Tuesday, September 30, 2003
WebSphere Business Integration
There are two softare products, Business Integration Modeler and Monitor, that alert business managers to problems of events and activites throughout an enterprise. For example, it allows manufacturers to monitor business processes, such as shipments and trackings. The models in the Business Integration Modeler can be sent to IBM's Rational application design and development tools. The support for WebSphere Portal allows users to customize portlets for different monitor views.
Right now, this product only works for manufacturers, but in the future, I am certain that the software can be developed to be useful for the event/meeting planner. The planner can track all activities that are occuring before, during, and after an event, thereby having the ability to track problems that occur. With this type of product, planners are able to coordinate events that can run more smoothly and with less gliches. The product can be integrated to work with the venue and planners, as well as have the ability to reach different monitors for the trackees.
Tuesday, September 23, 2003
Heliodisplay
IO2 Technology has created a nifty tool called the Heliodisplay. Heliodisplay projects 3-D video graphics into the air using a new form of technology that can produce a 27-inch image. The images are not holograms and are actually interactive. Similar to the movie, "Minority Report," anyone using the Heliodisplay can touch, navigate, and select from it as if it were a touchscreen, only it is 3-D. This product would be very useful with meeting planners in terms of checking out venues. This would allow planners to look at a space and/or site, navigate the area and check out all aspects of the area without having to physically be at the place because the Heliodisplay presents a miniature replica of it.
Monday, September 15, 2003
ARCHOS AC300 series
Archos AV300 series is called an MP4 player. It is the first portable video recorder and player that, with additional add-ons, can record music or video from the television or PC, store up to 50 full-length movies to watch, includes an MP3 player, can take and allow the user to view photos, and allows the user t0 listen to FM radio and record from it-- all on a high-resolution 3.8" color-screen. This product would be very useful for a conference planner or visiter because of its recording and picture-taking. A visiter or planner can take pictures of a visit to a conference or venue with the AV320, transfer its memory card to his PC, upload it to his PC, and use wireless networking to send the pictures to other people. The user can even connect the device to a computer or television to view movies that have been uploaded to the product, not needing to use CD-RWs, DVDs, or VHSs. However, this product seems fairly similar to a digital camera, only with increased capabilities, memory, and the ability to listen to the radio. The website doesn't mention whether the product is Bluetooth-enabled, which would greatly benefit the user in efficiency. Perhaps after the product is out for awhile, other companies will manufacture a similar product with more efficiency and applications, similar to the advancement of mobile phones, digital cameras, and pocket PCs. Despite the necessity to purchase the product's optional add-ons, the AC300 series seems to be simply, a fun gadget for techies to fiddle around with.
Monday, September 08, 2003
PlanSoft is a corporation that specializes in providing "solutions" for meeting professionals. It is the designer of mpoint.com, a website resource for planners and Meeting Management solutions, a Web-based system that efficiently sets up a planning process. PlanSoft is the leading provider of technology solutions for the conference and events industry.
Recently, PlanSoft has been chosen by VNU Business Publications USA to provide online product and services to VNU's subscribers and advertisers. This will allow meeting and event professionals better access to services and multimedia content throughout every stage of planning. Qualified subscribers are pre-registered to the VNU Travel and Meetings Network, providing even better access to services. VNU Business Publications already publishes Successful Meetings, MeetingNews, and Business Travel News, it owns and manages Corporate Travel World and Meeting World. Together, both companies can benefit from one another in the meeting and events industry.
