Information Technology

Study: Open-source software can boost EU economy

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Wed, 01/17/2007 - 12:27.

Thanks to Ed Morrison for sending over a link to an interesting analysis of the value of FLOSS (Free/Libre Open Source Software) for European businesses and society. From the article: "European companies are saving a lot of money on software investment and development, due to the existence and emergence of open-source software, a Commission-funded study finds." An especially interesting observation is that "The bigger a company is, the more likely it is to use FLOSS." I wonder how NEO stacks up in the FLOSS world - use of FLOSS in business and government... training of FLOSS programmers and administrators... marketing and purchasing of FLOSS solutions in the region... number of FLOSS professionals and firms deploying FLOSS solutions? Read more about this movement in Europe below...

Economic forecast through 2008... 2010... 2016

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Sun, 01/14/2007 - 20:33.

Three articles in the Sunday, January 14, 2007, Cleveland Plain Dealer really caught my attention. 1. "Power shifts, and a fast-track bill is derailed"; 2. "Gloomy forecast" and 3. "Lost confidence in Bush? So has he"  - especially the last one, where Elizabeth Auster writes, about President Bush, that "he now seems shaken by the prospect that his vision of a free and stable Iraq may be fading along with his power to achieve much else." Because of this, despite "Gloomy forecast", I expect most important aspects of the Cleveland, Northeast Ohio, Ohio, US and global economy to improve dramatically over the next 2, 4 and 10 years. In fact, I can't think of an area where there won't be significant improvements. Think of the growth I expect like when an economy is freed from a dictatorship and people are allowed to be free and thrive - markets open up - that is America, now that Bush has been replaced by democracy.

We have a solution to the digital divide in East Cleveland, with the support of CUWiN

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Wed, 01/03/2007 - 01:32.

 

Building blocks for bridging digital divide in East Cleveland 

In a recent article on bridging the digital divide in NEO, "It seems time to open up the OneCleveland network vision of Cleveland Heights, to see if there is value for others", I mentioned "An example of a progressive community building a mesh broadband network environment is found in Champaign-Urbana Community Wireless Network (CUWiN), which is a world- leader in such grass-roots broadband community service and technology. That is a model we are exploring in trying to help residents of underserved communities of East Cleveland and Cleveland secure access to broadband services, as carriers have underserved their neighborhoods, and poverty there is a significant issue."

Well, I was pleased to start the first work-day of 2007 with the correspondence posted below, from the Executive Director of CUWiN - globally celebrated community computing expert Sascha Meinrath - who is helping us center in on a viable model for East Cleveland and other undersupported urban neighborhoods in the region to bridge the digital divide here. Read on, as we are clearly on the right track and farther along than anyone may imagine. I'll add related insight and next steps as they develop.

Art of the Day: Ardnamurchan Zillij by Simon Fildes and Katrina McPherson, and you or me

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Tue, 12/26/2006 - 22:05.

 Ardnamurchan Zillij image by Norm Roulet

This is too cool! I was exploring a site linked to realneo called Left Luggage, and came across a project created by Simon Fildes and Katrina McPherson as part of their hyperchoreography initiatives, described as "An interactive moving mosaic for the web." I can't recall any so engaging places on the web, where an individual creates a new art form - a dancing mosaic. I'll let words from the Ardnamurchan Zillij website describe this further, below, and strongly suggest you check it out - my first effort is shown in a screenshot above, but what I created was actually a living, moving work of art... each of the images that make up the mosaic are short video loops, so each of the images and the overall composition are constantly moving and changing - as a Flash file, I didn't know how to save it, so it was temporary and so personal... give it a try here.

Radiating from The Star, transformational redevelopment is coming soon to Cleveland and East Cleveland

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Tue, 12/26/2006 - 01:42.

 Star Complex East Cleveland Half Mile Radius and Zones

Since late June, 2006, a growing team of innovative community leaders has been working together with Lamond Williams, the owner of Hot Sauce Williams BBQ, and East Cleveland Mayor Eric Brewer and Community Development Director Tim Goler, and government leadership in Cleveland, to determine how best to redevelop the historic Hough Bakery Complex, formerly the Star Bakery, which Lamond also owns. The objective is to use that redevelopment as a catalyst for transformation of the neighborhoods surrounding that significant property, located on Lakeview, partially in both Cleveland and East Cleveland. On the map above, the Star Complex is in magenta, and the green circle marks a 1/2 mile radius surrounding that - the other colored areas are key neighborhoods and assets within that radius.

It seems time to open up the OneCleveland network vision of Cleveland Heights, to see if there is value for others

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Sun, 12/24/2006 - 02:02.

