Gearing Up!

Get Connected Through Education

2010-08-13T13:39:00.000-04:00

Today I attended a networking event/meeting sponsored by IBAL (International Business Academies of Learning) at The City Club in Buckhead. IBAL has small community networking events in the Atlanta area and really truly helps people learn more about you, networking and how you can grow while helping others. I met wonderful people today and actually connected with a few. The breakfast meeting had a theme, Relationship Bank. Today’s guest speaker was Doug Grady, President of High Achievers Network.

The meeting began with Doug Grady, a powerful and positive speaker who spoke to being a “powerful and positive” connection when building relationship. Doug is also a sales person and presented an incredible sales skills and how it can help you grow your network. Everyone is involved in selling at some point, whether it is selling a product or service or selling you during an interview. Doug pointed out that you should really know “who you are and why should people care about you?” His sales personality really comes out, but his genuine character us what really fascinated me. He discussed an interview with former Executive of Coca Cola, where he was asked what the secret to his success was, and his response was “to know when to ask for help.” I have always been the person to ask people if they need help and how can I help them, but vital to your success, it is important to reach out to your network connections because they can definitely help you.

After Doug’s presentation, we were engaged in table discussions. This is what makes IBAL really a great network because they aim to pass along great networking tips and help you learn more about what you need as a business professional or personally. The table discussions focused on “how you can add value to your network relationships.” There was even a discussion on how to handle/manage those folks that want to hack into your network. This can be touchy, because you may not know this person very well, but since you are connected to a CEO of a target company, that person wants in. I am a strong believer of respecting your network and gain permission for an introduction. You definitely do not want to disrupt the strong relationship you have with your existing network while trying to make a positive and powerful relationship with new extensions. It really is a balancing act, but only you know if boundaries are needed or to merely open the door.

My take-away from this meeting is 1) build powerful and positive relationships and 2) know when to ask for help. What a great meeting and productive way to help you grow your network through education. Thanks IBAL!

Resources:
IBAL – International Business Academies of Learning
High Achievers Network

Rose Robinson, Principal Consultant
FocusGears
rrobinson@focusgears.com
LinkedIn

Microsoft – Tag, You’re it!

2010-05-13T10:53:00.007-04:00

Microsoft – Tag, You’re it!

I attended Microsoft’s Meetup (Networking event) in Atlanta last night held at the W Midtown Atlanta. I love this hotel by the way. In addition to the networking event, there was a Group Program Manager, Brent Ingraham, discussing and providing demos of their new “incubation” project, Microsoft Tag (http://www.microsoft.com/tag/). Now you can learn more about Tag at their website, but to really understand how it works, you’ll have to install it on your device and experience the app first hand. But, hold on to your seats…

First, when I visited the site and read a little bit about what the application, I wanted to download the app, but of course I had a Blackberry. But, I wanted to try it anyway. I got in trouble a lot when I was young just by “trying it anyway.” I opted to have the link sent to my phone rather than entering the url on my mobile browser. When it arrived, I clicked on the link, and much to my surprise, the install detected that the device was a blackberry and displayed the correct TagBB application and choose to install it on my device. My first reaction was, “WHAT!!!!!! Microsoft creating apps for a Blackberry! Unbelievable!” After my moment, I started using the application. Now there was some issues with the app on my BlackBerry so I was anxious to see how the app really works.

Secondly, at the event, when I met Brent, I told him about the issues I was having and he immediately knew about the issues, but there is a new build that will be available for Blackberrys soon. But, the true Microsoft person that he is, he wanted to show me how it really works, so he pulls out his iPhone! I didn’t say anything and just watched the demo. Let’s double back for a minute. What is Tag? Microsoft’s Tag is a mobile barcode reader. A Microsoft “Tag” is a barcode that could be placed near a magazine ad, on a cereal box, or even on a business card, to name a few. Mobile users would have the Tag app installed on their devices and they would scan/snap a picture of the barcode and it would direct you to more information about that particular ad, product or pop up your contact if it was a business card. If the magazine ad was promoting a contest, users could be directed to a video providing more information about the contest and how to enter. But even further, in more practical business use, what if utility companies had these tags on their poles, field staff can scan the tags when they are making a service call out to an area and it brings up their latest historical information about the pole.

