Reflection

COM 125 has been a eye opener for me. After this course, i have began to take better notice of the internet - its functions and its capabilities. The history of the internet was boring yet interesting. I am amazed at how it all began with ARPANET and now with web 3.0! This course has shown me the little important things about the internet that we often over look in our everyday lives. For example, the power of something so simple like twitter! Even though it is just a micro blog, with the internet, it can reach our to masses. My greatest take away from this course is the relation between the internet and business. I have come to realize how powerful the internet can be to expand and boost businesses. Lectures about E-Commerce really opened my eyes to the wonders how reaching out to the masses through the use of the internet. I certainly hope my learning for the internet would not stop here! The future of the internet is limitless! Thank you! :)

Week 12: The Future Of The Internet

TODAY


In today's world, you see that almost everything is connected to the internet. From everyday uses of a vehicle to skyscrapers that uses the internet everyday single day.

TOMORROW



The internet of everything of tomorrow will see even more objects being connected to the internet for some reason or another. Take google glasses for example. This is a great example of how something so minute in our everyday life can be connected to the internet to tell us information straight to our eyes. Who knows what the internet will bring us with things like our shirts, habits and more!


The Internet of Everything...
is about people, Process, data and things!
the Waves of innovation....
are made up of many technology transitions
(Cloud computing, IPv6 and much more...)

With the future of internet, we can expect to see business models changing slowly...


the important thing to understand is that i believe the future of the internet empowers people to do many things! Empower people in their daily lives - like running, walking, buying groceries etc.. it also empowers people in their workplaces! better presentation, meetings and interaction between businesses.


all i can say is BE READY for future innovations! 

Week 11: Internet Business

THE 5 PILLARS OF ONLINE BUSINESS MODEL

1. BLOG

blogs are websites design for social interaction. Typically, its a way of communicating with an audience. It usually allows an individual to comment, share ideas, and communicate with the creator of the site. Blogs have the ability to generate income through software products, affiliate links, ebooks, educational material and other forms.

2. MEMBERSHIP SITE

Membership sites are usually paid monthly subscriptions that allow the person purchasing the membership to become part of a community, gain valuable information on a topic that they consider important, learn valuable skills through multimedia such as video, text, and images, and gain exclusive offers and promotions.

3. NICHE SITE

A niche site is a website designed to target a very specific market. Niche sites tend to gain most of their traffic through ranking well in search engines for specific keyword terms, and use short copy to communicate the importance of their product to try to convert their prospects into buyers and email subscribers. Niche sites can also generate a decent income from placing within the top 3 positions on search engines such as google and using Adsense and advertising to collect revenue through ppc advertising.

4. REVIEW SITE

Review sites are websites that post reviews about products and/or services to allow visitors to make better buying decisions for whatever they are trying to purchase. These sites offer detailed information about each product/service and list of pros and cons of each to help the buyer figure out which product/service works best for him or her.

5. E-COMMERCE SITE

E-commerce sites focus on buying and selling products through an electronic medium. These type of sites can produce large amounts of income, but tend to require the most work to build and maintain. Communication with buyers and sellers is vital, and gaining traffic and converting prospects into buyers also plays a primary role in e-commerce.

now that we understood the 5 pillars of an internet business model.... did the 3 giants incorporate these into their enterprises? 

Week 10: Internet Journalism

HOW IS THE INTERNET SHAPING THE FUTURE OF JOURNALISM?

1. The gathering of news

Reporters and editors use the Net’s links-based architecture to provide users with important background information, resources and archived articles that allow users to glimpse the trajectory of a news story over time.

2. Reporting the news

Speed is one of the Internet’s greatest virtues — and vices. In the current saturated media environment, the Internet heightens the intense competitive pressures to be first while a story is still developing and key facts remain unknown.

3. Ability to interact

This is what makes the internet such an extraordinary medium - the ability to interact instantaneously with people from all over the world in both print and on video. At the moment, most people are more accustomed to the passive format of radio and TV and don't know how to interact. But they are learning fast.

4. Two-way

As the internet moves into the next stage of broadband and wireless, it is going to turn TV into a genuine two-way medium. Journalists will be able to read e-mails off their wireless phones as they come in, live on air from almost any spot in the planet.

SO... DO YOU WANT TO BE A JOURNALIST?

