The future's bright - what does it look like?

The best way to ensure that your business not only survives, but thrives, is to know what the future holds. Many people profess to do this already but what is it exactly that they are doing? From your existing management information you might be able to predict the amount of resources required (both human and material) as well as the features of your competitive environment. How far in the future can you do this without resorting to sticking a wet finger into the air? The answer is probably less than 12 months.

The question is, how far can we look into the future and with what certainty? The answer is anything from 5 to 30 years is possible, and that would certainly help with crafting strategy and changing the direction of even the largest multi national business if this is required. But how?

Most people are familiar with the passage of a ship on the ocean that leaves a wake behind. By examining the wake and knowing how much time has passed, one or more experts could tell you something about the ship, its speed and course. Now imagine that you are at the tail end of the wake but you are in the present, the ship is in the future and not visible to you. If you could pick up all of the bits of information that are present, look at the patterns, and have access to experts then it is possible to gain sufficient information to predict the future for your company.

Predicting the future has developed into a whole new topic known as … Futures. Most gurus will use prediction, based on facts, certainty and giving you answers. It sounds safe but its usefulness over time is limited and it does not deal with the uncertainty of the future. Futures uses a degree of imagination, stories (or scenarios) and a whole lot of questions to rigorously examine the future and it can look decades ahead.

Businesses might wish to use futures to quantify risks and opportunities, craft strategies, inform investment decisions and fuel their innovation programmes. Government and other public sector bodies have broadly similar aims – creating policies, identifying areas for intervention, investment and education needs.

To find out exactly how this can be achieved you will need to wait for the next article in this series. If you cannot wait then get in touch now.

Technology patented by telecoms giant Vodafone

The mobiu is gaining more interest in the media and why not!

With the SIM assured technology patented by Vodafone the Mobiu is the only access key that provides two-factor authentication that leaves no footprint on a PC. In the same way that mobile phones are connected to each other during a call, users can create an unbreakable private network where they can share data.

Posted earlier today on Sky News

Gadget Lets You Take The Office Anywhere
Updated:00:46, Wednesday June 25, 2008

The ability to access your work from anywhere has taken another step with the launch of a new device.

Mobiu's USB deviceThe Mobiu is a USB storage device which uses technology patented by telecoms giant Vodafone.

Plugging the device into a computer brings up a simple interface which allows people to access files on a remote server using pre-installed software.

This means that when the device is removed from a computer, no trace of that activity is left.



The Mobiu has a SIM card inside it, and if it is lost or stolen, it can be deactived straight away.

Adrian Burholt, CEO of the Key Revolution, which is behind Mobiu, said that the device responded to customer need.

He told Sky News Online: "What worries people is concerns over their data.

"We found that people like the idea of something in their pocket that reassures them that their data is safe and no-one else can get their hands on it."

He said that ease of use was also very important for people, adding: "We've designed it so anyone can pick it up and use it."

Mobiu enters an increasingly crowded marketplace for remote working, and with services such as Microsoft's Live Mesh on the horizon, which allows computers to synchronise and share information across the internet.

Stuart Miles of Pocket Lint said that the Mobiu launch was similar to U3 sticks, which came on the market last year.

These USB devices also carry data and software, though do not have the same SIM-card style security.

He told Sky News Online: "A U3 drive is like your desktop being carried around."

If you are in the education sector in the UK and you would like to find out out more about how the Mobiu could benefit you, please contact us

Coaching is for wimps!

At a marketing seminar aimed at coaches, the marketing expert’s opening gambit was, "It’s tough marketing coaching … no-one wants to admit they’ve got a problem and that they need help.”

This single comment raised two issues:

Firstly, how come we don’t want to admit we have problems and “need help” at work? It’s as if every morning there are armies of workers donning their business suits and simultaneously hopping into psychological “superhero” suits.

Who hasn’t heard a colleague proudly declare themselves “too busy to eat lunch”. Once, I was interviewed by someone who bragged about his 2 hour commute to work (each way). ”…that’s what we men do..”, he ended with pride. It’s as if these colleagues were wearing their discomfort and tribulation as a kind of badge of honour, a sign of their strength and their commitment to the job. “Not only do I not need help, I can put up with all this discomfort!”, cries the superhero.

In contrast, one of the most effective technicians who ever worked for me had a great talent for spending his lunch time so completely engrossed in his novel that he would giggle out loud at the comical parts. He was a great asset to the team and would return to his work with a focus and energy I admired and sometimes envied. I knew I’d get clearer thinking from David with his full tummy and sense of humour, than a hypoglycaemic workaholic bragging about missing lunch.

And the second issue? The old chestnut that coaching is problem-focused and remedial. Coaching is a service used by effective people to help them become even more effective. Feel free to repeat the last sentence over a few times.

