Filed under: Google (GOOG), Microsoft (MSFT), Starbucks (SBUX), Small business

Started in 2001, Wikipedia has grown into a massive knowledge base, with more than 75,000 contributors and nine million articles.

No doubt Wikipedia is a great resource to learn about the bigger companies - such as Starbucks Corporation (Nasdaq: SBUX), Google Inc. (Nasdaq: GOOG), and Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq: MSFT). But there are also many smaller businesses on the site.

So, should you jump in too?

“Wikipedia is one of the most frequented databases on the Web,” said Dan Nichols, director of marketing communications at RightNow Technologies (Nasdaq: RNOW). “We posted an entry on RightNow to make sure we were accurately represented on the site and to increase awareness.”

Keep in mind that a Wikipedia page can help improve your website’s search engine rank - and perhaps drive some traffic. What’s more, a Wikipedia page can lend some credibility to your business.

However, you need to consider some things:

Don’t Get Sales-y: When you put together a page, you need to provide useful factual information about your company (it’s an encyclopedia, right?). Actually, if it gets promotional, a roving Wikipedia editor may change things.

So, a first step is to check out other company sites. How do they present the information?

Street Cred: If there are articles about your company, make sure you link them on your Wikipedia page.

Risks: Keep in mind that Wikipedia can be a free-for-all. For example, a competitor can come to your page and change it. Or, what if a disgruntled customer makes an edit?

In other words, you need to monitor things.

Edit Other Pages: What are other topics that relate to your company? No doubt, these can be good areas to add and edit content.

Example: If your company operates a social network, there’s a page on Wikipedia for “List of social networking websites” that has many companies listed. Why not edit your website into the category?

Tom Taulli operates SmallBizMix.com.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Share This

Filed under: Products and services, Google (GOOG), Research in Motion (RIMM), Technology

In the latest stab into the belly of Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) has said that its Google Calendar product can now synchronize with Research In Motion (NASDAQ: RIMM)’s BlackBerry products. With the BlackBerry being the portable email device of choice for millions in the U.S., the ability to bypass Microsoft’s over-the-air calendar syncing (available on newer Windows Mobile competitive devices) is yet another way Google is teaming with partners to make the software giant less relevant in an on-demand and internet-connected customer world.

Although this technically is not a revolutionary achievement, the ability of Google Calendar to sync with such a ubiquitous device should cause Ol’ Softie concern. The days of needing an Exchange server and Outlook syncing are ending for business users who demand anytime, anywhere, any-device access to their email and calendars. With Google Gmail and Calendar, many business users can now get that fix and not be tied to one platform or a handful of devices. This latest development is significant, since BlackBerry users can now view their Google Calendar information even while in poor wireless service areas, since the syncing retrieves Google Calendar data and downloads it onto the BlackBerry itself instead of sending users off to a website that may not work on that subway or airplane.

Will this feature alone really compete that well with Microsoft’s “push” feature and RIM’s own “BlackBerry Enterprise Server” offerings? Possibly, but only to those who prefer Google Calendar as their main calendar tool instead of Microsoft’s Outlook product sitting on a corporate server somewhere. But, more and more business customers want an experience that works instead of a platform that works — and Google Calendar easily fits that description.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Share This

Filed under: Google (GOOG)

Late yesterday, Google mentioned yet another web service (although, this one could be a big one): Google Knol (which stands for a unit of knowledge).

Basically, this is a knowledge base - where experts write up articles and users have a chance to benefit from the wisdom. The system is currently under an invitation-only status.

With huge amounts of content across the web, it’s often hard to find the quality stuff. Even if you go to places like Wikipedia, it’s not easy to get a sense of the accuracy. Often, I use these sources as a starting point - not something that’s definitive.

As expected, Google wants knols for all topics, which is certainly ambitious and will likely encounter problems along the way. But, it’s certainly a worthy goal - and, in the end, could result in a valuable property.

More importantly, Google will share revenues with the experts (through advertising). This will certainly be a big differntiator, as other wikis, such as Wikinvest and Wikipedia, rely on authors who do it for fun.

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including The Complete M&A Handbook and The Edgar Online Guide to Decoding Financial Statements. He also operates DealProfiles.com.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Share This

Filed under: Internet, Google (GOOG), China

Since the literal translation of Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) into Chinese is “old hound“, its decision to find a new name for this market seemed reasonable. When it decided to adopt the name Guge in China, it intended the name to translate as “harvest songs,” to suggest a “sense of a fruitful and productive search experience, in a poetic Chinese way.” Instead, it has translated as a lawsuit for tradename infringment.

The company filing the suit in Chinese court is Beijing Guge Sci-Tech, a name it registered in April of 2006, according to the Wall Street Journal. Google registered the name Guge six months later. However, Google claims its choice for moniker of its Chinese operations was openly rumored before Sci-Tech’s registration, perhaps implying Sci-Tech is engaging in a bit of tradename squatting.

