BluStar Energy Services is a company that buys and then resells electricity to residents and companies in Illinois, Maryland, and Washington D.C. Its wise investment into open source Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) has saved it $24 million dollars over the past five years and has made it one of the most efficient companies in the area. SOA is an IT infrastructure that allows different applications to exchange data with one another as they participate in business processes. BluStar has successfully implemented this into their business and has allowed them to manage the flow of information across the multiple parties it deals with such as power generators, transmission operators, local distribution companies, and its customers. SOA has also allowed its customers to specify the type of energy it wants whether is be green, renewable, energy or brown energy that has carbon offsets. SOA has also allowed for BluStar to monitor its customers’ hourly electricity usage and bill them for it.
What is unique about BluStar is that it had the opportunity to simply buy off-the-shelf Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) packages but believed that these packages were not flexible enough for the services it wanted to provide so it built a SOA from scratch that tailored to its exact needs. It is now able to respond to the market very quickly so that if green energy suddenly becomes important to its customers, it can rapidly adapt to meet their needs. They do not have a gigantic server that runs all of their service operations but rather BluStar has single services scattered across their network, which allows for an easy fix if one service dies. BluStar management says that their goal was to have a very stable business infrastructure. The success of BluStar is mainly due to the early recognition and understanding of its business goals, and the implementing of a SOA was the way that its IT met them. In today’s markets it is understood that most businesses will need some form of IT, but the success of the business is reliant upon the manner in which the business shapes the IT to tailor to its needs.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Blockbuster to rent through new on-demand device
Are you a former vistor of a Blockbuster store who has in the past few years converted over to the every growing Netflix company? If so, you are among the majority. It is no secret that since Netflix has come into the scene Blockbuster's losses have just kept coming. Since 2001, Blockbuster has lost nearly $4.5 billion due to the convience and popularity of their rival, Netflix. Over the past few years, Blockbuster has had to shut down hundreds of their stores. It is clear that if Blockbuster wishes to remain in business, they need to think of a way to reinvent their company to make it more appealing to customers than using Netflix. Blockbuster has recently released their intention to use a new gadget that should help them get back their customer base. The device is a small box which connects to television sets. The device downloads movies and television shows over high speed internet which are then stored after. The idea branches off other devices made my Apple and other companies whose goal is to make connections between television and the internet. While Blockbuster has used other programs to rent out to customers, this device will appeal to a wider range of people who prefer to watch their T.V. on large screens. Although the amount of movies this service is starting at a much lower number than Netflix currently offers, their main focus is "quality over quantity." They are aiming to offer more recent, popular films. It is also believed that this service will provide a better quality film because "all the video will be stored on the 2Wire box."
I think that this sounds like a very innovative device. While Blockbuster believes their stores will still be used, it is obvious that everything is moving into the direction of more convient, faster, and better qualtiy products. I think that this sounds like a device with a very high potential. It is unfortunate that Blockbuster has been hit so hard by the popularity of Netflix, but with this new technology, I think they have great potential in taking back the majority of movie renting customers. I would definitely consider getting this device and hope that all of their plans for it work out. I think that Netflix offered something cheaper and more convient for movie watchers and I think that this device should do the same, with better quality. I am interested to see how successful this new technology becomes and am definitely rooting for Blockbuster.
I think that this sounds like a very innovative device. While Blockbuster believes their stores will still be used, it is obvious that everything is moving into the direction of more convient, faster, and better qualtiy products. I think that this sounds like a device with a very high potential. It is unfortunate that Blockbuster has been hit so hard by the popularity of Netflix, but with this new technology, I think they have great potential in taking back the majority of movie renting customers. I would definitely consider getting this device and hope that all of their plans for it work out. I think that Netflix offered something cheaper and more convient for movie watchers and I think that this device should do the same, with better quality. I am interested to see how successful this new technology becomes and am definitely rooting for Blockbuster.
