Microsoft, which needed quite a few years to ready itself for the launch of Windows Vista, has thus far been unable to quickly come up with the kind of simple, innovative solutions that Google offers Internet users. This could change if the folks in Redmond were able to snatch up a company that was born out of, and for, the Internet like Yahoo! and, moreover, if they are able to coexist with the company’s culture of innovation without squelching it.

 

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Title: Campaign: Borderless Communications Survey Results
Source: LM Research and Marketing Consultancy, por encargo de Interoute.
Abstract: Most European executives feel that physical barriers are ceasing to be an obstacle for businesses. The survey, which includes responses from over 1,000 important executives in seven European countries, including Spain, shows that 70% of the executives believe Europe is a unique area for business and that technology is a big reason. Thanks to the technological advancements of past few years, 65% of those surveyed have cut down on business travels for attending meetings in person, thus saving time and resources. The study indicates that from 2000 to 2007, the use of VoIP has increased by 20%, while instant messaging has shot up by 69%, and videoconferencing nearly 20%. According to those surveyed, some of the factors going against the single market include: bureaucracy, the deficient technological development and the lack of accountability.

 

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The media around the world went all out to cover the Mobile World Congress, held last week in Barcelona. Most of them highlight the expectation aroused by the iPhone and Android. The article Google y Apple decepcionan en Barcelona [Google and Apple Disappoint in Barcelona], noted the presence of a huge iPhone in the Telefónica hall, which supports the rumor that the device will debut in Spain with this operator, probably in May. “The iPhone has been…like the ghost of Hamlet’s father. Not there, but causing all the action. Thus, most manufacturers have announced touch-screen phones.” As for Android, the cited article from El País includes this expert opinion: “Whatever your business may be, pray that Google does not throw its hat in the ring, because if so, you’re a goner.” It is hard to sum up any better the fear being instilled in Google’s rivals by its new open-source mobile operating system. The Spanish daily El Periódico recently ran a story entitled Google ofrecerá móviles a partir de 100 dólares y sin publicidad [Google to Offer $100 Ad-Free Mobile Devices], with an interview of Rich Miner. Google’s GM of mobile platforms says that Android, which allows anyone to build an overlaying application, will be something that all operators can offer, provided they adhere to three conditions: “There must be low-cost phones, open access to the Internet, and the users must be able to freely download any application they want.” Initially, there will be no advertising and they will be available before year's end, starting with phones from LG and HTC, followed later by Motorola and Samsung, with models priced as low as €68.50, said Miner.
Baquía fears the inevitable clash between Google and Nokia: “Nokia’s announcement of four new devices specially designed to integrate GPS and mobile Internet access has placed the Finnish company in direct competition with Google Maps. Meanwhile, Google and its prototype mobile operating system, Android, are stepping directly into the territory dominated by Nokia.”
CIO magazine published a piece entitled Top 10 Trends at Mobile World Congress 2008, which includes GPS-equipped cell phones, particularly from Nokia, which leads this category, along with HTC and Samsung; the increasing sophistication of the screens, such as the Nokia N96 and the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1; and geotagging, which saves the location where the photo is taken from and overlays it on services like Google Maps, such as with the Sony Ericsson C702 and Nokia 6220 Classic. This online publication from the IDG Group adds that with Sony Ericsson now joining in, four of the five largest manufacturers (only one missing is the leaderof the group, Nokia) have devices based on the Microsoft Windows Mobile operating system. It also mentions the progressive arrival of high-speed models (HSDPA and HSUPA), including the Portege G810 from Toshiba and the LG KF700, as well as the takeoff of touch screens, which include the HTC Advantage and the Samsung Soul.

Articles in El País, El Periódico, CIO España and Baquía

To optimize the value of technology, one must: have a strategy that is directly tied to company objectives; analyze the different facets of performance in terms of IT organization; and effectively manage both human and financial resources, as well as applications and service.
That was the explanation from Mark Lutchen at the 5th PwC&IESE e-Business Center Event.
The speaker, leader of the PwC IT Business Risk Management Practice and author of the book Managing IT as a Business, explained to the attendees of this event held in Barcelona that most companies load up their budget investments (specifically, 70%) on legacy projects, putting only the remaining 30% into new ones. This, said Lutchen, is due to the practice of implementing new technological solutions without carrying out a prior analysis of all the investment that will end up being truly necessary. Nevertheless, the CIO could prevent management from making inappropriate decisions and approving superfluous IT expenditures. For that to happen, Lutchen recommends clearly delimiting investment priorities according to the real needs of the entire company. Lastly, the lecturer reviewed the changes happening to the role of the CIO. In the 1990s, CIOs were required to have considerable technological knowledge, whereas now they must also be able to communicate in a straight-forward, nontechnical manner. They must have the vision to align IT with the business while also being managers of the organizational change, he added.

 

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Advertising investment in interactive media rose at a dizzying pace from 2005 to 2007. In 2006, Spain saw €310.5 million in investments, 91.38% more than in 2005. Published in a study done by IAB Spain and PwC, this data served as the basis for discussion at the 2nd Meeting on Interactive Advertising, which took place on February 5 at the IESE campus in Madrid. Participating in the event were a variety of representatives from the sector, including Jaime del Toro, Sales Director at Unidad Editorial; Carlos Homedes, General Manager of Nike Iberia; and Ana Arroquia, Marketing Director in Spain for Dove.

 

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Year after year, Catalonia’s Official Association of Telecommunications Engineers hosts “La Nit de les Telecomunicacions” (“Telecommunications Night”). This year marks the 13th edition, whose tagline is “Las telecomunicaciones al servicio de la sostenibilidad” (“Telecommunications Serving Sustainability”). The event will take place on February 26 at “L’Auditori” in Barcelona, starting at seven o’clock in the evening.