John McCormick

Almost lost in last weeks tragic events were the efforts of some Internet, computer and communications companies to help victims and assist various relief efforts. We should recognize the many companies — some notable tech giants, as well as some smaller players interested in reaching out — that put people over profits. Verizon Communications, the […]

I wasnt surprised to read in this weeks ISP/ASP Customer Satisfaction Survey that something like 70,000 people per week sign up for Internet access. In fact, I just joined them. But it was slow going to the Internets fast lane. Day 1: I take my modem out of the box. I follow the installation instructions […]

Do e-commerce profits really matter? I-managers are being asked that central question once again. We now know that the early e-business gospel that market share mattered more than profits damned many e-commerce companies to oblivion. But the new mantra is that the overall return on a Web investment is more important than whether a company […]

There are all kinds of competitive-edge technologies being deployed by businesses today. Many technologies — such as Web–based supply chain management software, which we wrote about last week — may be difficult to deploy. But hard-pressed companies have beaten the odds and successfully implemented SCM systems. Then there are other technologies — such as some […]

Here you are — the business/technology manager in charge of your companys Internet strategy. Youve been told to watch spending. You look around, and see that supply chain automation effort the companys been planning. Does the company really need that, you wonder. The hit is going to be big, in terms of time and dollars. […]

Theyre wrong. As this weeks special report points out, there are a lot of myths surrounding wireless, most of which have to do with universal deployment. But there are others. The one that really gets me is the belief in a “killer app.” I dont take exception when people say a super application may be […]

Now, when your weapons are dulled, your ardor dampened, your strength exhausted and your treasure spent, other chieftains will spring up to take advantage of your extremity. Then no man, however wise, will be able to avert the consequences that must ensue. — Sun Tzu, The Art of War For most of this year, the […]

I-managers say security is their top priority. And for good reason. Many companies have yet to hire high-powered expertise to secure their Internet resources. Meanwhile, security problems continue to mount. Just take a look at some recent Interactive Week print and Web site headlines: “Flaw Detected in Check Point Security.” Holes were found in Check […]

Im not a number cruncher. Yet, with each financial reporting season, I find myself spending hours pouring over earnings reports, reading between the numbers to get the right take on a firms direction, dig out an interesting company tidbit, or, sometimes, spot an emerging corporate trend. (And, yes, I do need a life). Raking through […]

No one wants to be just a number – until theres a ranking, then everyone wants to be No. 1. Corporate America is no different. This year, some of nations largest and most admired companies lined up to be numbered among the Interactive 500, Interactive Weeks annual ranking of the New Economys biggest and best. […]