Cable Beating Back DSL [Broadband Reports]
Third-quarter results are showing that new broadband subscribers are choosing cable broadband at a 2-1 rate over DSL. The gap between cable broadband and DSL continues to grow because of the significant speed differences between the two. Cable broadband is faster than DSL, and promises even faster speeds as cable operators begin to roll out DOCSIS 3.0 technology. Another BBR report declares that DSL has cemented its title as the next dial-up.
Unlike phone companies, cable companies do not view technology as the end-game of their services. Instead, it's a means to an end. Do customers really care if they receive their blazing Internet speeds via a network that delivers their service via fiber to the curb or fiber to the node? No. Unless there is a difference in the quality of service. With DOCSIS 3.0, cable has put to rest the belief that a complete fiber optic rebuild is needed to compete effectively with Verizon's FIOS technology. Instead, both Verizon and AT&T remain burdened with huge capital investment requirements in order to compete with cable's already-installed platform that easily adds DOCSIS 3.0 to it.
The remaining question is when does Wall Street figure it out and start reflecting these economic differences in the values of wireline phone and cable companies.
The remaining question is when does Wall Street figure it out and start reflecting these economic differences in the values of wireline phone and cable companies.
BitTorrent Sacks Half Its Staff [NYT Bits Blog]
A well-known peer-to-peer software company has announced that it is laying off half of its staff and has brought in a new CEO. The company has had trouble developing a revenue model - its free software is often (but not always) used to illegally trade copyrighted material. This article indicates that the company will be pinning its hopes on BitTorrent DNA, a service designed to allow legitimate content providers to reliably and quickly deliver their content over the Internet.
As attractive "free" is, it's only good while it lasts. Rather than figure out how to get someone else's property for free, creative thinking should invest in figuring out how to get content to people as quickly and inexpensively as possible. P2P may indeed be able to play a major role in that ideal.
As attractive "free" is, it's only good while it lasts. Rather than figure out how to get someone else's property for free, creative thinking should invest in figuring out how to get content to people as quickly and inexpensively as possible. P2P may indeed be able to play a major role in that ideal.
I mentioned last week that YouTube was in the final phases of inking a deal with at least one Hollywood studio to deliver full-length feature films on its site. Yesterday, MGM Studios announced that their films will be the first to debut on YouTube. The films will be ad supported, as part of Google's effort to develop a reliable revenue model for YouTube.
YouTube had a rocky start with studios and other content owners because YouTube users often posted copyrighted content and the company was slow to remove the improperly posted material. Google has endeavored to move more quickly to pull down copyrighted content from the site.
Seven things you may not know about Windows 7 [CNET News]
Though it's not scheduled to be released for a year, the Windows 7 hype is already beginning. This article highlights the new features Windows 7 promises for the next generation of mobile computing - helping users find and login to Wi-Fi hotspots and easier connections for cellular modems. And if you've had problems with Vista, like a fair number of users, Windows 7 promises to bring a new approach to troubleshooting that really will help you figure out what ails your PC.
The OS wars will only heat up over the next year as Microsoft attempts to keep computer users from switching to Mac by promising a new day with Windows 7. I use both platforms, Microsoft at my desk and Mac on my laptop. I see advantages and disadvantages to both so I look forward to reading about the new features each plan to roll out for consumers in this competitive battle for users.
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