Worst Tech of 2006?

We've barely cleared the first quarter of this year, and already ZDNet has compiled its choices for the worst technologies of 2006, so far. Styling, functionality and originality (or lack thereof) are among the criteria considered. If nothing else, it's some fun Friday-afternoon eye candy.

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Pervasive Computing's Impact on the Environment

As we move ever steadily toward a pervasive computing environment -- in which a variety of objects contain on-board interactive computers -- this article from the IEEE ponders what effect it could have on a sustainable environment.

From increased energy demands for powering pervasive computers, to disposal issues, to exposure to non-ionizing radiation, to the psychological stress that may result from an "always on" networked environment, pervasive computing (if improperly developed and managed) is fraught with unintended consequences for the environment, personal health and emotional well-being.

Source: Buckminster Fuller Institute

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Web 2.0 = Hype 2.0?

Facebook, a social networking tool aimed at high school and college students, has made waves by demanding a $2 billion selling price. That's a price tag that's too rich for News Corp, which recently bought the similarly-themed MySpace and is still shopping for Web 2.0 technologies.

Said Ross Levinsohn, president of Fox Interactive Media, "We're certainly not paying $2 billion for Facebook... If the price was right I'd be interested in it. It's a great site and I know the guys there well. But I don't know if they're up for sale." Indeed, there have been conflicting stories about Facebook's status. One report stated that Facebook turned down a $750 million buyout offer as too low, while others deny the company is for sale at all.

Such reports are eerily reminiscent of those circulated during the heyday of the Web 1.0 bubble, when anyone with a bit ot tech savvy and a shred of a business plan was commanding epic prices for startups. Granted, Web 2.0 companies are more grounded in reality, but if Facebook is any indication, they seem to be falling prey to the same hype that ultimately doomed their predecessors. Question is, will the bubble burst or gently deflate? Perhaps the best scenario is for investors like Levinsohn to hold the line, willing to invest in promising technologies while not letting valuations climb out of control.

Sources: Techdirt, Reuters

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Text the Vote

Election Day in the US is 7 months away, but already an experimental venture called TXTVoter is ramping up, with the goal of registering young voters at concerts and other events attracting teens and young adults this summer. The initiative is funded by grants from Pew, coordinated by Young Voter Strategies, and supported by Music for America.

The idea is simple: At these venues, attendees will be given instructions for requesting voter registration materials via SMS. The materials will then be (quaintly) mailed to their homes. Come Election Day, participants will receive text-message reminders to vote. Several prominent bands, including Green Day and Death Cab for Cutie, have signed on to promote TXTVoter.

It will be interesting to see what impact, if any, TXTVoter has on youth voter registration, or if the concept is dismissed as a gimmick using technology for technology's sake. Also, since many of the groups behind TXTVoter are pointedly liberal, will this alienate more conservative youth, and might conservative organizations see an opening for a competing initiative of their own?

Sources: Smart Mobs, Personal Democracy Forum

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Small Business Networking: Improving Your Network

Growing your business has a lot to do with the effectiveness of your networking plans. These relationships are mutually beneficial and can bring you work and references for years. Here are the five top tips for improving your network.

Tips for Improving Small Business Networking

1. Set a Goal for New Contacts

Setting goals and objectives each year will help your reach your potential. One goal should be making a specific number of contacts during the year. New members in your network will help you grow your business while you help them grow theirs.

2. Utilize Business Cards

Business cards are an absolute must for the busy small business owner. You should have professional cards with you at all times since you never know when you might bump into a new contact.

3. Use Follow-up After Every Small Business Networking Opportunity

Always follow up with new prospects either by phone, email, or snail mail. Reminding them of your contact and showing interest will make a powerful impression.

4. Remember That Small Business Networking is a Two-Way Street

Networking is not a one-way street. Instead, you should always be open and willing to help other network members, and they should return the favor eventually.

5. Mail Flyers or Brochures To People You Know

Never come across as the pushy salesperson with people you already know. Instead of driving them crazy, mail a flyer about your business to everyone you know. You're not being pushy, so you will likely get much better results.

Learn more about expanding your small business network in the article, Small Business Networking – Tips for Improving Your Network (link above).

