Nvidia, the wonder child of the tech world just announced a $50 billion stock buy back. Stock buybacks are when a company uses it cash to purchase its own shares. There are a number of reasons for doing this. But it starts off with the company having an excess of cash and coming to the … Continue reading
Category Archives: about business
Intel is dying
I have been part of two significant technology companies that were leaders in their fields at one time, the time: Digital Equipment Corp and Intel. I was a Digital from 1979-1983 and Intel from 1984-1999. Both companies, founded by outstanding entrepreneurs, left an indelible mark on the computer industry. Their strong cultures, while a source … Continue reading
Gordon Bell 1934-2024
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/21/technology/c-gordon-bell-dead.html Gordon Bell, a remarkable man, left us a few days ago at 89. I first met him in 1973, when I was in my mid-20s and he was in his 30s. Gordon came to Rotterdam, where I had organized a local Digital Equipment Corporation user group, DECUS meeting. Gordon was vice president of Engineering … Continue reading
What am I doing in Amsterdam and why it might matter to you
I am writing a white paper on how AI will transform the diagnosis and treatment of cancer but in the meantime, please read this interview. Continue reading
My Vision Pro Demo-I am not Buying One
Yesterday, I had a demo of the Vision Pro at an Apple Store. It was easy to get, which is not a positive indicator for sales. Over a long time, I decided to skip having the demo after concluding from reading/watching several reviews that I would not buy one. There was no compelling reason that … Continue reading
AI / Technology
Augmented Awareness
While there is a great deal of focus on generative AI and in particular ChatGDP and Bard, there are many other applications of AI that will have a profound impact on our lives. I am in particular interested in how AI can augment our senses and our awareness. The End of Lying Visualize a … Continue reading
Cable Modems and Curing Cancer
These days, I am busy working on technologies to detect and treat cancer. I thought I was done with work, but I could not resist having another opportunity to make a difference. As I approach 80 (79 next month), I am sure this is my last chance. Thinking about the future always makes me think … Continue reading
Intel’s dominance of the PC Microprocessor business
I have written about my concept for understanding businesses, which I call Oyster for Opportunity, Strategy, Execution, and Reward. Recently, I have been discussing with someone from a company I advise. I was asked to see if I had any materials from the past, for instance, from my time at Intel, that dealt with strategy. … Continue reading
One of my favored questions for entrepreneurs is, “Why now?”
Here is another lesson: “Why now?” is one of the most profound questions that can be asked when contemplating starting a new business. Rarely has a great opportunity languished, waiting for the light to turn on inside the brain of some genius entrepreneur. Usually, an event or, most likely, a sequence of events creates the … Continue reading
If you have to give a demo for someone to understand your business, you don’t have a business
This is a continuation of of lessons I am posting on this blog. I may use them to do a podcast or even a video course. Not sure, yet. Look forward to your comments here or feel free to send an email to flightofthewildduckbook@gmail.com. Don’t forget to read my book, The Flight of a Wild … Continue reading
Two Thirds Done 