Wisconsin native Marc Andreessen (now living comfortably in Silicon Valley) participated in a Washington Post online chat yesterday. Andreessen discussed the tech business, new software tools, P2P/distributing information and open source software. He also touches on John Kerry’s statements on globalization and midwest manufacturing: “it’s not coming back”. A useful read.
Category: Technology
Practical Superconductors
Big Telco Stifling True Broadband
Dan Gillmor writes about Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg remarks on broadband consolidation at the current D conference.
But he reverted to form, pretty much insisting that Verizon would reserve the right to discriminate on what gets delivered, and at what speed, on the lines and networks it controls.
Residential internet users should, like those in Japan and Korea have much faster broadband connections at attractive prices. Current US dsl and cable options are quite slow compared to what’s readily available in other countries (speeds to 20mbps and beyond vs dsl at 768kbps).
Here’s an economic development issue, if there ever was one. I mentioned this issue to then candidate Jim Doyle some time ago……
Bio 2004
Bio 2004 is underway in San Francisco. Wisconsin, like many other states/government bodies, has a pavilion.
The exhibitor list is here. This list, with numerous government bodies illustrates the great temptation that states provide narrowly focused tax incentives, as discussed here recently.
In the end, these conferences can suffer from “increasing returns“, because the Kansas Biosciences Association, among many others are exhibiting (in the Kansas Pavilion), so too must the Illinois Farm Bureau, and many, many others.
Iowa Electronic Markets are Open
The Iowa Electronic Market began its 2004 Presidential Market yesterday. Right now, Bush is ahead of Kerry.
Government Data Mining
Barry Steinhardt referenced today’s GAO Report on Government Data Mining (full report – PDF) – (Highlights PDF). Steinhardt mentions four programs of special concern:
- Verity K2 Enterprise – Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). Mines data “to identify foreign terrorists or U.S. citizens connected to foreign terrorism activities.” (Page 30 of GAO report)
- Analyst Notebook I2 – Department of Homeland Security. “Correlates events and people to specific information.” (p. 44)
- PATHFINDER – DIA. “Can compare and search multiple large databases quickly” and “analyze government and private sector databases.” (p. 30)
- Case Management Data Mart – DHS. “Assists in managing law enforcement cases” Using private-sector data. (p. 44)
Wired 40
From Wired: They are masters of innovation, technology, and strategic vision: 40 companies driving the global economy.
Old-school business types found some solace in the bust – at least the upstarts got their comeuppance. Hardly! With the economy finally perking up, newcomers are running the show: Three of the top five companies in this year’s Wired 40, our annual list of enterprises leading the charge toward a connected global economy, were founded in the past decade. One-third are less than 20 years old.
This year’s list reflects the churn we’ve come to expect in the tech economy. Only nine selections appeared on the original list back in 1998. Still, the criteria for inclusion remain unchanged. These 40 leaders have demonstrated an uncommon mastery of technology, innovation, globalism, networked communication, and strategic vision – skills essential to thriving in the information age.
Monsanto vs. Saskatoon Farmer
Interesting intellectual property case: Monsanto went to court to stop a Saskatchewan farmer from replanting genetically modified canola seeds (without payment of an annual license fee). Wired News | NY Times.
Open Secrets, Fundrace & the donor class
Tom McNichol discusses fundrace.org, a web site that follows political money to your front door. www.opensecrets.org is another great resource, to keep up with the donor class.
Use the internet to be active and informed!
Does IT Matter?
Nicholas Carr’s recent controversial book explains how technological, economic, and competitive forces are combining to transform the role information technology plays in business, with profound implications for IT management and investment as well as strategy and organization.
I witnessed the dual edged nature of IT firsthand early Tuesday morning. My delayed flight landed at 2:10a.m…… I walked to the Hertz counter where some very tired folks were scrambling to deal with their customers (including me). I generally just grab the express package and go. Murphy, as always, showed up. The Hertz computers were down. Therefore, the Hertz employees resorted to conventional paper contracts (filled out by hand). They clearly had not done this in awhile (if ever). 30 minutes later, I walked to my car (now 2:40a.m.)
We take so much for granted.