Taking Charge Of Change: MSG Pushes Boundaries, Builds Bridges, Sets Benchmarks
Many regular readers have contacted me over the last week to inquire about changes at MSG, so let me take some time at the end of a monumental week to fill you in. Since the “official” official launch took place on October 12, I have spent much of my time organizing a top-notch team of writers as well as reaching out to c-level executives and thought-leaders for columns, articles and opinion pieces. I’m pleased to report that each individual I have approached is eager to contribute; a testament to the vision of this site and my own personal mission to establish MSG as a catalyst for broad topic discussion and advancement on the subject of mobile search and all things at the intersection of content and context.
Look for a lively mix of contributions from major players including Google, Yahoo, Nokia and a mix of white-label providers, as well as insights from exciting companies sure to make an indelible mark on 2008. On Monday it is my pleasure and honor to post an overview of the recommender industry written by Rick Hangartner, Chief Scientist at MyStrands, a provider of recommender systems that recently raised $24 million in another round of funding – bringing the total to $55 million. (MSG has tracked the company from the start. Listen to the exclusive podcast here.)
Speaking of podcasts, I have invested in a small studio to expertly edit and produce an ongoing series of audio interviews with industry movers and shakers. At the request of regular readers, I have extended this service to companies on a sponsorship basis. JumpTap is just one of many companies to communicate its strategy, view and roadmap via the MSG Sponsored Podcast Series. JumpTap is pleased with the results (Part 2 features Dan Olschwang, JumpTap CEO) and I’m happily in my element again since I actually started out working for National Public Radio in the U.S.
If you are interested in developing a podcast series with MSG, then please contact Jennifer Abelson. Jennifer, who is CEO of the Abelson Group, a U.S.-based PR firm, has been instrumental in delivering MSG’s message to companies in this space and I look forward to working with her as MSG expands its reach into industry events and topic discussions.
In this vein, MSG will hold an invitation-only roundtable during Mobile World Congress in February to debate mobile search and mobile advertising with senior executives from a mix of vendors and mobile operators. I’ll circle back with more details closer to the event.
I am indeed fortunate to have connected with a wonderful and dedicated team of professionals that share my commitment to quality and my passion for new ideas. Happy coincidence has reunited me with Peggy Albright, a veteran analyst whom I have had the pleasure of working with on Informa mobile portal usability reports and white papers. Peggy will collaborate with MSG to produce a series of monthly mobile search performance reports throughout 2008. This research service will routinely and thoroughly investigate the capabilities and performance characteristics of mobile search solutions available to users in the U.S., Europe and other markets.
No doubt 2008 will be a milestone year for MSG. I look forward to co-creating this site with you all and warmly invite your comments and feedback!
