Cisco-Movers and Shakers

Cisco is taking digital signage to another level of exposure-their brand as well...... (The quote below is from an article Bill Yackey wrote on Digital Signage Today.Com and hits the nail on the head.) I would like to see more of this by other companies-advertising in video games on TV, etc.....just would be interesting to see the results as well....

While industry members know the list of “big hitters” in digital signage, Cisco’s product placement strategy and advertising plan is positioning them as one of the top dogs for digital signage in the eyes of the public.

"Cisco is illustrating that they 'get it' in terms of the advancement of digital signage and its place in ad display spending,” said Lyle Bunn, strategy architect with Bunn Co. “Digital signage allows for better message targeting, which will increasingly be based on dynamic ad provisioning. This is the domain of enabling technologies. Internet cookies, cable TV viewing history and cognitive recognition for digital signage all have the same objectives, and each is based on technology supporting target marketing. Message targeting is becoming a back-office technology where ads are pulled from storage and displayed based on pre-set 'if-then' display rules. This is a domain of practice that Cisco understands well and will help advance aggressively."

Cisco Homepage
Digital Signage Today.Com

AirMedia: Boarding All Investors

Interesting: I found a great link/tool in which you can type-in any URL, including blogs, and then find where or what search engine sites (google, digg, sphere, technorati, etc) the URL is connected too, listed, tagged or related. Not being a webmaster and still learning I thought that was pretty cool and is where I found this article and link to www.dealprofiles.com blog. (somehow was related to mine)

AirMedia: Boarding all investors
Posted on November 8, 2007 by ttaulli

In China, the advertising market is booming. And, so is the airline industry.
As a result, the combo is supercharging the growth of AirMedia. You see, this company is the largest digital advertising network focused on the travel sector in China.
On Tuesday, the company came to America – for an IPO (the ticker is AMCN). The stock spiked 39% despite the plunge in the US markets.
AirMedia operates more than 2,000 digital TV screens in airports as well as over 16,000 screens on airplanes. And, yes, advertisers have come on board, such as China Mobile (NYSE: CHL), Hitachi, Lenovo, and Nokia (NYSE: NOK).
Revenues for the first nine months were $15.9 million, up from $6.7 million in the same period a year ago. There was also net income of $4 million.
To get more background, you can check out DealProfiles.com.

Full Story

DisplaySearch a NPD Group Company..

I just wanted to give this company a short plug. DisplaySearch conducts market research for the digital signage hardware/technology/TV industry.....here they can tell you better.

Ross Young started DisplaySearch because the only reports available to the industry lacked sufficient depth and analysis, because those analysts lacked industry experience, global perspective and a complete food chain approach. Thus, Young assembled an elite team of analysts with extensive industry and market research experience, providing extensive contacts and innovative methodologies.

DisplaySearch's analysts have held key display-related positions at ABN AMRO Asset Management, Applied Komatsu Technology (AKT), AMD, Apple Computer, AUO, Booz Allen and Hamilton, Brooks Automation, Compaq/Hewlett Packard, DaiNippon Printing, Fuh Hwa Securities, Fusion Semiconductor, GCA, General Instrument, HannStar Display, Hitachi, Intevac, ITRI, Konka, LG Electronics, LG.Philips LCD, Maxtor, MIC, Mitsubishi Electric, Mitsubishi Electronics America, NEC Corporation, NEC-Mitsubishi, Nikkei Market Access, Oak Technology, Optrex America, OWL Displays, Panasonic AVC Networks, Photon Dynamics, Photonics Systems, Rambus, Rendition, SAMCO International, Samsung Electronics, Samsung Semiconductor, Samsung Semiconductor, Seiko Epson, Sony, Techno Systems Research, Tokyo Electron Limited, Wintek Corporation, Yamaha, Zenith Data Systems, 3Dfx, 3Dlabs and others. All of DisplaySearch's analysts have at least five years of display industry experience.

