Design & Analysis Software

Social networking sites like Facebook, Twittter and LinkedIn are all the rage, but how valuable are they as business tools? Google sees plenty of potential, inviting some 100,000 outside software developers to tinker with Wave, a new service now under development that will combine instant messaging, email, and real-time collaboration. Which social networking Web sites do you use most, and what value are they to your job responsibilities and career growth?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Design & Analysis Software, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Design & Analysis Software today.

As of mid-September, 17 states had passed legislation banning text messaging while driving. Moreover, major companies, such as Verizon Wireless and Ford Motor, are urging passage of federal legislation prohibiting behind-the-wheel texting nationwide. States that refuse to enforce the ban would lose 25% of federal highway money, according to a bill sponsored by Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY). With a rising number of auto accidents linked to texting, do you support such legislation? Would you support a total ban on cell phone use by drivers?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Design & Analysis Software, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Design & Analysis Software today.

With Americans racing to auto dealerships to collect vouchers of up to $4,500 for trading older cars for high-mileage new ones, Washington has approved an additional $2 billion for the Car Allowance Rebate program. The Administration claims that the initial $1 billion allocated for this "cash-for-clunkers" campaign triggered sales of nearly 250,000 new vehicles and that the new money will lead to 500,000 more purchases. Is this program a cost-effective tool for boosting the economy? And will it encourage long-term interest in fuel economy?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Design & Analysis Software, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Design & Analysis Software today.

The Obama administration is pushing for tough new regulations on the financial system — and urging other governments worldwide to do the same. A new oversight council, led by the Treasury Department, would address regulatory gaps and monitor large banks whose failure would threaten the entire economy. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation would also get increased powers to seize troubled banks and other lenders when they falter. Do you support such moves to rein in financial institutions — or can they be trusted to clean up their own act?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Design & Analysis Software, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Design & Analysis Software today.

Thanks to new federal credit card regulations effective July 2010, consumers will avoid retroactive interest rate increases on existing card balances. They'll also get more time to pay monthly bills and more advance notice of changes in credit card terms, while facing fewer penalty fees and late charges. But, analysts say, the changes will lead to higher interest rates, a reduction in the amount of credit available, and new annual charges for those who carry no balance and use cards only for a convenience. What's your view on these tough new credit card rules?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Design & Analysis Software, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Design & Analysis Software today.