Visual Computing Will Change Your Life
When was the last time you checked your e-mail? Logged into Facebook? Downloaded a song from iTunes? Watched a video on YouTube? In this generation, computers are no longer used for simple word processing or spreadsheets. Over the years computers have been equipped to work harder while we sit back and enjoy the 3D living color and sound. This 3D computing software is not only used my consumers, but also other industries, including graphics designers, oil companies, and pharmaceutical compounds. While these businesses have found 3D computing very useful, there are some businesses that still use simple character-oriented programs, which deal with simple letters and numbers, rather than graphics.
This 3D computing software includes three major components: data visualization, videoconferencing and on-demand video. Visualization helps to detect patterns and organize data in a more effective and timely manner. Companies can use this feature to keep track of inventory or even medical records. In addition to large data-set visualization, this software enables video chatting and on-demand video. Constant travel can become costly for a business. This concept of video conferencing saves money on airfare and hotels. However, videoconferencing is still rather expensive but will become more popular as it advances. Finally, on-demand video can create a more interesting website with videos rather than text.
Not all companies have adopted this new software due to the amount of updates that it requires. Bandwidth, the latest equipment and a lot of money are necessary to join this video revolution. Fortunately, the software is improving and becoming less costly. I think that regardless of all the necessary updates, this 3D computing is crucial for a company. While it has not picked up enough momentum to be essential for a company’s success, I think that almost every company will be using this software in the near future. Change is unavoidable once all the features have been perfected.
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/oct2008/tc2008103_228076_page_2.htm
IT Compliance in a post Enron world
Welcome to Statement on Auditing Standards or SAS-70. The corporate scandals at Enron, Tyco and Worldcom, have dictated that corporate compliance become a huge priority at companies of all sizes and from all industries, and SAS-70 has become the standard for auditing information technology providers. In the last five years, IT departments have seen great increases in regulations associated with corporate compliance in their industries, especially in many fortune 500 companies whichin which the software is used.
I found this article to be particularly interesting because we hear so often about the regulations that have come into place because of the Sarbanes Oxley Act following Enron and other disasters, yet we are never told how these regulations are upheld. Information Technology picks up the grunt work where the people leave off. It is truly interesting to see how Information Technology alone can keep a company on the straight and narrow, allowing them little deviation to stray as is the case with SAS-70. Ideally SAS-70 will keep further mishaps from occuring in the business world.
I found this article to be particularly interesting because we hear so often about the regulations that have come into place because of the Sarbanes Oxley Act following Enron and other disasters, yet we are never told how these regulations are upheld. Information Technology picks up the grunt work where the people leave off. It is truly interesting to see how Information Technology alone can keep a company on the straight and narrow, allowing them little deviation to stray as is the case with SAS-70. Ideally SAS-70 will keep further mishaps from occuring in the business world.
Law Firm moves online to offer cheaper services
It is no secret that we live in a technology age. New innovations are constantly changing the face of companies and making everyday tasks a lot easier for the average person to accomplish. The Internet, arguably one of the best pieces of technology out there, has completely changed the world we live in. We have the ability to research, shop, communicate, publish, and search for and find information, all of this lies right at our finger tips. Now, one more company has turned to the Internet to make their services more available to people all over, and that company is Axiom.
What is Axiom? I had never heard of it before and I am sure that most people haven't either, but suprisngly enough, it is a law firm. I was shocked to hear that a law firm could some how be internet-connected, other then recieving emails through their office. Axiom is a relatively new San Franciso based law firm created in the year 2000 to completely change the face of the law industry as we know it. The company office is not the typical home to a law firm, but instead it is simply a small, chic space filled with computers and other technologically related devices. People who "work in the office," the main one located in San Franciso, are simply there to manage "client relatonships" and find "corporate work." I find that job to be a little ironic since the management of the client relatonships is done through a computer screen, however, it must be working since Axiom has proven to be successful so far. There are 216 people who do the "lawyering" for the company and they are located throughout San Fransico, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and London. These people do not go into the office or have the typical 9-5 work hour schedule because with the internet-connected law firm, they are able to work from their homes or meet with their client's wherever they work. They can also, according to the article, decide and choose what type of clients they want. All of the lawyers can use Axiom's website, which is very well-constructed, as a form for legal disucssion. Basically, Axiom is a pioneer in it's field. It has very boldy used information technology to gain a competitve edge over other law firms, and to truly change the "business of law."
