B2B Budgets to Rise in 2008

A recent online survey reports that B2B companies are planning to increase their Internet marketing budgets for the year 2008. Given the tremendous impact of this marketing medium, more and more businesses are now planning to venture into it in full flow.

More than 60% of B2B entrepreneurs are planning to get into more number of ad categories; just an attempt to cater to diverse range of audiences. About 30% are planning to leave their budgets where they are, and only 10% want to decrease the allocated share.

The survey also revealed that most of the entrepreneurs (a good 62%) will be using the web mainly for customer acquisition. The rest 19% and 11% are aiming at increasing brand awareness and customer retention respectively.

And, this one's for service providers. More than 74% businesses are planning to spend their money on website development services. Email marketing (70%) and search engine marketing (64%) come next in the list.

Social networking, which was a 'hot' proposition all through the year 2007, is being sidelined by other forms of social media like online video, webcasting, etc. It would not be wrong to say that the age of Web 2.0 is just round the corner!

Web Community Calls for Stricter Internet Harassment Laws

The tragic death of 13-year-old Megan Meier has shaken the online community. The American teenage girl recently committed suicide; reportedly because she was being harassed through her MySpace account.

Megan's mother, Tina Meier, has called for strict action from the cyber law makers world over. She recommends criminalisation of such behaviour; and is getting tremendous support from web users, who are now voicing similar concerns.

There have been quite a few cases of harassment and bullying, especially involving teenagers. (I have even written a post on the same!). Most of the victims of such harassment usually go through tremendous mental stress, mainly because they are impressionable at this age.

Megan's act simply proves she was completely fed up of what was being written about her. And unfortunately, this is something that can happen to any one of us; anywhere. It is quite convenient for bullies to create an account in any of the social networking sites and write whatever they want, about whoever they want.

It is time Internet legislators step forward and come up with laws against stalking, harassment and child endangerment online. Some concrete action in this regard is expected by early next year.

Online reports claim that lawmakers in the US might actually make it a misdemeanour to misrepresent one's identity on the web, especially when you are sending messages to someone. In fact, there are reports that a bill on banning online harassment might be on the cards.

As a regular user of the World Wide Web, I too have the same concern. Youngsters, especially, should not be targeted in such a way that they are incited to do something drastic.

Opinionated? Spread your 'Knol' with Google

Search engine giant, Google, has recently announced the launch of its publishing platform. To be known as Knol (as in a unit of 'knowledge'), this platform will function on the lines of Wikipedia and Maholo – two of the most popular knowledge banks online.

Web users can create topics and write content on anything and everything that interests them. They can also use various tools to interlink articles and content on the website.

However, unlike sites like Wikipedia, Knol will give absolute power to its authors. It will actually acknowledge the source of a write-up's origin by highlighting its author. Therefore, as a contributor, you can make a name for yourself in through Google.

Users will not have the rights to edit articles posted online. They can only submit their suggestions to the original author for approval. Google itself will not indulge in editing or advocating the posted content.

Eventually, authors will also be able to monetise their content by using Google's contextual advertising programmes. This will motivate more web users to put forward their contributions for Knol. The lure of getting a 'byline' with your write-up will involve a huge number of people in this project.

Although experts insist that giving absolute power in the hands of authors will ruin Google's chances of competing with similar platforms, the company thinks otherwise. In fact, the search engine company is of the view that it will help online users make better use of web content.

Are you Looking for Yourself on the World Wide Web?

A recent survey has revealed that more than half of the global online population has looked up themselves or someone else they know on the World Wide Web. Interestingly, about 47% of Internet users have searched information on themselves.

Almost 36% of the respondents said they look up for people with whom they have lost touch over the years – these people can be from their school, college, office or neighbourhood. About 9% people revealed that they often use the Internet to dig up information about the person they are dating.

Contrary to over-publicised security fears, almost 60% of the respondents said they had no issues concerning the amount of info available on the web about them. In fact, they look forward to sharing their lives with friends and even strangers.

Web 2.0 sites like Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, MySpace, etc. are actually giving them the platform to network with like-minded people all over the world. Users are increasingly choosing to share personal data like videos, photographs, phone numbers, email ids, favourites, etc. over the Internet.

This free sharing of information is giving nightmares to web security vendors and privacy advocates who feel it will lead to trouble in the long run. According to them, there is no clarity over who uses this personal data and how is the exchange controlled.

Certain users, on their part, do take security measures like limited access. By and large, the online community seems hooked to the idea of search and share.

Google Zeitgeist Reveals All and Sundry

Invariably the most-awaited report for online businesses world over, the Google Zeitgeist is a marketer's 'trends manual'. Released annually by search engine giant Google, this report gives a highly accurate and detailed insight into the world of search queries.

With the release of the 2007 edition of Google Zeitgeist, businesses now have a fair idea of what sells in the online marketplace. At least they now know what their niche audience is searching for.

