June 9, 2008
Cloud computing – an easy sell?
IT World Canada
Don Sheppard brainstorms some good places in the business for cloud computing.
“Cloud computing may work best for start-ups and small to medium size companies that haven’t got as many strict infrastructure requirements to live with. Cloud computing may also be very useful for workload overflow, disaster recovery, and so on. Am I saying there’s a place for Cloud Computing in all its different forms – Yes! Will it take over the world and let us throw away everything we have now – No! Let’s keep our eyes on the market to see which forms become most popular and see what the early adopters do.”
Increased travel costs driving demand for video conferencing
Network World
Chris Cameron reports that according to CNBC.com, because oil, energy and travel costs continue to soar, many businesses are now turning towards collaboration solutions.
“Manufacturers that focus on unified communication, video conferencing and teleworking can offer businesses enhanced cost savings and increase ROI in these difficult (economic) times. However, until the recent spike in energy pricing, demand for these applications was lukewarm at best. Many IT managers looked at these features as a burden on the network and as a low priority item due to cost and difficulty to deploy.”
Apple, iTunes and tea leaves
Globe and Mail
Given the current strength of the Canadian dollar, wouldn’t you think Apple iTunes’ Canadian prices would reflect that? Jack Kapica follows up on this and a frustrated consumer also speaks out.
“Another thing to figure out is why the new Apple iTunes Canada store is charging a dollar more for movie rentals than it charges Americans, as noted by reader Debra Anne Kozak. Canadians are expected to pay $4.99, while Americans are paying $3.99. That reflects the difference between the U.S. and Canadian dollars of more than a year ago, not today. ‘Is there anyone out there in Canada ready to stand up for the hammered Canadian consumer?’ Ms. Kozak asks. ‘Why are we always on the short end of the stick?’”