Week 9: Internet & Politics

3 WAYS SOCIAL MEDIA (INTERNET) HAS IMPACTED SINGAPORE'S GENERAL ELECTION

1. Social connections brings more opinions and perspective of things

Just 5 years ago, people were receiving information on the general elections from newspapers, magazines and daily broadsheet. look at us now! Social media has changed the game plan for any upcoming general elections. With Facebook and Twitter, an individual's feed can be constantly flooded with varying opinions and perspectives of the public. Social influence through the internet is inevitable. 

2. Broader discussion with people you do not even know

Besides Internet forums, where topics regarding the GE were discussed readily by forum members familiar with each other, this election will be noted as one that allowed complete strangers to connect instantly via social media. Twitter's Hashtags (#) provided a single information stream for people to view, retweet, and reply tweets they wanted to comment on. This led to strangers having heated debates, rebutting comments contrary to their political beliefs, and even going as far as blocking users who disagreed with them.

3. Everything is much much faster!

As early as 2300 hrs on 7th of May, words spread quickly that a hotly contested region had fallen to the opposition on Twitter and Facebook. Only 3 hours later, did the mainstream media confirm the news. In fact, almost all the election-related information shared on social media was more accurate and faster than mainstream media. Information on a candidate can be easily dugged up and reviewed by the public - where the internet can set ablaze varying reactions. 

With everything much faster, what are the disadvantages?

Campaigning is tough in general. However, internet campaigning might not be a good idea. Its bad enough as it is to do it in real life but the internet is a bad idea. For example, since so many people have access to the internet there are the potential for more lies to be spread, more hate speech from blogs, and more issues that can be spread from those that are against a certain candidate. As it stands right now, many people use the internet to vent of their frustrations about the campaign like they do here. Campaigning online would mean an immediate slander for anyone who runs. 

SO WHY ARE YOUNG ADULTS & YOUTHS APATHETIC TOWARDS POLITICS?

sadly, this should explain the attitudes we have towards politcs

Week 8: Multi Multi Media Mania!

Versus...

The battle continues.. APPLE VS SAMSUNG!

Internet Multimedia

Multimedia is a content that contains a variety of different media, for example, video, images, sounds and texts. Many companies today use multimedia in their marketing communication, given that is a more interactive way to promote their new products to the consumers.

Comparison

1. Both utilises multimedia: I had found this video on Youtube, both also have social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook pages which they update regularly. Likewise, I found the promotional video of new products on their social media sites, as well as their official website.

2. Comparing the two videos, Apple’s use of multimedia seems more advanced than Samsung’s due to the seamless transition between different scenes. as well as the incorporation of computer generated imagery. Samsung video, on the other hand, featured a rather simple use of multimedia, using mainly celebrity assurance and the idea of a family product. 

3. However, apple til this date has been using the same format for their commercials. From the different scenes of the products to someone introducing the product at the start. All has NOT changed. Unlike Samsung - one product probably has like 5 or more different kinds of advertisements. In addition, the purpose of multimedia in marketing communication is to make it look more interactive to consumers, so as to engage and hence entice them to buy the product. 

so my finally verdict!

SAMSUNG!!!

NewsML is an XML standard designed to provide a media-independent, structural framework for multi-media news. NewsML was developed by — and is a registered trademark of — the IPTC (International Press Telecommunication Council). It is structure based, leaving layout and other presentation features to style sheets and other presentation languages such as XHTML or SMIL.

It has also been adopted as Japanese Industry Standard (JIS) X7201:2005.

Currently, NewsML has 2 standards

1. NewsML 1.x

NewsML 1 is the first design of the NewsML approach to exchange news. It was adopted by big news agencies around the globe and is still in use.
NewsML 1 was released first in 2000, the current version is 1.2 of 2003.

2. NewsML -G2

NewsML-G2 is the next step in the NewsML evolution: it builds on a framework which is common to a whole family of news exchange standards while its focus remains on the exchange of general news. Also the handling of metadata values has been improved.
NewsML-G2 2.0 was first released in spring 2008, the current version is 2.1.

Week 7: "Houston! We have a problem!"

With the rise of the internet, comes many benefits and disadvantages. With technology advancement waiting for no man, people are constantly under threat from internet security. However, with the rise of cyber attacks, many companies have invented "ANTI-VIRUS" programs to prevent such an event. BOY! are we spoiled for choices when it comes to anti-virus's programs! here are the list of some of them....

While these programs may make us feel a little safer on the internet, WHAT DO THESE PROGRAMS ACTUALLY DO?!!!

Anti-virus software (usually known as AV) are softwares that are used to prevent, detect and remove "MALWARE" (Malicious software). There malware such as computer viruses, hijackers, torjan horses and worms! 

