Amazon FireTV launches, competes with Apple and Google

Amazon launches in FireTV to connect to its cloud of content.

What is a bit ironic is looking at this list.  Where is Sony and Microsoft who are in game console wars.  FireTv has games.

20 years ago I was working on Microsoft’s set top box effort targeting cable providers and that is where i worked with Satya Nadella.  The idea was right just a bit too early and the wrong device paradigm.  Microsoft bought WebTV and wasn’t able to build on it.

Now Amazon, Apple, and Google are in a battle for the device connected to your TV.

I use Amazon Prime all the time and placed my order for a FireTV to give it a try.  It is so small I may take it on a trip with me next week.

Using LinkedIn to figure out the next unannounced job change

LinkedIn is in the news because of hacks to access its data.

LinkedIn warns company over “Hack In” tool that shows email addresses

by Jeff John Roberts

MAR. 31, 2014 - 4:06 PM PDT

1 Comment

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SUMMARY:

LinkedIn says it will take legal action against a site that lets anyone “Hack In” to find users’ email addresses. That’s good news, but also raises the question of why its possible to “hack in” in the first place

One of the more useful things you can use LinkedIn for is figuring out where your friends are going in their unannounced job change.  I won’t spoil the specific announcement for my good friend who most of you know and where he is going.  This morning checked to see if his profile had been updated yet.  Nope.  He did add a new SVP as a friend from a company XYZ.  Looked up the HQ for the company.  Same city he lives in.  yep.  that’s where he is going with 90% confidence.

it is much harder to keep secrets.  Especially when you post updates on Facebook or do something like accepting a friend on LinkedIn.

Congrats to my friends new job.

5 companies use Microservers

ZDNet has a post naming 5 companies that use Microservers.

Five companies using microservers to improve the data center

Summary: Microservers are the next low-cost trend for the data center, but potential applications are often misunderstood. Here's how five companies are using microservers in their daily operations.

By Conner Forrest |April 1, 2014 -- 15:37 GMT (08:37 PDT)

What is the Cause of Inaccuracy of IT Asset Management?

IBM has a case study on using RF Code.  The value proposition is 

The video is unlisted so I don’t think RF Code wants it shared unless you register.

What I found interesting is the assumptions used to calculate the benefit of using RFID.

You can get a copy of the presentation here.

Changing The Value of Going to Data Center Conferences from focusing on Content to Friends

Update: as much as this may seem a bit of extreme.  I just thought of three friends, maybe four who are going to the same cities to see friends.

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I had lunch yesterday with a data center executive yesterday who is a good friend.  We caught up on a bunch of different things, then we talked about conferences - Uptime Symposium, AFCOM, 7x24 Exchange are all coming up.   AFCOM is end of Apr.  Uptime is 3rd week of May.  and 7x24 is first week of June.  And as much as I was not trying, I am going to all three.  Well I am going to the cities, not attending all three conferences.  

So what got me to go to three conferences in less than 6 weeks?  Friends.

The philosopher Aristotle said, “In poverty and other misfortunes of life, true friends are a sure refuge. They keep the young out of mischief; they comfort and aid the old in their weakness, and they incite those in the prime of life to noble deeds.”

Ralph Emerson said, “A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere.”

Most would think you want to go to a conference for the content.  Content is nice, but friends are more valuable.

Here is what my plans are.  

I fly in to LV on Apr 29, awesome $200 roundtrip airfare from SEA to LAS.  Stay at the Westin for less than $150. Go to a party.  Participate in a 10a Apr 30 GigaOm Webinar on Taking the Guesswork out of Operational Expenses: Quantifying the Value of Uptime  Fly home on Apr 30.  Not going to AFCOM.

May 20 - 23, SEA to SJC.  Have one company party on May 22.  Another party I am hosting on May 21.  Lots of other friends to see that are in town.  Not planning on attending Uptime Symposium, but will most likely need to go to the hotel bar to meet others who are in town.

June 1-4, SEA to FLL.  Will attend 7x24 Exchange. Sit in presentations.  Attend event parties.  See lots of friends.

What finally got me to go to all three locations in 6 weeks are the friends who I knew would be there.  The content isn’t as important which is why 2 out of 3 I don’t plan on attending the conference.  

Here is a description of 8 different types of roles for friendship.  Below are the three I plan on focusing on going to the above events.

5. Connector

“A connector is a bridge builder. …. Connectors get to know you — and then introduce you to others” (111). Connectors are always inviting you to lunch and other gatherings where you can meet new people, and point you in the right direction when you need something.

6. Energizer

“Energizers are your ‘fun friends’ who always give you a boost. You have more positive moments when you are with these friends. Energizers are quick to pick you up when you’re down — and can make a good day great” (117).

7. Mind Opener

‘Mind Openers are the friends who expand your horizons and encourage you to embrace new ideas, opportunities, cultures, and people. They challenge you to think in innovative ways and help you create positive change. Mind Openers know how to ask good questions, and this makes you more receptive to ideas” (123).