Finally its here!
The Obamacare and the Political Juggernaut.
It is the socially responsible thing to do! It is a good starter...can it use this as a platform to reaally offer affordale healthcare with no quality compromise.
It is very clear that law of the land is scent marking Washington and policy makers based on the size of the economic contribution to the GDP. From Energy to Healthcare to Wall Street- a dollar spent is a dollar earned!
The political will of the Obama administration is going where no administration in the past have gone!
Public participation visibly is missing contradicting polls and pundits.
There is no anger!
There is no jubiliation!
Outside Washington and the party players and power houses!
Hopefully the Policy makers will do the right thing after having found a way to pass a platform from which real change can be made to bring innovation and cost control to the masses!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Dividends and IPOs!
IPO maret is slowly warming up!
Dividends are going up! Even Starbucks changing its hearts on its dividend policy!
Looks like the corporate world is gaining confidence. With over a Trillion dollar in cash - American Economy could sustain its recent traction and continue to establish a steady growth with employment market expanding in the next few months..And Santa might have lot of work come Christmas
Dividends are going up! Even Starbucks changing its hearts on its dividend policy!
Looks like the corporate world is gaining confidence. With over a Trillion dollar in cash - American Economy could sustain its recent traction and continue to establish a steady growth with employment market expanding in the next few months..And Santa might have lot of work come Christmas
Who would have Thunk? Who-ro??
Not too long ago across the ocean seven seas and seven mountains there was a budding Prince...oh Well who are we kidding?
An Ambitious project, A skyhigh charter with Swiss cheese holes!en
For a while it all appeared too good to be true. And then there where skeptics..fading behind the Dollar bashing and a near melt down possibility of the currency.
Mr Trichet appeared invincible shoeing in casually and forcefully into the legendary Mr Greenspan's! Euro zone and their Monetary policy makers looked headed for the victory lap with Dollar and Yen dusted in the closet.
From the Political will of a few came the single currency monetary union- the near winning medal came through smoke and mirror Monetary independence.
And then Mr Trichet is not to be...the King Maker yet to be crowned!
In the middle of a close to being called a disaster...the Political will of a few from may be a couple- is arranging the funeral of Euro and the voice of MR Trichet echoing from his grave! The vultures circling with the crumbling walls of power in Brussels sprouting al over the ruins of Olympian village and spreading like wild fire!
Can Trichet?
Will Sarkozy?
Should Ms Merkel?
May be Browning the currency with some Tea break?
It is in every one's interest to have a strong balance of power in the capital market and the free market global economy. A vacuum that will be left behind , if Euro were to lose its footing, could and will be easily filled in by a more manipulated currencies - leaving the fragile economies to the hands of a few powerful and wreck less.
Yes it is tough to be black mailed by a runaway train wreck from Greece and Mr Pappa needs to shut his mouth for the sake of saving his country men! It is easy to blame Ms Merkel for all this mess..but Pappa seems to be demanding his rightful guarantee for being fiscally irresponsible?
Yes it is moment to slap the hand to prevent a repeat from others!
Yes Euro could be seen and manipulated for ever if Greece and the likes are allowed to get away.
But this is not the moment to demonstrate strength for punishment but this is the time to bow and step aside to take a breather and regroup- Yes the battle of Greek will be lost ...but the War for Euro and Euro zone solidarity could still be won with MS MErkel and Mr Trichet working hand in hand.
Maybe, Just Maybe....Ms Merkel will and Mr Trichet could!
An Ambitious project, A skyhigh charter with Swiss cheese holes!en
For a while it all appeared too good to be true. And then there where skeptics..fading behind the Dollar bashing and a near melt down possibility of the currency.
Mr Trichet appeared invincible shoeing in casually and forcefully into the legendary Mr Greenspan's! Euro zone and their Monetary policy makers looked headed for the victory lap with Dollar and Yen dusted in the closet.
From the Political will of a few came the single currency monetary union- the near winning medal came through smoke and mirror Monetary independence.
And then Mr Trichet is not to be...the King Maker yet to be crowned!
In the middle of a close to being called a disaster...the Political will of a few from may be a couple- is arranging the funeral of Euro and the voice of MR Trichet echoing from his grave! The vultures circling with the crumbling walls of power in Brussels sprouting al over the ruins of Olympian village and spreading like wild fire!
Can Trichet?
Will Sarkozy?
Should Ms Merkel?
May be Browning the currency with some Tea break?
It is in every one's interest to have a strong balance of power in the capital market and the free market global economy. A vacuum that will be left behind , if Euro were to lose its footing, could and will be easily filled in by a more manipulated currencies - leaving the fragile economies to the hands of a few powerful and wreck less.
