Tech Bones

I have come to the conclusion that there are basically three types of technologists: Inventors, Innovators, and Imitators. Inventors advance technology to the next plane. Innovators push the vertical plane of technology, typically inspiring inventions. Imitators broaden the horizontal plane of technology, frequently driving innovations. All three overlap to some degree yet define a distinct approach. For example, the invention of the computer chip involved a technically innovative way to use transistors that advanced technology. Similarly, innovation uses, combines, or improves upon existing products often simulating a newly invented technology. Imitations can involve slight changes or extensions initially appearing to be innovative, even inventive, but in essence merely expand upon a copied premise. Many true innovators, including Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, are also considered inventors. While both had the vision to recognize how existing technology could be combined, enhanced, and ...

In visiting with the founders of a few new startups recently, I sadly discovered that the most frequently expressed "business plan" involved building a product markedly similar to an existing, successful one. Even more disappointing, none of the plans focused on improving the copied product but rather in duplicating its functionality to the point of attracting sufficient attention to result in the company being acquired, allowing the founder to cash out. Money reigned supreme over innovation. Endeavoring to expand functionality or improve a concept was shunned in favor of seeking a quick buyout and a big payday. The thrill and pride of creating something unique, like a piece of art, was absent. Money, from imitation not invention or innovation, was the resounding mantra. The shortcut to success by today's standard. It only takes a little more work than playing Lotto, with about the same odds of winning. Where is the next Steve Jobs whose passion fueled his novelty and...

Yahoo co-founder Eric Yang recently resigned as a member of the board stating, "The time has come for me to pursue other interests outside of Yahoo." With this statement, Yang signaled the dramatic end to the 17 years since he helped found the company. In that time, he watched Yahoo's market share and stock price grow substantially, only to collapse in the wakes of Google's and Bing's success.  The latter must be the most painful considering Yahoo spurned Microsoft's $47.5 acquisition offer back in 2008, a figure representing almost three times its current stock value. At the time, Yahoo's decision was largely attributed to Yang's unwillingness to let go of his dreams and his influence over the board. Like a kid hanging on one rung of the monkey bars, unable to move forward and yet afraid to drop, some entrepreneurs hang on too long before finally falling to the ground. Failure to recognize when to get out of the way not only postpones the inevitable...

Despite being an intellectual property developer, I do not support the proposed Protect IP Act (PIPA Senate Bill 968) or Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA House Resolution 3261) legislation. Granted, piracy of Intellectual Property creates signifcant problems and those who profit by completely ignoring IP rights need to be stopped. However, typical of legislative redress, both proposals overreach in their attempt to resolve the situation. Senate Bill 968 - Protect IP Act of 2011 http://www.opencongress.org/bill/112-s968/show House Resolution 3261 - Stop Online Piracy Act http://www.opencongress.org/bill/112-h3261/show While this legislation attempts to curb the piracy of IP, it allows the Department of Justice to circumvent due process based upon their interpretation of what constitutes a violation and the justification for immediate action. Protecting property rights should not come at the expense of constitutional rights. If only for that reason, opposition to the proposed legisla...

While I embrace the concept of the "Cloud" and its potential, my concerns regarding security continue to fuel my reluctance to fully endorse the technology or recommend it as a "one size fits all" solution like many of my peers.  In all probability we will get there but I am just not ready to declare the "Cloud" as being ready for Prime Time. Apparently, neither is the Los Angeles Polic Department. In a much bally-hooed deal with Google, the Los Angeles City Council voted last Fall to move the entire 30,000 employee email system to the "Cloud" using Google's hosted services.  However, after reviewing security needs and requirements, the LAPD sought and received an exception for its 13,000 employees citing that the system offer by Google "does not have the technical ability to comply with the city's security requirements."  Instead, LAPD will stick with the GroupWise system it has long used and which offers the security neede...

With apologies to Yogi Berra. My Uncle recently eMailed me the following joke... After having dug to a depth of 10 feet last year, New York scientists found traces of copper wire dating back 100 years and came to the conclusion that their ancestors already had a telephone network more than 100 years ago. Not to be outdone by the New Yorkers, in the weeks that followed, a California archaeologist dug to a depth of 20 feet, and shortly after, a story in the LA Times read: "California archaeologists, report finding of 200 year old copper wire, have concluded that their ancestors already had an advanced high-tech communications network a hundred years earlier than the New Yorkers." One week later. A local newspaper in South Dakota reported the following: "After digging as deep as 30 feet in his pasture near Java, South Dakota, Ole Swenson, a self-taught archaeologist, reported that he found absolutely nothing. Ole has therefore concluded that 300 years ago, S...