Alltel announced that they will be adding a texting element to their MyCircle plan today. RCR Wireless explains that the announcement comes directly after they revealed their plans to expand and speed up its network. The plan will allow customers to send 400 text messages to any number of people and unlimited texts to the chosen ones in their “Circle” for an extra $8 a month. Or for an extra $13, customers can send 1,000 texts and for $20 they can score unlimited texting to any number.
This may not seem like a big deal, but many questions are forming as to why Alltel is actually doing any of this due to the fact that Verizon announced their acquisition plans of the carrier a few weeks ago. Alltel’s CEO has said that it’s “business as usual” and we have “a responsibility to our customers” and that as of now “Verizon is still a competitor”.
I found it refreshing to hear that Alltel was actually thinking of their customers and wanted to continue to improve their brand even though they are on their way out. Who knows, maybe I am just a softy. Regardless, looks like Alltel customers will still feel the love for now…
Monday, June 30, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
The battle of the smartphones
As the smartphone debate goes on over iPhone versus BlackBerry I find myself wondering who will win the battle for the prosumer market.
I wanted to look at some stats to see if any clear trend is emerging and I found that, according to IDC , Apple's share of the smartphone market declined in the first quarter to 19.2% from 26.7% in the prior quarter and much of that slack was taken up by RIM's BlackBerry which comprised 44.5% of the market in the first quarter versus 35.1% the previous quarter.
Now, one could argue that this situation could reverse going forward given the new version of the iPhone that came out with more features, at a better price which makes these numbers inconclusive in terms of future trends.
I have done some "social research" on this subject as well, asking a cross section of SF event goers why they prefer, or should I say, LOVE their chosen device and it seems that iPhone users care more about the cool-ness factor and Blackberry users are more concerned with practicality.
There might be some predictive value in finding some global prosumer stats on how many people view themselves as cool vesus how many feel that they are practical and we assume that people use their devices as a form of self expression.
For now, I will just continue my research and base my opinion on the fact that I prefer BlackBerry....... though I may at some point be swayed by the cool- factor of the iPhone.
I wanted to look at some stats to see if any clear trend is emerging and I found that, according to IDC , Apple's share of the smartphone market declined in the first quarter to 19.2% from 26.7% in the prior quarter and much of that slack was taken up by RIM's BlackBerry which comprised 44.5% of the market in the first quarter versus 35.1% the previous quarter.
Now, one could argue that this situation could reverse going forward given the new version of the iPhone that came out with more features, at a better price which makes these numbers inconclusive in terms of future trends.
I have done some "social research" on this subject as well, asking a cross section of SF event goers why they prefer, or should I say, LOVE their chosen device and it seems that iPhone users care more about the cool-ness factor and Blackberry users are more concerned with practicality.
There might be some predictive value in finding some global prosumer stats on how many people view themselves as cool vesus how many feel that they are practical and we assume that people use their devices as a form of self expression.
For now, I will just continue my research and base my opinion on the fact that I prefer BlackBerry....... though I may at some point be swayed by the cool- factor of the iPhone.
Friday Feature: Picking the Right PR Agency
Part One of Two: Searching for a PR Firm
Whether your company is a start-up or slightly more established, you realize that you could benefit from a public relations campaign. But with hundreds of PR firms out there, how do you pick the right one? Here are some of our tips to help you get your search started.
1. Evaluate why you need PR in the first place.
Do you need public relations because you are hoping to help your company go public? Are you trying to get your company into analyst reports? Are you looking for business media, consumer media, or blog coverage in particular? Have a clear idea as to why you are looking to hire a PR agency.
2. Search for relevant PR firms.
There are other factors to take into consideration when searching for a PR firm. For example, will a local PR firm be more attractive so that you can have regular face-to-face meetings? Is a PR firm with close ties to business/tech/etc. media a better fit for your company?
3. Have realistic PR goals.
Think about what you’d like to achieve, having hired a PR firm. Have some goals to present to potential PR firms, but make sure they are realistic: if your company and product are not relevant to a publication’s readers, then no matter how amazing your PR firm is, that publication is likely not cover your company.