With China’s inclusion in the World Trade Organization, the country has taken serious measures to allow trademark and tradename protection, which might help Google’s case. However, the Chinese government has seemed to favor Google’s competitor Baidu, which dominates the Chinese search market, and this preference may work against a quick and positive resolution for Google.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Share This

Filed under: Products and services, Google (GOOG), Marketing and advertising

Although Yahoo!’s (NASDAQ: YHOO) top web searches for 2007 looked like a goofball celebrity wish list, competitor Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) just released its list this week for the top web searches performed on its ubiquitous search engine thus far in 2007. Would it surprise you to find out that by a 3-to-1 margin, more web surfers are searching for the term “inflation” instead of “recession” at using Google’s web search? Maybe the consumer has no recession fear, unlike the Fed.

The top search candidates this year have included presidential candidates, lawsuits, Hollywood starlets, sports teams and song lyrics. In an interesting twist, gaining underdog Congressman Ron Paul of Texas was the most-searched for Presidential candidate at Google beating out Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama. Does this fare well for Paul’s chances a little under a year from now? From looking at his grassroots internet campaign, you just might be able to say that. Paul appears to be pulling no punches while Clinton and Obama are in a celebrity deathmatch of sorts in the media.

For a little comic relief outside the Presidential campaigners, Hannah Montana (played by actress Miley Cyrus, daughter of Billy Ray) was ahead of the Rolling Stones in Google web search popularity. But, Barbie outranked Hannah Montana decades after the first svelte doll appeared on retail shelves. In an interesting trend released by Google, the term “iPhone” has been searched more often than the term “iPod” since its June debut. With Google having a commanding lead in the global web search arena, a snapshot of what global netizens cares about can be gleaned from examining its top hitters list. Ron Paul probably hopes its a harbinger to next year’s runoff.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Share This

Filed under: Google (GOOG), Options

Google(NASDAQ:GOOG) closed at $694.04. International CES will be held January 7-10 in Las Vegas. GOOG will be participating in the 700 MHz spectrum auction that begins in January. GOOG is expected to report EPS in late January. GOOG December 690 straddle is at $24.70. GOOG January option implied volatility is at 32, March is at 36. GOOG’s average option implied volatility over the last 26-weeks is 31 according to Track Data, suggesting larger risk after January expiration on January 18, 2008.

Options Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Share This

Filed under: Google (GOOG), Coca-Cola (KO), PepsiCo (PEP), Citigroup Inc. (C), Money and Finance Today, Federal Natl Mtge (FNM), News Corp’B’ (NWS), JetBlue Airways (JBLU)

5 Best Global Stocks for 2008
Fortune offers five plays that should reward investors in 2008 - even if the U.S. economy weakens. They include the Bank of Ireland, Mobile Telesystems, iShares MSCI Brazil Index, GlaxoSmithKline and Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan.
Top foreign stocks for 2008 - FORTUNE

Google’s Next Big Dream
A lofty new strategy aims to put incredible computing power in the hands of many.
Google and the Wisdom of Clouds: BusinessWeek Cover Story

A New Breed of Billionaire
The global wealth boom has created a new breed of billionaire in once-destitute countries, and a number of them are using their wealth to push for social changes.
A New Breed of Billionaire - New York Times

Ad Trends of the Year
Here are the most effective brand campaigns in 2007. These creative innovations that have had an effect on the marketing industry -and will continue to influence it in the coming year. These include the world’s second largest city stopping advertising, ‘name your own price’ downloads, community that calls the shots, branded utilities and much more.
The Year in Advertising Photo Gallery of Top Trends

Best & Worst Digital Picture Frames
Liven up your desk and den with digital displays. Consumer Reports takes a look at one of the year’s new hot gifts and gives its top recommendations. Smartparts earned their top overall score. Other recommendations include Philips, Pandigital and Insignia. Polaroid is rated worst.
ConsumerReports.org - Digital picture frames ConsumerReports.org - Digital picture frames, Ratings

Home Theaters: Less Is More
Not too long ago when some mentioned their home theater, it might have conjured up images of a mansion with a giant screening room. These days, many consumers envision a home theater setup on a somewhat smaller scale: a giant-screen high-definition television, booming surround sound, and a fancy entertainment console on which to display their goods. The minimalist look popularized by the Apple iPod is finding its way into your living room.
Home Theaters: Less Is More Photo Gallery of Home Theaters Today

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Share This

Filed under: Before the bell, Analyst reports, Google (GOOG), Apple Inc (AAPL), Intel (INTC), Ford Motor (F), General Motors (GM), Nokia Corp. (NOK), Federal Natl Mtge (FNM), Palm Inc (PALM), JetBlue Airways (JBLU), Qwest Communications Intl (Q)

Before the bell: Futures lower ahead of CPI; Citi, Novell in focus

JetBlue Airways Group (NASDAQ: JBLU) announced Thursday that Deutsche Lufthansa had agreed to take a 19% equity stake. JBLU shares closed up 14.4% to $7.15. Lufthansa will buy , 42 million newly issued common shares of JetBlue in a private placement for $7.27 a share — a 16% premium over Wednesday’s close, or a total of about $300 million. This cash infusion will help the low-cost carrier face the high fuel prices and new competition.

