Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Keeping Your Computer Safe With A Personal Firewall

There have not been any moments in time in the account of the computer system that anti-virus software and firewalls have been in demand and more necessary. In the present day, personal computer protection is not just endangered by worms and viruses, but in addition by spy-ware – those terribly irritating programs which are unlawfully downloaded into your PC from the Internet. Firewalls, have been a predominant factor in the commercial world for a long time for defending huge, costly internal intranets or else other networks, has nowadays come onto its own like a means for computer system owners too. Your personal computer is at the same time as vulnerable – if not further so – to online harassments, hence why is it not supposed to be protected?

What’s a firewall, in any case?

For those of the people who might not be that much familiar with the personal computer security language like a few, we present here a rather easy explanation. A firewall is an assortment of security software that acts to obstruct users who are not permitted, from getting an access to a certain PC network (or a solo PC). A large number of firewalls in addition comprehensively monitors and reports the data transmits within the set of connections and the outer Internet environment. As a result, they are fairly successful in maintaining your PC or network protected, permitting you to make use of the Internet with no high security threat.

Personal Firewalls by Sygate

There are a small number of greatly acclaimed firewall suppliers out there, and Sygate is undoubtedly one amongst them. Here we go through a few of the aspects of Sygate line firewalls, with the intention that you might select the most excellent firewall for your server or computer.

Sygate at present provides 2 chief personal firewalls: SPF - the Sygate Personal Firewall and SPFP - the Sygate Personal Firewall Plus. The main differentiation between the 2 is the highly developed features that you will just come across in the SPFP. In the Plus adaptation you will obtain VPN support, IDS - intrusion detection system, anti mac, and, active response anti IP spoofing. Both adaptations of the program are available with the items, which every personal computer user ought to actually make certain that they have: the chief "application" firewall, security policy customization, attacker tracing system, and intrusion alarm system. Bearing in mind that the SPF can basically be downloaded free of charge, and comprises of the items you actually require, this is the program we suggest for home personal computer users.

Personal Firewalls by Norton

Sygate’s nearest contention in the field of personal firewalls is Norton. Anti virus programs by Norton are a lot famous, and have mainly carried the trade name over the previous decade. A few of the efficient aspects of this software consist of the Norton Privacy Control (it prevents info from being transmitted without your awareness through MS Office attachment, instant messages, email, and different forms on the Internet, for instance those you fill the credit card numbers in), and intrusion prevention system, which automatically obstructs doubtful inward bound traffic (from intruders, and the like).

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

About the Author:
Michael Granger is an author and PC software programmer. See more articles at Personal Firewall Reviews and Secure Connection

Company web site maintenance

As the internet grows in its popularity and your company in its reach, merging both successes become fruitful when the presence on the internet is firmly established. Your company's web site could have been launched as a first time experiment or as a fully blown e-commerce venture, both cases of presence need to be sustained over a long period of time. The need for your company web site maintenance arises, for reasons of sustaining it in the face of so many risks it faces on the internet. Company web site maintenance is normally undertaken by it's own IT or EDP division or by an external agency specializing in this area of information technology.

The risks could arise from so many unethical and untoward practices on the internet propagated by destructive hackers or intellectual property thieves. Company web site maintenance is a relatively new concept and practice covering the following areas:

Content Updates: This function deals with updating the current content including company information, personal information and any other textual content of the web site. Content update may also include insertion of new graphics within the text, especially for sites that publish regular articles or columns. The content updates usually depend upon the industry in which the company operates, design of the website and the variety of audience it addresses. For example, if the company is a newspaper publishing company, updates may be daily or hourly or if the company is a BPO, updates may be needed on a weekly basis.

Traffic Report Analysis: To assess the success of your web site and to evaluate the same, the traffic needs to be measured. Traffic is the amount of hits your web site receives from various sources on a day to day basis. Analysis of these reports and their outcome affects the company web site maintenance function highly. Since these reports will tell you what pages of your site are more popular and which kinds of people visit it. Revamping the site as per these reports will greatly help in ensuring that your company web site is promoted properly.

Image Optimization: Images on your company's web site occupy most disk space. Optimizing these images is one way of making sure that they load faster on the visitor's browser's page. Therefore image optimization is a major part of company web site maintenance because it directly affects the loading speeds and performance of your web site. Image optimization is normally done during the initial site design but when you add new graphics to your site, they have to be optimized again to ensure that they load faster in the browser.

Web Site Promotion: After your company has uploaded and launched the web site through necessary fan fare, the question of marketing your web site comes into the picture. This is also known as web site promotion which is simply marketing. When you open a new store front you need to have a plan or a way to attract potential and new customers. Your company's website, if made for promoting business, is an electronic storefront, therefore the same policy applies to a web site. The objective of creating a web site was to share information with the rest of the world. But the world will never know that your site exists if you don't inform them. Using simple web site promotion techniques and tools, a marketing campaign can be put in place which will drive constant flow of visitors to your site.

Web Server Maintenance: A web server is the computer where your web site resides. Unless your company has a very hi tech IT installation consisting of data center or intranet, the chances are that the web server space has been leased form a third party and you have remote access to it. The hosting provider, or the company that leases out space for your web site, owns and manages the data center, handles most of the technical maintenance related to your web site. Most hosting companies give you a limited access to your web server using a web-based control panel. The most routine part of server maintenance is that you may be required to monitor disk space, data transfers and efficient performance. Doing so will ensure that your web site is performing at proper and efficient performance levels. This part of company web site maintenance is relatively easy and is a periodic chore.

Content Archival: If your company has dynamic content and it changes constantly like e-zines, portals or news sites, you must put in place a mechanism to archive older content and make sure that it is available on upon request. These kinds of web sites are usually database driven and one needs to be updated on data driven technologies to efficiently perform this part of company web site maintenance operations. A requirement of specialist is not ruled out since this is a time consuming and a seriously responsible job profile in company web site maintenance industry.

Link Validation: Link validation is a typical part of all or most company web site maintenance services. It includes microscopic scanning all the pages of the company web site to ensure that there are no non-working or dead links. Several software programs are available that do this automatically by reporting any dead or missing links at the end. It may be easy, but a very essential part of company web site maintenance.

Link Popularity: In a bid to popularize your company's web site, it has to be marketed in such a way that it should be placed at the top of search engines. This practice is also called search engine optimization and link popularity becomes very important in search engine placement. In short link popularity is the measure of the number of incoming and outgoing links on your website. The more links your company web site has, the better it will rank in search engines. Therefore, this also underlines the importance of company web site maintenance in regard to link validation.

Layout Changes: This new dimension of company web site maintenance is really not a maintenance job, but is a revamping job. It is important that the differentiation between content update and layout changes comes to the fore because content update is just changing the content as per time or incidents and is a regular part of the company web site maintenance process, whereas layout changes are not typically included in most company web site maintenance packages. Layout changes are changes to the overall design and structure of the web site or a particular page which may include addition of new graphics, re-designing or enhancing existing such as adding flash movies or sounds.
The objective of any company web site maintenance program is to keep the web site appealing, up-to-date and to attract and retain visitors. Company web site maintenance is a full-time and highly responsible job, especially for web sites that have constantly changing content. Also, being a very highly technical job, a lot of software tools have come up to automate the process, but the uniqueness of each web site does not aid the automation fully.

http://www.cyberdias.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

About the Author:
www.cyberdias.com Submitted with Article Distributor.

Using A Client Extranet For Efficient Online Collaboration

Efficient collaboration with clients is essential for any service firm. Traditionally, collaboration has focused on face-to-face meetings, supported by email to share work in progress.

Over the past several years, a new tool has grown in popularity: the client service extranet. While face-to-face meetings remain the most effective (and essential) collaboration tool, extranets have replaced email as the favored forum for sharing and organizing the vast number of documents that are part of all client/agency relationships.

Increasingly, service firms are using extranets as a platform to share work with clients securely and efficiently. They allow clients to log into a secure workspace and access the materials that pertain to them.

An extranet allows clients to:

• Access draft documents for approval or comment
• Preview artwork or multimedia presentations for approval or comment
• Provide important background information from the client before the project begins
• Archive past projects for easy comparison
• Access time and billing information
• Access a log of all project communication
• Reduce the number of or eliminate the need for face-to-face meetings which can make servicing remote clients easier and less expensive

Since most clients are busy people, using an extranet can save both time and frustration for the client and improve the agency’s level of service and as a result, the client’s overall satisfaction.

