Facebook's Randi Zuckerberg quits to start media company

http://news.yahoo.com/facebooks-randi-zuckerberg-quits-start-media-company-025404907.html

I came across this article the other day and found it quite interesting. Randi Zuckerberg, sister of Mark Zuckerberg is leaving her position as Facebook's marketing director, to start a new firm. RtoZ Media will "help companies become more social."  Randi hopes to build her company to focus on "the exciting trends underway in the media industry. Will RtoZ will be strikingly similar to Facebook, but take on a new focus: business? I admit, I am excited to see what Ms. Zuckerberg has to offer the world of collaborative platforms. She is, afterall, Mark's sister...

Dell Debuts Cloud-Ready Bundled System

At a time when cloud-computing is becoming the next big thing in technology, Dell ahs released and introduced a package of applications and services that companies can use to "deploy their own Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) operations."  Additionally, Dell has released an open-source software program, Crowbar, that users can change and adapt to at their own discretion and will. Dell recognizes the potential goldmine that could come with creating a successful product used for either cloud-computing or for open-source.  As consumers are transitioning away from the constraints of technology in traditional corporate America, they are favoring more flexible, accessible technologies. However, the success of Dell's products is obviously not guarenteed.  With so many emerging technologies, it is difficult to predict what users will take to.

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9218644/Dell_debuts_cloud_ready_bundled_system

E-health records still scare most of us

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9218652/E_health_records_still_scare_most_of_us

This article discusses a subject presented by one of the groups on Tuesday evening--electronic health records.  Computerworld explains that almost 80% of consumers in a recent survey said that they are weary of electronic health records and the threat they pose to our identities if lost or stolen.  Paul Solverson, a partner in Xerox's strategy advisory services unit, argues that all of the stereotypical conerns regarding identity theft and beginning to emerge into the healthcare field at a fast rate.  He continues by adding that consumer discomfort can be attributed to the healthcare industry's inadequacy in terms of informing patients about the real benefits of the technology.  Personally, I believe that e-health records will ultimately make patient information more secure and less accessible. The lack of education available for patients is something the healthcare education has to assess.  If people are not informed enough, it is human nature to reject change, especially when the information involved is so sensitive.

The Cyber Mafia Has Already Hacked You

http://money.cnn.com/2011/07/27/technology/organized_cybercrime/index.htm?hpt=te_bn2

This article, published today, grabbed my attention as it relates to a discussion we had in class last night about online security. Large, organized crime organizations result in the theft of billions of dollars every year and play a large role in most sensitive computer systems. Such theieves have committed breaches like the attack on Sony, stealing credit card information from over 75-billion customers and the Citigroup hack which resulted in the theft of over $2.5 million from accounts this past May. It is certainly scary to think of large companies with security measures that presumably reach far beyond our own personal privacy measures being hacked.

CEO of Unveillance, Karim Hijazi, poses a frightening thought: "The Russian Mafia are the most prolific cyber criminals int he world." The author also mentions that a group of former spies came to form the Russian Business Network, a persisitent criminal enterprise that is capable of attacks taht certainly pose a huge threat. And even more frightening, this group is just one of many organized online criminal enterprise.

Organized crime groups are going after large companies, with the intent of stealing "intellectual property, source code and IT architectural renderings that they can sell to competitiors." Now, companies have to be more cautious than ever before as the threat only continues to grow as information is more and more valuable. But Larry Ponemon, Chairman of the Ponemon Institute Research Center for Cyber Security isnsists that the technology used by such groups reach far beyond the capabilities of most existing security systems, adding that most of us have little in terms of a positive line of defense.  Also, it's becoming increasingly more difficult to identify those responsible as they often engage in such behavior from the privacy of their own homes/businesses. I'd be lying if I said this article doesn't strike a little fear. Still, is it enough to keep us off the internet? I'm afraid not....not at all.

