Applying Resource Description Framework (RDF) on Wikipedia

dbpedia has created a semantic model to represent Wikipedia information. via localoaf

Using Lean Six Sigma to improve operational innovation

IBM study "Driving Operational innovation using Lean Six Sigma" written by George Byrne, Dave Lubowe and Amy Blitz provides good insights how Caterpillar, POSCO, and Scottish Power used Lean Six Sigma successfully.

"Lean Six Sigma, a relatively well-known approach for achieving operational excellence, can, as it turns out, do more than simply improve processes. It can help leaders discover innovation opportunities far beyond operations, enhance financial performance and create organizations that have an inherent inclination toward innovation."

Improving Knowledge Sharing within corporation

IBM announced their new collaboration software Lotus Connection. They have been testing internally with Dogear . I strongly believe that this kind of tools will improve knowledge sharing, expert location, communication and ideas creation within corporate world. If you are a corporate CEO, CTO, R&D Chief, or person who is in charge of innovation or knowledge business, just go and implement a test with one of these tools like Connectbeam, you'll be doing a big favor to all your employees to increase their efficiency in the workspace.

Highway X

This week I have been visiting our customers with my colleague Tom Noonan. We started our trip in Minneapolis, went to Milwaukee and end up in Illinois. While driving from Milwaukee to Illinois we noticed a sign for HWY X. I am wondering where is HWY Z?

Channel Penton Presents: Engineering TV

Penton launches a new online video service for engineers. National Instruments and Analog Devices are sponsoring site for the whole year. It's a good move by Penton to bring interactivity to the content that engineers use.
It's like the old days of TV where the program is limited -they will have two shows per week- but it's an excellent start. Hopefully they will go to daily shows and daily commentaries from some industry experts, interviews with engineers, and who knows may be they will have daily "Evening Engineering News" or "Morning Engineering Show".

Improving accessibility to educational materials

MIT Lecture Browser "explores ways to enable educators and students to more effectively disseminate audio and video recordings of academic lecture material. " In the future all the class lectures can be search like this easily...
via Stephano's Linotype

Excellent Customer Service by Jonathan at Residence Inn

Last friday night I had to stay over in St Louis with some colleagues because of bad weather. We had to check in to Residence Inn Marriott at St. Louis Airport Earth City. We went in late and we were not happy campers when we checked in. But Jonathan Parham who was working at the reception desk made our stay very pleasant with his sincere and pleasant hospitality. The guy did everything to make our stay pleasant. I would not surprised if he becomes a senior executives in the hospitality industry. If I were his manager I would put him in a fast track for a management position in customer service. To be frank this guy can teach Ritz Carlton employees how to provide excellent customer service and being natural..... John Kudla who is the general manager at Residence Inn is lucky to have an employee like Jonathan. Thanks again Jonathan!

Oracle testing Semantic Web application

Oracle launches OTN Semantic Web beta which is a proof-of-concept that demonstrates the use of Resource Description Framework (RDF)-based Semantic Web technology. The system is powered by Siderean technology

Private Equity is on a bubble roll

In 2006 with $660 billion in corporate buyouts and $750 billion still to be used Private Equity is on a roll.

And it seems the things are getting out of control.

IEEE Spectrum picks Philips Lumalive fabrics as a loser

In their Winner and Loosers edition IEEE Spectrum picked Lumalive as a loser

2006 review of Open Access

2006 status of Open Access by Peter Suber via Loomware

The Agile CFO

CFOs changing and crucial role in innovation:

"Agile CFOs should:

• Track innovation without stifling it
• Fund the unknown world
• Treat innovation differently than business as usual." via IBM
  

Papers aim to revolutionize the way researchers deal with scientific papers

Papers is a new research workflow tool software from two scientists who live close to our headquarters in Amsterdam. The software is for Mac only for time being. via Jeff Lash