Microsoft spends $8.5 billion to buy Skype
Holy honeydrops looks like Google and Facebook won't be buying Skype anytime soon
So what is actually going on here?
Lets face it Microsoft has been dropping down the charts of innovation lately. Google is the biggest search engine, FaceBook is the biggest social network site, Android has become the fastest growing mobile device (including tablets) operating system, Microsoft owns the corporate desktop and also the personal pc desktop, RIM still owns the corporate Smartphone, Apple is taking market share in the Smartphone arena, Skype is the biggest VOIP brand, and yes Apple owns the tablet and portable music market right now.
So in the emerging post PC world i have no idea what to do with the legacy companies like AOL , Palm, and Hayes the modem maker but i can assure you the disruptive innovators are feverishly working in a garage in Palo Alto, Trento and Ottawa right now.
So Microsoft has somewhere like $50 billion in cash and generates another $15 billion in free cash so they can really afford the purchase. Do like Cisco - its cheaper to buy an existing platform and bring to market a lot faster than building from scratch.
Skype has about 100 million active paying users and over 600 million registered and using it occasionally for free. It’s available on practically every Smartphone, PC and tablet device worldwide. It is the world’s best known brand for free or cheap internet based VOIP telephony and video based calls. It also includes instant messaging and presence as a bonus.
Microsoft now has the ability to integrate Skype into their desktops and the Windows Phone 7 very easily. Just imagine having a truly integrated Skype client that can receive calls from your cousin in Bulgaria as easily as receiving a local call. Sure we have it today but its still not truly integrated the way it could be when you own the source code.
Microsoft would also seek to introduce Skype into the Xbox (probably a platform with more IP ports than Nortel ever had) , and why not Outlook, Word, or even do a click to call through PowerPoint.
Avaya has already arranged a partnership for a Skype client for their Aura IP telephony platform. Imagine calling an Avaya based contact centre through Skype on your Smartphone or tablet while at Starbucks sipping a Pumpkin Soy low Fat Latte with double foam and free Wi-Fi.
Imagine Skype embedded in Microsoft’s Lync Enterprise platform and integral to OCS. Now maybe we have a game changer in the business enterprise space. Every business grade IP telephony manufacturer has shifted their R&D to software based SIP applications that will replace today’s touch tone telephone. More and more are hanging up on the Telco’s and cancelling their copper based service.
If Jobs doesn’t do it with the iPad 3 then Ballmer better hurry up and get Samsung on board for the WindowsHomeControl smart screen on their washer/ dryers and refrigerators. "mommy the dishwasher is ringing. ......Get the phone...pick it up...mommy ...get the phone!"
Its coming folks and ya’ll laughed when i predicted Wi-Fi technology would change the internet forever
So Microsoft has accomplished many things with this purchase:
• Access to over 600 million registered users with a global brand
• Shut out their competitors from buying Skype
• Speed to market with a communication app that works on everything already
So hopefully Microsoft wont screw it up like EBay did. The bought Skype for about $2B 6 years ago hoping that it would be ideal to connect EBay sellers with EBay buyers in the auctions but this never worked out and EBay took a big loss. Hopefully they won’t change the Skype brand name to Zune or Vista either.
The egos wont allow it but RIM and Microsoft should partner up next! And take Yahoos to the altar as well for an interesting 3 way play.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Trump Hotels – How Ivanka Trump uses Social Media to keep their Hotel Guests Happy with an awesome Customer Experience!
Trump Hotels – How Ivanka Trump uses Social Media to keep their Hotel Guests Happy with an awesome Customer Experience!
The Hotel industry has become very social with Expedia and Yelp taking hotel ratings to heart. It’s those like Ivanka (executive vice president ) who really understand the Customer Experience that is bringing customer service in the hotel industry to heart. The Trump Hotel Collection has been offering Facebook reservations for around six months, and Ivanka Trump has been taking advantage of her personality-driven brand. Ivanka is known to tweet out hotel specials to over a million twitter followers. However, she is one of the few Hoteliers that understand how things work. Once a guest makes their Trump Hotel reservations through Facebook, A hotel attaché will call the guest and ask about personal preferences : which newspaper do you prefer?, any special amenities required?, What room temperature do you enjoy? This goes above and beyond exceeding a customer’s expectations and sets the stage for an enhanced Customer Experience. In fact, if you have a small child that needs a crib in the room the crib will even show up with a Teddy Bear. Now that’s creative thinking and a way to exceed a customers expectation. With rooms at the Soho Trump in New York a starting at $399 a night, they are not overpriced because the Westin Hotel charges similar but Ivanka strives to Trump one over the competition.