And I believe that Axiom is genuis. The advantages of Axiom are endless. First of all, the article said that Axiom is legally considered a corporation, unlike other firms which are usually partnerships. I think that this difference means a lot more equal working hours and salaries. My father is a lawyer and as he nears his retirement, he has switched firms. His old firm, where he worked long hours traveling to courts all over New Jersey, and constantly working with tedious paperwork, was a partnership where the partner consistently made a large sum of money and worked about half the amount that he worked. I told him about Aviom and while he hadn't heard of it yet, he said that he would love doing something like that. I believe Axiom provides something for everyone. The lawyers who work there would probably, like my father, be a little bit older with many, many years of work experience to provide to their clients and the clients would be exposed to these services at a much cheaper price. Axiom is able to provide service fees up to "50% cheaper than those of more traditional, top law firms since it doesn't spend money on a nice office, and have partners and billing in six-minute increments." Also, clients could meet on their schedules in the comfort of their own workplace. Essientally, the lawyer is coming to YOU. Who wouldn't like this?
It makes perfect sense to me that this company is continuing to generate revenue each year and that companies are investing in it. Companies, especially today, love the advantages and competitive edge that technology gives them and following that logic, of course they would invest in a law firm that mirrors their thought process.
I was and still am fascinated by Axiom. I predict that more and more law firms will want to follow this trend and begin becoming technologically equipped and connected to their clients. If Axiom continues to make it big, does this mean that the future of law will be changed forever? I hope so and I actually can't understand how the idea hasn't caught on fire yet.
Source: http://money.cnn.com/2008/11/24/technology/axiom_legal.fortune/index.htm?postversion=2008112512
What is Axiom? I had never heard of it before and I am sure that most people haven't either, but suprisngly enough, it is a law firm. I was shocked to hear that a law firm could some how be internet-connected, other then recieving emails through their office. Axiom is a relatively new San Franciso based law firm created in the year 2000 to completely change the face of the law industry as we know it. The company office is not the typical home to a law firm, but instead it is simply a small, chic space filled with computers and other technologically related devices. People who "work in the office," the main one located in San Franciso, are simply there to manage "client relatonships" and find "corporate work." I find that job to be a little ironic since the management of the client relatonships is done through a computer screen, however, it must be working since Axiom has proven to be successful so far. There are 216 people who do the "lawyering" for the company and they are located throughout San Fransico, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and London. These people do not go into the office or have the typical 9-5 work hour schedule because with the internet-connected law firm, they are able to work from their homes or meet with their client's wherever they work. They can also, according to the article, decide and choose what type of clients they want. All of the lawyers can use Axiom's website, which is very well-constructed, as a form for legal disucssion. Basically, Axiom is a pioneer in it's field. It has very boldy used information technology to gain a competitve edge over other law firms, and to truly change the "business of law."
And I believe that Axiom is genuis. The advantages of Axiom are endless. First of all, the article said that Axiom is legally considered a corporation, unlike other firms which are usually partnerships. I think that this difference means a lot more equal working hours and salaries. My father is a lawyer and as he nears his retirement, he has switched firms. His old firm, where he worked long hours traveling to courts all over New Jersey, and constantly working with tedious paperwork, was a partnership where the partner consistently made a large sum of money and worked about half the amount that he worked. I told him about Aviom and while he hadn't heard of it yet, he said that he would love doing something like that. I believe Axiom provides something for everyone. The lawyers who work there would probably, like my father, be a little bit older with many, many years of work experience to provide to their clients and the clients would be exposed to these services at a much cheaper price. Axiom is able to provide service fees up to "50% cheaper than those of more traditional, top law firms since it doesn't spend money on a nice office, and have partners and billing in six-minute increments." Also, clients could meet on their schedules in the comfort of their own workplace. Essientally, the lawyer is coming to YOU. Who wouldn't like this?