And finally, Tag is also a geolocator. It can record where you are when you scanned a barcode, well at least the vicinity. You can turn this feature on/off if you don’t want the app to record your location, but this would allow marketers to engage in more social marketing efforts targeted for a specific geographical region or market. This type of marketing intelligence can really help companies understand the behavior of their customers and what type of information they are really looking for. Brent also mentioned that they are working on a “heat map” that will allow businesses to not only tag behavior, but give visual representation of tag hits.I’m sure the controversies will be coming soon about this app, but of course Microsoft attracts controversy. Companies own the barcode and in fact you can create your own barcode (Tag site). But overall, from what I saw so far and a huge proponent of location-based service mobile apps, Tag is very promising. I can’t wait to see the heat map. I think it will round out the solution. Visual representation provides a quick clarity for organizations that want to understand the distribution, geographically anyway, of how their marketing efforts are working.

So, I have three take-aways from Tag.

Tag offers organizations to not only offer the capability for users to access more online information just through scanning a Microsoft Tag.
The additional geolocation feature and soon mapping technology provides improved market intelligence and consumer behavior.
Most important take-a-way; is that Microsoft is developing a mobile application for various mobile platform.

With all the criticism Microsoft receives on various issues, about not being more flexible with integration on other systems and platforms, it was refreshing to see a Microsoft mobile app ready for various mobile platforms. Looks as if Microsoft understands the changing times and how the mobile industry really changes the way people want to access information more readily. I can see Tag in various industry helping not only customers, but more business use for supply chain, utilities, telecom, and much more. I'll have more feedback for the Blackberry once the next build is available.

Thanks to Brent and the entire Microsoft crew for hosting the event in Atlanta.

Oh and one more thing…Brent also had the app running on an Android. Sweet!

Rose Robinson, Principal Consultant
FocusGears
rrobinson@focusgears.com
LinkedIn

What will be our Focus in 2010?

2010-01-19T08:26:00.000-05:00

Now that our focus is on 2010, we've learned a lot last year and this year, we're re-emphasizing basic elements: customer experience, retaining quality resources and professional development.

In 2009, technology really captured our minds and trying to keep up was challenging. We didn't spend as much time with our customers in the beginning and throughout our projects as we should have. Communication, or lack thereof, is a critical aspect of a successful project. Frequency, delivery method, face to face meetings, it all became vital especially toward the end to keep the customers up to date on status of meeting deadlines and any problems with features being implemented. This year, FocusGears will focus on the customer experience. Delivering service and resolving issues is not the only functions we are concerned with, but focus on ALL we do for our customers including delivering products and services, resolving issues, collaboration, communication and much more. Understand your customers business goals and ensure you deliver a great experience.

To deliver a great experience must start with great resources. It's not enough anymore to hire skilled workers, but you need innovators that can think outside of the box. And when you obtain the innovators, retaining those resources is an even bigger challenge. Is it always about the money? What motivates your staff? Are they being challenged? Is there opportunities for growth? Does your company offer the career path (e.g. technical vs. functional)? And what about professional development? All these factors can be outsourced or internally addressed, but regardless, your employees are your most valuable assets and you should invest in what really makes your company function.

Retention is challenging for any organization, but staying competitive is just as important. Industry Certifications are most desirable by most professionals because they are regarded as objective and measurable way to ensure that a professional has the knowledge to practice competently in their respective fields. Regardless to whether it is more IT certifications or quality certifications, it provides an extra added credential to a professional's career and complements their experience as an investment in their growth and development. Employers and customers are looking for qualified resources and understanding industry professionals and how they invest in their own professional development.