Sports coaching offers a really useful metaphor. For the last 6 months I’ve been getting some coaching on my running. It doesn’t feel like I am getting “help with my running.” I can’t remember Liam ever physically pushing or pulling any of us up that last hill – much less offering to drive us up! We get up those darn hills ourselves. He challenges us, he reflects what he sees, he asks us what we notice and how we feel, he encourages us and helps us set realistic targets. He also supports us; in a given session, if anyone needs to walk he’ll stay with them…. And every so often he tells us to “back off, slow down, and have a rest week.” The coaching both challenges and supports me to work harder, try new things and take a break. It’s often hard work, uncomfortable, and it takes a lot of my energy. And it works. I’m fitter and stronger and my running times have improved.

My conclusion is: We are not super-heroes, it’s good to have a break to take care of ourselves, and coaching is definitely not for wimps.

More about The Key Revolution and Mobiu

The Key Revolution Ltd have developed and produce the Mobiu. PRD Partnership Ltd are working with them to get some trails in the education sector. Here is a little bit about them and their recent history:
Source: http://bulletin.sciencebusiness.net/ebulletins/showissue.php3?page=/548/art/10922&print=1

Vodafone spin out wins GBP 1.25 M backing

Science|Business

The UK venture capital trust, Octopus Ventures Ltd is investing GBP1.25 million into The Key Revolution Ltd. a spin out set up to commercialise technology developed by the mobile phone network operator Vodafone.

Key Revolution’s provides nomadic computer users with secure and cost effective computing, through the use of the Mobiu USB port plug in. The device has an embedded SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) card, that enables users to access standard applications available on any Windows Operating System, browse the internet, secure access to documents held in their MobiVault remote storage, and collaborate with other Mobiu users in secure MobiRoom, from any location, and without leaving any trace on the PC’s hard drive or the operating network residing on it.

To activate the Mobiu key, users insert it into a computer’s USB port and enter a PIN number, which is authenticated against a central database, thus providing the user with the same chip and pin functionality associated with the use of a bank card at an ATM or store checkout.

Once the SIM card has been validated, users are able to create or edit their documents and then store these securely online through the MobiVault, Key Revolution’s secure and remotely hosted server. After the Mobiu key has been removed from the PC no user footprint remains and all data is saved on the device and backed up through the server.

Like mobile phones, lost or stolen Mobiu keys can be deactivated as soon as access is next attempted.

Key Revolution was spun out by Vodafone employees to licence and commercialise the technology, with Vodafone retaining a major share in the business. The company started beta testing in February 2008 and will launch the service this summer.

Alex Macpherson, Chief Executive, Octopus Ventures said, “The Mobiu key is the only product on the market that enables completely secure remote working through the use of a single device, without the costly infrastructure requirements that have traditionally been associated with this process.”

“The uniqueness of Mobiu, combined with the quality of the management team in place and a growing trend towards more flexible working, means that The Key Revolution has the potential to become a major global technology player.”

Do you need the extra security of a Mobiu?

Maybe your computer, your extranet, and your laptop is already protected by the need to type in a username and password. What are the added benefits of a Mobiu?

The chances are your present username and password do not offer very robust protection. When you turn your computer on, the log-in screen already shows your username - all a hacker needs to do is guess your password and they can access your computer. How guess-proof is your password?

Indeed, maybe they don't even need that. Do you have a 'Guest' account on your computer? Maybe there is a default guest account that allows anyone to access your computer without a password. Or maybe the Administrator account also has a vulnerable password. Or perhaps there is another user account on the system which has no password. Or perhaps you have shared drives that could be accessed by connecting your computer to a second computer.

Even if none of these very basic vulnerabilities are present, a motivated hacker can probably break through the default Windows security and access the data on your hard drive. There are even various 'hacker' utilities that can reset the Administrator password on a computer, giving the person who used the utility complete access to the computer's contents. A skilled hacker can get into your password protected computer in less than 15 seconds.

If your computer is fixed in place, in your office or at home, your vulnerability to data or identity theft from a stranger is low, because a thief first must break in to your home or office. If you connect to the internet via a broadband connection you will probably be protected by a firewall. Whilst you are connected you are vunerable. If you use hosted space such as BT Workspace, your access is only protected by a username and password. If you travel with a laptop, your vulnerability goes sky-high, because your laptop is much more vulnerable to being stolen.
In the USA Laptop thefts are sharply increasing. 53% more laptops were stolen in 2001 than in 2000. In 2002, this number is believed to have increased by at least a further 15%, up to a staggering 620,000 (more than one every minute). In the Uk some 68 MoD laptops had been stolen in 2007, 66 in 2006, 40 in 2005 and 173 in 2004.

http://software.silicon.com/security/0,39024655,39166970,00.htm
“Total number of UK laptop thefts reported in 2006**

The top five regions by police force:

1. Metropolitan Police (6,576)
2. West Yorkshire (2,402)
3. Thames Valley (2,149)
4. Leicestershire (1,219)
5. Bedfordshire (938)
** In our enquiry we deliberately discounted laptops stolen from homes or offices to get a clearer picture of threat posed specifically by the greater mobility of laptops compared to desktop computers.”

In the UK the Nationwide were fined £1m in 2007 for the data that was exposed on a laptop that was stolen.