DisplaySearch Homepage
DisplaySearch Blog

Google’s nine points of innovation

Google’s nine points of innovation

In May Google's Jim Lecinski, managing director spoke of Google's nine points of innovation. Short and sweet this seems like something the digital signage industry can benefit and learn from, so here they are:


Innovation, not instant perfection. Google believes in launching new products and ideas early and often, rather than trying to perfect those ideas behind closed doors before releasing them to the public. Then, customer feedback and popularity prove which projects are most successful.

Share everything you can. Small teams that communicate openly have proved the best results for Google. They believe in transparency in the workplace so that everyone knows what everyone else is working on. (Scary, right?) They have a computer program where employees can look up names and see what others are working on, so if they have an idea to contribute they know who to talk to.

You’re brilliant, we’re hiring. When Google interviews employees, Lecinski said they set the bar very high. They focus more on hiring generalists rather than specialists, as they have found generalists are more valuable and can contribute ideas to different parts of the company.

Allow employees to pursue their dreams. Lecinski said Google allows its employees’ time in a 70/20/10 model. Seventy percent of the time they work on Google’s search and ad flagships; they develop new programs like Images, Desktop and Finance 20 percent of the time; and 10 percent of the time employees are allowed to pursue their own high risk/high reward projects. Lecinski said Google Earth is a result of one of those projects.

Ideas come from everywhere. Sometimes Google turns to the public for new ideas. The Google mastheads, which are customized for holidays and events, are taken from non-employee submissions. One of the mastheads was designed by a 12-year-old girl.

Don’t politic – use data. With all the ideas floating around Google, the best way to determine which may work is to use supportive data. As Lecinski said, “Data beats opinion.”

Creativity loves restraint. Again, Google has to have some way to keep all of the employee-generated ideas streamlined towards the company’s goals. “Let people explore, but set clear boundaries for that exploration,” Lecinski said.

Get users and usage – the money will follow. This goes back to one of Lecinski’s larger points, “respect for end users,” but is a principle to follow in any form of business. He says to focus on creating things that are innovative and useful for people, not something you can sell.

Don’t kill projects, morph them. Google doesn’t waste ideas. Instead, they try to change and transform them into something the company finds useful.

Just thought some may enjoy this and the full article can be found at
Self Service & Kiosk Association

ITECH Unveils LCD Marine Monitors-Sunlight Readable

Good story and interesting company-to me....I am interested by the wide range of reach, they have product wise......ITECH is one to research...more soon.

ITECH UNVEILS SUNLIGHT READABLE, HIGH BRIGHTNESS RUGGED MARINE LCD MONITORS
ITECH STORY

Pivot, From Time Warner and Sprint, a Waste of Time?

I am not so sure what demographic group, would be willing to purchase such a display of struggle shown by Time Warner Cable, in developing an appealing wireless addition to a solid buddle of communication services. Sure AT & T will be gaining massive market share-at least in the eyes of an industry, in which the mobility arm has had ZERO share.....the iPhone, even if they have paid to sell it, brings marketing power to an already powerful advertising force. The consumer will recieve benefits as found in the ads; such as mobile TV, mobile email, mobile everything a normal Blackberry offers-except TWC and Sprint are using phones with normal size screens that are not really built for constant use for services other than voice or SMS....I could be wrong; I see this as a waste of money for both TWC and Sprint (Sprint already has a new sketchy ad campaign-still based on creative and not media consumption!). Pivot is not competition to any new services from the wireless community-perhaps other cable operators, yes!

Pulled From Time Warner Website 8-13-2007

"Wouldn't it be great if you could take the Time Warner Cable services you use at home - like Digital Cable programming, Road Runner High Speed Online, and Digital Phone - with you on your wireless phone? Now you can. Pivot is a new service that combines the best of Sprint wireless with the Time Warner Cable services you enjoy at home.........Wherever you go, Pivot lets you take Mobile TV, Mobile Email, Mobile Web, and even unlimited wireless-to-home calling with you - all on your Sprint wireless phone. Watch ABC News Now®, E! News Update®, Fox News®, Comedy Time® and additional entertainment, news and music channels with Mobile TV. Enjoy unlimited calling between your home Digital Phone and Sprint wireless phone. Access the Web and check your Road Runner email on the go."