How Do You Set Up An Extranet?

You can set up and in-house extranet or purchase a hosted extranet from an application service provider for a monthly fee.

Building an in-house extranet

If you select an in-house implementation, you will need to have an existing intranet infrastructure available. Then you can purchase the necessary equipment and software and either hire or train personnel to maintain the system. The initial cost can be significant and may be beyond the reach of smaller firms.

Building an in-house extranet offer the following advantages and disadvantages compared to using a hosted (ASP) solution:

Advantages

• Complete control of user interface design
• Ability to customize functionality for each client
• Integration into internal systems
• Direct access to all user activity

Disadvantages

• High up-front development cost
• Requires staff expertise in the development of extranets
• Commitment of internal staff for 6 months to a year for planning, execution, review and implementation
• On-going commitment of internal staff for internal and client support, hosting, maintenance and upgrades
• Extensive internal and client training

Using a hosted solution

If you decide to purchase the extranet from an application service provider, you will pay a monthly fee for as long as you use the service. The hosting company provides the infrastructure, security, setup and maintenance of the system. It isn’t even necessary for you to have an internal network. Many will also provide training for your staff as well.

Using an Application Service provider (ASP) offers the following advantages and disadvantages compared to using an in-house extranet:

Advantages

• Proven track-record of web-based application
• Low cost of entry and predictable cost over time
• Rapid implementation as quickly as one day
• No internal staff commitment to internal and client support, hosting and maintenance
• Upgrades available at no cost
• Savings on internal server use
• Easier to learn, easier to use

Disadvantages

• Less freedom in user interface design
• Fixed functionality

Whether you choose to build and maintain your own extranet, or choose to use a hosted solution, your firm will streamline client services by providing faster access to critical documents, and by reducing the turn around time for review and approval. Which one you choose will depend on your company’s needs and existing resources.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

About the Author:
Rick Mosenkis is CEO of Trichys, providers of WorkZone extranet and intranet solutions for online collaboration.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Project Management - Dealing With Information Overload

You probably are aware by now how important project management is for your bottom line. Organizations everywhere are tuning in to the effect of project management to meet it's shortcomings in the face of increasing demands posed by the digital age.

Right now professionals are required to perpetually learn the bleeding edge project management techniques including perhaps pursuing the project management professional status or PMP for short.

This certification involves a rigorous examination process as well as intense course of study. Experience levels within the actual field of project management itself is also indispensable to attain this coveted status. Once a professional has attained it, he or she must renew it every now and then in order to be able to continue to use that designation.

This certification was created by the Project Management Institute which is considered the world's leading authoritative organization when it comes to the industry of project management.

So as a current or future PMP, how does one keep up-to-date with such a vast array of facts that's available and growing (beyond the internet, intranet, and proprietary knowledge)? One thing you can do is use RSS readers to organize and keep up to date with your favorite blogs and news feeds which allows you to keep up to date with the entire industry within a glance.

The nice thing about reading blogs from various project management and PMP certified agents is that you will get a second hand account into various cultures, industries, and corporate policies as it relates to the application of the Project Management body of knowledge.

Be sure to join local networking clubs within your area to pick the brains of some of the thought leaders and executives who are focused on this rigorous field of study. This is one of the best ways to stay ahead and learn tricks of the trade that will literally save you hundreds upon hundreds of hours of time through learning through trials and tribulations.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleJoe.com

Top Filing Systems: Go Digital

If you are one of those people who have ever accidentally lost or spent far too much time rifling through drawers for that particular file, you may be interested to know that modern technology can change your unorganized drawers full of paperwork into digital format, with many added benefits.

1. The Benefits of Digital Format:

- Files are easily distributable
- Files are indexed perfectly and are incapable of going out of order
- Files are searchable
- Can be easily backed-up and restored

Q. How Can I Easily Convert All My Paperwork Into Digital Format?
A. All you need is a good document management system that will ensure you have the luxury of finding the correct documents that you need in just a click of a button.

Q. What Is A Document Management System Exactly?
A. You install an application to your personal computer that will give you the option to categorize your files according to their type as well as their contents. This will really make your recordkeeping a breeze.

Q. I Am Organized Enough Already, What Benefits Will This System Have For Me?
A. Aside from being able to keep track of your electronic documents, you might as well take the time to scan your paper documents to your computer to have an electronic copy of them as well.

From scanning paper documents onto your computer, you can also retrieve various other electronic documents from the internet or from other people’s files (if your document management system is for a business where the system is shared by everyone in the office). Just simply use the drag and drop system for you to be able to put your electronic documents to its proper folder.

1. Standard Edition

The doQuments Standard edition is meant for home and personal use. It is the simplest among the three document management formats and is a quick and effective solution for managing all your electronic and paper documents.
There is also the doQuments Professional edition which is a document management system that is meant for the upkeep of files in small scale businesses.

2. Professional Edition

With this version you will now be able to do more things with your document management system. This document management system is faster and allows a larger database. It also contains a nifty feature called parameterized queries that ensures you can locate specific documents in just a few clicks.

3. Enterprise Edition

Aside from combining the features of the professional edition, the enterprise edition also allows a web edition where you can connect the program directly to a server (a website or intranet system). Now you can access your data from anywhere in the world that has an internet connection.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleJoe.com

Company web site maintenance

As the internet grows in its popularity and your company in its reach, merging both successes become fruitful when the presence on the internet is firmly established. Your company's web site could have been launched as a first time experiment or as a fully blown e-commerce venture, both cases of presence need to be sustained over a long period of time. The need for your company web site maintenance arises, for reasons of sustaining it in the face of so many risks it faces on the internet. Company web site maintenance is normally undertaken by it's own IT or EDP division or by an external agency specializing in this area of information technology.

The risks could arise from so many unethical and untoward practices on the internet propagated by destructive hackers or intellectual property thieves. Company web site maintenance is a relatively new concept and practice covering the following areas:

Content Updates: This function deals with updating the current content including company information, personal information and any other textual content of the web site. Content update may also include insertion of new graphics within the text, especially for sites that publish regular articles or columns. The content updates usually depend upon the industry in which the company operates, design of the website and the variety of audience it addresses. For example, if the company is a newspaper publishing company, updates may be daily or hourly or if the company is a BPO, updates may be needed on a weekly basis.

Traffic Report Analysis: To assess the success of your web site and to evaluate the same, the traffic needs to be measured. Traffic is the amount of hits your web site receives from various sources on a day to day basis. Analysis of these reports and their outcome affects the company web site maintenance function highly. Since these reports will tell you what pages of your site are more popular and which kinds of people visit it. Revamping the site as per these reports will greatly help in ensuring that your company web site is promoted properly.

Image Optimization: Images on your company's web site occupy most disk space. Optimizing these images is one way of making sure that they load faster on the visitor's browser's page. Therefore image optimization is a major part of company web site maintenance because it directly affects the loading speeds and performance of your web site. Image optimization is normally done during the initial site design but when you add new graphics to your site, they have to be optimized again to ensure that they load faster in the browser.

Web Site Promotion: After your company has uploaded and launched the web site through necessary fan fare, the question of marketing your web site comes into the picture. This is also known as web site promotion which is simply marketing. When you open a new store front you need to have a plan or a way to attract potential and new customers. Your company's website, if made for promoting business, is an electronic storefront, therefore the same policy applies to a web site. The objective of creating a web site was to share information with the rest of the world. But the world will never know that your site exists if you don't inform them. Using simple web site promotion techniques and tools, a marketing campaign can be put in place which will drive constant flow of visitors to your site.

Web Server Maintenance: A web server is the computer where your web site resides. Unless your company has a very hi tech IT installation consisting of data center or intranet, the chances are that the web server space has been leased form a third party and you have remote access to it. The hosting provider, or the company that leases out space for your web site, owns and manages the data center, handles most of the technical maintenance related to your web site. Most hosting companies give you a limited access to your web server using a web-based control panel. The most routine part of server maintenance is that you may be required to monitor disk space, data transfers and efficient performance. Doing so will ensure that your web site is performing at proper and efficient performance levels. This part of company web site maintenance is relatively easy and is a periodic chore.