Now, you may ask HOW?

one basic method would be the "SIGNATURE BASED DETECTION"

Traditionally, antivirus software heavily relied upon signatures to identify malware. This can be very effective, but cannot defend against malware unless samples have already been obtained and signatures created. Because of this, signature-based approaches are not effective against new, unknown viruses.

To improve on things and with the power of the INTERNET! we now have 

Cloud antivirus is a technology that uses lightweight agent software on the protected computer, while offloading the majority of data analysis to the provider's infrastructure.

One approach to implementing cloud antivirus involves scanning suspicious files using multiple antivirus engines. This approach was proposed by an early implementation of the cloud antivirus concept called CloudAV. CloudAV was designed to send programs or documents to a network cloud where multiple antivirus and behavioral detection programs are used simultaneously in order to improve detection rates.

OH! I FEEL SAFER ALREADY! ;))

till the next post! see ya!

Week 6: Internet Tools

Week 5: Amazing E-Learning facts!

There's nothing that you already know that is in the lecture notes! so for today, in regards to E-learning, I am here to present to you 5 AMAZING facts about E-Learning!

Number 1:
E-Learning is good for the environment. Britain’s Open University’s study found that producing and providing E-Learning courses consumes an average of 90% less energy and produces 85% fewer CO2 emissions per student than conventional face-to-face courses.

*Think about the trees, think about the air, think about our world, think about E-Learning!

Number 2: 

With E-Learning students have more control over their learning process and can better understand the material, leading to a 60% faster learning curve, compared to instructor-led training.

*Who doesn't want to be the fastest learner?! 60% increase in learning curve sounds like 60% more successful in getting A's!

Number 3:

IBM, after rolling out an E-Learning program for managers, found that participants learned nearly five times more material without increasing time spent training.

*Learning more without spending more time on something? Apparently, E-Learning has shown that it works!

Number 4:

Revenue generation per employee is 26% higher for companies who employ training and development best practices through E-Learning.

Number 5:

Companies that use online learning technology achieve an 18% boost in employee engagement. This way, as you increase job satisfaction and engagement among your employees, the overall health of your organization also improves.

*E-Learning = better jobs, better satisfaction, better working environment, and better paycheck $$$!

With trends shifting towards E-learning, I feel that education institutions play the biggest role. Who knows what will happen in the future! With technology constantly evolving and advancing, we can only expect the best to come. *Learning from school through a online lecture! how awesome is that!  

Week 4: Biz Buzzz on the net!

First and foremost, i would like to share a fun fact about E-commerce in S'pore! We've always been talking about how fascinating China's E-commerce sites are. Let us take a moment, and take pride in our local E-commerce!

Introducing the top 5 E-commerce sites in Singapore (2013 Edition)

At number 5....

OpenTrolley started out in 2008 and claims to be one of Singapore’s leading online book stores, offering more than two million imported titles from the US and the UK at prices somewhat cheaper than physical bookstores in Singapore.

Number 4...

Luxola is an online beauty and cosmetics store, launched in September 2011. It raised US$590,000 back in August 2012 and plans to expand its reach across Southeast Asia.

Number 3...

This online grocery mart offers a selection of up to 8,000 products including from household items to groceries. Without heading out of the house and waiting in line for their purchases, customers are able to pay via credit cards and receive orders right at their doorstep.

Number 2...

Qoo10, also previously known as Gmarket, is a major global e-commerce site originating from Korea after forming a partnership between eBay and Giosis Gmarket. It has several other localized sites in five countries, including Japan and Singapore.

And lastly, at number 1....

Launched in March 2009, Reebonz is an e-commerce site that deals in luxury products and services.

Even though these E-commerce sites may not be comparable to those in china (yet!), here are some factors as to why i think they succeeded :)

here's what FORBES has to say...

1. Flexible Pricing - The wider you sell your product, the more market prices you have to be aware of and make changes accordingly.

2. Currencies are confusing! - To decrease E-commerce friction and cart abandonment, set prices in every relevant local currency.

3. Price Presentation - Your customers should see product prices in clean, round numbers to further simplify the purchase decision-making process

4. Local Payment - Asking your online customers to pay in a way that they are not accustomed to, may cause suspicion and friction, thus resulting in losing these customers.  

5. Taxes - Showing sales taxes in a way that your customers are familiar with will avoid suspicion and increase customer's comfort level.  

However, there are reasons why some E-commerce sites actually fail..