(Some More Copy From Time Warners Website) "Take advantage of all this and more - like unlimited night and weekend calling that starts at 7pm, and unlimited mobile to mobile calling.
And, enjoy it all on one bill, from one company - Time Warner Cable."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News Release On Sprint Website from several months ago....

Innovative Wireless Service Gives Customers The Power To Feel At Home Anywhere
Available in 40 metropolitan areas this year, "Pivot" delivers value, convenience and access to comforts of home everywhere customers turn

Media Contact:
Melinda Tiemeyer, Sprint, 913-794-1089
melinda.g.tiemeyer@sprint.com

ORLANDO, Fla. — 03/26/2007

Sprint Nextel Corporation (NYSE:S), Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK), Time Warner Cable (NYSE: TWC), Cox Communications and Advance/Newhouse Communications today launched the branding of "Pivot," the integrated service that gives consumers the ability to link their mobile phone service with their home digital phone, and certain high-speed internet services and digital cable services. Pivot combines powerful wireline and wireless networks to bring more useful capabilities to customers, such as one-button access to the Internet, home and wireless email and mobile TV.

"Pivot was designed to help customers connect to home with an easier, more convenient and more affordable way to keep in touch, stay informed and be entertained. We want to make technology work better and faster for the customer—and with our unique partnership, we can do things our competitors can't," said John Garcia, president Sprint/MSO Joint Venture. "Pivot links your wireless phone with the comforts of home. Our common vision is to give customers anywhere easy access to the entertainment, communications and information services that are already important to them."

Full Story

Pivot Product/Service Info

New Sprint Advertising Campaign

Apple and the "i" Generation of Marketing

With the iPod, iPhone, and now the "new look" and updates to the iMac; I could place a strong to very strong winning bet on Apple having a record year, in more than one category. Just think the iPod and iPhone have at the least, drawn out a valuable group of consumers whom are now looking and visiting the Apple stores, lurking on the (Apple) websites, reading the press, buying these "i" products and in general helping Apple gain market share in a disguse....it is perfect timing as several have said for the new school year and the holidays...in addition the new iMac cost less than the first one did.....how about that! Still a great company-however I feel something in the future (5-10 years) will have to change in the most unexpected manner...perhaps a market shift into a new technology or product line for Apple, a major purchase or sell....or thats it right now.....

Apple Unveils New iMac

CUPERTINO, California-Apple® has recently unveiled an all new all-in-one iMac® line featuring gorgeous 20- and 24-inch widescreen displays encased in elegant and professional aluminum and glass enclosures. The entire new iMac line features the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors and a new, ultra-thin aluminum Apple Keyboard, built-in iSight® video camera for video conferencing and iLife® ’08, making it the ultimate digital lifestyle desktop computer for both consumers and professionals. The 20-inch iMac now starts at just $1,199, $300 less than the previous 20-inch model, and the 24-inch iMac starts at just $1,799, $200 less than the previous 24-inch model.

Man, I really like this brand and would like to speak with the entire team of maketing and advertising personalities-sharp folks over there, if I could ever get the chance, even just one would be an educate. I agree, that yes Apple has the technology to make this market jump or push take place; however someone still has to package and market to the consumer; carefully.

“This new iMac is the most incredible desktop computer we’ve ever made,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Our new design features the innovative use of materials, including professional-grade aluminum and glass, that are highly recyclable."

Jobs, is no joke!

Press Contacts: (please contact for questions about Apple)

Teresa Brewer
Apple

(408) 974-6851

Lynn Fox
Apple
lfox@apple.com
(408) 974-4300

Full iMac Story

Apple Hot News

Bluetooth Nokia Marketing

Bluetooth Marketing Faces Privacy Concerns

Nokia is launching a Bluetooth marketing campaign in the UK to promote its 6680 handset - joining the growing list of big brands like Volvo and EMI that have experimented with Bluetooth marketing - but some lawyers, trade bodies and agencies have expressed concerns that brands running these campaigns are in breach of privacy regulations, New Media Age reports(via Adverblog

Full Story
Media Planner Buyer

Great Study on Top Exec's

By far one of the most relavant reseach studies I have come across in the last few months-really enjoyed this one- undistorted and precise!