Content Archival: If your company has dynamic content and it changes constantly like e-zines, portals or news sites, you must put in place a mechanism to archive older content and make sure that it is available on upon request. These kinds of web sites are usually database driven and one needs to be updated on data driven technologies to efficiently perform this part of company web site maintenance operations. A requirement of specialist is not ruled out since this is a time consuming and a seriously responsible job profile in company web site maintenance industry.

Link Validation: Link validation is a typical part of all or most company web site maintenance services. It includes microscopic scanning all the pages of the company web site to ensure that there are no non-working or dead links. Several software programs are available that do this automatically by reporting any dead or missing links at the end. It may be easy, but a very essential part of company web site maintenance.

Link Popularity: In a bid to popularize your company's web site, it has to be marketed in such a way that it should be placed at the top of search engines. This practice is also called search engine optimization and link popularity becomes very important in search engine placement. In short link popularity is the measure of the number of incoming and outgoing links on your website. The more links your company web site has, the better it will rank in search engines. Therefore, this also underlines the importance of company web site maintenance in regard to link validation.

Layout Changes: This new dimension of company web site maintenance is really not a maintenance job, but is a revamping job. It is important that the differentiation between content update and layout changes comes to the fore because content update is just changing the content as per time or incidents and is a regular part of the company web site maintenance process, whereas layout changes are not typically included in most company web site maintenance packages. Layout changes are changes to the overall design and structure of the web site or a particular page which may include addition of new graphics, re-designing or enhancing existing such as adding flash movies or sounds.
The objective of any company web site maintenance program is to keep the web site appealing, up-to-date and to attract and retain visitors. Company web site maintenance is a full-time and highly responsible job, especially for web sites that have constantly changing content. Also, being a very highly technical job, a lot of software tools have come up to automate the process, but the uniqueness of each web site does not aid the automation fully.

http://www.cyberdias.com

Article Source: http://www.ArticleJoe.com

Organize Your Life With Document Management Software

Over the years, it becomes quite a tedious job to rummage as well as sort through your files. This has led to an increasing demand for document management software. It is now a whole lot easier to organize your paper documents from paper format into digital archives.

1. Itaz doQuments

Itaz doQuments document management software is a document management application that can help you create a more centralized, searchable database for all your electronic documents. Saved scanned documents must be in PDF, TIFF or PEG file formats so that the document management software can process them. For easy reference, you can put additional indexing information to your electronic documents so that you will use these information to quickly find as well as group your documents based on whichever criteria that you can come up with.

The document management software is available in three editions: from the Standard edition to the Professional edition to the Enterprise edition. You can choose from these three editions the type of doQuments document management software that can cater to your needs and lifestyle. Each edition of this document management software is specially designed for:

- Individuals
- Small businesses
- Large organizations

Starting from this document management software's Standard Edition, this edition of the doQuments document management software application is especially designed for the home as well as for the use of small offices. It is the easiest one to use out of the three and provides an effective solution in the managing not only of paper but as well as electronic documents.

One of its key features is its ability to provide the multi-user environment - users from multiple computers can have access to the doQuments document management software simultaneously. As for being economical, this document management software is fairly easy to upgrade once you start thinking of getting the doQuments' Professional or Enterprise document management software editions.

2. Advanced Features

Paramaterized search results ensures you can easily locate the documents that you need in just one mouse click. DoQuments is ideal for companies with large intranet or internet sites as it is possible to integrate them easily.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleJoe.com

=

What Is An Intranet? Definition And Uses

An intranet is basically a private web based network. It uses all of the technology of the internet but is safe and protected behind a firewall that keeps unauthorized personnel out. Companies have been using them for years as a method of streamlining their internal communications.

Because a web browser can run on any type of computer, the need to maintain multiple paper copies of documents that are constantly changing can be eliminated. Documents like training manuals, internal phone books, procedure manuals, benefits information, employee handbooks, requisition forms, etc. can be maintained as electronic documents and updated at almost no cost. The savings in paper and other material costs can be significant

But the most powerful aspect of an intranet is its ability to display information in the same format to every computer being used. That allows all of the different software and databases a company uses to be available to all employees without any special equipment or software being installed on their systems.

This universal availability of information is sparking an era of collaboration unlike anything ever seen before. The departmental barriers that exist in many companies are slowing breaking down because now colleagues can share information readily using the company intranet.

Options for implementing an intranet

There are a variety of options for setting up an intranet. They include building your own intranet technology, purchasing and installing third-party software, or purchasing access through an extranet ASP. Here is a quick summary of the advantages and disadvantages of each approach:

1. Building it yourself
Advantages: Complete control of user interface design; ability to customize level of functionality; integration into internal systems, and direct access to user activity.

Disadvantages: High up-front development cost; requires staff expertise in the development of extranets, commitment of internal staff for 6 months to a year for planning, execution, review and implementation; and an ongoing commitment of internal staff for internal and client support, hosting, maintenance and upgrades.

2. Purchasing/installing third-party software
Advantages: Proven track-record of packaged solution; ability to choose functions and to
customize user interface, more rapid implementation compared to building it yourself.

Disadvantages: High up-front purchase cost; commitment of internal staff for customization and implementation; on-going commitment of internal staff for internal and client support, hosting, maintenance and upgrades; and extensive internal and client training

3. Using a Service Provider (ASP)
Advantages: Proven track-record of the application; low cost of entry and predictable cost over time; virtually immediate implementation; no commitment of internal staff for internal support, hosting, or maintenance; and upgrades at no cost by extranet experts, and savings on internal server use.

Disadvantages: Less freedom in user interface design, and fixed functionality.

In the final analysis…
The approach you choose depends on how you work, the technical and financial resources at your disposal, and how rapidly you need to move forward.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleJoe.com

Rick Mosenkis is CEO of Trichys, providers of WorkZone extranet and intranet solutions for online document sharing.

Opensource CMS rules

A web CMS is a content management system software used for managing content for the web.

The software manages content (text, graphics, links, etc.) for distribution on a web server. Usually the software provides tools where users with little or no knowledge of programming languages and markup languages (such as HTML) can create and manage content with relative ease of use. Most systems use a database to hold content, and a presentation layer displays the content to regular website visitors based on a set of templates. Management of the software is typically done through a web browser, but some systems may be modified in other ways.

A Content Management System (CMS) differs from website builders like Microsoft FrontPage or Macromedia Dreamweaver in that a CMS allows non-technical users to make changes to an existing website with little or no training. Website building tools like FrontPage and Dreamweaver require more technical knowledge and training on average. A CMS is an easy-to-use tool that gives authorized users the ability to manage a website. A CMS is a website maintenance tool rather than a website creation tool.

Let's talk about Joomla! Content Management System now.

Joomla! is one of the most powerful Open Source Content Management Systems on the planet. It is used all over the world for everything from simple websites to complex corporate applications. Joomla! is easy to install, simple to manage, and reliable.

One of the ways people use Joomla! CMS:

* Corporate websites or portals
* Online commerce
* Small business websites
* Non-profit and organizational websites
* Government applications
* Corporate intranets and extranets
* School and church websites
* Personal or family homepages
* Community-based portals
* Magazines and newspapers
* the possibilities are limitless…

Joomla! can be used to easily manage every aspect of your website, from adding content and images to updating a product catalog or taking online reservations.

Advanced use of Joomla!

Out of the box, Joomla! does a great job of managing the content needed to make your website sing. But for many people, the true power of Joomla! lies in the application framework that makes it possible for thousands of developers around the world to create powerful add-ons and extensions. Here are just some examples of the hundreds of available extensions:

* Dynamic form builders
* Business or organizational directories
* Document management
* image and multimedia galleries
* E-commerce and shopping cart engines
* Forums and chat software
* Calendars
* Blogging software
* Directory services
* Email newsletters
* Data collection and reporting tools
* Banner advertising systems
* Subscription services
* and many, many more…

You will probably ask yourself what’s the catch?

