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November 6, 2013

What’s The Difference Between VPS and The Cloud?

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Private clouds, virtual private servers and other forms of hosting have become very important in the business world today. Those who are not in the know may think virtual private servers and private clouds are the same thing. While they are similar services, there are differences and the terms are not interchangeable. Understanding what each of these products actually is and the differences between them can help a company decide what would be the best hosting solution for them.

What's The Difference Between VPS and The Cloud?

Private Clouds

Private clouds are a scalable and secure type of server ideal for larger firms. Unlike a VPS, there is some set-up and maintenance required — since the server is generally located in a firm’s data center or other private location. As such, a private cloud is within a company’s personal firewall which makes it extremely secure. Choosing a private cloud is a big decision. However, since it does have future scalability options, it can serve a firm well for the long term.

There are cloud hosts that provide private cloud hosting. In that case, the company using the servers doesn’t physically maintain anything, the host does. The client’s servers are kept separate from other clients’ servers, often requiring different security credentials to access physically. This type of private cloud hosting is nearly as secure as in-house private cloud hosting, but it requires no direct investment in server hardware.

Virtual Private Servers

This type of server offers much flexibility in terms of hosting at a lower price point than a private cloud. One physical server is divided among several users. This gives virtual private server hosting the benefits of a private server, but does cuts down on maintenance, tech-support and up-front costs. While security is a concern, there is no overlap of data from one firm to another — even if the data is stored on the same server. The Green House Data website notes that a VPS operates very similar to a virtual server environment at a price that is much less expensive than other private options.

The Differences

An interesting article by Club Cloud Computing names four distinct differences between private clouds and virtual private servers. These differences include:

· Setup:

In general, clouds use many servers to divide storage and computing tasks. A VPS is one physical server that’s split among several virtual servers, but all of one client’s information is kept together — giving the user more flexibility with how the space is used.

· Location:

A VPS is hosted off-site at a third party provider. A private cloud is situated either in a data center that you own or in a host’s data enter; either way, the physical machines are separate from other companies’.

· Scalability:

Both solutions are scalable; however, there is a bit more effort involved with scaling a VPS. In this respect a private cloud may be easier, but as infrequently as upgrades may occur it shouldn’t be a major factor.

· Cost:

An in-house private cloud does have a higher upfront cost as a firm shoulders the cost of installation, set-up and maintenance. A VPS generally has a monthly or yearly fee. If cost is the main issue, VPS normally wins every time.

As you can see, there are distinct, if small, differences between a private cloud and a virtual private server. Both types of servers are useful and can help with the growth of a firm. A company should evaluate its needs to determine which of these will work best for both current needs and those that may occur in the future.

November 6, 2013

What Plugins Are Helpful For Business?

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WordPress is a valuable tool that businesses can use to create a blog or even a website. However, the most basic version of WordPress doesn’t provide all of the features a business needs to create a fully functional website. In order to create a more advanced website, businesses can install some of the many plugins WordPress offers to increase functionality.

What Plugins Are Helpful For Business?

Beneficial WordPress Plugins

Some of the WordPress plugins that are most helpful for businesses include:

· Broken Link Checker: Checks the website for broken links and images.

· WordPress Live Chat: Adds a live chat box to the site that the business can use to communicate with users.

· WPtouch: Transforms a desktop website into a mobile version in a matter of minutes.

· 404 Redirected: Eliminates 404 pages from the website by redirecting users elsewhere when a page isn’t functioning properly or doesn’t exist.

· ShareBar: Incorporates a toolbar on the page that allows users to share content via social media websites.

· Contact Form 7: Allows users to contact the business using a simple online form.

· Ninja Pop-Ups: Allows a business to create its own pop-ups that will appear to users at times the business designates.

· Google Analytics: Keeps track of search traffic, page views and other valuable information the business can use to gauge the effectiveness of its website.

· Related Posts by Zementa: Places a footer on the webpage that directs users to related articles or pages on the site.

Are these Plugins Necessary?

The plugins listed above may not be appropriate for every business website. However, by incorporating a selection of these plugins, a business can transform a basic WordPress blog into a full-service website with a professional appeal. For example, the incorporation of WordPress Live Chat and Contact Form 7 make the site more engaging to users by encouraging them to connect directly with the company. Likewise, social plugins like ShareBar encourage users to share website content with friends, which increases their level of involvement and invites other users to visit the site. Furthermore, adding other plugins like Google Analytics allows the business to evaluate and increase its website traffic, while plugins like 404 Redirect and the Broken Link Checker can be used to prevent malfunctions and keep the site running smoothly.

The importance of a Good Foundation

Although adding these plugins to a website can increase its appeal to users, the site won’t be a success unless it’s built on a solid foundation. Websites that malfunction frequently become inaccessible on a regular basis or load slowly will drive users away before they have a chance to enjoy the benefits of any installed plugins. For this reason, it’s essential for businesses to choose a reputable Web hosting company capable of managing all of the site’s traffic with minimal downtime.

