2011 State of Cloud computing
The survey results by researchers Focus.com provide a good overview about what US businesses think about Cloud computing. Unfortunately based on a rather small but nonetheless representative survey sample size, the report contains Cloud definitions, investment trends as well as experienced benefits, expectations and concerns surrounding Cloud computing.
While the reports is based on a survey of US businesses, we believe it can still serve as an indicator for the state of Cloud computing at Australian businesses. We are not aware of a similar Australian centric study for 2011.
Posted by Wolf Schumacher
Cloud computing changes enterprise IT
In this ingenious video, Lee Geishecker, VP of Research at Saugatuck Technology, discusses how new Cloud Business Models are changing the landscape of IT in modern enterprises. Lee correctly states that in today’s technology and business environment it is not a question of if, but how and when Cloud computing is introduced. She consequently suggests a more holistic approach to enterprise IT in the Cloud.
We totally support this view for today’s businesses. We’ve designed and built our SaaS system RSDataWeb for Accounting and Advice firms in such a way that it easily integrates with a wide range of IT solutions and data sources. It forms a great basis for supporting any holistic reviews and enterprise application strategies for our target industries.
Posted by Wolf Schumacher
The role of people for successful investments in technology
In this insightful video for Specialist Finance and Accounting TV channel EVO TV’s Bottom Line program, CPA Australia’s CEO Alex Malley interviews Tim Ebbeck, current CEO and former CFO of SAP Australia / New Zealand. SAP is the largest and most influential business software firm worldwide.
Both men convincingly discuss the crucial role people play for change processes, which companies and industries are undergoing in the wake of the current waves of technological change. Enjoy!
Posted by Wolf Schumacher
Peter Switzer interviews Andrea Slattery reg. SMSFs
In this insightful video Peter Switzer of Switzer Financial Planning and Switzer TV, interviews Andrea Slattery, Chief Executive Officer of the SMSF Professionals' Association of Australia Limited - SPAA.
Peter and Andrea chat about Self managed Superfunds (SMSFs), their role in the Australian society and the superannuation industry as well as casting a light on how the current economic climate is affecting SMSFs. Enjoy!
Posted by Wolf Schumacher
Information Technology and Competition
Erik Brynjolfsson is an acclaimed IT Digital Business Professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management. Among other important topics, Erik concentrates on the economic impact of Information Technology and the Internet in particular.
Follow Erik's tweets under @erikbryn
In this very watchable and insightful video interview by the Wall Street Journal, Erik shares his views about how IT is affecting Competition between companies. Enjoy!
Financial Planners and Investment Platforms
Financial Planners are in the public eye at the moment, more than ever before. A number of government and professional reform projects are underway, consequently the profession is undergoing a lot of change.
Money Management has put together a highly competent rundown of the relationship between Financial Planners and investment vehicles that are generally considered to have been built for the Financial Planning profession, helping them to easily recommend and place investment alternatives for their clients. Being mostly owned and run by large institutions, platforms and wraps are not without criticism by investors and the accounting profession, though, particularly concerning fees and transparency.
Individual investors and Trustees of SMSFs that are managing their investments themselves and don't use investment managers or financial advisers, are increasingly critical of platforms and wraps.
The article below carefully examines the views of specialist researchers such as Investment Trends and the insights of industry specialists, such as Andrew Bird, Executive Director of our partner organisation Sharesight and former Morningstar CEO:
Posted by Wolf Schumacher
Great new position available at the leading Cloud Accounting firm in Sydney
Interactive Accounting is an amazing Accounting firm led by Guy Pearson, a young energetic and charismatic Chartered Accountant.
Guy belongs to a new generation of accountants, who are committed to leading the Accounting profession into the future with using all the internet is offering to this otherwise conservative industry.
Interactive Accounting is bringing zest and fun to the profession and is definitely a place where the right people have a real chance to developing a great career.
If you are looking for an invigorating position with an Accounting leader in the Cloud, take a close look at this outstanding offer by Interactive Accounting in Sydney's CBD:
Posted by Wolf Schumacher
Akamai's 1st Q 2011 APAC State of the Internet report
Each year three outstanding personalities / institutions release research publications regarding the development of the Internet:
- Morgan Stanley Mary Meeker's famous "gunfire" presentations
- PEW Internet and American Life Project
- Akamai's "State of the Internet Report"
Akamai's Internet report regarding our APAC region for the first quarter 2011 is what this blog post is about.
Each quarter, Akamai publishes a report which includes data gathered and trends observed across Akamai's global server network about traffic, connection speeds, Internet penetration and broadband adoption as well as mobile usage. The following report describes data and trends for our Asia Pacific region observed in the first quarter of this year. If you'd like to read Akamai's global report, please visit this site
Posted by Wolf Schumacher
Economist Ross Gittins on Technology and Productivity
Ross Gittin is a prolific economics editor with The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald. Ross regularly expresses his thoughts about the relationship between Technology and Productivity and is maybe one of the best thinkers in the country regarding this important topic.
We consider it to be well worth your time to follow Ross's timely thoughts and opinions about technology and productivity in his BLOG and his book (watch the video).
Ross Gittins writes a regular column in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Posted by Wolf Schumacher
