Another outstanding visit with Steve. Initially, the guys talk about the U.S. v Microsoft lawsuit. Even though the news is old, the fundamental discussion on the merits of anti-trust cases in today's marketplace are still valid. They move on to discuss broad band connectivity, such as DSL, Cable Modem, ISDN, T1 lines, etc., and how this capability will change the way we live, learn, work, and are entertained. Two of the applications affected by broad band that are discussed by Steve and Jim are video conferencing and distance learning. Another topic discussed is ASP, an Application Service Provider, which offers customers online software capability on-demand instead of purchasing a copy of a software program.

Jonathan and Jim begin this visit talking about Techies Day, which includes focusing on how to get more young people within the U.S. to focus on a technical career, as well as getting techies who live outside of the U.S. brought in to fill the hundreds of thousands of technology jobs that are currently vacant. The guys move on to discuss something called an ASP, which is Applications Service Provider. ASPs put together web-based business tools with high-end capability, and then make that available incrementally to small companies. Web-based capability is one of the examples of how small businesses can compete with the Big Guys without being big.

Jonathan joins Jim from a programmers convention in Florida. They begin by talking about the employment prospects for IT people. Here's a hint: $$$! Jonathan reports that there are 350,000 unfilled high-tech jobs. He predicts that more young people should be focusing on a vocational education than they have in the past.

Jonathan joins Jim to discuss various information technology issues, including software, hardware, applications, and public policy. This week Jonathan talks about the easing of encryption controls, which has significant international security and trade implications. They move on to talk about the debate over digital signatures, free email service, Internet connection from your cell phone, receiving customized information via email, and other issues.

Jonathan and Jim talk about the development and use of digital signatures. They move on to talk about free email services, voice recognition, voice synthesis, and money saving technology for small businesses.

Jonathan helps Jim discuss information technology policy, software, and hardware. The first issue on their list is broad bandwidth connectivity, a VERY important issue which, when this level of connectivity is standard, our culture and our world will change significantly. They move on to talk about online privacy, especially in the workplace.

Jim asks Jonathan about his visit to Silicon Valley with 20 legislators to talk with leading technology companies about government's role in the new marketplace. They move on to talk about the move from storage and processing power on your desktop PC to having those capabilities reside online on servers. They also discuss the progress being made in hand-held computers.

Phil and Jim talk about how to conduct effective marketing in a small business.

Gabe joins Jim to talk about some of the new capability available in the telecomm and voice communication industry.

Bob and Jim talk about how to grow your business by developing an online presence. Bob offers some statistics about how people find you online. They also talk about online marketing. And they talk to a caller who asks if you should take advantage of the free websites to get started. The caller also asks how to get placed high on search engines. Bob really provides great answers to both of these.