Apple iPad - New Category, New Challenges
February 1, 2010
Apple's iPad Mistakes | www.pcworld.com
With its recently announced iPad, Apple is trying to bring to market a new product that in order to succeed needs to provide a materially improved user experience and carve out a position in the crowded consumer electronics marketplace.
McDonalds: Solid for the Long Run
January 30, 2010
US Sales Continues to Weigh on McDonald's | www.nytimes.com
1) McDonald's Profit is up VS last years Quarter 4 in a difficult environment2) Discounting by other chains feed into a "Value War" McDonald's is likely to win3) McDonald's is positioned for long term revenue and profit growth
Nokia: Focus on Product and Service Development
December 10, 2009
Nokia to close flagship US stores | www.totaltele.com
Nokia’s foray into the US retail market was ill-conceived and bound to fail. Nokia needs to focus on product development to overcome the issues it was addressing with its retail endeavor.
"Surgical Shopping" Takes Hold This Holiday Shopping Season
December 9, 2009
U.S. Retail Sales Rise as Holiday Promotions Drive Spending | www.bloomberg.com
Holiday retail sales will likely show little or no growth this season as shoppers get "surgical"--that is remain highly focused on key items, wants vs. needs and are reluctant to buy unless they get a great deal. Most retailers are sitting on lean inventories and seeking to restore profitability by limiting markdowns. A "game of chicken" is underway as consumers wait out greater bargains and retailers balance margin preservation vs. market share gains.
The 5Cs of Credit, P2P Lending, Social Lending, Self-Directed Lending
November 11, 2009
BlackRock's Fink: Forget 'Bubble' | online.wsj.com
Laurence Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock Inc. in response to questions about bank failures and economic conditions suggested today that; “…the financial system needs to be a lot more responsive to society and make sure this doesn't happen again. Risk has to be a lot more transparent to investors. I think that is happening."; and, “the financial system needs change, including increased disclosure, more derivatives trading on exchanges and regulatory change…". But what about the 5Cs of credit?
Nokia, Apple and Google - Driving the Mobile Revolution
November 5, 2009
Google, Nokia, Apple - who will win the mobile wars? | www.guardian.co.uk
Nokia, Apple and Google, along with several other companies, will shape the next phase of the mobile revolution.
New Burger King Restaurant Design Continues Competitive Differentiation
October 19, 2009
Burger King's New Restaurant Design | adage.com
1) Burger King isn't a big "Value Menu" player2) Tries to differentiate itself through flavor and selection3) Unit allows for more upscale uses that QSR's are taking on in recession
Microsoft and T-Mobile Had a Cloudy Day but “The Cloud” Is Here To Stay
October 13, 2009
T-Mobile Sidekick Disaster: Danger’s Servers Crashed, And They Don’t Have A Backup | www.techcrunch.com
This week was a bad one for Microsoft, T-Mobile and “the cloud” with the announcement of the Danger customers’ data losses. Despite the setback, the cloud will continue to gain popularity and continue to shape the digital media, entertainment and communication world.
The rise of Microsoft's view on Mobile Web at Vodafone.T
September 27, 2009
Vodafone updates internet portal services with Vodafone 360 | www.telecompaper.com
The launch of Vodafone360 is the latest indicator of Peter Knook's influence on Vodafone since his joining from Microsoft 18 months ago. Vodafone Internet Services are now trying to present a consumer face for Vodafone that sees it capable of utilising investment in 3G and 3.5G Mobile Broadband.The interesting element is that this will be the first two handsets in Europe that use the LiMo standard. One from Samsung and one from Huawei.
Netbooks Trying to Find Their Niche
September 2, 2009
Netbooks post higher demand than notebook PCs in Q2 | www.telecompaper.com
The netbook market has emerged with great fanfare as PC manufacturers and even mobile operators are looking to this device category to spur growth. Netbooks, while appealing in emerging markets, will face the difficult hurdle of creating a position between laptops and smartphones in developed markets in order to succeed.
E-Insurance: When will the insurance industry adopt modern communication tools?
February 14, 2012
ATMs could distribute prepaid Visa cards
January 23, 2012
PayPal can thrive as a standalone company
January 9, 2012
Europe's CO2 Emissions Trading System works, but it can be improved
December 16, 2011
European women wonder why their insurance premiums will increase
December 15, 2011