4. Ask for personal recommendations.
Survey your business partners, customers, even your friends to see which PR firms they are using and if they are happy with them. If you don’t have colleagues who are willing to recommend a firm, then attend networking events to meet potential firms.
Next week, part 2: Choosing a PR firm
Whether your company is a start-up or slightly more established, you realize that you could benefit from a public relations campaign. But with hundreds of PR firms out there, how do you pick the right one? Here are some of our tips to help you get your search started.
1. Evaluate why you need PR in the first place.
Do you need public relations because you are hoping to help your company go public? Are you trying to get your company into analyst reports? Are you looking for business media, consumer media, or blog coverage in particular? Have a clear idea as to why you are looking to hire a PR agency.
2. Search for relevant PR firms.
There are other factors to take into consideration when searching for a PR firm. For example, will a local PR firm be more attractive so that you can have regular face-to-face meetings? Is a PR firm with close ties to business/tech/etc. media a better fit for your company?
3. Have realistic PR goals.
Think about what you’d like to achieve, having hired a PR firm. Have some goals to present to potential PR firms, but make sure they are realistic: if your company and product are not relevant to a publication’s readers, then no matter how amazing your PR firm is, that publication is likely not cover your company.
4. Ask for personal recommendations.
Survey your business partners, customers, even your friends to see which PR firms they are using and if they are happy with them. If you don’t have colleagues who are willing to recommend a firm, then attend networking events to meet potential firms.
Next week, part 2: Choosing a PR firm
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Wi-Fi and Drive: Internet Access Brought to Your Vehicle
News that will give any workaholic the best day ever, Chrysler announced that it will now be offering a Wi-Fi upgrade package to its 2009 edition vehicles. Now purchasers of the 20 available models (including Dodge and Jeep) will be able to browse their MySpace, check their Facebook, or search YouTube videos.
Too bad this was not available 2 years ago when I bought a 300 Limited. One has to wonder if the option will help increase sales which no doubt have fallen since gas prices have hit record highs. Will it be enough to sell a few more units, well enough to make a difference?
This new option will be available for a monthly fee ranging from $17-$70.
The company will really have to push this as a necessity or benefit with today’s technology, with almost every electronic hand held device Wi-Fi/Internet capable. With the possible target demographic probably having Internet access via their smart phones the jump to buying a car with Internet may be a stretch.
The idea to bring this type of technology to the consumer’s automobile is a novel idea and will hopefully prove to be successful for Chrysler….Start saving now the 2009 models are coming!
Information provided by: CNET
Too bad this was not available 2 years ago when I bought a 300 Limited. One has to wonder if the option will help increase sales which no doubt have fallen since gas prices have hit record highs. Will it be enough to sell a few more units, well enough to make a difference?
This new option will be available for a monthly fee ranging from $17-$70.
The company will really have to push this as a necessity or benefit with today’s technology, with almost every electronic hand held device Wi-Fi/Internet capable. With the possible target demographic probably having Internet access via their smart phones the jump to buying a car with Internet may be a stretch.
The idea to bring this type of technology to the consumer’s automobile is a novel idea and will hopefully prove to be successful for Chrysler….Start saving now the 2009 models are coming!
Information provided by: CNET
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Virgin Mobile USA & Helio to Merge?
Do two sets of wireless carrier mergers qualify as a "rash" of mergers? Even if it's not a rash, it's certainly pretty red and itchy right now.
Mergers are tricky beasts. It's not a secret that the majority of mergers fail in a pretty spectacular way, more often than not due to a mis-match in cultures. However I for one, really hope that this one does pan out for the consumer's sake. With all this consolidation, the consumer is losing options for their wireless carrier.
The positives are that Virgin Mobile and Helio are both marketed towards a similar crowd and both piggyback Sprint's network. As Reuters reports, if the combined company can harness Virgin Mobile's scale and Helio's strong portfolio of services, it could do reasonably well.