I personally have stayed over 300 nights in a specific hotel chain if not more and stayed with a specific brand and can only say that only one hotel reached out to me in a very personal and human interactive manner over the past 10 years– that was the Westin Grand Hotel in Vancouver. The Starwood properties group will always send a satisfaction survey out to guests but if you have a bad experience they never acknowledge the concerns that you raise in the survey. So a guest will stop replying to surveys and then change hotel brands to one that cares.
Can it only be that The Westin Grand in Vancouver is a hotel that truly appreciated a repeat customer? Sending emails stating how happy they are that you chose their hotel or even ignoring complaints doesn’t’ count. Starwood does get extra points because the W Hotel and Aloft hotel banners do offer free airline ticket and hotel folio printing in their lobby kiosks. Not every traveler has a printer or laptop with them and this can be a very handy service. Some Starwood locations have a business center with free use of a computer and a printer that really sends the message that they care. However, a lot of other properties expect you to pay $10 an hour or more to use this facility (even for casual use).
The business and vacation traveler can be a particularly fickle bunch because they expect a better customer experience when paying over $200 a night. Free internet is expected in all areas of a hotel property and now luxury brands are looking to provide guests with free use of Apple iPads, RIM Playbooks, Smartphone and other devices to their guests that can enhance their stay and bring them back for more.
The Hotel industry has become very social with Expedia and Yelp taking hotel ratings to heart. It’s those like Ivanka (executive vice president ) who really understand the Customer Experience that is bringing customer service in the hotel industry to heart. The Trump Hotel Collection has been offering Facebook reservations for around six months, and Ivanka Trump has been taking advantage of her personality-driven brand. Ivanka is known to tweet out hotel specials to over a million twitter followers. However, she is one of the few Hoteliers that understand how things work. Once a guest makes their Trump Hotel reservations through Facebook, A hotel attaché will call the guest and ask about personal preferences : which newspaper do you prefer?, any special amenities required?, What room temperature do you enjoy? This goes above and beyond exceeding a customer’s expectations and sets the stage for an enhanced Customer Experience. In fact, if you have a small child that needs a crib in the room the crib will even show up with a Teddy Bear. Now that’s creative thinking and a way to exceed a customers expectation. With rooms at the Soho Trump in New York a starting at $399 a night, they are not overpriced because the Westin Hotel charges similar but Ivanka strives to Trump one over the competition.
I personally have stayed over 300 nights in a specific hotel chain if not more and stayed with a specific brand and can only say that only one hotel reached out to me in a very personal and human interactive manner over the past 10 years– that was the Westin Grand Hotel in Vancouver. The Starwood properties group will always send a satisfaction survey out to guests but if you have a bad experience they never acknowledge the concerns that you raise in the survey. So a guest will stop replying to surveys and then change hotel brands to one that cares.
Can it only be that The Westin Grand in Vancouver is a hotel that truly appreciated a repeat customer? Sending emails stating how happy they are that you chose their hotel or even ignoring complaints doesn’t’ count. Starwood does get extra points because the W Hotel and Aloft hotel banners do offer free airline ticket and hotel folio printing in their lobby kiosks. Not every traveler has a printer or laptop with them and this can be a very handy service. Some Starwood locations have a business center with free use of a computer and a printer that really sends the message that they care. However, a lot of other properties expect you to pay $10 an hour or more to use this facility (even for casual use).
The business and vacation traveler can be a particularly fickle bunch because they expect a better customer experience when paying over $200 a night. Free internet is expected in all areas of a hotel property and now luxury brands are looking to provide guests with free use of Apple iPads, RIM Playbooks, Smartphone and other devices to their guests that can enhance their stay and bring them back for more.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Defining Cloud
Defining Cloud
Cloud, Cloud, Cloud it is all about the cloud. Soon Starbucks will be in the Cloud as well (why not many use them to access the cloud with their Wi-Fi enabled Latte)
The heavy internet pundits such as Amazon, EBay, Google and even Salesforce.com deliver computing services to multiple customers simultaneously through the internet. This is considered Cloud Computing.
But what is the Cloud?
Cloud is simply the delivery of IT services on a subscription basis that can be accessed from any Internet connection. (Wired or Wireless) that offers customers the benefits of economies of scale and shared infrastructure.