Wozniak's View on Technology "We’re Just at the Start"

http://govwin.com/seantucker_blog/wozniak-at-fose-were-just/172418

I found the above article while researching Steve Wozniak, whose journey to where he is now is a story that really intrigued me after watching his discussion.  I thought it would be interesting to get Wozniak's perspective on different, more current topics surrounding the technology industry.  I couldn’t help but laugh at Wozniak's comment about cloud computing. He argues that the biggest factor holding back the development of the cloud is the reluctance of users who are afraid of putting out confidential information, fearing they will lose control of it.  In my current job, fear and reluctance definitely play a large role in the apprehension that surrounds cloud computing.  Still, Wozniak maintains that the cloud will continue to evolve and allow more effective organization, better use of resources and faster, stronger collaboration. 

Wozniak also makes a great, yet unsettling point with regards to the future of computers.  He simply states that every time we make computers better and more capable, we are making humans less and less  important.  He adds: "We didn't set out to make computers more important than people, but we did it. You can much more easily lay off people today, but you would never cut the means of production," Wozniak said, by trimming your company's computer resources."  Wozniak's assertion will become more and more of a reality as technology continues to surpass itself.

UNIT4 Launches Cloud-Based Shared Services for ERP, Financial Software

The article I found on Integration Developer News discusses UNIT4 who is oferring a cloud-based service that will allow both enterprise resource planning and financial software users from private companies and government/non-profit agencies to "design, launch and collaborate" on shared networks.

The solutions are meant to enable users to gain better control of their business, lower their costs and increase their ability to respond to changes. Additionally, the service is supposed to allow for easier integration with already existing practices.  Personally, the software seems to be a big step in terms of financial software going to the cloud. Still, I am a bit apprehensive about the security risks involved with putting financial information out on the cloud.  Because I work in for an accounting/financial planning office, I cant help but wonder how affiliated financial advisors would feel about a decision to "go to the cloud." What kind of disclosures/regulations would be involved with everyday work? Is it worth the risk?

http://www.idevnews.com/stories/4755/UNIT4-Launches-Cloud-Based-Shared-Services-for-ERP-Financial-Software

Obama To GOP: Stop Outsourcing US Jobs

In his September 25, 2010 address, President Obama urged the GOP to promote the generation of jobs in the United States, instead of increased outsourcing.  He discusses an end to tax breaks for companies that shift jobs overseas and the almost unanimous outcry by Republicans who opposed the change.  Despite an obvious need for more jobs in the U.S., I believe that President Obama’s message can only go so far; as it becomes cheaper and cheaper for companies to outsource jobs and as globalization continues to increase, it will become more and more difficult to stop this evolution.  Though I agree with the premises of Obama’s argument, in the big picture, there is only so much the U.S. can do.  This video was particularly interesting to me because it shows that a topic discussed in class, outsourcing, plays a deeper role in our lives than I ever imagined. Much of Obama’s plan to get everyone in America a job who is willing to work, is contingent upon the stoppage of outsourcing.

Up in the Air

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304186404576387271098673898.html

Lately, there is a growing trend in companies shifting the structure of their IT to shared networks.  “The cloud,” or on-demand access to a shared pool of resources offers quicker, more convenient access, decreased costs and increased collaboration and integration across industries.  As we saw in Chapter 6 of our text, the increased demand and usage of mobile devices will result in an even deeper need for wireless networks and collaboration.

Now, companies of all sizes need to increase their cloud computing in order to contend or keep up with competition.  Increased collaboration with vendors and suppliers, and better managed customer relations are just two positive results of a properly implemented cloud-based or mobile business  plan.

Blogs, desktop sharing, wikis, podcasts, web conferencing are just a few tools that can increase collaboration in the workplace.  Though there are many benefits of the abovementioned collaboration tools, there are also risks associated with a shift to a more wireless-centric business plan.  As always, security is more important than ever before as accessibility is at our fingertips.

U.S. Visa Rejections Hit TCS

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303795304576453752859323400.html

The Wall Street Journal article, “U.S. Visa Rejections Hit TCS,” discusses a rise in the rejection of United States visa applications for software professions.  The Indian outsourcing services provider, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), however, doesnt expect this rise to result in revenue shrinking.

