Blogging at DrKW

What are the advantages and disadvantages of implementing internal versus external employee blogs in a corporate setting? Are there certain industries where one of these strategies makes more sense?

In today’s business world, the faster your company can assimilate information, the greater chance of survival. One method of transferring information, not only from customers to company but also between employees is through blogging. Some of the advantages of internal blogging are increasing the communication between departments and divisions, helps getting vital information out faster, and creates a library of information for future references. However, there are several disadvantages that we need to look at. First, is controlling of information and content. Unless a company designates person to monitor the blog, tons of useless information can be posted making the blog worthless or hard to use. Another disadvantage is the lack of outside information or input. This could lead to a lack of problem solving or having fresh ideas. A final disadvantage is that employees could feel that they are being watched and only post positive information instead of what they truly feel or know.

External blogs can be really useful for most companies. First, it can provide a direct link between the company and their customers. Next, it can help them gather information from outsiders, who are experts in that particular field or industry. Finally, it can be use to promote or advertise new or unknown products. Although, there are a lot of positives for blogging, there could risks involved. The biggest disadvantage is this provides another avenue for private information and company secrets to get out. Again controlling the information that gets posted can be difficult.

Some of the industries that could benefit from the use of internal blogging are ones that are highly secretive or highly competitive; i.e. gov’t organizations, manufacturing companies like Boeing, pharmaceutical companies, NASCAR and so on. Industries that can use external blogging are ones that need high customer input; like software companies, service industry and so on.

iPod vs. Cell Phone: Mobile Music

Has the digital music market irreversibly tipped in Apple’s favor?

No. Although, I think Apple has the advantage in this industry, I do not think that it is irreversible for several reasons. First, I think the digital music market can be split into two groups; people who want to own the music and people who like streaming music, i.e. Pandora, Yahoo Music and others. As of right now, Apple has the iPod, which at this point cannot have streaming music, so this eliminates this market. However, if Apple does create the iPhone, they will be able to further their market dominance.

However, this brings up another disadvantage of the iPod and that is not being able download music whenever you want. If cell phone carrier or Microsoft or Google; develop a mobile music device that can connect through the use of cell network or Wi-Fi internet, they will have a major advantage over the Apple iPod. This could enable the competition to steal Apple market share and establish themselves as the leader. The use of DRM’s can lock-in the customer but it can also scare away others. I think since Apple was the first to introduce this platform and gained the first mover advantage, they made it hard for consumers to switch platforms because of high homing and switching costs. On the other side, they have created anti-Apple sediment. So at the end of the day, I think it is hard to say what the actual net effect is.

Brightcove

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Brightcove’s business model?

The main strength of Brightcove business model was their extensive platform and cost structure. The platform made it easy for their customers to build and distribute video faster and cheaper. Furthermore, it came equipped with tools that allowed the publishers to manage, track, and customize options, usage and content rights. The cost structure was a major selling point for Brightcove because they were only charge when their content was actually viewed and not a single fee service. The main weakness of Brightcove’s business model is their lack of focus. I think by trying to cater to the publishers, advertisers, affiliates, and consumers; Brightcove took too long to develop their platform and service allowing other competitors, like YouTube, to step in and take the first mover advantage. Furthermore, this broad focus put a strain on financial resources and delayed the starting date of platform. For these reasons, Brightcove lost their first mover advantage and fell behind in the internet TV industry.