Technology is a part of our lives... at the office, at home and even on the road with our laptops, iPods and Blackberries! But there is more to technology than gadgets. There are technicians, engineers and other experts with more "brain power" that makes technology work for our lives.
Technology Works tries to capture technology in easy to understand language that helps you and me make it work better for us. And hopefully strike a balance of life and work.
It is deniably true that the growth of the country's BPO sector has contributed to keep the country afloat specially during the global financial crisis.
Thus, industry leaders from government, led by officials from CICT led by Secretary Chua and BPA/P CEO Oscar Sanez paid tribute to the hard-working men and women from ten cities around the country, whose productivity have become engines of economic growth for the country.
Known as the next wave cities, from Dumaguete to Baguio, BPO companies in these cities have effectively used technology to contribute to economic productivity.
Yes, our Samsung flat-screen TV is a delight, specially, if one is watching a “big-screen” type of movie like “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” But sometimes, you would always want something bigger or larger than life. A bigger TV screen could provide a solution but that would be tough on one’s pocket. And besides, this Samsung TV still works.
Another option would be to get an LCD projector. Yes, those box-type gadgets we use at work for client presentations. One’s brilliant or lousy ideas can suddenly become a “big” idea when it is communicated in a large way through a projector. Whether it be in a classroom or corporate boardroom, projectors get the job done and 99% proves that technology work. I always make it a rule to come early for any client presentation to test a projector as sometimes, there are compatibility issues.
Recently, Infocus, the industry pioneer and global leader in the digital projection market showed their media friends why Infocus is still no. 1 projector worldwide.
“Customers have come to expect quality, value for money and innovation from InFocus. Innovation comes in many forms: design, cutting edge technology and differentiated features.” said Jeremy Farren, InFocus Vice President for International Sales. “Our Zoom 2010 line up of commercial and consumer projectors bring a fresh new industrial look and unique features that sets the standard for digital projection
The IT Journalists Association of the Philippines (CyberPress) denounces in the strongest terms, what the group sees as an unfair and arbitrary treatment of two CyberPress members who were penalized for doing their work -- reporting IT industry news.
Last March 1, 2010, CyberPress members had reported the resignation of a country manager of a multinational IT company – a development actually confirmed by the company. The report also stated that the executive had thrice been bypassed for promotion to the top post, an issue denied by the company.
The company objected vehemently that the report was “wrong,” though it announced the official’s resignation later on. We believe that the report, in its totality, is true and correct.
We believe that the proper course of action that the IT company and/or the PR agency could have taken, was to raise the concern/issue directly with the publications’ section editor responsible for the page and/or the reporter who wrote the story. They failed to do so on both accounts. The veteran IT journalists involved have always kept an open line of communication to both IT company and PR agency but were never approached.
However, what the IT company chose to do and allegedly upon the persistent counsel of its PR agency, is highly anomalous if not downright dubious. In other words, a breakdown in basic business ethics and public relations practice.
In the eyes of CyberPress, the manner of how this ‘issue’ was handled is categorically unacceptable.
We believe that our members, if they did violate any protocol in the pursuit of their story, due process should have been followed. They deserve to be treated like any professional with respect and fairness.
Information Technology Journalists Association of the Philippines (CyberPress) March 12, 2010
The iPad is here. Well, not yet really here in Manila but in North America. It was recently introduced by Apple to Apple enthusiasts and brand ambassadors during an event held at an Apple press conference at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco.
This tablet computer, which can probably could be have inspired by the tricorder used in the Starship Enterprise by Spock and Dr. McCoy (sorry, am a Trekkie), can be used for reading e-books and email, browsing the Internet, watching videos, playing games and listening to music. Like the iPhone, its high-resolution multi-touch display would simply be amazing and it is just 0.5 inches thick. How light is it? Just around 700 grams. How much is it? Well, in the States, it will sell around US$500 bucks for for the 16GB model. The 32GB will sell nearly $600 while one will spare US$700 for the 64GB model. Sorry, one can't expand storage capacity.
The iPad comes in two versions—one with Wi-Fi and the other with both Wi-Fi and 3G.
Here? My guess is that it will be between the 30k and 40k range. Hopefully, not beyond 50k, because that would mean it would be near the range of a Macbook already!
In a press statement, Steve Jobs said, “iPad creates and defines an entirely new category of devices that will connect users with their apps and content in a much more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before.” Steve Jobs founded Apple in 1976 and has since revolutionized the way we live using laptops and get connected with each other. He usually wears a black long-sleeved mock turtleneck, Levi's 501 blue jeans and sneakers when he meets stakeholders and media. Photo of Steve Jobs with the new iPad from Flickr (Apple iPad Event)
And just like the iPhone and iPod touch, it also syncs with iTunes using the standard Apple 30-pin to USB cable. All this syncing can sometimes be annoying if you are using different iPods or iPhones to sync to one MacBook. If there is a way to “unsync” or selective sync, please tell me.
How long is the battery life? Reports say that it will last up to 10 hours of video. Hmmm. That is more than a one way trip from Manila to Baguio. And 140 hours of audio!
