Friday 27 February 2009

Facebook to let users give input on policies

Interesting to note the power of customers who at the same time they are suppliers. Facebook like many other networking sites has been developed by its customers who create applications etc.

Facebook to let users give input on policies

By BARBARA ORTUTAY – 1 hour ago
NEW YORK (AP) — Facebook is trying its hand at democracy. The fast-growing online hangout, whose more than 175 million worldwide users could form the world's sixth-largest country behind Brazil, said Thursday that those users will play a "meaningful role" in deciding the site's policies and voting on changes.
Facebook is trying to recover from last week's policy-change blunder, which prompted tens of thousands to join online protests. At issue was who controls the information, like photos, posts and messages, that people share with their friends on the site.

Read the whole article at: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hVVOyYn6NLet4lG2QMp55op-x3jQD96JTD3O3

Thursday 26 February 2009

March launch for 'cheapest car'

Could this be the answer to the problems of the automotive industry? The low frills strategy has restructured the airlines industry; could a similar approach do the same for the automotive? It would be interesting to examine whether Tata could launch this product in more mature industries like Europe or US.

March launch for 'cheapest car'
India's Tata Motors has said its Nano, billed to be the cheapest car in the world, will be launched next month.
The company said the launch would take place on 23 March in Mumbai. It will start taking orders in mid-April.
The basic model is expected to cost about 100,000 rupees ($1,984, £1,393). The car was due to have been launched last year.

Read the whole article at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7911749.stm

Monday 23 February 2009

Soros sees no bottom for world financial "collapse"

Soros sees no bottom for world financial "collapse"
Sat Feb 21, 2009 1:22am GMT
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Renowned investor George Soros said on Friday the world financial system has effectively disintegrated, adding that there is yet no prospect of a near-term resolution to the crisis.
Soros said the turbulence is actually more severe than during the Great Depression, comparing the current situation to the demise of the Soviet Union.

Read the whole article at: http://uk.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idUKTRE51K0AV20090221

Friday 20 February 2009

Mobile phones take to the skies

Does this make sense? A low-frills, cost leader company to differentiate in such as a great scale that even the likes of BA do not... Interesting to note how the company uses customer feedback (you can read and compare with this commentary on the US automotive industry http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_06/b4118032619547.htm?chan=innovation_auto+design_top+stories)

By Colette Hume BBC News

Picture the scene - you're on the plane on your way to a dream holiday destination. Take-off was smooth and the drinks trolley is on its way down the aisle.
The mood is complete - then a mobile phone rings.
For some that sound spells heaven, for others hell, but from now on it's a reality for thousands of Ryanair passengers

Read the whole article at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7900802.stm

Monday 16 February 2009

Microsoft to launch retail chain

It is quite interesting to note how vertical integration is expected to great greater synergies across the different SBUs for MicroSoft.

Microsoft to launch retail chain

Computer software giant Microsoft has announced plans to open its own stores, at a time when many other retailers are struggling in the economic downturn.
The company plans to sell computers installed with Microsoft software and other products, Microsoft chief operating officer Kevin Turner said.

Read the whole article at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7889099.stm

Tuesday 3 February 2009

India Planning $10 Laptop

It is interesting how the local needs of emergement markets can influence the entire industry.

India Planning $10 Laptop
By Charlie Sorrel February 03, 2009 8:41:07

You thought the $100 laptop was cheap? How about a $10 laptop? That's the promise of the unfortunately named Sakshat computer (it actually means "before your eyes"), to be built in India as soon as the designers get a manufacturer signed up.
Details are scarce, but at least the people behind it have pedigree. The Indian government is funding it, and the design is from scientists at science and technology institutes in Vellore, Madras and Bangalore. The price of making this machine is now around $20, but should fall to half that as production runs get longer.

Read the whole article at: http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2009/02/indian-planning.html