Software allows companies to react to trends, firm says.

The article below explains that up-to-date information is the key to a successful thriving business.

http://www.canada.com/Software+allows+companies+react+trends+firm+says/3739072/story.html

Can businesses work at peak performance when business data is not up-to-date?  Some businesses today, if not all businesses, rely on up-to-the-minute elements of their numbers.  Whether the numbers are associated with inventory or sales amounts,  paper documentation is no longer a reliable source for estimating the financial status of a business.  As technology expands and creates new opportunities for business, there is also expansion of competition and resources available to the consumer.

As Robert Courteau the chief operating officer for SAP's Global Field Operations states "analyzing data is becoming key to survival for many businesses.   The demand for up-to-the-minute data analytics is due to changes in technology, because in the past, it was very difficult to track inventory on a large scale".  Data analytics is one of the fastest growing divisions of SAP.

The development of SAP enterprise management software allows companies to create a data centre, where information on sales, inventory, customer traffic and human resources information are all pooled together.   Through this collection of data, companies are able to evaluate the degree to which the marketing campaign is working and which areas are working best.  This "instant" information enables companies to react faster to consumer demand of their products.

Also, paying attention and tracking data, regarding the personal views of an organization, are key factors for peak performance of a business.  Everything and every company is rated on the social media network. So, whatever a company does as as a brand, will be measured through these networks.  If a company is not using this information as a tool, then the opportunity to understand the consumers' needs are overlooked, which can result in a negative outcome for that company’s ratings and sales.

I agree with this article.  I believe for a company to maintain peak performance, they must pay attention to what is in demand.  Their business is successful when they pay attention to what consumers want and need.  The software today is a helpful application tool to further a business, but it is what is done with the software that makes a difference.  An organization may implement this tool, but if they do no analyze the results, they will only gain partial benefit for their company to achieve its full potential.

Cyber Crime To Target Mobile Devices, Social Networks

http://www.nationalpost.com/Cyber+crime+target+mobile+devices+social+networks/3639103/story.html#ixzz12ICY3b5m

Article Summary

This National Post article summarizes a “Report on Emerging Cyber Threats” published by the Georgia Tech Information Security Centre, a renowned information systems security organization and educational facility situated in Atlanta, Georgia of the United States.

The report conveys that the prime targets of cyber crime in 2011 will be:
(1) Individuals who use internet-connected mobile devices;

(2) Individuals who use social networks;

(3) Hospital, electrical and other utility companies.

As internet-connected mobile devices functionality includes banking, (and soon paying for purchases), and accessing health records, there are links created to sensitive information for which cyber criminals are searching. A major challenge is developing security software for a mobile device that does not dramatically reduce battery life.

Pertaining to users of social networks, cyber criminals are searching for information. Mustaque Ahamad, director of the information security centre stated “once (a criminal) compromises your account, they have access to your friends.”

Regarding hospitals and utility company systems, these facilities are becoming more electronically linked.  There have been increasing breaches in similar facilities in overseas countries.

Simple Measures to Lessen Exposure to Cyber Crime
- Turn off modems and mobile devices when not in use.
- Do not open unfamiliar email attachments.

Personal Views
My comments are directed towards users of internet-connected mobile devices.
I agree with Georgia Tech that mobile devices will be targeted for cyber crimes.

Naturally, security lags a bit behind the technology. A company will not spend time and effort on security unless they know there is demand for it.
From a business standpoint, it is understandable that the producers of mobile devices need to have their technology as cutting-edge.
It is also understandable, for those businesses embracing easier payment methods, such as swiping your mobile phone to pay for a purchase. Business requires keeping up with or staying ahead of the competition.

However, as a consumer, it is “buyer beware”. Or perhaps, it is more accurate to say “user beware”.
It is remarkable to consider that from a hand-held device, we are able to:
- use as phone;
- perform work and business tasks;
- organize and schedule our social life;
- be entertained by playing games, viewing video, listening to music, reading an e-book;
- use email;
- have internet access;
- maintain medical information and other personal information;
- do online banking and investing;
- and most recently, pay for purchases by swiping the mobile device.

In essence, our mobile phones are becoming more like mobile computers with convenience and portability.

However, we should expect to have, at minimum, the protections that we use on a personal computer. The protections mentioned in the article are only the basics. I believe we also need safeguards against viruses, worms, malware, spyware, adware, trojans, bots, spam, phishing and others. Further recommendations are using data-encryption for sensitive information and the utilization of firewalls.

Ideally, if the internet-connected mobile device belongs to an organizational network that is able to monitor email and internet usage, that will likely aid greatly in protection, but it is not fail proof.

If your mobile device is not part of a secure network and does not have security software, it would be prudent to be very cautious. Personal information such as passwords, banking information and emails can be used to access your finances or steal your identity.

The mobile phone (computer) convenience can be at an expensive price.

Note, there should be increased demand for people developing security software.

Starbucks' New Portal: Designed with Mobile in Mind

The new Starbucks Digital Network will cater to its café clientele's tablets and smartphones.

http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/sep2010/tc20100924_030975.htm

Relevant Article

Starbucks is taking a tip from its users and designing the upcoming Web landing portal to be optimized first for mobile devices instead of traditional Web browsers.

Let the digital adventure begin. Traditionally, users/companies access the web through Safari, Firefox, Chrome, or Internet Explorer.  Starbucks is going beyond the everyday typical web, creating a new portal which allows users access to free Wi-Fi network.  The browser will respond to touch and swipes and can be accessed through smartphones and tablets from Android and Blackberry devices.  The site will rely on moving tiles that will create a touch friendly experience for all users.

Much Free Content

The up and coming new development is in partnership with Yahoo focusing on a wide range of premium content such as free iTunes downloads, free Wall Street Journal access, book previews, local Patch.com stories, and content from Nickelodeon, Men's Health, and others.  This creates a vast network of free content to all users. 

Vice President Adam Brotman explains that users who have their iPhone "myStarbucks app" open in the store will receive alerts notifying them about Starbucks Digital Network.  Also, surveys reveal that customers desire mobile ordering of drinks and mobile coupons. Brotman states that the company will tailor to customers' experiences since more and more users are accessing Wi-Fi networks from smaller devices. They will also avoid displaying advertising on the site and instead promote content from partners. “We really don't want to interrupt the experience, but we want to be integrated in a way that just feels right," Brotman said.

Starbucks isn't just settling for a website, it is catering to their customers and to their customers methods of connecting.  Starbucks desires to convey to their customers that the customers are important and highly valued to Starbucks and that there is  an earnestness to deepen the relationship to ensure they are returning customers.  

Business is business……..