As per the report, Apple's iPhone is the fastest-rising global search term. It is followed by online community Badoo and social networking website Facebook. As far as Google News is concerned, showbiz easily takes the cake for being the most searched-for industry. Terms like American Idol, YouTube, 2007 Cricket World Cup, Britney Spears, etc. have dominated search engines.

Surprisingly, unlike Yahoo, none of the top searches on Google are related to environmental issues. Quite a glaring omission indeed! Interestingly, Google Zeitgeist reveals that the search engine is 'philosophising' big time. Users have posted millions of search queries seeking answers to their questions. Guess Google has taken the journalistic principle of 'Five Ws and One H' a little too seriously!

Overall, it will not be wrong to say that the Google Zeitgeist report lives up to its name. It actually reveals the spirit of today's web users and the kind of issues that interest them. Marketers, it is time to give your prospects due respect.

Email Junking – On a High!

A web security firm in the US has recently published reports stating that nearly 95 percent of emails sent in the year 2007 were 'spam mails'. And, expectedly, this form of junk advertising is loathed by recipients of such mails.

Despite the government's constant efforts in restricting the flow of unwanted messages, the amount of junk email is just growing every year. Sanctioned penalties for spammers has also not been able to check this nuisance.

And, the worst part is, spammers' identities are not traceable, as they use other people's websites or computers to send junk messages to online users.

The World Wide Web is encountering a 'spam war' between spammers and security vendors, with the latter voicing the need for round-the-clock defense operations to monitor such activities.

This new high in email junking will cost the web very dear, as most of its users are put off by this constant invasion of their inboxes. The report clearly states that more than anything else, recipients find it highly irritating. Whether this menace will be controlled or not, only time will tell.

YouTube Users to Share Ad Generated Profits

It is profit-making time again for users of YouTube. The highly-popular video-sharing web community has launched its Partner Program which allows the site's most prolific users to get a share of the its advertising revenue.

Users have the option of picking the videos that they want to be displayed alongside adverts. Thus, they will have the chance of earning a part of the revenues generated by these corresponding ads.

YouTube has invited applications from its users living in Canada and the US. The scheme is all set to cater to the international market soon. After receiving applications, YouTube will pick its most dedicated community members who have been uploading original content and have managed to build a significant audience on the site.

Users who have consistently complied with the website's terms of use stand a good chance at being selected for the profit scheme. The Partner Program works on a non-exclusive agreement, allowing users to post their videos elsewhere even if they become a partner with YouTube.

Although the amount of profit payable has not been made public as yet, for users, something is definitely better than anything.

The World Wide Web to Accompany Flyers Soon

In the next few weeks, a few airlines in Europe and the United States will begin testing what is touted to be the heralding of yet another new era in the World Wide Web. The concept of Airborne Internet is getting closer to reality with each passing day now.

Millions of travelers preparing to go on vacations this Christmas will get a first-hand experience of a new generation of on-board email and text messaging services. You can avail these in-flight services with the help of your cellphones or portable devices.

By 2008, most American and European airlines plan to roll out the technology across most of their fleets. As of now, a few airlines like JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, Virgin America, Alaska Airlines, Air France-KLM, BMI, TAP, Ryanair, etc., are providing this service either free or at a nominal price.

Even though many international airlines have been offering this service in their flights, it is now all set to take off commercially. Interestingly, flyers might also get the chance of making phone calls over the Internet.

Experts insist issues like air safety and communication regulators should be taken into consideration before airlines jump into this bandwagon, in lure of increased market value. As far as flyers are concerned, it is a case of the more, the better!

Internet Sales to Cross £7-Billion Mark

Christmas is set to bring in windfalls for web businesses world over. Since November end, online shoppers have been logging on to the Internet in unprecedented numbers and e-sales are touted to touch the magic figures of £7.4 billion by Christmas. This figure is a whopping 106 percent up from the sales figures of December 2006.

According to online statistics, the total amount of online sales is expected to touch £53 billion. About 62 percent people in the UK are using the web to shop for Christmas. With broadband making its way to more than 15.5 million households in the country, evening time is the highly profitable for businesses. This is because most shoppers prefer to use the web after office hours, in the comfort of their homes.

The decrease in security fears related to e-shopping has also contributed to this upsurge in sales. People are not very wary of trading online and are increasingly becoming familiar with using their credit cards without any trouble. Amazon, Play.com, Dell and Apple are reaping the biggest share of benefits from this shopping frenzy.

Happy shopping to all of us!!!

Internet Sales to Cross £7-Billion Mark

Christmas is set to bring in windfalls for web businesses world over. Since November end, online shoppers have been logging on to the Internet in unprecedented numbers and e-sales are touted to touch the magic figures of £7.4 billion by Christmas. This figure is a whopping 106 percent up from the sales figures of December 2006.

According to online statistics, the total amount of online sales is expected to touch £53 billion. About 62 percent people in the UK are using the web to shop for Christmas. With broadband making its way to more than 15.5 million households in the country, evening time is the highly profitable for businesses. This is because most shoppers prefer to use the web after office hours, in the comfort of their homes.

