I’m pleased to announce that Scientia Advisors has launched ScientiaNET,  a “knowledge network” for  health care and the life sciences. ( True,  they are my client, but I AM pleased).

The network now has 10 thousand member/experts and is seeking additional ones.  Members are leading scientists, physicians, practitioners, academics and industry professionals who are  paid their hourly rates to provide Scientia and its clients with analyses, opinions, surveys and consultation on life science tools and technologies, medical devices, diagnostics, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, functional foods, and regulatory issues.

The member/experts typically consult with business leaders and decision-makers on industry trends and developments, operational problems/solutions, or specific products/services.

If you’d like to become a ScientiaNET member or engage one (or many)   please visit www.scientiaadv.com. 

AMH

Scientia Advisors, based in Cambridge, MA and Palo Alto, CA, is a global management consulting firm specializing in strategic growth and operational strategies  for major and emerging companies in health care and the life sciences.

New Cambridge Observer is a publication of the Harris Communications Group of Cambridge, MA.

On Valentine’s night,  I spent two hours chatting with one of my new tech support friends, in India.  Eventually, he determined that the huge icons on my desktop were not caused by a previously diagnosed corrupted user account or Vista–that my computer—a bad hard drive–was to blame.

The next morning, Walt, from a list serve I subscribe to, suggested a two-click fix.

If you need to create PDF files, you can try PDFCreator — open source and free.  Much cheaper than Adobe Pro 9.  In fact, the only real good reason to get Adobe Acrobat Pro anymore is if you want to use their review, annotation, and editing tools.  For PDF creation, PDFCreator works great, and evidently FoxIt is the better reader.

If your icons are large because of a setting, then try the following — http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/12/09/how-to-resize-and-change-vista-desktop-icons-size/

Both solutions worked.

Later, my Indian tech support friend  emailed to tell me that he was glad to have resolved my issue, was closing the case, and that it was a pleasure serving me.(Having previously spent 64 hours trying to resolve MS issues, I was remarkably patient, it I do say so myself).

Still, much as I appreciated the companionship on  Valentine’s night, I’m afraid the relationship just isn’t working out.  It’s not easy to break up with Microsoft…but, clearly, that’s something I need to do.

Comments (and lawyers!) welcome!

AMH

New Cambridge Observer is a publication of the Harris Communications Group of Cambridge, MA.

I know there’s nothing more boring than other peoples’ computer problems but now that I’m in my 61st hour of  Microsoft Vista difficulties and my sixth day of being unable to use Comcast email for my business,  I’m going public  in hopes that Microsoft and Comcast will take note and send reinforcements–or of finding  a lawyer who would like to start a class action suit or two.

If anyone is interested in either saga or has any advice, I’ll  be happy to post the details (or email them–should that become a possibility).  In the meantime, I look forward to continuing my newfound friendships and morning, noon and late night phone calls with the tech support communities in India, New Jersey, Nova Scotia, Boston, Newfoundland, and North Carolina . Everyone has been most gracious and sympathetic, and I do appreciate finally having a social life.

AMH
PS–Did you know that Microsoft will help with Vista issues for free? From the support web site, it looks like you have to pay $59 per call or online chat–so I wasted three months emailing back and forth with 24-hour response time.  According to the site, free support is available only for Service Pack I  will be available only through March 31, 2009, but at the rate my case is being resolved, it should be available for years to come.  Click here for the url.

New Cambridge Observer is a publication of the Harris Communications Group of Cambridge, MA.

Thought you might like to know that my client, Scientia Advisors, is offering five free Webinars aimed at helping major corporations, emerging companies and innovative startups choose strategic directions.

The Webinars, in February, 2009, will present Scientia’s latest industry reviews. The reviews are based on interviews with scientists, clinicians, manufacturers, and product developers as well as on traditional market research.

The Webinars will initially be presented live, with opportunities for interactive participation.  Less-detailed Webcasts will subsequently be available for download from the Scientia Advisors Web site.

Here’s the schedule; click on any of the titles for more information or to register.
Anita

· Riding the High Value In Vitro Diagnostics Wave: Translating Promise Into Clinical Reality With Managing Partner Harry Glorikian, 11 AM Tuesday, February 10

· Back to the Future: Cell Market Entrance Strategies, Post-Stem Cell Deregulation

With Partner Arshad Ahmed, 11 AM Wednesday, February 11

· Drivers of Success in Functional Foods
With Principal Bob Jones 2 PM Wednesday, February 11

· Molecular Diagnostics: Identifying Candidates for Success in an Innovation-Driven Market

With Harry Glorikian, 11 AM Thursday, February 12

· Point of Care: Enabling Broad Product Adoption Through Maximized Access to Health Care Sites
With Harry Glorikian, 11 AM Thursday, February 19

Scientia Advisors, based in Cambridge, MA and Palo Alto, CA, is an international management consulting firm specializing in growth and operational strategies for major and emerging companies in health care, life science and biotechnology.

New Cambridge Observer is a publication of the Harris Communications Group, of Cambridge, MA.

Cambridge consulting firm Scientia Advisors says that big pharma could begin to reap profits from personalized medicine much sooner than predicted by marketing new diagnostics tools along with drugs that are already on the market. (Most pharma companies are currently using personalized medicine tools only in developing new drugs–which won’t bring any profits for years down the road).  Based on quantitative and qualitative research, Scientia’s study, published in the January, 2009 Pharmaceutical Executive describes how  three companies grew their profits and improved their relationships with prescribing physicians using the new model.  According to Scientia Managing Partner Harry Glorikian, the method will also improve patient care, lower costs and lead to health system reforms.  More info is available at www.scientiaadv.org.

Scientia Advisors is a client of the Harris Communications Group.

Anita Harris