Telecommunications Industry Group providing a launch pad for Kiwi businesses

Telecommunications Industry Group is helping innovative New Zealanders keen to set up their own business. They will have a chance to turn their dreams into reality in a competition being run as part of the Planet 2010 Communications and Technology Conference in Auckland next month.
Technology Conference
The Telecommunications Industry Group (TIG) is offering 10 start-up companies the chance to pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges at Launch Pad, a public competition which will take place during the Planet 2010 conference on March 12 and 13.
The winner will receive $70,000 worth of IT, marketing, legal and accounting services, as well as three Hewlett Packard Netbooks and 12 months’ account management support from four of the competition’s sponsors, WorldxChange, Republik, Hudson Gavin Martin and MYOB.
The second and third place-getters will receive prizes of $10,000 and $5000 sponsored by the Ministry of Economic Development. The 10 start-up companies selected to take part in Launch Pad will be short-listed from a field of applicants who must submit their entries through either a New Zealand business incubator or a university technology transfer office (TTO).
Each incubator or university TTO can enter business plans for up to two start-up companies.
Entries close on 1st March 2010.
TIG chief executive officer Rob Spray says his organisation is committed to helping innovative New Zealanders achieve their goals. “We see Launch Pad as a way for us to find and champion New Zealand’s best start-up companies, and help them grow their ideas into something spectacular.”
Simon Martin, a partner at Hudson Gavin Martin, which will provide legal services to the winner of Launch Pad, says that innovation is vital for New Zealand’s economic future. “Competitions such as Launch Pad provide a great platform to raise the profile of and further stimulate this innovation. We are delighted to be able to sponsor a competition that supports new businesses to achieve their potential.”
Contact launchpad@planet2010.co.nz Tel 09-309-1777

Kickstart 2010 Business Seminar

Auckland Business Consultant John Marias and Colleaques are launching the first of a series of business seminars for Auckland companies. Kevin Andreassend will present along with his TweetTwins business partner Jenny Wilmshurst on how to use Social Media to win business and enhance your brand.

By popular demand… if you are serious about structuring your business for the future; have an opportunity to network and meet like-minded individuals; listen to interesting topics then… join us for…
Business 2.0 mini-seminar to get ready for 2011
Relevant topics as requested to architect your business for 2011 and Web 2.0!
  • • Lean principles & operational excellence – Vishnu Rayapeddi
  • • Talent Management – Maik Beekmans
  • • Balance in your business for prosperity and growth – John Marais;
  • • Social networking: Marketing power for SMEs – Jenny Wilmshurst
  • • Unlock the value in your business – Heather Byrne
  • • Risk cover and funding for your business -Apex;
There will be ample opportunity to mix and mingle as well as introducing your business to other local people. Bring heaps of business cards, and be prepared to be exposed to new topics, to have fun as well as refreshments.
Two events to suit your location:
• Tuesday 23 February 2010 9:00am to 12:00am
@ The Bays Club, Anzac Road, Browns Bay 2010 OR
• Thursday, 25 February 2010 2:00pm to 5:00pm
@ Seventh Day Adventist Church, 16 Puhinui Road, Papatoetoe, Manukau
Cost $20 which covers refreshments
Numbers are limited so please RSVP before 19th February 2010 to
mcmmarais at  gmail.com
Enquiries: Christa Marais 021 467 111, 094783806

Social Media is taxiing for takeoff on Business Runway 2010

Social Media started to taxi on the run way this past year. Now I believe 2010 will be the year that many will start to sit up and take note, ask questions and wonder what part if any Social Media will have for their company.

As traditional media is facing enormous challenges I think most companies are seriously considering their spend in the print and broadcast mediums. It will be interesting to see the roll of expos. The large international expos and conferences will always be with us, however I wonder if you now are giving more serious though to participating in local expos and whether their is a sufficient return for a 3 day outing.

Social Media is turning many marketing budgets thru a topsy turvy time. In discussing with various companies I hear that traditional media spend is being slashed, one advertising agency is dropping staff big time and others are grappling with the mindset change and to bring Social media into their mix. One major NZ company has not spent anything on traditional media in the last 2 years and another is slashing a $40,000 Yellow page spend down to $2,000.