Of course FocusGears will continue to focus on the market, innovation of new technology, and new business opportunities, but back to basics is our continued strength. Devoting more time and understanding our customers to make their experience greater, retaining qualified resources for more specialized fields and gaining more industry certifications to enhance professional development will only yield great business opportunities and continued growth.

About Us
FocusGears delivers professional services in software development, project management/audits, strategic planning, and marketing communication to customers that span the globe as well as in many industries. FocusGears optimizes business processes and revenues through bridging technology, people and services. For more information, visit http://focusgears.com.

A 4G Reality Check -- Fierce Wireless is Fierce!

2009-11-18T19:56:00.007-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, Fierce Wireless hosted a “4G Reality Check” virtual conference. I absolutely love virtual conferences mainly because of you can still be on travel and still attend. It helps also if you have travel budget restrictions. Since there is so much hoopla about 4G, it was a great idea to set the record straight on the leaders in the industry as well as the vendors of the technology behind some of the services. Visitors could visit each vendor in the exhibit hall and download whitepapers from the resource center. There were representatives available to answer questions at their respective booths and at times a brief presentation about the company and products was running. Overall, the event was very informative!

To see the full agenda, visit http://www.fiercewireless.com/events/4G/virtual/agenda.php.

But, what really stole the conference were the one hour presentations throughout the day by leading providers and experts in the field. There were two in particular that I attended which offered real-world experience from current implementations and how 4G is perceived in today’s market. I definitely wanted to pass along the great information I received from these presentations because anyone who is following the Telecom industry knows how aggressive this market is and can be overwhelmed with the fast changes.

First, being in OSS/BSS billing side for many years, I was really interested in the presentation from an OSS and BSS perspective, Miguel, Myhrer (Partner, Accenture) and Cindy Watson (VP, Business Development, TMNG Global) moderated by Mike Dano (Managing Editor, Fierce Wireless) discussed 4G network operational efficiency. Many operators still have OSS on legacy systems and face many challenges to handle 4G service. Discussion on whether building a system from scratch and the high cost associated with this implementation or seek other alternative implementations in specific vendors.

The discussion began with focusing on decentralization of OSS/BSS transformation. There were three options discussed:

Option 1: Total Transformation
-    Expensive
-    Customer change management
-    Distraction

Option 2: Best of Breed + Transformational Layer
-    SOA takes advantage of more agile technologies to quickly roll out solutions and web layer
-    Far more robust
-    More control
-    Phasing in/out
-    Customer centric model
-    More focused on time to market

Option 3: Standalone process building new solution
-    Incubation model
-    Open communication
-    Customers have clarity on billing, discounts & services
-    Beneficial

Of course each operator would definitely choose what best fits their organization what they want to offer, but clearly OSS/BSS will be challenging in this market as they try to keep up with 4G. There was also a Q&A session at the end of the presentation and I’ve highlighted my top four I thought were significant.

1. Is there an ROI in investing in upgrading OSS/BSS for 4G for 2-3 years down the road? Myhrer: For Tier 1 operators, you would definitely have to deploy at least half of the upgrade because of 1) new requirements of provisioning different devices and 2) roll out/offer new services because of new networks and data capacity. Systems need to be very flexible to handle these new models and technologies because they are more complex.

2. Cost effective, end-to-end solution and most are cost prohibited/expensive for OSS/BSS, what options do small to mid size operators have for implementing 4G OSS/BSS? Watson: Perhaps implement a layer and have it phased in over existing layer for transformations. Myhrer: Maybe go with an open source solutions rather than a COTS solution.

3. Why not just modify existing 3G OSS/BSS to handle 4G? Watson: 4G requires a lot of system overhaul, services, functions, and third party applications, where the 3G systems will simply not work. Forcing carriers to re-evaluating/analyze existing architecture how their 3G systems must be modified to handle 4G technologies.

