SLA Information Technology Division Blog

Photo capability added to LinkedIn

Today, LinkedIn is allowing members to add photos to their profiles.  With an easy-to-use photo cropping tool, members can edit their image to create a professional looking headshot for their profile.  You can read more about this on the LinkedIn blog. 

I think it will be interesting to see pictures on member profiles.  What are your thoughts on this?   

Tech-influenced careers in the year 2020

An article in Social Technologies Change Waves publication forecasts future career possibilities in the year 2020.  Citing technological and social changes, the analysts suggest ten new jobs including:

• E-scrubber -"Undoes or minimizes the indiscretions people accumulate on the Web."
• Unrealtor - "Creates virtual tourism, adventure, and retail destinations."
• Geoscaper - "Makes corporate and private properties look attractive in Google Earth-style aerial views."
• Eye pilot -"Remotely controls small, camera-equipped aerial vehicles over war zones and other locations for news services, companies, etc."
• Unplugger - "Counselor who helps wean people from excessive technology use."

1 GB: Then and now

A popular link on Digg shows just how far technology has progressed within the last twenty years. 

How to save on the latest technology

The "Smart Money" column in the Wall Street Journal provides readers with an easy tip to save money on the latest gadgets.  By delaying your purchase of the latest technology, you may be able to save yourself up to 30%.  But don't wait too long so that the technology becomes obsolete.  According to the senior editor of PC World Magazine, waiting six months after a product release is a safe bet.  Tech products have a life cycle of about a year before the "something-cooler-is-on-the-horizon price drop" kicks in.

The future of virtual worlds

On Information Week's Digital Life Blog, Mitch Wagner makes a thoughtful post on the future of virtual worlds.  While he believes that virtual worlds are here to stay, he also thinks that they're part of a long-term transition that may change the way we think of "being on the Internet" vs. "being away from the computer". 

What are some of your thoughts about the future of virtual worlds and their importance within our every day lives?

IBM rolls out Lotus Symphony

This week, IBM announced that they would offer free word processing and other office software.  Named Lotus Symphony, the group of tools allows the user to create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.  With the growing number of companies offering free office applications, business managers have more alternatives to deal with the ever-increasing costs associated with software upgrades. 

ALA celebrates Banned Books Week in virtual world

The American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom has announced activities to celebrate Banned Books Week in the virtual world.  Activities will take place in Second Life, Teen Second Life, and on social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook.  You can find out more by reading the ALA's press release. 

Presentation capability added to Google Docs

Google has rolled out their presentation tool to add to the functionality of their current Google Docs product.  With the initial announcement made five months ago, the technology is finally here.  If you have a Google account, you can access it by selecting the documents option and clicking "New".  The presentation application will be visible from the drop-down menu. 

Gaming and the future of business leadership

IBM has published a report about the development of leadership skills within the gaming environment and what this may mean for the future of business leadership.  According to the report, online gaming environments facilitate leadership through:

1. Project-oriented organization
2. Multiple real-time sources of information upon which to make decisions
3. Transparent skills and competencies among co-players
4. Transparent incentive systems
5. Multiple and purpose-specific communications mediums

It's an interesting read and I encourage you to take a quick look at it.  You can access the report in PDF here. 

The Boomers' influence on the tech landscape

A recent Newsweek article details the role of the Boomer generation in helping form today's technology landscape.  With their youthful energy and a sense of possibility, innovators like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates set out to change the world.  With their accomplishments, baby boomers have continued to influence the world of technology.