The First Facility Management Blog

While this originally circulated as a true story, it is really an Urban Legend that evolved out of a simple three line joke that has been around since the late 1990s. Here’s the joke:

There’s word in business circles that the computer industry likes to measure itself against the Big Three auto makers. The comparison goes this way: If automotive technology had kept pace with Silicon Valley, motorists could buy a V-32 engine that goes 10,000 m.p.h. or a 30 pound car that gets 1,000 miles to the gallon—either one at a sticker price of less than $50. Detroit’s response: “OK, but who would want a car that crashes twice a day?”

For all of us who feel only the deepest love and affection for the way computers have enhanced our lives (or those who have followed the painful death spiral of the U.S. auto industry), read on. It’s funny even if it’s not true.

At a recent computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry and stated, “If GM had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25 cars that got 1,000 miles to the gallon.” In response to Bill’s comments, General Motors issued a press release stating: “If GM had developed technology like Microsoft, we would all be driving cars with the following characteristics:

1. For no reason whatsoever, your car would crash……..twice a day.

2. Every time they repainted the lines in the road, you would have to buy a new car.

3. Occasionally your car would die on the freeway for no reason. You would have to pull to the side of the road, close all of the windows, shut off the car, restart it, and reopen the windows before you could continue. For some reason you would simply accept this.

4. Occasionally, executing a maneuver such as a left turn would cause your car to shut down and refuse to restart, in which case you would have to reinstall the engine.

5. Macintosh would make a car that was powered by the sun, was reliable, five times as fast and twice as easy to drive - but would run on only 5% of the roads.

6. The oil, water temperature, and alternator warning lights would all be replaced by a single “This Car Has Performed An Illegal Operation” warning light.

7. The airbag system would ask “Are you sure?” before deploying.

8. Occasionally, for no reason whatsoever, your car would lock you out and refuse to let you in until you simultaneously lifted the door handle, turned the key and grabbed hold of the radio antenna. (In essence, ctrl, alt, del .)

9. Every time a new car was introduced car buyers would have to learn how to drive all over again because none of the controls would operate in the same manner as the old car.

10. You’d have to press the “Start” button to turn the engine off.

Thanks to Luann Rathemacher for submitting this.

Within the current economic landscape, corporations are going to continue to cut expenses. With current workforces becoming further geographically spread along with the introduction of new technologies, alternative workplace strategies (AWS) present opportunity that can potentially save on salary cuts and freezes. Still, the largest challenge continues to be a lack of support from senior management; this is according to a recent survey of CoreNet Global Dallas Summit registrants.

Many furniture companies are addressing AWS needs with flexible design. (courtesy of Trendway)

Microsoft, with CoreNet Global, continued its effort on an international survey examining the successes, challenges, and drivers of AWS. (Microsoft and CoreNet Global last partnered for a North American study in October 2008.) The current survey specifically examined registrants to the Dallas Global Summit with 71% representing large scale, global operations. An international survey was also distributed at the Macau Global Summit.

The economic landscape has ushered in a more mobile workforce at a faster pace with an overall shrinking corporate footprint. In fact, 55% of survey respondents agreed that the commitment to the overall AWS strategy has increased significantly to support current economic conditions. Sixty-one percent of respondents reported having a greater commitment to their AWS programs. Whether working in open office settings, satellite offices or other remote locations, employers are becoming more flexible with the technologies used to match the people and places where the work is being done.

Read TFM’s May 2009 article on furniture trends, “Working The System”

The CoreNet/Microsoft survey of international workplace and corporate real estate executives (CRE) continued in line with findings from the other international findings that not only are AWS programs going to grow, but 76% of the respondents report the presence of these programs within their organization already. A difference that was noted to be specific to Dallas is of those companies that already have programs in place, 71% have been in place for at least two years. The early adopters, those programs that have been in place for less than two years, were fewer, at 29%.

The survey revealed a slight difference in the number of employees within corporations embracing these programs. In the survey at the Orlando Summit in November 2008, over half of the companies surveyed reported less than 10% of employee participation. For Dallas, there was almost one-fifth of companies reporting between 10% to 20% participation with 47% of companies forecasting a slight change over the next three years.

“From our global survey we have consistently seen two main reasons corporations are implementing existing AWS,” said Katherine Randolph, director, Unified Communications for Microsoft. “The first reason is about people—the ability to attract and retain talent and provide a better work-life balance by enabling employees the flexibility to work remotely. Second, improving productivity and collaboration. Cost, whether right sizing the portfolio or overall cost cutting, were also important, but less than the people issues. Empowered by the latest realities in mobile technology, Corporate Real Estate is working closer with IT and Human Resource departments build a joint vision for the best possible workplace and make it a reality within the current global economy.”

Companies in the survey are currently looking to reduce operating expenses wherever possible with 62% of respondents agreeing that current conditions are likely to continue through 2010. Travel is the highest area of reduction followed by hiring freezes, staff reduction, and bonus/salary reduction.