The decrease in security fears related to e-shopping has also contributed to this upsurge in sales. People are not very wary of trading online and are increasingly becoming familiar with using their credit cards without any trouble. Amazon, Play.com, Dell and Apple are reaping the biggest share of benefits from this shopping frenzy.

Happy shopping to all of us!!!

Nielsen to Foster Web Surveillance with New System

Media research giant, Nielsen, is developing a system that'll police websites for copyrighted material. Not just that, it'll also notify original site owners or content providers whenever their media material has been posted without due authorisation.

Working in collaboration with Digimarc, a digital watermarking technology provider, Nielsen is tapping its current technological expertise to come up with this system by the second quarter of 2008.

Initially, this service will be used for TV programmes, clips of which freely circulate in various user-generated content sites. According to industry researchers, most of this content is used without permission from or compensation to the copyright holder, that is, the original content provider.

This free sharing of data between peers has led to increased tension between Hollywood studios producing such programmes and Internet companies allowing such services. In fact, many studios have filed copyright infringement lawsuits against the biggest of web companies.

Hopefully, this new system will help bring down the number of such cases. As experts claim, it is not about policing the Internet, but about establishing stronger and more reliable relationships on the World Wide Web.

Web Hijack Plan Busted in Time

Just when we were talking about cyber espionage as a major security threat to the world, comes news that a planned web hijack campaign has been busted. Sunbelt Software, one of the companies responsible for this expose, claims that this operation could have been the biggest of its kinds.

The hackers had developed a huge number of malicious websites and tricked search engines to get high rankings on their result listings. Whenever a user typed search terms like 'Christmas Gifts', etc. these sites would come up on good rankings. If the user clicked on these links, their machines would have been hijacked and personal data accessed.

The owners of these malicious domains used comment spam on blogs to improve their prospects in search engine rankings. By doing so, they convinced search engines that they were good, real sources of information and deserved to be ranked high. These sites catered to a wide range of search terms, especially the ones related to the upcoming holiday fervour.

The thwarting of this campaign has alerted the online world and lay users. Industry experts are now planning to take more stringent measures to keep a tab on such fraudulent activities happening on the World Wide Web.

What has the World been Searching for? ... Latest Yahoo Report Reveals

Search engine giant, Yahoo, has come up with an exciting report on search trends based on its users' search queries. The year 2007 witnessed millions of web users making billions of searches on Yahoo, and this report enlists the most popular searches in various categories.

According to the report, YouTube, Wikipedia and Facebook have grabbed the top three spots in the tech list. The next three spots were taken by Apple's products and services, followed by gaming consoles. Interestingly, there have been a huge number of searches on environmental issues like global warming, solar energy, recycling, etc. This trend shows that people are getting increasingly concerned about issues that are directly not related to their lives.

Most consumers were keen to search for product recalls. Ranging from government reports to specific manufacturer recall lists, these searches actually show that users trust the web and feel that they can exercise greater control through this medium.

Above all, the Yahoo report reveals that the global populace has been using search engines like never before. From personal to global issues, people are interested in anything and everything, and they prefer using search engines to seek desired information.

Internet Bullying is the Latest Cause of Concern

Step aside Internet spies and hackers... the Bullies are on their way! Parents and schools in the US are having a tough time in battling a menace called Internet bullying. Kids are using the World Wide Web to send hateful text messages, abusive emails and spread cyber gossip. And the worst part is, all this happens from the supposedly 'secure' environment of their homes.

An increasing number of children insist that they had never been bullied before, and are therefore finding it exceedingly difficult to cope up with the situation. Experts assert that the solution does not lie in banning of the Internet. Instead, parents and teachers should come together and help kids out of such situations.

When it comes to the number of kids harassed online, the latest report shows a 50 percent increase in the 10 to 17 age bracket. It also states that more than 64 percent of the victims have not faced any kind of physical or verbal aggression otherwise.

The biggest reason behind the 'success' of Internet bullying is the anonymity factor of the web. You can easily create pseudo names or email ids and use them to harass others, without risking the revelation of your true identity.

Schools in the US are taking this matter seriously and plan to come up with strategies that can keep a check on these activities. Certain cyber-building policies will also be formulated in this regard.

With the Internet getting murkier with each passing day, you never know what you will have to counter the next time round.

Cyber Espionage Major Threat to Global Security

A recent cyber security report by McAfee, the computer security firm, has revealed that cyber espionage will be one of the greatest threats to global peace in the year 2008. It has raised concern that essential online services face a security threat from spies who have infiltrated the World Wide Web.

The 'virtual criminology report' states that the number of 'cyber terrorists' is on the rise. These entities are increasingly using the Internet as a weapon against national governments, attacking their infrastructure systems, including electricity, air traffic control, computer networks, finance markets, stock exchanges, et al. Not just this, they are also targeting individual companies that generate revenues in billions.

Industry experts insist that cyber crime has now become a global issue and is no more limited to just individuals. The only probable solution lies in governments joining hands to pursue corrective measures. This will involve development of technologies that can keep a check on cyber espionage, and if possible, control it to an extent.