Contributing Member of the Technology, Media & Telecom Councils

GLG News by this Author

Stormy weather ahead

November 5, 2009

Analysis of:A trip into the secret, online 'cloud' | edition.cnn.com

This article does a good job of explaining what cloud computing is to non IT professionals: a messy  system of thousands of web servers scattered around the world..It may be interesting to get to know  the where/when/how our data is managed, but that is not a crucial point.Likewise with financial scums, one should better worry about sloppy and fraudulent usage of the cloud, and prepare for the storm before it hits.

Solar companies need cut installation costs

November 4, 2009

Analysis of:Solar companies focus on nuts and bolts to cut costs | www.reuters.com

The article by Laura Insee correctly points out how cost cutting of solar panels is now focusing on the installation process. Much work has been done on the manufacturing process of the panel, and it is evident how further cost reduction is going to be way more difficult, law of diminishing returns.With 30% of the panels going to the residential market, building-integration should increase its market penetration.

Why should home prices drop ?

October 20, 2009

Analysis of:An Englishman's Home Is His Castle in the Air | online.wsj.com

This article, like others seen in international press, questions the reasons for home prices not to drop as per past forecasts.Homes in Europe, included Spain which is arguably the hardest hit from this crisis of the construction department, have not dropped in prices as much as initially foreseen. Drops normally range 8-10%, vis a vis a 30% tragic forecast of several months ago.Home prices do not drop simply because consumers look for low risk investments, and homes are quite safe.

Risks in zero pricing on-premises sw

October 20, 2009

Analysis of:Why On-Premises Business Software Vendors Should Give Their Products Away | marketing.infocat.com

The article by Mike Frichol correctly points out a number of market and economic factors that make the case for software vendors to give away their sw licences for free.As a customer I would argue that such option would be harder than expected to sell.Many corporate executives would soon come to the conclusion that there is no value in the licence. Hence such product should have no protection against copying, changing and modifying. Still better to pay a quid.

More interest in photovoltaic - building integrated

September 29, 2009

Analysis of:Solar Power, Without All Those Panels | www.nytimes.com

Traditionally, photovoltaic panels were only available as bulky installations on top of roofs, or mounted on the ground.Now, with growing demand for aesthetic fashion buildings, as well as the fact that more and more countries (ie France) are tuning feed-in-tariffs that prize building integrated installations, more and more companies are offering new solutions.Latest products on the market come in 13 different colors, thus allowing architects much more freedom in pattern design. 

Agility is still missing and will do so for a while

September 17, 2009

Analysis of:Grid Connectivity: Invest in Alternative Energy’s Missing Link | seekingalpha.com

Grid connectivity is hampered by low efficiency over long lines and "not-in-my-backyard" movements, two factors set to last for long time and also grow in importance.25-30% loss of energy over long cables has long been accepted as a fact, something that can easily be dealt with when few power stations (nuclear, gas, oil)  are in charge of putting in the highest chunk of energy. Medical and scientific evidence contribute greatly to NIMB movements throughout the world, and this is set to increase.

Setting goals and willingness to pay

July 27, 2009

Analysis of:RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY STANDARD WON’T CREATE JOBS UNLESS STRENGTHENED | www.awea.org

Renewable electricity sources vary in efficiency, in amount of research programs to improve that, and in the degree of social acceptance by population. Europe once lead the way in setting goals and strategy (http://europa.eu/documents/comm/white_papers/pdf/com97_599_en.pdf), now China has fast decided to match the same goals.  20% of RES with 20% increase efficiency, by 2020. Jobs will be created in the US once investors are assured the same goals and sustained policies are applied.  

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