Fifty-seven percent of companies stated that AWS strategy of Telework is a component to the reduced travel policy. Within Telework, e-mail continues to be the number one form of communication. Web conferencing is used by 80% of respondents’ companies, and instant messaging, voice over IP, and video conferencing are all being used.

While the survey noted regional trends in rolling out AWS programs, North American and European operations are further along in development of AWS programs. All other global regions have ample room for growth and adoption. Top regions that are actively rolling out, are in the processing of piloting, deploying or have completed the rollout include: North America (96%); Europe (65%); Other Asia/Pacific Rim (48%); and India (46%).

“The economy has dealt our members many business challenges over the past year. As an industry, CRE is adopting new practices including flexible programs such as alternative workplace strategies, which will ultimately lead to much smarter business decisions,” said Dr. Prentice Knight, CEO of CoreNet Global.

With Earth Day just around the corner, a new MSN Green survey finds it’s not always so easy being green. The survey found that overwhelmingly, almost 70% of the Americans surveyed say that they would never limit toilet flushes to conserve water or use a kitchen compost.

As the country celebrates Earth Day, statistics show America produces enough trash in one day to equal the weight of the Empire State Building. Although half of respondents say they recycle everything possible, the rest of America needs some convincing, or some help. Nearly half (46%) say it will take a simplified system for identifying recyclables and curbside pickup to motivate them to recycle all their waste. However, according to the MSN Green Earth Day Survey, almost 20% of people still do not have access to a local recycling service, and others do not know what a carbon footprint is.

“Educating one’s self is a quick and easy way for people to play a part in this year’s Earth Day,” said Lisa Tiedt, MSN Green Expert. “MSN Green is the all-in-one source for news, information and tools that inspire people to enrich their lives and the environment — around the world and around the block.”

“To achieve long-term sustainability, Americans are going to have to go above and beyond their traditional green routines of recycling, and work to influence policy that will open up additional recycling options and keep people from littering,” Tiedt said.

Luckily, some people are showing their willingness to becoming more eco-friendly.

When asked what deed they would do to help reduce their carbon footprint, almost half (49%) of respondents said they would either give up air conditioning for a summer or become a vegetarian for a year. However, eco-friendliness has its limits. According to the survey, almost a third of the Americans surveyed say it would take either a tax credit or $1 million for them to recycle or compost all of their waste.

Forty percent of respondents believe that most people go green for factors unrelated to the environment. Instead, they believe most do it because of a celebrity role model or because they are a trend follower. So, if all else fails, America can always look to celebrities to lead the green charge — with Leonardo DiCaprio heading the pack among female respondents as the most inspirational eco-celeb and Cameron Diaz among male respondents.

From eco-friendly cooking and cleaning tips to the best hybrid cars and gardening tips, MSN Green gives eco-friendly citizens all the information they desire. Consumers can find tips and tricks on how to achieve a more happy, healthy and sustainable lifestyle at http://green.msn.com.

For the eighth consecutive year, SimplexGrinnell has earned certified status in Microsoft’s Partner Program. As a Certified Partner, the company has consistently demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft technologies and proven ability in meeting customer requirements. Microsoft Certified Partners receive benefits from Microsoft, including access, training and support that can provide a competitive advantage in the industry.

According to Tom Giannini, CPP, director of security and emergency communications marketing, “Earning the designation of Microsoft Certified Partner reflects SimplexGrinnell’s proven experience in planning and implementing integrated enterprise solutions for our customers. SimplexGrinnell is extremely proud of our continued Microsoft certified status–a key differentiator that defines the depth and breadth of our integrated security capabilities and affirms our ability to deliver integrated solutions in some of the world’s most critical and challenging security environments.”

As a leading systems integrator, SimplexGrinnell has the resources and knowledge to offer complete enterprise solutions for virtually any large-scale systems integration application, from college campuses, hospitals and corporate headquarters to office towers, petrochemical plants and manufacturing facilities.

“Only companies that have demonstrated high levels of customer service, proved their experience, and attained advanced certification receive the designation of Microsoft Certified Partner,” said Allison Watson, vice president of the Worldwide Partner Sales and Marketing Group at Microsoft Corp. “Today, Microsoft once again recognizes SimplexGrinnell for its skills and expertise in providing customer satisfaction with Microsoft products and technology.”

Networking Infrastructure Solutions Competency
In addition to earning certified status, SimplexGrinnell has declared a Microsoft Competency, which is designed to help differentiate a partner’s capabilities with specific Microsoft technologies to customers looking for a particular type of solution. Each competency has a unique set of requirements and benefits, formulated to accurately represent the specific skills and services that partners bring to the technology industry.

By enrolling in the Networking Infrastructure Solutions Competency, SimplexGrinnell proved its competency in implementing enterprise-level technology solutions based on the Microsoft Windows Server™ 2003 and Windows® 2000 Server operating systems.