Blogged by Joshua Feinberg

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Computer Consulting: Working With Micro Businesses

Working with micro businesses is a great way to get your business started, but should you keep working with them during later stages of running your business? The answer really comes down to margins.

Let's say you bill $2,000 a year for a small client and have to eat a $500 project – that's a big deal On the other hand, if you're billing a larger client $10,000 a year, then that $500 project isn't really a problem. Your profit margin should be the basis of your decision.

Focus most of your time on developing larger, sweet spot clients, and as you grow, you will have no choice but to start letting some of the smaller projects go in order to meet the needs of your larger clients.

Learn more about working with micro businesses and making the transfer from small clients to major clients in the article, Computer Consulting: Should You Work With Micro Businesses? (link above).

Posted by Computer Consulting 101 Professional Kit

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[TIPS] - proof of Einstein's genius

Einstein - Sure, they all SAY he was a genius, but now there's PROOF! http://home.comcast.net/~jgates808/gates.jpg

 

:-)

 

Want to make one of those for yourself? Go here: http://www.hetemeel.com/einsteinform.php

 

Enjoy.

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Creating a Small Business Technology Plan

As a small business owner, you probably already know that keeping abreast of the latest technologies is essential to staying at the head of the pack in your industry. In order to do that either you, in conjunction with your computer consulting company, need to come up with a technology plan.

Your technology plan should outline the way you would like your business to run. How do information and orders move from your clients to you to your suppliers? Deciding the basics of how you will set up your company is essential for long-term success.

In conjunction with your technology plan, you should create a strategic plan. Basically this outlines the steps you will take to get where you're going. Perhaps you'll buy new computers or enhance current programs. Whatever the steps, having a plan will help you get where you want to go.

Learn more about creating and implementing your technology and strategic plans for your small business in the full article (link above).

Blogged by Computer Consulting Kit

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Cisco Partners Worried About Attach-Rate Changes

Cisco has informed partners that it will be implementing new policies, including adding low-end products to its maintenance attach-rate program. Partners are concerned they may lose margin if they don't meet the right quotas.

Cisco has been making a lot of changes including moving from a unit-based model to a dollar-based model, but that change went over well with partners since they were finally rewarded for selling more higher-dollar items.

According to one partner, Pat Scheckel, vice president of the Cisco practice at Berbee Information Networks: "If Cisco [excludes those products] everything will be fine. If they don’t, it’s going to cause us a lot of pain because we sell a lot of those, and people don’t want to buy maintenance on them."

Cisco plans on beginning the changes after the May meeting, so hopefully partners will get a clear answer then. Learn more about the changes in the complete article (link above).

Posted by Computer Consulting 101 Professional Kit

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Millenials are Grounded, Family-Focused

Today's teens ("Millenials") are not the "slackers" that their Gen X elders were accused of being. Nor are they workaholics who worship the almighty dollar. Instead, their priorities revolve around family, security and enjoying life.

The GenWorld Teen Study found that young people surveyed globally chose the following as their top values:

1. Protecting family and loved ones
2. Freedom in action and thought
3. Enjoying life
4. Stable personal relationships
5. Having fun

Their top five life expectations were to:

1. Make my family proud
2. Be financially secure ("Be rich" was much farther down on the scale)
   
3. Travel the world
4. Lead a stable life
5. Get married

Millenials seem to be taking the long view in life, foregoing immediate material rewards in search of stability and meaning. For this group, family and friends come first, before career success. As they enter the workforce, this group may well prefer employers who offer such benefits as liberal vacations and flexible working arrangements rather than large salaries.

Source: VisibilityPR

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[TIPS] - Educational Fre*ware

No cost is good, right? Here are 5 pages of links to such educational programs that can either be downloaded or run online. From Math to typing, and from Art to Geography.

 

http://www.educational-freeware.com/

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Technology Assessment Jobs – Where to Find Your Clients

Technology assessment jobs are increasing in popularity – if you know where to find them. By keeping your eyes and ears open, you may hear the following people and/or groups looking for technology assessment services.

1. Government - Although difficult to obtain, government projects are consistent and pay well. Keep in mind that all levels of government (city, state, federal) will likely be looking for contractors for this service.

2. Large Businesses - One large business contract will lead to many others, and just one can give you thousands of dollars in revenue.

