Microsoft Continues Taking Aim at Healthcare Market

On August 25, 2009

Microsoft Continues Taking Aim at Healthcare Market

Ars Technica recently ran a post on Microsoft's attempt to patent some basic research techniques used in evolutionary biology. And if you look at the patent, they're right, though how broad the method they describe might be is open to interpretation by those more versed in biological esoteric than I. However, it shows how keenly Microsoft is eyeing the entire healthcare market. Here's some of the other evidence:
On August 25, 2009

Checkout Line Anxiety

Penny-pinching Americans are getting cold feet at the checkout -- thinking twice about spending and ditching items before they're rung up. They're leaving sweaters in the dress department, dumping cookies near the grocery cashier and waiting until the last minute to weigh wants versus needs. Online, shoppers are abandoning their virtual carts as they search for better deals.
On August 25, 2009

US Online Gambling Laws and Foreign Nationals: Pushing the Limits

Over the past decade, online gambling has expanded to become a multi-billion dollar business. There are over 2,000 gambling sites worldwide; however, none of these sites are based in the United States as, the U.S. possesses stringent gambling laws. Most notably, in 2006, the U.S. Congress passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.
On August 25, 2009

iPhone Apps Not Allowed for Business, International Use?

I had told myself, "No more Apple stories this week," given how often the company has been appearing here, but here is something so odd that it begged for a post. The Register had an item yesterday about Apple's terms and conditions for iPhone applications, including that they can only be purchased for non-commercial use. Details in just a moment, but the short take is that it's true. Even with all the business apps in the store, you're not supposed to use any of them in business. But it's not just some aberration in the U.K.; this condition is also imposed on U.S. buyers as well.
On August 25, 2009

Government Browser Policy Causing Issues At USDA

Everyone who works with computer systems understands the need for security. Most companies have policies about what software may be installed and used on their provided PC's or other products. This just makes sense and limits possible problems. The Federal Government has a central policy for all of their systems but allows the various Departments and Agencies to implement it as they deem necessary. The Federal Desktop Core Configuration as written by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) governs how an agency sets up their computers. Of course with any large organization and trying to write one size fits all policies there will be issues. At the US Department of Agriculture's Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES)...
On August 25, 2009

Top 5 AU Management Books for July 2009

This month's round-up is late --- my apologies. I could say that I was out looking at real estate, but then you'd know that, on a journalist's salary, I was just making excuses. But that doesn't change the fact that the big change in the Top 5 is the inclusion of not one but two books on property investment. The other entries are new as well, so without further adieu, here are July's Top 5: Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler Crucial Conversations is a guide to communication, giving you "the tools you need to step up to life's most difficult and important conversations", whether they take place at work or at home, with your neighbours...
On August 24, 2009

The Secret of Life? One Thing!

When you’re daydreaming, where does your mind wander? Do you have a recurring dream? I‘ve asked these questions of countless executives over the years and the most common response has been, “I just don’t know.” They go blank. Just when they n...
On August 24, 2009

Influencing Through Persuasive Writing

If you've ever tried to use the written word to get someone to buy your product, you'll know how tricky it can be. In a recent video interview here on BNET, I caught up with Paul Jones from Magneto Communications who shared his 6 tips for persuasive writing. Paul has run his copywriting and corporate training company for over a decade and his client list reads like a who's who of business. His tips cover getting attention and building credibility through to how to use a 'low risk offer' and create positive action. For some simple, powerful tips that you can put into place immediately, watch the video.
On August 24, 2009

Stimulus Energy Fund Tracker: 1.2% Spent, $36.2B To Go

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act -- aka stimulus money -- put aside about $37 billion big ones for the Department of Energy to spend back when the bill was signed Feb. 17 into law. So far, $9.5 billion has been awarded. But how much has actually been spent? About $451 million or 1.2 percent of the total authorized amount.   Checking in on the DOE's stimulus tracker is a great time-sucker, especially if you download the full Excel spreadsheet. It's been awhile since I've perused the site. But I was inspired to return and learn about the recent doling out of funds after reading a guest post on Google's official blog about the United States Department of Agriculture's stimulus fund mapping...
On August 24, 2009

Wegmans Takes a Bite Out of Back to School

Back to school doesn’t have to be just about notebooks and new jeans, and, given some cleverness, the season can provide various opportunities for a retailer to underscore the support it provides busy families. Wegmans is credited with being a clever retailer. The Rochester, N.Y.-based supermarket chain may only have 73 stores, but retailers visit from all over the world to see how, under one roof, it can incorporate everything from inexpensive private label grocery items to fancy cookware to wine departments combining low prices on favorite labels with bottles running in the hundreds of dollars, not to mention gourmet pastry shops and pan-Asian hot food bars that offer the equal of restaurant fare. The company even operates its very...
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