It makes perfect sense to me that this company is continuing to generate revenue each year and that companies are investing in it. Companies, especially today, love the advantages and competitive edge that technology gives them and following that logic, of course they would invest in a law firm that mirrors their thought process.
I was and still am fascinated by Axiom. I predict that more and more law firms will want to follow this trend and begin becoming technologically equipped and connected to their clients. If Axiom continues to make it big, does this mean that the future of law will be changed forever? I hope so and I actually can't understand how the idea hasn't caught on fire yet.
Source: http://money.cnn.com/2008/11/24/technology/axiom_legal.fortune/index.htm?postversion=2008112512
Supercomputing "brain-like" computers
Technology, especially computers seem to get more and more advanced by the day. When you buy a computer, it seems that it is out of date within the same month of purchase. There are always upgrades that need to be installed and after about three to four years, you need to buy a new computer to keep up with the latest technology. Computers back in the day were basically just used for typing and other minute tasks. Now computers can do almost anything. A lot of computers have built in cameras so you can talk to someone and see them, even if they are in another country. Also, some computers are great with graphic imaging and even writing music or making videos.
Today companies are working on “brain like” computers where computers are being put together similar to the human brain. “IBM has announced it will lead a US government-funded collaboration to make electronic circuits that mimic brains.” This job will require the help of neurobiologists, computer and materials scientists and psychologist. The US defense agency has giving IBM $4.9 million to start its research. They are studying simple animals brains to learn about the inner workings like neurons and the synapses, which connect them. This new supercomputing will hopefully be able to work like a brain and be able to problem solve and think just like humans do. One of the major problems is finding materials that will be able to perform the same functions as in the brain. For example, synapses break, weaken and are even strengthened by the signals that pass through them. Finding a material that will be able to do this is going to be very difficult.
I am not sure exactly how I feel about this new super advanced technology. I think that this new advancement is extremely interesting and there is nothing else even close to it but at the same time I am not sure if it is totally necessary. I understand that the government would want something this advanced for their usage but for everyday people, I am not sure if it is needed. A lot of adults today still don’t know how to use the new technology like options on the computer and their cell phones. Introducing something like this, as a household computer would be way too advanced for our everyday society. I understand that this wouldn’t be available for many years, so maybe then it could be possible to open it up to everyday people. I also think that if they are able to make such advanced technology like a computer that works like a brain, I don’t understand how they don’t have technology that can be used to get rid of viruses and sicknesses like cancer. People donate millions of dollars to find a cure for cancer but for some reason we just don’t have the technology for it. How is that possible? We are able to build a computer that can think and perform functions that only our brain can do.
BBC News
Today companies are working on “brain like” computers where computers are being put together similar to the human brain. “IBM has announced it will lead a US government-funded collaboration to make electronic circuits that mimic brains.” This job will require the help of neurobiologists, computer and materials scientists and psychologist. The US defense agency has giving IBM $4.9 million to start its research. They are studying simple animals brains to learn about the inner workings like neurons and the synapses, which connect them. This new supercomputing will hopefully be able to work like a brain and be able to problem solve and think just like humans do. One of the major problems is finding materials that will be able to perform the same functions as in the brain. For example, synapses break, weaken and are even strengthened by the signals that pass through them. Finding a material that will be able to do this is going to be very difficult.
I am not sure exactly how I feel about this new super advanced technology. I think that this new advancement is extremely interesting and there is nothing else even close to it but at the same time I am not sure if it is totally necessary. I understand that the government would want something this advanced for their usage but for everyday people, I am not sure if it is needed. A lot of adults today still don’t know how to use the new technology like options on the computer and their cell phones. Introducing something like this, as a household computer would be way too advanced for our everyday society. I understand that this wouldn’t be available for many years, so maybe then it could be possible to open it up to everyday people. I also think that if they are able to make such advanced technology like a computer that works like a brain, I don’t understand how they don’t have technology that can be used to get rid of viruses and sicknesses like cancer. People donate millions of dollars to find a cure for cancer but for some reason we just don’t have the technology for it. How is that possible? We are able to build a computer that can think and perform functions that only our brain can do.
BBC News
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