Secondly, one of the most captivating presentations of the day is the keynote presentation presented by Teresa Kellett (Director, 4G, Sprint) moderated by Sue Marek (Editor in Chief, Fierce Wireless). Kellett really gave the audience information that shed light on the 4G market, technology and services, at least from a Sprint perspective. As a premise going into the 4G discussion, Kellett shared some of the key market growth that is setting trends for the 4G movement.

Key Market growth in wireless service:
-    High Connection card growth expected to continue at rate 27%
-    WiMAX is one of the most aggressive growth rate 97%
-    Narrowband to broadband

Kellett proceeded to discuss the mobile broadband evolution technologies (1xRTT to 1xEV-DO-0 to 1xEV-DO-A to WiMAX) which Sprint was the first to deploy (a 4th generation network). Sprint’s WiMAX has positioned the company as a leader at least 1-2 years out in the market over other new technologies such as LTE. Sprint is quite satisfied with the performance of WiMAX and the quality service it has provided its customers and has no plans on moving to other 4G technologies. With this in mind, this decision has afforded Sprint new business models and entrance into the embedded device market.

Before going further, Kellett gave a brief overview of history or what is 4G?
-   High speed, high capacity, IP based services for video, data and voice (Voice over IP) on an integrated global network that is based on open standards.
-   Businesses, consumers and local governments will be able to extend their Internet experience beyond home or office by using this technology
-   Sprint 4G is capable of delivering up over 10 times faster download speeds than other 3G mobile broadband networks.
-   Sprint 4G combines the best characteristics of both current Wi-Fi solutions and 3G mobile broadband into a new, open-standards based solution that is up to 10 times faster downloading information than current 3G networks.

An interesting fact about Sprint’s 4G offering is the ownership structure of the new company Clearwire. There are many stakes in this business targeted for specific consumer usage. It will be interesting to see what products and services are offered along with how each entity plans for their customers. I am already a customer of Comcast High Speed 2 Go and loving it, especially in my home base city, Atlanta.

The New Clearwire company ownership structure:
-   Sprint owns 51% interest (exclusivity to serve customers in the fortune 1000, 7 of the 13 board seats)
-   Clearwire 21.8%
-   Intel 12% ($1B)
-   Comcast/TimeWarner/Brighthouse 11.7% ($1.7B)
-   Google 3.5% ($500M)

Sprint’s market rollout has current build plan projects up to 40M POPs (Point of Presence) by EOY 2009 and 120M that will cover POPs by EOY 2010. Additonally, Sprint will have a Day Pass (existing 3G network, can purchase day pass for 4G pass) available at the end of 4Q 2009.

2010 Product Roadmap includes:
-   Embedded consumer electronics
-   Access solutions
-   Single mode & dual mode USB data cards
-   Embedded laptops
-   4G phone
-   OEM embedded solutions
-   Additionally, datalink, ISP services, session persistence, open developers, and LBS

Kellett discussed M2M (Mobile to Mobile) and emerging markets. One vertical segment example she gave was in transportation. Think of how transportation wants embedded 4G telematics to increase passenger safety and decrease their insurance cost. She also gave an example of digital signage where a lot of us use shuttle buses to transport back and forth to airport terminals and rental car sites. Providing transit information that is real-time and providing Wi-Fi to passengers is a way to improve customer experience. Digital signage can also be used in taxi cabs for process payments and monitor drivers.

Sprint Nextel has a long and strong history with P2T (Push to Talk). First responders are interested in the immediacy of data services on 4G, ruggedize police car with camera mounted and the role video plays in the severity of situations and the quality of video. They can zoom in with level of details which makes a real difference when you are supporting people in trauma on the front line. What about construction workers using ruggedized laptops with no wires. Their laptop becomes a communication hub for construction sites and surveillance. In healthcare, in very rural areas, remote monitoring of patients can save on hospital expenses, hospital staff is able to use telepresence with 4G communication and patients are treated in their homes rather than in the hospital which is a significant cost savings. There is a large and very promising future with 4G.

