NEWS IN BRIEF
For the record 12 March
12-03-2008
by Ciara O'Brien
DoubleClick job cuts loom | YouTube opens up to developers
Google may have got the go-ahead to buy DoubleClick for USD3.1 billion, but it seems the buyout may have an adverse affect on employees. According to Eric Schmidt, Google's chief executive, there may be staff cuts on the cards for DoubleClick. "As with most mergers, there may be reductions in headcount. We expect these to take place in the US and possibly in other regions as well," he said in a blog posting. "We know that DoubleClick is built on the strength of its people. For this reason we'll strive to minimise the impact of this process on all of our clients and employees." Employees won't know for a few weeks how badly they will be affected, but Google is already planning a staff review, which is expected to be completed by early next month.
Businesses need to be innovative in the products and services they provide and how they provide them if they want to survive in the global marketplace, delegates at the recent Extreme Business Makeover Seminar were told. The event, which was held in the Osprey Hotel, Kildare, featured a keynote speech from Yo!Sushi founder Simon Woodroffe. He told delegates that businesses had to take risks to reach their potential. Meanwhile, Joe Eustace, FIEI Principal Consultant, Convergent Solutions with BT Ireland, used the phone as an example of how developments can help transform a company's operation. Sean Murphy, Director of Policy, Chambers Ireland, concluded, "Through the adoption of smarter business practices, learning how to innovate and embracing the latest techniques and technologies, any business -- large or small -- can increase efficiencies, competitiveness and, ultimately, profit margins."
It may have sold out in less than a fortnight, but it seems the gPC, a Linux-based PC, will no longer grace the shelves of Wal-Mart. The company has decided not to restock the USD199 PC, despite its sales, claiming that it is not what its customers wanted. Instead, the PC will be sold online. The gPC was stocked in Wal-Mart's 600 stores. The PC's maker, Everex, said that selling online was more effective than retail sales.
YouTube is throwing open its doors to developers, giving away the tools that will let developers connect to its database. The Google-owned website is offering up wholesale access to YouTube's video library, its hosting and streaming network and, more importantly, its audience. Using the new tools, web and program developers will be able to upload videos straight to YouTube.
Three Ireland has unveiled its latest phone, the touch-screen LG Viewty. The device includes a camera that is designed to eliminate the need for a traditional camera and camcorder, including image stabilisation to help deal with shaky shots and a 5 megapixel camera. It can capture up to 120 frames per second in video camera mode, and images can be edited on screen. The Viewty also has a mobile hub, with direct access to Google and direct uploads to YouTube, as well as instant messaging and Skype.
Professor Robert Johnston has been appointed to the John Sharkey Chair of Information Systems and Organisation at UCD Smurfit School and UCD Quinn Schools. The role will see Prof Johnston assume responsibility for developing the school's research, teaching and PhD programmes in the effective use of information and communication technologies in industry. Previously, he held an academic position at the University of Melbourne in Australia, and has also worked as an IT consultant with a number of leading Australian manufacturing companies.
Who needs Cheltenham? In the wake of Wednesday's race cancellations, Paddy Power has come up with its own unique event -- using staff as horses and jockeys. The betting firm staged a piggyback race in the company carpark, allowing customers to bet on the outcome and watch the race on its blog. The company's top brass even got involved, with both Chief Executive Patrick Kennedy and Finance Director Jack Massey taking part as nags.
Caped Koala Studios has built a virtual world for kids, combining education and social networking 