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Vol 2, #12, March 23, 2010 |
Canadians asked to define role in future of digital transformation All signs point to a digital transformation in the way we do business, our lifestyles and the global economy. As Canada tries to find its footing in the digital industry, today PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) has launched Canada's Digital Compass - a 'crowdsourcing' competition that will ask Canadians to help define the nation's role in the future digital economy. Canada's Digital Compass will draw a community of Canadians who are passionate about digital transformation to submit and vote on ideas that could help position Canada to lead the digital economy. Weekly competitions will take place on five topic areas and winners from each competition will participate in a final showdown on May 4, 2010 where the top three ideas will be chosen. The three winners will be awarded tickets to the Canada 3.0 conference at the University of Waterloo on May 10-11, 2010 where their submissions could be presented to attendees. "The best ideas are developed by collaborating with others and Canada's Digital Compass is a crowdsourcing initiative which is built on this principle," says Tracey Riley, partner and national leader of the Technology, Information, Communication and Entertainment (TICE) practice of PwC. "Canada is home to some of the brightest minds in the digital space and this program will allow a community of digital enthusiasts to contribute, critique and build upon ideas that will help Canada lead in the digital realm." In addition to community involvement, a panel of digital experts will also weigh in on the submissions and will assist in selecting the top three winners. Their decisions will be based on the ideas with the most community votes and how well each submission aligns with the three measures of success - 1) economic potential, 2) fits Canada's capabilities and 3) reflects Canada's values. The panel of judges includes: - Mike Kirkup, Director of Developer Relations, Research In Motion (RIM) Weekly Competitions and Subjects: - Technology - March 16 - 29, 2010 Telnic Limited, the organization behind the award-winning, communications-focused .tel top level domain (TLD), announced a new look and feel for .tel name owners, enabling them to customize and brand their domains. After ongoing discussions with the .tel community, Telnic has enhanced .tel to easily enable owners to add images or logos, as well as change the colour schemes of the .tel page to suit their own branding preferences. Other new features include the integration of third party icons for popular social networks and services and the option of seeing a location map directly within the .tel page itself. "A .tel name is the quickest, simplest and most cost-effective way of having an online presence under your control where you can publish the information you want to share," said Khashayar Mahdavi, CEO of Telnic. "Being able to point people to where you want to be found online, as an individual professional or as a small business owner, is becoming increasingly important in today's search-driven environment. The ability to deliver near real-time information, accessed from any device including mobile phones, makes .tel a fantastic tool for personal and business branding online." Over 275,000 .tel names have been registered in just under one year of their availability. Businesses and individual professionals wanting a single branded place online without the hassle of building and maintaining a traditional website to look again at this cost-effective and innovative service. Top of Page New GPS-enabled target marketing service connects via mobile Multiplied Media Corporation, a provider of mobile local search services, announces an agreement with US-based Ping Mobile, a leading provider of mobile marketing campaigns, to deliver highly targeted campaigns to users of the award-winning Poynt mobile local search application based upon their keyword search and location. Poynt is a convenient and timesaving GPS-enabled application that connects consumers to local businesses, people, restaurants and movie theaters at the moment they want to buy or acquire products or services. Poynt gives consumers the ability to move beyond discovery of their local area to view movie trailers and showtimes, book dining reservations, view directions on a map, click-to-call a business or view a website. Ping has launched numerous successful mobile marketing strategies for AT&T, Uniliver, Wyndham Hotels and Pizza Hut, among others. The company delivers solutions that allow businesses to interact with their customers in a highly targeted and personalized way using a variety of state-of-the-art mobile and data mining technologies. "One of the strengths that Ping Mobile brings to this relationship is an understanding that mobile consumers don't want to be inundated with irrelevant marketing messages," said Andrew Osis, CEO, Multiplied Media. "Our companies hold a common belief that advertising should be targeted to the user's location as well as what they are searching for and this forms the foundation for what we expect to be a long and profitable relationship." "Ping Mobile's philosophy has always been to provide the consumer with relevant and timely information and offers, creating a direct communication link with businesses of interest," said Shira Simmonds President and CEO of Ping Mobile. "The Poynt mobile local search application takes our services to a new level by allowing us to deliver the right offer to the consumer based on their search location while they are looking it for it." The companies have signed their first customer and expect to launch the campaign in the coming weeks. Poynt is currently available for BlackBerry(R) smartphones in Canada, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, France and Spain through BlackBerry App World(TM) (www.blackberry.com/appworld) and for iPhone and iPod Touch devices in Canada and the United States at Apple's App Store. Top of Page Follow users on the go with new Open Text ECM solution Open Text Corporation, the provider of Enterprise Content Management (ECM) software, said it's extending the reach of its ECM solutions to mobile devices in a bold new strategy designed to help organizations harness the power of today's mobile workforce to increase productivity. As part of its strategy, the company is unveiling a new application called Open Text Everywhere that will make the entire Open Text ECM Suite available via mobile devices. Focusing initially on BlackBerry(R) smartphones, the company announced a first set of mobile applications today with plans for more in the year ahead. The time is