May 24, 2011
What the Foxconn explosion means for Apple
CNN Money
Philip Elmer-DeWitt looks at two different consequences Apple might face following the factory explosion.
“Under this scenario, Chengdu manufactures most iPads and the explosion is serious; i.e. Apple is unable to utilize alternatives or get back on stream by June. If so, it could be negative for Apple’s Q3 (June); stoppage of Chengdu until end June may equate to the lost production of 1.8-2.8M units Q3, which is 22-36% of our expectations for 8M iPad shipments Q3.”
Microsoft kills off consumer-focused Pioneer Studios
Ars Technica
Peter Bright looks at the legacy of the company’s experimental group.
“Pioneer Studios was an explicit attempt by Microsoft to do something different. The swanky offices were located in an area of Seattle populated with startups, some distance from the company’s main Redmond campus-an attempt to distance the team from the company’s corporate bureaucracy, and instead foster a culture of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.”
Tech Data launches TDCloud, TDCloud Academy for partners
The VAR Guy
Dave Courbanou reports on Tech Data’s newest additions to its cloud partner program.
“Tech Data’s TDCloud Academy provides a tiered education program for resellers with information and training on how to make cloud a profitable part of business. If you’re a VAR having trouble understanding, defining and grasping what the elusive ‘cloud’ really is, TDAcademy will cover that, too.”