Across the globe a debate is raging that could shape the way the Internet works. This debate is pushed forwarded by governments in adherence of commercial interests of content owners. We are normally sceptics when policy makers drive policy change to suit the needs of specific commercial entities, especially when at the long term expense of citizens. Firstly, policy makers often struggle to understand technology, its implications and how technology markets actually work. Secondly, shaping policies based on the needs from commercial entities can have many unintended side effects. Thirdly, policy makers need to question whether their policy work is in the long term interests of their citizens. Governments and policy makers have their mandate from citizens not commercial entities. Read more

It has been a while since last Industry Comment, apologies for that. We will be improving in the coming days and weeks.

After hundreds of articles being written about the 'Ipad' prior to Apple's launch of said product (which is free marketing worth millions for Apple, if not more), the product is here.

So what is the Ipad?
Well in short it is a super-sized Ipod Touch that is essentially an Apple store front for digital books, games, music, video and other services Apple can delivery over Itunes.

The product name is interesting given that there are several holders to the Ipad trademark around the World. From our limited research Siemens holds the trademark in the UK as well as the US, and Fujitsu launched in 2006 a mobile computer under the trademark Ipad. Lastly, Ipads.com is a news site (and registered trademark) for tabletish computers. Interesting.

Trademarks aside, we are not fully convinced by this product (yet). Apple has an impressive track record in driving products and changing industries, however, we don't think Apple is there yet with the Ipad. Here is why: Read more

The legal saga comes finally to an end. AMD and Intel have just jointly announced that the outstanding business practice dispute between the two companies (where AMD has filed lawsuits against Intel for illegal business practices) is settled. Read more

Wednesday marked the end of Broadband World Forum Europe. The industry has been humbled by the economic downturn, and the hype of last year (femtocells) has died away. This is also reflected in our on-going research on operator strategies for the home gateway and services market. Although the show lacked a general buzz word, opex reductions (mainly focusing cost of customer care and retention), multi-device service delivery and APIs for operator infrastructure (mainly on set top boxes). Although this is evolving the telecoms industry in more sensible directions, what was lacking was a commercial sense. Read more