The Business Case for Social NetworkingBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on April 15, 2010It's time to replace Soviet-style corporate mandated communication with American-style free-flowing innovation in the form of social networking tools from Google, Microsoft and others.
Laptops vs. Lectures: Let's Ban Lectures!By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on March 12, 2010Few would argue with the idea that the Internet, PCs and mobile devices open up massive new opportunities to transform university education. So why the resistance to laptops in class?
The 10 Best Tech Products that Never ShippedBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on March 03, 2010Sometimes, the tech industry makes world-changing products. But often they manufacture hype –- including plenty of products that never see the light of day.
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Google BuzzBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on February 24, 2010Google Buzz is Facebook for smart people who have no patience for canned frivolity, it’s Twitter for people with long attention spans. Buzz is the future of intelligent social networking.
How to Fix Your Web Filter Failure (Stop the Flood!)By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on February 17, 2010Your Internet information overload is nothing more than filter failure. So do yourself a favor and follow these tips to mastering the art of filtering incoming information.
Why Google Buzz Isn't BuzzworthyBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on February 10, 2010Google Buzz’s list of features appears attractive, yet the actual implementation offers the worst of two platforms.
For the Young, Reality is Already 'Augmented'By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on January 20, 2010Recent surveys reveal that young people are immersed in technology at an alarming level, and behavior patterns are expected to continue into adulthood. Where’s it all heading?
Google Reveals the Horrible Truth about ChinaBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on January 14, 2010Technology companies doing business in China face some very troubling decisions, as Google's recent experience reveals.
How the Apple Tablet Could FailBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on January 06, 2010Each of these possible challenges is based on things Apple or its CEO have actually said or done.
20 Bad Tech Predictions for 2010By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on December 30, 2009Predictions for the world of technology that may seem unlikely now, yet might just come true nonetheless.
Book Publishers: You Can't Beat Amazon -- So Join 'EmBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on December 22, 2009Buffeted by technology and the Internet, major book publishers need to change or die. The solution is to stop fighting the self-publishing revolution and instead join it.
What's Wrong With Google Dictionary?By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on December 09, 2009Google Dictionary represents a colossal dumbing down of the English Language.
The Greatest Geek Gadget Guide EverBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on December 02, 2009To please the true gadget lover, the geeky gift must be unnecessary, uncommon and personally challenging. Extra points if it’s Japanese.
The Wikipedia Exodus Is the Least of Our WorriesBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on November 24, 2009Given the unpredictable evolution of cloud computing and Web 2.0, many of the popular Web services we rely on could vanish in short order.
Why Android Could FailBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on November 18, 2009Google’s Android platform faces colossal challenges in all three of the factors that determine success in the handheld market.
Who Killed Black Friday?By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on November 11, 2009Sure, Black Friday is still a great day for deal, but the Internet has done away with the traditional “one day only” Black Friday concept.
7 Reasons Why Microsoft Should Make PCsBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on October 28, 2009The company already sells Microsoft-branded keyboards, webcams and game consoles. Moving into the PC hardware market would boost its prospects for continued dominance.
Why iPhone and Kindle Will Continue to RuleBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on October 21, 2009Tech prognosticators are making faulty predictions based on an over-estimation of a link between product "quality" and unit sales, and an underestimation of the power of human nature on the decision-making process.
Do You Have 'Offline Stress Disorder'?By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on October 14, 2009Fueled by Facebook and the iPhone, Offline Stress Disorder is state of anxiety caused by knowledge that an Internet connection is not available.
Why Microsoft's Courier' Tablet Will Never ExistBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on September 23, 2009Despite the hype, there are at least six good reasons why the Microsoft tablet will exist only in the fevered imaginations of A-list bloggers.
Is China Cyber-Stealing Your Secrets?By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on September 17, 2009The US government says China is capable of stealing your secrets -- and may successfully do so, unless you take precautions.
Why the iPod Touch Has No CameraBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on September 09, 2009It’s all part of the plan to get Windows and Linux users loving pocket-size Apple gadgets – so they'll become "switchers" to more expensive items in the future.
How Facebook Could Rule the WorldBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on September 02, 2009Do you support these changes -- like one-button friending -- to the Facebook user interface?
