Hacker News Reader

Comment by hammertime | Hacker News Reader

I think the word "Government" is too vague.

If by government you mean elected officials. Then they will be very interested in anything that can produce more votes or money for them. I think the Obama campaign changed how a lot of officials view the internet.

If by government you mean, established lobbyist with things to lose. There will certainly be a resistance to change and innovation.

Overall, this list is probably too vague to start debating it.

View on HN

McDonalds also recognizes the power of the Internet and they make extensive use of it, but I wouldn't say anything fundamental has changed about their business. I think the government's in the same boat, just 5-10 years behind.

You might be interested in knowing the McDonalds has experimented with telepresense. They thought about making booths with something equivalent to skype with a big TV, so people at two McDonalds locations (presumably family) could have a meal together.

Does the term Government encompass the U.S. "Defense" industry? How about "Health Care"? Ignore the current health care bill(s) debate -- there's plenty of opportunity just getting medical records online securely.

Whether there are startup opportunities therein is another question.

Not being there, I couldn't tell if pg was addressing startup opportunities, or general business opportunities. Or if there's any difference between the two.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com