There are five key elements that define Cloud:
1. Offered ‘as a service’—and ready to use;
-This can be software such as Salesforce.com or Google Maps (SaaS)
-This can be platform as a service such as Google Apps or Microsoft’s Azure (PaaS)
-This can be Infrastructure as a service such as Storage Services (IaaS)
2. Rapidly scalable—available on demand, with the ability to add or remove resources as required;
-Turn up additional services easily without disruption
3. Shared—multiple customers sharing the same resources and underlying infrastructure;
Economies of scale in using services and not having to worry about technology outlay or resource management
4. Pay-per-use—a metered service that can be provided through different pricing plans;
Monthly subscriptions to services
5. Web-enabled—provided using Internet-based technologies
Ability to access services through browsers as opposed to thick or thin clients
Cloud, Cloud, Cloud it is all about the cloud. Soon Starbucks will be in the Cloud as well (why not many use them to access the cloud with their Wi-Fi enabled Latte)
The heavy internet pundits such as Amazon, EBay, Google and even Salesforce.com deliver computing services to multiple customers simultaneously through the internet. This is considered Cloud Computing.
But what is the Cloud?
Cloud is simply the delivery of IT services on a subscription basis that can be accessed from any Internet connection. (Wired or Wireless) that offers customers the benefits of economies of scale and shared infrastructure.
There are five key elements that define Cloud:
1. Offered ‘as a service’—and ready to use;
-This can be software such as Salesforce.com or Google Maps (SaaS)
-This can be platform as a service such as Google Apps or Microsoft’s Azure (PaaS)
-This can be Infrastructure as a service such as Storage Services (IaaS)
2. Rapidly scalable—available on demand, with the ability to add or remove resources as required;
-Turn up additional services easily without disruption
3. Shared—multiple customers sharing the same resources and underlying infrastructure;
Economies of scale in using services and not having to worry about technology outlay or resource management
4. Pay-per-use—a metered service that can be provided through different pricing plans;
Monthly subscriptions to services
5. Web-enabled—provided using Internet-based technologies
Ability to access services through browsers as opposed to thick or thin clients
RIM Playbook First Impressions April 15, 2011
RIM Playbook First Impressions April 15, 2011
I had a chance today to play with the RIM Playbook today for an hour and it’s a very impressive tablet.
Specifications:
Dual Core 1GHZ ARM processor with 1GB of RAM – allows speedy response and the ability to multitask applications.
QNX Neutrino OS – space shuttle software arrives to the tablet market
3 MP front and 5 MP rear Cameras – can shoot HD video
HTML5 Browser – supports Flash (which Apple will not support)
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Network interfaces - Cellular interfaces to come
Security – Tethered to Blackberry Smartphone for access to BES servers.
It definitely has the legendary RIM build quality feeling kind of hefty in your hand, but not heavy, just the feel of a solid built device. The back is rubberized and has a nice grippiness to it. Having a Kindle, I was very comfortable with the size of the unit. The Kindle is plasticky and its back is slippery so one needs to be a little more careful holding it. I do find my iPad to be a different experience to use after using the Kindle to read for a few hours. The iPad is obviously larger and better to read PDF magazines and watch videos. The Playbook was very comfortable to use and actually can slip into my jacket pocket. I think this size is ideal for the busy business user. Naturally, a larger screen version will come to market later this year. The Playbook is a professional grade device in the palm of your hand.
The OS works very well and I did not experience any bugginess but I was limited to the applications on hand in the device. The multitasking works very well. I was able to display a 1080 video to a monitor while surfing the web. No hiccups and the video quality was superb. This is an ideal device for showing videos to customers at the table or with a pocket projector in a boardroom.
The lack of applications is going to be a difficult one at start although there will be the ability to run android applications. However, I think the real true business applications will come about as software developers realize there is a new market to cater to. Sure, Apple has a lot of applications but how many of those are useful and how many of those are real. I do not call a zippo lighter app to be useful at all. I think when the corporate world sees the many gaming apps on the Apple iPad it doesn’t seem to be a true business tool. Remember, Apple has had a 1 year head start so there will be more apps but I think RIM will drive the need for more intelligent applications better suited for the business user. Apps are coming for those that are patient.