There is no catch. Joomla! is free, open, and available to all under the GPL license.


http://www.submityournewarticle.com/Article/Opensource-CMS-rules/134106

Custom Software Development Checklist

Custom database software development is facilitated by the use of a checklist of standard questions to be answered before a system is created, and before analysis begins. This checklist is provided to assist in the Analysis/Requirements phase of a new custom software development project.

If you are interested in having 21st Century Technologies, Inc. create a new system for you, then the following checklist and the associated answers will facilitate the analysis process. The answers can be e-mailed or faxed to us at the email address and fax number at the bottom of the page.

BUSINESS CONSIDERATIONS

1. Desired delivery date or proposed project schedule.
2. Business reason for, and urgency of project.
3. What are the cost constraints?
4. Use cases - description of how each group of users will be using the system.
a. General business process - web user will buy a product, web user will add a customer, web user will add contact information, etc.
b. Input/Output - web users will enter data into forms, data will be imported, administrator must run many management reports, administrator needs to export to Excel and text, etc.
c. Frequency of activity - many times each day, once daily, weekly, etc.
d. Cycles of activity - weekly sales reports to all sales managers on Monday morning, close books at end of year, etc.

NATURE OF APPLICATION

1. Do you have a desired development tool or technology in mind? You may want to split the application into some parts that can be run on a Windows workstation computer, while other parts (like reports, or timecard entry screens) are accessed via a web browser on your local intranet. Web applications and reports can be viewed on all computer types and operating systems that are capable of viewing web pages. Some tools currently available to build the system are listed here:
a. C#/VB.NET
b. ASP.NET
c. Active Server Pages or Cold Fusion for robust database driven Web applications
d. ColdFusion
e. Visual Basic
f. SQL Server
g. MS Access
h. JavaScript - for cross browser compatibility,
i. VBScript - for server scripting, and client scripting if Internet Explorer is the only client browser
j. Dreamweaver - for higher ended client functionality
k. SQL Server Reporting Services
l. Crystal Reports - for Windows and Web based reports
m. ActiveReports
n. Excel
o. PowerPoint
p. Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Systems - dial 1 for English, 2 for Spanish...
2. If other applications are involved (MS Word, MS Excel, QuickBooks, etc.), what version will be used?
3. Desired screen resolution (800x600, 1024x768, etc.),
4. Screen Size (15", 17", 19”, 21")
5. Preferred Font and size (Arial 10, Times New Roman 12, etc.)?
6. Target Windows version for each client computer in the system (98, NT 4.0, 2000, XP, 2003 Server, etc.),
7. Web Server – MS Internet Information Services (IIS), Apache, etc.
8. Target computer Operating System if not a Windows Platform - Apple, Unix, Linux, etc.
9. Target workstation hardware for all client stations,
a. Clock speed –1333, 1500, 2000, 3000, etc. MHz,
b. Hard drive space – 100, 200, 400, etc. Gbytes,
c. RAM – 128Mb, 256Mb, 512Mb, 1Gb, etc.
10. If a network application, which network and version? –Windows, Novell 3.1, Novell, etc.
11. What are the drive letters for the networked back end databases if a network application? F, G, H, etc.? This reduces the deployment effort by developing in the same environment as the target workstations.
12. If available and pertinent, please provide a network configuration diagram with paths to server (where database will reside) and all clients, security/user groups, etc.
13. Is 24x7 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) uptime required? If so, please explain the business need. We will discuss this further. The cost goes up as more uptime is required. More resources are needed - various personnel on pagers, redundant computers or components like power supplies RAID or mirrored hard drives, etc.
14. Is Internet/Intranet data access desired?
a. For data entry?
b. For report reviewing only?
c. To disseminate existing documents?
d. To email notification of pre-determined business trigger events (project milestone met and approved, employee appraisal ready for approval, etc.)?
15. Is Security desired?
a. Extremely high network (Internet) security - firewall, proxy server, etc.
b. Database level security - MS Access has security, but SQL Server has a much tighter security model tied in with the Win 2000/NT operating system.
c. Application level security
d. Minimum (pseudo) security algorithm – low cost
e. Please specify User Groups that may have special Security needs requiring different levels of security:
i. Administrative Assistants
ii. Analysts
iii. Engineers
iv. Managers
v. Company Owners
vi. System Administrators
16. Are Backup Scenarios currently in place? Backups will be an integral component of the system. The importance of this cannot be over emphasized.
a. Daily, Weekly, Monthly onto tape
b. Daily, Weekly, Monthly onto CD or other optical drive
c. Onto another computer
d. Regular backups located at a remote site
17. Are Anti-Virus protection and policies in place? It is an important part of ensuring that a system stays up and running.
18. Will remote troubleshooting be desired? The addition of Error Processing and Logging software will facilitate remote support and troubleshooting.
19. Desired Documentation?
a. None
b. Installation
c. User
d. Administrator
e. Software
f. On-line help
g. Special
h. All of the above
20. What is the proficiency level of all users for the target tools and environments – Windows, Excel, etc.?
21. Will interfaces to other systems (accounting, payroll, another database, GIS, truck routing, etc.) be required? This will affect the data model and system configuration, so early planning for these interfaces is critical to their successful inclusion into the system.
22. Is an audit trail function desired for changes to existing data? What parts of the system will need to be audited?
23. Is government reporting or data security required – Sarbanes Oxley, HIPAA, etc.
24. Number of reports. A sample hardcopy or at least hand drawing of each will significantly help in determination of report prices and commonalties (company headers, formats, etc.). Important items are:
a. Number of sections including sort groups,
b. Definition of the source data for all fields in each section and their calculation method,
c. Summaries,
d. Desired output format:
i. Windows screen preview
ii. HTML
iii. E-Mail
iv. PDF
v. Delimited Text
vi. Excel spreadsheet
vii. Other outputs
25. Is an ad hoc user-defined reporting, data retrieval, or analysis (On Line Analytical Processing (OLAP), Data Mining, etc.) capability desired?
26. Is an installation program needed for distribution of an application to many users?
27. Is an automated network or internet installation desired?
28. Are custom point to point communications needed? This may also include automated faxing.
29. Special Considerations:
a. Unique business rules, calculations, desired warnings, etc.
b. Significant text parsing
c. Known or possible issues and problems that may be alleviated with testing
d. Voice driven capability
e. Multiple databases (Access and SQL Server, Oracle, etc.)

DATA AND VOLUME

1. How many users are expected on the system in the near (first 6 months) and long (1 – 3 years and past) term?
2. How many users are expected to use the system at the same time during peak periods in the near and long term?
3. What type of data traffic will be on the network for the near and long term - numbers, text, images, video, multi-media, etc.?
4. What is the expected volume of traffic for the near and long term?
5. What is the estimated number of data records to be stored for the near and long term?
6. Do we need to import data from existing files or systems? Note that Characters like ‘ " # have special significance in data processing and conversion, and require special code handling. Names (D’Joy) and other data fields may contain these characters.
a. No. Example data will usually be provided in database, text, or spreadsheet format. This helps significantly in system testing and allows for error discovery and error trapping before the system is delivered.
b. Yes.
i. Is all or part of the existing data needed? What parts?
ii. Can use of the existing data be stopped while we convert the data into the new system?
iii. Is this a one time data conversion, or will we have to import data from existing systems regularly?
iv. Are some fields mostly blank?
v. Are some desired fields missing?


http://www.submityournewarticle.com/Article/Custom-Software-Development-Checklist/109328

All About Content Management Systems

Introduction

There has been more and more talk about Content Management Systems as organizations decide that they need direct control of their websites.

Once they have this, many soon learn that the technology also allows them to change and improve their internal workflow, processes and procedures for acquiring, filtering, organizing, and controlling access to information and create an intranet and / or extranet too.

Creating an intranet and / or extranet thus giving staff, suppliers etc secure, remote, 24/7 access to information has been shown to increase turnover, reduce costs and improve profits because the right data is communicated to the right people at the right time.

After all what is an intranet or extranet other than a restricted-access network that works like the Web, but isn't on it?

An intranet and / or extranet enables a company to share its resources with its employees, customers, suppliers etc without confidential information being made available to everyone with Internet access, it can share organization policies and procedures, announcements or information about new products – anything that can be held in electronic form.

What is a CMS?

So what is Content Management (CM) and what are Content Management Systems (CMS)?

