Every now and then I read something about the mechanics of the venture capital model and how entrepreneurs need to think about what the folks on the other side of the table are looking for in terms of exits. Tim Oren has written just such a piece and I would encourage anyone with an interest […]
Author: charles
Is Custom Linux the Future?
I have been reading quite a few articles about how China, among other countries, has been seriously considering (or actually pursuing) development of its own flavor of Linux, largely due to the expense associated with Microsoft server operating systems. While this revolution might not happen overnight, there are some interesting scenarios in which I can see large user communities (financial services, international governments, etc) banding together to develop industry or national versions of Linux.
AOL for Broadband, Anyone?
I am not sure that I can add anything to the chorus of debate surrounding AOL’s new foray into broadband services — many of the nation’s leading business publications have made this very topic a cover story. I do, however, think that some of the market pundits are missing some of the key points. AOL’s struggles to remain viable in a broadband world are not just about the shift from dial-up to broadband; the struggle is really about remaing relevant in a world where AOL’s traditional value proposition is less compelling for consumer.s
Is Bluetooth Still Relevant?
I have been testing out the Jabra FreeSpeak BT 200 Bluetooth headset to see how it works. Generally speaking, I have been pretty happy with the voice quality, the form factor, and (surprisingly) the battery life. A colleague of mine saw me using the headset and made a remark to the fact that he didn’t even know that people were still pursuing Bluetooth development. This got me to thinking about whether Bluetooth is still a relevant technology.
Is Apple Going to Become a Media Company?
A lot has been written about Apple lately. The new iTunes service is a hit. The iPod has become the killer gadget for MP3 enthusiasts. A lot of people are again touting the rebirth of Apple as a cool company. Apple has always been cool. But all of these product announcements make me question whether Apple has long-term aspirations about remaining a player in the desktop computing world.
Wi-Fi Billing Done Right
I was very excited to read that T-Mobile will finally go where no wireless carrier has been willing to go and offer both discounted Wi-Fi for existing customers and the simplicity of unified billing (for the entire article, see T-Mobile bundles Wi-Fi, cellular services | CNET News.com). As I mentioned in an earlier post, I consider myself a “power” consumer of technology, but even I am unwilling to pay broadband access prices for 802.11b speeds and coverage, especially if it means having to sign up with a new carrier.
Do Startups Change Consumer Behavior?
I had lunch with a very successful technology investor friend of mine and he made a very interesting comment. He pointed out that he no longer hears about startup companies trying to “change consumer behavior” anymore. Smart companies that he sees are instead trying to capitalize on changes in consumer behavior. I think that there is more here than meets the eye.
Cheer Up, Silicon Valley
I am hesitant to write this article as so many smart people have opined on this topic of the future of the IT industry. Larry Ellison raised quite a stir by his recent comments about “the end of Silicon Valley as we know it” and its implications for IT companies. The venerable New York Times Magazine has declared that IT is a “maturing” industry and even goes so far as to sugges that the IT industry might go the way of the railroad (click here for the full article). I don’t necessarily agree with the conclusions that the authors reach, but there are some good lessons to be learned here.
Why is Spam So Irritating?
I have been thinking about why people have such a strong, violent reaction to e-mail spam and a much more ho-hum reaction to postal-based direct marketing.
I have to admit that I was partially inspired to revive this post-in-progress after reading The State of Consumer Email: Consumers Deserve Better :: AO on Always-On.
The Isle of Wi-Fi — My Thoughts
I am not one to sit on the sidelines and wait for new technology to be handed to me, but I must admit that I am still sitting on the sidelines when it comes to signing up for a Wi-Fi subscription service. Should I sign up for T-Mobile HotSpot? Should I sign up for Boingo? Is Wayport the right answer? There have been lots of articles written about the need for new infrastructure (switching, routing, antenna technology, backhaul, etc.), but I think that less attention has been paid to some of the factors driving the “buy” decision for customers like me.