Monthly Archives: August 2008

August 29, 2008

Thoughts on Internet Explorer 8

Microsoft released Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2 this week with a big push out to bloggers.  As part of my day job at Refresh we spend alot of time developing Facebook Applications and one of biggest hurdles is Internet Explorer support.  I think one of the biggest momentum shifters for Firefox has probably been Firebug.  It makes it easy for developers to develop and debug AJAX and JS applications for Firefox.  The Javascript console is awesome and there isn’t anything really close for Internet Explorer.  The result is that most web apps, including Facebook, are developed for Firefox first and then made to work on Internet Explorer.  This is a nightmare for Internet Explorer users, who are still fairly dominate, because the experience on Internet Explorer is immediately lower than Firefox.  Microsoft really needs to develop a competitive tool if they want to get serious about beating back Firefox.

My other major issue with Internet Explorer is the adoption cycle.  Many corporations are still using Internet Explorer 6 because of the update process.  Its possible to get Firefox v3 running on any computer in a matter of minutes, a quick download, install and go.  When I installed Internet Explorer 8 it downloaded for awhile ( via Windows Update ) and then immediately wanted to reboot to download some more, check for malicious software components, install, and then install updates.  The process took me about 30 mins and is very prone to errors because Internet Explorer tries to embed into the operating system.  I think Microsoft really needs to rethink the Internet Explorer architecture.  They’re done with the DOJ battle over whether Internet Explorer is a operating system component and it should be developed independently so that it can its a smaller and nimbler.  I can understand the resistance from IT staff to put all their employees through a 30 min download, reboot, download, install and then install more cycle.  The cost/benefit ratio of updating a browser just isn’t worth it.

August 3, 2008

More brand Assassination, from CIBC this time

Leigh Himel has a good post about how the opt-out campaign approach should never be used.  We’ve both been the victims of CIBC’s wonderful new Infinite Visa upgrade program.  Without talking to me CIBC has decided to upgrade me to this new VISA program while I was in Portugal at Alex & Iuliana’s wedding.   This is a perfect example of an opt-out campaign, I apparently had a limited time period to opt-out of the upgrade program.

To make matters worst I’ve never received my Infinite Visa so someone could be running around with it right now.   When I login to my old CIBC VISA program no longer get balance updates and I only have until Aug 14 to use my new Visa.  All of my direct withdrawal aggreements also need to be transfered over to my new Visa ( which I don’t have ).  CIBC has even projected a lovely 1-800 to help transfer these direct withdrawals.  My first and only call to the number included 10 mins of horrible music while I wait for a CSR to respond and tell me I need to call the vendor and make the change with them instead.

I’ve been using this card for about 10 years now and I’ve even memorized the number.  What ever benefits this new CIBC Infinite card provides pale in comparison to the inconvience of getting this new card.  And by cancelling my old card on a fairly aggressive schedule they are ensuring that I need to find a replace from here, here, here, or here.  I don’t really understand how CIBC could roll out this type of campaign and expect it to be acceptable to anyone who actually uses the their cards.

August 3, 2008

Simple solutions to complex problems

I recently had to send a letter, for the first time in a long. When I was at the Post Office ( I don’t know where else to buy stamps ). I noticed that all Canada post stamps a valid regardless of their value. Instead of having to buy $0.01 stamps when the price goes Canada Post has ey are decided that when you buy a stamp its good until you use. I don’t know the cost to print a stamp but I’m sure its greater than the $0.01 they made up with these interim stamps. I’m also sure that there is not a huge inventory of stamps being stock piled at todays prices with the hope of saving a few cents in the future. Even if people do start to stock pile them they are sure to loose a few. This new policy solves a very old problem with a really simple solution.

Another great example of a simple solution is the TTC transferable pass. For years the TTC invested in identity cards and took photos of people purchasing their monthly passes. Passes were then bound to that particular person and with the intent of getting each person in the household to purchase a separate pass. The result was that people that need to purchase a pass did, and those that used the system rarely did not. They also had to incur the cost of the photo taking equipment and the photo cards. A few years ago the TTC decided to introduce a transferable monthly pass. Anyone can use the pass also as they don’t ‘pass it back’ to someone on the same trip. The pass has been a huge success and many couples and families split a pass. Another good example of a simple solution to a very complex problem.

I think both Canada Post and TTC are great examples of how to solve problems creatively. Are there any others?