With the 4G technology also comes with great responsibility. Sprint has opened the API to developers and reconstructed it’s Application Developers’ Program. They have held conferences on the West coast as a starter, but there will be more to come nationwide as this market continues to grow.

Whew! This is a lot of valuable information about 4G and where and how the market is influenced by its presence. As you can imagine, there were a lot of questions, but I’ve only listed just a few.

1. How is Sprint going to handle International offerings? 435 million POPs covered on WiMAX, through partnership with Clearwire driving roaming relationships, YODA (Russian), UQ (Japan), Taiwan...the footprint is there to take advantage of and make roaming happen, and confident to provide 4G roaming. Tri-band feature, support WiMAX roaming

2. Packet voice (voice applications) over 4G...Sprint's position on voice remains unchanged. If user wants to use another voice provider, no plans to offer Sprint branded voice product in the near future.

3. Is WiMAX going to move to LTE in the future? They are very similar technologies, based OSDM, 70-80% similar. Sprint chose WiMAX because it's here today. LTE is not as mature as WiMAX. Sprint remains committed to WiMAX.

4. How you will differentiate your product in a market (broadband, Clearwire, Sprint, etc.)? Sprint is more focused on business customers, dual-mode, mobile broadband router supports up to 32 Wi-Fi users. TimeWarner/Comcast looks to extend in-home performance with entertainment.

5. Can sprint handle mobility in vehicle speed and how do you intend to address indoor vs. outdoor coverage? Sprint has good experience indoor building experience. In-vehicle handoff tested with 80 mph and results have been fine.

6. When LTE is deployed, will WiMAX be upgraded to compete with speed to speed?

7. Are you seeing any latency with video vs. voice? No, this works great per customer response.

4G will clearly introduce more products and services that will allow consumer and business benefit from performance and better access. The examples and discussions from this conference was just the type of information to keep everyone informed and on point. The innovation in the Telecom industry is just astounding!   It keeps me on my toes. Great job Fierce Wireless! I hope there are many more virtual conferences to come.

Stay tuned on what’s next...

Rose Robinson, Principal Consultant
FocusGears
rrobinson@focusgears.com

Gearing Up! For 2012 Summer Olympics in London

2009-10-21T15:18:00.006-04:00

September 8-9, 2009 Think London was in Atlanta, GA. USA to discuss business opportunities with business leaders and small business owners in the Metro Atlanta area for London Summer Olympics and Paralympics games in 2012. “Think London is London’s official foreign direct investment agency connecting International businesses to London.” They were in Atlanta on their Route to 2012 North American road show. Since Atlanta has hosted the Summer Olympics in 1996. A sponsor of the Olympics and Paralympics games, Coca Cola, hosted an invitation only dinner for local businesses on September 8, 2009 and there was a networking opportunity at a breakfast meeting at the Metro Atlanta Commerce. This provided local businesses to hear what London has to offer during the 2012 and the many business opportunities available in London.

Charlie Battle of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, Michael Charlton, CEO of Think London and Hans Grant, Senior Vice President, Economic Development of Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce gave a presentation past Olympic Games committee goals, how Think London is helping companies outside of London get established and how the Olympics have affected economic growth in Atlanta many years after the Olympics. The presentations gave great insights on economic impact long after the Olympics to see an immediate return on investments, how companies and the local economy has been impacted positively by creating new jobs and companies and how the Olympics\Paralympics games brought sustainable businesses.

What really stood out was the face that the London games will be the most Green and Digital games ever. The Green development of many of the venues will be low carbon lighting and low carbon zones and there is an investment of $100 million in new waste management technologies. Most of the development will be sustainable for many years to come and brings new Green business opportunities to London. Additionally, London’s Digital Games concept will allow spectators and residences to participate in the Olympic Games through social network technologies. The Digital Games will create new universities, a new technology center and promote digital industries.