Yes it is tough to be black mailed by a runaway train wreck from Greece and Mr Pappa needs to shut his mouth for the sake of saving his country men! It is easy to blame Ms Merkel for all this mess..but Pappa seems to be demanding his rightful guarantee for being fiscally irresponsible?
Yes it is moment to slap the hand to prevent a repeat from others!
Yes Euro could be seen and manipulated for ever if Greece and the likes are allowed to get away.
But this is not the moment to demonstrate strength for punishment but this is the time to bow and step aside to take a breather and regroup- Yes the battle of Greek will be lost ...but the War for Euro and Euro zone solidarity could still be won with MS MErkel and Mr Trichet working hand in hand.
Maybe, Just Maybe....Ms Merkel will and Mr Trichet could!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Is Microsoft Agressive and smart to buy MySpace!
Mr Balmer - here is an opportunity that is better than any Microsoft has looked at in the past in terms of opportunity!
Yes with a foot inside FaceBook it might look like a mute move - however this will give the unbeleivable platform that can be bundled with XbOx Live & other Microsoft Cloud offering which will leapfrog what a social platform can offer compared to whaat Facebook and Twitter can do in a decade.
This will make Microsoft the most compelling player in Technology ONC AGAIN- Is Mr Balmer capable of stepping into an area where they have had a tough time comprehending the landscape?
I Hope so - atleast for the sake of innovation and competition which is needed in this burgeoning space more than any other that we have seen in all areas of technology!
Yes with a foot inside FaceBook it might look like a mute move - however this will give the unbeleivable platform that can be bundled with XbOx Live & other Microsoft Cloud offering which will leapfrog what a social platform can offer compared to whaat Facebook and Twitter can do in a decade.
This will make Microsoft the most compelling player in Technology ONC AGAIN- Is Mr Balmer capable of stepping into an area where they have had a tough time comprehending the landscape?
I Hope so - atleast for the sake of innovation and competition which is needed in this burgeoning space more than any other that we have seen in all areas of technology!
Fedex and the state of Global Economy!
Headine numbers nad reports are impressive!
Whats even more interesting is Fedex re-intating its benefits and compensation tripped away during the Financil Whatever!
Looks like the early sign of growth in employment and economic expansion. One lesson that is gaining more and more traction is that the global integration of Financial market might provide an opportunity to force a Financial catastrophy but is very difficult to derail a expanding capitalistic prosperity when there are 6 billion people growing more and more towards a united cause of prosperity!
Whats even more interesting is Fedex re-intating its benefits and compensation tripped away during the Financil Whatever!
Looks like the early sign of growth in employment and economic expansion. One lesson that is gaining more and more traction is that the global integration of Financial market might provide an opportunity to force a Financial catastrophy but is very difficult to derail a expanding capitalistic prosperity when there are 6 billion people growing more and more towards a united cause of prosperity!
Ms Merkel 's dilemma - To Greece or not?
Talking aboout shifting priorities-
On the one hand Ms Merkel is pushing for Euro EXPEL & on the other hand back out of a Euro Bailout for Greece forcing an IMF bailout!
Can Euro be an exclusive club keeping them when they prosper and expelling the poor when they falter?
Moves like these might be difficult to maintain credibility of Euro zone solidarity and force a gradual deterioration of ECB and the council. REcently the policy shifts are red-eyed and bullyed by the politicians and not much from the policy makers.
When the chief of Greece toured global power houses of politics including WhiteHouse - it wasnt apparent that the Greeks and their politicians care for their fiscal mistakes and were squarely forcing their inadeuacies and lack of capabilities on the Financial shenanighans of Wall street.
With Ms Merkel pushing Greece to IMF and still contemplating an EU equivalent for IMF - it makes it a hard sell to support Euro other than to profit from the speculative powers of money - whether they outlaw Derivatives or not
On the one hand Ms Merkel is pushing for Euro EXPEL & on the other hand back out of a Euro Bailout for Greece forcing an IMF bailout!
Can Euro be an exclusive club keeping them when they prosper and expelling the poor when they falter?
Moves like these might be difficult to maintain credibility of Euro zone solidarity and force a gradual deterioration of ECB and the council. REcently the policy shifts are red-eyed and bullyed by the politicians and not much from the policy makers.
When the chief of Greece toured global power houses of politics including WhiteHouse - it wasnt apparent that the Greeks and their politicians care for their fiscal mistakes and were squarely forcing their inadeuacies and lack of capabilities on the Financial shenanighans of Wall street.
With Ms Merkel pushing Greece to IMF and still contemplating an EU equivalent for IMF - it makes it a hard sell to support Euro other than to profit from the speculative powers of money - whether they outlaw Derivatives or not
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Apple's Shelf Life is Finite!
iPad and the euphoria surrounding a new category ( or is it a category Killer?) is still warm and flowing!