3. Small Businesses - Although fees are lower here and contracts are smaller, these businesses will likely have ongoing work and can provide a valuable stepping stone to working with larger clients.

4. Individuals - During the early stages, individuals are especially important to helping your business grow. Plus, you might just be helping a CEO who also needs the same services for his company. Never underestimate the power of contacts.

Learn more about getting and keeping technology assessment jobs in the complete article (link above).

Posted by Joshua Feinberg

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Computer Consulting: Inspiring Growth With Excellent Customer Service

Clients love computer consulting services that are proactive. Instead of waiting for something bad to happen to their clients, these consultants anticipate and ward off problems. For instance, if a client had a large bill because of a virus, then a proactive consultant might consider alternatives to help the company avoid similar problems in the future.

By giving clients exactly what they need, often before they realize they need it, a computer consulting company is inspiring loyalty in their clients. If a client knows that you've done everything you can to help them prevent problems, they are more likely to look to you for issues in the future.

Grow your business by offering proactive service instead of reactive service. Learn more about this philosophy of business in the article, Computer Consulting: Excellent Customer Service Inspires Growth (link above).

Added by Computer Consulting 101

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IT Consulting Firms: Helping Business Grow

IT consulting firms typically start with just a few people. And while it can be exciting at first for those people getting into the business, a few years of running the show can become monotonous and exhausting, and the need to expand becomes imminent.

MAKING BUSINESS GROW

Running a small business is a big job, particularly for just a few people who are required to do every aspect of the work. As the owner of small IT consulting firms, you need to plan to delegate some of this work to others in order to free up your time and allow more business. But you need to make sure your business is prepared to handle changes in workload before you begin.

FINANCIAL STABILITY

Sometimes small IT consulting firms will have an available source of funding that will cover hiring new employees. Other times you might have to wait to build income before adding personnel. Regardless, reviewing your finances will help determine where you are and when you can expect to support additional employees.

A BENEFITS PACKAGE

Good employees will expect to be offered a benefits package. Look into basic health insurance plans and find one that suits your small business. Since this is an expensive benefit, you can expect that the employee will pay the premiums, and that the health insurance coverage probably won’t start until three months on the job. You can offer additional benefits such as laptops, travel allowances, cell phone plans and uniforms to sweeten the deal.

DEPENDABLE EMPLOYEES

Assigning responsibilities to others might be harder than you think if you are used to doing all the work yourself. As an IT consulting firm owner, you probably have developed high standards and have a hard time imagining anyone but you doing the job properly. Finding employees you trust is critical and will help ease the transition into a freer schedule. Giving new employees three months on trial will help you determine their working style and reliability. During this time, you can get feedback from customers and decide if the new hire is the right person for the job.

IT consulting firms are important to everyone today and yours needs to grow eventually. If you consider all the factors for business growth, you will have a better plan for your future.

Added By: Joshua Feinberg

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Computer Reseller Business: The Components of Online Pricing

Many professionals today are enlisting the support of those in the computer reseller business, and the Internet has become an excellent tool for any computer reseller business looking to market products and services. Websites and online auctions help make products visible to people outside the computer reseller business’ immediate community.

COMPONENTS OF INTERNET PRICING

Internet pricing involves several different factors: price; packaging; and delivery. A computer reseller business should take all these components into account when setting up an online auction or using a website. Reviewing other websites that are taking part in the same processes will help gauge the market.

PRICE

Those involved in the computer reseller business need to know the factors of their price. Items like shipping are typically treated as added costs, and most customers will gladly pay it. The biggest factor in price is collecting payments, and every computer reseller business should be capable of accepting credit card purchases. PayPal is another viable option that allows users to have an account connected to an online bank. Regardless of the method of payment, prices should be competitive, but can include extras that can justify charging more.

THE PACKAGE

Packaging is not just the process of boxing the product. A computer reseller business needs to provide Internet packages that appeal to all customers. A responsible business will offer a variety of buying options, including single items and components for those that don’t need an entire computer.

DELIVERY

Delivery has to be a part of online purchases. You can deliver to local customers personally to cut costs and help establish a good rapport with customers. For those farther away, you can determine shipping costs by figuring out the urgency of need for the product.

A computer reseller business can experience growth by using website and online auctions and considering the factors of pricing, packages and delivery.