While the Olympic/Paralympics games will unite people through sports, culture and education, operational focus on globalization, technological advancements and sustainable environmental changes. With construction well on the way, including a new cross rail from West London into London, the importance of London as a major employer continues to bring more opportunities underground and aboveground for terminal services, businesses and retail shops.

The supply chain alone will bring more than 75,000 contracts and plenty of sub-contracts. To be considered for contracts/sub-contracts and partnerships, an online procurement process has been established at competefor.com. Finally, Think London has a long history of helping companies establish offices in the London area quickly and very efficiently. They have extensive network, help you find the right property, staffing and even help with personal housing, schools and just getting settled in the London life.

The excitement that always centers on the Olympic/Paralympics games continues to be incredibly beneficial for the host city. Nevertheless, the legacy that it brings is no match for the economic development, job growth and sustainable progress and future business establishments.

Resources:
1. Office site of London Olympics
2. Think London
3. Online Procurement Process (competefor.com)
4. Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
5. FocusGears

Follow on Twitter:
Think London
London 2012 Team
Seb Coe - Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee and Olympic Gold Medalist

Rose Robinson
Principal Consultant, FocusGears
Atlanta, Ga. USA
rrobinson@focusgears.com

On Cloud Nine

2009-09-30T22:45:00.005-04:00

Cloud Computing has dominated the development and technical architecture world in these past weeks. What is cloud computing really all about? What is all the hoopla? Is Cloud Computing a software? A desktop? A server? A platform? Many have tagged Cloud Computing as the “foundation of the next generation of Web 2.0, a network of all connected devices, in essence a platform for all computing.” (YouTube) Regardless, everyone has their own definition of Cloud Computing, but what value does it bring to your business?

Early adopters, like Amazon and Google whose architecture provided similar functionality as web hosting allowing whatever apps you wanted to run through invoked services. 1st Cloud - Cloud Computing in its early stages was similar to SaaS (Software as a Service) such as Salesforce.com, where only a single application was delivered. Today, in addition to SaaS, one of the major architectures of Cloud Computing is Platform as a Service (PaaS). 2nd Cloud - PaaS provides all the facilities so that applications and web services can be run directly from the Internet. This common theme of providing or running services and/or applications entirely from the Internet only moves 3rd Cloud - technology infrastructure into other areas such as social media, large search capabilities and enormous consumer purchasing power so prevalent in today’s world.

4th Cloud - One major advantage to Cloud Computing is the ability to manage this increase capacity or added capabilities to web applications on the Internet. Companies like eBay are looking to Cloud Computing to accommodate their high demands in user access and daily transactions. 5th Cloud - Providing real-time transactions of the Internet is another advantage that allows more managed service providers that improves efficiency in processing these types of transactions. 6th Cloud - Cloud Computing provides companies with a cost effective advantage with no addition change or investment in the infrastructure, software or training. A unique and effective company benefit in these hard economic times.

7th Cloud - Subsequently, another cost effective savings for companies are the ability to offer subscription or pay-per-use service with Cloud Computing. This type of Cloud Computing Utility Computing offers a more on-demand service and charges based on usage. This allows better management of resources while maximizing the efficient use of the resources. 8th Cloud - Finally, the commerce platform architecture supports a comprehensive computing ecosystem enabling payment applications for eCommerce, mobile, web hosting, database and others. Commerce platform monetizes Cloud Computing services a valuable revenue stream for any organization.

9th Cloud - So all the hoopla about Cloud Computing is an effective and worthwhile technology making efficient web services and transactions, real-time access and a streamlined approach to an already complex architecture. As more and more software, hardware, devices, networks and other technology complicate the infrastructure; Cloud Computing provides a robust alternative to the traditional spider web network. The value proposition is quite evident and enables organizations to take control of their integrated technologies while floating On Cloud Nine.