The other day I saw, in The Cleveland Plain Dealer and Crain's Cleveland Business, an announcement Case University is funding OneCleveland to put wifi in some high density, affluent commercial and residential rental and home ownership cores of Cleveland Heights. Justifying the expenditure, from Crain's: “Part of the entry into Cleveland Heights is that it’s really an extended community of Case Western,” said OneCommunity chief operating officer Mark Ansboury, and Cleveland Heights law director John Gibbon said. “It’s designed primarily as a trial for the business district, but it certainly will hit a number of residences, as well.” From the PD: "Lewis Zipkin, a major Cleveland Heights landlord" is qouted saying: "It's going to be a terrific benefit for me, my properties and the community". If I were a Case student or trustee, SBC/AT&T, the Cable company or a person living in a less affluent community, I'd have serious concerns about all of this. In fact, as my wife is a Case Ph.D. student being assessed $100s a year by Case for a technology fee, which it now seems is going to Cleveland Heights, I guess I have a right to be concerned myself.

FBI taps cell phone microphone as eavesdropping tool...

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Mon, 12/04/2006 - 12:03.

A friend sent me an interesting article on one way intelligence circles collect information on suspects... they download (or activate) software on cell phones that allows them to turn on the microphone of the cell phone, even when it appears to be shut off, and have the phone connect to them, making your cell phone a surveillance device against you. A BBC article from 2004 reported that intelligence agencies routinely employ the remote-activation method. "A mobile sitting on the desk of a politician or businessman can act as a powerful, undetectable bug."

NYTimes article on "Open Source Spying" has much to teach NEO about technology and innovation

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Sun, 12/03/2006 - 14:55.

Thanks to Brewed Fresh Daily, I checked out an article in the 12/03/06 New York Times magazine section online about "Open Source Spying", which is fascinating in many respects. While primarily an analysis of how top US security agencies are using web based tools like blogs and wikis to integrate intelligence information and sources within the secure environment of their shared role in protecting our "homeland", the observations on culture issues read true for how organizations within Northeast Ohio must look to technology, and the barriers still in place here preventing "open source" information and relationship sharing from having the transformational benefit possible. The problem in NEO is the "Iron Majors" and "Little Barons"... missing are the "officials at the very top... intrigued by the potential of a freewheeling, smart-mobbing intelligence community." Read some insightful paragraphs from the lengthy NYTimes analysis below:

Extending Community Home Online - the ECHO for universal access is about to return home

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Tue, 11/28/2006 - 02:38.

On next Wednesday, December 6, 2006,  it will have been two years since I proposed to Northeast Ohio that we can easily and inexpensively bridge the digital divide for East Cleveland, and other communities in need in the region, by deploying mesh wifi networks here and distributing recycled computers running open source software (see original posting below, and linked with other related files here). I called this vision ECHO - originally "East Cleveland Homes Online", renamed "Extending Community Home Online". While I've driven some ECHO progress, over these years, especially deploying to people in need recycled computers running Ubuntu, the mesh is still to come. The time has come.

Bill Gates puts in perspective Microsoft's movement to work with Linux

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Fri, 11/24/2006 - 17:23.

I don't usually choose to sit through interviews with Microsoft CEO Bill Gates, as I really don't like the enterprise, world or software he has helped create. But, Thanksgiving night he was interviewed by Charlie Rose and he often does a good job bringing interesting insight out of people, so I stayed tuned in. After the expected blah blah about Bill's foundation saving the world, etc., Charlie asked Bill what was the deal with Microsoft getting involved with Linux, and the response was revealing.

The face of a tech native: looking across the digital divide

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Wed, 11/22/2006 - 03:03.

 

I've had many "chicken or egg" discussions about the digital divide with many people over many years. To some, the divide is about economics and access to technology and the Internet. To some, it is about environment and culture. To some it is about usability and functionality. I believe a person's position relative to the digital divide is influenced by all these factors, over time, influenced by personal capabilities, and I tend to view the challenges to be overcome to bridge the divide in about that order, starting with economics and access to technology and ending with functionality of technology, applications and information services. I'll point to my 19 month old tech native son Claes and some friends and family to explore this issue further. 

11.30.06 at the City Club: The Future of News: Media Newly Delivered

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Wed, 11/15/2006 - 14:06.
11/30/2006 - 12:00
11/30/2006 - 14:00
Etc/GMT-4

Panelists will discuss the current transformation and the future of news for traditional mainstream radio, television and print at noon on Thursday, November 30, 2006, at The City Club of Cleveland. Denise Polverine, editor-in-chief of cleveland.com, will serve as moderator for this first in a series of four programs.

