Aug
31
This week we have Michael Montgomery, President of Montgomery & Co. For more information, show notes, and an upcoming schedule, go to www.thisweekin.com. For detailed shownotes check out Mark Suster’s blog post www.bothsidesofthetable.com If you don’t know Montgomery & Co it is one of the premier technology & media focused investment banks in the country (and as Michael corrected me they also have a strong Healthcare / Med tech practice). For entrepreneurs who want to learn about how to work with investment banks, how to position yourself to be acquired and what the IPO markets look like this is the episode to watch. Michael is a very accomplished corporate executive in his own right having run Sega Gameworks and helped IPO EuroDisney as well as having been on the founding team of DreamWorks SKG (where he helped them raise their first $900 million in equity). Shame they didn’t like his suggested name for the company: DreamWorks SKG-MM We discussed: 1. The Montgomery Conference: one of the top technology events of the annual calendar in the United States and held every March. The importance of the conference is that it assembles most of the top privately held early-to-mid-stage technology companies in the country (and some globally) as well as most VC’s, growth equity funds and corporate development departments from large industry players looking at technology acquisitions. You have to be selected to present and it is typically reserved for companies that have already …
Aug
26
Science & Technology
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The governments of India and Sri Lanka recently signed an agreement on cooperation in the fields of science and technology considering that the development of scientific and technical relations shall be of mutual benefit to both countries.
Accordingly the two countries in accordance with national laws and regulations would exchange scientists, research workers, technologists, specialists, scholars, scientific and technical information and documentation.
Also arrangements would be made to organize bilateral scientific and technical seminars, workshops and courses on problems of interest to both countries.
This agreement would also facilitate with the training of young scientific workers by granting fellowships on the basis of exchange, joint identification of the potential for research cooperation stemming from scientific and technical challenges in trade and industry, including joint research projects, exchange of experience and know-how, organization of exhibitions demonstrating the achievements of both countries in the field of science and technology, etc.
Picture shows the two ministers signing the agreement
The Science & Technology Ministers of the SEARO region met for the first time recently in New Delhi. The objective of this meeting was to bring the benefits of science and technology to the people of SAARC and to strengthen the regional cooperation in the area of science and technology through focused collaboration in prioritized sectors which clear modalities for implementation.
The SAARC countries recognize that South Asia is host to one of the largest pools of scientific and technological manpower skills and local talent in the region which enabled the region to reap the benefits of Green Revolution, White Revolution, the IT Revolution and the Micro-Credit-Grameen Bank Revolution.
The countries recognize the importance of science and technology in the daily lives of the people of South Asia and are aware of the need for development of scientific temper for dealing with developmental challenges in the region. They believe that the SAARC community should actively cooperate to improve capacity in science and technology in evolving science and technology advantaged countries in the region.
The best way of doing so is strengthening intra-regional cooperation in science and technology through establishment of a virtual SAARC technology information web portal on a voluntary basis and through organization of SAARC seminars on issues of current relevance such as renewable energy, solid waste management and water treatment and sanitation.
Picture shows the SEARO region Science & Technology Ministers and senior officials. The meeting held for two days and on the first day the senior officials met and the following day the Ministers met.
Sent by Manjari Peiris
Aug
21
Wi-fi Technology
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Wi-Fi Technology
Written By
Tamoor Akbar
(National Textile University,Pakistan)
October2008
What is WiFi ?
Wi-Fi is new technology enabling images from a computer to be transmitted to the projector without a hard-wire connection. Hence the use of a VGA cable to connect the computer and the projector is no longer required.
Why Wi-Fi?
The purpose of Wi-Fi is to hide complexity by enabling wireless access to applications and data, media and streams. The main aims of Wi-Fi are the following:
make access to information easier ensure compatibility and co-existence of devices eliminate cabling and wiring eliminate switches, adapters, plugs, pins and connectors.
How wi-Fi works?
It uses a new technology, which for the purpose of transmission of information over greater distances. Put simply, WiFi can transmit information up to ten times faster than Bluetooth, and up to six times further than Bluetooth.WiFi networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11b or 802.11a to transmit data from the internet connection to the host computer (e.g. your laptop). These technologies provide reliable and fast wireless connectivity and to some degree a level of security (to be addressed below). A Wi-Fi network can be used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wired networks.
