The Cloud: Blog 7 (Clear)

I have to say it's rather fascinating how computing has evolved in the past 40 years.  How did we go from a computer taking up an entire room, to being able to communicate and access information in our hands.  I found this week's set of lectures to be extremely entertaining and awarding.  I think that cloud computing is the best way to improve the economy.  Not only can small businesses begin competing with larger corporations, it just simply puts a little more power into the people of youth.

Google and Gmail has been a substantial part of my learning and managing time.  Without the use of "Google Docs" I would have to constantly go back to writing e-mails with group members and edit large research reports.  With the development of cloud computing, I can now do this important communication at my own time, allowing me more time to accomplish other tasks.

I think it's really important that we the people of today's society, not forget to communicate face-to-face, but it's also important to utilize today's technology to the fullest extent.  My favorite part of this weeks lectures was when we focused on Platforms as a service, Desktops as a service, and Software as a service.  I think it's important that you notice that Saas is beneficial because you can everything at your fingertips with a monthly purchase.  One of the most annoying things about previous software, in my opinion, were the constant updates.  I hated having to get expansion packs or buy another $50 software, for a simple update.  I also liked how every 10 years, we have a substantial increase in computer technology.  As Professor Olson stated in his lecture, every 10 years there has been a computing cycle that requires a new platform.


o   1960’s--- mainframe computing
o   1970’s---mini computing
o   1980’s—client/server computing
o   1990’s—Desktop Cloud computing
o   2000’s—mobile cloud computing
o   2010’s—social revolution…based on the cloud! (Post PC Era)


I also really enjoyed how small 27-person companies are making a difference in the way they compete in the market by using cloud-based technology.  I really want to explore more options in improving a companies branding and I think that having great, easy-to-use software for you customers is extremely beneficial, considering most people in today's society are beginning to migrate to that type of communication and interface.  


This was also a really cool cloud-based software that I found interesting and made me understand cloud computing a little better.  Let me know what you think!

Blog 4 Clear: Porter's five Forces/Challenging society

I really enjoyed the video portion on Michael E. Porter's five competitive forces that shape strategy.  I think it's interesting that there is a broken down analysis on competition and it makes sense that competitive forces from rivalry within an industry effects the overall outcome of the forces.

It's also interesting how attractiveness and "sexiness" is the overall reason industries seem to profit.  An unattractive industry is when all 5 of the forces act to decrease overall income.  An industry that is extremely unattractive would be an organization that is thriving on pure competition, which makes other profits for organizations propelled to normal profit.

I think that it's important to recognize competition and it is a driving "force" that allows the mind to expand and become more involved with profit and overall outcomes of ideas.  It's also extremely intense, which is the importance of competitive rivalries.  Being innovative and competing with companies via the internet and in human form, are the most important aspects of competition.

Organizing, to some extent, is important but many companies find that they cannot be as innovative or competitive if they don't have the best financial investment.  Becoming a powerful member of competitive strategy is essential to a company's growth and improvement of branding.  Without a substantial brand, a company cannot prosper, and that's why it's so important to stay on top of rival competition.

A book, that professors Means and Olson recommended "Made to Stick" is actually one of my favorite books i've read focusing on a business perspective of improving an image and presenting yourself to be larger than you are.

Following a guideline of "SUCCES" is essential in improving a brand and being "memorable".

• Simple--  Being simple captures attention.  I like to view society as simple, and the more simple you are when presenting, the more communication and attraction you obtain.  
• Unexpected-  Taking risks is important when evaluating a brand and making it more available to society.  As Bill Gates and Steve Jobs illustrated in their video, taking risks and challenging competitors was the main reason they were so successful at what they did in the building of the computer business.  
• Concrete--  Being concrete is important because you need to get the point across.  
• Credible-- Credible comes with the improvement of your brand and being truthful and honest is the best way to improve your credibility to society.  
• Emotional-- capturing a consumer or target public can be easily obtained with helping them relate to your product or brand.  Make them feel like your brand is more important, because you have a face (charity etc) that you want to improve the future for.  
• Stories-- Like emotional, get them engaged and inspired.  Tell stories of how your brand has improved and focus on individuals within the company that strive to make that difference.  

I find that the more involved you are with your company/brand the more other's will get involved.  Providing positive forms of Corporate Social Responsibility and leadership are important variables that can help a company  improve and prosper.  Just doing it successfully, is a whole new outlook.