The top selling feature I believe the Playbook will bring is the security aspects required for the business community. The safe BES servers are what President Obama uses and have been cleared by all the triple letter agencies. Many corporate IT departments have the BES server so adding on the Playbook application isn’t a big deal. Also RIM will be more open to IT departments than the very closed Apple ecosystem that Steve Jobs invented...
Do not dismiss the Playbook, its an excellent device with a bit of a slow start to get sorted out and the poor press will defiantly bring that up, but RIM has been a very very “Fast follower” I was surprised to see how well of a great job they have done in a short timeframe. RIM has nailed the user experience very nicely and it was a very intuitive experience using the device.
Look at the other manufacturers that are actually now very late to the tablet arena. Motorola Xoom has not taken off, and where is HP’s WebOS tablet? And of course Asus, Dell and the others have not done much lately. It will be an interesting time when these come out and the shoot out begins.
Word to Go Application
This was a very easy app to use and I was able to start taking some notes with it right away. The 7” Playbook makes it easier to take notes while standing as the larger iPad becomes more cumbersome as you do need two hands to hold it.
Speed
The Dual core processor and leaner QNX OS allowed the apps to work very quickly and smoothly. It is very noticable how fast it works. Putting the Samsung TAB beside it is very easy notice how it lagged behind when opening apps and the browser would glitch at times. RIM did a great job in getting the CPU right out of the box. No wonder Apple had to double the speed with their A5 process or in the iPad 2.
Zero Buttons
The QNX software also allows a very simply method of accessing applications. Since it allows multitasking there is no need for the Apple Button. The built in bezel buttons allows swiping to occur fairly easily.
Flash
The ability to view Flash on the web works very well and I had no glitches. I don’t know how important it is to the user but for me it hasn’t been an issue. I am not sure if I will miss it on my iPads.
So RIM has done an excellent job with the Playbook, it does need some work on the application side and its security feature will be a huge selling point for the business community. I think this will be the market that the Playbook will play in as a companion to the Blackberry Smartphone. RIM still has work to do but I would not rule them out or write them off yet.
RIM Playbook or Apple iPad?
Well as an iPad user and iPod Touch user, I am very happy with the Apple tablet and there is some great apps that work on the apple OS only. I also own a Kindle which the 7” screen is a great reader and I find the screen to be easier on my eyes for extended reading. As a business user I think the Playbook will be a great tablet and ion that case my employer can pony up the cash for the tablet so I can pair it with my corporate email address and BES management.
These are all tools that work better for specific applications, more so than others, and the consumer gets to choose which is best for them. Unfortunately, for geeks like me I have to have several devices.
I had a chance today to play with the RIM Playbook today for an hour and it’s a very impressive tablet.
Specifications:
Dual Core 1GHZ ARM processor with 1GB of RAM – allows speedy response and the ability to multitask applications.
QNX Neutrino OS – space shuttle software arrives to the tablet market
3 MP front and 5 MP rear Cameras – can shoot HD video
HTML5 Browser – supports Flash (which Apple will not support)
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Network interfaces - Cellular interfaces to come
Security – Tethered to Blackberry Smartphone for access to BES servers.
It definitely has the legendary RIM build quality feeling kind of hefty in your hand, but not heavy, just the feel of a solid built device. The back is rubberized and has a nice grippiness to it. Having a Kindle, I was very comfortable with the size of the unit. The Kindle is plasticky and its back is slippery so one needs to be a little more careful holding it. I do find my iPad to be a different experience to use after using the Kindle to read for a few hours. The iPad is obviously larger and better to read PDF magazines and watch videos. The Playbook was very comfortable to use and actually can slip into my jacket pocket. I think this size is ideal for the busy business user. Naturally, a larger screen version will come to market later this year. The Playbook is a professional grade device in the palm of your hand.
The OS works very well and I did not experience any bugginess but I was limited to the applications on hand in the device. The multitasking works very well. I was able to display a 1080 video to a monitor while surfing the web. No hiccups and the video quality was superb. This is an ideal device for showing videos to customers at the table or with a pocket projector in a boardroom.
The lack of applications is going to be a difficult one at start although there will be the ability to run android applications. However, I think the real true business applications will come about as software developers realize there is a new market to cater to. Sure, Apple has a lot of applications but how many of those are useful and how many of those are real. I do not call a zippo lighter app to be useful at all. I think when the corporate world sees the many gaming apps on the Apple iPad it doesn’t seem to be a true business tool. Remember, Apple has had a 1 year head start so there will be more apps but I think RIM will drive the need for more intelligent applications better suited for the business user. Apps are coming for those that are patient.