To thrive in today’s world, businesses need a high quality, professional website capable of answering users’ questions and encouraging them to connect with the company. By building a WordPress site on a solid foundation and adding the right plugins, businesses can enjoy all of the advantages of a full-service website.

March 28, 2013

Learn from the Best: The Leaders of Web Design

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Creating a quality eCommerce site can appear deceptively simple. With just a few images, descriptions and a shopping cart, it is possible to immediately begin selling online. However, with millions of competitors out there, the process of creating a site that customers will actually seek out and use is significantly more challenging.

Top Design Companies just released its list of Best eCommerce Web Design Trends for 2013, where it notes five eCommerce websites that set the bar for what is possible in eCommerce web design. These companies demonstrate how important quality design is, and they give a glimpse of some of the expected web design trends for the coming year.

By taking note of companies that are leading the way in eCommerce web design, and attempting to apply some of the same concepts to their own company websites, business owners can help ensure that their own websites will be competitive.

Top Design Winners

Some of the sites noted by Top Design included Reebok, Sony and clothing retailer Uniqlo. Top Design noted that each excelled at ease of navigation, as well as the clarity of their calls to action.

Reflective of Trends

Recently, Amber Leigh Turner published an article at The Next Web discussing the 10 web design trends expected for 2013. Many of the trends predicted by the writer are already in use by Reebok, Sony and Uniqlo, and are worth taking note of.

Responsive Design

Responsive design refers to creating sites that are viewable across many different devices, sites that are easy to navigate and require little to no resizing. This means users encounter no road blocks when accessing the site from their tablets, desktops or smart phones.

All three of the sites listed above utilize responsive design because it works. For instance, potential customers can quickly view Sony’s newest offerings and make a purchase, regardless of what device they happen to be using.

Large Images for Impact

One of Turner’s predictions for 2013 websites is the use of large, screen-size images for impact. These images can be truly powerful in creating a unique feel for a website.

Consider Reebok’s home page. Most of the initial screen space is taken up with a rotating banner of high-quality photos. Each photo is related to a particular product line Reebok wants to showcase. The images set an undeniable mood, allowing the viewer to feel a little of what it might be like to be trail running, doing yoga or dancing.

As screens increase in size and resolution, large images will only become more useful in setting the tone of a website.

White Space

Another predicted trend for the coming year is the increased use of white space. A white background is surprisingly effective in making product images pop off the screen, especially when those images are high quality.

Clean design continues to be appealing to the majority of consumers. Apple has been riding this wave for years, and customers are still loving it.

Uniqlo uses white space to great effect. When color does appear, either in backgrounds for clothing models or in the clothes themselves, it is set off by the surrounding white space. This creates an emotional response. Potential buyers can feel the impact they might make wearing those same clothes.

Use What Works

Taking note of what works in website design is worthwhile for business owners. Today, every business needs a web presence. Fortunately, businesses do not have to settle for a generic and unappealing site. With the help of a quality web design company, business owners can utilize the design trends that work to help develop a powerful brand, and help encourage the conversions that will come along with it.

 

 

December 17, 2012
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How To Promote My Business On Facebook

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Promotion is a big part of making your business known to a wider audience and gaining the trust of potential clients. You need to spread the word about all the good services you provide or the affordable prices of your high-quality products.

Brand recognition is what you are gunning for, so you want to make your company visible to the modern shopper. Online businesses in particular are in a dire need of internet promotion and good marketing strategies. A good place to start your marketing campaign is one of the popular social media networks. Facebook is a very easy platform to use, and is therefore very popular with a lot of people. It is a good place to promote your business since the users come from all walks of life, so you are targeting as large of an audience as you can.

Facebook is notorious for its constant evolution, so you might need to revisit your approach as the site changes its layout and the various options it offers its users. You can’t have a personal page where you try to shoehorn in some articles and pictures that relate to your business. Your business won’t make it too far if all you do is spam your friends with information on your business. There is a right way to go about this, and Facebook is quite accommodating when it comes to creating business related pages. Here is a quick breakdown of the necessary steps you need to take.

Create a dedicated page for your business

Once upon a time people where very fond of creating general purpose pages known as groups on Facebook, but nowadays you have a multitude of options that relate to your specific needs. You can select between a local business, a company or even products you wish to create a profile for. You will need to add a picture of your company logo and some basic information for a start. Once you get started there are many options you can work with. Customizable settings include:

1) Your settings
2) Permissions
3) Information
4) Resources

You will be able to choose whether you want to use Facebook logged in as your standard personal account or as the company account. It is easy enough to switch between the two, so you don’t have to mix your work with your personal life.

