Episode 175: Supply Chain, Boost Domestic Semiconductor Production, Tech Journalism Accessibility Problem

Topic 1: An Update Discussion on All Things Supply Chain--Is it getting any better?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/07/23/chip-shortage-detroit-manufacturing/

Ongoing supply chain issues / chip shortages have caused persistent delays in the auto industry … among other impacts. The question after 2 ½ years of disruption is whether the IT supply chain is any more healthy and whether industries have learned to adapt to the new levels of uncertainty and supply.

https://mailchi.mp/protocol/why-your-supply-chain-is-breaking?e=d30f866e34

Modernizing the supply chain is an existential priority for our customers … and for our own businesses. If we can’t trust the availability of products or forecast the timing of shipments, how can we maintain credibility with our customers? Also … this would be a terrific business opportunity for a systems-thinking solution provider. Sounds like a new focus area for MSPs!

https://seths.blog/2022/07/embracing-constraints-2/

It’s time for the IT channel to re-think how we design systems and solutions for our customers: if the chip supply isn’t getting any better, simply re-selling the latest vendor product isn’t going to solve your customers’ needs any time soon. So what are you going to do about it?

Topic 2: Bill to Boost Domestic Semi-conductor Production

Recently, the senate voted on a bill that would increase domestic semiconductor production--the goal being to strengthen the American economy and to possible out-compete China.

We hope to proceed successfully! ...And hopefully with caution.

https://www.nextgov.com/technology-news/2022/07/bill-boost-domestic-semiconductor-production-passes-key-senate-hurdle/374986/

Topic 3: TECH JOURNALISM’S ACCESSIBILITY PROBLEM

“Everyone, that is, except accessibility-minded writers like Steven Aquino. Aquino, who is disabled, finds laptop keyboards difficult to use, due both to the fine motor skills required to perform the shortcuts and to the cognitive load required to remember them. The touch bar allows him to access in one tap features that would otherwise require multiple — everything from sending emails to selecting emojis.”

https://www.theverge.com/23205223/tech-journalism-accessibility-assistive-coverage

There’s also a browser extension called Axe Dev Tools:

https://wave.webaim.org/

https://pagespeed.web.dev/

https://www.learnui.design/tools/accessible-color-generator.html

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:-)

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