Information Workers Want to Be FreeBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on August 26, 2009Maybe it's best to just get out of the way and let employees do what you hired them to do.
Inside Apple's Incredible Power GrabBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on August 19, 2009Once a mere niche player, Apple – powered by the iPhone – is on its way to becoming the Microsoft of the coming era.
Is the Netbook Dead? Ha! It Never Existed!By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on August 06, 2009Calling small laptops “netbooks” was just advertising hype. The true netbooks will be the upcoming crop of smartbooks. And guess which vendor will own the market?
Why Is Everyone Picking On Google?By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on July 29, 2009Google's "honeymoon" is probably over. It's becoming a real company with real accountability, and the horrid month of July may be a taste of things to come.
The iPhone Is a DiseaseBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on July 23, 2009The psychological reaction to the iPhone is something that transcends geeky gadget preference, gadget addiction or even gadget snobbery. It's a full-blown personality disorder.
Apple's October Tablet Changes *Everything*By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on July 14, 2009The handheld will probably work just like the iPhone, run iPhone apps, have an on-screen keyboard and connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi.
10 Reasons Why Chrome OS Is No 'Windows Killer'By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on July 08, 2009Current facts about actual human behavior and industry trends, as well as the nature of what Google is proposing, don't support the conclusion that Chrome OS will "kill" Windows.
Why Software Piracy PaysBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on July 02, 2009When you shell out $200 for your discounted upgrade of Windows 7 Professional, you're actually helping pay for a copy for someone in China.
Why Apple Should Dump AT&TBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on June 17, 2009Thanks to AT&T's slow execution on support for new iPhone features, its horrible customer service, and its high and confusing prices, yet another iPhone launch has been compromised.
Who Killed Twitter?By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on June 11, 2009Statistics about Twitter usage show a far different picture than the media hype suggests. Why did Twitter jump the shark?
Why the Palm Pre Will FailBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on May 28, 2009Pre is not ready for business, can't top the iPhone for consumers and is entering the market at the worst possible time.
The Trouble with Real-Time SearchBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on May 21, 2009You can expect Google to embrace real-time search. But don't expect that search to be anywhere near as useful as good old-fashioned regular Google searches.
Does Google's 'Recent Results' Feature Beat Twitter?By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on May 13, 2009Twitter Search offers more timely results while Google’s “Recent results” are better filtered. The best option is to combine them. C’mon, Google: Acquire Twitter already!
Steve Jobs Gets PwnedBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on May 07, 2009Apple fumbled hugely by allowing the Kindle to dominate the rapidly growing eBook device market.
Is Windows 7 Really Mojave? (Part II)By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on April 29, 2009Is Windows 7 really "Mojave" — Vista warmed over and sold with a shiny new package? The answer is: sort of.
Is Microsoft Better Without Bill Gates?By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on April 22, 2009Since the late 1990s it seemed that Microsoft consistently failed to capitalize on the biggest opportunities. Since Gates left last summer, the company seems to be doing everything right.
Inside Google's 'Facebook Killer'By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on April 15, 2009The Facebook user interface is cumbersome and counter-intuitive. Google (with possible help from Twitter) has a solution.
Why Netbooks Will Run Cell Phone SoftwareBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on April 01, 2009The next big thing in tiny laptops will be cell phone operating systems, cell phone applications and cell phone data plans. Like all big shifts in the netbook market, this one will surprise the experts, but thrill buyers.
Get Ready for Microsoft's Big ComebackBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on March 25, 2009Surprise! The combined effect of Windows 7, an improving reputation and $20 billion in cash will bring Microsoft out of its doldrums and into a position of industry leadership once again.
Why We Need More H-1B WorkersBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on March 11, 2009Instead of harming American competitiveness by blocking companies from hiring the world's most skilled workers, let's instead open the floodgates and let American companies hire whomever they please -- and issue the visas that will make that possible.
Apple's Epic E-Book FailBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on March 04, 2009Amazon's new Kindle for iPhone represents a massive exploitation of the short-sightedness of Apple. Apple should have read this market better.