Is Social Media to stay?

The answer is a resounding Yes all round and maybe this video will give you some insight.

Online Video Business Portal

Online Video for Business is a crucial means of engaging with clients, prospects and your channel. Video communication is exploding world wide both for personal and commercial entertainment and information.

For many the first video portal that comes to mind is YouTube, Vimeo or many of the others available. Many large multi nationals and smaller enterprises have begun to implement online video principles, however I believe we are just beginning to scratch the surface of the enormous potential of online video

Business Video Site

Worth checking into for your weekly update on IT issues, direction and insight

I recently came across one USA based portal that delivers a wealth of high quality video content from numerous blue chip companies.

“Business Video” is a joint partnership between Technology Marketing Corporation (TMC), the world’s leading business to business and integrated marketing media company, and Interactive Media Strategies, a leading research analyst firm covering the business video and enterprise communications marketplaces.

For companies wishing to learn how to create low cost videos that can assist them with on line Social Media contact The Tweet Twins.

For 2009 the top viewed videos on YouTube are as follows. It definitely shows that fame can come almost over night with a world wide following and reinforces one of my messages this past year… get your head around to using video online as it is a key growth tool.

Most Watched YouTube videos (Global):
1. Susan Boyle – Britain’s Got Talent (120+ million views)
2. David After Dentist (37+ million views)
3. JK Wedding Entrance Dance (33+ million views)
4. New Moon Movie Trailer (31+ million views)
5. Evian Roller Babies (27+ million views)

Most Watched music videos on YouTube (Global)*:
1. Pitbull – I Know You Want Me (82+ million views)
2. Miley Cyrus – The Climb (64+ million views)
3. Miley Cyrus – Party In The U.S.A. (54+ million views)
4. The Lonely Island – I’m On A Boat (48+ million views)
5. Keri Hilson – Knock You Down (35+ million views)

Posted by Kevin Andreassend Co Partner of Tweet Twins

How the TOP 100 brands use Social Media in their business

Most companies experience problems putting numbers on social media marketing results. is it worth it, or is it a waste time, passing fad maybe?

Wetpaint and the Altimeter Group have released a study that examines how engagement with consumers using social social media correlates with financial performance. Does your company put much emphasis on social media efforts?

Download the free Report on the Top 100 Brands

Download the free Report on the Top 100 Brands

The “ENGAGEMENTdb study” shows that companies who measured as having “the greatest breadth and depth of social media engagement” grew revenues by 18% over the last year, while the companies that were the least engaged dropped 6% on average.

According to the Altimeter Group and Wetpaint, companies that scored well have dedicated teams that vary from one person to many. The report shows it pays to have a team that will not be distracted by other tasks and can give the social channel the attention required for it to make a significant impact.

The Best Brands

1. Starbucks 2. Dell 3. eBay 4. Google
5. Microsoft 6. Thomson Reuters 7. Nike
8. Amazon 9. SAP 10. Yahoo!/Intel (Tie)

Take your own survey

Let the Tweet Twins brainstorm with you FREE for 60 minutes and bring the colour into your business

Let the Tweet Twins brainstorm with you FREE for 60 minutes and bring the colour into your business

If you need assistance in using social media tools to create your own wave online, contact The Tweet Twins.

Posted by Kevin Andreassend, Auckland ICT President & Co-Founder of Tweet Twins

The Digital Nation

The last decade has drastically changed our perceived reality, a reality we adopt if we like it or not. But where are we? A look into the future and an analaysis of how the digital world has a grippe on our lives, how easily we are influenced.

How education is guided by media. How are our children embracing media? The buzzword now is multitask, something all of us do subconsciously all the time. Virtual branding? People that quit their job to keep playing a game? Watch the film as it’s got some surprises for you. The future of work. The future of war. Check out the Army Experience Center (based on the Apple store). Frightening? you need to answer this for yourself.  This is the subject of my film selection this month (link below), do watch it completely, take a moment to relax, the content is very educational, especially for our industry.