The top selling feature I believe the Playbook will bring is the security aspects required for the business community. The safe BES servers are what President Obama uses and have been cleared by all the triple letter agencies. Many corporate IT departments have the BES server so adding on the Playbook application isn’t a big deal. Also RIM will be more open to IT departments than the very closed Apple ecosystem that Steve Jobs invented...
Do not dismiss the Playbook, its an excellent device with a bit of a slow start to get sorted out and the poor press will defiantly bring that up, but RIM has been a very very “Fast follower” I was surprised to see how well of a great job they have done in a short timeframe. RIM has nailed the user experience very nicely and it was a very intuitive experience using the device.
Look at the other manufacturers that are actually now very late to the tablet arena. Motorola Xoom has not taken off, and where is HP’s WebOS tablet? And of course Asus, Dell and the others have not done much lately. It will be an interesting time when these come out and the shoot out begins.
Word to Go Application
This was a very easy app to use and I was able to start taking some notes with it right away. The 7” Playbook makes it easier to take notes while standing as the larger iPad becomes more cumbersome as you do need two hands to hold it.
Speed
The Dual core processor and leaner QNX OS allowed the apps to work very quickly and smoothly. It is very noticable how fast it works. Putting the Samsung TAB beside it is very easy notice how it lagged behind when opening apps and the browser would glitch at times. RIM did a great job in getting the CPU right out of the box. No wonder Apple had to double the speed with their A5 process or in the iPad 2.
Zero Buttons
The QNX software also allows a very simply method of accessing applications. Since it allows multitasking there is no need for the Apple Button. The built in bezel buttons allows swiping to occur fairly easily.
Flash
The ability to view Flash on the web works very well and I had no glitches. I don’t know how important it is to the user but for me it hasn’t been an issue. I am not sure if I will miss it on my iPads.
So RIM has done an excellent job with the Playbook, it does need some work on the application side and its security feature will be a huge selling point for the business community. I think this will be the market that the Playbook will play in as a companion to the Blackberry Smartphone. RIM still has work to do but I would not rule them out or write them off yet.
RIM Playbook or Apple iPad?
Well as an iPad user and iPod Touch user, I am very happy with the Apple tablet and there is some great apps that work on the apple OS only. I also own a Kindle which the 7” screen is a great reader and I find the screen to be easier on my eyes for extended reading. As a business user I think the Playbook will be a great tablet and ion that case my employer can pony up the cash for the tablet so I can pair it with my corporate email address and BES management.
These are all tools that work better for specific applications, more so than others, and the consumer gets to choose which is best for them. Unfortunately, for geeks like me I have to have several devices.
Location Based Technologies are a Game Changer
Location Based Technologies are a Game Changer
May Smartphone’s and mobile devices (tablets and Netbooks) have built in location based technologies (GPS). This allows the application to know where you are and share that information with other users or local businesses. Look up local restaurants and post reviews after eating or get coupon deals while looking for a place to eat. What is still unexplored may be the gaming application that uses the location information in an interactive way. Regardless, many users use the application to see what their friends in the area are doing and keep in touch that way. Hmmmm looks like Tony is at Thai Magic and Robert is at Wing Machine……OH and that’s interesting my ex-girlfriend is at Wing Machine as well.
Here are a few apps that use location based technologies:
Yelp and Urbanspoon helps you figure out where to eat and review restaurants.
Loopt allows you to see which friends are around you
BrightKite can also manage photos and status updates
Gowalla is a location based travel game that rewards users for visiting different locations
AroundMe helps you find a variety of services, stores, and restaurants near you
Foursquare combines the community features of a good location based social network, with the competitive features of a scavenger hunt
Moximity is a location based app that allows you to connect with friends in your vicinity, and see where they are at the moment.
May Smartphone’s and mobile devices (tablets and Netbooks) have built in location based technologies (GPS). This allows the application to know where you are and share that information with other users or local businesses. Look up local restaurants and post reviews after eating or get coupon deals while looking for a place to eat. What is still unexplored may be the gaming application that uses the location information in an interactive way. Regardless, many users use the application to see what their friends in the area are doing and keep in touch that way. Hmmmm looks like Tony is at Thai Magic and Robert is at Wing Machine……OH and that’s interesting my ex-girlfriend is at Wing Machine as well.
Here are a few apps that use location based technologies:
Yelp and Urbanspoon helps you figure out where to eat and review restaurants.
