In wake of the immense growth in Software Development industry recently, England universities will now offer Software Development  for Business degrees designed by tech employers themselves. This program will allow for hands on curriculum, that will allow students to become developed developers as soon as they graduate.

The technology companies who have assisted in developing the curriculum were Tata Consultancy Services, General Dynamics, the BBC, Intel, IBM, and BT. The degree will give students business knowledge paired with their software engineering degree.

The degree will become available across the UK beginning this “Autumn” (of Fall semester as we call it).

This development is extremely applicable to us as students. As students in general it is interesting to see the desire in the tech industry to want to hire able student right out of graduation. As students in Baruch specifically, I think that Baruch should really consider following the lead of the United Kingdom, and allow for not just a development focused degrees, but a software development degree that can be offered in the Zicklin School of Business. CIS is a great degree, but it is totally different from the hands-on coding and developing that Baruch students aren’t able to study as undergrads.

Computer World UK: New Software Development Degree Designed By Tech Firms Available From Autumn

Skybox + Google

Today, Google purchased Skybox Imaging, a company that uses small satellites to transmit high-resolution images from space. One would think that this acquisition will be only used to enhance their excellent Maps, however there are various other reasons for this purchase. Google paid $500 million for this start-up. Before we address the other reasons, lets address why this acquisition can take Google Maps to a whole new level.

Currently, Google Earth and Maps use satellite images from a variety of sources, much of which are out of date. Zoom in on Google Earth or Maps, and I’m sure you will find the old Yankee Stadium, the old building on your block, or your neighbors un-renovated house. Skybox will allow for not only updated images, but higher resolution images. Also, the skybox will be able to “capture the globe” three times a day. I’m sure you have seen the Google maps car driving around your neighborhood mapping the world with their state of the art 360 cameras, so starting soon look out and up for google mapping.

Another reason why this acquisition makes sense is because Google will be cutting out the middle man for their satellite images. This is a similar vertical integration that we saw from Zara. Also, google can now sell the data they get from their new Satellites, going from a buyer to a supplier.

Lastly, and possibly most importantly, Google can use these satellites to deliver Internet signals from the sky. Google has experimented with beaming internet through hot air balloons, to create large signals. The Skybox will allow them to bring internet to areas where there previously wasn’t internet, and will help with disaster relief, by providing internet connection to storm destroyed locations.

Recently in the news we’ve seen an ambitious push by tech-giants Google and Facebook to invest in Internet connectivity from the sky. It is believed that satellites and drones are going to serve as incredible tools for businesses, governments, and individuals. Businesses will be able to monitor their parking lots, governments their border and provide internet, and individuals will be able to navigate with ease. Don’t look for the Skybox Imaging acquisition to affect you anytime soon, but down the line this $500 million investment will prove to be a smart one.

Google buys satellite start-up Skybox Imaging – CNN Money

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• Hello, my name is Zach Noble. I am currently a rising sophomore  at Baruch College. I am from Westchester, NY, however this summer I will be living in New York City, at my grandparents apartment. I am living in the city this summer because I am working this summer. I have a business internship this summer. I am very excited to get my feet wet in the business world. At the moment, I am deciding between majoring in either Computer Information Systems, or Statistics. I am also heavily interested in sports, specifically basketball. I am a big supporter of the New York Knicks.
• I have very high expectations for this course. I hope to gain skills, and insight into my major.
• I am currently aiming to be enrolled in the Zicklin School of Business, specifically the Statistics and Quantitative Modeling program or the Computer Information Systems program.
• The reason I have chosen this path is because I feel these are majors where my skills can be most utilized as I have always enjoyed working with numbers. This major will also provide me with some practical skills for my future job.
• Often jobs desire students to be savvy in technology such as excel. I hope to learn excel to the best of my ability  so I will be best prepared for my summer internship.
• In conclusion, I am excited for this opportunity to learn about the integration of technology and business. I am most excited for the hands-on assignments coming up.