Important Announcement #6
DATE: July 27, 1994
TO: Industry Colleagues And Friends
FROM: John Stiernberg
SUBJECT: Digital Communications, Trends, And Latest News!
More Big News: This is to share some ideas and update you on activities since Important Announcement #5 was sent in March 1994.
Digital Communications: Business Tools Or Gadgets?
Digital communications, both wired and wireless, is an industry hot button. No longer solely the domain of the military and academic worlds, the use of computers to communicate electronically is hitting the mainstream. Example: the June 1994 issue of Playboy magazine included an article entitled "Confessions of an Internet Junkie". Obviously, this is neither a trade publication nor a computer enthusiast's fanzine.
Increasingly businesses are embracing digital communications as a tool for marketing, sales, and operations. Salesforces use computers to access company databases (order entry and tracking, E-mail, online technical support). Manufacturers offer dealers and end-users access to sales and technical information through private bulletin boards, public special interest groups, and custom software on floppy disk or CD-ROM. Sophisticated point-of-sale systems can capture user preferences and track sales nationwide. Publications are offered in "analog" (traditional print media) and digital formats (online and disk-based).
The proliferation of modestly-priced digital devices (laptops, palmtops, personal digital assistants, screenphones, and conventional computers, telephones, and fax machines) is making digital communications accessible to virtually everyone in business. There is a learning curve and capital investment, but the payoff can be big: sharing information with speed, accuracy, and cost effectiveness. Today's businesses need to embrace this trend to remain competitive and stay in touch with customers.
Faxback Survey #6: Are You Connected?
The trend is clear: digital technology is at our disposal and its use is on the increase. We can use the tools today, not needing to wait for the highly publicized "information superhighway" or fiber optic networks offering the elusive video-on-demand. How does your firm use today's digital communications media? Are you affiliated with a public online information service? Do you offer electronic communications options to your staff or customers?
Your feedback on this topic is valuable. Please respond via Faxback Survey #6 enclosed. Simply make a few notes and fax or mail as indicated.
Results of the survey will be announced in Important Announcement #7. We will also announce then how to reach us online.
Residential Systems Integration Series Continues
Look for articles, written by yours truly, in upcoming issues of "Sound and Video Contractor" magazine.
-"Enhancing Residential Systems" (focus on the retrofit market) in the 8/20/94 issue
-"Multimedia, Networking, and Residential Contracting" in 9/20/94 issue
-"How to Sell More Residential Jobs" in 10/20/94 issue
If you don't receive the magazine or would like an authorized copy, please request via Faxback Survey #6. Copies of other recent articles on the residential integrated systems market are also available upon request.
Survey Results: We Have Another Winner!
Thanks to those of you who responded to Faxback Survey #4. Sixty-three percent of those responding indicated that a planned public relations program is either vital or important to their businesses. Fifty-eight percent handle publicity through in-house staff. More detailed results are available upon request--see Faxback Survey #6 attached.
The winner of the CD-ROM is Kevin Byrne. Kevin is president of EuroSon America. Congratulations Kevin!
See You At Upcoming Trade Events
I will be attending upcoming industry events and would like to know if you are planning to attend:
* CEDIA September 8-11, 1994, in Dallas, TX
* Forum 94 October 3-5, 1994, in San Diego, CA
* World Media Expo October 12-15, 1994, in Los Angeles, CA
* AES November 18-21, 1994, in San Francisco, CA
Please let me know if you or someone from your company will be attending each of these key events. Simply check the appropriate box on the enclosed Faxback Survey #6.
Special Prize Drawing
As promised last issue, the prize drawing is a regular feature of the Important Announcement Series. Here's how to enter:
Returning the survey enters you in the special prize drawing. The prize is a copy of "The Whole Internet User's Guide and Encyclopedia" by Ed Krol. The book is highly regarded as a comprehensive Internet resource: how to access, what's online, and more.
On Tuesday, August 16, 1994, the winning survey will be drawn at random from the ones received by either fax or mail. Sound like fun? Please respond!
Let's Talk Soon!
Our practice is now in its second year. Jeanne Stiernberg joined the firm full time in January 1994. The time has gone by quickly. Thanks for your continued interest in our activities--looking forward to hearing from you!