Sometimes the Media gets it right…….

This is one of those times.  Both Social Media and world news have this one right.  I have been following the Iran elections and associated viewpoints both on Twitter and via regular news outlets-Internet and TV.  I am astounded how Social Media (Twitter) has transformed “reporting” and integrated “reality”.  The updates, some grisly and some unbelievable, have been astonishing to read.  The “regular” media focused their reporting traditionally coupled with coverage of the Tweets they followed and were sent their way.  All I can say is WOW!

I am amazed at the adoption rate of Twitter and what it is being used for.

I believe this is a “tipping-point” and will transform Media/reporting, hopefully for the better.

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Netbooks………helping raise the Cloud.

Seems like the last few weeks, I have been seeing more and more netbooks in general use.  I have seen them everywhere-Starbucks, book stores, the library, business meetings, etc.  Many stores I have visited have them on display.  The Mobile Phone carriers have been developing plans to subsidize them like they do hand sets.  Yet another device that takes advantage of 3G connectivity. (someone I know called them BIG Clunky Smartphones that can’t make calls easily)

Wikipedia defines a Netbook as a small portable laptop computer designed for wireless communication and access to the Internet primarily designed for web browsing and e-mailing, netbooks rely heavily on the Internet for remote access to web-based applications.

Most Netbooks now ship with Windows XP though there are models with customized versions of Linux and soon arriving Android.

To me, these cheaper, low power laptops are perfectly suited to take advantage of Cloud Computing.  They do not need lots of computing power, or storage because they access web based apps/storage.  As you see more and more of these devices, they will drive acceptance and reliance on Cloud Computing relying on cheap , fast access to the Internet/Cloud Services.

I guess I will have to keep my eyes out for a steal of a deal……..

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Back from a self imposed hiatus……..

Well, it has been a whole month or so since I “unplugged” from blogging and micro-blogging.  It has been a very busy month.  I was laid off from my recent company, celebrated another birthday (I have stopped counting), wound down the school year with my son, researched new ideas for business, technology, services and ideas for companies, had a few interviews and read several books.

Many of you have read about my passion for business, technology, social media and using them to make “relationships” and “connections” better.  I have been thinking deeply about my social networks and connections, how I use the tools and the benefit I derive and try to bring to those connections.  I have been lucky enough to share some of those thoughts and ideas with people directly-giving talks, asking and answering questions, reviewing new tools and testing what I think I know about these social media tools.  Along the way I have made more connections, learned much and enjoyed the experiences.

If nothing else, this time has reinforced my feelings that these tools are game changers and we need to make sure they are working for us.  Stay tuned for more insights, questions and ideas.  It’s going to be interesting and hopefully lots of fun.

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