The Google Book Search legal case has far-reaching implications for all Net users, argues Jyoti Banerjee, not just for those that would like to see mankind's precious book heritage and treasure open to all.
Ever wondered if a clear-speaking lawyer was an oxymoron? That the two just don't go together? Well, wonder no more because Lawrence Lessig is living proof that lawyers can speak clearly. What has been exercising Lessig recently is the case against Google by the Authors Guild (AG) organisation in the US. If AG wins its case, not just would Google's Book Search project go west, but Internet search could follow suit pretty quickly after.
Imagine. MSN, Google, Yahoo and the rest all fighting for the same cause. Again, it sounds like an oxymoron. But the day could be close if Google loses or settles the case.
Some of you would wonder why an organisation like Google needs any protection. After all, it is now one of the big guys, having recently entered the list of the top 500 corporations in the US. And what is the Google Book Search project anyway?
Continue reading ""Fair use" can cripple Search" »
Readers of this blog will be aware that the mid segment in the British economy is badly in need of definition and recognition. Jyoti Banerjee identifies three layers of information that will help in this process.
The M sector is remarkably well-hidden in the British economy despite its sterling performance as a growth engine. Its features are well submerged under the SME definition. In order to get better definition of the M sector, we need at least three distinct layers of information, which in turn need to be configured in a way that will help two key stakeholders: executives of mid-sized organisations, and government.
Layer 1: Macro analysis on economic performance of the M sector
Macro-economic analysis needs to be generated to help policy-makers understand the benefits that the M sector brings to the economy, particularly in terms of growth, jobs and innovation diffusion. It would also cover the challenges that they face, particularly where the issues are such that policy-makers can impact on them through their actions and prescriptions.
Ideally, the macro data needs to be combined with direct feedback from M executives illustrating areas they are being held back in, or particularly benefiting from. The main aim should be to construct a case for what government needs to do to respond to the opportunities and obstacles facing the M sector.
Continue reading "Digging for M content" »
