, there are certainly obstacles to overcome. First, from a geographic perspective, these towers are scattered all over the country in areas with varying conditions. This could become an issue for servicing after the installation phase is completed. In addition, this is a sector that hasn't really been explored very much and may have some issues when it comes to branching out, especially considering the lack of direct control they will have. In total, all great ideas must start somewhere and with consistent reevaluation of the plans, I feel as if this may have a chance in the future.

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/zicom-rejigs-biz-model-to-focus-on-telecom-infra-security/368411.html

Investing in management, a good decision?

Level 3 Communications, Inc., decided to invest in their management sector in order to improve it and consequently  satisfy  costumers in a better way. Their board agreed to use the services of Presidio Networked Solutions, a firm that specializes on providing professional and management solutions. Their plan “is to continue to meet ever-changing customer networking needs through an improved portfolio of managed services capabilities(businessweek)”.

Investing in management is something that can really help a company since it is one of its most important sectors. The management sector’s principal duty is to verify that the company standards are being met at all times.This kind of investments many times make the people think that the company is having troubles within its officers or managers but many times they just want to make that specific branch stronger. Big companies employ thousands of people and to keep up with the quality they need to be constantly checked and more important there has to be somebody to unite and cheer the workforce to get the best results out of their work. In conclusion investing in management is investing in the quality of the company itself and its products, so I believe that Level 3 Communications has made a good decision at doing it.

Claudio Lacayo

Article: http://investing.businessweek.com/research/sectorandindustry/news/article.asp?docKey=600-201010050800BIZWIRE_USPRX____BW5067-1&params=timestamp||10/05/2010%208:00%20AM%20ET||headline||Level%203%20Boosts%20Managed%20Services%20Using%20Key%20Industry%20Vendors||docSource||Business%20Wire||provider||ACQUIREMEDIA

AT&T Loses Apple

According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple will begin mass producing iPhones at the end of the year to be sold through Verizon Wireless. AT&T and Apple have had an exclusive deal since 2007, with the original iPhone, that will now come to an end. Apple is faced with competition from phones using Google's Android software and are responding with their new relationship with Verizon. Verizon Wireless has been a major marketer and carrier of phones using Google's software and, also, the largest U.S. carrier by subscribers. AT&T's deal with Apple fueled a large amount of growth for AT&T, but now that most AT&T users who desire the iPhone have already purchased it, Apple is forced to find new areas of growth.



Phones using Google's Android software have become very popular this year with subscriptions leaping to 10.9 million in August from 866,000 last year. This growth is larger than that of the iPhone which only grew to 13.5 million from 7.8 million just a year prior. Verizon and Apple have been meeting in order to test the network and assure that it can withstand the enormous amount of iPhone users. Still, the president of Verizon Communications Inc., Lowell McAdam, refuses to comment on the matter, yet he hints that he expects the companies to eventually work together.

As a Verizon Wireless user, this news is both expected yet exciting. This move is going to no doubt benefit both Apple and Verizon. Verizon is the biggest U.S. carrier by subscribers and, reportedly, a better network. Verizon and Apple teaming up could have an effect on the pricing of phones within the Verizon network, both the iPhone and any phone using Android software. It could turn out to be very beneficial to customers. On the other hand, the end of their deal with Apple will be detrimental to AT&T. It will be interesting to see the innovation that AT&T is forced to come up with in the next few years.

Telecom Giants Lose Interest in Consumers - Turn to Lawsuits

Motorola Inc. is currently suing Apple Inc. over patent-infringement. Motorola claims that Apple is illegally using some of their early-stage technologies in the iPhone, iPad, iTouch, and some Macintosh computers. These complaints are nothing new to the telecommunications industry, particular to those who are top competitors. Intellectual-property lawsuits have made the courtroom as cutthroat as the marketplace, a battle ground where both rookies and veterans of the industry compete. According to one patent lawyer, these lawsuits aren’t even so much about the technologies themselves but more about slowing down the other companies and proving who has the most power.

These types of lawsuits have been filed in increasing numbers recently as the line between computer manufacturers and mobile-device makers becomes less defined, as has been seen with Apple and Hewlett-Packard Co. entering the mobile sector at the same time as traditional makers of mobile phones like Samsung Electronics Co. become players in the tablet market. The movement between markets has caused new rivalries among competitors. Due to this, companies are becoming more vigilant about licensing their intellectual-property and responding when a rival company is infringing on those patents.

While the issue of copyright infringement is serious and many of these lawsuits are just, some concerns can be raised about the idea of the courtroom as a second marketplace, implying that companies should be placing as much of a focus on suing other companies as pleasing the consumer and developing new technologies. This will do little to further the telecommunications industry and will force companies to put considerable money, time, and resources into winning these legal battles. Not to mention the impact it will have on their CSR if they are found guilty of stealing intellectual property and it is leaked to the public sector.


http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703735804575536230822496028.html?mod=WSJ_Tech_LEFTTopNews