It may take a few months to see if the merger is a good idea. Almost anything can be made to look good on paper. But like so many things in life, it's the execution that matters.
Mergers are tricky beasts. It's not a secret that the majority of mergers fail in a pretty spectacular way, more often than not due to a mis-match in cultures. However I for one, really hope that this one does pan out for the consumer's sake. With all this consolidation, the consumer is losing options for their wireless carrier.
The positives are that Virgin Mobile and Helio are both marketed towards a similar crowd and both piggyback Sprint's network. As Reuters reports, if the combined company can harness Virgin Mobile's scale and Helio's strong portfolio of services, it could do reasonably well.
It may take a few months to see if the merger is a good idea. Almost anything can be made to look good on paper. But like so many things in life, it's the execution that matters.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Nokia, Symbian, and the future of mobile apps
Nokia (NOK) announced today that it will offer to purchase the remaining 52% of Symbian (it already owns 48%) for $410 million.
Nokia is also joining AT&T, LG, Motorola, NTT, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson (to name a few) to form a non-profit Symbian Foundation for mobile app development. The foundation’s goal is to single platform that will go open-source in the next few years.
The mobile app world has gone consortium-crazy, and it’s become quite clear that open source is the way to go: Nokia’s open source platform will compete against Apple’s recently announced platform for the next generation of iPhones and Google’s Android platform.
This can only mean good things for application developers—using a single platform makes it easier and faster for them to bring their apps to market.
GigaOM quotes BusinessWeek columnist Stephen Wildstorm, who seems to have the best opinion on the state of the mobile industry now: “Yes, good hardware design is critical. But in the end, it’s the software that really makes the difference.”
Nokia is also joining AT&T, LG, Motorola, NTT, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson (to name a few) to form a non-profit Symbian Foundation for mobile app development. The foundation’s goal is to single platform that will go open-source in the next few years.
The mobile app world has gone consortium-crazy, and it’s become quite clear that open source is the way to go: Nokia’s open source platform will compete against Apple’s recently announced platform for the next generation of iPhones and Google’s Android platform.
This can only mean good things for application developers—using a single platform makes it easier and faster for them to bring their apps to market.
GigaOM quotes BusinessWeek columnist Stephen Wildstorm, who seems to have the best opinion on the state of the mobile industry now: “Yes, good hardware design is critical. But in the end, it’s the software that really makes the difference.”
Monday, June 23, 2008
The Delay of the Android
The Wall Street Journal reports today that Google’s plan to launch their Android-based handset has been delayed. Initially the company said that the handsets would be available during Q2 of this year, but now it looks like the launch has been pushed back until Q4. With that being said, carriers who had hoped to launch their Android-based handset this year are finding themselves looking into the future.
T-Mobile USA is expected to launch this year, while both the Sprint Nextel Corp. and China Mobile, who planned on delivering their Android phones this year as well, will have to sit tight until 2009 due to the amount of time T-Mobile is requiring.
Well, it looks like Google just may be human after all. Kind of makes your Monday a little better, doesn’t it?
T-Mobile USA is expected to launch this year, while both the Sprint Nextel Corp. and China Mobile, who planned on delivering their Android phones this year as well, will have to sit tight until 2009 due to the amount of time T-Mobile is requiring.
Well, it looks like Google just may be human after all. Kind of makes your Monday a little better, doesn’t it?
Friday, June 20, 2008
The Golden Rules of Social Networking
Leave it to the English to come up with the golden rules of etiquette for social networking. I found a twist on the 5 golden rules of polite social networking, originally issued by Debrett's (an English publication well known for giving good advice on decorum) in an article by the Independent:
1) A little mystery goes a long way
2) Your friends have ego's too
3) Friends, in fact, do equal kudos
4) Avoid e-misunderstanding
5) Don't mix business with pleasure
6) It's not a red light district
7) Don't drink and surf
8) Beware of musicians
9) Leave me alone!
These work for me but I think there are just too many to remember. If I may offer a more simplified, Americanized version:
Don't stalk, be considerate and appropriate..... and, really, if you need to worry that much about the rules you should probably just get out more!