Palm Inc. (NASDAQ: PALM) laid off about 10% of its work force this week to cut expenses. Palm issued a statement Thursday confirming some layoffs were made as part of a restructuring, but according to “persons familiar with the situation,” CNNMoney eliminated more than 100 jobs of its 1,150 staff.

Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) decided to resume its quarterly dividend for the first time since 2001 and will pay shareholders a quarterly dividend of 8 cents per share, payable Feb. 28 to shareholders of record on Feb. 1. Analysts think the move shows “that the telecommunications company is positioning itself for better long-term growth.”

Fannie Mae (NYSE: FNM) is holding its first annual shareholders meeting since May 2004. No need to be a clairvoyant to know what the meeting’s focus will be — its massive losses.

A Chinese company, Guge Sci-Tech, has sued Google’s China (NASDAQ: GOOG) operations over what it says is an infringement of the Chinese translation of its name, “Guge.” Guge Sci-Tech wants Google change its Chinese name and pay legal costs. In response, Google said Guge Sci-Tech knew of Google’s intention to use the Chinese name “Guge,” and that is is not a Chinese word.

New passenger car registrations in the European Union in November fell 1.3% to 1.217 million vehicles from a year ago but were up 0.9% over the first 11 months. Total European sales were down 1.1% in November and rose 1.1% for the 11 months. As for market share, Ford (NYSE: F) made a small rise to 10.6% from 10.5%, GM (NYSE: GM) was stable at 10.2%.

According to research firm Gartner, Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) is set to increase its share of a growing global semiconductor chip market this year to 12.2%. The market is expected to grow 2.9% from last year to $270.3 billion.

It seems that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) has spooked up mobile makers with its recent launch of the iPhone in Europe. Nokia (NYSE: NOK) is planning a free service and rival Sony Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) is planning a new music-downloading service that will launch next spring. These services are also in direct competition with mobile operator mobile-music business. Interesting times for the consumer to be sure.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Share This

Filed under: Google (GOOG), Microsoft (MSFT), Yahoo! (YHOO)

Even though many people don’t know what RSS is about, there are still millions of users. After all, if you get newsfeeds from places like Google (NASDAQ: GOOG), Yahoo (NASDAQ: YHOO) or Facebook, then you are an RSS user.

Well, one of the big players in the space — NewsGator — has raised $12 million in venture capital. The investors include Vista Ventures, Mobius, Venture Capital, and Masthead Venture Partners. In all, NewsGator has raised a cool $30 million.

The company has a consumer product, which can make your life easier (especially if you are a news junkie). For example, the NewsGator back-end platform processes about seven million new articles per day.

What’s more, there are several enterprise products, which sync nicely with ubiquitous Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) applications. In fact, there are more than 100 Fortune 2000 customers.

Greg Reinacker, who is the founder and CTO of NewsGator, did a write up on the deal for his blog. And, if you want to check out other venture capital deals, visit DealProfiles.com.

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including The Complete M&A Handbook and The Edgar Online Guide to Decoding Financial Statements.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Share This

Filed under: Competitive strategy, Google (GOOG), Marketing and advertising, Next big thing, ValueClick Inc (VCLK), Technology

I was doing some research work and surfing on the great tech blog, TechCrunch, when an article caught my eye. (Actually, I use techmeme to search for important tech stories and came across the aforementioned article — but, that’s not important right now.)

The article was about a $20 million infusion by the Carlyle Group and H.I.G. Ventures in a Southern California-based company named REVShare. Your friend and mine, Google (NASDAQ: GOOG), has made a push into Cost-Per-Action (CPA) advertising. CPA advertising is the holy grail for advertisers, because the advertiser only pays when an action he defines (like purchasing a product) occurs. This has long been a mainstay of internet advertising, as it’s relatively easy to gauge such metrics. Commission Junction, part of ValueClick, (NASDAQ: VCLK) has been making a living at this for a long time (in relative web years). Television, on the other hand, has always been a slippery bugger.

Until REVShare. According to Tech Crunch, REVShare “…manages those ads that urge viewers to call a 1-800 number or go to a website. The company has relationships with 1,500 TV stations (most of these tend to be local, infomercial-style ads).” The rest is metrics — providing the advertisers with enough info to match what they’re willing to spend on a new sale with the cost of advertising.

Very interesting stuff. As Google has made its mark into newspaper, radio, and even in-game advertising, maybe REVShare and television advertising is next on the horizon.

Zack Miller is the managing editor of IsraelNewsletter.com and a former equity analyst for a leading multinational hedge fund. The author holds a long-term position in GOOG.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Share This