TCS sends thousands of employees overseas to work.  The United States, however, accuses companies like TCS of taking away U.S. citizens’ jobs at a time when employment in our country is high and climbing.  Just last year, the article explains, the “U.S. imposed a large fee on visas for skilled workers like software professionals, a move that is weighing on the profitability of Indian outsourcers.”  Not surprising, I certainly find myself siding with the United States.  As globalization continues to take effect and as the world becomes “flatter and flatter” (Thomas Friedman), jobs are continuing to be outsourced.  The United States government is obviously taking note of this and trying to stop what it can.

India-based companies, though not extremely alarmed, are starting to show signs of caution. They are forced to change their business plans to get around the changing U.S. systems.  Still, I can’t help but think that, despite the United States’ efforts, outsourcing will continue to prevail.

Business Continuity Plans

http://searchdisasterrecovery.techtarget.com/news/2240037153/Using-BCP-standards-pays-off-for-many-organizations

I came across the above article on SearchDisasterRecover.com which I found interesting as it relates to a topic discussed in Chapter 5 of our textbook: Business Continuity Planning.  The article discusses Digium Inc.’s hiring of Steve Burcham who was charged with developing the Company’s business continuity plan (BCP).  It was interesting to read about the real-life benefits resulting from long hours of “upfront homework” developing BCPs.

Digium recently saw their business continuity plan take full effect after the tornados in Alabama earlier this year.  These tornados essentially whiped out all power at Digium’s headquarters, which resulted in a five-day power outage.  Because the Company had a strong BCP in place, the backup generator came on right away and systems continued to run smoothly from shift to shift.  Three days after the tornado, the Company lost its phone service, which was extremely vital to operations. Within one hour, phone service was restored because of procedures previously set in place. 

Much of a Company’s BCP is rarely, if ever, implemented because natural disasters and other unfortunate circumstances are thankfully quite uncommon.  However, if an event does occur, the payoffs are obviously substantial and worth the upfront cost.  Not only was a BCP developed by Digium, but workshops were held, a business impact analysis was done, and risk assessment was discussed.  Digium proves that having a BCP is not enough; there should be continued communication resulting in follow-up and follow-through.  The Company also stresses that there are well-documented processes for EACH and EVERY person in the Company in the event of a disaster, something I never thought of before.  Prior to reading the article, I naively assumed that executives and higher-level employees were the main focus.  Also very interesting was the mention that Digium is leaning toward ITIL’s service continuity model, another Chapter 5 topic.  Using ITIL, Digium is further developing checklists and practices pertaining to their BCP.

Pardot, an Atlanta-based marketing firm has relied on having their BCP “in the cloud.”  Pardot relies on Google for their e-mail service and a cloud-based hosting for employees.  Interestingly enough, Pardot has made the decision to outsource as part of their BCP, trusting other experts to handle a great deal of their information.  Still, however, I can’t help but wonder, is “the cloud” secure enough for all companies alike?

Technology Widens Gap Between Rich and Poor

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703922804576301154008155570.html

The above Wall Street Journal article, "Technology Widens Gap Between Rich and Poor," describes increased income inequality in many industrialized cities due to globalization and technological progression.  Reading this article, I was reminded of Thomas Friedman's, "The World is Flat," and his ascertain that the world is being "flattened" as technology emerges and creates a platform for multiple forms of sharing knowledge and work across the globe.

Though Thomas Friedman focuses on the leveling of the "playing field" in terms of technological advancement, this article narrows in on results of globalization.  As technology is enhanced,  many jobs are becoming extinct.  Additionally, as Friedman suggested, jobs are increasingly lost to those in emerging countries.  While individuals in higher paying jobs will likely continue to thrive, lower-level citizens will frequently find themselves being replaced by people or companies across the world as mobility becomes more and more advanced and countries widen technological gaps that were once so prevalent.  Moreover, the article explains,  the "rise in free trade and global financial markets"  results in increased demand for higher-skilled workers as technology becomes more and more invasive.