Deal Radar 2009: OrecX

In this installment of Deal Radar, we follow a company that is working in line with a theme I addressed in a recent Forbes Column, commercializing open source. Chicago-based OrecX helps businesses record phone conversations using open source software. Founded by Bruce Kaskey and Bruno Haas in 2005, the company is focused on making call recording common in the commercial and public sector markets. >>>

Is Entrepreneurship A Viable Career Option?

The Examiner asked me, “Is entrepreneurship a viable entry level career option?” It’s a very good question at the face of the Class of 2009’s impending graduation. Here’s my conversation with Heather Huhman at the Examiner on the issue.

Towards Smart Grids: eMeter CEO Cree Edwards (Part 6)

SM: How do you conduct sales?

CE: We sell directly and through system integrators. IBM has sold us into several of their accounts. Accenture has sold us in Europe. >>>

Class Of 2009

As I wrote the ADP post this morning, I could not help wondering what’s going to happen to the class of 2009 and their job search this year.

Are there any class of 2009 readers? Would you like to share your experiences at various campuses?

Towards Smart Grids: eMeter CEO Cree Edwards (Part 5)

SM: If I understand correctly, you are saying that energy pricing could be much more dynamic than it is today, and that if pricing more accurately reflected demand, it could adequately address supply concerns?

CE: Right now consumers pay the average, so it does not matter if you consume at midnight or at noon even though the wholesale market can be 10 times as high at noon. >>>

India’s Innovation Gap: Product Managers

In discussing India’s innovation gap, one thing has been evident for a while: that India lacks product managers. Engineering managers and project managers who can execute on other people’s specs are available in plenty. But how do we bridge this gap of bringing up India’s product management expertise?

Please contribute with ideas, suggestions and constructive points. Not rants about why the gap exists. We know it exists. We also know reasonably well why it exists.

Let’s discuss how to fix the problem.

Towards Smart Grids: eMeter CEO Cree Edwards (Part 4)

SM: What did you do after you left CellNet?

CE: I started another company to build applications under the networks. When CellNet went bankrupt, that relationship split. We always knew that utilities would need more data, efficiency with the data, and improvements based on the data at some point. >>>

Design to Fight Sex Trafficking

By guest authors Charles W. Bush and Kathy Hwang of 3Strand Innovation, a brand, design and business consultancy.

Last year, we traveled to Bangkok to consult with a company that provided job training to victims of sex trafficking. They were making and selling products for the western market to support their efforts. The heart was certainly there, but sales were insufficient to sustain their operations. Time and time again we’ve had similar conversations with entrepreneurs who are creating products to support social enterprises around the world. Whether it’s poverty, human trafficking, AIDS or the environment, each has a compelling and unique story behind the products they sell. So why have so few shown significant market success? >>>