What's Woody Doing Now

In 2010, There Will Be 4 Billons Mobile Phones in the Developing World

In the world, there will be 5 billions mobile (cell) phones.  But 4 billion will be in the hands of the poor.  There are more phones in the developing (poor) world than the developed (rich) world.  Here's an example of what could be done with these 4 billions phones.  These phones are cheap, less than $12 each.  These phones are simple, just 12-keys.  They are not just for talking.  They can provide access to information for agriculture, health, and education.

Sub-Saharan Africa is the epic center of the developing world.  The Grameen Foundation (and there local partners) is partnering with Google and MTN, a local mobile service provider in Uganda.  The video is about this amazing project.

Bloom Box's Skeptics Are Looking At The Trees Instead Of The Forests

First, the skeptics need to think past our tiny and shiny seas or our borders.  Globally, the real market is not the US and other developed countries.  The market (profitable) is going to be the developing world.  The world who does not have a power-grid nor can they afford a power-grid.  (I do not think their is enough copper in the world for a world-wide power-grid.)

Second, the Bloom Box technology needs to be viewed as the next mobile/cell phone-like technology.  The number of mobile phone connections worldwide will increase from 4 billion to 6 billion by 2013.  The growth or continuing market is not the US but developing markets outside the developed world. 

The Mobile Marketer pinpoints the growth:  The growth in the number of connections is attributed to a couple of reasons. First, the integration of mobile into previously unconnected devices and then, subscriber enrollments in emerging and developing markets.

So, market for Bloom Box will be equally outside the US.  In developing nations for mobile phones, there is no choice between land line versus mobile phone.  The same will exist for the Bloom Box, there is no competition with any established power companies.  It just a matter of pricing and or cost.  

Watch CBS News Videos Online

 

Hear: The Future of Mobile (Cell) Phone in Developing Countries

You must listen to this interview of Tom Standage's 'Telecoms in Emerging Markets' report on Economist.com. Tom says "Poor countries have already benefited hugely from mobile phones. Now get ready for a second round."

One story, early-on AT&T sold its stake in an Indian emerging telecom market for next-to-nothing.  Now it is worth $3.5 billion.

The next revolution is mobile money or mobile banking.  Africa, including Congo, is poised as the next market area.

Also, you must read the accompanying article, Mobile Marvels.

Within just a few years its centre of gravity has shifted from the developed to the developing countries. The biggest changes are taking place in the poorest parts of the world, such as rural Uganda.

Software Documentation Stinks

Why does software documentation stinks?  I think companies are afraid to produce good documentation because it makes them accountable.  Your documentation says the product should do XYZ but it only does XY.

Documentation is time consuming.  It requires accuracy and correctness.

I have bought a few products that advertised XYZ. However, the software only delivered YZ.  That's good software.  I have bought some products that does ABC which is not quite the same as XYZ.

The names have been changed to protect the guilty because I can't prove it.  Their documentation stinks!