1) A little mystery goes a long way
2) Your friends have ego's too
3) Friends, in fact, do equal kudos
4) Avoid e-misunderstanding
5) Don't mix business with pleasure
6) It's not a red light district
7) Don't drink and surf
8) Beware of musicians
9) Leave me alone!
These work for me but I think there are just too many to remember. If I may offer a more simplified, Americanized version:
Don't stalk, be considerate and appropriate..... and, really, if you need to worry that much about the rules you should probably just get out more!
Friday Feature: How to Become an Award Winning Company
Part 3: Winning an Award
Congratulations! Your company has won an award. Now what? First things first – you have to let people know that you are the best. As we said in Part 1, awards can help strengthen your brand and present your company as a major player. With this win, you can start telling current and potential customers just how noteworthy your company and products are.
A press release is a perfect way to do just this. Make sure that your release is carefully crafted to ensure that all news communicated is “on message” and targeted to create the greatest possible media exposure. Next, ensure that you are sending the release to the correct contacts. You want to make sure that you receive maximum coverage in your industry’s most influential media outlets.
After you’ve sent out your release, you also want to make sure to post it on your website. This allows additional coverage for those who may not have seen the release, but are doing research on your company.
So what’s next? Start the process all over again. After all, awards show your customers, current and future, that you have the killer combination of a quality product from a quality company.
Congratulations! Your company has won an award. Now what? First things first – you have to let people know that you are the best. As we said in Part 1, awards can help strengthen your brand and present your company as a major player. With this win, you can start telling current and potential customers just how noteworthy your company and products are.
A press release is a perfect way to do just this. Make sure that your release is carefully crafted to ensure that all news communicated is “on message” and targeted to create the greatest possible media exposure. Next, ensure that you are sending the release to the correct contacts. You want to make sure that you receive maximum coverage in your industry’s most influential media outlets.
After you’ve sent out your release, you also want to make sure to post it on your website. This allows additional coverage for those who may not have seen the release, but are doing research on your company.
So what’s next? Start the process all over again. After all, awards show your customers, current and future, that you have the killer combination of a quality product from a quality company.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
How much is AT&T paying so you can get a $199 iPhone?
According to analyst Yair Reiner, about $325 per 3G iPhone.
AT&T has admitted that with the new $199 iPhone, they will only earn about 10-12 cents per unit sold, but it might just be worth it if it means more consumers will purchase an iPhone.
Moconews reports that AT&T’s head of mobile, Ralph De La Vega claims that $199 is the new ‘sweet spot.’ True enough, once Motorola’s infamous Razr dropped its price from $500 to $199, handset sales doubled. Seems like the smartphone market is going the way of $200 a handset.
With more consumers owning an iPhone, that means more subscribers to AT&T. Also, with a cheaper iPhone more users will spend time downloading and using applications and other Value-Added Services, increasing ARPU. AT&T is being quite bold by putting all that faith in the iPhone’s mass consumer appeal, but time will tell whether their move was a smart one.
AT&T has admitted that with the new $199 iPhone, they will only earn about 10-12 cents per unit sold, but it might just be worth it if it means more consumers will purchase an iPhone.
Moconews reports that AT&T’s head of mobile, Ralph De La Vega claims that $199 is the new ‘sweet spot.’ True enough, once Motorola’s infamous Razr dropped its price from $500 to $199, handset sales doubled. Seems like the smartphone market is going the way of $200 a handset.
With more consumers owning an iPhone, that means more subscribers to AT&T. Also, with a cheaper iPhone more users will spend time downloading and using applications and other Value-Added Services, increasing ARPU. AT&T is being quite bold by putting all that faith in the iPhone’s mass consumer appeal, but time will tell whether their move was a smart one.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Delta makes the friendly skies even friendlier... to cell phones
CNET reports today that if you’re using Delta to fly out of LaGuardia Airport, you can now use your cell phone to get on board. Today, Delta announced a partnership with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to test a paperless check-in, where passengers can download a boarding pass onto their devices with access to mobile internet and scan it at the airport’s security checkpoint and before boarding the plane. (Apparently, Continental’s in on this idea too.)
