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Howell D.

Digsby is experimenting with a new business model.

Digsby is a free third party software that synchronizes a users instant messaging, email and social networking accounts. Digsby adopts an experimental business model that relies on grid computing projects. Grid Computing combines resources from multiple computers and applies them to a tasks that usually involve large computations and/or the use of large data sets. The grid computing module will turn on when the user's computer is idle and will shut off when the users moves the mouse or presses a button. The module does not interfere with the functionality of the user's computer.

Gen Y users might be hesitantly in letting a third party use part of their computer. Digsby addresses the risks involved by incorporating a "sand box" security model. This separates the processes used for grid computing from the rest of the computer's files and programs. Will Gen Y be willing to try Digsby knowing that it borrows part of their computer for profit? More importantly, are Gen Y users so fed up with online advertisements that they would prefer the grid computing business model? If this business model succeeds it has the potential to change the social media market. Online videos, music and social networking sites will no longer be forced to rely on advertisers to make profits.

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