Tech

ACAS’ social networking guidance

ACAS – the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, who you’ve probably heard of on news reports about negotiations between employers and unions – have published some guidance for employers on how to manage staff use of these sites at work. Smart phones, internet, tweeting, blogging – we have accepted all of these innovations, and manyRead… Read more »

London tests bus countdown application

Transport for London (UK) is testing an online version of its Countdown system, which provides real-time bus arrival information. The beta test site was supposed to remain private, but word quickly spread in the open data community after an internal TfL memo was leaked. Once the system is launched, riders will be able to receiveRead… Read more »

FirstGroup launches contactless payment across England

FirstGroup (UK) plans to invest £27 million in contactless fare technology for its 5,000-bus fleet. Starting this fall, the new fareboxes will be introduced in cities across England, including Manchester, Leeds, and Southampton. Customers will be able to pay with an ITSO smart card initially; contactless bank cards will be accepted starting next year andRead… Read more »

Congrats To Sony Corp! This is a very good move

Sony Corporation just announced the appointment of Phil Reitinger as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer. For those in the cybersecurity community you probably know of Phil and his many contributions. He is known as an action-oriented leader who understands the complexities of enterprise cybersecurity. We have reported on two of his keyRead… Read more »

Joichi Ito (MIT Media Lab) & Rolf Heuer (CERN) on innovation, dot-connecting and other things

Yesterday I was made aware of a discussion between two brilliant men that was uploaded to YouTube Sunday at the Ars Electronica Festival. The first nine minutes provide a couple of perspectives on innovation, but more that, listen to Joi Ito’s reasons for accepting his new position as Director of the MIT Media Lab.

Picking Up Where We Left Off…

Every year come August I sort of fall off the web for a month or so. It feels great to unplug, and it allows me to update my ideas/positions on things, by letting me distance myself from the ideas I’ve been constantly thinking about for the past 11 months. This year was no exception. MyRead… Read more »

Trends on Tuesday: Location Location Location

28% of cell owners use phones to get directions or recommendations based on their current location—that works out to 23% of all adults according to new research from Pew. The report goes on to talk specifically about smartphone users: Younger adults are more likely to use these [location] services, as are those in households makingRead… Read more »

10 questions I’d ask our residents about digital

As far as I can work out (I am struggling to find clear guidance on this) us local government types still have a duty to consult. So here are 10 questions I’d ask our residents if money were no object. Is that a smartphone in your pocket or are you just pleased to see me?Read… Read more »