A CMS is a system used to manage the content of a Web site. Typically, a CMS consists of two elements:

- Content Management Application (CMA)

- Content Delivery Application (CDA)

The CMA allows anyone without HTML skills to manage the creation, modification, and removal of content from a Web site. The CDA automatically uses and compiles that information to update the Web site. The features of a CMS system vary, but most include

Web publishing. Page templates and other aids help authors to produce high quality pages and documents that can automatically be reused and co-ordinated.

Format management. In many authors can publish automatically in a format suitable for Web publishing such as HTML or PDF.

Version & revision control. Multiple authors can update files and yet the changes traced to individuals for security purposes.

Index, search & retrieval. For data to be valuable, it must be relevant, accessible and timely. Web content being electronic is easy to index search and retrieve.

CMS benefits

The benefits of a CMS can be dramatic; for example amongst others:

- You are in control. No longer do you need your web designer just to put on new pages. You can spend that money on mire important things such as search engine optimization and pay per click marketing.

- Customers can find what they need – you are in control so you also can control the navigation so that it continues to make sense as a site grows and changes. Design and layout is templated properly so all pages fit your brand image.

- The site is kept up to date easily and therefore quickly. Whether a price list, a product description or a photo needs updating you don’t have to rely on IT or your web designer; just about anyone can do it.

- Version and revision control makes it easy to roll-back the site or a document to the ‘correct’ version.

- Database driven - products, articles and news may all be separate but CMS' have databases that can allow for associations between various content elements on a site.

- Controlled access. You can control where files are and who gets access to them. So content can be tailored to the specific groups with different access such as staff, suppliers etc

- Approvals and authorities. Good CMS provide the ability for content managers to approve and validate content before it goes live. They can also control the time a content element goes live, the day and time is it removed from the site, and the locations on the site that the content element appears.

Specifying your CMS

You need to consider a number of factors when you decide to invest in a CMS. They range from "corporate solutions" that have everything and cost an arm and a leg to free 'Open Source' tools you can set up and maintain yourself.

- Do a requirements specification. State your business needs don’t try to design the CMS. Do not get wrapped up in too much detail, if you and an ‘outsider’ can understand it your requirements specification is there.

- Do not expect a CMS to meet every single one of your requirements perfectly, you'll never find one or spend huge amounts of money on customization.

- Think about changing the way you work to match the way the CMS does it. Many CMS have sensible, well-established workflow systems. If you're working differently from most people perhaps you should look at why that is.

- Consider your entire organization and all its systems (infrastructure, other applications, range of your electronic data, etc.) when you determine the requirements for your CMS. It's not going to be working in isolation, so it ought not to be defined in isolation.

- Don’t buy what you don’t need but do buy something that gives you room to change and expand.

- Finalize your requirements. If you change requirements during the project your chance of failure increases exponentially. You can make changes, but understand that every change is going to result in higher costs and a longer schedule.

Buying a CMS

So, now that you have a good idea of what you need what next?

- Ask friends, colleagues and a man in the pub what they think might work?

- Check competitors. Find out what systems competitors use.

- Pick one with a pin. This might work, but it is difficult to justify to your boss or bank manager.

- Hire a consultant. This can work. OR……….. [more likely]

- Contact us on + 44 (0) 1 225 840 490 or ... if you have the time ...

- DIY!

To DIY:

Start with a long list and compare offered solutions to your requirements; remove the 90 percent you can see aren't going to work by checking Web sites, reading reviews and using your intuition.

Look at the remaining systems. Download product information sheets and whatever else is available. Take a longer look at how these systems' features compare to your requirements.

Contact potential suppliers. Sending them your requirements specification and any other information you think might be important. You need to be confident that the CMS will meet most of your important needs. Ask for demos, in-house presentations, or whatever it takes to be sure their solution meets your requirements.

Check for government grants.

Just one minor caution, having CM and a CMS does not solve everything overnight with no hassles. You also need training staff and develop different processes and procedures for how you handle web based content whether that be on the internet, intranet or extranet.


http://www.submityournewarticle.com/Article/All-About-Content-Management-Systems/84638

$9 Billion Bugs for U.S. Navy-Marine Corps Intranet (back issue)

Most I.T. projects have some hurdles or bugs. The $9 billion U.S. Navy-Marine Corps intranet (NMCI) is no exception.

Of course the military would use an acronym like NMCI, but I was hoping that we would be privy to one of those cutting-edge mission names like Mission Intranet Freedom or Mission Global Information Dominance... Ooops! That moniker might be letting the cat-out-of-the-bag....

Speaking at a conference of 1,200 military vendors in Norfolk, Virginia, the NMCI head honcho Rear Admiral James B. Goodwin III lamented about some of the challenges. As reported in the Virginian-Pilot, some of the bugs have included e-mail problems for Admiral Michael G. Mullen, President Bush’s nominee for chief of naval operations.

Rear Adm Goodwin joked, ““Probably not the e-mail I wanted to see from my new boss, but it’s one of the realities right now.”

For those not familiar with the project, EDS was hired to work with the Navy and Marine Corps to build a "comprehensive, enterprise-wide initiative that will make the full range of network-based information services available to Sailors and Marines for day-to-day activities and in war.”

The $9 billion project is in its fifth year.

NMCI features more than your average run-of-the-mill secure access to US Armed Forces information and systems and “universal access to integrated voice, video and data communications.

While it is not complete the Navy Marine intranet will "afford pier-side connectivity to Navy vessels in port. And it will link more than 360,000 desktops across the United States as well as sites in Puerto Rico, Iceland and Cuba.”

The Navy and Marine Corps use the NMCI to achieve "a number of critical objectives:

  • Enhanced network security
  • Interoperability with CINCs and other Services
  • Knowledge sharing across the globe
  • Increased productivity
  • Improved systems reliability and quality of service
  • Reduced cost of voice, video and data services
http://intranetblog.blogware.com/blog/Extranet

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Web Conferencing - How To Keep In Touch With Anyone Worldwide

Evolution in telecommunications during the past two decades was enhanced with the increasing popularity of the Internet during the 1990s. Web Conferencing is just one of the different modalities enabling people to get in touch through the world wide web, whether for business, educational, or recreational affairs.

There are many advantages of web conferencing over other communication means, such as chat rooms, message boards or instant messaging. For example, Video Web Conferencing allows people to watch each other while working collaboratively. Even when most of the communication processes via Internet requires an individual to setup an account and log in, techniques and results are different.

Online communication is a real-time interaction where two or more individuals have a conversation across the Internet, either typing in or using advanced techniques such as VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol). Although some applications have integrated sounds, only those intended for web conferencing are based on voice over internet protocol.

This feature enables audio and web contact for a more realistic experience, reducing the costs that otherwise a regular phone company could charge for a similar service, and having a larger coverage area. The internet not only cuts off calling and broadcasting fares, but also has no frontiers.

For making communication easier, there are a number of kinds of videoconferencing and similar software expressly designed for operating under web conferencing systems. These types of software are commonly referred to as collaborative software and include a large number of programs such as calendar, notes management, scheduler, and an area for live interaction.

Many software programs are available online, providing individuals with further features and functionality. However, it is not always necessary that users look for the software, since the host of a conferencing system usually provides an interface to a shared environment where people are engaged in common tasks.

Several services provide their users with web interfaces to participate in live telecommunication, or the links to download desktop clients. Others are just platforms providing technology and support to individuals and companies who want to setup their own service or enable conferencing on an intranet.

As of 2006, there is no standard for this advanced technology, the fact that has created a significant market fragmentation. However, most of the actual technologies are compatible with the users software and computer equipment. However, more CPU memory is required than standard web based methods.

Choosing a Web Conferencing Company offers the opportunity today to test the service of different web conferencing providers, such as Genesys, Raindance, or Microsoft, just to name a few. Competing for excellence, most of these providers offer additional benefits to enrich your overall experience.

Actually, online conferencing is largely used for attending learning courses and seminars, often called Webminars, because they are conducted over the world wide web. Some people consider web seminars as the response to webcasts, the broadcasting of information in one direction, while web conferencing is
bi-directional, the feature that enables interactivity among the participants.

By: Ken Black -

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Ken Black is the owner of Online Conferencing, a site with information about Web Conferencing.