Like me, you probably also have too much information on your laptop. Which is one reason why am looking for an iOmega EGO external hard drive. Anyone know where I can find one?
According to the latest IDC Digital Universe White Paper, sponsored by EMC, there has been a five-fold growth in four years of digital information. Yup, that includes digital pictures we upload on Facebook or Friendster or music we buy and download from iTunes. And the more affordable costs of digital gadgets and equipments have contributed to the increase of digital information.
The study reveals that next year, individuals like you and me will create 70% of information in the digital universe. This study examined how IT departments were coping with the growth (or rather the boom) of information and how money was being allocated to manage corporate data. From the 405 respondents, 92 were from the financial, manufacturing, telco and energy sectors in the Philippines.
“Within the Philippines’ telecoms industry, the challenge is now about which telco can offer the most value-added and creative content in order to expand consumer offering that provide end to end solutions on the go,” says Ronnie Latinazo, Country Manager, EMC Philippines. I am sure both Globe and Smart are fighting toe to toe to get these value-added and creative content to their subscribers. Unless, you see a network out of coverage reach message.
For companies, there would be an increasing need for security, compliance and preservation of digital information. A key element in the IDC study showed that data security is still a missing key element in information management strategies. From the total 405 respondents, some companies still don’t have data security policies in place.
“Companies are under tremendous pressures to achieve higher levels of efficiency with existing technology that have now because IT budgets are often reduced or unchanged despite an increase in demand for constant upgrades,” says Latinazo. Yup, we have heard of “doing more, with less.” Given the tough economic times, IT budgets are really being affected.
Sometimes, with reduced IT budgets, companies face a continuing challenge on the customer front. Respondents from the five countries who were part of the IDC survey (Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and India) say “they need to deploy technological products and services in more innovative and strategic ways.”
My IT budget? Around 5,000 pesos for a portable 500 GB iOmega EGO. Anyone know where I can get one? Preferably colored red.
Just the other day, Chief and I were watching “Eagle Eye” on HBO. Many of us remember this 2008 film with Shia LaBeouf (Jerry Shaw) and Michelle Monaghan (Rachel Holloman), as a pair who are brought together and coerced to an anonymous female (ARRIA). The plots revolves around a possible terrorist attack but this time, it is a super computer who through cyberspace coordinates action that leads Jerry and Rachel into the halls of the Capitol Bldg. Billy Bob Thornton plays FBI agent Thomas Morgan who towards the end believes Jerry. He charges into a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) to help Jerry escape.
Today, realities of cyberattacks are happening around the world. Last year, news media, financial and government websites in South Korea felt coordinated attacks through cyberspace. The BBC News reported at least a 3rd wave of attacks last 09 July 2009. The report says, it was a "denial of service" attack” wherein virus-infected computers are hijacked and simultaneously directed to a particular site, overwhelming it with the sheer volume of traffic. Last October 30, 2009, the National Intelligence Service, South Korea's spy agency, pointed to North Korea's telecommunications ministry as the origin of the attacks. Someone like John McClane can be part of this unit? Remember in Die Hard 4.0 McClane fought off cyber terrorists. Photo from http://www.deseretnews.com
Even the website of DOH was hacked into last December. Hackers changed the photo of Secretary Duque. The TESDA site was also traffic was redirected to Smartmatic, who is supplying the poll machines for the May elections. A hacker also posted Arabic messages on the DOLE website. Also last year, hackers targeted three government websites namely: Department of Justice, the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and Information Technology and Electronic Commerce Council. Their traffic was redirected to another website.
According the latest study by Sophos, there also has been a rise of cyberattacks in social networks like Twitter and Facebook. The study revealed that 57 percent of online social network users reported getting spam in their virtual communities. This was a 70.6 percent jump from last year.
"Computer users are spending more time on social networks, sharing sensitive and valuable personal information, and hackers have sniffed out where the money is to be made," said Sophos senior technology consultant Graham Cluley.
Already Facebook is working with McAfee increase protection for its members, who now number around 350 million. That won’t be an easy task for the security team at Facebook. According to a news report, Facebook members are also “being offered free six-month subscriptions to McAfee security software and then discounted prices for continued service.”
Better safe than sorry. Thus, it always best to use security software, whether it be McAfee Virus Scan or Symantec's Norton Anti-Virus. Or get an external hard drive to back up your data. If you are a Mac use, get an iOmega EGO!
I recall Paris. Not the city but the old Toyota Silver Edition, with Plate Numbers CET 931 that I used to drive back in the mid-90s. Those were the CITEM years. Paris would be parked in front of Hall 3, International Trade Center. Besides Paris, Rene Sale would park his Galant and Kaye Tyapon her Toyota Rav 4. Where is Paris now? Really don’t know. But Paris is definitely not among the thousands of Toyotas being recalled by the Japanese company.
Last January 21, 2010, Toyota announced the recall of 2.3 million (and counting) vehicles which includes Camrys and Corolla. Chief used to drive a Corolla. Other models or types involved in the recall, with a specific pedal assembly, are: Certain 2009-2010 Corolla, Certain 2009-2010 RAV4, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, Certain 2007-2010 Camry, Certain 2010 Highlander, 2007-2010 Tundra and 2008-2010 Sequoia. Forbes Magazine reports that the eight suspended models account for 57% of the company’s U.S. sales.