Why the Twitter Haters Are WrongBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on February 25, 2009Twitter itself is merely a medium, and one that is different and awesome precisely because every user can control exactly who to follow and what to post.
Facebook Thinks You're StupidBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on February 18, 2009Basing your communication with users on the idea that you're smart and your customers are dumb will lead to failure every time.
How Social Media Can Save TV NewsBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on February 12, 2009Don't expect me to watch television. I'll be getting the real news on Twitter.
Google's Business Model: YOU Are the ProductBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on February 05, 2009To succeed, Google needs you to drop your resistance to being listened to, tracked and monitored at all times. In exchange for great free products, are you ready to go along?
Three Bad Tech Products We Love AnywayBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on January 28, 2009Facebook, the Kindle and Digg are each horribly designed and conspicuously flawed – yet earn our kudos nonetheless.
'Making It All Work' In 60 SecondsBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on January 14, 2009The power of concentration, along with a few helpful Web-based tools, can improve your productivity markedly.
How China's '50 Cent Army' Could Wreck Web 2.0By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on January 08, 2009A mass of paid Internet commentators working for the Chinese government threatens to upend hopes for an improved online community.
Hard Work is Dead. Call It 'Work Ethic 2.0'By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on December 17, 2008A person who works with total focus has an enormous advantage over a workaholic who's "multi-tasking" all day, answering every phone call, constantly checking Facebook and Twitter, and indulging every interruption.
Media Companies Have Only Themselves to BlameBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on December 11, 2008Instead of embracing Web-based distribution, old media artificially propped up the unscalable and inefficient model of shipping content on sheets of dead tree pulp.
Is Technology Causing Humans to Mutate?By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on November 26, 2008Our brains have mapped out special regions for our mice, keyboards, media players and more. Our brain thinks our gadgets are body parts.
Satellite Radio Is DeadBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on November 19, 2008Satellite radio is nothing more than an insanely expensive, limited, proprietary content delivery system that competes head-to-head against the Internet itself. Oh, and Howard Stern gets paid $100 million a year.
Why You'll Buy a Netbook On Black FridayBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on November 12, 2008Ten tips for scoring a sweet netbook. Because you can never be too rich, too thin or have too many netbooks.
How Jeff Han Won the ElectionBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on November 05, 2008Mark my words, the "Magic Map" PC is coming to mainstream PC users, and it's vastly superior to the old WIMP (windows, icons, menu, Pointing device) interface. It's change we can believe in.
How Facebook Is Destroying the 'Nuclear Family'By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on October 22, 2008Just as technological and cultural changes ushered in the nuclear family 60 years ago, new changes are showing it the door. The biggest of these is the rise of social networking.
Would You Buy Furniture From Microsoft?By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on October 15, 2008Redmond is apparently considering developing a multi-touch table-top computer for the mass market, a sort of computerized family dinner table/gaming center.
Three Ways SMBs Can Survive the Economic MeltdownBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on October 07, 2008You've heard most of these ideas before, but economic meltdowns have a funny way of making once-unthinkable changes suddenly appealing.
Is Windows 7 Really Mojave?By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on September 24, 2008Will the upcoming Windows 7 release be just a dressed up version of Vista?
Why Online Product Placement Is a Good ThingBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on September 17, 2008Product placement will drive development of ever more sophisticated online content, which will further peel eyeballs away from TV screens.
How the Blogosphere Killed the Press ConferenceBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on September 09, 2008The Internet – including the Twitosphere – has made announcing information to groups of reporters gathered in a room an obsolete process.
Social Networking: What Are 'Friends' For?By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on September 02, 2008Consider dropping your resistance to "open" social networking and embrace it with a vengeance. It's the best thing to happen to our species since language.
Put Your Writing on the Twitter DietBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on August 28, 2008Citizen journalism, blogs, and social bookmarking mean untrained amateurs write more of what we read every day. Incidents of verbal bloat are rising alarmingly.
'Green' Gadgets? Or Greenwashing?By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on August 21, 2008If you actually want to help the environment, then buy consumer electronics that are super high-end and built to last.
