Saturday, February 28, 2009

RFID Technologies

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/10-q-rfi-technologies-inc/story.aspx?guid=%7BDCE83F76-57EE-4F4E-AA7C-EE84C656C5F6%7D&dist=msr_1

The above article provides an update on RFID technology. Radio frequency identification allows for the immediate wireless tracking of anything that contains the RFID chip. This can be applied to products along a supply chain. From production to shipping to receiving, inventory can be quickly accounted for. This will greatly improve efficiencies in production and improve the integrity of inventory data. The cost of RFID technology and its infrastructure is quickly dropping. It is now becoming more economically feasible for companies to integrate RFID.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Wireless Hotspots - Hickory, NC

The following Hickory locations have wireless access:

Atlanta Bread Company
Barnes & Noble
Copper Bean Coffee House
Quiznos Subs
Tea & Coffee Co
Patrick Beaver Library - Possible location for a business

http://hotspotr.com/wifi/list/932-hickory-nc
http://www.jiwire.com

It would be difficult to sustain a commercial business using only these wireless connections. You would be limited to the space of the location and will not have the resources of a contemporary office. It would make more logistical since to pay for internet services through EMBARQ or Charter Communications. EMBARQ provides 10M internet for $55/month. Charter's 10M internet is $40/month. A 10M internet speed may be the best option for a growing business, however, slower internet speeds can be purchased. These services can be purchased for a reduced price if bundled with other products. This may be an attractive option for people who already use Charter or EMBARQ for personal use.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Smart Power Meters

http://www.wqow.com/Global/story.asp?S=9875242

The above link discusses a new trend in electricity that may be heading our way. "Smart Meters" are being installed in homes. These smart meters allows the homeowner to view their current power usage in real-time over the internet and calculates how much they are currently having to pay on their power bill. This allows for the homeowner to become more self-aware of the energy he/she is using. The result is a dramatic decrease in energy use and an increase in energy efficiency.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Travelocity - SitePal

http://www.sitepal.com/sendtofriend?ss=1743771&sl=2020251&acc=15695&from=BrandonEudy@Hotmail.com&to=brandoneudy@Hotmail.com

Please click on the above link to see a rat describe the benefits of Travelocity and it's Business-to-Consumer business model.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Is Noca The Next PayPal?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/09/AR2009020900028.html


Anyone who has ever made a purchase from Ebay is aware of PayPal. PayPal allows for a secure transfer of funds in exchange for a good. This is extrememly important for internet purchases, given that purchases are made through a virtual store. PayPal charges vendors a substantial fee for its service. This fee has led many to potentailly embrace Noca. Noca is similiar to PayPal, in that it maintains the integrity of an online purchase. The benefit is to the seller, who only has to pay a fraction of the transaction costs. It will be interesting to see how Noca grows in the next year. If more vendors begin to offer Noca instead or PayPal, buyers will be forced to switch.