Before viewing the film, have a look at these two forecasts;

Time’s a changin’  …Top Information Technology Predictions – Gartner continues to investigate the changing balance of power from across its research areas, and selects Internet Technologies as the focus of this year’s crystal ball gazing.

  • By 2012, 20% percent of businesses will have no ownership of IT assets.
  • By 2012, India-based IT companies will represent 20% of cloud service providers
  • By 2012, Facebook will lead the pack
  • Other social networks (including Twitter) will continue to develop
  • By 2014, building on server vitalization and desktop power management as savings in energy costs
  • In 2012, 60% of a new PCs total life greenhouse gas emissions will have occurred before the user first turns it on.
  • Online marketing by 2015 will control more than US$ 250 billion
  • By 2014, mobile and Internet technology will help over 3 billion of the world’s adults to electronically transact.
  • By 2013, mobile phones will replace PCs as the most common device for Web access.


To gather a sense of the change visit this video where the speed of cange is aptly portrayed.

Are we living in a world of science fiction? maybe we need to re-define what is science fiction. Check this out.

ICT Research Forum launches in January

Celebrate the launch of this new forum the ICT Research Forum. Find out some of the latest trends and opportunities research in the New Zealand ICT sector, as well as some of the international benchmarks that may be relevant to better understanding how to grow New Zealand’s ICT industry. Supported by NZICT Group, Auckland ICT, IISEIE and other stakeholders from government and the tertiary sector.


ICT industries are the most productive sectors of the European economy, contributing over 25% of productivity growth. ICT industries currently generate 8% of Europe’s GDP, and employ some 6% of its workforce;

The software segment is the fastest growing in the ICT sector, overall growth in the ICT sector in Europe was 2.4%, for the software segment just over 6% and 40% of all productivity gains expected among European businesses in the next year will derive from the application of software technologies to their own businesses.

We also know that there are many research projects underway in New Zealand aimed at increasing overall productivity in New Zealand through the use of ICT, and how to grow New Zealand’s ICT industry.

In addition, this event will also provide the opportunity for you to participate in setting possible directions for future research, as well as gaining access to relevant and contemporary research that can drive growth for your ICT business.

About IISEIE

Vision: Fostering Innovation and Growth for Local Software Economies./

The objectives of the Institute is the advancement of research, knowledge creation and best practices for the disciplines of software economics, software innovation management and software entrepreneurship globally. Set up as a not-for-profit organisation, The International Institute for Software Economics, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Inc. (IISEIE), would have as its core focus the development and support of local software economies communities.

This will be achieved by conducting research, providing education and facilitating professional exchange opportunities designed to strengthen LSE communities via the agendas of local software economics, software innovation management and software entrepreneurship.

Launch of the ICT Research Forum meeting details

When – Thursday 28 January 2010
Where – Microsoft NZ Ltd, – 22 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland City

Schedule
5.00 – Registration, drinks & finger food
5.45 – Welcome
5.50 – Five one-minute presentations by Auckland ICT members
6.00 – Presentation by Malcom Fraser
6.20 – Breakout groups
6.35 – Report back
6.45 – Comments from Malcom Fraser and discussion
7.00 – Member prize draw and further networking
7.30 – Finish

Event Cost
We have introduced two new rates. Payment is by Direct Credit or cheque in advance.
We do not accept payment by credit card.
Cluster Members – $15
Full-time students – $10
Members of NZICT Group – Nil, as the cost wil be covered by NZICT Group
Non-members – $25
Prepay Event Attendance
Instead of paying $15 for each event, all financial members can pay $100 at any time for one person to attend one event a month for the following 12 months. This is transferable to another person from the same member company.
Registration

If you have not already done so, you will need to register and add your Offer & Seek details on the new website. You will automatically be registered upon confirmation of your email address. You will then be able to register to attend events.

Please register for this event by 6 pm on Tuesday 26 January.

Contact Debbie Hassell at admin at aucklandict . org . nz if you have any problems or questions.