Loopt allows you to see which friends are around you
BrightKite can also manage photos and status updates
Gowalla is a location based travel game that rewards users for visiting different locations
AroundMe helps you find a variety of services, stores, and restaurants near you
Foursquare combines the community features of a good location based social network, with the competitive features of a scavenger hunt
Moximity is a location based app that allows you to connect with friends in your vicinity, and see where they are at the moment.
Introducing the Apple iPad 2 an IDC Analyst report
This is a reprint of Krista's viewpoint and I am a fan of her work
When the first iPad launched last year, Jobs described it as “magical”. So does that label apply to the iPad 2? It’s always a tough act to follow the wonderment of the first born child. In this case, iPad 2 has some incremental features and functionality that set it apart from the first version, including:
• Rear facing HD camera, and front facing VGA camera
• 33 per cent thinner 8.8mm (13.4mm)
• 15 per cent lighter: 1.3 pounds (vs. 1.5 pounds)
• Two colours – black and white
• Up to 2x faster CPU and up to 9x faster graphics
• Dual core processors
• 3-axis gyroscopes (aids in gesture-based actions, navigation and gaming)
• Running iOS 4.3
These features will also help the iPad 2 remain competitive with the competition that will be in the market in 2011, and will have many features and functions that were missing in the first iPad. Samsung, Motorola, RIM, and others are not in the market yet, but have been announced and expected to launch in 2011.
Related stories
Although bleeding edge adopters bought their iPad’s not even 1 year ago (iPad was first available in Canada end of May, 2010) some may still pass on their existing ‘old’ technology to kids – parents or friends and opt for the latest and greatest. Other early adopters may put off purchasing a new iPad so soon, and wait for the iPad 3, for which rumors have already begun. Why? iPad 2 may not have enough of the “magic” for some existing iPad owners to upgrade just yet. The iOS upgrade that was made available recently could provide enough added functionality such as multitasking to hold off until the 3rd version of iPad. And while the devices are affordable at a starting price of CAN$549, they still put a dent in the wallet.
So how will Apple succeed with iPad 2? By continuing to build on its economies of scale that it holds over other vendors in the market. Apple’s brand and loyal following of customers will also help drive sales, but arguably the most important factor longer term will be its ecosystem – the community of developers and hence, the 350,000 plus apps it has available to run on its mobile devices and over 65,000 native apps for iPad, increasing its value to the end user.
There is room for competition for those vendors focused on niche markets. RIM is well positioned to win the hearts of business users in Canada who are already invested in BlackBerry devices, and trust the security inherent in RIM’s devices and brand name. Apple’s iPad2 does not support flash either, impacting the user experience while Web browsing, and opening the door for competitors. There were also some issues with iPads being returned recently due to the touch screens acting up. Customers may dismiss that as part of the bleeding edge experience and working out the bugs, or it could impact their next media tablet selection. As for the old inventory, it’s expected to come down in price to help clear shelves, while the new devices will maintain the same price structure as before.
iPad 2′s incremental features will help keep the momentum going and drive continued adoption and mindshare among early adopters and the mainstream alike… at least until Apple comes out with another magical surprise. Abracadabra!
Krista Napier, is an IDC Canada senior analyst specializing in Canadian emerging technology
When the first iPad launched last year, Jobs described it as “magical”. So does that label apply to the iPad 2? It’s always a tough act to follow the wonderment of the first born child. In this case, iPad 2 has some incremental features and functionality that set it apart from the first version, including:
• Rear facing HD camera, and front facing VGA camera
• 33 per cent thinner 8.8mm (13.4mm)
• 15 per cent lighter: 1.3 pounds (vs. 1.5 pounds)
• Two colours – black and white
• Up to 2x faster CPU and up to 9x faster graphics
• Dual core processors
• 3-axis gyroscopes (aids in gesture-based actions, navigation and gaming)
• Running iOS 4.3
These features will also help the iPad 2 remain competitive with the competition that will be in the market in 2011, and will have many features and functions that were missing in the first iPad. Samsung, Motorola, RIM, and others are not in the market yet, but have been announced and expected to launch in 2011.