At the moment the service is only for domestic travelers flying out of LaGuardia. As with pretty much anything you do in or around the airport, you’ll have to present ID, of course. Is this a way for Delta to show environmental concern, advances in technology, cut corners due to high gas prices, paper costs and so-so profits, or all of the above?
Sounds like mobile phones are slowly becoming a more and more acceptable part of flying, even if most people think they shouldn’t be allowed on a plane. (Sounds like a nightmare: ever been on a bus when someone was yapping on their cell? Now imagine that trip times about 10 hours.)
At the moment the service is only for domestic travelers flying out of LaGuardia. As with pretty much anything you do in or around the airport, you’ll have to present ID, of course. Is this a way for Delta to show environmental concern, advances in technology, cut corners due to high gas prices, paper costs and so-so profits, or all of the above?
Sounds like mobile phones are slowly becoming a more and more acceptable part of flying, even if most people think they shouldn’t be allowed on a plane. (Sounds like a nightmare: ever been on a bus when someone was yapping on their cell? Now imagine that trip times about 10 hours.)
Monday, June 16, 2008
Teens Still Gabbing While Driving
Teens and cell phones go together like peanut butter and jelly. So does teens and rule breaking. So it is no surprise to find out that a new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety finds that teen drivers tend to ignore bans on using phones and texting while driving. RCR Wireless reports that even though teens observe the graduated licensing restrictions; they usually disregard rules regarding cell phone usage.
The article reports that in North Carolina a month before ban on cell phone use by teens in December 2006, 11% of teen drivers were observed using handsets as they left school in the afternoon. Then five months after the cell phone prohibition took effect, researchers said nearly 12% of teen drivers were observed using phones. Shocking…teens defying authority. I am not surprised.
And to be honest I have to say that at the age of 30, I will probably find myself defying authority come July 1st when driving and talking on your handset becomes illegal in California. How much are those tickets again?
The article reports that in North Carolina a month before ban on cell phone use by teens in December 2006, 11% of teen drivers were observed using handsets as they left school in the afternoon. Then five months after the cell phone prohibition took effect, researchers said nearly 12% of teen drivers were observed using phones. Shocking…teens defying authority. I am not surprised.
And to be honest I have to say that at the age of 30, I will probably find myself defying authority come July 1st when driving and talking on your handset becomes illegal in California. How much are those tickets again?
Friday, June 13, 2008
Friday Feature: How to Become an Award Winning Company
Part 2: Applying for an Award
Assuming you’ve tracked and selected the appropriate awards to enter into, it’s now time to work on your submission. Most award submissions require a lengthy abstract or description of your company as well as your product and its background. When writing these, it’s important to:
Make sure your abstract is on-target.
Pay close attention to the award categories and the type of products that they call for. If the award calls for an enterprise product, don’t pitch your consumer-facing product, and vice versa. While this seems like obvious advice, it’s easy for some to try and force a connection in order to enter their product for as many categories as possible.
Showcase your product’s originality.
Your product is unique—that’s why you’re entering it for an award in the first place! Clearly describe all the innovation in the development and creation that went into your product or service, as well as any interesting features that make it so award-worthy.
Provide compelling case studies.
Has your service gained a Tier 1 carrier as a customer? Have you partnered with any companies in order to create or distribute your product? Put it together as a case study for your submission, along with testimonials if available. Case studies and testimonials truly strengthen your case for why your product deserves an award.
Next week, Part 3: Winning an Award
Assuming you’ve tracked and selected the appropriate awards to enter into, it’s now time to work on your submission. Most award submissions require a lengthy abstract or description of your company as well as your product and its background. When writing these, it’s important to:
Make sure your abstract is on-target.