Additional Resources:
1. Cloud Computing Journal - http://cloudcomputing.sys-con.com/
2. YouTube: What is Cloud Computing? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PNuQHUiV3Q
3. Brodin, J. FAQ: Cloud Computing, Demystified. http://www.networkworld.com/supp/2009/ndc3/051809-cloud-faq.html
4. ZDNet http://search.zdnet.com/index.php?t=13&s=0&o=0&q=cloud+computing
5. Knorr, E and Gruman, G. What cloud computing really means. http://www.infoworld.com/d/cloud-computing/what-cloud-computing-really-means-031
6. Gourley, B. What is Cloud Computing: I’m forming up on the NIST view. http://ctovision.com/2009/07/what-is-cloud-computing-im-forming-up-on-the-nist-view/

The New Business Intelligence Tool: GIS

2009-08-08T14:24:00.012-04:00

In today's economy, organizations are back to basics and that means making sound decisions. Their customers and board members are watching closer than ever as goals are set and achieving those goals are at the forefront of every business model these days. Business Intelligence (BI) has long been used to determine market performance, customer behavior, and even effective business models. Tools have been created over the years to make data more accessible but also allow more discriminate decisions that will improve operations, business processes, and increase sales and customers. Traditional tools have been data warehouses, data marts, OLAPs (online analytical processing), DSS (decision support systems) and more. But there is a new player in the BI ecosystem, GIS (geographic information systems).

GIS brings cartography, spatial techniques and location and mapping technologies into BI by providing not only graphical representation for customer demographics but more specific and customized industry information that helps organizations understand their market and their customers. Traditional BI has allowed organizations to store and pull information from existing data, but not necessarily geographically. GIS BI accurately represents a more specified demographic to allow businesses to concentrate theirs efforts on specific marketing landscape and sales resources. GIS or more recent terminology, Location Intelligence, provides a graphical view of more accurate data and allow organizations to align with their business goals.

Great examples of how GIS is helping organizations in BI:
1. The World Bank Projects, data and demographic information.
2. Criminal Intelligence
3. Real Estate Intelligence
4. H1N1 Swine Flu Google Map

The real estate industry uses location intelligence to gain insight on properties and houses for sale on the market. Banks utilizes location intelligence to map ATMs and customer usage. Supply Chain organizations need to determine alternate routes for transportation between warehouses, manufacturers, and distribution centers. In essence, location intelligence provides companies with real-time and accurate data based on the organizations business products and services and customer needs. The new business intelligence ecosystem has included GIS tools such as location intelligence, mapping technologies and customized business information to really optimize operations, focus more on customer needs and streamline business processes. A very formidable area, GIS continues its track through all industries bringing great value and efficiency in the way companies do business.

Related resources and articles:
1. Location Intelligence Conference 2009
2. Location Intelligence and BI
3. NavTEQ: Business Intelligence
4. Kolom, Doug. No Pie in the Sky - The Often Overlooked Challenges of BI/GIS Integration. December 2005.
5. Gandorf, Ed and Taylor, James. Driving Decision Automation with Location Intelligence. August 2009.

Critical Communications in Project Management

2009-07-27T10:59:00.007-04:00

Project management has many components that are crucial to the success of a project, but one that is often overlooked or misused is Communications. From your stakeholders to your customer support personnel, communications detail is critical to successfully delivering a quality project. Not only is the frequency important, but escalation, formal versus informal and meeting time must be addressed at all levels of project team. Stakeholders (investors, customers, executive team, etc.) may not desire the frequency, but only the high-level status reports or just the critical issues. It is necessary that project leads maintain common communication methods to roll-up in high-level executive reporting. Any risks that are realized into issues and affect critical paths must be reported in a timely manner so that decisions can be made on how to address those issues. Nevertheless, communication methods, frequency and tools should be detailed in your communication plan of your main Project Management Plan (PMP). Once PMP is signed off, during monitoring and controlling the project, communication is key to success and addressing any immediate changes and controls.

