Diversity Competition - Experience Life at the Edge

Published by Ben Kepes on October 10, 2008 in Business, Business and the Environment, Efficiency, IT, SaaS and The Cloud. 46 Comments

Over on Geekzone Mauricio wants to send someone into space. Here on Diversity we’re not up to that level (yet) but we do want to send someone to the bleeding edge.

I’m a firm believer in the Net PC concept - the idea that a low power machine, leveraging web applications and storage, is a useful tool - lightweight in terms of ecological footprint and lightweight in terms of cost.

I’m excited to introduce TechNovus, a company out of Australia that is launching their hybrid Cloud Computer to the Australasian market. As part of their launch, and in recognition of the fact that Diversity is a Cloud Computing evangelist, TechNovus and us are joining together to run a competition. One lucky winner will receive - gratis - a Nova Navigator ‘hybrid’ cloud computer along with a 6 month subscription to TechNovus’ cloud based applications.

The subscription gives users Cloud based updates, protection, storage and applications - after the trial period the subscription will run to around $20/month - not much for a managed, secure and accessible environment!

The Nova Navigator is a smart, low energy, low cost and completely managed computing solution. It provides customers with a choice of apps from Windows, Linux or Mac with Peace of Mind Computing.

The specifications of their device are as follows;

Processor: 1.6Ghz Intel Atom
Size: 12in X 10in X 2.5in
Multi OS: Windows, Linux, & Mac Apps
Local Apps: Firefox, Skype, Mediaplayer, Multi network IM, Notepad, Image Viewer
Cloud Apps: Open Office, MS Office*, Others coming soon
Storage: 50 GB online storage, use from anywhere through a browser
Devices Supported: USB I/O Devices (Keyboard, Mouse, Mass Storage Devices like USB Drives, External HDD, Printers)
Audio: In - Microphone, Out - Speaker
Networks: Ethernet, USB Wifi Dongle Supported
Technical Support (Phone & Email): Free 
Peace of Mind: Yes (No Virus, No Spyware and No Software Installations)
Energy Consumption: Maximum of 22W
Req. Bandwidth: Works with 512Kbps connection, 1 Mbps recommended

So how do you enter? Simple really - write a comment on the bottom of this post and you’re in with a chance. We’ll draw a name using a top-secret random number generator (some pieces of paper and a hat) and TechNovus will ship the device directly to the winner.

Entry is only available for our Oceania readers (but that’s only fair - normally we get cut out of US competitions) and the winner will be drawn on the day of the official launch of the Nova Navigator - October 27th.

So there you go - comment below and be in with a chance!

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Cool - The NZX is Blogging

Published by Ben Kepes on October 10, 2008 in Business, Economic Development and New Zealand. 2 Comments

You’d think that the NZX would be concentrating on the general fight for financial survival right now. All-credit to them then for launching a blog specifically as a platform to;

receive and respond to feedback, questions and ideas following the release today of Economy on the Edge: Swan Dive or Belly Flop?  A Draft Strategy for coming out of the crisis stronger, by NZX and the NZ Institute.

Economy on the edge: Swan dive or belly flop?  A draft strategy for coming out of the crisis stronger -Download Full Document

Those with an interest in economic development generally and capital markets specifically should join in and contribute to the discussion - the blog is here.

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The Top 10 New Zealand Start-Ups

Published by Ben Kepes on October 10, 2008 in Business, New Zealand and New business. 0 Comments

Start-Up magazine is running its annual top ten NZ online start-up competition. Head on over here and nominate or vote on who you think should make the cut this year.

Feel free to nominate any type of business - product, service, journalism whatever (hey maybe even your favourite blog ;-) )

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Why Things Are More Grim Than Most People Think

Published by Ben Kepes on October 10, 2008 in Business, Design, New business and Strategy. 5 Comments

I posted a little while ago pretty much calling into question most web revenue. In my post I mentioned;

the eventual discovery that online advertising doesn’t really work, and that there are a bunch of emerging technologies that could cause a significant dent in how much of the ad biz comes the online way.

A comment on the post asked me to clarify my views, to which I replied;

1) I’m something of an outlier. No TV, fully self-informed consumer on the odd occasions that I consume and kind of impervious to marketing - so from that perspective for me advertising doesn’t work

2) Even though Google is very targeted, in comparison to old school advertising - I believe it’s the tip of the iceberg in terms of how far we could go with true “personal intention” type stuff. To that end I believe a significant proportion of advertising as we know will be rendered unnecessary

To add fuel to my argument I was please to read this post by Yves. They have a pretty successful website that since its inception has attracted 35000 visits - that’s a fair number of visits in anyone’s estimation.

They have adds on the front page as a way to drive some revenue - if only to cover costs.

And how much money have they made?…….$15

35000 visits and $15

To put that in perspective, in order to derive a modest income of $50000, one would have to generate 120 million visits a year.

OK I know the metric is kind of wrong, advertising success is dependent on content, heavily trafficked sites are attractive and that some people are actually making money of advertising - but notwithstanding all of that…

$15

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