Mediaedge:cia: BlackBerry a Top-Exec Must
John Consoli
MARCH 26, 2007 -

"The BlackBerry has become an “umbilical cord” for many chief executive officers, who check it constantly throughout the day, even when all other devices are turned off, according to a study by Mediaedge:cia of senior business executives. "

But the study also found that BlackBerry communication “is regarded as business, not advertising, because business e-mail is for the CEO a means of control and situation monitoring.” That study added, “Irrelevant or non-urgent messages are passed over and unsolicited commercial communication is treated as an unwarranted interruption.”
Full Story

Bally's Bye, Bye?

As with many of the gym's; they will recover or be purchased. What happened here-poor management? No telling...Churn perhaps, and it is a great gym just not so good managment.

Bally warns of bankruptcy; stock plungesBy James P. MillerTribune staff reporterPublished March 16 2007, 11:32 AM CDT

"Bally Total Fitness Holding Corp. shares lost more than half their value Friday morning, in the wake of the Chicago health club operator's Thursday evening warning that it may be obliged to seek Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection unless it can restructure its debt.In late-morning New York Stock Exchange trading, Bally shares were down $1.12, or 56 percent, to 87 cents. "
Full Story Bally's

Delray Beach, Good Times

South Florida is not for everyone, so try Delray Beach; a wonderful place to live and visit, if I say so myself. Of course; I lived in Delray for over 7 years and enjoyed the ruthless business practices of the shady 19 year old commodities broker. The food and atmosphere remind me of a carefree 6 year old, and maybe thats why Delray was voted an All American City! The sun shines and brings love to your heart and an overall feeling of wellbeing. The food, lots of places to go; one of my favorites is Gatsby's in Boca.

Delray's Atlantic Avenue nightlife is giving Clematis and Las Olas a run for their money

"If South Florida has a Restaurant Row, it's in downtown Delray Beach. By car, it's near impossible to count the restaurants on Atlantic Avenue between Swinton and the ocean, but one morning a few weeks ago, I walked east from Swinton. I counted 32 restaurants.
And that doesn't count the restaurants I spied up and down the avenues or the half-dozen restaurants in the Pineapple Grove section of downtown or the restaurants situated far away from the city center. Burgers or foie gras? Sushi or fondue? Thai or pub food? French or Florida seafood? "

Full Story
Gatsby's

SeeSaw Network

SeeSaw Networks Launches First Online Service to Plan, Buy and Measure Out-of-Home Digital Media
SeeSaw unveils the easiest way to reach people where they are

"American Association of Advertising Agencies Tradeshow, LAS VEGAS – March 1, 2007 – SeeSaw Networks, the leading out-of-home digital media company, today launched SeeSawAds.com, the online service that allows media buyers and advertisers to plan, buy and measure out-of-home digital media across the U.S. For the first time, advertisers and media buyers can reach people where they are with customized out-of-home national advertising campaigns across different geographies, demographic groups and markets, all from a Web-based solution.

Until now, media buyers and advertisers have been challenged to include out-of-home digital media as part of their media plans due to the time, expense and complexity of creating a national media campaign with an ever-increasing number of out-of-home digital media networks.

“Given the fragmentation in the market, planning a national or regional out-of-home digital advertising campaign used to be a very complex process with no common set of standards and metrics,” said Peter Bowen, chief executive officer of SeeSaw Networks. “With SeeSawAds.com, advertisers and agencies can focus on reaching people where they are by planning and buying out-of-home digital media campaigns across an extensive national network with a single set of metrics. We are now providing a one-stop-shop marketplace for out-of-home digital campaigns.”

Press Contact:
Victoria Brown
A&R Edelman
650-762-2966
vbrown@ar-edelman.com

For the complete story:

Link