Related stories
Although bleeding edge adopters bought their iPad’s not even 1 year ago (iPad was first available in Canada end of May, 2010) some may still pass on their existing ‘old’ technology to kids – parents or friends and opt for the latest and greatest. Other early adopters may put off purchasing a new iPad so soon, and wait for the iPad 3, for which rumors have already begun. Why? iPad 2 may not have enough of the “magic” for some existing iPad owners to upgrade just yet. The iOS upgrade that was made available recently could provide enough added functionality such as multitasking to hold off until the 3rd version of iPad. And while the devices are affordable at a starting price of CAN$549, they still put a dent in the wallet.
So how will Apple succeed with iPad 2? By continuing to build on its economies of scale that it holds over other vendors in the market. Apple’s brand and loyal following of customers will also help drive sales, but arguably the most important factor longer term will be its ecosystem – the community of developers and hence, the 350,000 plus apps it has available to run on its mobile devices and over 65,000 native apps for iPad, increasing its value to the end user.
There is room for competition for those vendors focused on niche markets. RIM is well positioned to win the hearts of business users in Canada who are already invested in BlackBerry devices, and trust the security inherent in RIM’s devices and brand name. Apple’s iPad2 does not support flash either, impacting the user experience while Web browsing, and opening the door for competitors. There were also some issues with iPads being returned recently due to the touch screens acting up. Customers may dismiss that as part of the bleeding edge experience and working out the bugs, or it could impact their next media tablet selection. As for the old inventory, it’s expected to come down in price to help clear shelves, while the new devices will maintain the same price structure as before.
iPad 2′s incremental features will help keep the momentum going and drive continued adoption and mindshare among early adopters and the mainstream alike… at least until Apple comes out with another magical surprise. Abracadabra!
Krista Napier, is an IDC Canada senior analyst specializing in Canadian emerging technology
Protect your PBX From Hackers and Phreakers!
Theft of long distance service, telecommunications services and toll fraud come in many different forms. Understanding your telecommunications system and the techniques used by the criminals are key to limiting your vulnerability to this type of crime.
1. Learn about your telecommunications system:
• know the safeguards, the inherent defenses and security features;
• determine the vulnerabilities;
• ensure staff are trained in safeguards and procedures.
2. Know the access paths that open doors to fraud:
• Direct Inward System Access (DISA);
• Voice-Mail System;
• Remote System Administration (Maintenance Ports);
• Direct Inward Dialing;
• Tie Trunks and Tandem Network Services;
• Modems.
3. Monitor and analyze your systems information:
• Study call detail records and review billing records (exception reports may provide a warning sign);
• Know calling patterns and review them;
• Review voice-mail reports;
• Monitor valid and invalid calling attempts whenever possible.
4. Know the signs of a security breach:
• Complaints that the system is always busy;
• Sudden changes in normal calling patterns such as increases in wrong number calls or silent hang-ups, night, weekend and holiday traffic, 800 and WATS calls, international calling, and odd calls (i.e. crank/obscene calls);
• Toll calls originating in voice-mail;
• Long holding times;
• Unexplained 900 (Chat Line) calls;
• High tolls for any unauthorized trunk extension.
5. Secure your System(s):
System configuration:
• Restrict access to specific times (business hours) & limit calling ranges;
• Block all toll calls at night, on weekends and on holidays;
• Restrict call forwarding to local calls only;
• Block all 10XXXX calling from your PBX if this service is not necessary
• Block, limit access or Require attendant assistance to overseas calls;
• Establish policies on accepting collect calls and providing access to outside lines;
• Educate switchboard operators and employees about "social engineering" (i.e. con- artists trying to obtain calling access or transfers through a PBX);
• Secure equipment rooms (lock up all telephone equipment & wiring frames);
PBX (Private Branch Exchange) and DISA (Direct Inward System Access):
• Change default codes after installation of new equipment;
• Never publish DISA telephone numbers;
• Change your DISA access telephone number periodically;
• Issue a different DISA authorization code for all users and Warn DISA users not to write them down;
• Do not use sequential access numbers;
• Use longer DISA codes (minimum 7-9 digits) and change the codes regularly;
• Disconnect telephone extensions that are not in use;
• Restrict DISA access at night, weekends and on holidays (Prime time for fraud);
• Block or restrict overseas access;
• Program your system to answer with silence after five or six rings (Hackers look for systems that answer with a steady tone)
• Identify invalid access attempts to your DISA and route them to an operator;
• Implement DISA ports that drop the line when an invalid code is entered;
• Program your PBX to generate an alarm when an unusual number of invalid attempts are made, and to disable the port after a set number of invalid attempts.
