NEWS: A Linux Essentials store has been added
I have just added a Linux Essentials store to my business site. The purpose of this section is to provide cost effective solutions to day-to-day needs of Linux users. I hope to expand this section in the coming weeks. You can access the section through my business site's lobby.

NEWS: Holographic Data Storage
Ever thought you could store 1 TB (1500 CDs) of data on a single DVD? Well, Constellation 3D is a company attempting to do just that! Click here for a summary from their web site.

NEWS: Managing Emails On Cell Phones
Mobile operators in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan are making MSN Hotmail email service available to their mobile phone subscribers. Read about this novel service

INFO: META Group Report - Key Success Factors for CRM Implementations
Organizations engaging in CRM must consolidate disconnected initiatives and create a comprehensive CRM business plan. This report explains why. Read More

INFO: Download ASP Best Practices Kit from Sun
It seems I have been spending quite a bit of time on Sun's site today, and here is another offering from Sun for ASPs. Click here

INFO: Sun gives away ONE App Server for FREE!!
Sun Microsystems is giving away its Sun ONE (Web Services) application server for FREE. Sun believe that differentiation will come in not through the tools one uses for Web Services, but through the technologies being used. Since, software plays a minor role in Sun's revenue earnings, this move will not be affecting its earnings much. See details

INFO: ThinkFree Office anyone?
I cannot stop laughing at this one. Click here to share my amusement.

INFO: XBasic - "will be" or "has been"
For those of you who have not heard, there is another program development environment (language?) doing the rounds, called "XBasic". Based on the BASIC programming language of yester-year, the claim to fame of XBasic is that it "encompasses the whole process of creating fast, efficient, reliable, portable 32-bit programs". Read more

NEWS: INT Media Research Survey on Network Infrastructure
INT Media is conducting a survey on Network Infrastructure. Participants in the survey also get the report FREE of cost, after the survey is completed. Click here to participate

The Linux Experience
I came across an interesting narrative of David Coursey's "experiment with Linux". David is an Executive Editor of ZDNet, and he is currently conducting usability experiments with Linux. Read about his experience

OPINION: Technology Companies & Business Executives
"In a perfect world, software would be sold by the people who actually have to make it work, not flashy salespeople who are gone almost before the ink is dry on the contract." - David Coursey, Executive Editor - ZDNet.
I could'nt agree with you more David! I believe technology companies should be run by technologists at the wheel, and by business execs pushing at the rear, and not the other way around!

INFO: An interesting cost-effective ERP & CRM solution for SMEs
Quoting verbatim: "Smart ERP+CRM solution for small-medium enterprises (SME) in the global marketplace covering all areas from customer management, supply chain and accounting. For $2-200M revenue companies looking for "brick and click" first tier functionality." See details

OPINION: Enterprise Software
I made an interesting post on Rajesh's Weblog today in response to one of his posts. Rajesh is putting together software elements for his next-generation SME services through a concept he refers to as "Emergic". Read the details

INFO: HP's ITSM Training
I received a phone call from a Mr. Bipin [+91 (022) 6936751] from HP's training division informing me about their IT Services Management (ITSM) training. The basic (intro) course is for a duration of 3 days for which HP charges INR 30,000.00 per head, which includes lunch, snacks & beverages for the 3 days. These courses are taken in batches of company employees in Mumbai, and for fewer individuals, at Bangalore. Certification exam candidature costs USD 135.00 per head, per sitting, per exam. Also, books (average costs INR 5000.00 - 7000.00 per book) will be recommended for purchase, and NOT distributed as courseware!

I went through their prospectus, however, and found that they have based their entire curriculum on ITIL best practices (and squeezed in training on their OpenView ITSM tools too for obvious business reasons). I suppose it maybe OK for those who are unaware of ITIL to be introduced to it, however, I know ITIL is only for informing you of best practices in the IT service area. What an organisation really needs, is not a snapshot of how they should look in the future, but a ROADMAP to that future!

NEWS: QAI launches CMM™ JumpStart2
I came across this link in one of the many discussion groups I participate in , on the Net. If you are interested in getting assessed at Level 2 of the SW-CMM, and that too quickly, then QAI's formula maybe for you. More Info

OPINION: Baazee.com changes
I visited Baazee.com today, and I was quite surprised to find many changes that reflect the organisation's new business model. Notable changes are:

1. FIXED price items - Baazee used to be known for its auctions, but by introducing fixed price items it is positioning itself as one stop shop for Sellers. So whether you want to auction or just sell your items, you go to Baazee.

2. Seller verification - Starting 29th May 2002, Baazee has introduced Seller Verification. I believe this is a very good action on Baazee's part to increase confidence in Buyers. The last time I bought a laptop from Baazee, I really thought I am taking a risk, but thankfully, this will not happen anymore. I am not aware if there is a charge for verification, as I have not tried the same.

3. Seller's fee - Starting 2nd march 2002, Baazee has started charging a Seller's Fee for selling on Baazee. It is logical to do so. However, has anyone at Baazee analysed what impact it could have on driving UP the prices?

4. Baazee Cafe - The Cafe is a good place for research on people's needs. I definitely recommend taking a peek, even if you intend just to research the tastes of online consumers.

5. Baazee University - The University is a new addition, though the concept already existed at a US site (Commission Junction - cj.com). Here the concept has been modified to help sellers "sell" effectively.