In one test case, 70 of 100 lost laptops proved to have vulnerable data. In another, one in three password protected computers were quickly defeated.

Plainly, it is prudent to secure your laptop as robustly as possible.

SIM assured protection - what you get

When you buy a Mobiu, you get a USB Mobiu device. The device is protected by SIM assured technology, you might recognise this as “chip and pin”. If you take out the “chip”, you cannot use the key and your data is safe. You can disable the key remotely by ringing the helpline. Your data is safe.

You can order a replacement key and you can access your data.

Originally the concept was developed within Vodafone, and now by the Key Revolution Ltd. In addition to the security benefits each Mobiu comes with:

Softmaker office suite, a word processor, spreadsheet and presentation package that will work with your Microsoft or Open Office files. This loads from the stick, and will not leave any imprint of the file on the PC. It is as though you were never there. This means that you can load sensitive documents onto other companies, or other people's PC's and they wont get a copy. For further details see http://www.softmaker.com/english/ofp_en.htm

A browser, the Firefox browser works from the stick, so again, your browsing is secure and hidden from others. Ideal for visiting consultants.

Shared space, you can share files with trusted users who also have a Mobiu. This is ideal for organisations that collaborate over a wide geographic area, or make good use of home working. This gives you added document control. You will only need one version of the same file, essential when working on projects .There is no need for sending documents via e-mail. Indeed some larger documents such as graphics, photographs, databases etc can be difficult and time consuming to send. E-mail is not the most secure way to send sensitive data, using the Mobiu is an attractive alternative.

Mobiu will be launched in mid July 2008 and has a programme of developments planned out.
The Mobiu is compatible with all PC systems that have a USB and either Windows 2000/2003, Windows XP. News on Vista, Mac and Linux is expected in the next few weeks.

Installation – The good news is that there is no installation. Everything will work straight from the stick. On your first use you will probably want to back up your desktop and key files. This may take a few minutes. Once completed each update is done on a file by file basis.
Use on Multiple Computers – your files will be accessible to you on any computer, and safely. The Mobiu is portable, felxible and easy to use.

For multi-user, multi-computer, network environments, Mobiu can be configured to be a safe alternative to memory keys, home access portals, or extranets. The Network Administrator can be given a 'master key' and the ability to create keys set up for specific user groups or a user who has lost/broken his key. Because these duplicate keys can be instantly created on site, the downtime from a lost/damaged key is reduced to almost zero.

Where to Buy

Mobiu will be widely available from mid July 2008 onwards. You might even like to buy from us!

Opportunity to undertake a trial

We are keen to undertake user trials, particularly in the Education sector. So if you are part of a University, College or School, do get in touch. We can pass on some price benefits for being a test site. Your feedback will help develop the software, and therefore you will have the chance to shape the Mobiu to your needs.

Why do new products wear you out?

Leibson's Law: It takes 10 years for any disruptive technology to become pervasive in the design community. (http://www.edn.com/blog/980000298/post/710019871.html)

With Airsound and the Sonic Soundscape we have found that many people like listening, we get some rave reviews, but there is a lot of resistance. From the "Hi Fi buff" that doesn't believe its possible (and has their own listening chair so they can be the only one in the room that can hear the stereo properly), to the manufacturer that hopes that there wont be a disruptive change in the market.

As humans we don't like being wrong. If you consider yourself an expert and have invested with thought and your pocket you buy in emotionally to a solution. It is then difficult to change your mind. A reviewer turned up to a Soundscape presentations with the intention to write “it doesn't work”. At the end of the presentation he suggested that he wouldn't write the review – all well and good, but he was not prepared to be positive.

We work to identify the “innovators”, the people who will buy. They are not often located where you think they will be. In the last couple of weeks we have been preparing to take on a new product called Mobiu, a PC on a stick. One of its key benefits is that it has a SIM card (Chip and pin). This is the only way of accessing online hosted space. The first thing we do is to get feedback from different people. Its always a bit of fun finding out “who wants one.” Innovators change with each project as buying habits and emotions are different for each product you purchase. Doing this helps identify potential barriers.

In today's IT security market there are many types of encryption that are used to make online security safe but accessible. I don't for instance have online bank access as I can't remember the long passwords and don't want to put them on a pin board. The ultimate safety is not to have access. With the Mobiu there is no access, unless you have the SIM card. In asking the first few IT specialists the first feedback was “.... and what encryption is being used?.... if it hasn't got XYZ encryption it wont work”. This may help us identify the “special Hi Fi buff” who is locked into the solution of their choice.

Peter Gabriel and B&W have recently launched a high quality download club. One of the major papers reviewed saying that they have never paid more than £250 for speakers and couldn't tell if it was high quality or not – complete disinterest!

Online bloggers are saying that they want this service – but from a larger company. Clearly Peter Gabriel and B&W, despite being well respected are not large companies.

New products can wear you out if you approach everyone in the market all at once. You will meet a lot of Hi Fi buffs or complete disinterest when searching for your innovators.