Voice-Mail Systems
• Establish controlled procedures to set and reset passwords;
• Change passwords regularly;
• Use maximum length passwords for system manager box & maintenance ports;
• Prohibit the use of trivial, simple passwords (i.e. 222, 123, your last name, etc.);
• Limit the number of consecutive log-in attempts to five or less;
• Change all factory installed passwords;
• Block access to long distance trunking facilities, and collect call options on the auto attendant;
• Block or preferably Delete all inactive mailboxes;
• Limit your out-calling;
• In systems that allow callers to transfer to other extensions, block any digits that hackers could use to get outside lines, especially trunk access codes;
• Conduct routine reviews of the status of your system and system usage.
Remote Access Ports
• Block access to remote maintenance ports and system administration ports;
• Use maximum length access codes and change them regularly.
Modems
• Use maximum length passwords and change frequently;
• Eliminate three-way calling on all extensions used with modems;
• Disconnect modems that are not in use.
1. Learn about your telecommunications system:
• know the safeguards, the inherent defenses and security features;
• determine the vulnerabilities;
• ensure staff are trained in safeguards and procedures.
2. Know the access paths that open doors to fraud:
• Direct Inward System Access (DISA);
• Voice-Mail System;
• Remote System Administration (Maintenance Ports);
• Direct Inward Dialing;
• Tie Trunks and Tandem Network Services;
• Modems.
3. Monitor and analyze your systems information:
• Study call detail records and review billing records (exception reports may provide a warning sign);
• Know calling patterns and review them;
• Review voice-mail reports;
• Monitor valid and invalid calling attempts whenever possible.
4. Know the signs of a security breach:
• Complaints that the system is always busy;
• Sudden changes in normal calling patterns such as increases in wrong number calls or silent hang-ups, night, weekend and holiday traffic, 800 and WATS calls, international calling, and odd calls (i.e. crank/obscene calls);
• Toll calls originating in voice-mail;
• Long holding times;
• Unexplained 900 (Chat Line) calls;
• High tolls for any unauthorized trunk extension.
5. Secure your System(s):
System configuration:
• Restrict access to specific times (business hours) & limit calling ranges;
• Block all toll calls at night, on weekends and on holidays;
• Restrict call forwarding to local calls only;
• Block all 10XXXX calling from your PBX if this service is not necessary
• Block, limit access or Require attendant assistance to overseas calls;
• Establish policies on accepting collect calls and providing access to outside lines;
• Educate switchboard operators and employees about "social engineering" (i.e. con- artists trying to obtain calling access or transfers through a PBX);
• Secure equipment rooms (lock up all telephone equipment & wiring frames);
PBX (Private Branch Exchange) and DISA (Direct Inward System Access):
• Change default codes after installation of new equipment;
• Never publish DISA telephone numbers;
• Change your DISA access telephone number periodically;
• Issue a different DISA authorization code for all users and Warn DISA users not to write them down;
• Do not use sequential access numbers;
• Use longer DISA codes (minimum 7-9 digits) and change the codes regularly;
• Disconnect telephone extensions that are not in use;
• Restrict DISA access at night, weekends and on holidays (Prime time for fraud);
• Block or restrict overseas access;
• Program your system to answer with silence after five or six rings (Hackers look for systems that answer with a steady tone)
• Identify invalid access attempts to your DISA and route them to an operator;
• Implement DISA ports that drop the line when an invalid code is entered;
• Program your PBX to generate an alarm when an unusual number of invalid attempts are made, and to disable the port after a set number of invalid attempts.
Voice-Mail Systems
• Establish controlled procedures to set and reset passwords;
• Change passwords regularly;
• Use maximum length passwords for system manager box & maintenance ports;
• Prohibit the use of trivial, simple passwords (i.e. 222, 123, your last name, etc.);
• Limit the number of consecutive log-in attempts to five or less;
• Change all factory installed passwords;
• Block access to long distance trunking facilities, and collect call options on the auto attendant;
• Block or preferably Delete all inactive mailboxes;
• Limit your out-calling;
• In systems that allow callers to transfer to other extensions, block any digits that hackers could use to get outside lines, especially trunk access codes;
• Conduct routine reviews of the status of your system and system usage.
Remote Access Ports
• Block access to remote maintenance ports and system administration ports;
• Use maximum length access codes and change them regularly.
Modems
• Use maximum length passwords and change frequently;
• Eliminate three-way calling on all extensions used with modems;
• Disconnect modems that are not in use.
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