Should consumers favor local tech? |
The best places in the region for technology nerds -- including hidden gems and well-known spots not to be missed. Download the map or add your own location.
Today On Techflash
Tech Events
Mass High Tech
- Microsoft vs. Maritz: VMware CEO spars with new version of old self
- Allen sues Google, Apple, eBay, others over defunct lab's patents
- Flashback: Brad Silverberg and Bill Gates unveil Windows 95
- Gates gives pal Myhrvold biggest book plug in Twitter history
- Parallels names Microsoft exec president, and other tech notes
Should consumers favor local tech?
Who knew my e-mail would cause such a stir? For the past several weeks, as we made the transition to the new site, I used Gmail as my primary e-mail account for work. I regularly use a Windows Live Hotmail account, as well.
But for a variety of reasons, including my easy-to-remember address, it was more natural to go with Gmail in this case. Frankly, I didn't give it a lot of thought. But it sure did catch the attention of some Microsoft people who received my messages.
"Nice support of the Northwest tech industry using that gmail address," went one typical reaction.
These comments were made in a lighthearted way, and they're typical of the razzing that takes place sometimes in casual conversations on the beat. I didn't take them seriously, and even if I did, I certainly wouldn't stop using Gmail or any other product as a result.
But they did raise an interesting issue. It's reminiscent of that era when much of the U.S. population felt compelled to buy American cars and trucks out of loyalty to domestic automakers. It might seem ridiculous to suggest such a thing in our increasingly global economy. But maybe, in these times of turmoil, it would be in the best interest of any region's residents to favor products and services from nearby technology companies -- the ones that contribute most directly to a local economy.
So here's our inaugural Hot Button issue: Should consumers be loyal to hometown technology? Please offer your opinion in this online poll, and in the comments below.
Have a Hot Button issue for the TechFlash community? Write it up in 300 words or less, and send it with your name and contact information to techflashtips@bizjournals.com.
TechFlash Team
Recent Sponsor Posts
Marchex COO Pete Christothoulou is leading the effort to transform the strategy and culture at the company. In this role he clearly sees the people he’s surrounding himself with as a key competitive advantage. Here’s a small sample from a recent Q&A with Pete:
What kind of person succeeds at Marchex?
• You are world-class or have the potential to be
• You will do the work yourself vs. constantly delegating/waiting
• You are a team player
• You have a sense of urgency
• You have a competitive spirit
• You are respectful
Read more from Pete at http://www.makehistory.com
Seattle’s One of a Kind Urban Rest Stop is Celebrating…
1,053 miles of toilet paper…
29,000 loads of laundry…
541,000 showers…
AND
10 years of providing something everyone needs –
A Nice, Hot Shower, a Shave and a Restroom
All Wet for the Right Reasons!
What: 10th Anniversary Party
Date: Saturday, August 28th
Time: 10:00am to 3:00pm
Place: Urban Rest Stop, located at 1924 9th Avenue in Seattle (between Stewart and Virginia)
Info: www.urbanreststop.org and www.facebook.com/urbanreststop
Is My Business Out of Control?
You’ve probably heard about internal control, but you may not fully appreciate its importance until something goes wrong: information isn’t getting to you to allow you to run your business, money is missing, or things just feel out of control. What’s important when it comes to internal control and what isn’t? BDO can help you look at your processes and procedures and see where you might be exposed to control breakdowns. Contact Sharon Philpott, sphilpott@bdo.com, or Michael Reeves, mreeves@bdo.com, to learn more.
Win an unforgettable cruise down an epic river in Europe.
How to enter? Get to know US a little better to qualify for a chance to win this incredible trip – valued at over $7,000!
• Take this quick 5 question survey about the different sections of our new website
• For two bonus entries, answer the USTravel Facebook page question and the Viking River Cruise website question
Go to www.ustravel.us.com/sweeps and enter today.
KeyBank hopes that you table tennis competitors and fans had fun at the TechFlash barbecue. Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth. We have a unique offer for people who switch to KeyBank: Get a FREE Sony® bloggie™ and KeyBank Rewards when you open a qualifying checking account by October 8. A bloggie is a portable handheld camcorder that records videos in 1080pHD with options to record in 720pHD or standard definition. It's also point and shoot camera that takes 5 megapixel images. Files are captured in MPEG4.
Upgrade your bank. Upload your life. Visit a local KeyBank branch today.
Job Listings
TechFlash Archive
- September 2010 (33)
- July 2010 (204)
- May 2010 (228)
- March 2010 (259)
- January 2010 (235)
- November 2009 (249)
- September 2009 (278)
- July 2009 (276)
- May 2009 (212)
- March 2009 (286)
- August 2010 (208)
- June 2010 (218)
- April 2010 (227)
- February 2010 (243)
- December 2009 (230)
- October 2009 (305)
- August 2009 (239)
- June 2009 (253)
- April 2009 (254)
- February 2009 (262)
