The Chinese economy has been growing rapidly despite an underdeveloped supply chain network. Most Chinese manufacturing companies do not yet rely on supply chain systems, but the environment is becoming increasingly competitive and many enterprises will find it difficult to survive if they do not make their sourcing, production and distribution more efficient. That makes […]
Supply Chain Infrastructure Read More »
If finding a software pirate is as simple as walking down the street and looking around for wheelbarrows, why is China–home of the largest authoritarian government on the planet–having problems catching these guys? One reason could be that it’s not arresting them that’s hard; it’s keeping them locked up that’s the problem. Local bureaus of
Chinese Legal System Hinders IP Protection Efforts Read More »
Despite three years of attention by lawmaking committees and a steadily increasing roster of laws protecting intellectual property, China is a shopper’s paradise for all things pirated–handbags, jewelry, movie DVDs, and, of course, software. Vendors pushing wheelbarrows piled with CDs offer Windows 98, 2000 and XP for as little as 4 yuan–just 50 cents. A
Cost for Windows falls–to 50 cents–in China Read More »
As China prepares to become a full member of the World Trade Organization, the Beijing government is trying to prove to the West that it is serious about reducing software piracy. And so China’s government agencies and businesses are turning to Linux as their desktop operating system of choice, a trend with potential to influence
Open Source – China’s Bet on Linux Read More »
A beginning journalist asked: It looks like you have a lot of varied experience in journalism. I’m dabbling with becoming a business reporter, but also love narrative writing: i.e. Rick Bragg, Tom French, Tom Hallman. Do you have any advice on the pros and cons of covering business than say education or government reporting? First
Choosing a beat: business, education, or government? Read More »
Cost counts for a lot, but being able to grow their own developers and adapt technology to their own needs, rather than the other way around, makes Linux increasingly popular in companies based or operating in China.
Chinese Companies Pick Linux to Boost Their Own Skills Read More »
“Free” might not really mean free, but an operating system that doesn’t require user licenses makes it a lot easier to avoid piracy, in accordance with a four-year-old government push to get Chinese companies to respect intellectual property.
Open-Source May Help China Curb Software Piracy Read More »
Major Chinese banks are moving their core infrastructure to Linux, partly in accordance with a government’s advocacy of Linux for its cost, stability, and as a platform for homegrown development.
Chinese Companies Plan Massive Linux Deployments Read More »
As proprietary software vendors crack down on piracy, China looks to Linux as an alternative. On virtually any street in Shanghai or Beijing, you can buy a Hollywood DVD or hot new CD for $1 or less. Vendors peddle Microsoft Office, Windows XP, and every other popular software applications out of cardboard boxes jammed full
Microsoft Fights Piracy In China, Linux Wins Read More »
The paperwork is reportedly moving along to make me an official foreign correspondent in China, and the business cards are on their way. It’s time to get started, laying the groundwork for my new career. Unfortunately, I’ve been too busy these last two weeks setting up my computers, moving my files, getting the Internet access,
Almost a foreign correspondent Read More »
Well, it’s been two weeks for us here in Shanghai. Anastasia has settled into her new school and is making progress in learning Mandarin, as am I. Basil is still home with us during the day, but we’re starting to think about finding a kindergarden or pre-school for him to go to. Richard’s work is
Chinese food and the Foreign Correspondents Club Read More »
Pay for freelance journalism is atrociously low pay. But I think the problem goes deeper than stingy bosses, etc… I think that journalism is one of those jobs, like tending bar, that you don’t really have to know much in order to be able to do well. You need to be able to write the
How do you make a living as a freelance journalist Read More »
I recently got the following question from a beginning journalist: I have reached the point where a job in journalism in any capacity seems a hopeless dream. I cannot get anyone to hire me in any field, despite my college degree and experience. I’m getting to the point where I can just barely eat and
Struggling to make a living Read More »
Looking for outlets to send you abroad is actually the *last* step of a going-overseas process. The first thing is, you need to ask yourself a few questions: What level of risk can you handle? How willing are you to learn foreign languages/how many foreign languages do you already know? Where can you get a
How to get started as a foreign correspondent Read More »
The killing of two Russian border guards has raised tension in a forgotten conflict.
Religious warriors ready to avenge human rights abuses Read More »
