TSA Scanners

http://news.cnet.com/8301-31921_3-20023035-281.html?tag=topStories1

So TSA has installed new scanners at airports that do a full body x-ray and reveal very intimate details about a person. Obviously, some people have a huge problem with this and see it as an invasion of privacy. The alternative to getting the scan is an invasive pat-down that could bring serious personal boundary issues into play. Of course, TSA representatives say that there is no way the images will be leaked, but we've heard those kinds of stories before.

So what's more important? Individual privacy or community safety? Is this just another way that technology is infringing upon our personal rights and privileges?

Green Technology Facts and Myths

So it was always inevitable in the midst of the current green wave, that technology would soon have to "go green". I found an interesting website that chronicles articles detailing myths and facts about green technology. 


http://www.brighthub.com/guides/green-technology.aspx


The website includes the history of green technology, little known facts such as the loss of jobs attached to going green, some listed benefits, and how green technology actually impacts the natural environment. 


One of the easiest ways to find green technology is to look for the Energy Star label on consumer products.

Even though most people think of green technology in relation to corporate emissions, this is for the everyday consumer as well. So even you can go green in regards to technology! 

Scandinavian IT Outsourcing Trends

Major research in Scandinavian countries has shown that increasing numbers of companies are outsourcing their software development, especially their SD function. Most Swedish companies outsource 90 to 100% of this function. Actual savings in these Swedish and some Danish companies reaches as much as 40 to 59%.

Also, a higher percentage of the companies in these countries are choosing to outsource nearshore (within or close to the same time zone) as opposed to offshore (at least 2 time zones away). This touches on an earlier comment Lexi made about outsourcing locally, which in my opinion is a great idea.

The main pressures for outsourcing are:
1. To reduce operating costs
2. Shortage of domestic IT resources and specific skills
3. To accelerate time to market via scalability and flexibility
4. Improve business development strategy

So what are the U.S. trends in comparison to these Scandinavian? Could we take after these countries and focus on nearshoring as opposed to offshoring?