Some companies will deal with products and materials that might be age restricted (i.e. guns or alcohol) so they can use the age restriction options to make sure they only get the audience they are legally allowed to promote their services to.

Other useful options the profanity blocklist, which will help to further exclude undesirable customers from your business page, and the ability to regulate who can and can’t add posts, pictures and videos to your wall. Under basic information you will be able to provide a link to your official website, your phone and address, a short description and additional notable facts like the date when the company was founded, any awards that the company has won and listing your main products. To check how this works on real business example, visit volkswagen parts official Facebook page here.

Spend some time fine tuning your page

There are other useful options you can use to set up your page just the way you like it. Options like social plugins, where you can add various functions. You can have people like your page, but there is also the option to let them send the content of your page to their friends and spread the word, recommendations of pages on your site the user might like and a grouping of pictures of the people that have like your page. These options help give people a more interactive experience and the social component that is the main reason they are on Facebook in the first place. You also have the “Advertise on Facebook” option which helps you with getting more likes or promoting your page posts. Feel free to look around and tweak all the little settings available to you so that your fans can get the most of your page.

Some last minute advice

Once your page is set up and you have done everything you can to make it accessible to the wider Facebook community, you will want to keep the people updated on any new developments in your company or on your official website. Provide useful information and visit the comments section for some user feedback, but don’t forget to answer people’s questions and report the trolls. If people like what they see, information on your company will spread by word of mouth very quickly, making it easier than ever to get a lot of people interested in what you have to offer.

November 21, 2012
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How Increasing Web Development and Database Technologies are Saving Lives

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As technology grows and diversifies it becomes more and more useful to a wider range of users. Web development and database technologies are quickly growing fields that are becoming more and more beneficial to a larger range of people. These technologies are no longer limited to use by large companies or other businesses but are becoming more and more common within the medical and emergency response fields. These technologies can make the jobs of firefighters, doctors, nurses, and EMTs far easier than ever before.

Medical Records

Technology is in fact saving lives in many cases as it makes the transport and records of patients faster, more accurate, and more readily available to medical professionals. In the past it has been necessary for medical and emergency response professionals to take written or manually logged notes about cases and events of which they have been a part. While these notes are critical in reconstruction of accidents and events and in caring for patients, they are not widely available to all the professionals that may be part of the incident.

Take for instance traditional medical records; prior to the digitization of medical records, access to these files was strictly on a physical basis. You either needed to have the file in your hands or request a copy of the files in order to use them properly. Web development and database technologies make it possible now to transmit information from doctor’s office to doctor’s office or from the accident scene to the hospital directly. You no longer have to wait for paper records and teams and staff can get to work faster on patients than they would have been able to otherwise.

Another advantage is that teams and professionals can look back on past incidents much easier with digitized and database records than they would have been able to with paper records. The ability to store larger amounts of data is another advantage to this growing software and digital database technologies. Medical and emergency professionals are no longer limited in the amount of information they can store and save for future use as they were with paper records. Though there are still some limits, professionals can now store far more data than ever before.

Security and Technical Support

On top of all that there is also the added security and tech support benefits. Paper records are difficult to secure and anyone who can read and find them ends up having access to them. Though some of these records are not private, many are and securing access to them is a main concern. With web development and database technologies you can safeguard information quickly and easily and can specify who you want to have access to your information and who should not. In regards to tech support, you will always have a team of developers that know the ins and outs and difficulties and glitches in programs. With support you can quickly and easily nullify and remedy problems so that access to records is simple.

All of these benefits can help make web development and database technologies a major part of saving lives every day in both the emergency response setting and in the medical profession. In a world where technology is king it is refreshing to see that the technologies that are being created are not only easy to use but are also incredibly useful when it comes to saving lives. These technologies will no doubt change and grow as the available resources and information changes and we can only hope that the changes that are made will benefit the greater public and the medical and emergency response professionals that save lives every day.

Author Bio: Ryan Ayers writes articles in the field of business. This article was written to explain how new technologies are helping emergency responders all the way to hospital managers save lives and to encourage further study with a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership.

November 21, 2012

Can you Trust a Web Design Company Based on its Portfolio?

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The issue with many companies is that they seem large and with a lot of experience, but in reality they are simply composed out of newbie’s who do not know what to do and when to do it. In order to avoid these scams it is best to find clues that will talk a lot about the company and the way it treats its clients. One way to do this is to look at their portfolio. Here there is a short presentation of their previous work and it can give anyone clues to whether the company is genuine or not.


1. The existence of a portfolio

There are some web design companies which do not have a portfolio on their website. This is a sign of warning because they might not be genuine. In most cases, the previous work is what will recommend them for the further tasks. So the portfolio must exist and it should be updated on a regular basis.

2. The items presented

Some companies rush out to put as many of their works as possible and this is a good thing. However, besides the numbers it is also important to view the quality of the works. The structure of the exposed website will give important clues about the ability to work and the concept that the company has.