Location

City Club of Cleveland
850 Euclid Avenue 2nd Floor
Cleveland, OH
United States

Can we try it in NEO, now that it is in the NYTimes? Entrepreneurs See a Web Guided by Common Sense

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Sun, 11/12/2006 - 21:36.

The NY Times has caught on to what I've been proposing to NEO leaders for two years as a cluster for future economic and workforce development here (don't expect this story in the PD). Can we now show some common sense and give smart IT a try here - connecting social computing, artificial intelligence and cognitive science within our context of regional development... read on and read all the historical links throughout the TOPSOIL area of this site, and let's move on to be leaders in this important sector of the global economy.

Lessons learned from OCAD for CIA and NEO

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Thu, 10/26/2006 - 02:08.

While I still “live” in NEO, I now largely work in Toronto, and post most of my insight from there. I believe such global insight sharing offers unique perspectives to NEO not otherwise available and encourage more cross-boundary insight trade. As someone long associated with the Northeast Ohio economy and arts, I can't help but compare what I experience in Toronto (and Canada) with my experiences in Cleveland (and the USA), and I feel lessons learned far and wide, like in Toronto, will help NEO develop a stronger new economy at home. For those far and wide, I encourage you to post your observations here!

Happy 2nd B-Day, REALNEO

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Thu, 10/26/2006 - 01:22.

Two weeks ago saw the second birthday of REALNEO. I started REALNEO in October, 2004, to provide “Regional Economic Action Links for North East Ohio” and implement for the region some exciting open source social networking technology. While the outcomes have not been entirely what I expected, and these years have in ways been rough, I've been thrilled to help drive and support some great developments in the community.

Zero One San Jose to Ingenuity Three in Cleveland - Glocalization for 2007

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Fri, 10/13/2006 - 00:09.

Today, at WVIZ IdeaCenter, Ingenuity Festival founder and director James Levin hosted his peer Steve Dietz, director of a remarkable "sister" arts and technology festival ZeroOne San Jose, along with a group of NEO arts leaders, for intimate planning for the 3rd Ingenuity Festival, which will be held around Playhouse Square and Cleveland State University in 2007. James introduced the discussion by explaining he had been in San Jose last month for ZeroOne and is working with the organizers of that event in his brainstorming for our festival, which is one of the most exceptional of its type in the world. And, based on what was presented and discussed today with Steve Dietz, Ingenuity Festival is about to get much more exceptional... James is looking and partnering very globally and focused on strengthening the integration of "technology" into Ingenuity 2007. This was clearly a strength in the exciting artistic expressions of ZeroOne, as presented in an impressive overview by Dietz.

Meet the Bloggers for Midtown Brews TODAY... BYOB

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Thu, 10/05/2006 - 13:51.
10/05/2006 - 17:30
10/05/2006 - 19:00
Etc/GMT-4

Northeast Ohio's Blogging community is America's most active civic journalism network. Meet The Bloggers is an exciting, cutting edge community lead by George Nemeth, Gloria & Tim Ferris, and Jason Haas, building a national reputation for supporting freedom of speech, citizen dialogue and strengthening transparent political process - keystones of Democracy. 

Location

Webtego
2530 Superior Avenue Suite 600
Cleveland, OH
United States

International Association of Information Technology Asset Managers 2006 Annual Conference & Exhibition in Cleveland

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Tue, 09/26/2006 - 15:04.
10/18/2006 - 08:00
10/20/2006 - 17:00
Etc/GMT-4

I just got the following event details from our Tech Czar Michael DeAloia about an important international conference coming to Cleveland - The International Association of Information Technology Asset Managers - with keynote by Case VP of IT Lev Gonick (congratulations, Lev). I've worked with lots of high level global IT managers and they are an excellent draw to Cleveland... they like to explore and they spend money, so this conference is a gem. And they are offering a special deal for Cleveland IT companies worth checking out. Most interesting to me and you is how they are selling Cleveland to their international membership... check out our forum on 22 reasons to attend this conference in Cleveland, Ohio, and add your ideas to share with these important guests of our community, and all others! See conference details below...

Location

Renaissance Cleveland Hotel
24 Public Square Details at http://www.iaitam.org/Annual_Conf.htm
Cleveland, OH
United States

Fascinating developments from Chávez speech at UN

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Sat, 09/23/2006 - 12:05.

