4G and How the phrase is marketed

http://www.cio.com/article/633263/4G_Definition_Creates_Marketing_Free_for_All

T-mobile has recently come out with an ad campaign to diferentiate themselves from competitors by their "4G" speed of network.  The term 4G as denoted by the International Telecommunication Union(ITU) refers to a speed surpassing 100M bps.  This speed is vastly superior to the current technologies presented by the networks today.  For example, T-mobile currently is operating at a 5M bps to 12M bps.  This is comparably faster than Clearwire quotes of 3M bps to 6M bps, but still is no where near the defined 4G speed of 100M bps.  The entire point behind this article is saying that 4G is a term that leads consumers to believe the speed is faster than 3G.  There is nothing to stop AT&T from saying they have a 5G speed but the market's disbelief that such a speed is possible.  If AT&T decided to market their network as a 5G speed the consumer's might research and question their network in greater detail to find out what we are finding out abought T-Mobile right now.  That according to the ITU, their product is not even close to the definition of 4G.  What we saw from the previous trend of 3G, was that networks marketed their technology as 3G before it was actually 3G speed.  This caused the networks to later fall back and demote the outdated technology to 2.5G or 2.75G.  I just wish the networks would market their actual speeds instead of interpretable terms that inherently mean nothing.  This would allow consumers to make an educated decision on which service to purchase.

Thanks,
Bobby

Black Friday - Dead on Arrival

When I saw the title of this article, I became very interested and curious about the topic.  I have never been one to do much holiday shopping, especially not on "Black Friday", but I do have many family members and friends who take advantage of the bargains during this time.  Just from my observations and prior knowledge, I can honestly say there has been a dramatic decrease in sales over the past decade during the Black Friday shopping day.  Also, due to a crippling economy, retailers are more likely to drop prices to bargin levels at multiple times throughout the year, not just on Black Friday.  In my opinion, this has caused shoppers to not be as interested in the Black Friday deals because they can acquire the same bargain at different periods throughout the year.

In the article titled "Black Friday - Dead On Arrival", the very topic is discussed. Many retailers throughout the country are targeting customers early in the holiday season with their "Black Friday" deals.  Because of this, many shoppers will take advantage of the early sale prices and purchase products ahead of time.    Because many stores are listing the deals early, less customers will be present in the malls and shopping centers during Black Friday, causing sales to plummet on this day based on a dramatic decrease in shoppers.  Retailers listing their prices early are simply making Black Friday 'disappear' which will be detrimental to other retailers who do not choose to list their Black Friday deals all through November.  Their sales will essentially be dramatically lower based on the absence of many shoppers that have already purchased their holiday gifts before the "busiest shopping day of the year."

The article also states that online shopping has been the leading cause in the overall decrease in sales for many retailers over the past few years.  This online shopping phenomenon has caused retailers to be more adamant in their marketing for Black Friday deals and increase the span of the bargain prices.


http://www.cio.com/article/636070/Is_Black_Friday_Dead_on_Arrival_?source=rss_news

Three ways the iPad will change industries. Applications.

The reason for the extreme success of apple and their iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch is due to the endless ability of customization and innovation.  The ability to create applications specifically tailored to a person's needs is what the customer truly values.  I will discuss three industries where the iPad applications are forging the industry as we know it.  An iPad will become just as regular as the internet is seen at a typical business office.

As stated in the article, 'Three Ways the iPad Will Change Industry,' an app is currently being developed for high-end restaurants in which the typical paper menu would be substituted for a iPad version where customers could see pictures, video, and detailed descriptions of various entrees and appetizers.  The article goes on to state that the costs generated by discarding paper menus for iPads would need to be brought into consideration, since iPads cost dramatically more than paper.

The technology that the iPad has brought to businesses can also be seen in the medical industry.  Instead of using clipboards, doctors would use iPads to make comments about patients and to view their medical history.  Databases could also be developed for the purpose of transferring a patient's records from one hospital to another and making them more accessible to doctors.

http://www.cio.com/article/589416/Three_Ways_the_iPad_Will_Change_Industries?page=2&taxonomyId=3052

Microsoft sues Motorola over Android

http://www.cio.com/article/621267/Microsoft_Sues_Motorola_Over_Android?page=1&taxonomyId=3000

The reason I decided to Blog about this article is two fold.  First, I find it interesting the competative nature of microsoft to attack the Android(google) through the courts in order to slow down and delay the boom in sales they are receiving.  Secondly, the IT created by microsoft is ingenious to the point where their competitors are using their operating system in order to create functionality on their smart phones.