We will circulate the Offer & Seek list to all those who have registered before the event to help everyone make the right connections.

Auckland ICT wishes to thank Microsoft NZ Ltd for hosting this event.
Noticed posted by Kevin Andreassend - Auckland ICT President

Parallel Computing for Multicore: Open Seminar.

Parallel Computing for Multicore: Open Seminar.

An initiative of Massey University, INTEL and Erdödy Consultancy

Dear Friends and Colleagues, Hello and Happy New Year!
Having friends in the know helps and so I would like to announce here I have just saved you an air ticket to USA if your were wanting to meet James Reinders, Direct and Chief Evangelist of Intel.
This is an invitation to attend the free seminar on “Parallel / Multicore programming for everybody” by James Reinders, Director and Chief Evangelist of Intel, Software Development
“Parallel Computing for the Multicore: the challenge of having every developer be a parallel programmer” by James Reinders. In particular, James will present “Threading Building Blocks (TBB), open sourcing a model for parallel computing”.
Abstract: TBB is a very popular abstraction for parallelism in C++. The project was introduced in 2006, and then open sourced by Intel in 2007. The talk is an overview of both the project, its popularity and adoption, and why open sourcing was critical to its success and how Intel settled on open sourcing. James will speak to the important role open source should have for parallel computing. James will also present his three tier model for parallelism (TBB is one of them) showing how data, task and coordination should co-exist in an parallel application – and suggest what is needed to fill in the other two models.

You're invited to hear James come and speak at this free seminar

Bio – James Reinders is Director and Chief Evangelist, Intel Software Development Products. He was the primary driver in leading Intel to open source TBB. James is an expert in the area of parallelism, Intel’s leading spokesperson on tools for parallelism and the author of the O’Reilly Nutshell book on TBB.
James has decades of experience with high degrees of parallelism having worked on groundbreaking compilers and architectures such as the systolic arrays WARP and iWarp, and the world’s first TeraFLOP supercomputer (ASCI Red) Discussions during and after the seminar are encouraged on application of parallelism to High Performance Computing and different areas
e. g. genetics, financial modeling, as well as specific projects for New Zealand e. g. SKA (Square Kilometre Array radio telescope), wind farm simulations, astronomical micro lensing.

Presentation Details
Monday 18 January 2010
Time: 13:30 until 14:30, with further 20-30 minutes for discussion
Venue: Staff Lounge (upper level) in the Student Learning Centre
Massey University Albany East Precinct (main campus) on State Highway
17 (North Shore City, Auckland)
Resources:
twitter.com/JamesReinders
http://www.cilk.com/
http://www.cilk.com/multicore-blog/?Tag=James%20Reinders
Late September James presented at Intel’s Developer Forum, the software presentations are available to download http://tr.im/AMO5
James would be keen to accept questions or comments in advance.
Send them to Nicolas Erdody <nicolas.erdody@gmail.com>
The presentation will be recorded so even if you are outside Auckland (or absent due to any other reason), you’ll be able to watch the answers online later.
This is a joint initiative of:
- Centre for Parallel Computing, Massey University
- Intel Corporation
- Erdödy Consultancy Ltd.
We appreciate if you share this invitation with your network. Please ensure you email Guy if you wish to attend so they have an idea of numbers attending.
For further information, please contact Nicolas or Guy:
Institute of Information and Mathematical Sciences
Te Kura Pūtaiao o Mōhiohio me Pāngarau
Massey University, Albany (North Shore City, Auckland)
473 State Highway 17, Gate 1, Mailroom, Quad B Building
voice: +64 9 414-0800 ext. 9585   fax: +64 9 441-8181
G.Kloss at massey.ac.nz
Erdödy Consultancy Ltd
Level 1, 20 Wear st
Oamaru 9400 – North Otago
New Zealand
+64 27 521 4020 (mobile)
nicolas.erdody (skype)
www.erdody.net
Whilst you wait for the seminar take a look at this video on Parallel Computing from David Patterson Berkley University as a background.

Speaker: David Patterson, Director of the Par Lab, U.C. Ber
David Andrew Patterson (born November 16, 1947) is an American computer pioneer and academic who has held the position of Professor of Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley since 1977.

