Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Obama needs to get beyond Blackberry

President Obama recently admitted his love of his Blackberry, a device he said he is still "clinging" to. Well that raised my eyebrows, a President with some desire for technology. But he may need to rethink his wireless choice.

Bill Clinton sent 2 e-mails while in office. President Bush has not e-mailed since 2001. He found it irresponsible to correspond in cyberspace. Our new President may want to think closer about this as well. There are a couple of approved devices by the US Government. They are afraid of hackers, eavesdropping, or even digital snoops. Blackberries do have encryption, but the requirements for the leader of the free world are stricter. The Blackberry encryption is not strong enough for The National Security Agency. There are a couple Windows Mobile devices approved with a heft price tag but these may be more reasonable for the President to consider using.

The National Vulnerability Database lists 14 vulnerabilities for Blackberry's. These include ways that a malicious attacker can install malware, and perhaps even crash the device. The device can become infected with spyware, texts can be stolen, e-mail intercepted. Can you imagine, someone actually stealing information from our Commander in Chief? Maybe he should consider using on of the Windows Mobile devices already approved. There is also a risk of someone tracking the coordinates of the Blackberry through its built in GPS. Bush White House aides say that security reasons prompted them to disable the GPS feature on their Blackberry's.

So Mr. President, as hard as it is for me to say, put the Blackberry down. Switch to an approved PDA that will prevent you from answering unnecessary questions about wireless data scandal and your naive love of Blackberry. Leave the Crackberry obsession with us civilians in the free world.

Welcome to The Future.

Mike

Friday, January 23, 2009

Cardinals in the Superbowl

Happy New Year

I am back after a few weeks of X-Mas, New Years, family, friends, food, parties and chaos! It seems like it always takes a little time to get back into the grove after the Holidays. But I am hear to share a fun story.

I am a Phoenix guy, an Arizona guy. I lived in the Phoenix area for over 11 years and went to college in Tucson for 5 years. So I have a good sense of the scene there. I especially have a good sense of sports in Arizona. If anything and I mean anything will bring someone a sense of hope and pride, it is that the Arizona Cardinals have made it to the Superbowl! I got to take my 9 year old son to the Panthers game in Charlotte, what an experience that was! We also saw them two other times throughout the year. The Steelers making it, congratulations to them, but they actually have a great history of making it to the big dance. The Steelers, that is not surprising. But the Cardinals, wow, they have sustained so many losses over the years, that this event really is a monumental occasion. We sat through so many tough seasons, wondering when the day would come, wondering. But guess what? That day is here and for the FEW people that actually supported the team, it is very gratifying.

My hope could not be any stronger right now. The hope for my business, my family, this economy, our new President, our country, my team! This team has put a bounce in my step and they should give you hope too. With the right attitude, persistence, teamwork, individual accountability, and hard work this shows that anything is possible. This team never listened to critics, they only believed in themselves. We can all learn from this team. Go ahead, dream big, you might be surprised what happens! Go Cardinals!

Welcome to the Future

Mike