Apple ended the week with a Strong & ambitious statement of limiting 2 iPads per order for an upcoming release which is a couple of weeks out.
The stock finished with week a with a strong push towards being the most valuable company in America - a shade behind Microsoft and Exxon!
Apple announced - for the first time - a headline grabbing Bonus for its Number 2 man - Mr Cook $22 Million for the most admired company on a winning streak is pittens compared to Silicon Valley & Wall Street bonuses by a mile of not more. What strikes as more alarming is the reason given - shoeing in for Jobs during his absence!!
Apple finished the previous quarter with a $50 Billion run rate and Mr Jobs was vocal in claiming the number one pot in Wireless category!
Apple keeps gaining leadership role and position in every category it enters- from mobile smart phone to digitized music.
With over $40 Billion in cash and piling ton of it from every category every month - may be only Goldman , Exxon and Microsoft ahead of it , Mr Jobs made a bold may be borderline arrogance style - no cash for shareholders now when asked bout buy back or dividends!
Every one of these are enviable and proud at the same time.
Looking at the past - historic behaviors of companies and leaders - one thing that is evident is - these are symptoms of hitting the top and Apple might have reached similar stage in its flashy and admirable life.
Not for its innovation and potential to growth - but for maintaining a ring around its head!
Symptoms of what could go against the grain:
Smart Phone and iPhone is still a growing segment - however a very very small portion of the mobile market. iPhone and American consumers are enjoying the benefits of Apple's innovation at the expense of ATT. The cost of using iPhone is 3 - 4 times more than an average mobile user and ever 10 times compared to a global mobile user. Sooner or later that will be normalised and the subsidy will vanish compressing the sky high margins for Apple.
iPad - headed in the same direction with adding expensive mobile access for an Internet access - which has a very limited user base as most of the user base will be existing Apple users - and it will add a huge burden to their already burgeoning iPhone bills- without the equipment subsidy - beyond the initial fancy demand coming from Mac-heads that are proud have white cords dangling from their neck while walking - it should find a place next to iTV! Unless ofcourse Apple finds another carrier to subsidize the device and hide the access under a different category - which it can and could extend its capability to make money!
iMusic - looking at the lack of innovation and new category or a meg star - the initial conversion of analogue to digital music market will reach a stable and mature state faster than the initial Numbers suggest bringing a thud to the growth.
Some of the leader's arrogant move from Mr Jobs and Apple in the last few quarter's also suggest that Apple might be fumbling into its origin - making the same mistakes which made Apple 1.0 not so successful and lost a decade before Jobs 2.0 and Apple 2.0 bulldozed the innovation machine beyond Imagination into reality and success.
Some mistakes which could turn out costly for Apple are -
1. Telling consumers what they NEED vs offering what they WANT
2. Relying more on third party subsidy for margins and growth
3. Bullying industries and shareholders alike.
Some symptoms and actions are:
Blatantly keeping Adobe and their products out of their popular offerings and making arrogant statements about them.
Forcing its leadership mach to bump the eBooks pricing by over 40% forcing a price increase to a rapidly growing eReadership
Forcing proprietary technology on third party developers at the same time marginalizing the software margins and taking the pricing power from the developers
Looking at the current capitalization - it appears quite reasonable at 3x Sales and even more attractive PE ratio compared to its growth rate. However f we remove the subsidy premium built into the revenue and profit - it looks alarmingly high and shocking.
It is obviously a mistake to count Mr Jobs and Apple out of anything and betting against them - however given where the company is and how far it can go - if they do not make changes to it business practices apple 3.0 might have to wait for Apple 4.0!
Apple ended the week with a Strong & ambitious statement of limiting 2 iPads per order for an upcoming release which is a couple of weeks out.
The stock finished with week a with a strong push towards being the most valuable company in America - a shade behind Microsoft and Exxon!
Apple announced - for the first time - a headline grabbing Bonus for its Number 2 man - Mr Cook $22 Million for the most admired company on a winning streak is pittens compared to Silicon Valley & Wall Street bonuses by a mile of not more. What strikes as more alarming is the reason given - shoeing in for Jobs during his absence!!
Apple finished the previous quarter with a $50 Billion run rate and Mr Jobs was vocal in claiming the number one pot in Wireless category!
Apple keeps gaining leadership role and position in every category it enters- from mobile smart phone to digitized music.
With over $40 Billion in cash and piling ton of it from every category every month - may be only Goldman , Exxon and Microsoft ahead of it , Mr Jobs made a bold may be borderline arrogance style - no cash for shareholders now when asked bout buy back or dividends!
Every one of these are enviable and proud at the same time.
Looking at the past - historic behaviors of companies and leaders - one thing that is evident is - these are symptoms of hitting the top and Apple might have reached similar stage in its flashy and admirable life.
