January, 2005

SILICON EAST REPORTS FROM THE CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW

CES 2005

 

The entire consumer electronics industry annually converges on Las Vegas the first week of January.  If you turned on the TV or picked up a newspaper last week you certainly heard that this was the largest tradeshow in Las Vegas in many years with over 130,000 in attendance.  CES has transformed itself into the center of the worldwide digital revolution, and it was clear that the convergence of digital information was central to this year’s show. 

 

In my last newsletter I featured the new Windows Media Center 2005 which I termed “the next big thing.”  How accurate that was.  Media Center was everywhere at CES, and in great strength.  We have been at the forefront of introducing this new product and are now poised to add such capabilities as home control (lighting, heat, security, etc.) and mobile devices.  Very shortly we will have a demonstration capability to bring to you to show you firsthand what Media Center is all about, and why it can change the way you live.

 

I want to also mention that there are big technology changes happening in flat screen television.  If you’re considering a purchase, drop me an e-mail before you buy.

 

Typhoon – Part II

 

As I report in October, we were the first in the United States to have the new Windows Mobile Typhoon Smartphone.  I learned at CES the Cingular in the past few days has decided that this phone will be their premier phone for 2005, as the Audiovox SMT5600.  In fact, after rebates it looks like Cingular will pay you $25 to “buy” a Typhoon.  The commitment is so strong that Blackberry has been dropped by Cingular in favor of Windows Mobile and I again must urge you to consider Windows Mobile.  Why?  Simply because Windows Mobile integrates perfectly with Exchange Server 2003 (free in Small Business Server 2003) to give you an out of the office unparalleled mobile Outlook experience.  This is the way you will be doing business in the future – and there’s absolutely no reason to wait.  If we haven’t deployed this capability for you yet and you spend time away from your desk (or wish you could), now is the time to get on board.

 

Pimp My Ride

 

Have you seen this show on MTV where West Coast Customs turns old cars into dream vehicles literally packed with everything electronic?  We had a great meeting at CES with the on-air PMR team and discussed our mobility Case Study with Pinnacle Communities and Becker Automotive (LA) on Microsoft’s website(http://www.microsoft.com/resources/casestudies/CaseStudy.asp?CaseStudyID=14792 ), which they had seen.  Small world – turns out their lead electrical tech Abraham had worked for Becker.  There are great synergies between our expertise in the mobile space and where West Coast Custom wants to go, both on and off camera.  We have a handshake agreement to explore possibilities – stay tuned here and on MTV …

 

Asia

 

I was recently invited to visit Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shanghai as one of just forty executives involved in the deployment of technology in the real estate industry.  I’ll be leaving on March 6 for two weeks.  The fact is that the level and sophistication of technology finding its way into new construction in the Orient by far surpasses what is happening in the United States.  This is sounding alarms in many quarters as smart living and working space is absolutely critical to national productivity, and if left unchecked, the current trend could affect our country’s global preeminence and competitiveness.  This tour is a critical element in bringing these real estate technology best practices home.  I want to share my knowledge with all interested clients.  Please talk to me before I leave about your concerns, what you want me to look for, and how to best disseminate this knowledge to your organization upon my return.

 

KÀ

 

A bit off topic, but I must mention.  We were provided with front row center seats to a preview of the new Cirque Du Soleil production KÀ at MGM Grand.  I’m a Cirque fan from the very beginning and have seen every show.  But KÀ takes Cirque and live entertainment to an utterly new level.  This is without a doubt the best live show in the history of entertainment.  I know that’s a strong statement, but I’ve been fortunate to have seen so many shows, and absolutely nothing touches KÀ.  Read a bit more at http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/cirquedusoleil/ka/ and then consider booking some prime tickets, because this show could sell out for years to come.

 

IDC

 

IDC, the premier IT research firm was recently commissioned by Microsoft to study opportunities around Windows Mobile and small business.  Here’s what they had to say after talking to us:

 

 

 

Mobility Case Study #3

Mobility Changes the World for Progressive Adopters at Silicon East

Background

"When my customers see Windows on mobile devices, they definitely want to migrate in that direction." reported Marc Harrison, president of Silicon East, Inc., located in Manalapan, New Jersey.  "The opportunity to have Windows is what they find compelling.  My customers are Microsoft power users and these new devices allow them to take a piece of Windows functionality on the road with them."

Partner Challenge

"I have a just a half-dozen customers who are using Microsoft's mobility functionality – I call them my 'progressive adopters.' " Harrison explained to IDC.  "These are customers who have been quick to see the opportunities provided by mobile access to their IT systems. Cultivating a group of successful users of mobile technology is a good first step.  In the next six months, I expect tremendous business in the mobility area."

Partner Solution

Silicon East has deployed mobility solutions for several customers in different parts of the real estate industry.  "These customers have a compelling need for mobile access to information," explained Harrison, "since they're on the move a great deal of the time.  Several of my customers bought mobile devices and operated them independently from their office IT infrastructure.  Once they understood the value of a portable version of Windows, then they realize that synchronizing mobile and office IT systems is necessary.  Furthermore, when a small business has several mobile devices, centralized administration is also needed."

Lessons Learned

"The fact is that Windows Mobile Extensions is built into Exchange 2003 at no extra charge and it works well – this is a compelling argument for my customers." Harrison concluded.  "In fact, gaining free support for mobility is one good reason for my customers to upgrade to SBS 2003.  I expect to see a lot of hardware and service business generated by this impending wave of mobile deployments."