3. Check each portfolio item

It is important to see if in the portfolio there are similar websites to yours. In this way, you will get a feeling of the concept by which the company works. There might be some features which you need and it is vital to see the way they have included it in the site. If a company does not have a specific portfolio, but it seems to be trustworthy, it could be a good idea to let them know that you want some examples of the same niche before signing any contract.

4. Quality speaks it all

Besides the quantity of work presented in a portfolio, the quality of the websites is something that you would want to analyze. Some are capable of doing loads of website, but without any given quality. Others will work slower, but provide the things needed without any hesitation or doubt about the quality.

5. Check with the owners

Usually together with the portfolio, there is a section of testimonials where clients are free to write whatever they feel about their experience with the company. It is important to take some time and read those things because it can reveal interesting pieces of information.

6. The web design company’s site

Usually the website of such a company tells a lot about the way they perceive designing. If the website looks great and the details are carefully studied there is the chance that your website will look the same.

Before deciding over one company or the other, try and find as many things as possible. In this way, you will know who you are dealing with in a blink of an eye.

This article has been written by david patullo who runs a blog at www.websitecreationexperts.com. This blog has got very useuful information  on how to create your own website

November 21, 2012

A perfect web design – One of the most necessary things to remember for making a website

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Website design has become one of the most important parts of modern business, as through websites you can actually show your customers about the products of your business. A well designed website can attract more customers and it creates the first impression of your organization to your customers. Therefore, as a businessman it is now necessary to give more time on designing your website properly.

web designHaving a worldwide business is quite common now. However to make a worldwide business successful it is necessary to attract the Global customers. Creating a perfect website can be a wonderful idea to grow your business. This is the most modern way of advertising of your business. The website should be able to provide relevant information on your business to the customers.

Information is no doubt the most important thing which you must provide to your customers through websites. The search engine must be good and user friendly. The get up of the website is an additional thing but it is extremely necessary to make the web designing properly as it will become the outlook of your business.

If a website only provides the information it is not complete. Web designing becomes very much important as if it is not done properly, the customer will not be able to find out the information easily. Therefore, your time and money which you have spent for your website will be spoiled.

Therefore, it is necessary to build an attractive and user friendly design for your website. You can only say your web design perfect, if the customer feels good with it. There is no doubt about the fact that customer satisfaction is the most essential thing in any kind of business.

It is necessary to choose the proper web designer for designing your website. There are some web designers who try to work very quickly. Well, when you are making your website, you should take your time. You should choose the group of designers who will understand your requirements and will do the website designing accordingly. Good web-designers will be aware of the fundamental requirement of a website. They must be creative so that they can give the website a perfect look.

The design should be perfect at the very first time. The latest technologies are to be used for making your website. Sometimes the client can advise the designers to use the proper new techniques whenever and wherever it is necessary. However, the designer should not cross the boundary set by you as only you know what you want to show your customers through the website.

Customer’s feedback takes an important part in web-designing. Sometimes, the client remains specific about his requirement. If the client is not sure or certain about the techniques of building a website, or the web design, a good web designer will be able to handle the situation by asking the right questions to the client.

The web designer and the client should have a very good relation to make the website a perfect one. It will be commonly profitable to both of them.

September 20, 2012
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How to Keep Your Website Secured

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It goes without saying that website security testing is an important undertaking that can only be assumed at the owner’s peril. Your site’s security is just as important as its functionality and general appearance. This is especially true if your website stores your personal data, credit card details and your customers’ mailing lists. Being a victim of website vandalism can deface your website and instill long term security breach which can be frustrating and damaging. Thankfully, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure that your website is secured.

Keep your scripts updated

Even though open source applications are great for building blogs, it is equally important to keep them updated frequently. This is because using older versions of such applications increase the vulnerability of your site to hackers. To stay out of the woods, use the latest applications of any versions that you use on your website.

Delete installations that you do not use

If you installed an application in the hope that your online store would use it at some point but haven’t made good use of it, then it is healthy that you delete it. Why? This is because you probably do not visit your unused blog very often, meaning that you are less likely to know whether it has been hacked or not.

Use firewalls to shield your network

This is arguably the best step you can take to caution yourself from website hackers. Firewall prevents packets of bad information from raiding your servers, thereby keeping your website safe. If you do not know how to configure firewall, a hosting company may step in to provide that additional security measure against hackers.

Use strong passwords

As a general rule, webmasters are highly discouraged from using generic passwords like dictionary names, personal data or names as their passwords. This only increases the vulnerability of your website to hackers since such passwords are easy to guess. On the same breath, do not use adjacent words like qwerty or consecutive digits.

Limit your server access

As a webmaster, you should be very selective on who should have access to your servers. Even then, it is still a wise idea to limit the level of information that they can access. Most importantly, use unique passwords to all users and delete any inactive user within the shortest time possible.