Blogged By: Computer Consulting Kit

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[TIPS] - Federal Resources for Educational Excellence

Here's a list of no-cost (spam filters don't like the FRE* word) resources for educators. Very nice. From Art to Vocational Ed. Check it out

 

http://www.ed.gov/free/index.html

- - -

And thanks to Victoria P. for reminding me to remind YOU that the Peregrine falcon cam in downtown Harrisburg is back in action and mom has laid two eggs so far. Click the link for Broadband Only on this page: http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/dep/site/default.asp Nice camera action nowadays, too.

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Will Your Town Be Flooded When the Ice Caps Melt?

A mashup of Google Maps and elevation data from NASA illustrates how land masses around the world will flood if sea levels rise. The amount of sea level rise is adjustable.

Using New Jersey as a starting point, if sea levels were to rise 10 meters, all of the state's coastal regions would be under water. At 12 meters, most of the southern part of the state (along with most of the Delmarva Peninsula) are swampland. At 14 meters (the highest level on the map), most of South and Northeast Philadelphia, as well as Upper Manhattan, Brooklyn, Newark, and large sections of Baltimore and Washington DC (including the Mall, the White House area, and Potomac Park) are inundated.

These levels are not necessarily exaggerated, as some global warming models show sea levels rising as high as 20 feet.

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Web Clips are the New Reality TV

Increasingly, web video clips of the type found on iFilm and Channel101.com are turning up on TV. Aside from being slipped in on "wacky news" segments on network and cable news shows, funny, viral clips are now the stars of their own TV shows, like Bravo's Outrageous and Contagious and VH1's Web Junk 20. NBC is reportedly developing a similar prime time show hosted by Carson Daly, and Saturday Night Live is developing its own web content with its Digital Shorts, which are available via iTunes.

Like reality TV, shows based on web clips are appealing to TV programmers because they're cheap to acquire and produce. Many are homemade, but others are (frequently embarrassing) outtakes of other TV shows and commercials -- either way, they are grainy, raw and honest. In a sense, putting web clips on TV is the logical extension of shows like America's Funniest Home Video and Real TV, which were innovations when they first appeared in the early '90s. Web clips, though, are different in that, instead of being originally vetted by the TV networks, they have made the rounds on the Internet, where the clips with the most edge and weirdness become the most viral. Instead of TV being the starting point for these clips, it is the end point.

That said, can TV really make a go out of shows based on web clips? Although many of the clips are irresistible, will people (especially young people) watch them and simply say, "I've seen these before..." and change the channel?

RELATED: MediaShift has an interview with Chad Hurley, CEO of YouTube, who says that his video-sharing site represents "the next-generation platform for serving media worldwide."

Sources: Boston.com, unmediated

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Meteorologists Say Northeast Could See "Whopper" Hurricane

Meteorologists, who were spot-on in forecasting last year's harsh Atlantic hurricane season, are predicting that the 2006 season could deliver a "whopper" of a storm to the Northeastern US.

Weather experts note that warmer temperatures in the Atlantic and cooler temperatures in the Pacific make conditions ripe for a hurricane to track more northward than usual. The patterns are similar to those present during the devastating "Long Island Express" of 1938, the region's worst recorded hurricane. That Category 5 storm (before today's storm-naming convention was established) produced wind gusts of 183 MPH and left 600 dead along the Long Island and New England coasts.



Recent hurricanes have weakened considerably before they reached the Northeast, but experts predict that a storm as powerful as a Category 3 could make landfall anywhere from Northern New Jersey to the coast of Maine.

Source: AP (via Yahoo)

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A New Spin on the Video Travelogue

TurnHere is a beta site that provides "tours" of communities via short videos. Explore New York's famous East Village and Hell's Kitchen, party in South Beach, or take a "Sporanos Tour" of Northern New Jersey. Videos are organized by theme (art nouveau, foodie havens, party towns, surf's up) rather than by geography.

What makes TurnHere unique is that its videos are produced by locals who know their communities intimately. Aspiring videographers who have stories to tell about their neighborhoods are encouraged to submit their work (and get paid for it, too!)

