Episode 47: The Fragility of Big Data; a Challenge to CompTIA; and 3D Printing a Building

Topic 1: Performance Artists Games Google Maps

We start out a bit light hearted here – but it also shows the fragility of our systems.

A performance artist in Berlin demonstrated the fragility of the Google Maps system we all rely on by dragging 99 cell phones to fake a Google Maps traffic jam. Our spin is that this is funny but also has some lessons for all of us on big data and how pretty much anything can be gamed.

Relevant Link:

https://www.wired.com/story/99-phones-fake-google-maps-traffic-jam/

Topic 2: CompTIA Lobbying – But Are They Representing Their Members?

Listener Keith alerted us to this one. Legislation working its way through the Washington State legislature addresses the “Right to Repair.” That is: Do you have the right to fix electronics even if the manufacturer would rather have you throw them away?

We tend to stay away from politics here, but this is an interesting case.

Among those giving testimony was Anna Powell, Directory of State Government at CompTIA, speaking on behalf of the large manufacturers but claiming to speak on behalf of CompTIA. We discuss whether this is appropriate, given the position of many CompTIA members who make a living fixing these devices.

We hope this will open a discussion within CompTIA about how they represent their membership. Note: All three hosts here are CompTIA members. We also note that we have not been involved in the lobbying efforts of CompTIA in the past.

Please give us your feedback!

Relevant Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/right-repair-whose-side-comptia-keith-schoolcraft/

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5799&Chamber=Senate&Year=2019

Topic 3: 3D Print buildings

. . . and then we lighten up a bit.

The race is on to 3D print larger and larger buildings. A new record has recently been set. More records are set to fall – mostly in the Middle East.

Benefits include getting construction going in places where the delivery of materials is difficult. Another benefit is that 3D printed buildings can be of designs that would be impossible with standard building techniques. In this example, a 6,900 square foot building was created with three employees.

We discuss the technology here, the opportunities we see, and the future of 3D printing as a service. We think Dave’s beginning to agree with Ryan and Karl here.

https://www.thomasnet.com/insights/construction-completed-on-largest-3d-printed-building-in-the-world/

🙂

 

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