The Future Of The Internet: Search Looks Bright

Posted by Alan Vo on February 22, 2010 · Leave a Comment

The Pew Internet & American Life Project recently undertook a massive task (for the fourth time): predicting the future of the internet. They surveyed hundreds of technology experts, who not unsurprisingly, had varied opinions about what the future might hold. Of course, it’s highly unlikely that any of these perspectives is the exact future of [...]

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Former FCC Chair Endorses Google Broadband

Posted by Alan Vo on February 16, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Last week, Google announced they would soon begin building high-speed broadband networks. They’re currently taking requests to select the markets where they’ll begin—but it’s still not too soon for at least one former FCC chair to endorse the idea.

Former FCC chairman Michael K. Powell, blogging for Broadband for America, says that Google’s effort is further proof that network investment and innovation matter to the future of the Internet. Google’s success is built upon the success of the Internet, he says, and as Internet speeds improve, so does access to Google and the vast stores of information on the Internet.

Basically, Powell encourages the current FCC board not to block Google’s move into the ISP realm:

the FCC should take note that it is the extraordinary success that Google has enjoyed as a search and applications platform as well as one of America’s premiere advertising media that has generated the cash necessary to engage in this kind of high-capital cost experiment. . . .

So, if we look at the development of the internet as we know it today it is clear that the best way to innovation is for the government, academia, and private corporations to cooperate – each building on what the other can provide. What we have to very careful about is allowing one of the legs of that stool, either by design or by accident, to cut off one of the other legs. . . .

As the FCC completes its work on a National Broadband Policy, it should keep in mind that it should promote competition, foster innovation, and encourage all three of the historical partners in the development of the internet to continue and enhance that partnership.

Powell, son of former Secretary of State Colin Powell, was appointed to the FCC in 1997 by Bill Clinton. George W. Bush made Powell chairman of the commission in 2001, where Powell served until 2005. The current chairman, Julius Genachowski, was appointed last June by Barack Obama.

Traditionally, the FCC (and other federal regulatory bodies) and Google aren’t exactly the best of friends. Just in the last few months, the commission has inquired about Google’s Nexus One termination fees and eyed Google Voice’s rural call blocking. Google has long been among those lobbying the commission for Net Neutrality. But will Google’s move into the ISP industry hurt their argument for Net Neutrality, even with Powell’s endorsement?

What do you think?

Hat tip: Simon Owens

Filed under seo · Tagged with Advertising Media, Barack Obama, Chairman Michael, Development Of The Internet, Fcc, Fcc Chairman, Foster Innovation, Future Of The Internet, George W Bush, Google, Internet Google, Internet Speeds, Michael K Powell, National Broadband Policy, Network Investment, Premiere Advertising, Private Corporations, Secretary Of State Colin Powell, Speed Broadband, Taking Requests

Shiny Future for Chrome?

Posted by Alan Vo on September 17, 2009 · Leave a Comment

For all of the talk of social media, software as a service (SaaS) and the future of the Internet one of the most important components for delivery is that workhorse of the whole deal; the browser. Right now, Internet Explorer is the market leader with Firefox a solid second. While Safari will always be limited to the Mac-iverse the introduction of Chrome version 3 for the PC reminds us that Google needs to be a part of this mix as well. Hey, it wouldn’t be the Internet unless Google was involved, right?

TechCrunch reports that there is more to the picture though as revealed in an interview by Reuters like Mac users finally getting their chance to see their reflection in the Chrome world.

While Chrome currently has just under 3 percent of the browser market currently, a year from now, they’re planning to have at least 5 percent. More importantly, 2 years from now, if Chrome doesn’t have at least 10 percent share, Google will be “exceptionally disappointed,” Chrome Engineering Director Linus Upson told Reuters. And Google’s own internal projections for the browser are even higher, apparently.

But Google also has a big wildcard it has yet to play: Mac support. And in the same Reuters article, Google confirmed that its Chrome for Mac will be available before the end of this year.

As pointed out in the article, right now Mac users are a bit stuck with a slow Firefox experience but a lot of add-ons or a quicker Safari with fewer bells and whistles. Chrome for the Mac promises to bring both to the table. Personally, I am very excited because I am wearing out the force quit on Firefox as a recent Mac convert. TC’s MG Siegler makes takes the anticipation to another level

Chrome promises to bring a combination of both speed and plug-ins to the Mac. I’ve been using the developer builds of Chromium (the open source project behind Chrome) for months now, and it’s definitely getting really, really close to being ready for prime time.

I’m in. What’s your browser preference and does Chrome look to be a part of your future?

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Filed under seo · Tagged with Bells And Whistles, Browser Market, Chrome Version, Chrome World, Chromium, Future Of The Internet, Google, Internal Projections, Internet Explorer, Iverse, Linus Upson, Mac Support, Mac Users, Media Software, Open Source Project, Plug Ins, Reuters Article, Saas, Siegler, Workhorse

Wireless Industry Target of FCC Probe

Posted by Alan Vo on August 29, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Imagine this. You are in the wireless industry and you are on the verge of actually fulfilling all of the prophecies about your industry being the future of the Internet and communications in general. The smart phone is now becoming more the norm and the introduction of the iPhone has moved the growth along at an ever accelerating rate of speed. It looks like finally everything is falling into place. So could possibly slow you down now? Take one guess ….. that’s right …. the government.

Ah yes. What would a day in business be these days without the long arm of the government making sure that everyone plays by their rules rather than the rules that might stimulate a recovery? MediaPost tells us that the FCC has decided that the wireless industry needs to be looked into because, well, here’s their reasons.

After months of controversy surrounding wireless companies, the Federal Communications Commission voted unanimously on Thursday to launch a wide-ranging probe of the wireless industry.

“We are transitioning from a voice-centric world to a world of ubiquitous, mobile Internet access,” said FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. “This transition promises to increase the pace of innovation and investment, but only if we have an open and competitive marketplace that gives every great idea a chance to make its way to consumers so that the best products or services win.”

So we are to assume that the same government that hands out money to big business who totally screwed the pooch in the financial sector will have the competitive best interests of all in mind? Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.

The investigation, which could pave the way for new regulations, will encompass a variety of matters, including spectrum availability, wireless networks, devices, applications, and business practices. In addition, the FCC said it’s seeking comments about “how the public has used wireless services and technology to solve real-world problems in areas such as health care, energy, education, and public safety.”

Other concerns have been expressed about keeping net neutrality across the wireless spectrum. What advocacy groups are concerned about is pricing and roaming charges across networks etc. As long as the government doesn’t hinder our ability to actually use these services (and make the CHOICE to pay for them if we so wish) they can do what they want.

The US government is more of an M & A machine these days than an overseer. That’s not going to work in the wireless industry because it is growing and not dying. No saves need to be made here. Of course, there needs to be protections for consumers but at what cost? We are in the middle of an economic morass that has very few bright lights but the Internet and wireless services are among them. The last thing we need is the government coming in and making sure everything is working correctly. If that’s not the classic case of ‘those who can’t do teach’ then I don’t know what is.

So let’s here it Pilgrims. Where should the government be on the wireless industry? Will an FCC probe serve to accelerate growth and open up competition or will it grind things to a halt and stymie progress? I have to suspect that there are more than a few differing points of view out there so let’s solve the world’s wireless woes right here and now. Or we could just call it an early Friday and start the weekend? You make the call (but maybe on a landline so you won’t be ‘probed’).