Christine

DEMOfall Increases Women's Participation by 25%

Environment: DEMOfall 2006, my favorite product launch conference, due to tremendous company selection and hosting by Chris Shipley.

Web 2.0 Consumer Technology Hits the Enterprise

The theme of consumer technology reaching the enterprise has been recurrent of late. There are two factors that appear to be driving this. From an IT perspective, these technologies have become more stable and reliable. From an HR perspective, enterprises are now swelling their ranks with next-generation of users that are accustomed to social networking and other Web 2.0-class technical capabilities. Here at DEMOfall, several vendors launched business applications that are based on popular consumer services.

Sirius Stiletto 100 Leads Consumer Device Launches at DEMOfall

A number of new consumer devices launched at this year's DEMOfall. The hands-down stunner of the bunch was the Sirius Stiletto 100, a potentially viable competitor to the iPod.

Recordless Electronic Communications - Good or Evil?

Chris Shipley introduced one controversial product launch from the DEMOfall stage today: VaporStream, from Void Communications. VaporStream is a recordless communications platform. Users go to the site, enter their existing email address on the VaporStream system, and send a message. Messages are shown to the recipient as an image that can't be printed.

Andy Abramson Sets New High Bar for Conference Fare

This isn't a typical conference post, but this sidebar evening at DEMOfall 2006 is worth mention for its sheer fabulousness. Andy Abramson set a new high bar for conference dining last night, masterminding an evening of wine and food tasting. After attending the DEMOfall launch reception and visiting the networking at the NVCA dinner, a few of us ventured forth to Molly's in the San Diego Marriott, where Andy worked with the head chef to plan the evening.

Technology at Burning Man, Part II (With Fire!)

(Reposted from VentureBeat) A second, more risk-taking demographic at Burning Man took technology to the next level - fire. Hackers created brilliant shows in the desert night, combining elements such as Linux-based processors or infrared controllers with propane solenoids and flamethrowers. Here are my four favorite creations.

Seeking a Great Product Geek

Two companies that I'm involved with need to fill key positions ASAP. The first, Mission Research, is looking for a Software Product Manager to start immediately. (Disclosure note: As a former exec at/current advisor to Mission Research, I have a personal equity stake. So I really would like to recruit a great PM.) Here are the basics:

Geeks Make Their Mark at Burning Man

(Reposted from VentureBeat) Some of the best art at this year's Burning Man came from extremely cool, creative applications of basic engineering. Circuit boards, hydraulic motors, solar panels, and motion sensors powered my three favorite pieces of non-fiery art:

Call for Speakers and Sessions: The 2007 Nonprofit Technology Conference

If you're a nonprofit techie, or if you're interested in helping nonprofits, please help us to shape the 2007 Nonprofit Technology Conference, hosted by N-TEN. (I am on the steering committee for this event.) The agenda planning process is in full swing, and we are looking for speakers and sessions.

Want to be a "Vlogger in Residence?"

The artist in residence...the writer in residence...the vlogger in residence? My old pal Freeman Murray has an interesting new creative proposition. Freeman is purchasing an eco-friendly residence in San Mateo, and creating a Video Blogger in Residency program. The basic idea: