Thumb-power

SMS remains a technology with lots of potential applications waiting to be discovered and implemented — for everything from payment systems to information on demand. Given the mobile network operators' strong desire to maximize profits, and the need for, say, Etisalat or Du to differentiate themselves, a good idea from a start-up has an excellent chance of getting heard.

The trend-spotting site Springwise has a good example from the Philippines, where text messaging has caught on in a huge way.

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Borse Dubai: Rich, unloved

The Financial Times reports that Magnus Böcker, chief executive of OMX, has expressed deep misgivings about a possible takeover bid by Borse Dubai. And that was after he met senior executives from the Dubai exchange.

His main gripe is concerns about the transparency and regulation of a market owned by just one shareholder and feared this could undermine OMX's credibility. Despite tabling $4bn bid, higher than rivals Nasdaq, the Dubai is struggling to find favor.

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