Source: unmediated

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Computer Business News: Webplus Releases Web+ v6.0

Top leased ecommerce solutions provider Webplus, Inc. launched its new Web+ v6.0 on March 24 for use by computer businesses and others. Web+ is a powerful and all-encompassing development language that can help program web-based client/server applications using simple processes instead of complex and lengthy CGI programs. Web+ v6.0 has the following improvements over previous Web+ releases:

1. Better stability
2. More speed
3. New installers that make upgrading and installing simpler
4. Virtual Hosting support that makes managing multiple websites simpler
5. Application variables that help developers to maintain variables for the entire life of an application while still keeping them separate from other applications
6. Better WAP support
7. Internalization support
8. Over 10 new tags

Spokesperson for Webplus, Inc. states that this new version offers major improvements and allows for more computer businesses and companies to use Web+ in more ways than ever before. The company is offering free trials of Web+ to users currently employing competing products so they can compare and see the superiority of the new Webplus product for themselves.

Web+ v6.0 was designed after compiling suggestions from the company’s global community of customers. Most asked for a more international product, which led to the addition of Unicode support and new functions.

Current Web+ v5.0 users can upgrade to v6.0 for half the cost of the full version of 6.0. There are three packages of the new product: Developers Edition 2 at $109; Professional Edition 25 at $595; Commercial Edition unlimited $1095.

Begun in 1994, Webplus, Inc. is the top provider of leased ecommerce solutions and develops, markets and maintains talentsoft development tools, middleware and ecommerce solutions.

Added By: Computer Consulting Kit

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"Neuro-Chips" Add Silicon to Brain Cells

Enhancing the brain with computer chips is no longer solely in the realm of science fiction. A team of Italian researchers has developed a "neuro-chip" that can be implanted in the brain and interact directly with neurons.

The 1-mm chip contains 16,000 transistors, and can both stimulate and receive information from surrounding brain cells. Currently, the technology is too immature and unstable for use in humans, but it might one day be used to correct neurological disorders such as epilepsy and Parkinson's disease. In the shorter term, the chip could be used to help test the effects of new drugs.

Source: LiveScience.com

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Solution Providers Praise New AMD Commercial Product

Solutions providers are singing the praises of the new commercial channel program from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). They state that one of the most substantial benefits of this channel program is displacing Dell in contract bids.

Experts state that once AMD can prove to offer better technology than Intel, Dell will be locked out of the market. Dell currently uses Intel CPU’s only in its products, but will be able to use AMD-based systems once plans to buy Alienware go through.

Chad Williams, manager of the public sector at Matrix Integration used information about AMD’s dual-core processors in order to take out Dell in a $400,000 bid to help provide a community college technology system with new servers running 64-bit applications. He hopes that by integrating these new products into a variety of businesses with the help of solution providers and others he can start to spread the word about AMD’s advantages over Intel.

Solution providers throughout the U.S. believe that AMD will prove, over time to outperform Intel, and the company, based in California has enjoyed increased value in the market during the past year. Solution providers throughout the country are noting a significant difference between Intel products and AMD products after having used them in customer sites.

AMD’s first commercial channel program, created specifically for VARs and systems integrators six months ago offers training, tech support, evaluation units and bundled products. The program began with just a few solution providers and now boasts 500 partners globally with most in North America. According to AMD spokespeople, there has been no resistance from VARs and integrators to use AMD products.

AMD has also been working on offering bundles to smaller VARs with the help of TechData, including AMD-based servers with VMware.

Blogged By: Computer Consulting 101 Professional Kit

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Delivering Superior Customer Value with AMD

According to today's announcement by AMD, more than 500 VARs worldwide have been added to the AMD Commercial Systems Channel Program. Their AMD64 processor-based systems are now available all over the world through the VARs they have recruited since opening the program in October 2005.

"By embracing AMD64 technology, channel partners get a clear benefit, undisputed differentiation from their competitors and a stronger value proposition with their offerings," said Kevin Knox, vice president, Commercial Business, AMD. "This can lead to a positive impact to their bottom lines and a winning solution for end-customers who are able to tap leading-edge performance-per-watt and native dual-core computing."

VARs love the program and the company is listening to their feedback to make products and services even better. Some of the changes coming from this collaboration have been the creation of a self-registration capability and an extensive online Resource Center.

Learn more about the exciting opportunities with AMD and their channel program in the full article (link above).

