AMR Research offers a quick insight into the improving profile of software vendor's operating model - that is to say, cash burn.

Vendors[base '] Operating Models Have Caught Up With Reality [AMR Research] 

12:51:52 PM   

At best, Handspring's trials of a voice response system to aid customers in diagnosing handheld problems sports a 30% success rate. I guess a company that offers no toll-free help line and only limited access to live technicians during business hours would see that as a success worth crowing about. Registration Required

Need to Fix a Computer? Ask Another Computer. Handspring recently began testing an unusual software program that uses artificial intelligence and speech recognition to talk Handspring's callers through repairs. [The New York Times: Technology] 

8:10:32 AM   

For marketing and PR staffers, searching through editorial calendars is a low return, time consuming effort. A new company thinks they have a better way.

Web-Based Service Seeks to Link Writers, Topics. Stephen W.T. O'Keeffe thinks his new company will be able to make the often-adversarial relationship between reporters and public relations executives a little more peaceful. [The Washington Post : Business] 

8:00:09 AM   

Had the opportunity to work on this project and the article understates the amount of work required to do the deal.

It All Begins With an Idea . . .. Many workaday Washington types would think that Prashanth Viswanath Boccasam had taken leave of his senses. But venture capitalists are listening to his pitch. [The Washington Post : Business] 

7:36:40 AM