Compiled by Kevin Smith
Digital Media World 2001 Set for Sydney
Feb. 26-28 the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre will host the Digital Media World 2001 conference. Digital media World 2001 is Australia's leading exhibition covering the convergent technologies of the Internet, broadcasting and telecommunications in the digital economy. It is the perfect place to learn about the new technologies, new players, new partnerships and new revenue streams. More than just a trade show, Digital Media World 2001 is an all encompassing marketplace providing attendees with direct access to special effects, editing, animation, multimedia, broadcasting, mobile content, broadband, wireless internet, mobile commerce and much more. The event is held in conjunction with the Wireless Infocomms Exhibition, Broadcast World Australia 2001 and the renowned Australian Effects and Animation Festival and partnered with Australia's Digital Media World Magazine.
Second Annual CRM Conference Scheduled for January
The premier event for executives in sales, marketing, customer service and technical support arenas is scheduled for Jan. 21-25. The second annual Customer Relationship Management Conference and Exhibition Strategy, Processes and Solutions for Achieving the Customer-Centric Vision will take place at the Hilton Scottsdale Resort and Villas, Scottsdale, Ariz. Long term growth and sustainable profitability will depend upon the ability to develop, retain and ensure the loyalty of customers and partners for businesses of all kinds. Increasingly, business executives are becoming involved in what was once the IT manager's domain and are now expected to drive CRM solutions in response to customer demands. Venturing into new CRM territory is no longer an option but a necessity. Delegates will learn how to develop and implement a successful CRM strategy and will be provided with the latest strategies,
processes and application and technology solutions to obtain a measurable competitive advantage.
HeyAnita launches portal in Korea
HeyAnita, a popular voice technology company, launched its voice portal in Korea this week.
With operations in the U.S. and major deals in the works in Europe, Asia and Latin America, HeyAnita is flexing its international muscle. HeyAnita Korea Inc. is a joint venture between SOFTBANK Korea and HeyAnita Inc., with local funding by Korea Thrunet, Naray & Co., and TG Ventures. The launch is the company's first step in delivering a wealth of information and services through the convenience of the
telephone to Korean speakers in South Korea and throughout HeyAnita's growing global network.
In Korea, HeyAnita is accessible via both landline and mobile phone, enabling people to conveniently access information services including news, stocks, traffic, weather, movies and restaurants for the cost of a normal phone call.
Nokia to Buy Ramp Networks
Nokia Corp. announced this week it will buy Ramp Networks, a provider of purpose built Internet security appliances specifically designed for small office applications. Nokia has been faring well compared to other companies in the wireless phone business, such as Motorola, which lowered fourth quarter estimates for the second time this week. Nokia extended its growth target this week to include revenue growth targets of 25 percent to 35 percent for 2002 into 2003. The acquisition will allow Nokia to expand its network security business, which already serves large and medium-sized customers, into the small office sector.
IBM Shows off Bluetooth Jewelry, other Gadgets
While many have imagined how Bluetooth technology is going to change the way people communicate, officials with IBM were busy this week unveiling Bluetooth enhanced products. Researchers from IBM Corp. have a long-term vision of how Bluetooth and other wireless technologies will transform users'
involvement with computers. IBM demonstrated a host of newly designed wireless device prototypes. They included digital jewelry; a watch with a high resolution display; a Linux watch running a Bluetooth protocol software stack; an MP3 player wirelessly connected to an IBM Microdrive via Bluetooth; and flip phones equipped with a special mirror and magnification optics to provide a full-size display. IBM researchers have also developed different variations on the common wristwatch. In one example, a watch with a small poly-silicon LCD was able to display a lot of data clearly. While IBM's prototype high-resolution watch uses a poly-silicon LCD, its flip phone with the projection mode feature uses an
organic electroluminescent display.
New Regs May Make Upgrades Easy for Handheld Devices
Computer owners take it for granted that they don't have to buy a new machine each time they want to add or upgrade a program. Now regulators are clearing the path for a new breed of wireless phones, personal organizers and other gadgets that could add new capabilities just as easily. It's made possible through an emerging technology called software-defined radio that is so versatile it could enable one product to switch seamlessly between serving as a cell phone and receiving FM radio broadcasts. The innovation works by allowing wireless devices to download new software to add capabilities or perform different functions. For example, a wireless phone that is only used for voice calls can do just that. But with the new technology, the phone could download new features so it can receive Internet access--without requiring new hardware. To bring these developments to the market, the Federal Communications Commission is eyeing some changes in its policies. Existing federal rules envision only devices with a fixed set of parameters.