I'm sure everyone who follows news and current events knows about Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez' speech at the UN, declaring US President Bush the devil. In today's NY Times there is an insightful expansion on this story, as they report that during Chávez' speech he held up a copy of retired MIT Professor Noam Chomsky’s book “Hegemony or Survival: America’s Quest for Global Dominance,” a critique of American foreign policy, and urged his audience “very respectfully, to those who have not read this book, to read it.” The NY Times reports sales in America of the book have since spiked - I certainly now plan to read it. Hegemony is preponderant influence or authority over others. Chomsky writes: "One can discern two trajectories in current history: one aiming toward hegemony, acting rationally within a lunatic doctrinal framework as it threatens survival; the other dedicated to the belief that “another world is possible,” in the words that animate the World Social Forum, challenging the reigning ideological system and seeking to create constructive alternatives of thought, action and institutions. Which trajectory will dominate, no one can foretell." Another quote from the book, and the NY Times article are below...

InfoTelis announces Techonomic Talk "Voices of the Future"

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Tue, 09/19/2006 - 16:01.
10/05/2006 - 18:00
10/05/2006 - 20:30
Etc/GMT-4

InfoTelis is hosting an elite panel discussion focusing on economic growth in Northeast Ohio through technology. Techonomic Talk – Voices of the Future brings top-notch experts together with business leaders, advocates and policymakers to explore emerging economic and technology issues in the region through a robust debate. Participants will have the opportunity to dig into the complex problems that crop up as emerging technologies meet traditional economic structure in Northeast Ohio and gain a better understanding of future opportunities and growth.

Location

The Halle Building
1228 Euclid Avenue Main Lobby (Please use Huron Road Entrance)
Cleveland, OH
United States

City Club Panel: Does Your Vote Count? Casting Ballots in Cuyahoga County

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Mon, 09/18/2006 - 14:55.
09/27/2006 - 12:00
09/27/2006 - 14:00
Etc/GMT-4

With all the election and voting changes and problems in Ohio and Cuyahoga County, including a slew of negative issues related to Ohio-based Diebold and their executive support of the Republican Party and poor performance of their electronic voting machines, and recent court rulings on major Bush supporter Sec. of State Blackwell's efforts to change voting laws in Ohio, as he runs for governor, and the fiasco of the May 02, 2006 Cuyahoga County elections, this forum is certain to raise controversy and be quite worthwhile.

Location

City Club of Cleveland
850 Euclid Avenue 2nd Floor
Cleveland, OH
United States

Issues of Glocalization equally important in Toronto and Cleveland

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Sun, 09/17/2006 - 00:49.

This weekend the Toronto arts and culture scene was world-class beyond belief, featuring the final weekend of the Toronto Film Festival, the opening of the new Four Seasons Opera House (premiering Wagner's Ring Cycle), many smaller community arts festivals, and two major arts festivals – the Queen West Arts Crawl, featuring over 500 artists and galleries along mind-blowing Queen Street) and the august 11th Annual Canadian Art Gallery Hop. The Queen West Arts Crawl was way cool, but I stayed in Toronto an extra day for Software Freedom Day and the Canadian Art Gallery Hop, as that featured a free “Glocal Live Roundtable” of many of Canada's arts leaders. “The term GLOCAL fuses global with local and points to the meshing of macro and micro realms of experience in the contemporary world of Internet technologies and instant information. The speed and collapsing distances of this new reality hold challenging implications for traditional identities and communities, along with promising opportunities.” The roundtable was astounding... see below for detailed notes of interest to all concerned about arts, culture and the economy, local to anywhere in the world and global.

Software Freedom Day shows how powerful FOSS movement is in Toronto

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Sat, 09/16/2006 - 19:23.

 

By lucky coincidence, I was in Toronto on international Software Freedom Day and so had easy access to Ubuntu today, right when I needed it, and lots of Ubuntu and FOSS experts, and got to meet the cool people in Toronto who run the Toronto Ubuntu and Linux User Groups, and the Linux Caffe, and the awesome Center for Social Innovation... this city rocks in every way.

Tomorrow is Software Freedom Day... here's how this is celebrated in Toronto... what about Cleveland?

Submitted by Norm Roulet on Fri, 09/15/2006 - 11:43.

I'm on Wireless Toronto while up here (very cool free social change program) and saw on their events calendar that tomorrow is Software Freedom Day, and the core activities in Toronto are being organized out of our building on Spadina... here are the details below. I checked the Software Freedom Day site and there are teams in Ohio in Wooster and Dayton but not in Cleveland (OMG!)... if I'd known before I would have helped organize one there... a must for 2007... for now, if you want to get up the curve on free open source software (FOSS) and declare social software freedom, set up an account at realneo and comment here and we'll get in touch with you to help. Read on...