Topic 1: Update on the update: Alphabet cancels their balloon-based internet offering

Apparently, they listened to last week’s show. After many years and billions spent, Alphabet (Google) has dropped their plans to provide Internet access to remote areas via lighter-than-air balloons.

Side note: We are deep inside an era where private organizations are taking on challenges - and trying new things - without direct government help.

Related Link:
https://www.cnet.com/news/google-parent-company-shutting-down-loon-its-internet-beaming-balloon-project/

Topic 2: Shall we adopted the word “integrator” to describe our channel partners?

A view from another industry. The Commercial Integrator magazine proposes the work Integrator for their slice of the channel. We think this mostly works. Is there a similar term for the so-called managed services providers in the channel?

Related Link:
https://www.commercialintegrator.com/business_resources/technology-integrator/

Topic 3: Is this a good or bad use of chat bots?

Microsoft has patented some technology that they now say they will not produce. Basically, they can take pretty much anyone with a substantial data record and create a "realistic" chat bot. This easily includes lots of famous people. But it might also include someone close to you who just happens to be dead.

Creepy? Some people think so. What do you think?

Related Links:
https://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-patents-a-chatbot-to-imitate-real-people-2021-1

https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/27/tech/microsoft-chat-bot-patent/index.html

“Microsoft patented a chatbot that would let you talk to dead people. It was too disturbing for production”

-- -- --
Sponsor Memo:

MobiusConnect by Gozynta – the easiest way for ConnectWise Manage and QuickBooks online to connect. Keep invoices, expenses, and inventory automatically updated right from Manage to QuickBooks Online, and payments right back into Manage. With simple pricing, set it and forget it auto sync, Mobius Connect delivers with no restrictions on the number of invoices, expenses and payments, and plays well with others like ConnectBooster. Trusted by over a thousand MSPs now, and with a personalized onboarding, go to mobius-connect.com to try it out for free, and tell them the guys at Killing IT sent you.

:-)