Privacy concerns surrounding technology's cutting edge companies have raised the issue of whether the industry can maintain its stance of putting users ahead of the bottom line. Google, for instance, has engaged in multiple spats, ranging from problems with user data in mobile applications to Web-tracking.
Bits blogger Nick Bilton recalls a time when Google had a fraction of its current staff levels, hadn't yet gone public or dominated every corner of the Internet. Company executives often promoted its motto, "Don't be evil." The company's founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, said that search engines should avoid biased results that benefit the engine more than users.
Bilton argues that Google updates that merge user data across all of Google's products, and plant Google+ pages at the top of search results, abandon the initial principles that made Google "good."
The company argues that providing relevant search results requires a thorough understanding of each searcher's identity and what matters most to them. The recent privacy breaches, however, may have tarnished the giant's reputation as a company that sees users' needs as the road to profits. (Bits)
Back to the Drawing Board (WSJ)
The board at Sprint Nextel Corp. has shot down a plan to purchase rival wireless carrier MetroPCS Communications Inc.
Telecom Converging (WSJ)
Barcelona, Spain is home to 60,000 members of the telecommunications industry this week during the annual Mobile World Congress event.
It's Not Happening (Bits)
In a effort to quash rumors about a merger, Nokia Chief Executive Stephen Elop said that his company and its smartphone-making partner, Microsoft, have no plans to formally combine.
Silicon Façade (Associated Press)
The glimmering success of the technology sector in Silicon Valley hasn't spread to the area's residents working in other industries.
Talent Gap (WaPo)
Washington, D.C.'s start-ups have the same complaint as those in other regions: There aren't enough skilled technologists applying for their job openings.
Late Bloomers (InfoWorld)
IT departments at big companies haven't changed much, despite the rise of mobile and other new technologies. That's beginning to change as a new generation of workers comes aboard.
Don't Blink (Reuters)
Manufacturing businesses have had a growth spurt of late, but as technological advances continue to eliminate the need for human labor, experts say a long-term resurgence isn't likely.
Buzz Around the Office
A cat calls for the waiter.
List of the Day: Watch Out for Tricks
Some employers may try to trick you during the interview process. Weigh carefully before responding to these.
1. Why have you been out of work so long?
2. What bugs you about coworkers or bosses?
3. Where do you really want to work?
(Source: Forbes)