Not for its innovation and potential to growth - but for maintaining a ring around its head!
Symptoms of what could go against the grain:
Smart Phone and iPhone is still a growing segment - however a very very small portion of the mobile market. iPhone and American consumers are enjoying the benefits of Apple's innovation at the expense of ATT. The cost of using iPhone is 3 - 4 times more than an average mobile user and ever 10 times compared to a global mobile user. Sooner or later that will be normalised and the subsidy will vanish compressing the sky high margins for Apple.
iPad - headed in the same direction with adding expensive mobile access for an Internet access - which has a very limited user base as most of the user base will be existing Apple users - and it will add a huge burden to their already burgeoning iPhone bills- without the equipment subsidy - beyond the initial fancy demand coming from Mac-heads that are proud have white cords dangling from their neck while walking - it should find a place next to iTV! Unless ofcourse Apple finds another carrier to subsidize the device and hide the access under a different category - which it can and could extend its capability to make money!
iMusic - looking at the lack of innovation and new category or a meg star - the initial conversion of analogue to digital music market will reach a stable and mature state faster than the initial Numbers suggest bringing a thud to the growth.
Some of the leader's arrogant move from Mr Jobs and Apple in the last few quarter's also suggest that Apple might be fumbling into its origin - making the same mistakes which made Apple 1.0 not so successful and lost a decade before Jobs 2.0 and Apple 2.0 bulldozed the innovation machine beyond Imagination into reality and success.
Some mistakes which could turn out costly for Apple are -
1. Telling consumers what they NEED vs offering what they WANT
2. Relying more on third party subsidy for margins and growth
3. Bullying industries and shareholders alike.
Some symptoms and actions are:
Blatantly keeping Adobe and their products out of their popular offerings and making arrogant statements about them.
Forcing its leadership mach to bump the eBooks pricing by over 40% forcing a price increase to a rapidly growing eReadership
Forcing proprietary technology on third party developers at the same time marginalizing the software margins and taking the pricing power from the developers
Looking at the current capitalization - it appears quite reasonable at 3x Sales and even more attractive PE ratio compared to its growth rate. However f we remove the subsidy premium built into the revenue and profit - it looks alarmingly high and shocking.
It is obviously a mistake to count Mr Jobs and Apple out of anything and betting against them - however given where the company is and how far it can go - if they do not make changes to it business practices apple 3.0 might have to wait for Apple 4.0!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Super Monday - From Policies to Politics!
After over two years of week-end huddles, during the Financial Whatever, trying to be ready for a surprise Monday for both bail outs and policy changes - From Wall Street to Washington is preparing for a Very Partisan and dramatic shift in American History.
The Financial Reforms and the Health Care Bills - Two major overhaul of how Americans conduct their business life and personal life is headed for the finish line.
If done right this could pave the way for the next Economic leadership for American Corporation!
Leaving Politicians and Policy makers to Washington and letting Main Street to Wall Street to focus on building innovation and products!
With so much riding on these two Policy shifts coming from Washington - the market might have a hard time to digest if the policies themselves are not presented gently and non-intrusively.
The Financial Reforms and the Health Care Bills - Two major overhaul of how Americans conduct their business life and personal life is headed for the finish line.
If done right this could pave the way for the next Economic leadership for American Corporation!
Leaving Politicians and Policy makers to Washington and letting Main Street to Wall Street to focus on building innovation and products!
With so much riding on these two Policy shifts coming from Washington - the market might have a hard time to digest if the policies themselves are not presented gently and non-intrusively.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
What can California learn from eBay?
California is facing a huge fiscal problem which the Terminator is struggling to cope with.
Not the same as Silver screen - Mr Schwartzenegger would say!
Unlike the last go around this time the election in California is flooded with Silicon Valley money. Campaigns tat are flooded with innovation and technology. The ones that stands out the most is the chase for the Republican nomination for the Governor post!
Ms Whitman - claims her eBay experience and her contribution to eBay and Technology will help in rebuilding debt ridden California!
TVs in California are flooded with her campaign messages with eBay all over it! And not to mention the money going after the negative campaigns!
But , But Ms Whitman like lot of Internet innovation rode the wave- Granted we need to give Madam Whitman for steering eBay after it got off to the races- for the most part it was on cruise control with no significant competition or economic problems!
However before she bailed out of eBay - Ms Whitman did not leave eBay in an envious position- Revenue was slumping , profits eroding & the user community was revolting at Ms Whitman's move to make the company grow from a saturated revenue base!
And ofcours ended up wasting a ton of money on a loser - SKYPE - that too after paying Billions of dollars - for a close to zero revenue generator eBay and Ms Whitman till gave total control to the Skype owners/founders- which after Ms Whitman bailed out of eBay - the people who inherited eBay Management had to do an expensive cleanup!
