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Browsers tout 'do-not-track' options for users |
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Google has announced its Chrome browser now has a feature available as an extension for download that provides a “Keep My Opt-Outs” option, which lets users shut out ad tracking cookies. The move follows Mozilla's plans to introduce a similar do-not-track feature for its Firefox browser that provides users with some defense against having their online activities tracked. Earlier, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in a preliminary staff report had proposed a framework to balance the privacy  interests of consumers with innovation that relies on consumer information to develop beneficial new products and services. The report had also suggests implementation of a “Do Not Track” mechanism – likely a persistent setting on consumers’ browsers – so consumers can choose whether to allow the collection of data regarding their online searching and browsing activities. In December 2010, Microsoft had said that it would introduce a similar functionality in its upcoming Internet Explorer 9 browser due later this year. Microsoft's blogpost on the topic announced that IE9 would allow consumers new opt-in mechanisms or “Tracking Protection” to identify and block many forms of undesired tracking and “Tracking Protection Lists” that will enable consumers to control what third-party site content can track them when they’re online. In its statement announcing its do-not-track initiative, Google clarified that advertising companies who are members of the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) already allow users to opt out of tracking for the purposes of personalizing advertisements, while many online advertisers and trade associations have signed up for a major self-regulatory effort to enforce a uniform privacy icon for ads, as well as opt-out guidelines. The company said that by installing the “Keep My Opt-Outs” extension, users of Chrome may experience a change in the online ads they view, including seeing the same ads repeatedly on particular websites or seeing ads that are less relevant. Importantly, Google has decided to make the code for this extension available on an open-source basis for developers to check for bugs or extend its capabilities. |
LISTS AND RESEARCH
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Global Software Top 100 - Edition 2011
- The Global Software Top 100 is a list of the world's largest software companies, ranked by annual software revenues. The list is based upon revenue information of 10,000+ IT companies worldwide.
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Software industry trends (2011)
- This research article (accompanying the Global Software Top 100) describes changes in the software industry playing field. It analyses trends and key players and forecasts future developments.
- Top hardware companies
- A list of the world's largest hardware companies.
- What happens in the hardware industry?
- Trends and analysis of the hardware industry and its key players.
- Top IT services companies
- A list of the world's largest IT services companies, ranked by annual services revenues. This link will take you to www.servicestop100.org.
- IT services companies: healthy growth
- What is happening in the IT services industry? Read this research publication to find out about trends and key players in the IT services industry.
- Top gaming companies (2010)
- Entertainment is good business, and gaming software companies are growing faster than the rest of the software industry. This research article discusses trends and key players in the gaming business.
- Top ERP companies
- A research publication about the world's leading players in enterprise software.
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- A research publication discussing the world's leading publishers of security software: antivirus-, spamfiltering-, intrusion detection- and firewall software.
- The fastest growing software companies
- This research publication reveals the fastest growing software companies in the world.
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CRM companies: a short list
- A short list of the leading software companies selling Customer Relationship Management software; aimed at IT managers looking to purchase CRM software.
- Top software companies in the US (2010)
- A list of the largest software companies in the United States, ranked by annual software revenues. 2010 Edition, posted 15 December 2010.
- U.S. software industry trends (2010)
- A research publication discussing the trends and the key players in the software industry in the United States. Posted 15 December 2010.
- Top companies in the world (not just software)
- A general list of the largest companies in the world, ranked by revenues. Not just software companies; in fact, there are no software companies in it...
- Top IT companies
- A list of the largest IT companies in the world, ranked by annual revenues. Includes hardware, software and services.