The Benefits Of An Information Technology Degree

Imagine a job market so robust, you had to actually turn down offers. While most people searching for a job struggle just to get one offer, or even a call back, those with an Information Technology degree find the market to suit their needs perfectly. The benefits of having an IT degree are great, and as you are about to find, can literally change ones life.

Having an Information Technology degree is arguably one of the best certification style degrees being obtained today. There are so many companies looking for people with Information Technology degrees, it can almost be a walk in the park looking for a job. The reason for this circumstance is the great amount of companies wanting to go online, or upgrade their online presence. This is coupled with the fact that people with an Information Technology degree would be qualified to upgrade intranet networks within the company for better communication amongst employees. All of this creates a robust job market for those holding this certification.

Further, software, and the Internet are constantly changing, requiring people, and companies to make relative adjustments. This means that your job will rarely be in jeopardy because there are always new installs to do, and new websites to build. The more one learns about information technology, the more people realize that having this degree is a good idea.

The next benefit is the fact that you can do something that you love. Not many people enjoy going to work every day. In fact, over 50% of Americans have noted in a recent survey that they do not look forward to going to work. Some don’t like having a boss, while others simply don’t like their day to day duties. When one has an Information Technology degree, and consequently an IT related job, he or she is not held down by these factors. Instead, the employee is working with computers, and in many cases, acts as their own boss. This means less daily frustrations with the work environment, and more time to do what you love, and enjoy work.

Another benefit of having an Information Technology degree is the pay. Most jobs start out paying just enough to pay the rent, and buy dog food. Not enough to raise a family on. In fact, the average worker spends nearly half of their monthly income on food, and housing. With an Information Technology degree, your job status goes up, and so does the pay. Typically, besides management, IT employees receive the highest pay in the company, and that doesn’t include any freelance work they will do on their own time. This means for the first time you will have more than enough money to take care of your family, and even some to spend on a hobby, or save for your children’s college education.

The list of benefits for having these credentials could go on, and on. It is truly one of the most marketable degrees that one could earn. Coupling that with the fact that most can earn this in less than two years makes this degree choice a really smart move. Whether you are simply engaging in the technology of your dreams, or searching for a job that pays well, this is the type of degree that allow your dreams to become a reality. Having an Information Technology degree will catapult ones career to new heights, without taking 10 years to achieve. As society is changing, and technology starts to take an ever important role in the way we as a public work, this degree is bound to become more popular.

By: Andy West -

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Andy West is a freelance writer for Virginia College. Virginia College offers many Information Technology Degree programs. Visit Virginia College at www.vc.edu/site/department.cfm?deptID=2 to select the right IT program for you.

Ebusiness Is More Efficient Than Ever

E-business is a term used for the process of doing business electronically, i.e. through the Internet. Many people mistake it with e-commerce though e-business has wider scope than e-commerce. The latter describes only B2B transactions. In an e-business, partnership implies coupling and building virtual enterprise. The term e-business a new concept that has emerged only after business through Internet came in practice. E-business has changed the trade scenario with lots of additional facilities and by decreasing the communication gap. It is a process that is completely information based and powered with web-based technologies.

Through e-business, working with partners and clients has become very efficient. This method enables the companies to link their sales and purchase (of products and services) with more flexibility towards greater satisfaction of the customers. Online business can be conducted over the public internet and internal intranets. You can also go ahead with e-commerce over private extranets.

E-business mainly involves the processes of distributing, buying, selling, marketing and servicing of the products and services over Internet or over other electronic systems. Internet business is aimed at commercial transactions like; electronic fund transfer, online marketing, supply chain management and automated data-collection.

E-business is more than e-commerce as it covers all the business processes within the whole value chain. This value chain involves electronic purchasing, supply chain management, processing orders electronically, customer service and co-operation with business partners. Exchange of data and other relevant information is amongst the major functions of e-business.

Internet business offers a great opportunity of personal income through your own business. The set-up cost is very low as compared to the other businesses. You just need to have a well connected (with internet and other equipments) computer at home. To begin business, you have to buy a ‘domain name’ and web hosting service. You can act as a re-seller through internet business. You have to connect with the customers and take their demands. Then you have to go through the dealers and order on the customers behalf. You will earn commission from both sides on every sale.

E-business is not a kind of business that has the potential make you rich overnight. You have to show discipline and put hard work in order to establish yourself and let your online business grow. It is an excellent medium to earn extra cash, but remember that it needs your regular attention. You can deal in any product or services that suit your interest or generate more profit.

The whole process of electronic business is divided into three categories.

1. Internal business system: It includes costumer relationship management, enterprise knowledge, workflow, document and human resource management.

2. Enterprise communication and collaboration: This category includes the areas like content management system, e-mail, voice mail, discussion forums, and chat system and data conferencing.

3. Electronic commerce: This is the last of the categories that include electronic funds transfer, online marketing, e-marketing, music downloads and online transaction processing.

By: Jon Slocum -

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Copyright©2006 Visit ebusinessimpact.com for more ebusiness, ecommerce and online business resources.

Intranet-A Borrowed Explanation

While searching on the net, I found a nice site on Intranets. What was nice about this site was its outlook on the Intranet scenario. I would like to quote the definition as interpreted by this site.
Intranets are a compelling new way of looking at communication and information flow within your organization.

As a communication infrastructure, an intranet is based on the communication standards of the Internet which include the content standards of the World Wide Web (WWW), e-mail, file transfer protocol (ftp), and news services. The tools used to create an intranet are, for the most part, the same as those used for Internet and Web applications. Access to information published on an intranet is restricted to users within a designated intranet group, usually accomplished through the use of local area networks (LANs) protected by firewalls (security devices that regulate traffic between an organization's intranet and the outside world).

Intranets can cover the enterprise or focus on particular workgroups, and they run the gamut from publishing applications to more traditional groupware-style discussion tracking. More recently, technology has begun to make restricted access feasible in shared environments. These extended intranets offer the ability to cost-effectively integrate the virtual enterprise--the company, its suppliers, distributors, and customers--through intranets that extend beyond the corporate walls.

Intranets springing up today generally consist of internal corporate Web servers made available to employees across the LAN or through private dial-up access. Through links to corporate databases, file servers, and document repositories, Web servers bring diverse kinds of information to users through a single front end--the familiar Web browser. This allows users to view information presented as text, graphics, sound, video and animation, which adds to the potential for rapid data assimilation. Employees use their Web browsers to access corporate Web pages that have links to corporate documents and data written in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language). Increasingly, new products are appearing to give intranets group discussion and other groupware features.

Unlike the Internet, where you quickly encounter the barrier of 28.8K modems, corporate LANs have a bandwidth 300 to 700 times greater on average than the typical consumer modem. That means not only that text and graphics can move faster through the pipeline, but that it is easier to add multimedia content types like sound, video, Java applets, and portable document files.

This was just to make you familiar with the concepts of an Intranet.


http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/intranets/39156

Bridges- The Methodology

Bridges are hardware and software combinations that connect different parts of a single network, such as different sections of an intranet. They connect local area networks (LANs) to each other. They are generally not used, however, for connecting entire networks to each other, for example, for connecting an intranet to the Internet, or an intranet to an intranet, or to connect an entire subnetwork to an entire subnetwork. To do that, more sophisticated pieces of technology called routers are used.

* When there is a great amount of traffic on an Ethernet local area network, packets can collide with one another, reducing the efficiency of the network, and slowing down network traffic. Packets can collide because so much of the traffic is routed among all the workstations on the network.
* In order to cut down on the collision rate, a single LAN can be subdivided into two or more LANs. For example, a single LAN can be subdivided into several departmental LANs. Most of the traffic in each departmental LAN stays within the department LAN, and so it needn't travel through all the workstations on all the LANs on the network. In this way, collisions are reduced. Bridges are used to link the LANs. The only traffic that needs to travel across bridges is traffic bound for another LAN. Any traffic within the LAN need not travel across a bridge.
* Each packet of data on an intranet has more information in it than just the IP information. It also includes addressing information required for other underlying network architecture, such as for an Ethernet network. Bridges look at this outer network addressing information and deliver the packet to the proper address on a LAN
* Bridges consult a learning table that has the addresses of all the network nodes in it. If a bridge finds that a packet belongs on its own LAN, it keeps the packet inside the LAN. If it finds that the workstation is on another LAN, it forwards the packet. The bridge constantly updates the l
earning table as it monitors and routes traffic.
* Bridges can connect LANs in a variety of different ways. They can connect LANs using serial connections over traditional phone lines and modems, over ISDN lines, and over direct cable connections. CSU/DSU units are used to connect bridges to telephone lines for remote connectivity.
* Bridges and routers are sometimes combined into a single product called a brouter.
A brouter handles both bridging and routing tasks. If the data needs to be sent only to another LAN on the network or subnetwork, it will act only as a bridge delivering the data based on the Ethernet address. If the destination is another network entirely, it will act as a router, examining the IP packets and routing the data based on the IP address.

