I have to confess – I find the growing situation between Google and China to be very interesting both in terms of an ethical and business standpoint. In short, the situation is this:
In the past, the Chinese government required Google to sensor search results on topics they find objectionable. Last Monday, Google began sending Web searchers in mainland China from the China-based Google.cn to Google.com.hk based in Hong Kong where an “open” Internet is available. On Tuesday the Chinese government responded, using Internet filters to prevent results from being displayed for certain search topics. For example, searches related to pro-democracy returned errors saying the page couldn’t be displayed and in certain cases, the web browser disconnected for a short time. Clearly Google risks significant revenue by taking the stand they have, yet they’ve also likely gained quite a bit of respect from many users. In my opinion the situation is a game of “chicken” presently. The Chinese government hasn’t prohibited Google from doing business in China and Google hasn’t stopped censoring searches on the Google.cn domain. Yet, the situation is definitely tenuous. So what would you do if you were Google? Their stock dropped 1.5% this week on news that they’re effectively “thumbing” their nose at potentially the largest market. Interesting. Very Interesting.
A ton of information exists about this topic. I’ve included a few links below – silently glad that none of them are sensored…
Google services available in mainland China: http://www.google.com/prc/report.html#hl=en
General information: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100323/ap_on_hi_te/as_china_google
Google co-founder Sergey Brin urges US to act over China web censorship: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/mar/24/google-china-sergey-brin-censorship
The world is taking a break from everything this last week and watching the images coming from Haiti and I think we are all taken back. It is a great new year in 2010 and we have so much to be thankful for here in America. One of the technology innovations making a difference in this crisis is the ability to text and donate $10 to the Red Cross. So join us here at ITP and text to help:
Text HAITI to 90999 to donate 10$ to American Red Cross
From time to time we like to take a break and recognize our clients and their online work. One client we are particularly proud of his continued investment into his online marketing through blogging is Attorney Tristan Pettit of Petrie & Stocking. Tristan is both knowledgeable and personable and you can see by his large online blog following a clear expert in the field of landlord tenant law and eviction in the Milwaukee, WI area. Whether you are a property owner, know someone who is a landlord or just interested in good writing- do yourself a favor and read through a quality, informative blog. Wisconsin Landlord Tenant Law blog by Tristan Pettit
Watch the first episode of the Social Media Forum discussion on social media issues. The first episode covers why businesses engage in social media and what some of the challeneges and drawbacks people face. Watch for more episodes as we cover the issues facing your social media campaigns.
http://smf.bz/ep1
Here at ITP we try to keep on top of the latest technology and trends. As a part of that we have joined the private beta of wibya a web 2.0 toolbar you see at the bottom of the page. No it is not software but a simple php script with some truly powerful features. Take the toolbar for a spin and let us know if you like it in the comments.
ITP is proud to announce our newly formed relationship with “The Credit Man”, Michael Mack. Attorney Mack and his staff provide quality debt consolidation and bankruptcy services for their clients. ITP will be providing Attorney Mack and his staff with comprehensive IT consulting including network support, legal-specific application support, and a range of Internet & website services. You can find out more about Attorney Michael Mack and his practice here.
Please join me in welcoming Attorney Mack and his staff into our “ITP Family.”
ITP is proud to introduce Paul Hager who joined the firm officially as a partner on August 1st. Paul comes to ITP with the unique blend of networking experience and an expertise in website design, Internet development and Internet marketing. Currently, Paul manages our Madison office, but can be found in our Milwaukee office fairly frequently. Many of you have already had the opportunity to work with Paul, but in case you haven’t you can find out more about Paul here.
Microsoft’s upcoming iteration of Office, Office 14, looks like it will have some interesting features – most prominently, the ability to operate in a browser. Though this new option was likely pushed by Google’s product, Google Apps, it does pose some interesting options for attorneys. For example, one of the reasons many firms have moved to Word from WordPerfect is to make communication with clients and other firms easier. Now, with the ability to view Word documents in a browser, the Word vs. Word Perfect issue still in debate for many law firms would be even easier to make. Certainly, it doesn’t address some of the other reasons firms utilize WordPerfect, but it does put another chink in the WordPerfect armor. Possibly the more interesting issue, however, is how word processing in a browser will change the way attorneys communicate with clients and other attorneys. Rest assured I’ll be posting more thoughts about that as we find out more about Office 14’s capabilities.
Okay, whether you’re a fan of Vista or one of Vista’s many critics, a little news about Microsoft’s next operating system is interesting reading. The new operating system will be simply named “Windows 7″ and it appears Microsoft has listened to the complaints users have pounded them with about Vista.
In short, a quick look at Windows 7 shows some expected and some unexpected changes. Here’s a quick list of some of the features of the new operating system:
• The Windows sidebar is gone, but the gadgets can still be accessed
• The Windows security center is gone (thank God!!!) though some features have been incorporated into the maintenance section of the control panel
• A function that allows greater Bluetooth functionality
• A “Sticky Notes” feature that allows you to place a sticky note anywhere on the desktop.
• Greater performance analysis tools
• The use of ribbons which were introduced in Office 2007
It is also expected that Windows 7 will be faster to boot and be more compatible with software and peripherals at launch.
Ultimately, only time will tell, but if early indicators are any sign, it appears as though Microsoft is working to eliminate some of the issues associated with Vista.
Check out the full article from Cnet here complete with some screenshots.
A few months ago I posted an article on Windows Home Server’s initial rollout here. Today I stumbled across a hilarious piece of marketing material by Microsoft entitled “Mommy, Why is There a Server in the House?” It’s a parody of many recent children’s books. Obviously it is part of a viral marketing campaign, and I supposed just by posting it here I’m helping their cause, but it’s very funny and worth checking out.
Below is a direct link to an online version of the “book.”
Mommy, Why is There a Server in the House?
News, SEM, SEO, Tech News | Joe Ulm | 
March 27, 2010 4:16 am | 
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