Ms Whitman does not have the experience to turn around and clean up messy organisations - however she has record to prove that she can leave behind a California State of fiscal and business chaos behind and eBay is a warm example of that.
Republicans have already made a major mistake in the Democratic state by allowing a liberal Ms Schwartzenegger steal a Republican seat...it will be difficult to win the election if they endorse Ms Whitman - whose experience is hard to convince the public that she wont repeat a eBay - And California cannot afford an eBay!
Not the same as Silver screen - Mr Schwartzenegger would say!
Unlike the last go around this time the election in California is flooded with Silicon Valley money. Campaigns tat are flooded with innovation and technology. The ones that stands out the most is the chase for the Republican nomination for the Governor post!
Ms Whitman - claims her eBay experience and her contribution to eBay and Technology will help in rebuilding debt ridden California!
TVs in California are flooded with her campaign messages with eBay all over it! And not to mention the money going after the negative campaigns!
But , But Ms Whitman like lot of Internet innovation rode the wave- Granted we need to give Madam Whitman for steering eBay after it got off to the races- for the most part it was on cruise control with no significant competition or economic problems!
However before she bailed out of eBay - Ms Whitman did not leave eBay in an envious position- Revenue was slumping , profits eroding & the user community was revolting at Ms Whitman's move to make the company grow from a saturated revenue base!
And ofcours ended up wasting a ton of money on a loser - SKYPE - that too after paying Billions of dollars - for a close to zero revenue generator eBay and Ms Whitman till gave total control to the Skype owners/founders- which after Ms Whitman bailed out of eBay - the people who inherited eBay Management had to do an expensive cleanup!
Ms Whitman does not have the experience to turn around and clean up messy organisations - however she has record to prove that she can leave behind a California State of fiscal and business chaos behind and eBay is a warm example of that.
Republicans have already made a major mistake in the Democratic state by allowing a liberal Ms Schwartzenegger steal a Republican seat...it will be difficult to win the election if they endorse Ms Whitman - whose experience is hard to convince the public that she wont repeat a eBay - And California cannot afford an eBay!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Cisco and its Product announcement Fiasco!
Cisco is no Apple! And Chambers is far from doing a Jobs to the market!
Cisco announcing another version of their product - whose Previous version has an installed base of 5000 and 300 customers in a $2 Billion market - with such a hype - changing the way we know Internet and all these BS- is a real shame!
Please save the Apple envy till you change the market!
Yes Cisco is a great company with a great market share and a lot of cash ...but it is a real shame to see Mr Chambers and Cisco do a number like the one today!
Hope they will let their technology speak and leave the fan fare to Mr Jobs and Apple!
Cisco announcing another version of their product - whose Previous version has an installed base of 5000 and 300 customers in a $2 Billion market - with such a hype - changing the way we know Internet and all these BS- is a real shame!
Please save the Apple envy till you change the market!
Yes Cisco is a great company with a great market share and a lot of cash ...but it is a real shame to see Mr Chambers and Cisco do a number like the one today!
Hope they will let their technology speak and leave the fan fare to Mr Jobs and Apple!
Greasy Olympian chief & Ms Merkel divert attention!
The Finance Minister and Prime Minister from Greece wind down their road trip in White House- Mr Papandreou the theme seems to be dual in nature.
Even as the Prime Minister blame the Wall Street speculators for the Greek problem and calls for White House to join Him in fighting the evil force- the Finance Minister lends an Olive Branch to Wall Street by supporting Goldman Sachs.
Ms Merkel for her part - keeps diverting the attention to Speculators and keeps pounding the table for International Unity to fight the "Speculators"...
Yes there is need for tighter controls on how these derivatives are used to manage and manipulate global finance- it is hardly the reason for the problem faced by Greece and the rest of Europe.
While Germany benefit from the European Union and Ms Merkel would like to enjoy the benefits at the expense of the weaker economies - The Germans would obviously like to reduce there exposure and investment to continue the benefits of the EU! And obviously any distraction in way of blaming the speculators for the problem faced due to the structural inadequacies of Euro and its lopsided benefits derived by Germany and may be a couple of stronger economies- would extend the life of this flawed relationship and Euro for a bit longer and will continue to attract speculators and investors alike to enjoy managing/manipulating the sentiments to reap rewards for a foreseeable future!
Even as the Prime Minister blame the Wall Street speculators for the Greek problem and calls for White House to join Him in fighting the evil force- the Finance Minister lends an Olive Branch to Wall Street by supporting Goldman Sachs.
Ms Merkel for her part - keeps diverting the attention to Speculators and keeps pounding the table for International Unity to fight the "Speculators"...
