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-------------------- Most venture capitalists treat wireless deals like sake -- they sip in moderation. Not Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. It's chugging from the bottle. But the top-shelf venture capital […]

The IFE (Institution of Fire Engineers) has released a progress report for 2024, highlighting their commitment to advancing fire safety standards and professional development globally. The report mentions the appointment of Dr. Paul Stollard as Chair and Trustee Director, bringing a varied perspective to the Board. The Technical Director, Paul Trew, has made progress in involving special interest groups (SIGs) to elevate benchmarks and provide educational and networking opportunities. The report also mentions collaboration with the Home Office and other partners on fire risk assessor competence and registration. The IFE is currently working on a Horizon Scanning Tool to gather intelligence on fire safety trends and legislation worldwide. The report concludes with the CEO expressing excitement for the future and the IFE's mission of advancing safety standards worldwide. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on small U.S. technology service firms that recruit foreign workers to place them in U.S. corporations to provide technical support, software programming and other services. Violations of employee rights and immigration laws by such companies are detailed. The rise of back-office operation outsourcing is discussed.

The article examines how Oracle chief executive officer (CEO) Lawrence J. Ellison has acquired numerous companies to bolster his firm’s revenues. While Ellison’s efforts have caused the company’s stocks to rise, the author reports that some corporate customers are frustrated by this economic growth. It is attested that these clients fear Oracle will repress innovation and lock them into high prices. INSET: ORACLE'S ACQUISITION BLITZ.

The article examines the management of research and development by International Business Machines (IBM). Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Samuel J. Palmisano has led a strategy where IBM creates partnerships in which its researchers work on projects in collaboration with foreign companies, universities and governments in which both sides share the financing.

The article reports that the smart technology which creates safer and more efficient infrastructure is in place just in time for massive spending by the U.S. government on infrastructure. Such technology includes sensors and electronics that are part of bridges and roads that monitor concrete for weaknesses or structural damage. INSET: GIVING A JOLT TO THE NATIONAL GRID.

This article discusses the business conditions in the Santa Clara Valley of California, also called Silicon Valley. The contrast between the work of companies such as computer chip manufacturer Intel and Web 2.0 companies such as Facebook is presented as an indicator of the changing market for high technology investment. Changing investment strategies relating to innovation management are recommended. INSET: HOW TO REFURBISH THE U.S. TECH INDUSTRY.

They're not really addled, just aggressive. How one American created a howling winner with local talent. Noel Coward put his finger on it. In colonial Southeast Asia, only mad dogs […]

The article discusses the efforts of the relief organization Mercy Corps to improve the microfinance industry in Indonesia. The purchase of an Indonesian bank by Mercy Corps is mentioned, noting that the venture will use business practices to support impoverished Indonesians and encourage microfinance in the region.

The article examines U.S. consumers who are cutting down on debt and attempting to live more frugally in response to the 2008 financial crisis. The third quarter of 2008 could see the first decline in consumer spending since 1991. Although declining consumer spending could hurt the overall economy, several consumers state they need to reorganize their personal finances and save more no matter what.

The article describes the debate in Kansas between proponents and opponents of wind power in 2008, focusing on the efforts of farmer Pete Ferrell to bring more wind power to the state. Opponents include Sunflower Electric Power Corp., a company trying to build two coal-fired power plants in western Kansas. The article also speculates that consideration of the cost of carbon dioxide emissions resulting from coal or gas power could make wind power a more affordable alternative.

The article is about the charity organization One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) and the difficulties it faces as it tries to give a laptop computer to every child in the world. The founder and chairman, Nicholas Negroponte, had difficulties making deals with computer and software companies such as Intel and Microsoft, and frequently had disagreements with other members of OLPC.

The article reports on the Iceland government agency, Invest, which is selling companies the idea of locating their data centers outside the village of Grindavik, Iceland. Kristinn Haflioason has the job of persuading corporations to locate there for the vacant land, cheap geothermal energy, and the chilly climate for keeping data centers cool. The article describes other competing locations and the technological research being done on the data storage issue. INSET: HOT MACHINES, HUGE ELECTRICITY BILLS.

The article discusses whether, in a recession, multinational corporations (MNC's), i.e. companies that have operations, subsidiaries, or investments in more than two countries, will benefit the U.S. One conclusion is that U.S. MNC's have exported U.S. jobs overseas, while increasing their profits dramatically. MNC's have an impact on the economy by creating high pay and high quality jobs, paying corporate taxes, the quality of management, and their presence on the American stock markets.

This article discusses the growing competition between technology companies to develop and produce lighter and thinner laptop computers, focusing on company Lenovo's new ThinkPad X300 computer. The article looks at the development and specifications of the ThinkPad X300 and compares it to company Apple's new MacBook Air laptop. The history of making portable computers and competition between technology companies are also examined. INSETS: A MANUFACTURER'S MARATHON;DUELING LIGHTWEIGHTS.