Mar 3, 2006 | blog
So RIM finally broke down and paid off NTP…
RIM has paid NTP $612.5 million in full and final settlement of all claims against RIM, as well as for a perpetual, fully-paid up license going forward. This amount includes money already escrowed by RIM to date.
Since I did not follow the technical details of NTP’s claims or RIM’s arguments against patent infringement, I can’t comment on if I think this is a reasonable course of action for RIM. However, now that the uncertainty that has surrounded a “possible” shutdown of the Blackberry service, maybe we can all start looking forward to future devices and services from both companies.
Via: RCR Wireless News, RIM Press Release
Mar 2, 2006 | blog
Ok, I’m game – what exactly is foldera? I’m very curious about this upcoming service and it’s offerings. Supposedly it will be free for the basic services and have enhancements available as pay-for add-ons when you need to upgrade.
From a small-business point of view, this service intrests me a great deal. I mean, the ability to focus on providing your services to your customers rather than spending time just maintaining your applications to run your business is appealing.
Let’s see – some features are email, task management, calendar, document manager, comment folders, activity folders, contact management, instant messanger… the list is quite long for services. I can’t wait to give it a try and see how it works for small groups.
You can sign up for more information on there site here!
Mar 2, 2006 | blog
So, The Wireless Report has posted an article that talks about CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association) announcing a drop in customer complaints against the mobile phone carriers. They also express their doubts about its accuracy. While I hope that the carriers have improved their customer service (T-Mobile & Verizon seem to be working at it), I also am concerned that the overall customer satisfaction is still not increasing.
Check out The Wireless Report & CTIA itself.
Mar 1, 2006 | blog
So I suppose this article over at Pittsburgh Post-Gazette will add more fuel to those people trying to keep everyone from using electronics on airplanes.
Not a very interesting article, though it will be interesting to see if there is anyting of substance to this study. I’ll not claim that it isn’t possible, but sometimes I think we over analyze things a bit too much. I guess what frustrates me is that several studies in the past 18 mos. or so have indicated that there isn’t much of a problem, that airlines have worked towards “shielding” sensitive equipment, etc… Though with the current financial state of many airlines today, that is a bit hard to believe.
Its kind of like butter – first its bad, then its good, then we’re not sure – or chocolate, same thing. Guess it’ll be one of those confounding mysteries, or urban legends – better call the MythBusters.
Feb 28, 2006 | blog
Still can’t get the MDA – the company still says that it does not have stock available to sell to existing customers (you know the ones who always pay their bills every month). Instead, all currently available stock will be used to lure new customers into 2-year contracts.
Nice.
Maybe I’m being selfish and shallow, but it still makes me a bit upset. I’m one of those darn pesky reliable existing customers. Its a shame that I have this peculiar idea that I should be able to buy a product that a company is selling. Strange, I know. Someday I’ll get over it – probably when I decide to switch phone carriers. The problem with that idea is that all carriers do the same dumb things.
