Comcast + NBC Universal merger

Comcast needs to overcome the imminent threats from IPTV based services and services like Hulu, Netflix and iVillage, which deliver content over Internet. With more and more TVs being internet capable the threat of these services eating into the cable business is bigger than before. Comcast also needs to deliver the content to all consumer devices not just to TV.

Will Comcast be able to spread and in turn increase it's revenue stream or will it end up being a miserable merger like AOL and Time Warner? A somewhat optimistic article discusses the merger.

Longer lifespans

Interesting article talks about the possibility of longer lifespans for the future generations and the potential implications. Interesting quote: "20th century was an era of redistribution of income, whereas 21st century would be an era of redistribution of work".

Online Retailer - Amazon

Amazon.com is being mentioned along with the retail behemoth Walmart in the same sentence. Very impressive!

Amazon.com, in the recent past, is making the headlines with all kinds of initiatives ranging from engaging in price wars to Amazon Web Services to Kindle. Its efforts seem to be paying off quite well. The company's free cash flow increased by 98% over the past year. The online retail sales are growing despite the recession.

Amazon.com was the first to make it much easier and comfortable for shoppers to purchase merchandise online. It has decent recommendation engine which sometimes entice shoppers to purchase additional items. It's expertise in delivering the the merchandise to the customers directly is enviable. It doesn't necessarily carry the whole inventory but optimally leverages that of it's partners like Target, Toys R US. Customer service was a big advantage for the brick and mortar stores, but Amazon is stepping up their service by offering free return shipping at times.

The brick and mortar stores are trying to enhance their online stores, but Google seems to be closing in on Amazon's lead. Google recently launched the Commerce Search and made it obvious that it wants to be the ecommerce driver.

Meanwhile, Black Friday is next week. Bring on the deals, yeah!

Haas EWMBA

After mulling over the MBA decision, I am now applying to the UC Berkeley (Haas) part-time; 3-yr Evening and Weekend MBA program. I have decided to stay put in the US, so it's better to join a reputed and preferably a local school. The Haas program is clearly the best choice in the San Francisco area.

The Haas EWMBA program is 3 yr course and costs around 100k. One of my undergrad classmates is currently enrolled in the Haas EWMBA and has extremely good things to say about it. In his opinion, it's better to study the entire program at a slower pace. It gives the student enough time to absorb the material.

From my point of view, I will be able to commit time sufficient only for slow paced MBA program for the next 2-3 years due to work and family commitments. No doubt, an MBA will boost my career but there is no pressing reason for me to get an MBA in the next year or two. Moreover, I want to enjoy the MBA experience. If I over-commit my time, I may find the experience painful.

There are three other programs mentioning:

1. Wharton west executive MBA

2. Berkeley-Columbia executive MBA

3. UCLA executive MBA

All the three executive programs mentioned above are very good, but I would need to spend many nights away from the family even if for a short duration at a time. Moreover, the first two programs are extremely expensive. Wharton runs at around USD 165K, whereas Berkeley-Columbia costs 145K. The UCLA executive program is comparable to the Haas program and costs around 105k - almost the same as Haas EWMBA.

Haas EWMBA, here I come!

Back after a short break!

I had a good reason not to be active on this blog - my wife and I had a new addition to our family. Our second bundle of joy. It's fun with kids around and yes I make weird faces :-)