Yes there is need for tighter controls on how these derivatives are used to manage and manipulate global finance- it is hardly the reason for the problem faced by Greece and the rest of Europe.
While Germany benefit from the European Union and Ms Merkel would like to enjoy the benefits at the expense of the weaker economies - The Germans would obviously like to reduce there exposure and investment to continue the benefits of the EU! And obviously any distraction in way of blaming the speculators for the problem faced due to the structural inadequacies of Euro and its lopsided benefits derived by Germany and may be a couple of stronger economies- would extend the life of this flawed relationship and Euro for a bit longer and will continue to attract speculators and investors alike to enjoy managing/manipulating the sentiments to reap rewards for a foreseeable future!
Pulling it from the Greece's Mouth...!
Kudos to MS Erin Burnett and CNBC - they asked the most important question tht cn be aasked which will put to rest the cloud hanging over Goldman Sachs and Wall Street practices.
Greece's Finance Minister clearly stated that blaming Goldman for a transaction that was blamed for the current Greece Financial Problem will be stretching and that the transaction in question was done under the laws that was present at that time.
From Ms Merkel to Mr Volcker have been vocal in blaming everything from Euro problem to Greece's financial disaster on Goldman Sachs and their rule book in the derivatives market.
Whether this will remove all European problem - thats another question - however this should be a good beginning to start looking ahead for a better Goldma Sachs performance.
Greece's Finance Minister clearly stated that blaming Goldman for a transaction that was blamed for the current Greece Financial Problem will be stretching and that the transaction in question was done under the laws that was present at that time.
From Ms Merkel to Mr Volcker have been vocal in blaming everything from Euro problem to Greece's financial disaster on Goldman Sachs and their rule book in the derivatives market.
Whether this will remove all European problem - thats another question - however this should be a good beginning to start looking ahead for a better Goldma Sachs performance.
Toyota's Ghost in the machine!
Just when we thought the PR team had this under control...The Ghost s BACK!
With the latest run away Prius on the Freeway hitting the airwaves it appear it will be a while before Toyota can put this episode behind unless they come out clean and does something dramatic in how they handle the problem and address the fixes....Lets Hope for the sake of consumers and shareholders alike that Toyota will redefine the way Japanese companies address consumer concerns and may be change the Management style to become a true global enterprise and redefine Japan 2.0 for the real world!
With the latest run away Prius on the Freeway hitting the airwaves it appear it will be a while before Toyota can put this episode behind unless they come out clean and does something dramatic in how they handle the problem and address the fixes....Lets Hope for the sake of consumers and shareholders alike that Toyota will redefine the way Japanese companies address consumer concerns and may be change the Management style to become a true global enterprise and redefine Japan 2.0 for the real world!
Cisco Kid stealing An Apple Moment!
Cisco has become synonymous with Internet!
Cisco has become the defacto standard for setting standards in empowering employees!
Cisco has refined compensation practies of Technology ompanies for ever!
Cisco after having done these and more has always been a top dog in Silicon Valley for the time it has been around- the last couple of decades!!
Having lost its Mojo to the likes of Apple & Google is looking at Facebook and Twitter and the likes to push it even further down the pecking order in Silicon Valley and the mind share of the buyers mind!
From iPads to Cellphones to home appliances and consumer electronics - they use and abuse the gears of Cisco - Yet they seldom get mentioned these days!
So - Mr Chambers with his Apple moment today s redidining the Internet with the hope of regaining the mindshare of wallstreet and buyers alike!
With a sudden increase in its acquisitions in the alst couple of years - and with no competition in sight - this could be a turning moment for Cisco customers and shareholders alike!
Cisco has become the defacto standard for setting standards in empowering employees!
Cisco has refined compensation practies of Technology ompanies for ever!
Cisco after having done these and more has always been a top dog in Silicon Valley for the time it has been around- the last couple of decades!!
Having lost its Mojo to the likes of Apple & Google is looking at Facebook and Twitter and the likes to push it even further down the pecking order in Silicon Valley and the mind share of the buyers mind!
From iPads to Cellphones to home appliances and consumer electronics - they use and abuse the gears of Cisco - Yet they seldom get mentioned these days!
So - Mr Chambers with his Apple moment today s redidining the Internet with the hope of regaining the mindshare of wallstreet and buyers alike!
With a sudden increase in its acquisitions in the alst couple of years - and with no competition in sight - this could be a turning moment for Cisco customers and shareholders alike!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
The OLD Apple is showing colors AGAIN!
After a decade of innovation and execution revoving around conusmers and customers the successfull Apple is slowly showing its old self which outsmarted rivals in techological break throughs and ideas but failed to excite beyond a handful of elites!
Usability and slickness centered around Apple innovations.