Pay close attention to the award categories and the type of products that they call for. If the award calls for an enterprise product, don’t pitch your consumer-facing product, and vice versa. While this seems like obvious advice, it’s easy for some to try and force a connection in order to enter their product for as many categories as possible.
Showcase your product’s originality.
Your product is unique—that’s why you’re entering it for an award in the first place! Clearly describe all the innovation in the development and creation that went into your product or service, as well as any interesting features that make it so award-worthy.
Provide compelling case studies.
Has your service gained a Tier 1 carrier as a customer? Have you partnered with any companies in order to create or distribute your product? Put it together as a case study for your submission, along with testimonials if available. Case studies and testimonials truly strengthen your case for why your product deserves an award.
Next week, Part 3: Winning an Award
Thursday, June 12, 2008
When we say Free Wi-Fi, we mean....
Free!
San Francisco start up, Meraki, is attempting to provide free Wi-Fi to city residents in order to test their technology and build their profile, according to an article in the Chronicle. Mayor Gavin Newsom's statement, out today, about free Wi-Fi becoming a reality gives hope that it will happen- the second time around.
It seems that several members of the Board of Supervisors that were against Newsom and the Earthlink Wi-Fi deal, which ultimately fell through, may not be apposed to the Meraki deal.
This is great news considering that the current Free Wi-Fi in this city is offered in the form of -free if you buy a couple of coffees from us- which can get to be a very expensive form of Free.
San Francisco start up, Meraki, is attempting to provide free Wi-Fi to city residents in order to test their technology and build their profile, according to an article in the Chronicle. Mayor Gavin Newsom's statement, out today, about free Wi-Fi becoming a reality gives hope that it will happen- the second time around.
It seems that several members of the Board of Supervisors that were against Newsom and the Earthlink Wi-Fi deal, which ultimately fell through, may not be apposed to the Meraki deal.
This is great news considering that the current Free Wi-Fi in this city is offered in the form of -free if you buy a couple of coffees from us- which can get to be a very expensive form of Free.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
245,800 iPhone Stories This Week
I'm serious. Just followed a hunch and checked the actual number of online news stories/blog posts about the iPhone in the last week. Lo and behold - 245,800 stories tracked by Bloglines in the last week. 245,801 if you count this one.
It continues to amaze me just how much people love talking about the iPhone. If I was being unkind, I would suggest that people love talking about it more than they like buying it. But I'm not unkind, so I won't suggest that.
Whatever way you look at it, the iPhone story is a great story. It has everything - drama, suspense, intrigue, outrage, scandal, Steve Jobs, car chases, everything. Long may it continue.
It continues to amaze me just how much people love talking about the iPhone. If I was being unkind, I would suggest that people love talking about it more than they like buying it. But I'm not unkind, so I won't suggest that.
Whatever way you look at it, the iPhone story is a great story. It has everything - drama, suspense, intrigue, outrage, scandal, Steve Jobs, car chases, everything. Long may it continue.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Apple Not the Only One Who'll Reap the Benefits?
After the announcement of the 3G iPhone yesterday, the mobile advertising market will be feeling the love as well according to an article in Wireless Week. In the article, Ad Infuse, a mobile marketing company, shares that they are “seeing great engagement statistics from people who use the iPhone right now, and that is just with the first version of it.” The article goes onto explain that advertisers are definitely into mobile video and some companies have even created campaigns with the iPhone in mind.
After the July 11 release, I definitely agree that the mobile adverting market will be sending praise to the Apple Gods. With new feature and a $199 price tag, I think more people will be interested and able to purchase an iPhone. The idea that this will allow mobile marketers to reach an audience they have yet to reach is spot on.
As for these new iPhone owners enjoying all of those potential mobile advertisements, well that’s an entirely different story…
After the July 11 release, I definitely agree that the mobile adverting market will be sending praise to the Apple Gods. With new feature and a $199 price tag, I think more people will be interested and able to purchase an iPhone. The idea that this will allow mobile marketers to reach an audience they have yet to reach is spot on.
