Article of Interest: The Consumer Cloud

©Laurel Delaney 2012

As you run your business, you need to access critical information -- presentations, files, spreadsheets, and photos -- on-the-move.  According to "Top Trends of 2012:  The Consumer Cloud," there are three main types of consumer cloud services.  I just happen to use all three.  Are you?

1.  Online storage:  Dropbox is the leading brand in this category, despite competing with heavyweights like Google Drive, Microsoft SkyDrive, Amazon Cloud Drive, Box.net and others.

2.  Online sync: iCloud enables Apple users to easily sync their media across devices. So far music is the battleground in this category, although it will eventually extend to other types of media (like videos). iTunes Match allows iTunes users to sync their music collection across devices, using iCloud. Competitors include Google Music and Spotify.

3.  Online notes: Evernote is the leading player in this niche; it really has no peers.

Read the entire article here.

Photo credit:  ©Laurel Delaney 2012

Article of Interest: What's Next for Silicon Valley?

It pays to track trends, especially when running a business.  For the restless souls, this article gives a glimpse of what's around the corner in terms of technological advancements that might disrupt the way in which we conduct business.

The engineer behind Google X, Sebastian Thrun, shares his background and provides ideas on what he's currently working on (e.g., Udacity as shown above) in Google world.

Can't you pinpoint almost everything that happened back to some technological breakthrough?" ~ S. Thrun 

Read:  What's Next for Silicon Valley?

Article of Interest: Hitting the $1,000,000 Mark

Men and women alike know it's not easy to grow a business beyond the $1,000,000 mark.  It takes a good idea, initiative and tremendous discipline.  For women, here's a look at how to overcome the stereotypes.

How She Hit the $1,000,000 Mark

Local women business owners share what it takes to shatter expectations.

Let us know if you agree or disagree.  We welcome hearing from you!

Note:  In the Resources For Women-owned Growing Businesses, the Women Presidents' Organization is referenced.

Blog Post of Interest: Thank You Barilla!

Photo courtesy:  ©Laurel Delaney, "Barilla samples"

Thank you to Barilla for the box of new product samples for WPO Chicago members.  We will enjoy!

For those who don't know about Barilla, they are an Italian Food Company that has been around since 1877.  To learn more about Barilla's new microwaveable meals, go here.  They claim:

Ready in just 60 seconds, so that even the busiest individual can enjoy a delicious Italian meal.  Requires no refrigeration, so you can throw them into your bag on your way out the door.  They're made with only high-quality 100% natural ingredients, and no preservatives.

Best wishes for continued success to Barilla and thank you again for thinking of WPO Chicago!