Wi-Fi networks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, with an 11 Mbps (802.11b) or 54 Mbps (802.11a) data rate or with products that contain both bands (dual band), so they can provide real-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernet networks used in many offices
Elements of a WI-FI Network
• Access Point (AP) - The AP is a wireless LAN transceiver or “base station” that can connect one or many wireless devices simultaneously to the Internet.
• Wi-Fi cards - They accept the wireless signal and relay information.They can be internal and external.(e.g PCMCIA Card for Laptop and PCI Card for Desktop PC)
• Safeguards - Firewalls and anti-virus software protect networks from uninvited users and keep information secure.
Limitations
• Interference
• Degradation in performance
• High power consumption
• Limited range
Uses
· Wi-Fi enabled device such as a PC, game console, mobile phone, MP3 player or PDA can connect to the Internet when within range of a wireless network connected to the Internet. The coverage of one or more interconnected access points — called a hotspot — can comprise an area as small as a single room with wireless-opaque walls or as large as many square miles covered by overlapping access points. Wi-Fi technology has served to set up mesh networks,
· In addition to restricted use in homes and offices, Wi-Fi can make access publicly available at Wi-Fi hotspots provided either free of charge or to subscribers to various providers. Organizations and businesses such as airports, hotels and restaurants often provide free hotspots to attract or assist clients. Enthusiasts or authorities who wish to provide services or even to promote business in a given area sometimes provide free Wi-Fi access. Metropolitan-wide Wi-Fi (Muni-Fi) already has more than 300 projects in process.[2] There were 879 Wi-Fi based Wireless Internet service providers in the Czech Republic as of May 2008.
· Wi-Fi also allows connectivity in peer-to-peer (wireless ad-hoc network) mode, which enables devices to connect directly with each other. This connectivity mode can prove useful in consumer electronics and gaming applications.
· Many consumer devices use Wi-Fi. Amongst others, personal computers can network to each other and connect to the Internet, mobile computers can connect to the Internet from any Wi-Fi hotspot, and digital cameras can transfer images wirelessly.
· One can also connect Wi-Fi devices in ad-hoc mode for client-to-client connections without a router.
In wake of recent mining tragedies, some technology companies have suggested extension of wireless real-time location technology using WiFi networks to pinpoint miners trapped underground – a solution that could save lives in the future.
Wi-Fi technology has spread widely within business and industrial sites. In business environments, just like other environments, increasing the number of Wi-Fi access-points provides redundancy, support for fast roaming and increased overall network-capacity by using more channels or by defining smaller cells. Wi-Fi enables wireless voice-applications (VoWLAN or WVOIP). Over the years, Wi-Fi implementations have moved toward “thin” access-points, with more of the network intelligence housed in a centralized network appliance, relegating individual access-points to the role of mere “dumb” radios. Outdoor applications may utilize true mesh topologies. As of 2007 Wi-Fi installations can provide a secure computer networking gateway, firewall, DHCP server, intrusion detection system, and other functions.
Growth of Wi-Fi technology in some previous years clearly shows Wi-Fi will cannibalize all other wireless technologies.We can say “the future is of Wi-Fi”.
Aug
20
DEMO 07: ZINK Imaging,LLC. – ZINK Digital Imaging Technology
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ZINK (Zero ink) Imaging has invented a new way to print and experience full-color digital images without ink cartridges or ribbons. A radically simple approach to printing, ZINK Digital Imaging Technology embeds color-dye crystals into ZINK paper for affordable, durable and highquality prints. The first products using ZINK technology will enable printing where it has never before been possible, in the pocket of every camera-phone and digital-camera user. DEMO is the premier launch venue for new products, technologies, and companies. The nation’s top technology executives and IT professionals, venture capitalists, business development executives, journalists and analysts attend DEMO to get the first look at the emerging products and services that will ignite the technology landscape and challenge the status quo.
Aug
16
How Media Technology Can Enrich our Lives
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Without a doubt, the rapidly advancing media technology in todayâs day and age can most certainly enrich our everyday lives here living in the United States of America. There are many examples that are already quite commonplace in our society, and no doubt there will be some technology developed in the near future that we canât even imagine as of right now. But indeed, one does not have to look far in order to see some examples of how media technology is already enriching our everyday lives.
