IBM's Acquisition of Guardium Augments its Information Management Portfolio
December 10, 2009
IBM buys database security firm Guardium | www.reuters.com
o With its acquisition of Guardium, IBM obtains augments its already strong information management technology portfolio. o Guardium's technology is used for protection and real-time monitoring of database access; it is useful for security and compliance purposes.o The acquisition provides further evidence of the on-going industry consolidation as well as IBM's willingness to acquire companies in order to obtain technology that complements its own information management capabilities.
NBC Universal: Comcast’s Bargain Deal
December 3, 2009
Comcast, GE form new NBCU joint venture | www.telecompaper.com
The NBC U deal moves Comcast into the group of top 5 cable channel owners, alongside The Walt Disney Company, News Corporation, Time Warner and Viacom. The NBC broadcast network and its 10 owned and operated stations contribute a mere 10% of the new NBC U JV's pro-forma annual cash flow.
Oracle's Acquisitions Continue to Roll On
October 8, 2009
Oracle To Acquire HyperRoll | www.informationweek.com
o Oracle's acquisition of HyperRoll provides it with innovative technology that complements its Hyperion business intelligence offerings as well as the Oracle Database.o It increases the competitive appeal of Oracle's BI offerings in several markets including the installed base of some of its competitors. o It provides further evidence of Oracle's willingness to acquire niche technology that adds new functionality and/or improves the performance of its current offerings.
Bank Tech Companies - who will be left standing?
September 29, 2009
Mergers: Conflicts Becoming A Core Reality | www.banktechnews.com
7,000 US banks and credit unions represents a lot of customers for the banking technology companies. While banks may be hurting, their technology needs only increases. With so many recent mergers are there too few providers left? Who has the advantage banks or the providers?
Dell/Perot, HP/EDS what's the difference?
September 21, 2009
Dell to buy Perot Systems for $3.9 billion | money.cnn.com
Dell, buying into the notion that hardware is now a commodity and they have already optimized that business, believes they need to diversify. So they buy a large business/technology consulting firm. Do they now bring any more value to the Perot business?
Microsoft launches competition for Google Apps.????
September 20, 2009
Will You Use Microsoft's Office Web Apps? | www.microsoft-watch.com
1. Will Microsoft's launch of a web-based office suite undermine their current office products?2. Does Microsoft know how to deliver web applications?3. Can Google reach the enterprise?
Interesting niche software solutions find ways to sell even in this environment
September 16, 2009
SuccessFactors: Small cap, big plans | money.cnn.com
While core infrastructure, telecom, and enterprise system maintenance revenues have been relatively stable even in this market, discretionary tech spending is challenged.However, tech buying is strong with a few interesting technology solutions that can provide tangible short term benefits.
Coinstar’s Redbox Expands Relationships with Studios
August 31, 2009
Redbox Sues Studio Over Access to Films | online.wsj.com
Redbox’s future will ultimately be affected by a number of variables, starting with whether or not the Universal (NYSE: GE), Fox and Warner Brothers studios succeed in their struggle to create a kiosk release window.
With Financing in Place, DreamWorks to Produce Six Movies a Year
August 20, 2009
Spielberg Gets Funds to Start Up New Studio | online.wsj.com
DreamWorks is able to achieve what many Hollywood producers have been unable to do: secure new sources of film funding in financially difficult times.
Cisco's advantages and challenges. Comparisons to Juniper, ProCurve, Brocade.
August 5, 2009
Cisco’s Sales Will Drop as Much as 17%, Chambers Says | www.bloomberg.com
Cisco's strengths and challenges for their first fiscal quarter and beyond can be further defined when we compare them to their competition. Juniper, HP ProCurve, Avaya, Brocade (Foundry), Nortel, 3COM are vendors that can help us define and understand Cisco. Cisco's success may very well be due to the weakness of their competition versus the strengths of Cisco. In addition, with $30 plus billion of cash they are better positioned than most.
February 7, 2012
SOPA and the wisdom of Yogi Berra
January 19, 2012
Larger wafers present a growth opportunity for LEDs
January 6, 2012
Smartphones threaten digital camera industry
December 1, 2011
Google music launches: The end of the end for the music industry
November 22, 2011