Archive for Research and Knowledge
Congressional Committee prepares legislation on commercial data usage
Posted by: | CommentsA joint hearing was held yesterday by two subcommittees of the House Energy & Commerce Committee the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection and the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet. The hearing was on the topic of, “Exploring the Offline and Online Collection and Use of Consumer Information.”
The testimony and statements by members of the subcommittees were largely targeting how advertisers obtain and use consumer information. Representative Rick Boucher (D-VA), Chairman of the Communications, Technology and the Internet Subcommittee, has been interested in this topic for some time and is preparing legislation to provide a mechanism for consumers to control how some of the information on buying habits and other commercial data may be used.
Witnesses, including Chris Hoofnagle, cited instances of databases that collect health information (outside of HIPPA) and unlisted phone numbers. A specific Merlin list of phone information was cited. Chairman Boucher intends to introduce legislation in the next several weeks, so we’ll have to review it at that time. In the past, Boucher has suggested using only a light hand to regulate so as not to stifle business, and I recall he suggested opt-out for some issues. One suggestion made by Hoofnagle was to have a time limit on how long data can be maintained.
Here’s a link to the testimony.
Microsoft BizSpark™ Helps Software Developers Launch their Startups
Posted by: | CommentsIn today’s economy, it can be harder than ever to get a startup off the ground. Microsoft wants to help. Realizing its own success is tied to new technologies, the Redmond software giant offers a program called BizSpark™ that helps developers create their technologies with a three-fold approach:
· Software: BizSpark™members may download full professional versions of many of Microsoft’s software development tools, such as Microsoft Visual Studio®, and several platform products, such as Microsoft Windows Server®.
· Support: BizSpark™members are provided a subscription in the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN), which offers access to a broad range of Microsoft tools and technologies used to design, develop, and test software. Members also receive technical support from Microsoft.
· Visibility: BizSpark™members are profiled in an online directory to potential investors, partners, and customers.
To join BizSpark™, a startup must be:
· Developing a software product or service that is or will be a key part of its business (exceptions apply, such as hosting),
· In business for less than 3 years, and
· Generating less that USD $1 million in annual revenues (exceptions apply in certain countries).
· Sponsored by a Network Partner or BizSpark Champ. Resources are available to help find sponsorship.
There is no cost until you exit the program and then the cost is only USD $100.
If your startup doesn’t meet the above requirement, Microsoft has other programs that may benefit you. For more information, visit:
Personal Safety Training
Posted by: | CommentsI recently took a course on personal safety with my daughter facilitated by Larry Kaminer at The Personal Safety Group their website is http://www.personalsafetygroup.com . I found this course to be one of the best safety trainings around and it was a great mom/daughter bonding time. The class was scheduled for 3 hours but the captivated group asked questions taking this into overtime.
We learned a lot of great techniques to improve our chances of avoiding being a victim of a crime. Larry Kaminer our instructor gave us some real life experiences for the teens and mothers in the class to practice what they learned.
Larry Kaminer is a brilliant instructor and has established several different programs reaching a variety of audiences. We took the Teen Safety Training but he also has classes in the following categories:
With hardships hitting so many people increased criminal activity and safety risks are on the rise. I recommend this training to prepare and give skill sets to reduce you or your employees chances of being the victim of a crime durring these troubling times.
Free E-mail advice, support, guidance all week long
Posted by: | CommentsThis is my first week back after a crazy vacation in Thailand and the avoidance of the death trap at the Taj in India. So with charitable spirit and gratefulness for life and family I will offer email support for free all week. Feel free to contact me via the contact page on here and I will get back to you quickly with some great totally free coaching and consulting support all week long.
Happy Holidays!
Shellee Hale