So after bridges, its the turn of Intranet Routers. But that, next time.



http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/intranets/38202/2

Managing Monstrous Powerpoint Files With Compression Software

Of all the files taking up storage space on your computer or server, PowerPoint® (PPT) presentation files require more storage space than almost any other file type. Photographic and other images require huge amounts of storage space because of their complex nature. Most PPT presentations are filled with these images, resulting in the need for extensive storage requirements. Additionally, files of this size are often too large to email, or take a huge amount of time to transmit via internet or intranet.

To remedy the extra costs associated with PPT files, compression software applications have been developed by many different IT and software companies. The goal is obviously to shrink the storage, backup storage, and transmission time requirements usually associated with PPT files.

When shopping for PPT compression software, it is important to keep a couple of things in mind. Though compression of large PPT files is the primary objective you want the format, functionality and integrity of your original PPT file to remain intact. Your choice of compression software should be based on the following factors:

• Ease of use – Does the software work independently? Can the average person use the compression software? Will any part of the file need manual adjustment, even using the compression software? If the software requires additional plug-ins, expert knowledge to use it, you may be defeating the purpose of your purchase.
• Quality vs. compression ratio – Some compression software applications will cause distortion or deterioration of the quality of your PPT file content at higher compression ratios. Though a 55% or 62% compression rate with no discernible quality loss may sound good, a 95% compression rate with no distortion is a much better return on your investment.
• Simple, automatic process – Look for PPT compression software that performs the task automatically, without requiring "zipping" or "unzipping" of files. This saves time at both the sending and receiving points of the transmission line.

Compressing PPT files creates much more manageable, more easily transferable files. You will be able to reclaim large amounts of existing storage space. You'll experience improved network efficiency and performance because traffic loads on LANS and WANS are reduced. Smaller PPT files reduce backup storage requirements and result in accelerated email and internet transfers.

There's no question that PPT compression software will enhance worker productivity and provide solutions for storage, backup and transfer issues, saving your organization time and money. The size of your ROI will depend on which compression software package you choose; research carefully, take advantage of free trial downloads, and compare product features before making your final decision.

Copyright (c) 2006 Scott Heath

By: Scott Heath

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com


www.powerpointcompression.com is one of the leading authorities on compressing power points. Also affiliated with www.bossdev.com

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Linux Hosting VS Windows Hosting

If you would like to choose a web hosting you might ask, "Windows or Linux?" This should be an easy question to answer, but it needs quite a lot of considerations. In this article I will help you to comprehend when to use Windows or Linux hosting by giving you the differences on both of them. Hopefully by reading this article, you will never be confused again to choose a Windows or Linux hosting.

Price of server software

Linux server is a lot affordable than Windows server. This is because Linux is based on GNU license which is free to use, and Windows has commercial license. The Linux hosting providers do not need to pay the software. This is the key reason why Linux hosting is a lot cheaper than Windows hosting.

Server's History

From the very beginning of internet, Unix has been the one and the only option for server. Starting from data server to internet server, most of the people around the world use Unix. Then, what it has to do with Linux?

Linux is the "successor" of Unix. It has all the capability of Unix combined with a user friendly graphics for end user. Windows is not very famous on server history. Only starting from Windows NT, Windows has emerged to the server world.

Even until the moment this article is written, when some people are asked they will directly answer that Linux is more appropriate than Windows for server without thinking.

Programming Language

If you are designing a static website, you will need no programming language except HTML. HTML is offered on both Linux and Windows hosting. JavaScript is also available on both hosting.

However, if you or the one you hire is planning to make a dynamic website, you will need to consider the programming language capability. Those who use Windows hosting normally need ASP or ASP.NET support. Those who use Linux hosting normally need PHP, Perl, or Python support.

This is not a hard fact because Windows hosting may have sufficient support for PHP language. You have to ask your programmer and your hosting company to make this matter clear.

Web Hosting Competition

Linux hosting providers are numerous around the world. The number of Windows hosting providers is smaller if you compare them with Linux hosting provider. This numerous providers of Linux hosting will generate competition between themselves. This is good because you will get the cheapest price available.

Intranet and Internet integration

Some companies need to mix their internal offline data with the ones in the internet. For example is the banking industry. Normally this can be done seamlessly with ASP.NET. Therefore, the need of Windows hosting.

E-preneur support

Whether you are presently starting an online business or have been the heavy hitter, you will find that many free but good quality software and scripts offered out there is in PHP or Perl. Take for example the famous BLOG script WordPress, it is written in PHP. Sometimes you can even have the resell rights for the software. If you are using Windows hosting you will definitely lose this benefit.

Summary

If you are just starting out, always seek to have a Linux hosting as the first option in your mind. Cheaper price may be the major reason behind this. Why should you pay more for all the features that you do not require? If you are going to integrate intranet and internet data of your company and you really need the ASP.NET then, choose Windows hosting. Normal dynamic pages can be built using PHP or Perl. You have to change your programmer if he/she insists on using Windows hosting with no exact reason. Again, always try to have a Linux hosting as the first option in your mind. After all, abundant choices of Linux hosting allow you to shop around for the best price.

Telephone Conferencing - Evolution in the Web

The Need To Communicate

The need for businesses to communicate both internally and with each other has always been great. Successful transactions cannot be completed without communication - so much relies upon it; decent customer service; placing orders; winning new business.

As global markets have emerged with multinational organizations and twenty-four hour trading the need to find a reliable and cost effective method of communicating on a worldwide level has grown too. Logistical problems such as different time zones, busy schedules and a need to quite literally be in at least two places at once has commanded a software application that can tackle these difficulties.

First there was teleconferencing where two or more participants could engage in verbal communication over the telephone. Certainly an effective means of conversing but, as we all know, dealing with a person face to face is far more preferable. Body language conveys so much more than just a voice alone.

Trace it back, and you will find the roots of web conferencing in localized intranet systems. Document sharing and collaborative working was developed from this and the software for these systems was developed further still.

The development of the internet and its capabilities - greater bandwidth capacities, for example - made web conferencing a viable method of communication and developers forged ahead with refining their systems.

The expansion of the internet saw not only big players trading in the global markets but small and medium organizations also found themselves trading with partners across the globe. The need for effective methods of communication had to address the needs of all potential users, from multi-nationals to home-workers.

Web conferencing applications have now reached a sophisticated level. Going beyond the brief of providing a virtual meeting place, some applications now provide fully interactive capabilities, document and file sharing and the ability to communicate with not just one, but hundreds of participants at the same time.

Where Does The Future Lie?

Of course, refinement of web conferencing applications is ongoing. As a relatively new phenomenon, there is plenty scope for developers to enhance and improve their software packages. The needs of businesses are constantly changing and the shift in trend towards home rather than office-based employment will place a higher demand still for virtual meeting facilities.

It is hard to predict the future of web conferencing. There are so many avenues this exciting technology could explore. The popularity of mobile technology - cell phones, laptops and hand-held computers, for example - provide the software developers with new challenges. An increasingly mobile workforce demands software that will work for them rather than them having to work round the technology.

The web conferencing market place is become increasingly competitive and providers will have to stay ahead of the game in order to survive. As it increases in popularity as a means of communication, users will become more demanding in terms of the sophistication of the software they are using. With so many routes web conferencing technology can take it will be interesting to see the diverse range of software solutions on hand to solve the communication problems of the global business community of the future.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleJoe.com

Global Trade Management Portal to streamline Product Supply Chain Management by Encodex Technologies

A leading import management company, based in US collaborates with Encodex technologies to develop an Intranet Application to provide real-time statistics and streamline communication with its suppliers and partners.