As for these new iPhone owners enjoying all of those potential mobile advertisements, well that’s an entirely different story…
Monday, June 9, 2008
You want better YouTube ads? Sell them yourself.
Ad Age reports today on Google/YouTube’s latest idea: Allow content creators to sell ads for their videos on their YouTube channels.
Advertising is now available on the click-to-expand overlays at the bottom of YouTube videos and display units on the page hosting the video player. Revenues from ads would be split between the content creators and YouTube (similar to if YouTube sold them).
It sounds like Eric Schmidt is keeping true to his word on prioritizing YouTube in 2008. Bear Stearns figures YouTube’s revenue this year to be around $90 million, while some others argue its valuation at $200 million. (Shockingly, still only about 1% of Google’s total revenue.)
Controlling the ads on their YouTube videos is a great idea for creators—and will help professional and amateur content creators alike better target and distribute their videos online. Professional creators like Revision3 can now also integrate their sponsors’ ads, pushing those relationships even further. And from the YouTube ad sales team’s point of view, much less work.
Advertising is now available on the click-to-expand overlays at the bottom of YouTube videos and display units on the page hosting the video player. Revenues from ads would be split between the content creators and YouTube (similar to if YouTube sold them).
It sounds like Eric Schmidt is keeping true to his word on prioritizing YouTube in 2008. Bear Stearns figures YouTube’s revenue this year to be around $90 million, while some others argue its valuation at $200 million. (Shockingly, still only about 1% of Google’s total revenue.)
Controlling the ads on their YouTube videos is a great idea for creators—and will help professional and amateur content creators alike better target and distribute their videos online. Professional creators like Revision3 can now also integrate their sponsors’ ads, pushing those relationships even further. And from the YouTube ad sales team’s point of view, much less work.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Friday Feature: How to Become an Award Winning Company
Part 1: How to Find the Right Award
Being a successful company is good—however, being a successful, award winning company is even better. Awards show your customers, current and future, that you have a quality product. Through awards, your brand can also be strengthened and your company can be viewed as a major player in the business.
The first step to becoming an award winning company is to find relevant awards that are right for your company. You have to determine what kind of awards would impress your target audience. One way to do this is to research what trade publications your audience is reading. Find out if those publications offer any awards that fit your services and/or product.
Events are another way to seek out significant awards for your company. Search for events that your audience is sure to attend and then find out if they offer any relevant awards. Again, awards can help enhance your brand and improve recognition with your target audience.
Next week- Part 2: Applying for an Award
Being a successful company is good—however, being a successful, award winning company is even better. Awards show your customers, current and future, that you have a quality product. Through awards, your brand can also be strengthened and your company can be viewed as a major player in the business.
The first step to becoming an award winning company is to find relevant awards that are right for your company. You have to determine what kind of awards would impress your target audience. One way to do this is to research what trade publications your audience is reading. Find out if those publications offer any awards that fit your services and/or product.
Events are another way to seek out significant awards for your company. Search for events that your audience is sure to attend and then find out if they offer any relevant awards. Again, awards can help enhance your brand and improve recognition with your target audience.
Next week- Part 2: Applying for an Award
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Enterprise Smartphone Security
TechCrunch today wrote about a survey taken by Credant Technologies of 300 senior IT staff managers. They found that only 4 out of 10 IT people are encrypting for security on laptops and that 9 out of 10 company smartphones have access to those laptops- that may or may not be secure. Also, 81% of corporate smartphone users can directly access corporate information, with no access restrictions.
I find it strange that enterprises do not have stricter mandates for IT security. My prospective is that of an an identity theft fearing consumer, forced into user passcode scrutiny for every different piece of private information I access. It must be an issue for IT mangers to create a secure login protocol that does not alienate the user but it looks like many enterprises still have some way to go.
I find it strange that enterprises do not have stricter mandates for IT security. My prospective is that of an an identity theft fearing consumer, forced into user passcode scrutiny for every different piece of private information I access. It must be an issue for IT mangers to create a secure login protocol that does not alienate the user but it looks like many enterprises still have some way to go.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Verizon Wireless Considering Alltel Purchase?
