Last Friday, I mentioned how RSS is speeding up the process of finding information. Podcasts are the way to receive this information in an audio format, typically via MP3 file or AAC file popularized by the iTunes Music Store.
Unlike reading text, I find it impossible to listen to a podcast on my PC, since it is such a visual medium. Podcasts are perfect for listening on my MP3 player while exercising, playing on the car stereo, or performing mindless chores. Since I’m a bit of technology geek, I enjoy listening to the Gillmor Gang and This Week in Technology.
Even in our conservative space of process automation, podcasts have emerged. You might want to check out:
- AutomationWorld’s Gary Mintchell
- Control’s Walt Boyes
- Futurist Jim Pinto
- Industrial Automation Insider’s Andrew Bond
And I even came across a podcast interview with BMS on the On Pharma blog.
Now your company may not go as far as manufacturer, National Semiconductor, who gave each of their 8,500 employees 30 GB iPods, but you may want to take matters into your own hands, grab your personal iPod or MP3 player, give these pioneers a listen and see if this form of communication is useful to you.