1. Failure to have proper staff members!

2. Poor user interface - people getting lost in your site

3. Lack of security and credibility

4. Lack of transparency

5. Lack of payment option (bank transfer only!)

In a world where everything starts with an "E" something, how do you actually make E-Marketing a success?

So therefore, businesses should step out of their comfort zone and see the vast differences and benefits that the "E" can do to your life! Till the next post! :))

Week 3: Social Media - The rise of Advertisement spending!

First of all, let's talk about social networking!

Spot any country or continent that has a white spot? NONE!
From the picture given, you can see that every single country shown use a certain form of social networking platform to socialize. And of course, the dominating platform now belongs to.... "The Book" as I would call it. (Facebook for those who don't know)



The average person spends more than 60 hours a month online. This is the equivalent of 30 straight days a year in front of a computer monitor, smart phone or other internet-capable device!

Among people who use the Internet, each person visits 2,646 Web pages on 89 domains and logs in 57 times per month!!

* That is some serious human traffic going on in the cyber world!

 
With more people inclined to social networking,  the era of advertisements is blooming! Never judge a small little advertisement by the side of Facebook! here's why!

Social networking and spending is on the rise! A recent study by E-Marketer predicts that advertisers will spend nearly 1.7 BILLION dollars on social networking sites! As of now, HALF of the world's social networking advertisement spending are directed towards Facebook! Now, that is pretty impressive!

So therefore, as the trend for social networking increases, it opens doors and windows of opportunity for people to interact, socialized and even to earn more money! but then again... 

 till next time! :)

Week 2: Social Media Revolution!

A noisy but interesting video on various statistics in regards to Social Media! Enjoy & be Amazed!

Social Media for effective group communication

The term Social media‘ refers to the use of web-based and mobile technologies to turn communication into an interactive dialogue.

A statement that further reinforces the definition was made by Andreas Kaplan, "Social Media is a group of internet-based applications that build on the ideological and technological foundations of Web2.0, and that allow the creation and exchange of user-generated content."

Personally, I feel that when we talk about an interactive dialogue, we are talking about shared ideas, shared knowledge and even share emotions. Fortunately for us, Social Media can in fact promote these values to improve communication within a group.

The Solution: The Bird & The Book


Facebook & Twitter
 

Twitter-like communications can serve the need for quick, relevant information sharing. Impromptu information serves as a great example of a "need to know now" situation. You simply tweet, and "chip" "chip" "chip", members of the group are instantly notified of any important information. Thus, reducing the problem of miscommunication and broken communication.

And as for Facebook, to be successful, project team members must learn about each other, how you work, your strengths and weaknesses. And so happen, Facebook do provide members of the group with such information! It is sometimes important to have an insight of a each other's human side.

Can't wait to see how web4.0 would be like!

 In conclusion, Social Media just like the internet, have become a vital component of our lives. Everywhere we go, we always feel a need to be connected to the people around us. With Web 4.0 in the making, it really makes me wonder what the future will hold for us with Social Media!

Checking in soon! :)
 



Week 1: The Internet taken for granted

First and foremost, I would like to say that COM125 is totally not the class I expected it to be! Honestly, when I first saw the notes and the title of the module, I thought to myself, "F***! Another version of CSE111?!" However, all things changed when I had my first lecture.

It all sums down to one word: INTERNET. This is a term so commonly used in daily conversations and workplaces that often it is overlooked and taken for granted. What do I mean?

This is what I mean!

Often times, we go about our daily lives browsing for information, updating our Facebook status and occasionally purchasing stuffs online. What we have overlooked is the power within our finger tips! A click of a mouse, or a touch of a button and we are connected to the world. The internet is a collection of computers connected to form a global network environment. Imagine a day, a day where you disconnect yourself from the world, your friends, your love ones and most of all, disconnect yourself from information. Well, I can't!

Having gone through the first lecture, I was amazed at the endless possibilities that the internet could provide our lives with. So therefore, I was intrigued at how something that was created way back in 1968 can become something so attached to our daily lives.

Introducing ARPANET
 

Did you know that ARPANET stands for "Advanced Research Projects Agency Network"
It was one of the first operational networks to implement TCP/IP, and the progenitor of is to become the global internet.

In short, the internet was created by the defense department of the US military. It was a communication tool for them to relay messages to each other in an event of a military strike. However, along the way as technology continues to advance, people began to pile ideas upon ideas on how the internet should be like! Till date, the internet has served us in various aspects of our lives. From communication, information and even to the aspect of e-commerce.

In the next post, I would be sharing more of Social Media and the Internet! Till next time! :)