Wow. According to CNBC, Verizon Wireless is considering purchasing Alltel, according to unnamed sources. So the second-largest wireless carrier may buy the fifth-largest to create the first-largest?
CNBC takes an intelligent look at the potential deal with a degree of insight, which suggests this is more than a crazy rumor. While this may be a good deal for Alltel owners TPG and Goldman Sachs Capital Partners, as mocoNews points out, this is less good for other parts of the wireless ecosystem, who would have one less carrier prospect to pitch.
One other thought - might Verizon Wireless be considering purchasing Alltel, so it can bring down Alltel's mean-hearted TV ads where Verizon and the other carriers look like dweebs? Something to consider...
CNBC takes an intelligent look at the potential deal with a degree of insight, which suggests this is more than a crazy rumor. While this may be a good deal for Alltel owners TPG and Goldman Sachs Capital Partners, as mocoNews points out, this is less good for other parts of the wireless ecosystem, who would have one less carrier prospect to pitch.
One other thought - might Verizon Wireless be considering purchasing Alltel, so it can bring down Alltel's mean-hearted TV ads where Verizon and the other carriers look like dweebs? Something to consider...
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Wal-Mart vs. Craigslist: It's so on.
CNET reports today on the quiet unveiling of Wal-Mart’s free online classified ads. The retail giant’s listings (currently in beta) are powered by start-up company Oodle, who added its existing listings from more than 80,000 sites to Wal-Mart’s offerings.
Wal-Mart’s service, like Craigslist, allows buyers and sellers alike to post and search for the items they so desire, grouped by category in major US cities. However, the services are not identical: unlike Craigslist, advertisers can pay Oodle to have their products and services placed higher in search results.
Wal-Mart has started programs of this nature in the past only to discontinue them, including movie downloads. I think the overt paid placement listings might hinder Wal-Mart’s success in this project, since part of Craigslist’s appeal is in its lack of sponsored search results.
The average consumer searching for a coffee table is not interested in receiving ads—only in finding the best coffee table for the cheapest price. For now, I’ll stick with Craigslist and see how this plays out.
Wal-Mart’s service, like Craigslist, allows buyers and sellers alike to post and search for the items they so desire, grouped by category in major US cities. However, the services are not identical: unlike Craigslist, advertisers can pay Oodle to have their products and services placed higher in search results.
Wal-Mart has started programs of this nature in the past only to discontinue them, including movie downloads. I think the overt paid placement listings might hinder Wal-Mart’s success in this project, since part of Craigslist’s appeal is in its lack of sponsored search results.
The average consumer searching for a coffee table is not interested in receiving ads—only in finding the best coffee table for the cheapest price. For now, I’ll stick with Craigslist and see how this plays out.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Second Time's a Charm?
Today the Financial Times reported that Intel is planning on getting back into the mobile phone chip market. Paul Otellini, CEO, has said that he believes that PC processor expertise that Intel possesses will be extremely beneficial due to the fact that smartphones are becoming more like computers. Back in 2006, Intel made an attempt in the mobile phone chip market, but ended up selling its product to Marvell.
I think that this could be a smart move for Intel, however they definitely face challenges. With RIM's BlackBerry and Apple's iPhone dominating the smartphone market, working with these two market leaders would have to be important to them.
And the fact that they are not the only company diving into this market could determine their success as well. An article in Reuters explains that Nvidia announced their plans to roll out a similar product, aiming at the exact same market as Intel. So Intel’s 2009 launch plan could pose a problem.
I guess we’ll just have to wait and see…
I think that this could be a smart move for Intel, however they definitely face challenges. With RIM's BlackBerry and Apple's iPhone dominating the smartphone market, working with these two market leaders would have to be important to them.
And the fact that they are not the only company diving into this market could determine their success as well. An article in Reuters explains that Nvidia announced their plans to roll out a similar product, aiming at the exact same market as Intel. So Intel’s 2009 launch plan could pose a problem.
I guess we’ll just have to wait and see…
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