Get Apps AND Support Christchurch - http://www.appappeal.co.nz/

Ok, I saw Rowan Simpson's post, 5% Done, and checked out the Top Three iPhone app he talked about .... "Hmmm, do I really want it, it costs $$$ and I'm famously a person that uses $0 licence cost stuff. And it's an iPhone app and I'm also against them really. Hmmmm, I dunno, nah, I'll leave it."

But I really, REALLY liked the idea of the app.

Time goes by. Erthquakes happen and New Zealand rises up to in support and today NZ developers released their contribution: http://www.appappeal.co.nz/

Awesome, I can get the app (fuck the silly quibbles I previously had) AND donate. I am so in!!

Get over there and buy one, two or more apps from the big choice.

Thanks NZ dev community, you are making a difference!

PS: Don't forget WaveAdept's offer of getting any Christchurch businesses email flowing again; details: http://earthquake.waveadept.com/

5 Questions From Microsoft That CIO's Could Ask Of Google

Well, how childish but let's check out Ron Markezich's (Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Online) Top 5 Questions to Ask Google - I'll give my answer from knowing Google a little (and I mean a little!)

1. Do you have a proven track record?
Yes, they have been offering Google Apps for Business (as it is now called) since August 2006 (source: Wikipedia) - anyone else got a 5 year track record in cloud services ... Microsoft?

2. How much will it cost to get my people productive?
Such a wooly open ended question ... for instance define "productive".

However, in my experience this comes in 3 phases:

1. Instant productivity gained through access to mail & calendar anytime particularly"off-site"
2. Dumping of old "document" habits and open up to the true collaborative nature of Docs
   (see Google Docs ... so what - the ONE reason why you should care)
3. Change in  business process/culture that truly takes on board the 'open' nature of working in the cloud takes much time and work

3. What are your privacy policies?
Well, they provide a link to Google's privacy policy so ... well, read it.

Microsoft's aren't linked but here they are, Microsoft Online Services Privacy Statement

4. What is your long term roadmap?
Wouldn't you like to know ;-)

We (WaveAdept) take prospective and current clients through the Google Enterprise roadmap as required. We also re-iterate Google's stated approach of constant iteration as they learn what services, functionality work and what doesn't. Is this using clients "as a lab for our latest experiment", no it's learning from actual use and improving.

BTW, can we see the Microsoft Office365 Roadmap please - when will it be released and what functionality will it include through 2012 ... no?, oh, ok.

5. Can you support all of my people with what they need?
No. Can anyone FFS



Having read this you'll probably also smile at my September 2007 post, Microsoft questions your decision to move to Google Apps

Wellington CloudCamp Attendees Answer, "What's exciting about cloud computing for your business?" [Updated]

Unfortunately Gen-I have disabled the 'embed' option so you'll have to click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKu3oejJ32c to see me (around 1:10) amongst others talking about the potential of cloud computing.


You may also be interested in my WaveAdept blog posting, Google Docs Went Stunningly Well At Webstock, as an example of cloud computing/collaboration at its best.

Updated: Embedded the video, thanks Louis from Gen-I for the code heads-up

What Is It About Webstock I Love?

Over the weekend I put my hand up to a request from @AboutTheStory for their Webstock media scholar to ask some questions of past Webstockers ... I then left it too late to get in the article, typical me.

But here's my thoughts on Webstock with the question, "What is it about Webstock?" for you to answer:

I've been to Webstock twice with 2011 about to be my third go. I've not attended "in a row" with a year fallow in between.

Webstock for me means 2 things, a chance for all those working "with the web" to be in one cool, creative, connecting place in order to understand they're not alone in what they do. Secondly it's a rare chance for Kiwis to hear, chat with and feed off the big international names of the web world.

Both of those surrounded by the immense focus by the Webstock team on creating a unique and always memorable "conference experience" for both attendees & speakers means I will always regret my fallow years and look forward to when I'm going.

Don't forget the public Webstock Google calendar for your  phone, laptop AND the shared note taking!

Full Webstock2011 Conference Schedule In A Public Google Calendar

[Update] Each session now has a link to the open Google Doc ready for all our note taking. See more at http://webstock.waveadept.com/

Here ya go everyone - I've transcribed the full Webstock 2011 Conference schedule into a public Google Calendar for everyone to use


http://www.google.com/calendar/feeds/waveadept.com_qtn8ipdgoh7jad0b9u738fqiuo%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic


http://www.google.com/calendar/ical/waveadept.com_qtn8ipdgoh7jad0b9u738fqiuo%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics


http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=waveadept.com_qtn8ipdgoh7jad0b9u738fqiuo%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=Pacific/Auckland