Portland, OR ? September 10, 2006: Encodex Technologies, A Microsoft Gold Partner, today announced successful deployment of Global Trade Management Intranet Application, for a leading Global trade management company in US. This integrated solution provides shipment tracking, supply chain event management (alerts), global trade finance solutions and Document Retrieval System.

Arun Joshi, CEO Encodex Technologies says," Our client has large global network of suppliers and partners. The critical part of the solution was to create a distinct platform that would enable import compliance process automation. In addition, Our client needed several records from their ERP system to be available on this intranet. That is where our team got involved and developed the Intranet Application which managed the transaction issues and also made all the data available in real time.?

The customized Intranet Application has following prime features:
? Login authentication.
? Rapid product tracking facility for new inquiries.
? Deep searching ability in the P.O. process that allows looking up conditions like ?Remaining?, ?In Transit?, or ?Delivered?.
? Alerts and customized messaging to individual clients.
? Detail line item shipment information.
? Financial Information and Document retrieval system.

In addition to the above mentioned features, this solution led to increased staff productivity in compliance, order management and shipping departments.

Technology used for development:
? Open Source Web Server, Apache
? Server side scripting language, PHP
? Secure Sockets Layer module, OPENSSL
? Oracle Database

Read what the client has to say:
"Any organization that imports products faces the problem of communicating real-time statistics to its suppliers and partners. Maintaining these records without an automated process definitely increases operational cost and inefficiencies. At this time, when our organization is planning for a rapid expansion, outsourcing the development of this solution to Encodex Technologies India has certainly helped us automat the process. We are happy that Encodex Technologies team is an integral part of our successful Trade Management portal initiative."

About Encodex Technologies:
Encodex, A Microsoft GOLD Partner, has a strong expertise on Microsoft .NET and SharePoint technology. Encodex leverages .NET technology framework and other Microsoft Products to deliver business solutions to customers across the world. Our Team of qualified Microsoft .NET professionals carry extensive project experience and a knowledge of .NET technology levers like Web Services, .NET Remoting and .NET Compact Framework. Contact Encodex today to discuss about software project development or strategic partnership.
For more details visit http://www.encodexindia.com




http://www.a1articles.com

Time Tracking Sofware, Web Based Timesheet Tool

��Time-Assistant is a powerful and effective tool designed to optimize tracking and management of working time spent on theaccomplishment of various assignments related to your personal or company's business. Complemented with a package of star features like time-based salary calculation and invoice generation, Time-Assistant will perfectly suit those looking for an
efficient yet easy way to track and analyze hours spent on performing predefined tasks or projects in whatever area of business you are in.


��Helped by yet another major feature being the flexible report generation subsystem, managers of all sorts will have no problems keeping track of their employees' working schedule sorted by projects they're involved in, and easily plan their further assignments. Expected salaries, bonuses, holiday pays or current expenses can also be reported on automatically.


��The application's interface is very handy and intuitive, still the elaborate Help section provides a detailed description of how to better use it.


��The Time-Assistant software features both an Intranet and Web versions.


��The Intranet implementation offers the following three packages:


* Time-Assistant Light - the simplest and the most compact of the application versions. May be used by companies that require nothing more than to track working time of their staff members.
* Time-Assistant Standard - the typical Time-Assistant version. It is capable of tracking not just total working time, but also hours spent on particular tasks and projects per work-type. Besides Time-Assistant Standard can generate detailed reports on the time and money spent while performing any sort of project related tasks, etc.
* Time-Assistant Enterprise - the most complex and feature-packed product version that has got more user categories and among other things provides a supervisor approval feature. It also supports a few extra features like database export to QuickBooks, division of projects by tasks, expenses support, etc.



��You can subscribe to a three months FREE trial of Time-Assistant Web right now at Time-Assistant.com,
the official product site, which offers a far more detailed description of the product.


http://a1articles.com/article_2572_11.html

Setting up an intranet? Building an extranet? Explore the options..

Setting up an intranet or extranet can be as easy as purchasing access through an application service provider (ASP), purchasing and installing third-party software, or building an extranet or intranet internally.

Here is a quick summary of the advantages and disadvantages of each approach:


1. Building it yourself

Advantages: Complete control of user interface design; ability to customize level of functionality for each client; integration into internal systems, and direct access to user activity.

Disadvantages: High up-front development cost; requires staff expertise in the development of intranets and extranets, commitment of internal staff for 6 months to a year for planning, execution, review and implementation; and an ongoing commitment of internal staff for internal and client support, hosting, maintenance and upgrades.


2. Purchasing/installing third-party software

Advantages: Proven track-record of packaged solution; ability to choose functions and to customize user interface, more rapid implementation compared to building it yourself.

Disadvantages: High up-front purchase cost; commitment of internal staff for customization and implementation; on-going commitment of internal staff for internal and client support, hosting, maintenance and upgrades; and extensive internal and client training.


3. Using a Service Provider (ASP)

Advantages: Proven track-record, often with expertise in the application of intranets and extranets in particular industries; low cost of entry and predictable cost over time; virtually immediate implementation; no commitment of internal staff for internal and client support, hosting, or maintenance; and upgrades at no cost by extranet experts, and savings on internal server use.

Disadvantages: Less freedom in user interface design, and fixed functionality.

In the final analysis... The approach you choose depends on how you work, the technical and financial resources at your disposal, and how rapidly you need to move forward


http://www.a1articles.com

Online Business Intelligence Helps Get the Job Done

Welcome to the information age. In today's world, harnessing the power of the internet can lead you to almost any information you might seek. The World Wide Web is literally revolutionizing the convenience in deliverability and accessibility of information offered to those connected online. The power of the internet facilitates the dissemination of online business intelligence to all those with access to the internet. There are a variety of different vehicles in which online business intelligence can be distributed.

Think about some of the ways a casual user might use the internet to access the online intelligence they need. For instance, have you ever planned a vacation and needed driving directions? Where did you go, a good old atlas? If you are like me, you went online and headed straight to MapQuest.com to get the latest driving directions to your desired destination. Perhaps you don't know how to spell a word, now where do you go? That's right, there is no need to dust off the old dictionary, just go to Webster.com for assistance.

Just as there are innumerable avenues for the casual internet user to acquire their desired information online, many businesses also offer up online business intelligence through a variety of different vehicles. Sometimes these corporations share their online business intelligence directly to the public via the internet and sometimes the critical online business intelligence is shared through a company's intranet which is typically only accessible to its employees and trusted business partners.

Business Vehicles of Online Business Intelligence

Online Graphs � Some very valuable information can be accessed via online graphs. Such online graphs can help your employees understand how the company is doing with regards to revenues and expenses. These online graphs can be updated real time, keeping your employees continuously and accurately informed with regards to the driving factors determining the health of the corporation.

Online Chart � Online charts are another valuable way to share online business intelligence. The online charts can provide information concerning inventory levels of goods, sales performance, or efficiency levels of stores. A large retail store like Walmart might open up their intranet to supply partners, leaving the onus on the suppliers to make sure their products are constantly stocked.

Online Business Report � Sharing detailed online business intelligence is also a great way to keep your body of employees up-to-date on the latest business plan. Producing and sharing an online business report is a great way to share this information with each and every one of your employees. The business report can be published to the company intranet so that your company's trade secrets and future plans are not made public.

Online Enterprise Report � Publishing an enterprise report in conjunction with a business report can give your employees an even clearer picture of the landscape of the company. The enterprise report will of course cover all of the key divisions of the company, such as finance and production, granting your employees the information they need to continue to be successful in their positions within the company.

Whatever online business intelligence your corporation chooses to share, whether it be an online graph or a business report, be sure that each of your employees knows how and where they can access this information. After all, having your online business intelligence readily available proves of no value if your employees are not aware of its existence. In addition, if you choose to make certain online business intelligence accessible to your business partners make sure you close any and all doors that might lead them to sensitive company information or trade secrets.

Adam Smith is an informational author for 10X Marketing, which specializes in Link Recruitment. To learn more about online business intelligence please visit Corda.com


http://www.a1articles.com