It is a hot topic in America: DNA software FST. This tool is used in one of the major crime labs of New York. The software is able to analyze two or more mixed DNA styles.  These complex computer algorithms are able to distinguish different DNA. But critics recently raised some questions about the reliability of the software. They said that the code is flawed and not useable. There might even be people in jail who are not supposed to be there due to errors in the system. (nu.nl, 2017)

Some criminal defense experts do agree with the opinion that this system might have some flaws and they demanded transparency. This is a clear example of lack of transparency from FST, as it was not an open software and they did not share any details with the community of how the coding works. In 2016, the code was transferred to some experts and lawyers for use of the defense in a case, but still not public accessible (Coldewey, 2016).

As this can be a hot topic, my point of view is that these life changing software tools should have more openness to begin with. Although it might be dangerous to share the code with the public, the benefits can be huge as the public can help you develop a better system with their contribution. Arguments against this might be that hackers or smart criminals can use this code to their advantage and manipulate the software. This might lead to them hacking the system and manipulating the DNA match. On the contrary, crowds have knowledge. So making the code public available can offer you great benefits. What do you think? Do the benefits outweigh the downsides? Should such an important code be public and shared all around the world?

As I have never heard of the software, it is very interesting to take a look at the code. It can be found here at GitHub. So, if you are interested in building your own DNA software you might be able to transfer this code to your own computer ? https://github.com/propublica/nyc-dna-software

Other sources:

Nu.nl (2017) rechter VS maakt broncode DNA-software openbaar in belang van rechtzaak. Retrieved 22 October from https://www.nu.nl/internet/4973984/rechter-vs-maakt-broncode-dna-software-openbaar-in-belang-van-rechtszaak.html

Coldewey, D. (2016) Disputed DNA analysis software’s code open for inspection after court order. Retrieved 22 October from https://techcrunch.com/2017/10/20/disputed-dna-analysis-softwares-code-open-for-inspection-after-court-order/

As we talk about industries shifts, a recent trend is the rise of the electronic sports industry. Basically every professional sports club has some stakes in this new market. Big brands already spend almost half a billion dollars on this branch, and experts predict this amount to be doubled within 2 years. Prize poules have already overtaken some of the well-established sports. This year there was a tournament for 23 million dollars. Compare this to the tour de france (2.05m), diamond league(althletics)(2.45m) and the indian cricket premier league(6.14m) and you can understand that this is a serious business. (Regan, 2017)
Esports stands for Electronic sports. This is the digital version of sports in all kind of different games. It requires so much focus and concentration which is comparable to a F1 race driver (Schütz, 2016). F1 racing is widely regarded as a real sports, where eSports is not yet regarded a “real” sports even though it requires the same amount of attention and training. But the scene is booming because the big sports team are involved in this attractive industry. Every football club in the Eredivisie (highest dutch football competition) already has a FIFA eSports player. This is a follow up to every big football club around the world, who already had their eSporter. With the viewing numbers of eSports in general, this is a very attractive business. More people watched the League of Legends finals 2016 than the NBA finals and it already has more fans worldwide than ice hockey (Allesoversport, 2017).
As the relevance to Information strategy, eSports is a great example of the world of internet and the quick growth of technology. This became relevant for businesses which you would never expect to have this kind effect on their business. Every sports team had to revise their business model from not only their physical sports team. They had to add the electronic sports branch to their business as well.
Regan, T. (2017) How does Dota’s prize pool compare to trad sports? Retrieved on October 22 from https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/dota-international-prize-pool-vs-real-sports
Schütz, M. (2016) Science shows that eSports professionals are real athletes. Retrieved on October 22 from http://www.dw.com/en/science-shows-that-esports-professionals-are-real-athletes/a-19084993
Allesoversport (2017) eSports: gewoon een game of echte sport? Retrieved on October 22 from https://www.allesoversport.nl/artikel/esports-gewoon-een-game-of-echte-sport/