Strategic Thinking for your Holiday Break – Dec. Meeting

Our December meeting will be hosted by the e-centre at Massey University. Please note the event is being held on the second Thursday of December. This will be a great opportunity to get some ideas for 2010 as well as relaxing with members of Auckland ICT.

Our November event on RWC 2011 Business Opportunities attracted visitors from Wellington and as far away as California. This shows how word is spreading that our monthly networking events are well worth attending.

Remember – both knowledge sharing and ‘who you know’ play a big part in business success. Be sure to pass this invitation on to your colleagues and contacts.

Strategic Thinking for your Holiday Break

Phil Norman will give a thought provoking presentation on what you should be considering while you are on holiday. This presentation will be based around strategic thinking for your business and will include:

  • What are the key areas of consideration for your business?
  • What are the important things you need to consider in 2010?

Phil is Managing Director of Nortek Management Services Limited, a boutique business advisory firm providing mergers and acquisitions advice and business development services for growth companies. He has over thirty years experience in the ICT sector, having been an owner, manager, director and investor in a number of local and international companies and is currently the Non Executive Chairman of Xero.

When – Thursday, 10 December

Where - e-centre, Gate 5, Oaklands Road, Albany

5.00 – Registration, drinks & finger food
5.45 – Welcome
5.50 – Five one-minute presentations by Auckland ICT members
6.00 – Presentation by Phil Norman
6.20 – Breakout groups
6.35 – Report back
6.45 – Comments from Phil Norman and discussion
7.00 – Member prize draw and further networking
7.30 – Finish
Event Cost
We have introduced two new rates. Payment is by Direct Credit or cheque in advance. We do not accept payment by credit card.
Cluster Members – $15
Full-time students – $10
Members of NZICT Group – $20
Non-members – $25
Prepay Event Attendance
Instead of paying $15 for each event, all financial members can pay $100 at any time for one person to attend one event a month for the following 12 months. This is transferable to another person from the same member company.
Website Registration
If you have not already done so, you will need to register and add your Offer & Seek details on the new website. Once you have done this you will then be able to register to attend individual events.
Event Registration
Once you have obtained a login and password and become a registered user on the Auckland ICT website you can then register your attendance for this and any future events by clicking on the Forthcoming Events page.
Please register for this event by 6 pm on Wednesday 9 December. Contact Debbie Hassell at admin@aucklandict.org.nz if you have any problems or questions.
We will circulate the Offer & Seek list to all those who have registered before the event to help everyone make the right connections.
Auckland ICT wishes to thank the e-centre for hosting this event.

November Meeting – Opportunities for Auckland ICT companies in the World Rugby Cup 2011

Auckland ICT November event focuses on commercial opportunities for the Rugby World Cup. Sharon Hunter, an outstanding entrepreneur and a member of the 2011 Group established by the Government, will deliver a presentation. There is now just under two years before the RWC 2011 starts.