I will address the second reason because I believe it directly relates to IT.  When building a smart phone, there are many different must haves incorporated such as time, date, calendar, and the essentials.  Microsoft has developed an Activesync which syncs emails, contacts, and calendar through a program.  Once a perfect system is created for smart phone use, the other smart phone creators have decided to buy into the system.  So through their innovation microsoft has created a system that they can use on their own phones, as well as sell to competitors.  The power of supplier for Microsoft is tremendous in a fast moving world where the consumer does not trail backwards once the newest technology is presented. 

Artificial Intelligence Goes Mobile

http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/sep2010/tc20100920_845294.htm

An article I previously commented about was the future of Technology blending the ideals of sensory computing and brain wave technologies.  I feel that this article is more relevant in today's age of technology because the technologies discussed are feasible.  For example, the voice recognition software is something I feel will be an integral part of daily life moving forward in our society.  The legal and social factors are highly negative towards texting or cell phone use while driving.  This will require cars to be equipped with voice recognition software in order to communicate effectively while driving.  How perfect would it be to download an application on your smart phone in order to attain the same new and exciting features of voice recognition that are being implemented in the MyFord system for Ford cars.

The widespread use of smart phones have paved the way for new exciting technologies to be created.  Applications will be created with artificial intelligence capabilities.  The door is open for companies to focus resources on smart phone applications and processes due to this socialization of smart phones in everyday life.  I think this nitche of the industry is an area that is open for competition.  Only time will tell which corporations make use of the smartphone software to build on the idea of artificial intelligence applications.

Personal Branding - Should it be taught in high school?

This is not based off a specific article, but rather on the initial lecture Professor Thomas Karam has taught us in our marketing class.

To start off I would like to explain the idea of Personal Branding and Likeability.  Personal Branding is the idea that someone will determine whether they like you are not based on 55% visual, 38% vocal, and 7% verbal arrangement.  The visual percentage is highly compromised of your facial expressions.  The term "default face" is used to express your natural face when performing routine daily functions.  If you look well put together for the majority of the time people will perceive you like this.  People perceive the emotions we put off with our body language and facial expressions all the time.  In order to perfect one's personal image you must be able to control your default face and adapt to the situation.  Hence being able to evolve what image you're putting off for the situation.  A brute, stern face might be perfect for a pump up speech before a football game.  The same face would be horrendous for a teacher to have while teaching our class. 

My question is simply should we introduce this idea to young students?  The goal being to explain to them that their actions, way they dress, and facial features are important factors for the way others perceive them.  My anwser to this would be absolutely.  I think the information would serve students extremely well when in school as well as applying for college applications.  Also, this idea would motivate students to become diligent, professional in their studys.  The class would teach students not only the knowledge obtained through classic english and math courses but also the life lessons necessary to become successful at any stage of their careers.  Finally, I believe this course would draw national attention towards the high school and establish their school as a serious college prepratory school. 

Cisco CEO paid 18.9 million

I think that this number is outrageous, but rightfully earned.  We can draw a comparison between professional athletes with Tom Brady's 78.5 million, 5 year contract with the New England Patriots.  What is the cost of becoming superbowl champions.  The patriots believe that Tom Brady's contribution to be around the ball park of 78.5 million apparently.  It is evident that Chamber's value to the company might even be more than what he is compensated.  I say this because of the grand scale of the Cisco corporation.  He has increased net income by 1.7 billion and revenue by 3.9 billion.  He has likely contributed to more than his 18.9 million dollar salarary over the time he is being compensated.  The real question is what do you do once you have that much money.  Most athletes would anwser with charity events and organizations, which I feel is a good start.  In summary, I believe he is deserving of the high salary and I am curious to see if he follows in the footsteps of other professional athletes in the adoption of multiple charities.