According to a report on the IE Domain Registry website, the CEO, Mike Fagan has resigned (although I haven’t been able to get confirmation that this is actually the case). The full release is as follows:
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The DNS Dilemma
Verisign wants to make the web easier to use and that’s why they introduced the Sitefinder service. It wants to make it so that if you mistype a web address, you’ll be given a helpful hint to put you back on the right track. Not only that, but Verisign wants to use the extra revenue it garners from advertisers on this service to fund the battle against hackers to keep the Internet secure. 83 percent of users say they like the new service. You can’t argue with that, can you?
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Simple design, powerful consequences
The Minimodal system is a simple, powerful piece of design. Basically, it’s a system to make it easy to interchange freight between rail and road. It consists of square containers and units that can be moved between a standard rail wagon and a flatbed truck using ordinary forklifts. It means that you can use the rail system for long-haul, then shift to road vehicles for local delivery. Obvious really, when you think about it. They also have a computer system for tracking the containers. (I read about this first on the Platform 11 website.)
Michael O’Leary, nice guy
Michael O’Leary, chief executive of Ryanair and well-known ‘tooth and claw capitalist’, was on a chat show in Ireland tonight. As ever, Mick had the wit ready. Surprisingly enough, he played down his tough-guy image somewhat and acknowledged the contribution that other people, including staff and previous chief executives had made.
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I went to the doctor, guess what he told me …
I went to the hospital the other day to have the mysterious pain in my foot investigated. The IT and process in the hospital has improved a lot since the last time I was in a casualty ward.
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Become a primary school teacher, online
Now you can study to be a fully qualified Irish primary school teacher on the Internet with Hibernia College. It only takes 18 months and the degree is recognised by the Irish government. If a company like Hibernia College with very few employees and no campus of its own can set up and offer courses leading to professional qualifications, then what hope is there for bloated universities and colleges, with thousands of staff and expensive buildings?
A former Microsoft employee talks …
Michael Collins is an American writer who was born in Ireland. His books are interesting and whacky. He came to America on a sports scholarship, and eventually got a job as a programmer with Microsoft. He says his next novel is rooted in the time he spent in Redmond. And he has some interesting things to say about the experience.
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Me in Menorca
Joi has posted some pics of our trip to Menorca. Great fun and interesting people – lots of discussion, mountain bikes, archaeology and messing around in boats. Thanks to Martin for his generous hospitality.
McKinsey’s ‘insight’ into the airline industry
According to a recent McKinsey Quarterly article there are great opportunities for cost savings in the airline industry. But my granny (or anyone else who has ever been on a budget airline) could have told you that. Why are McKinsey presenting solid business reportage as strategic insight? Reading the summary, it looks like they’ve missed the main point of how budget airlines are changing the industry.
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A tale of two airline bookings
I just booked a flight to London-Menorca on British Airways. Their online booking system is terrible. It has a nice glossy corporate look, but it just doesn’t do what you’d expect. In contrast, the Aer Lingussystem is pretty smooth and simple (although Ryanair has the simplest, best system of them all).
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