IT for Manufacturing Executives
A Fresh Look At SAP's Software As A Service (SaaS) Solution
September 30, 2010 7:56 am | by SAP | White PapersAt Sapphire 2009, SAP showcased about a dozen Business ByDesign Customers, some brand new and some I had met a year ago, along with a test-drive area that allowed customers and analysts to touch and feel, and take a guided tour of the product. Not being one that is easily led, this analyst went a bit off-road in the test drive. While the data might not have been real, I left convinced that the application behind it was.
Four Steps To A Best Run Business
September 30, 2010 7:18 am | by SAP | White PapersOperate your business more effectively by driving faster, smarter decisions, applying better control over costs, minimize risk and liability, and anticipate change. SAP Business ByDesign helps you automate business processes, streamline administrative tasks, and proactively deliver role-based information to employees.
'Augmented' Reality On A Cell Phone
September 30, 2010 7:01 am | Videos | CommentsCan you imagine a technology that allows you to to take a cell phone, point it at something, and immediately receive a wealth of information about that object? This technology, a form of 'augmented' reality, is here. Researchers from Georgia Tech recently developed a cell phone program that allows users to see the world like never before.
Unemployment Drops For Third Time In Four Weeks
September 30, 2010 5:16 am | by Christopher S. Rugaber, AP Economics Writer | News | CommentsWASHINGTON (AP) — Applications for jobless benefits dropped last week for the third time in four weeks, a sign that employers are cutting fewer jobs. Initial claims for unemployment aid fell by 16,000 to a seasonally adjusted 453,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. Wall Street analysts had expected a smaller drop.
Boeing Secures $11.9B Air Force Contract
September 30, 2010 5:15 am | News | CommentsThe U.S. Air Force has signed an eight-year contract with Boeing Co. worth $11.9 billion for upgrades to B-52 bombers. The Defense Department says that Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio is handling contract activities. Shares of Chicago-based Boeing rose 79 cents to $66.76 in after-hours trading, after finishing regular trading up $1.
Can An iPhone Save Your Life?
September 29, 2010 11:54 am | Videos | CommentsThere's an iPhone app available that has the potential to make stethoscopes a tool of the past. iStethoscope can be purchased by anyone with a smart phone for the low, low price of $1. The fact that mass-produced items such as smart phones and tablet computers make the devices and their applications more affordable, and attractive, to those medical companies who would typically buy custom medical devices.
Raytheon Develops An 'Iron Man' Suit
September 29, 2010 11:27 am | Videos | CommentsRaytheon — which has been in the news lately for a variety of military technologies, including a "death ray" — has recently announced its XOS 2 exoskeleton, which has been developed to provide users additional strength and support when lifting or carrying heavy objects. This new model uses 50 percent less power than its predecessor, which brings the "Iron Man"-esque technology one step closer to seeing international deployment.
Obama's Wireless Plan
September 29, 2010 11:21 am | Videos | CommentsBroad new regulations being drafted by the Obama administration would make it easier for law enforcement and national security officials to eavesdrop on Internet and e-mail communications like social networking Web sites and BlackBerries. According to a recent report in the New York Times, the White House plans to draft and submit legislation next year that would require all online services that enable communications to be technically equipped to comply with a wiretap order .
Mr. Roboto Goes To A Meeting
September 29, 2010 11:15 am | Videos | CommentsCan't make that all-important business meeting? That's okay, send a robot instead. A new telepresence robot enables users to remotely drive a chat screen from one place to another. All that's needed is a Wi-Fi connection, a webcam, and...well...a robot. The idea would be best used in companies where there are a lot of remote workers who need to collaborate with other workers.
GM Buyer Drops Bid After Union Rejects Pay Cut
September 29, 2010 4:55 am | News | CommentsINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The potential buyer for a General Motors stamping plant in Indianapolis has dropped its bid after workers overwhelmingly rejected pay cuts it sought. The 457-96 vote against the concessions also was a repudiation of a deal national United Auto Workers officials had backed in hopes of keeping the factory open after GM announced last year it planned to shut it down in 2011.
U.S. Probes Mini Cooper Power Steering
September 29, 2010 4:53 am | by Ken Thomas, Associated Press Writer | News | CommentsWASHINGTON (AP) — The government opened an investigation on Tuesday into potential power steering problems in Mini Coopers built by German automaker BMW AG. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its website that it had received 54 complaints about the loss of power steering in Mini Coopers from the 2004-2005 model years.
Senate Blocks Bill Seeking To Tax Firms That Export
September 29, 2010 4:52 am | by Stephen Ohlemacher, Associated Press Writer | News | CommentsWASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Tuesday blocked tax legislation that would have punished U.S. firms that export jobs. But the political symbolism of trying to save American jobs, not passing a bill, was the Democrats' closing argument on the economy in the waning weeks of the congressional elections.
HP Offers No Update On Identity Of Next CEO
September 29, 2010 4:50 am | by Michael Liedtke, AP Technology Writer | News | CommentsSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Hewlett-Packard Co. offered a rosy financial outlook Tuesday without giving any guidance on the biggest issue hanging over the world's largest technology company: the identity of its next CEO. The leading maker of personal computers and printers has been looking for a new leader since its board pressured Mark Hurd, its CEO of five years, to step down in an early August scandal revolving around allegations of sexual harassment and deceptive expense reports.
Eroding Confidence In Economy Creates 'Unvirtuous Cycle'
September 29, 2010 4:49 am | by Anne D'Innocenzio, AP Retail Writer | News | CommentsNEW YORK (AP) — Americans in both the living room and the boardroom are growing more fearful about the economy, creating a Catch-22 for the job market: Shoppers won't spend until they feel more secure, and business won't hire until people start spending. The eroding views were revealed Tuesday by two separate surveys, one that found everyday Americans are increasingly pessimistic about jobs and another that found CEOs have grimmer predictions about upcoming sales.
Caterpillar To Open Manufacturing Plant In China
September 29, 2010 4:47 am | News | CommentsNEW YORK (AP) — Caterpillar Inc., the world's largest marker of construction and mining equipment, said Wednesday it plans to open a new facility in Wujiang, China, to build mini hydraulic excavators. The company currently supplies Chinese customers with mini excavators produced at a facility in Xuzhou, China, and with machines produced in Sagami, Japan.
