ANN ARBOR, Mich.— Using Facebook and Twitter may be good for a company’s bottom line, but firms can rake in even bigger profits if they have their own virtual brand community, says a University of Michigan marketing professor. (more…)
*Smartphone Penetration Climbs Over 40 Percent during December Holiday Shopping Season*
RESTON, VA, February 2, 2012 – comScore, Inc., a leader in measuring the digital world, today released data from the comScore 
MobiLens service, reporting key trends in the U.S. mobile phone industry during the three month average period ending December 2011. The study surveyed more than 30,000 U.S. mobile subscribers and found Samsung to be the top handset manufacturer overall with 25.3 percent market share. Google Android strengthened its lead in the smartphone market to reach 47.3 percent market share. (more…)
*16 Percent of Mobile Users Access Financial Information or Accounts on Mobile Devices*
*comScore Releases 2011 U.S. State of Online and Mobile Banking Report*
RESTON, VA, February 2, 2012 – comScore, Inc., a leader in measuring the digital world, today released the 2011 edition of its 
annual State of Online and Mobile Banking report, which provides a comprehensive view of the key online and mobile banking trends in the U.S. in 2011. The report draws its analysis from a survey of more than 2,000 U.S. Internet users, supplemented by data from the comScore Mobile Financial Services Advisor report and the comScore opt-in behavioral panel of over 1 million U.S. Internet users. Among its findings, the report shows an upward trend in customer satisfaction with financial institutions and their banking websites early in 2011 following a decline in previous years. To download a complimentary copy of the report, please visit: https://www.comscore.com/OnlineBanking. (more…)
*Microsoft today launches its newest version of Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail, software that will help businesses handle just about anything the changing world of retail can throw at them, be it rapid expansion, complex pricing and inventory, or evolving means of customer interaction.*
REDMOND, Wash. – Feb. 1, 2012 – Retail used to mean walking into a brick-and-mortar store, browsing the goods and displays, and hearing the ding of the cash register upon checkout, but things aren’t so simple anymore.
Microsoft can help. (more…)
*IBM completes acquisition of Emptoris to expand Smarter Commerce initiative*
ARMONK, N.Y., – 01 Feb 2012: IBM today announced it has completed its acquisition of Emptoris Inc. The acquisition expands 
IBM’s cloud-based analytics offerings that provide supply chain intelligence leading to better inventory management and cost efficiencies.
Emptoris solutions bring more intelligence to procurement and supply chain operations with spend, supplier and contract management for Smarter Commerce. Smarter Commerce helps organizations that are struggling to meet the demands of a rapidly changing market. The acceleration in online connectivity and speed, combined with the explosion of information and unprecedented access to it, is reshaping globally interconnected commerce systems. This new digital marketplace requires companies to respond rapidly to customer demands by automating their buying, marketing, selling and service processes. (more…)
*Students from around the world talked with Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates and Executive Vice President Brad Smith on Friday about removing obstacles that keep young people from starting their own businesses and nonprofits.*
Davos, Switzerland — Jan. 30, 2012 — When the world’s policymakers descend on Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, Bill Gates can usually get their attention.
This year, in between discussing food sustainability and announcing a US$750 million donation to fight AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, Gates turned his attention to a few students who hope to make a similarly outsized humanitarian mark on the world. (more…)
Startup makes meeting in the real world simple, safer and hassle-free with the help of Microsoft BizSpark.
REDMOND, Wash. — Jan. 25, 2012 — “Where are you?” is one of the most ubiquitous phrases in text messages and phone calls. A number of location-based apps have tried to help mobile users address the question, but only Microsoft BizSpark startup echoecho has created an easy, intuitive solution that works anywhere in the world, using any leading smartphone. The mobile app helps users find their friends simply and easily, while helping protect their privacy as well as their device battery life — and without having to join yet another social network. (more…)
*Microsoft encourages individuals to examine their online reputation and offers tips to start the new year with the best digital foot forward.*
REDMOND, Wash. — Jan. 24, 2012 — In observance of Data Privacy Day 2012, Microsoft Corp. is releasing new data about consumer behaviors online and is offering guidance and tips to help people better manage their online profiles and maintain a positive reputation. In an increasingly connected world, everything people do online, from responding to emails and texts to clicking the “like” and “retweet” buttons on favorite Web pages, uploading photos and making purchases online, contributes to their online reputation.
Although 2012 is still new, Microsoft recommends people resolve to actively monitor and safeguard their online reputations. (more…)