Keep a backup of your website

Another bold step to keeping your website out of bounds for hackers is to back it up. If a hacker manages to destroy your website, you will still have a backup in a different and secure computer to keep your online business running as you plot on your next action plan.

Protect your computer from malware

Website hackers have upped their game, which calls for stringent security measures from webmasters. In an attempt to gain access to your website, a determined hacker may use special virus and sneak it to your computer to record your password. In order to stay safe and get a piece of mind, it is highly advisable to run a spyware program to ensure that your computer and website in general is not affected. This should be done at least once a week.

Website security testing is essential for websites with high traffic, whether they are personal or business. Small and large companies pay hefty sums for security services, but even without a budget you can keep your website security up to date.

June 7, 2012
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App Technology Revolutionizing Home Electronics

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LG’s recently unveiled ThinQ app is being bandied about by the technology and home appliances giant as a revolutionary approach to integrating the various functions of your home and managing all of them conveniently from a single location – your phone. This new system can provide huge advantages to consumers who have multiple LG products in their homes, creating a synergy between separate devices that can improve the efficiency of their various tasks by scheduling and managing them remotely.

How the ThinQ app works

With the ThinQ app, owners of LG products can check on the status of any of their LG equipment at any time, and they can start or schedule a variety of tasks whenever they please. For example, with the ThinQ app users can preheat their LG oven, schedule a washing cycle on their washing machine or start the dishwasher. These various tasks can be started simultaneously or scheduled to start at different times so water and energy resources aren’t tapped all at once.

Even better, the ThinQ app can send a variety of alerts to users, letting appliance owners know when an appliance needs attention, such as when the refrigerator door has been left ajar or when the washing machine’s load is off balance. Users can read periodic reports displaying the energy consumption of each appliance and even use food management software to keep track of food in the home.

The magic behind these various appliances is the presence of a WiFi connection within the home. The WiFi can transmit information to your phone via the ThinQ app, and the information is also accessible by LG’s customer service center. This is a potentially huge advantage for consumers, as the device can automatically report appliance problems to the company before the owner calls in.

Furthermore, it simplifies the customer support process because customers no longer have to take time diagnosing and reporting the equipment’s problems over the phone to a customer service representative – that information is immediately available to them on a screen, making diagnosis and repair that much easier.

This technology is the foundation of the ThinQ app’s success, and something we can expect to see implemented in other next-generation home appliances produced by other major manufacturers. After establishing itself as a titan in telecommunications technology, LG has expanded into other markets, building its product base and reputation successfully in home appliances.

The ThinQ app’s effects on the home appliance industry

Like LG, Whirpool is a major competitor in the home appliances market and has been lauded for its filter technology, keeping the company viable as modern advancements continue to improve home appliances. But up to this point, LG is the first of its kind to implement wireless technology into a full range of home appliances, and the company has further separated itself with the development of its WiFi integration system and the ThinQ app.

It’s unclear if Whirlpool, Maytag or other major home appliance manufacturers have similar products in the works, but the products most recently revealed and available in stores don’t appear to be equipped for a setup similar to LG’s ThinQ app. Given LG’s background in telecommunications and wireless technology, it’s no surprise they’re leading the push to revolutionize home appliances with wireless technology and smart phone management.

Even if LG’s competitors were blindsided by the ThinQ app announcement, there’s no question they’re already looking at similar technologies that could be implemented into their appliances to keep pace with LG’s offerings. For these companies, time is an important consideration – the longer LG operates as the only company offering WiFi and mobile technology integration with its home appliances, the greater the risk its competitors face of losing customers to more modern, tech-friendly alternatives.

At any rate, LG is leading the way in implementing mobile technology in new ways, revolutionizing home appliances and how household chores are handled. Smart phones and tablets are increasingly helping consumers manage every aspect of their lives, and LG is at the forefront of innovating home management technology. Expect other product manufacturers to follow suit.

 

May 7, 2012

Private vs Public Clouds

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Many people believe that when it comes to cloud computing they need to make a decision. Put their data on a public cloud where they can store lots of information at a low cost, yet have more security concerns or choose a private cloud where they have less ability to scale quickly but their information is more secure. But cloud computing is quickly moving forward, which means the days of all or nothing choices, such as public vs. private cloud computing, are simply no longer necessary. Companies carry several different types of data, and some information is more sensitive than others. Through elastic cloud computing platforms, like VMware hosting, data can be better balanced between both types of cloud computing in order to provide both efficient and secure storage across the board.

So if a public cloud is more economical as well as more powerful, why not simply use this type of space to store data and save money? The main concern when considering a public cloud is security. For most companies, at least part of the data that is shared on their servers carries some level of confidentiality, so they’re hesitant to use public servers. Although public clouds are cost-effective and efficient, there is too great a risk that some information could be compromised. Many hear this and declare it a deal breaker as far as their company is concerned, and opt instead for a private cloud.