FocusGears is committed to making your projects successful and understand that your projects are all part of an overall strategic business goal. We have the staff, experience and industry knowledge to make delivering your projects on time and on budget.

reBlog from Taraleewhitaker: Agile 101

2009-07-21T17:10:00.001-04:00

I found this fascinating quote today:

Reliability – are they delivering what they say they will at a Sprint/Project-level?

Quality - live defects, beta defects, stakeholder satisfaction

Value - are we delivering the highest value stories at any given time, how productive are we, financial return

Velocity - throughput/output

Taraleewhitaker, Agile 101, Jul 2009

You should read the whole article.

Infrastructure improvement is economic stimulus

2009-07-07T15:19:00.009-04:00

The U.S. Infrastructure is slowly deteriorating. In the early 1900s, infrastructure was the key to economy growth bringing jobs, new industries and business, more housing opportunities and much more. But today, dams, railways, highways all have greater long term problems if not addressed immediately. Not only do we need to correct the problem, but it could highly improve our transportation alternatives with a large investments into a time-honored transportation, the railways. For instance, to take Amtrak from Atlanta to Savannah, the only route is from Atlanta to Washington, D.C. then from D.C. to Savannah, a mere 8 hours. You would think that there would be a route directly from Atlanta to Savannah. And maybe there are some logistical reasons, but imagine the coastal shipping community as Savannah having a direct line to Atlanta.

Infrastructure improvement would increase supply chain demands and vendors would have a direct line and quicker delivery service to Atlanta International airport that also take deliveries by air. Not only would suppliers benefit, but jobs would be created to build the line, new railcars, alternative travel beside cars, bus or air and would provide a greater opportunity into green technology research. Currently, most rail cars emit fossil fuels which can be more than air travel, but with high-speed trains, similar to those of Japan, Taiwan and in Europe, this is an opportunity to build more energy-efficient transportation rather than relying solely on automotive green technology.

All of the U.S. infrastructure is working overtime with all the aging electrical lines/grids, highways, water technology and more. Now is the time for research and improvements which can seriously jump start employment opportunities, new small business providing products and services and better planning for the next generation. Research in energy-efficient technology, smart and low-maintenance systems and security integration to prevent any intrusions will provide reliability and stability in tomorrow's infrastructure.

Related Articles:
1. Brahic, Catherine. Trains can be worse for climate than planes. June 2009. http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17260-train-can-be-worse-for-climate-than-plane.html
2. The Brookings Institution. America's infrastructure: Ramping up or Crashing down. January 2008. http://www.kiplinger.com/businessresource/summary/archive/2008/infrastructure_crisis_brookings.html
3. Cooper, Michael. U.S. Infrastructure Is in Dire Straits. January 27, 2009. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/28/us/politics/28projects.html

Gearing Up! For Social Media Technologies

2009-06-29T12:20:00.006-04:00

So as new technologies are at the forefront, FocusGears is gearing up through professional development and conference to stay ahead of the game or at least play the game. Social media is in the news constantly and is instrumental to bringing information to a large audience. Is technology and application integration key to marketing, professional services and product development? Web 2.0 and Mobile 2.0 is taking the Software community by storm with new location-aware technology and real-time updates on many social media sites and applications. What's the architecture like for integrating with social media applications? Where does database driven technology fit in? Whether it is open source or mainstream development, FocusGears is committed to being informed on new technology movement and contributing to the software community. Stay tuned as we post local conference schedule.

Shifting gears to focus on your business needs.

Gearing Up!

Welcome!

2009-05-25T10:43:00.000-04:00

Welcome to FocusGears's blog page Gearing Up! The blog was created to inform our readers and customers on FocusGears current projects, innovative technology and make a contribution to the technology world as it is seen and utilized from a small business standpoint.