GPS: Many people now have GPS navigation systems installed in their car â technology that was unheard of only fifteen to twenty years ago. Gone are the days of flipping through the awkwardly-sized road atlas as you are trying to drive down the road. Now all you have to do is type in your destination, and a computer voice will guide you right to the spot. You can even get real time road and construction information, as well as any breaking news in the area through your GPS. All of these features and more make GPS systems well worth their money, and a form of new media technology that is catching on quite quickly and gaining in popularity.
Touch screen monitors: Touch screens have been in place for years all around the country. Many cash registers have converted to touch screen technology, and more recently, touch screen technology has now made its way into the homes of normal, average computer users all around the country. Using a touch screen, you can accomplish tasks much quicker on a computer than you ever could before â everything is literally right in front of your eyes and right underneath your fingertips for the easiest access ever.
HDTV: High-definition technology is a brand new form of television broadcast, and probably the newest form of media technology that is out there on the market today. Through the use of HD broadcasting and HD signals, television channels are broadcast with stunning clarity and an in-depth sound that has never been heard before. Combine this with the latest in plasma television and include a surround sound theatre system, and you are all set.
The United States government is even embracing the media technology that is HDTV; so much so that they have required that all television signals and broadcasts be in high definition by February of 2009. For those of you with older television sets that only work with an analog signal, you are going to have to get a converter box, or else you will have no television reception whatsoever. According to the United States government, this is a matter of national security â the television is needed to relay information to the general public in the event that an emergency is taking place.
If you are not receiving a television signal however, this information will never find its way to you and as a result, you could miss out on some important precautions or instructions. In an attempt to avoid this problem, the government is issuing vouchers which can save you some money when purchasing an HDTV converter box.
For more information on media technology, visit http://www.onlinemediatechnology.com/
Aug
11
Discover The Power Of Kaizen For Personal & Business Success
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www.MindsetAndMarketing.com http Jason Okuma conducts another one of his ‘PRIVATE’ Interviews Behind Closed Doors with a Young, Powerful, Japanese Business Man Who Exposes The Secret Principle of KAIZEN! Learn How To Dominate Any Industry Worldwide Using This Sacred Principle… In this Golden Interview, Jason Okuma Exposes How Japanese Giants have used the Power of Kaizen to Dominate and take over Industries around the Globe Including the Automobile and Technology Industries, and how YOU can apply these simple principles to YOUR Personal Life and Business to Achieve Success As Well! Just look at what the US Car Manufacturers are going through right now and observe where the Japanese Car Manufacturers are right now…..The Power and Application of Kaizen Speaks for itself. Many Personal Development, Self Improvement, Personal Growth Teachers such as Tony Robbins, Bob Proctor, Jim Rhone, Zig Ziglar, Les Brown, Robert Kiyosaki, Mark Victor Hansen, Jack Canfield, John Assaraf, and the many others out there all speak of this concept and it’s effectiveness in other forms. In this Exclusive Video, You will Hear From One of Japan’s Top Technology Experts who personally applies Kaizen in his life and businesses. You will discover: 1. What Kaizen Is 2. How to Apply Kaizen 3. Why is Kaizen so Effective You’ll be shocked at what you will learn….and how simple this teaching really is. Jason Okuma’s Passion for Empowering And Inspiring other Driven, Success Mindset Super Achievers …
Aug
6
5 Tips to Understanding Audio Visual Technology
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Audio visual technology can be extremely beneficial in most environments, it can cut costs and help improve productivity because at the end of the day, it’s all about improving communications. In order to utilize AV technology, you must understand it.
Video Conferencing:
Video conferencing is one of the most effective ways to cut costs and improve productivity. Face to face communications is often needed to strengthen business relations but if your client isn’t local this may cause problems. Video conferencing is not a new technology but it is becoming more advanced and more affordable. An important half an hour meeting at the other end of the country can easily consume a whole day in travel alone, a video conference maybe just as effective and consume just a fraction of the resources. Video conferencing can also help improve communications in-house, particularly if an organisation has several offices, although telephone conferencing may be more acceptable in this circumstance, video conferencing can offer several advantages over telephone conferences including the ability to make presentations.