With a private cloud, server space is not as abundant as it is on a public cloud, but security is much more focused and many companies feel safer when they use this option. The downside is that a private cloud is less efficient than a public cloud. Usage spikes may cause crashes where accessing needed information may be difficult until usage returns to more manageable levels. For many smaller businesses, a private cloud may help them feel grounded, but the amount of growth could be limited.

Many businesses are opting for a VMware hosting option that combines the best attributes of both private and public cloud computing. They often find that the majority of the time the private cloud offers the power they need for business efficiency, however, there may be exceptions. Perhaps holidays, running promotions or other peak times may require extra power from servers. During these times the public cloud can be set up to pick up the slack for the private cloud. This allows servers to keep moving and reduce the chance of systems freezing or timing out on customers or staff.

Of course what businesses ultimately choose will depend on a wide range of factors, including the size and nature of their business. There is simply some data that is more sensitive that needs to remain in a private cloud, if it enters any cloud at all. But there are other pieces that are more public in nature. VMware hosting technology offers businesses the opportunity to balance their cloud computing needs and save money that can go into their business and help them move forward.

April 9, 2012
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2012’s Newest Technology

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The 2012 International Manufacturing Technology Show will be the 29th offering of this premier event held in Chicago’s McCormick Place complex. Coordinators of the show state that the over 80,000 expected visitors will experience more than 1,100 technology-based exhibitions. Each Pavilion of the complex will host a specific industry, giving the heavy hitting companies in that field a chance to boast about their newest gadgets.

Who Will Attend?

Attending the IMTS will be technology and manufacturing professionals from around the world. The show is also open to students who wish to pursue a career in any one of the fields offering exhibits. Each company will provide educational information relevant to their business and industry.

The industries showing at IMTS in 2012 include aerospace, automotive, machine shop, medical and power gen/green. Prominent exhibitors this year include Aerospace Manufacturing and Design, Bluco Corporation and Delcam.

Aerospace Manufacturing and Design

Under the category of Books, Publications and Information Services, Aerospace Manufacturing and Design will be offering an exhibit in the Tooling and Workholding Systems Pavilion.

Aerospace Manufacturing and Design is a magazine resource for the tooling and manufacturing industry. A visit to one of the AMD exhibitions will provide an informative and appealing source of information. The company features industry related stories both online and in print with a staff that covers a range of topics including the newest technology solutions or design and CAD programs yet to be released.

This publication provides an in depth look at the industry that includes software, hardware, news and trends in tool and design. The AMD booth at IMTS will provide visitors a chance to meet the faces behind the words. Attendees that stop by will get to discuss industry news with the writers and editors that keep them informed.

The Aerospace Manufacturing and Design booth will be number is W-100 in the Tooling and Workholding Systems Pavilion.

Bluco Corporation

This year Bluco Corporation is one of the featured exhibitors at IMTS, showing in the Metal Forming and Fabricating/Laser Pavilion. Bluco offers modular fixturing systems for welding. Each unit features precision machined tables and reusable tooling components.

During their exhibit, Bluco will offer a closer look at their distinctive modular solutions. The company promises to create a system for any size or shape weldment. This Aurora, Ill. manufacturer will provide information at their booth to will help customize the right system for businesses.

The Bluco exhibit is at booth N-6021 in the Metal Forming Pavilion.

Delcam

In Controls and CAD-CAM, Delcam offers a taste of some of the newest design software available. Delcam produces applications such as ArtCAM, Delcam for SolidWorks, PowerINSPECT

Attendees will meet the programmers that create some of the most powerful CAD design platforms and simulator software available. The booth setup should offer a chance to see and play with the programs. Delcam will have people on hand to answer any questions visitors might have regarding applications they are considering for purchase or ones that they might already use for business.

The Delcam exhibit will be located in booth E-3222 in the Controls and CAD-CAM section.

Show Information

IMTS offers online registration and travel bookings. Attendees generally stay at a local Chicago hotel associated with the show. Registration will require deposit for one night and taxes. Deadline for registration and hotel booking is August 15, 2012. Companies looking to book rooms must provide names of guests no later than August 1st or risk losing their housing.

IMTS is held every two years. This year the event will open on September 10th and run through to the 15th. Shows begin in the East and West buildings at 9 a.m. and continue until 5 p.m. In the North and South buildings, the exhibitions start at 10 a.m. and end at 6 p.m.

IMTS is the largest exhibition of its kind in the world. No other show offers this quality and quantity of industrial trade information and technology. This is the place a company can find solutions for manufacturing needs. Businesses can use this trip as both a motivator and training platform. In the over 1,100 booths, IMTS offers the trendiest technology in nine different industries.