right for mobile content applications, as smartphones gain in power and grow as a critical tool for productive workers on the go. According to IDC*, the number of mobile workers accessing enterprise systems worldwide will top one billion this year. This increasingly mobile workforce will demand access to more enterprise content, business processes and collaborative tools normally reserved for the desktop or laptop. Today, the biggest applications dominating smartphones are email, calendaring, messaging, personal contacts, and entertainment. "We call them 'smartphones' but the fact is they can take over the role of laptops," said Eugene Roman, Chief Technology Officer at Open Text. "The power of smartphones is only growing and they offer an entirely new platform to extend the productivity of workers in ways we never imagined just a few years ago." For example, a September, 2009 study(xx) by Forrester Consulting stated: "BlackBerry devices enable workers to be more efficient and productive in their daily work activities. These productivity benefits vary depending on the type of employee using the BlackBerry device, the range of mobile applications deployed over these devices, and the maturity deployment stage of the organization. For example sales professionals can improve weekly productivity by 1 to 2 hours per week in a reactive deployment organization, 4 to 7 hours per week in a proactive organization, and 13 to 21 hours per week in an integrative organization. Significant productivity benefit ranges are also achieved by field service and executive management personnel." "Statistics like those are hard for senior management to ignore as they look to grow their business with shrinking budgets," said Roman. "Business doesn't stop when we leave the desktop or the laptop. It's time to unleash business content, processes and applications to go wherever employees need them on a smartphone. Open Text Everywhere will let CIOs extend the productivity power of mobility across their business." Open Text Everywhere will deliver a comprehensive view of business processes, content and workplace social collaboration tools via native applications unique to each mobile platform. Open Text's first applications will be introduced for BlackBerry smartphones, but the company also plans to support other mobile operating systems in its product strategy. Open Text Everywhere uses the BlackBerry platform's secure connection transportation layer for fully encrypted wireless communication, and uses the same permission model to allow mobile users to access content in the Open Text ECM Suite. Top of Page New online calculator allows users to perform "what-if" retirement plans The Great-West Life Assurance Company today launched an innovative online calculator to help group retirement savings plan members see how even a small increase in their contribution to their employer-sponsored group retirement savings plan can increase their annual income in retirement. The My 1 per cent advantage calculator can be accessed by plan members using their BlackBerry or iPhone smartphone from www.my1percentadvantage.ca. "People want access to resources that can help them make decisions to help achieve their retirement savings goals," says Michael Campbell, Vice-President, Group Retirement Services Marketing at Great-West Life. "This new calculator not only helps plan members see the difference that a small increase in contributions can make, it also allows them to change their contribution rate quickly and easily." Mobile tools are an increasingly popular way to access information, as nearly one in three Canadians with wireless services owns a smartphone*. With easy-to-read graphics, the My 1 per cent advantage calculator can help plan members get a good picture of what they can do to reach their retirement savings goals. For a 25 year old plan member currently earning $30,000 a year, an additional one per cent of salary - ie. $300 - contributed each year can add up to $1,431 more in annual retirement income. "We believe we're first in making this type of tool easily accessible on a smart phone," Campbell said. In many instances, plan members can have access to a customized version of the calculator that includes their employer's matching contribution. This feature is especially timely, Campbell notes, as Canadian employers are increasing contributions to their group retirement savings plans, and more employees are maximizing their contributions to get full employer matching contributions, according to the 2009 Capital Accumulation Plan (CAP) Benchmark Report. Respondents to the fifth annual survey reported that employees contributed an average of 4.5% of salary to their defined contribution pension plan in 2009, up from 4.2 per cent in 2008. The report was sponsored by Great-West Life, which has 1.2 million group retirement savings plan member accounts and administers one in three Canadian defined contribution retirement plans. "As a leading service provider of group retirement plans, we're committed to developing creative and useful tools that help plan members take action to achieve their retirement goals," Campbell said. He noted that more than 50 per cent of private sector workers in Canada now enjoy retirement plans at work, with over 70 per cent of this coverage being provided by capital accumulation plans, which include defined contribution pension plans, deferred profit sharing plans, group registered retirement savings plans and group tax-free savings accounts. "This new tool is just one example of the support and features available to meet the changing needs of group capital accumulation plan members. Employers who offer these group retirement savings plans are working hard with their capital accumulation plan provider to engage their plan members and deliver the support necessary to achieve the best retirement income possible for their employees." Quebec retailers launches first online storeLolë, the innovative Quebec-based feminine active wear brand, is launching an online store at www.lolewomen.com. This new location will enable active women to buy, in just a few clicks, pilates and yoga gear, various types of swimwear, as well as versatile clothing and outerwear designed specifically for enjoying the outdoors. "Our online store is a unique showcase of the many kinds of clothing collections currently available. The site is very easy to use and, in a few clicks, your purchase can be completed and quickly shipped to you," explained Nathalie Binda, vice-president marketing for Lolë. As well as clothing from the new 2010 Spring/Summer collection, the site includes a section with end-of-season styles at outstanding discounts. Items can be delivered anywhere in North America via express