In the enterprise, technology often moves slowly. It’s not what most would expect – big business was once the first to adopt the latest and greatest technologies because of the cost associated with innovation. Today, technology is going bulk – apps are the perfect example. Taking advantage of and integrating apps into small, nimble business models is less challenging than it is for corporations. Still, the giants are catching up. They’re seeing that inexpensive technologies such as mobile and social media apps can have a significant effect on their bottom line. They get it, and now they’re…

It really doesn’t matter which side of the fence you’re on. Regardless of what people believe, it’s clear that there are no absolutes when it comes to this issue. The reason? Complete transparency or complete anonymity opens up different cans of worms. There’s no way around it. As a result, it comes down to this: which side are you leaning towards? This graphic by our friends at Namesake takes a look at the issue and breaks the gray concerns into as black and white of a picture as possible. Click to enlarge. …

As Apple, Google, and Facebook face more scrutiny over their mobile privacy policies from the government, the concerns continue to grow for users. Where we are, what we’re doing, and how we’re doing it are often questions that can be answered by these companies, often without our knowledge. This graphic by our friends at ZoneAlarm breaks down the threats and perceived evils being perpetrated by mobile-based companies and the larger companies who control them. Are we safe to surf on our gadgets? Click to enlarge. …

Since the beginning of organized communication and transportation, networks have been embedded as an easier way to make things happen. It’s much easier to keep systems running properly when they are placed into a system of connected elements. Networks are everywhere. This graphic by our friends at GetSatisfaction brings it all into perspective from the 1800s until now and into the future. Click to enlarge. …

Print is dead. It isn’t dying. There is no chance of a resurrection. It’s done. Gone. Save the trees! Or is it? While many still believe that technology will save all, there’s still something that can be said about picking up a newspaper and reading long-form articles or books without the use of electricity (other than lighting in the room). While there may never be a need or ability for print media to make a full recovery, there will (likely) always be a need to chop down more trees and squeeze for squids for their ink. Thanks to our friends at GetSatisfaction, we can compare newspapers, magazines,…

Energy is in high demand and the there are problems with every method of acquiring it. Most believe that oil is not the answer. Coal poses environmental problems. Nuclear has demonstrated potential for danger. Clean energy such as hydro, wind, and solar pose cost concerns. Many have pointed to natural gas as the middle ground, the compromise between clean and “dirty” energy sources that may be the direction to take. Is it safe enough? This graphic by our friends at 1bog asks the question and attempts to answer it. Note: 1bog clearly supports solar as the solution, so their views are biased, but the…

It isn’t common for a startup to be met with as much scorn and criticism as Color. Even before it officially launched, it was being called a waste of VC money, just another image sharing app, and confusing to use. It just didn’t seem like it could be used for anything… useful. Now, our friends at Namesake found something that can be an effective use of the app. Party Trolling! Click to enlarge. …

The question often gets asked by businesses to their marketing firms, “Do we need an app?” The rise in popularity of mobile internet use has prompted the need for more easily accessible mobile functionality for websites. The real question is, “Do we need an app or a robust mobile site?” “We went with mobile sites,” said Jarvis Allison at Albuquerque Ford. “We considered an app but we just couldn’t imagine people downloading something that they’re only going to use every two and a half years.” Many business sites have a mobile variation of them. Web companies are making entire business models around…

In 1975, Three Days of the Condor with Robert Redford highlighted the profession of CIA researcher, a non-combat, non-covert department of the spy organization. Redford played a standard “knowledge worker” who was propelled into the world of espionage. He got the bad guys, got the girl, and learned to shoot a gun. While most of us in a similar position will likely not be chased by the government, it points to a necessary section of most organizations that gets less glory than the “front line” professions but that, for all intents and purposes, helps drive the world for everyone. The business of…

Building a startup represents the 21st century equivalent of the “American Dream.” It’s not a direct comparison, as it has become a global endeavor and it’s also much harder to break in than it was in the early parts of the 20th century when “the dream” was really first born. What does it take? What are they doing right or wrong? How can they succeed? This graphic by our friends at Focus takes us through the various challenges and pitfalls associated with starting a tech company. Click to enlarge. …