Business is about networking as much as anything else. The show will give professionals a chance to meet the people who make the decisions in their field. IMTS attendance opens up a world of business contacts that may be potential vendors or customers one day.

The show promises to be one of the biggest and most informative to date. This is the place to find 2012 newest technologies. Those who miss it will have to wait two years for another International Manufacturing Technology Show.

 

March 14, 2012

Different Surveys Conducted and Their Results Pertaining to Personalized Search

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The search engines are always competing with each other to take the best of market share. When it comes to market share, the search engine that is the most accurate and most effective gets the better of the market.

Search engines revolve around user trends and these trends than force the search engines to make changes, which subsequently affects different participants in online marketing processes, whether it be a social media marketing firm, a PPC marketer, or a website developer.

The lines below give a detail of several surveys conducted pertaining to personalized search and different online marketing functions.

1. Authenticity of Search Results:

According to surveys:

  • 91% of the users say that they most of the times or always find the information they are seeking from search engines.
  • 73% of the users believe that the information, which they get from search engines, is trustworthy and accurate.
  • 55% of the users claim that the quality of search results is getting better over time.
  • Only 4% believe that the search results are moving towards worst.

2. Personalization and Tracking:

Personalization and tracking of personal information is another major concern of users. The personalization feature directly impacts the search results; therefore, it also receives mixed responses from users. According to data collected from surveys:

  • 86% percent of users believe that they have learned something new or knowledgeable post the implementation of personalized search.
  • 45% users responded against the personalized search feature, plainly saying that Google should not use information from other sources.
  • 39.1% users liked the idea of personalized search, but were concerned about their privacy.

3. Content Discovery:

According to several survey stats:

  • 41% users say that they receive conflicting information from their personalized search results, because of which distinguishing the right information becomes difficult.
  • After the personalized search becoming active, 31% of the users believe that search results were missing critical information.

Other Facts:

Besides the change in user trends that take place every now and then, there are some general and hard facts about online marketing that cannot be avoided, whether it be personalized or non personalized search.

  • Several data sources show that the investment in online advertising will reach $19billion in 2012, meaning that there will be more business for website link building service providers, PPC marketers, and SEO specialists.
  • E-commerce sales crossed $194billion in 2011, which is 16.1% more compared to 2010.
  • 59% of Americans use search engine daily, where as 73% of Americans use it occasionally.
  • 38% of users responded to surveys by saying that they are overwhelmed by the quantity and quality of information they receive from search engines.

Conclusion:

In short, the personalized search and information tracking has received a mixed response from users, both in terms of its methodology and the results it provides.

March 3, 2012

Mobile Gaming Security Tips

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Mobile phones are offering more entertainment now that ever before. With use of faster 3G and 4G networks, built-in WiFi and a variety of apps to use, your phone is more than just a way to communicate. For those who prefer to gamble and enjoy the latest in casino-style gaming, your phone can offer a mobile solution for your casino entertainment. However, as with any technology there are security risks involved. If you are a mobile gaming aficionado you may want to consider these precautions to take before you make your next bet.

 

Don’t Use Public WiFi:

If you prefer using your built in WiFi to connect to your favorite gaming app, you may want to reconsider. Public WiFi that do not require a password are open to malicious users who want nothing more than to get their hands on your personal information. Find a secure network, even if you have to pay for it. This will offer added security to your gaming, so you can play without worry.

 

Don’t Store Financial Information:

One of the benefits of smartphones is the ability to track, save and use your financial information for purchases and gaming. However, this offers thieves the opportunity to gain your financial information, access your bank and credit accounts and steal your hard earned money. If you would like to utilize gaming apps for your casino enjoyment, avoid loading your gaming accounts through your phone in public. Use your home network or even your home computer to load your accounts and use your mobile phone to play afterwards.

 

Password Protect your Phone:

In the US alone, millions of consumers lose their cell phones each year. If you lose your phone you want to assure your gaming is safe from anyone who finds it. By password protecting your phone you can assure nobody accesses your gaming apps and bets under your accounts. There are new apps that allow your phone to lock when you it is not in use. For more security consider a one-time password authentication in order to keep your phone locked away from unauthorized users.

 

Avoid Transferring Funds:

Even if you have decided not to store your financial information on your phone, even the act of transferring fund via your smartphone can open your wallet to thieves. Many banking apps include security, but for every secured network there is a hacker lurking to access it. Avoid transferring fund while in public, on a public WiFi hotspot, or within proximity of other computer users. This will assure your transactions stay as your own.

 

Smartphones are a fantastic way to get things done no matter where you are as well as entertain yourself in a variety of ways. If you are a mobile gambler, you will want to assure your gaming is fun and safe. Take these security tips into consideration and increase your odds of keeping your financial information secure.

Jeremy Miller is a writer and contributor for http://www.onlinecasino.co.nz, where he offers tips on playing responsibly.