Offering what customers could associate with on a day to day basis.
A Sony with elegance
A Microsoft with reliability
An Intel with Pinache
A Ferrari with affordability
Consumers and critics have almost forgotten how Apple was in its original form, the first decade- Offering what customers SHOULD USE and not what Customers Wanted!
The second coming of Mr Jobs and Apple saw a wise team centering innovation and technology around customers- breath taking ease and elegance and made them fall in love with the half bitten apple! Feeling prowd to have that White cord dangle in an otherwise sober personalities!
But looking more and more at the new products and innovations - iBook and iPad, it looks like Apple might be slowly turning and might be ready to show its old self -
With iBook - Strong armed in pushing for a HIGER prices n the eBooks a near 40% jump to consumers....could have a backlash! Is Apple forgeting waht made iTunes popular? Not the service but the pricing!
With iPad - Bulldozing on an industry so used to Adobe platforms on most of the Web developments and making blackholes popup in Apple mobile devices? Might be good for Apple Technology but not for consumers!
Apple in its Second Life has shown effectiveness in learning from customer messages and changing quickly - unlike the Newton days Apple...
Are these Old Apple Strategies here to stay?
Are consumers , beyond the White cord Danglers , willing to be bull dozed again?
Given History and Time - The answers is NO!
Hope Apple learns and listens to their customers!
Usability and slickness centered around Apple innovations.
Offering what customers could associate with on a day to day basis.
A Sony with elegance
A Microsoft with reliability
An Intel with Pinache
A Ferrari with affordability
Consumers and critics have almost forgotten how Apple was in its original form, the first decade- Offering what customers SHOULD USE and not what Customers Wanted!
The second coming of Mr Jobs and Apple saw a wise team centering innovation and technology around customers- breath taking ease and elegance and made them fall in love with the half bitten apple! Feeling prowd to have that White cord dangle in an otherwise sober personalities!
But looking more and more at the new products and innovations - iBook and iPad, it looks like Apple might be slowly turning and might be ready to show its old self -
With iBook - Strong armed in pushing for a HIGER prices n the eBooks a near 40% jump to consumers....could have a backlash! Is Apple forgeting waht made iTunes popular? Not the service but the pricing!
With iPad - Bulldozing on an industry so used to Adobe platforms on most of the Web developments and making blackholes popup in Apple mobile devices? Might be good for Apple Technology but not for consumers!
Apple in its Second Life has shown effectiveness in learning from customer messages and changing quickly - unlike the Newton days Apple...
Are these Old Apple Strategies here to stay?
Are consumers , beyond the White cord Danglers , willing to be bull dozed again?
Given History and Time - The answers is NO!
Hope Apple learns and listens to their customers!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Financial Reforms and V@#k-er Rule!
Financial Reforms under the Obama Watch and may be the last major initiative by a Washington Powerhouse - Senator Dodd appears close to being inked with bipartisan support!
It seems to address all the polished and sophisticated items that we have been hearing a lot during the last two odd years-
- Transparency
- Consumer Protection Agency
- Too Big to Fail
Interestingly a newcomer to this club "the V@#k-er Rule" has been conspicuously missing - which bodes well for the Financial Institutes & Wall Street. Contrary to popular opinion , in the yin-yang of capitalism , it is the Fixed Income players who play God and play havoc to the free market , dictating what policy makers and common man alike should and should not do n not Mr Blan-kenstein and their Wall Street Buddies.
If the final version passes in its current form Goldman Sachs and the likes will benefit tremendously which will help in putting the economy back on its track.
If this passes it will also support the Obama Quickstop program even though the Whitehouse power politicians talk otherwise and appear beating up Wallstreet
It seems to address all the polished and sophisticated items that we have been hearing a lot during the last two odd years-
- Transparency
- Consumer Protection Agency
- Too Big to Fail
Interestingly a newcomer to this club "the V@#k-er Rule" has been conspicuously missing - which bodes well for the Financial Institutes & Wall Street. Contrary to popular opinion , in the yin-yang of capitalism , it is the Fixed Income players who play God and play havoc to the free market , dictating what policy makers and common man alike should and should not do n not Mr Blan-kenstein and their Wall Street Buddies.
If the final version passes in its current form Goldman Sachs and the likes will benefit tremendously which will help in putting the economy back on its track.
If this passes it will also support the Obama Quickstop program even though the Whitehouse power politicians talk otherwise and appear beating up Wallstreet
The New Washington & Playing the Market Sentiment!
From Greenspan Put to Bernanke Floor we have come to manage the market to directly & indirectly support the expectations.
Now under the Obama Administration we are seeing a new & agressive Expectation Management.
The latest Snowstorm and the Obama Quickstop Plan agressively propogated that the now effect will be pretty damaging to the unemployment report.