courier service. Lolë offers women a vast range of intelligent and fashionable clothing that follows their everyday active needs. The clothing is designed entirely by the company's Quebec team. Canada's newest national wireless provider launches in Ottawa Globalive's WIND Mobile officially opened its doors in Ottawa, expanding its network to a fourth city. The new mobile company represents the first real, national alternative for Canadians looking for contract-free, high-value, truly unlimited plans. "Today we have brought real wireless choice to the people of Ottawa!" said Anthony Lacavera, Chairman of Globalive and WIND Mobile. "We have listened to Canadians about what's important to them and are excited to be offering truly unlimited plans with unbeatable value. There has never been a better time, or better reason for Canadians to switch their wireless provider." To help Canadians who are considering making the switch to WIND Mobile from their existing carrier, WIND Mobile is extending a $150 porting credit, in addition to getting the first month free. The special offer is the latest example from the upstart wireless company of listening to customer feedback. "Even before we launched we have been asking Canadians what they want in a wireless company and we are building our business everyday with that feedback," said Lacavera. "This offer is exactly what our customers have been asking for and is a great example of the power of conversation in action." The porting credit was extended following the release of study last week, which revealed that WIND Mobile is the top-cited brand for consumers when considering a wireless switch. The study commissioned by WIND Mobile and conducted by TNS, revealed that half (49 per cent) of Canadians surveyed have a wireless contract with one year or more remaining. When asked which carrier they were interested in switching to, WIND had the highest score (at 15 per cent), among all mobile users. The WIND brand was created with the input of an overwhelming response from the public. For over a year, Canadians were engaged in conversation through Globalive's online Wireless Soapbox campaign as well as the www.WINDmobile.ca site - becoming vehicles for Canada's wireless revolution. Ottawa is the fourth city to offer WIND Mobile's service, following launches in Toronto and Calgary in December of 2009. Service in Vancouver is set to launch in later this spring. With unlimited voice plans starting as low as $15, WIND Mobile plans offer true value for Canadians, with features such as no charges on incoming text, no charges on incoming long distance, no penalties for canceling services, and no contracts! "I challenge anyone to find a wireless plan in Canada that offers better value," said Ken Campbell, CEO of WIND Mobile. Besides offering incredibly low, feature-rich service plans that start as low as the $15 Chat plan, WIND offers unlimited province-wide calling with the $35 Always Talk plan and unlimited nation-wide calling on the $45 Always Shout plan. "Canadians were very clear when they told us what they wanted when it comes to wireless - they want value, honesty and simplicity," said Ken Campbell, CEO of WIND Mobile. "They don't want to be tied in with contracts. They are tired of high prices, poor service and complicated billing. They don't want to see 'made up' fees for system access and 911. We're pleased to say to Canadians - we've heard you!" Top of Page Geek Squad now offering online support Geek Squad is making it even easier for Canadians to get the support they need for their home electronics with the launch of Geek Squad Online Support. Through a high-speed Internet connection, Agents can log on remotely to perform repairs, setup, training and installation, giving Canadians the technology support they need without leaving home. "With the launch of Geek Squad Online Support, this is the year when Canadians nationwide can feel confident about freeing a gadget from its packaging and setting it up themselves," said Rudy Irish, Northern Commander, Geek Squad Canada. "Whether they're programming a gaming console to stream to the living room HD TV, transferring music from one MP3 player to another or needing to rid their PC of viruses and spyware, Geek Squad is there for customers when needed most and from the privacy of their homes." With the launch of Geek Squad online support, Canadians coast to coast - even in regions where a Best Buy store is not nearby - can get the technical support they need from Geek Squad. Simply go to the support website, choose a service or agent, connect with the agent to get a free consultation on your technical issue and watch your problem being solved right before your eyes. Prices begin at $49 with 35 per cent off any Geek Squad Online Support service from March 26 to April 8. First targeted mobile job search app for Canadian job market CanadianJobForce.com, a career site for Canadian job seekers and employers, announced the launch of its new mobile job search application across iPhone®, BlackBerry® and Android® platforms. The application, which enables users to search for jobs across more than 25 industries directly from their mobile device, is the first of its kind to be powered by a Canadian-based job site and dedicated specifically to the Canadian job market. “More and more people are relying on their mobile device to gain access to information on-the-go, which is why it is important for CanadianJobForce to establish a strong mobile presence to ensure our users are able to engage in their job search whenever and wherever they want,” says Jason Stevens, director of operations for Beyond.com, Inc., who oversees CanadianJobForce.com. “With an increased focus on local job searching, CanadianJobForce is excited to offer an application that provides a more targeted approach to recruitment than what is currently available in the Canadian market today.” The newly released mobile application provides users with access to local jobs from top Canadian employers and is powered by Beyond.com, the world’s largest network of niche career communities. By downloading the application, professionals can search for jobs by keyword and location, review detailed job descriptions, set-up job alerts and share jobs with friends. In addition, iPhone users can browse valuable career articles for advice on topics such as job searching, resume writing and interviewing. The new CanadianJobForce application is available on iTunes®, Android Market and BlackBerry App World. Additional features and functionality will automatically be available to users to ensure they continue to benefit from the best mobile recruiting experience available in Canada. Top of Page |
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