February 23, 2012
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Voting Technology to Help the Disabled

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Cities in the United States often use various methods to assist the disabled on voting day. This typically consists of transporting the handicapped to voting sites in a wheelchair van and ensuring the disabled have access to voting sites. Legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ensures that polling places accommodate disabled voters.

Now, voting machines have the capability to accommodate people with a range of disabilities. This technology ensures that the disabled voters truly do have equal access to polling places.

Long Beach, California plans to use voting machines for visually impaired individuals during the April 2012 primary elections, according to Gazettes.com. These machines are able to issue audio commands to users, allowing them to vote without assistance, even if they are completely blind. This will mark the first use of these voting machines in Los Angeles County and is an important step in providing independent voting for the disabled.

Dolores Nason, executive director of the Disabled Resources Center, was nearly brought to tears when she saw some of her volunteers, workers and clients using these machines during a demonstration. “People who have disabilities, they still want to be independent and they want to keep their dignity,” she told Gazettes.com, “and being able to vote can be a big part of that.”

Los Angeles County has 88 cities, 60 of which have municipal elections. Long Beach used an independent contractor to conduct its elections until 2006, and this city has been improving its voting facilities in-house ever since. In 2006, Orange County began using the e-slate voting machines, electronic machines that directly record voting machines. Anyone can use these machines, but they are especially useful for people with disabilities.

E-slate machines issue voice commands through headphones for the visually impaired. The large buttons are easy for people with motor disabilities to control, and those without any use of their hands can control these machines with a sip and puff device. An e-slate machine displays the entire ballot as if it was a paper ballot and also allows the user to modify previous choices before submitting the ballot.

Long Beach officials will install four e-slate machines at City Hall for the 2012 elections, which run from March 12 to April 3. The city decided to buy these $24,000 machines instead of electronic poll books, which allows voting officials to review voter information. Officials plan to install e-slate machines at all 270 polling locations, although this will require several years to fully implement.

Voting machines allow the disabled to maintain their independence and keep their dignity while voting, in addition to increasing the number of people who vote. These machines also allow the handicapped to vote independently, thus ensuring privacy for all voters.

In order to ensure equality at the voting booth, this technology should be widespread, rather than contained in such a limited area. With technological advancements being made every day, it is feasible that, assuming everything goes as planned in California this year, this technology can be available nationwide by the next presidential election.

February 16, 2012
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10 Ways Cloud Computing Has Changed Business

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Cloud computing is a method of delivering computing services. Initially conceived in 2006, it has become a common method of transferring files through the Internet. Cloud computing represents a fundamental shift in business, where computing has traditionally been considered a product. Here are 10 ways in which cloud computing has changed business.

  1. Cloud computing has greatly simplified the task of sharing files on a network. This typically requires users to place an application icon for the cloud computing software onto their computer’s desktop. A file can be shared simply by dragging it into the icon. File-sharing previously required expertise in networking.
  2. Large companies began developing the tools that provide cloud-computing services. Gartner research predicts that customers will spend $16 billion per year on cloud computing services by the year 2016.
  3. Cloud computing has caused business leaders to assume that all digital information is available through the Internet.
  4. Cloud-computing businesses are becoming extremely competitive. Box.net, CloudMe, Dropbox, Egnyte and SugarSync are all cloud-computing startups that have been founded since 2000. Big companies such as Apple and Google are also getting involved with this trend.
  5. Businesses that provide cloud-computing services are able to obtain large amounts of funding. For example, Dropbox obtained venture capital worth more than $250 million in September of 2011.
  6. Cloud computing allows average users to transfer files between devices, rather than just high-end users. The transfer of files between devices started becoming an issue for average users in 2007.
  7. Cloud computing also allows users to connect different types of devices on the Internet, which have proliferated since the late 1990s. In addition to a PC or Mac, users today may also have a smartphone or tablet, which is fully integrated with cloud computing services.
  8. Businesses now consider data sharing to be an integral part of computing, along with having the right data and Internet connectivity. These three elements are now business requirements, rather than options.
  9. Cloud computing has allowed users to become more mobile. IDC, a market research firm, reports that 758.6 million mobile users were connected to the Internet 2006. That number is projected to increase to 1.3 billion by 2013.
  10. The transfer of large files such a multimedia files is faster with cloud computing. Prior to cloud computing, these files were typically transferred by downloading them from a server. This process becomes time consuming when it is performed frequently.

Whether you’re sharing documents with office mates or trying to decide what to do in Chicago, cloud computing has many valid uses that has made sharing information infinitely easier. Gone are the days of snail mail and bulky file cabinets. Now, with a few clicks of the mouse, you can stay connected and up-to-date, making cloud computing a winning solution for the business world. With all of these innovations, who knows where we will be five or ten years from now? The possibilities seem limitless.