According to the website, there are two safety recalls, the “Floor Mat Entrapment” which could interfere with the accelerator pedal and “cause it to get stuck in the wide open position” and the “Pedal” where a there is a possibility that “certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.”
Last January 26, the company also suspended sales of the eight models involved in the recall on January 26.
"Nothing is more important to us than the safety and reliability of the vehicles our customers drive," said Jim Lentz, president and Chief Operating Officer, TMS. "We deeply regret the concern that our recalls have caused for our customers and we are doing everything we can – as fast as we can – to make things right.
2.3 million cars means X amount of man-hours that Toyota dealers, mechanics and production people will work on to fix the problem. But the problem isn’t just mechanical. But from a communication’s standpoint, a crisis situation. Would be interesting to know and learn what is happening inside boardrooms as both Toyota and its advertising and PR agencies work out strategies to resolve this crisis.
Toyota is expected to lose millions of dollars. It would be tough to measure how this recall would affect its corporate image and reputation.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says “it has no proof that anyone was injured by a stuck pedal.” It said it has confirmed to its satisfaction that five people have died as a result of floor mat entrapment. But lawsuits are coming down the road for the Japanese auto giant. At least 10 lawsuits seeking class-action status have been filed U.S. and Canada against Toyota .
Already, it has come out with full-page ads which says that what is happening is pause "to put you first." Lentz has also and will continue to make the rounds of morning and news shows. "This is embarrassing for us to have ... this kind of recall situation," Lentz told reporters. "But it doesn't necessarily mean that we have lost our edge on quality. But we do have to be vigilant. We have to redouble
When I used to teach PR in St. Paul College, Quezon City, I used the 1982 Johnson and Johnson Tylenol case as part of my crisis management lectures. It was a good case study of how the brand effectively handled a crisis. Now, we have tamper-resistant packaging because of that incident. But let us not forget 6 persons lost their lives as they took cyanide-spiked Tylenol.
While technology can fix this problem mechanically, a strong and convincing communications campaign would be needed for the customers and various stakeholders to bring back their trust and confidence on the Toyota brand.
Now, I will have to give it a second thought before getting a new Rav 4. Hey Neal Tieng, better have the pedals of your Rav 4 checked too!
The business of communication moves me to write about the presence or even the absence of people in our lives. As a communications practitioner, I try to make a brand's presence more relevant. And as a Thomiasian professor, I bring value into the future presence of my students in business and their own lives.
According to the latest IDC Digital Universe White Paper, sponsored by EMC, there has been a five-fold growth in four years of digital information. Yup, that includes digital pictures we upload on Facebook or Friendster or music we buy and download from iTunes. And the more affordable costs of digital gadgets and equipments have contributed to the increase of digital information. 
“Companies are under tremendous pressures to achieve higher levels of efficiency with existing technology that have now because IT budgets are often reduced or unchanged despite an increase in demand for constant upgrades,” says Latinazo. Yup, we have heard of “doing more, with less.” Given the tough economic times, IT budgets are really being affected.
Just the other day, Chief and I were watching “Eagle Eye” on HBO. Many of us remember this 2008 film with Shia LaBeouf (Jerry Shaw) and Michelle Monaghan (Rachel Holloman), as a pair who are brought together and coerced to an anonymous female (ARRIA). The plots revolves around a possible terrorist attack but this time, it is a super computer who through cyberspace coordinates action that leads Jerry and Rachel into the halls of the Capitol Bldg. Billy Bob Thornton plays FBI agent Thomas Morgan who towards the end believes Jerry. He charges into a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) to help Jerry escape.
Today, realities of cyberattacks are happening around the world. Last year, news media, financial and government websites in South Korea felt coordinated attacks through cyberspace. The BBC News reported at least a 3rd wave of attacks last 09 July 2009. The report says, it was a "denial of service" attack” wherein virus-infected computers are hijacked and simultaneously directed to a particular site, overwhelming it with the sheer volume of traffic. Last October 30, 2009, the National Intelligence Service, South Korea's spy agency, pointed to North Korea's telecommunications ministry as the origin of the attacks. Someone like John McClane can be part of this unit? Remember in Die Hard 4.0 McClane fought off cyber terrorists. Photo from http://www.deseretnews.com
Already Facebook is working with McAfee increase protection for its members, who now number around 350 million. That won’t be an easy task for the security team at Facebook. According to a news report, Facebook members are also “being offered free six-month subscriptions to McAfee security software and then discounted prices for continued service.”
Last January 21, 2010, Toyota announced the recall of 2.3 million (and counting) vehicles which includes Camrys and Corolla. Chief used to drive a Corolla. Other models or types involved in the recall, with a specific pedal assembly, are:
According to the website, there are two safety recalls, the “Floor Mat Entrapment” which could interfere with the accelerator pedal and “cause it to get stuck in the wide open position” and the “Pedal” where a there is a possibility that “certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.”