Digital Signage:
Digital signage is similar to video conferencing in that it is still communicating through a visual tool except digital signage is just one way. This can also be a highly effective tool. A reception area of an organisation may have a plasma or LCD screen displaying a welcome message and information about that organisation. A call centre providing services for several organisations may have screens to display stats like call waiting times etc. An organisation that has several screens throughout the offices can be handed over to the CEO to deliver important messages or presentations to the employees.
Costs:
Although new technology is often associated with a high price tag, this is not necessarily the case with AV technology. When you think of your return on investment, how much is the time you spend traveling to meetings worth to you and your organisation? How effective is your current form of mass communication to your employees or customers? If you just need AV technology as a one off, for a trade show for example, it may prove more cost effective to rent the required technology through a trusted event management company.
AV Specialists:
Like any industry you’re not sure of, it can be difficult to know whom to trust. Although there is no required accreditation scheme in the UK, an organisation in America called InfoComm, the have an accreditation system called Certified Audio Visual Solutions Provider (CAVSP), most reputable AV specialists in the UK have gained accreditation from this scheme, which assigns either a bronze, silver or gold level to their certificates. As with any new supplier, check for references, they should be proud to show examples of their previous work. Make sure they provide a full service. Although you can buy audio visual solutions over the internet, a specialist AV supplier or consultant will be able to understand exactly what you want to achieve from your new technology and design and build a system around that need. They will then integrate and project manage that system for you as well as providing any after care needed. Although you can buy your new technology in box form or over the Internet and it maybe initially cheaper, your long term ROI would benefit from an AV specialist.
Future:
One of the biggest worries an organisation might have when it comes to investing in any new technology is its shelf life. With new technology being developed all the time how do you know your new technology won’t be obsolete tomorrow? The best way to combat this is research, if you employ an AV consultant it’s their job to not only know today’s market inside out but tomorrow’s market too. The market is expanding, nowadays web cams are commonplace in the home, and the Internet is not only expanding the market in general but is developing global collaboration too.
Reflex are AV specalists and have been designing and integrating audio visual control systems for over 25 years we can provide for all your audio visual system design needs.
Aug
5
Getting Started in the Field of Cardiovascular Technology
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The number of positions available in health care fields is growing rapidly â including cardiovascular technology jobs. Jobs in cardiovascular technology are those in which people assist physicians and other medical professionals in matters related to the heart and circulatory system. Unlike many positions in the field of medicine however, cardiovascular technology training can be completed in two years.
Those who work at Cardiovascular Technology jobs assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions and disorders of the blood and circulation. Jobs in cardiovascular technology fall into one of three major areas: invasive cardiology, echocardiography, and vascular technology.
One of the more interesting cardiovascular jobs is that of a cardiovascular technician. Students who undergo cardiovascular technology training in this particular field learn to administer electrocardiograms (EKGs) and stress tests as well as Holter monitors.
At cardiovascular technology schools, students also learn how to prepare patients for cardiac catheterization and balloon angioplasty. In cardiovascular careers, trained medical professionals monitor blood pressure and heart rate, using EKG equipment in the course of examinations as well as during major surgery.
Another interesting choice among the many cardiovascular technology jobs is that of diagnostic medical sonographer. These workers use ultrasound technology in order to conduct noninvasive examinations of the heart. The instrument scans the patientâs heart with sound waves, providing a picture of conditions inside the heart. As a sonographer, you would need to be able to explain the procedure to the patient, program the equipment and record results.
Cardiovascular technology education may take place online as well as at a traditional brick and mortar school. By preparing for a cardiovascular career over the Internet, youâll be able to fit most of the coursework around your own schedule â and many courses can be taken at your own pace. Later, when you come to a point in your cardiovascular training that requires actual hands-on clinical experience, the online school can arrange this at a local hospital or other medical treatment facility.
Because the American population is growing older in general and because heart conditions are more common in older people, the job outlook for cardiovascular technology careers is promising. Cardiovascular technology jobs pay between $28,000 and $50,000 per year, depending on experience, location and job settings. About 75% of these jobs are in hospitals; the remainder are in the offices of physicians and other medical facilities. Cardiovascular training programs are offered online through many major accredited universities and colleges across the U.S. and Canada.
