Conifer Consulting

Online Game-Maker Zynga's Has Virtual Products, Real Profits - WSJ.com

Zynga co-founder and Chief Executive Mark Pincus, 45 years old, has used the measurability of Facebook activity to shape games in a way that hasn't been possible in the past. He calls data the "operating system" of Zynga.

via online.wsj.com

Fantastic article for many reasons, esp the importance of analytics assuming you want to make money the "old fashioned" way i.e., by getting adoption among the largest audience, not just the hard core ones...

Meg Whitman: H-P Set to Name Whitman H-P CEO - WSJ.com

Hewlett-Packard Co.'s board is expected to oust Chief Executive Leo Apotheker and replace him on a permanent basis with former eBay Inc. CEO Meg Whitman on Thursday, according to a person briefed on the matter.

via online.wsj.com

Mostly think she's a rockstar and will be interesting to see what/how her B2C experience can do to save HP which has got to be the saddest "has Been" story in the valley..

Google Wallet: The Future of Money Is Here, Sorta

But then I still had to tell the dumb credit console whether I was paying debit or credit. And then I had to wait for my receipt to print out, all ten miles of it. Which made my attempt at being a mysterious stranger with mysterious magical technology quickly disappearing into the night fail miserably

via gizmodo.com

Yup! The future first arrives with friction -- but we would rather have that than not; if only to make sure Apple and others launch (or acquire) something even better er..more frictionless...

Pan IIT 2011 Global Conference - NYC Sept 30 - Oct 2

The 2011 PanIIT Global Conference is designed to be different so that you can listen to views of recognized industry leaders, attend workshops to enhance your professional skills and explore career enhancement opportunities with leading corporates.

via www.cvent.com

I'll be at this conference for IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) where some heavy hitters are speaking. Look forward to seeing old friends and colleagues.

Google Wallet - make your phone your wallet

via www.google.com

Check it ouT! Nice slick video to show how it works. But we'll be needing this on iPhone -- if it wants to have staying power ie., before Apple gets in there.

Google Wallet Launching September 19

It also ties in Google Offers, Google's semi-new Groupon clone. That means whenever you buy a Google Offer from a local vendor, Google Wallet automatically factors in your discount when you make the purchase.

via www.businessinsider.com

Cool! Google wallet + Offers will make it much more compelling!

Google Wallet Launching September 19

It also ties in Google Offers, Google's semi-new Groupon clone. That means whenever you buy a Google Offer from a local vendor, Google Wallet automatically factors in your discount when you make the purchase.

via www.businessinsider.com

Cool! Google wallet + Offers will make it much more compelling!

Reid Hoffman Gives Advice for Entrepreneurs (Video) - NYTimes.com

When Hoffman is looking for businesses to invest in, he enjoys those executives who know their product so well, they don’t need the whole hour to do the pitch.

“If they’re sharp, they should be able to pitch in 2-3 minutes,” said Hoffman, who knew within 3 minutes of Airbnb’s pitch, Hoffman knew he wanted to invest.

via www.nytimes.com

Good insight! This particular criteria struck me as simple yet powerful.