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Posts Tagged ‘Organizers’

iGroups: Apple Files Patent for Location-Based Social Networking App

Based on a patent filing that was published by the USPTO today, Apple could soon enter the location-based social networking market. The patent, which was filed in September 2008, describes a scenario where a group of users with mobile devices like the iPhone come together at an event like a concert, wedding, political rally or trade show. Normally, you would have to collect personal information from all the attendees you meet and then transfer this data manually into your existing social network if you want to stay in touch with them. Apple’s patent, however, describes a system where all of the devices in a specific location can automatically become part of a new social network based on their location. The patent filing refers to this service as iGroups.

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This could, for example, allow event organizers to provide attendees with additional content and services during the event and after it is over. The exchange of this information would be brokered by trusted devices at the event and information about the social network can be stored in the cloud and exchanged with other services.

Turning Ad Hoc Networks into Permanent Social Networks

As Apple notes in the patent (”Group Formation Using Anonymous Broadcast Information “), technologies like Bluetooth personal area networks allow modern cell phones to easily create ad hoc networks, but it is virtually impossible to recreate this network at a later time for users to continue their discussions or exchange additional content.

In a very detailed example, Apple’s patent describes how iGroups could automatically detect that a group of users is in or around a specific location (in the example, this event is Apple WWDC 2008). The iGroups service could then invite all the attendees to join this group and create a permanent social network for everybody who was in attendance and opts in to the group.

Will Apple Actually Do Anything With This Patent?

This, of course, isn’t Apple’s first patent for a location-based service. As with all of Apple’s patents, it remains to be seen if the company will actually release any product based on this filing. Given Apple’s position in the mobile market, however, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if the company decided to turn some of these patents into actual product.

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Weekly Poll: What Companies Will Be at the Top of the Cloud in the Next 5 Years

We take a look at the future of cloud computing services this week. We want to know: What companies do you think will be at the top of the cloud world in five years?

This past week, we had 93 people respond to the question:
‘Is There A Place For Open-Source in the Data Center?” The respondents were pretty much in full support of the open approach. Of the 93 people who responded, 83 said, yes, there is a place for open-source. But we wonder what it will take to get such a movement to a pace of note. We do have faith in the open-source way but how will this effort transfer to the data center?

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The organizers have the right idea.

Michael Manos of Loose Bolts writes:

“If you think of the Linux movement, and all of those who actively participate in submitting enhancements, features, even pulling together specific build packages for distribution, one could even see such things emerging in the data center engineering realm. In fact with the myriad of emerging technologies assisting in more energy efficiency, greater densities, differences in approach to economization (air or water), use of containers or non use of containers, its easy to see the potential for this component based design.”

Let’s move on to this week’s question. It’s certainly true that cloud computing is one of the most category filled markets you can find. Platform-as-a-Service, Software-as-a-Service – the list goes on.

What companies do you think will be at the top of the cloud world in five years?opinion

We do see the same big name companies making their stake in the market, no matter what their category. It’s evident that there will likely be a handful standing over the next several years. Who will they be?

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CloudCamp for Haiti: How the Cloud Can Help Aid Efforts

CloudCamp for Haiti! Organizers are conducting a virtual unconference next week and using it as fundraiser to raise money for the people of Haiti, victims of one of the worst natural disasters in modern history.

In an interesting twist, the organizers will use the online event to focus on how the cloud can be used in real-life recovery projects like the aid efforts going on in Haiti.

The cost to attend is $25. All donations will go toward relief efforts.

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The online event is next Wednesday at 11 a.m. EST (1600 GMT), and runs until 2 p.m. with a half-hour wrap up following the sessions.

Want to help this good cause and join the conversation about cloud computing and relief efforts? Sponsorships go for as little as $50.

CloudCamp is an unconference where early adopters of cloud computing technologies exchange ideas. Discussions are open. The goal is to advance cloud computing. The event is for beginners and experts alike. End users, IT professionals and vendors are encouraged to attend.

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Le Web 2009 Is Just Around The Corner. And Yes, I’m Going.

It’s that time of year again, when the brash culture of Silicon Valley crashes into the two hour lunch European startup crowd at the Le Web conference in Paris on December 9-10. It’s chaotic and sometimes combative, but it’s also one of the best startup events in the world. And this year TechCrunch Europe is partnering with Le Web to put on a 20-company startup competition.

Yes, I’ll be attending this year, despite the fact that the audience last year voted not to invite me back after my post criticizing European startup culture. Time heals all wounds, or something.

Organizers Geraldine and Loic Le Meur talk about the conference in the never ending video below. Get your tickets here. This event always sells out, so make your plans now.

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