Why 'Cloud Computing' Is For the BirdsBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on August 18, 2008The "cloud computing" buzzword has got to go. It's simply too confusing, misleading, redundant and dangerous.
What If China's Orwellian Olympics Succeeds?By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on August 07, 2008China is employing an unprecedented level of state-of-the-art digital technology to suppress media freedom. For the sake of humanity, let’s hope Beijing's Orwellian IT experiment fails.
What's Wrong With Microsoft's 'Mojave Experiment'?By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on July 30, 2008To prove that people really do like Vista, Microsoft held a series of videotaped focus groups, and told attendees -- all non-Vista users -- they would be shown a future version of Windows called "Mojave."
Why Apple and China are Simply IncompatibleBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on July 23, 2008The pristine new Apple store in Beijing masks the very messy reality of a company like Apple trying to do business in a country like China.
Has Apple Lost Its Mojo?By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on July 16, 2008The handful of recent stumbles by Cupertino is just a temporary rough patch, right?
How Google's Virtual World Will Change the Real OneBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on July 09, 2008Google’s just-debuted virtual world is clunky right now, but expect it to grow into a monster success – and play a leading role in business as well as social networking.
Let's Solve Our National Identity CrisisBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on July 02, 2008Because we don't move forward with a comprehensive, protected ID system, we've instead ended up with a third-rate, insecure system based on social security cards and government agencies collecting data without our knowledge or permission.
The Mouse Is DeadBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on June 25, 2008Take the time to savor every point and every click. It won't last: several new technologies are in the process of replacing this vintage technology.
Your Privacy: Bring Back the Company Memo!By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on June 19, 2008In the confusion between private email and official business communication, workers’ rights are being trampled. Resurrecting the company memo could clarify this issue.
Here Comes the 'ASUS Freee PC'By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on June 04, 2008Still saving your pennies to buy a computer? Forget about it – they’re about to be free. It's a wonderful time to be a nerdy cheapskate.
The Three Things You Need to Know About Windows 7By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on May 28, 2008The next couple of years will usher in the next generation of user interface from Microsoft, Apple and the Linux community, and it’s going to be really, really cool.
Is There a Cure for the 'Distraction Virus'?By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on May 22, 2008The Internet is an incredible productivity tool that offers unprecedented access to information and communication with others. But it's also distracting, and getting more distracting every day.
Lenovo ThinkPad X300 Review (Best. Notebook. Ever.)By Eric Grevstad |
Executive Tech Article Published on May 17, 2008Okay, It costs more than $3,000. Fair warning: You won't care. Lenovo's lightweight goes toe to toe with Apple's MacBook Air -- well, it would if the Air had a DVD burner, a LAN connection, and a sharper screen. Thinkabout a solid-state hard disk, full-sized keyboard, ample battery life, and impeccable green credentials in a 13.3-inch, just-over-3-pound slimline. Now try to be satisfied with your current laptop.
Are There Too Many Women in IT?By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on May 13, 2008The various efforts to boost the number of women in IT are well intentioned but doomed to failure.
Why Steve Ballmer Should ResignBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on May 07, 2008Microsoft needs the opposite of a tough-talking wimp as CEO. Microsoft needs a sweet-talking killer, one who charms rather than intimidates, then pulls the trigger when required.
When Is International "Shut Up Day"?By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on May 02, 2008Saturday is International Computer Shutdown Day. But I don’t accept the thought that the Internet is some kind of addiction, a dark mental prison that keeps us from living our lives.
Return of the Keyboard ShortcutBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on April 23, 2008Two Web sites boost your personal productivity by helping you enter computer commands more quickly.
Why Can't Google Catch Easy Spam?By Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on April 16, 2008Google: I don't speak Chinese! When I get e-mail that's entirely Chinese characters, it's spam, OK? What could be easier than that?
Why You'll Hate Cell Phone SpamBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on April 11, 2008Like lambs to slaughter, the cell phone using community (i.e. everybody) has no idea what's coming.
Killing XP: Microsoft's Fatal ErrorBy Mike Elgan |
Executive Tech Article Published on April 03, 2008What about the millions of people currently using XP? What is their preferred alternative? Microsoft assumes they'll choose Vista. I'm here to challenge that assumption.
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