Well ahead of the real report the market has been set on track to expect a pretty bad number-
Good Strategy & it worked very well!
Is Obama Quickstop the New Greenspan Put or the Bernanke Put? If it is then the Market will be bouyant & we can see a nice boost in the near term till the economy cn stand on its own!
High Noon Summer Perpetual Spring / Fall New Normal ..3-5 years!
IMF & Germany
Confidence in teh numbers - PIMCO & others
Now under the Obama Administration we are seeing a new & agressive Expectation Management.
The latest Snowstorm and the Obama Quickstop Plan agressively propogated that the now effect will be pretty damaging to the unemployment report.
Well ahead of the real report the market has been set on track to expect a pretty bad number-
Good Strategy & it worked very well!
Is Obama Quickstop the New Greenspan Put or the Bernanke Put? If it is then the Market will be bouyant & we can see a nice boost in the near term till the economy cn stand on its own!
High Noon Summer Perpetual Spring / Fall New Normal ..3-5 years!
IMF & Germany
Confidence in teh numbers - PIMCO & others
Thursday, March 4, 2010
As the pandits would say....lights are on in the Citi!
A very Articulate , confident and convincing at the Hill!
Citi under Mr Pandit has been taking the beeting from reporters and analysts alike through out this Financial Whatever!
Heavy hitters in the Investment communities have started warming up to the emerging Citi and its global brand and how Mr Pandit could possibly make it a multi-bagger for the once in a life time opportunity through its common!
And today listening to Mr Pandit's testimony it is very clear the tide is changing and it is ready to emerge as a Global Banking Force once again.
Citi under Mr Pandit has been taking the beeting from reporters and analysts alike through out this Financial Whatever!
Heavy hitters in the Investment communities have started warming up to the emerging Citi and its global brand and how Mr Pandit could possibly make it a multi-bagger for the once in a life time opportunity through its common!
And today listening to Mr Pandit's testimony it is very clear the tide is changing and it is ready to emerge as a Global Banking Force once again.
Weakening Japanese Yen in cards?
The case for a Weakening Yen -
Japan becoming a less attractive destination compared to China and India
Japanese companies lagging behind in Innovation in the Internet age losing their strongholds to companies like Apple
The Toyota Recall seems to put more than a quality dent in the Automaker - it is slowly raising questions about the Japanese style of Management and customer care
Not to mention the Aging Japanese population which is forced to rely more and more for the export market
And ofcourse low rates and near zero rate financing is not just a Japan syndrome.
With Toyota not fading to the background might force not just Toyota but the Japanese government to do something more dramatic to keep customers flocking to the Japan Brand.
As one of the step Yen Will be forced to weaken significantly from its current levels.
Japan becoming a less attractive destination compared to China and India
Japanese companies lagging behind in Innovation in the Internet age losing their strongholds to companies like Apple
The Toyota Recall seems to put more than a quality dent in the Automaker - it is slowly raising questions about the Japanese style of Management and customer care
Not to mention the Aging Japanese population which is forced to rely more and more for the export market
And ofcourse low rates and near zero rate financing is not just a Japan syndrome.
With Toyota not fading to the background might force not just Toyota but the Japanese government to do something more dramatic to keep customers flocking to the Japan Brand.
As one of the step Yen Will be forced to weaken significantly from its current levels.
"Pay for Procedure!"
Healthcare mess and a stalemate in Washington!
Lobbyists arming the senators and congressman alike with ammunition to fight for their corporate loyalists!
Everyone sensitive to be frank & open on addressing the real problem - As the House speaker said
Accessiblity
Affordability &
Accountability
This needs to apply to every participant in the system includent the beneficiary-ala consumer!
What we havent adressed is the OPEN market competition which compress the pay packages & the premiums for healthcare alike.
For the first time we are hearing politicians & policimakers , who have distanced themselves in addressing the underlying root caue for the cost runup , are finally braving themselves- the catch phrase - "Pay for proedure" needs to be changed!
Now this is just the beginning and might take a whole lot mre to make healthcare affordable & accessible - not to mention accountable!
Lobbyists arming the senators and congressman alike with ammunition to fight for their corporate loyalists!
Everyone sensitive to be frank & open on addressing the real problem - As the House speaker said
Accessiblity
Affordability &
Accountability
This needs to apply to every participant in the system includent the beneficiary-ala consumer!
What we havent adressed is the OPEN market competition which compress the pay packages & the premiums for healthcare alike.
For the first time we are hearing politicians & policimakers , who have distanced themselves in addressing the underlying root caue for the cost runup , are finally braving themselves- the catch phrase - "Pay for proedure" needs to be changed!
Now this is just the beginning and might take a whole lot mre to make healthcare affordable & accessible - not to mention accountable!
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