Remember – both knowledge sharing and ‘who you know’ play a big part in business success. Be sure to pass this invitation on to your colleagues and contacts.
RWC 2011 will be held across New Zealand over a six-week period in September and October 2011. Twenty countries will participate in the 48-game Tournament.
But the eyes of the world will be on Auckland for the business end of the Tournament when Eden Park plays host to the final on 23 October as well as both semi-finals the weekend before. Auckland will also host eight pool matches including the opening match at Eden Park on 9 September.
Held every four years, RWC is the third-biggest sporting event in the world. The 2011 Tournament will have an estimated television audience of more than four billion people, and we expect at least 60,000 international visitors to come to New Zealand.
The RWC 2011 is far more than 48 rugby games, as it represents a truly unique opportunity to showcase NZ and to foster personal as well as business relationships. We all have a role to play in ensuring that all visitors leave our shores having enjoyed the best-ever Rugby World Cup.
The Government has established the 2011 Group – a body of eminent and energetic New Zealanders who will advise and work with RWC Ministers and the New Zealand 2011 Office. This group will be led by Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker and includes Sharon Hunter, Michael Hill, Wally Stone, Bob Harvey, John Hart and Sir David Gascoigne.
Sharon Hunter will talk about the goals and aspirations of this group. She will also give her views on:
- What this event means for NZ and in particular the Auckland Region.
- Why it is a great opportunity for local SME businesses to get involved including networking and collaborative initiatives.
- Some entrepreneurial insights that could ignite and inspire Auckland ICT members to get involved with the opportunities brought by the tournament.
- The AucklandPlus presentation will cover the following topics:
- Auckland ’s opportunity (economic/business potential – the numbers)
- Business opportunities guide (a publication designed to get businesses thinking about how they can capitalise on RWC 2011)
- Getting involved (what are the opportunities?)
- Tenderlink (the new tender site for RWC 2011 opportunities)
- Major Events Management Act (the legislation that protects RWC sponsors – what businesses need to know)
- Planning and Training
- Getting started (start planning now)
- See Auckland 2011 Countdown to Rugby World Cup for more information on what is happening in Auckland over the next two years.
As part of the evening discussion groups will explore;
- How do you think Auckland ICT members could make the most of the opportunities associated with the RWC2011?
- Each discussion group can choose whatever topic the participants consider relevant.
- Report back on the top three ideas from each group.
- We will summarise the feedback and make this available on the member area of the Auckland ICT website.
“RWC2011 Business Opportunities”
When – Thursday, 26 November
Where – Auckland Town Hall Reception Lounge, 301 Queen Street , level 2
(Clock Tower entrance on Queen Street ), Auckland
Schedule
5.00pm Registration, drinks & finger food
5.45 Welcome
5.50 Presentation by Sharon Hunter
6.10 Five one-minute presentations by Auckland ICT members
6.15 Presentation by AucklandPlus
6.35 Breakout groups
6.50 Report back
7.00 Member prize draw and further networking
7.30 Finish
Event Cost
We have introduced two new rates. Payment is by Direct Credit or cheque in advance.
We do not accept payment by credit card.
Cluster Members – $15
Full-time students – $10
Members of NZICT Group – $20
Non-members – $25
Prepay Event Attendance
Instead of paying $15 for each event, all financial members can pay $100 at any time for one person to attend one event a month for the following 12 months. This is transferable to another person from the same member company.

Registration:
If you have not already done so, you will need to register and add your Offer & Seek details on the new website. You will automatically be registered upon confirmation of your email address. You will then be able to register for events.
Please register for this event by 6 pm on Tuesday 24 November. Contact Debbie Hassell at admin@aucklandict.org.nz if you have any problems or questions.
We will circulate the Offer & Seek list to all those who have registered prior to the event to help everyone make the right connections.
Auckland ICT wishes to thank Auckland City Council for hosting this event and for providing the food and drinks.
Posted by Kevin Andreassend, President, Auckland ICT,
Managing Director ICE AV Technology Ltd

ICT New Zealand – End of Year

nzictLast call for the year to those in the local ICT industry to finish the year with “ICT in New Zealand, a Year in Review and Near Future Priorities”.

Join us for this event that marks the anniversary of both the formation of the National led government and of the NZICT Group, as we explore 12 months of significant changes in the ICT sector and its impact on NZ’s economy, and we preview the digital priorities for the near future. Speakers will be the Hon Steven Joyce, Minister for Information Technology and Communications, NZICT Chairman Geoff Lawrie and NZICT CEO Brett O’Riley.

This is a landmark event so please feel free to invite your colleagues to listen to the insights from the speakers, and enjoy some Christmas cheer with others members of the ICT industry and its stakeholders.

Date: Friday 4th December, 4.15pm-7.30pm
Venue: Eden Park Function Centre, Supporters Lounge (near Gate 2), Walters Ave, Kingsland, Auckland

Meeting Outline:
4.15pm – Attendee arrival and registration
4.30pm – Meeting Commences
6.00pm – Networking (refreshments served)
7.30pm – Finish

If you wish to attend, it is important that you register.

TO REGISTER CLICK HERE