FORBES: How to Be an Optimist in a Pessimistic Time, A Techonomy Manifesto

It’s no secret that technology is changing the world. Unfortunately, there are a surprising number of people who don’t get it. Many of them, even more unfortunately, are important leaders in business, other powerful instutitions, and governments. To meet the challenges that face us—whether as leaders of organizations, as leaders of countries, or as the global community addressing our collective challenge—we will only be successful if we unreservedly embrace technology and innovation as essential tools. The Techonomy conference, which begins in Tucson on Sunday November 13, aims to underscore that idea and send a pointed message to leaders that Luddites have no place in the 21st century.

For those of us who believe in the vast potential of technology to solve problems, it is both an exciting and a frustrating time. The world’s people are embracing cellphones. More than two billion people use the Internet. Facebook continues its extraordinary user-empowering spread, and the Weibos fill a similar role in China. Advanced companies around the world are redesigning their systems and management to accommodate the new realities of a flattened, technologized business environment. The people of the world have recognized that technology can alter and improve their lives. Read the full article »»»»

FORBES: Why Didn’t Apple Stop Google’s Flawed iOS Gmail App?

There must have been joy at Apple when the new and seriously flawed Google Gmail app for Apple iOS devices arrived for testing. The app appeared in the Apple App Store for only a short time earlier today before being pulled. As Google tweeted about the mishap, “The iOS app we launched today contained a bug with notifications. We have pulled the app to fix the problem. Sorry we messed up” If Apple’s previous handling of new apps is any indication, Apple got the app, tested it, must have found the obvious bugs, and released it to the App Store anyway. How better to embarrass Google, its now arch-enemy? So what about Apple jerking around its customers? Google may have been foolish to submit the app with such easily discoverable problems. Still, is allowing Google to make a fool of itself really worthy of Apple allowing the app to be downloaded by Apple customers?

I think we all know that answer. And it makes Apple look a lot worse than Google.

The app was pulled so quickly, I almost imagine Apple was waiting for Google’s call and jerked the app fast enough to avoid major user headaches, but slowly enough to make Google look stupid.

It’s OK for Google and Apple to play games with one another. It’s not OK to catch customers in the crossfire. Obviously, Steve Jobs’ “take no prisioners” attitude lives on in Cupertino. Read the full article »»»»