Susan Slobac returned to school for Cardiovascular Technology training, upon completion she was was able to enter the field and start her Cardiovascular Technology career. Susan enjoys her job in Cardiovascular Technology and shares her insights into what Cardiovascular Technology schools require and what you can expect from Cardiovascular Technology jobs.
Aug
1
The Importance of Technology In Business
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A June 23, 2005 news release from the Office of Advocacy, U.S. Small Business Administration, states that home computer owners are slightly more likely to be business owners than non-computer owners. This report reveals that technology and computing has become an inseparable ingredient in the business world today.
The Computer Trend – A Brief History
The last two decades have marked an enormous increase in the number of home computers. With it, computer owners have invariably taken to entrepreneurship in many varied fields. Thanks to the growth of technology, computers and the Internet, new methods have been developed for processing everyday business activities easily. Without the advent of technology, routine tasks would otherwise have taken and enormous amount of time and specialization. Undoubtedly, the computer represents the top technology development in the last century as it relates to businesses today, both large and small. Advances in the field of technology have created a vast number of business opportunities.
Some Statistics
In 2003, the U.S. Small Business Administration produced a report/survey that established conclusively that more than 75% of small businesses owned computers and had heavily invested in new technology. Let us try to understand what the computers mean to businesses and how they contribute to increase their productivity.
USE OF COMPUTERS IN BUSINESSES
The fundamental reasons for the popularity of computers with small businesses are their efficiency, speed, low procurement cost and more than anything else, capability to handle multiple tasks with little chance for error.
Office Routines: Almost invariably, businesses loaded with the burden of increasing workloads and the pressures of being lean and mean, fall back upon technology for most of their administrative tasks. This work includes, among others, bookkeeping, inventory managing and email. The advent of the Internet has also substantially contributed in bringing down the costs of communication and marketing. In a nutshell, technology has reduced the overall cost of business operations.
New Business Opportunities: The explosion of Internet and e-commerce has opened up a plethora of opportunities for all types of businesses. New management methodologies, such as Six Sigma are easier to implement due to statistical software. Also, companies are able to train their own employees using in-house Six Sigma software programs, and as a result, save money on labor costs.
It is now possible to have many business functions operate on autopilot. This has opened up new opportunities for software development companies and business consultants. Another business trend that has opened up as a result of advancing technology is outsourcing. It is now possible for a company in America to have its data entry and customer service centers in overseas countries such as the UK. In this way, companies can service their customers 24/7.
Indispensable Components of Small Businesses
It is difficult to think of a situation where businesses can do without technology and computers today. It is extremely difficult to say whether businesses depend on computers or computers created business opportunities.
Software Specific To Small Businesses
Certain powerful, yet simple software has come to the rescue of small businesses in reducing their tasks and opening up new channels. Simple applications like spreadsheets and word processing helps them maintain accounts, finances and keep track of correspondence. These applications allow the users to customize reports and other functions to suit their particular business.
Drawbacks
Both men and women in business have adapted successfully to new technology. But the SBA report cites the general decline in skill levels of people, which may eventually result in an overall reduction of income levels. It seems that people get used to technology doing all the work and tend to neglect their skill development. It is up to individual companies to make sure that their employees are still able to do crucial tasks without the assistance of computers, if necessary.
Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution’s Six Sigma Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.
Jul
30
BRAVIA televisions compared UK and US?
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I was dead cert on buying the Sony Bravia KDL40×2000 tv until i heard of the new range coming out next month (sept07) that, like the D series, run at 100hz but with 1080p… these tv’s are gonna be awesome… so i was happy to wait.
But then, somehow, cant remember how, i ended up on the sony US site to see the XBR models (XBR5 in particular) which is nothing short of amazing… moreso then the new range coming out in the UK… check this out….
The XBR5 has 3 HDMI ports, 120hz(!!!), Full 1080p and 24p (this is gonna be a future proof spec) and a dozen other specs that leave our top end sony in the dust…. all that AND this LCD TV is only 3000dollors (about 1500quid!!! the x series we offer is currently about 1800quid and much worse in specs) AND is available now….
I know to most this may be a geeky post… but those who are passionate about technology must be as rattled as me….
does anyone know the pros/cons and possibilities of ordering one from the states to the UK??