Well, I asked for feedback, and got it - one respondent made me despondent (not really) and pointed out that I mentioned both portals and verticals in my editor's letter last week, and it could be confusing for anyone who might not know the difference between the two.
Hence, very briefly, I am going to chat about portals and verticals (or vortals).
Simply put, TechTarget and other sources define a portal as a horizontal website that aims to function as an access point for a range of firms and organisations etc. in the same industry. Bizcommunity.com Retail, for instance, aims to bring you news and information on a range of retail sector issues - from retail-related associations, to brand news, green issues, retail trends, and so on. Hence, a portal aims to be a one-stop-shop for an industry sector; think of it as a news and information department store.
A vertical - also known as a vortal - brings you news and information specific to the industry or interest area that the vertical, or vortal, is covering - legal, insurance, logistics, the environment, and so on. Naturally, there are times when something in one sector impacts on others, so there is some cross-posting, but in the main, a vertical/vortal aims to be far more specific in its coverage. So you can think of a vortal as your local jeweller - diamonds and rubies are in, detergents and rissoles are out.
So now you know the difference, as you're a mortal, between a portal and a vortal.
Rod Baker, general manager: content
Submit your company news to
manufacturingnews@bizcommunity.com. Exclusive contributions may be sent to
contributors-manufacturing@bizcommunity.com.
Evraz Highveld Steel and Vanadium (EHS), South Africa's second-largest steel producer, on Friday (13 January 2012) reported a 7% decline in its hot metal production to 193,201 tons for the three months ended December 2011 compared to the corresponding quarter in 2010. However production was 67% higher than the 115,789 tons produced in the quarter ended September 2011. 
According to Engineeringnews.co.za, despite the growing threat posed by German rival Volkswagen, Toyota has again clinched the number one spot in South Africa's new vehicle market in 2011, with total sales of 109 413 vehicles and market share of 19.19% (including Lexus and Hino sales). 
Engineering News Online reports that state-owned freight logistics group Transnet has concluded a 'follow-on' agreement with General Electric (GE), of the US, for a further 43 diesel-electric locomotives, over-and-above the 100 already being purchased under a deal concluded in 2009. No contract value has been disclosed, owing to a confidentiality agreement between the two companies. 
A new Bill gazetted today aims to boost job creation and industrialisation in outlying areas through the licensing of special economic zones (SEZs). 