Posted by Computer Consulting Kit

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Open-Source SOA Stack Presented by LogicBlaze

LogicBlaze is a young company with big dreams. They are selling their open-source Fuse stack that combines the Apache database, messaging, orchestration and enterprise service bus (ESB) technologies. By removing the licensing fee, their product will be cheaper and more efficient.

Current customers are extremely excited about the possibilities of LogicBlaze's Fuse stack. These companies are finally able to get everything they need without paying an arm and a leg. LogicBlaze plans to work closely with VARs and ISVs to get their stack on the market.

According to backer, Damarillo: "The key advantage of open source is rapid market adoption. The beauty of it is that by the time you build a company around it, the technology has already matured."

Learn more about LogicBlaze's new open-source SOA stack in the article, LogicBlaze Launches Open-Source SOA Stack (link above).

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The Disruptive Nature of Social Computing

Social networks and software are all the rage these days. But do they really have the potential to disrupt organizations?

Absolutely, says Terry Heaton, citing a Forrester report that confirms what many of those who study social networking have believed for some time: that social computing is shifting innovation and development from top-down to bottom-up, using organic networks and the "wisdom of crowds" to develop opinion and shape product and service demand.



Combining location awareness with social networking could be the next killer app. Nova Spivack suggests several such uses, some of which are already in use, including the ability to physically track those on one's network, tag photos and videos with location data, and get social information about a location (such as recommendations about a restaurant). Of course, these ideas require robust, open ontologies and devices that are (almost) always online for best results.

With models such as the Open Innovation concept in mind, organizations ought to find social computing a powerful tool for idea cultivation and product development. Even less formal innovation approaches such as brainstorming could be enhanced by using social applications to create avatars and alternate identities, giving particiants a level of anonymity that (hopefully) boosts their creativity and level of participation.

The Forrester report notes a downside of the growing social network; that as it grows, we risk suffering from a "pollution of the commons," or the social networking equivalent of spam. To that end, social software will need to build in filtering systems and rely on endorsements through digg- and del.icio.us-style tagging, and other checks and balances.

However, Danah Boyd cautions that the success of social software is not necessarily a given. She compares the current success -- and emerging challenges -- of MySpace with the rise and fall of Friendster. So far, MySpace has been successful when Friendster was not because "MySpace did not try to force people's connecting practices into pre-existing ideas of what should be. They let the practice evolve as users saw fit, without criticism, without restriction. As it evolved, people did new things with it. They used it to flirt, to advertise bands and activities, to offer cultural kudos." Friendster, by contrast, suffered from technical problems, but also because many people joined at once based on powerful media buzz, and then "they couldn't see anything or anyone. It was also not where all of their friends were and often they got bored before their friends arrived; there was never enough of a tipping point for many mainstream clusters."

MySpace is also succeeding, Boyd writes, because it is organic and chaotic, whereas Friendster tried to micromanage a process that is inherently unmanageable:

People were hanging out on Friendster before they hung out on MySpace. But hanging out on Friendster is like hanging out in a super clean police state where you can't chew gum let alone goof around and you're told exactly how to speak to others. Hanging out on MySpace is more like hanging out in a graffiti park with fellow goofballs while your favorite band is playing. That said, there are plenty of folks who don't want to be hanging out in a graffiti park and they are not sticking around on MySpace as a result.

The biggest threat to MySpace, according to Boyd, is "moral panic," or the growing backlash against it under the auspices of security and safety. Free speech, privacy and a degree of anonymity, she says, are key to the success of MySpace, and by extension, any social network. "I think we're seeing a huge shift in social life - negotiating super publics," she concludes. "I kinda suspect that MySpace teens are going to lead the way in figuring this out, just as teens in the 60s and 70s paved the way to figuring out globalized life with TV. I just hope law doesn't try to stop culture."

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Permanent Moon Base By 2020?

NASA is planning to develop a Moon base by 2020 to serve as a way-station for missions to Mars... though with competing priorities and limited budgets, that timetable may be optimistic.

Building a permanent base will be an enormous undertaking, considering not only the hostile lunar environment, but the need to develop whole new technologies to build and power the colony, establish a supply chain, and learn how to deal with the health and psychological implications of life on the Moon.

Some observers believe that the impetus for a Moon colony goes beyond the scientific. Just as the Apollo missions to the Moon were part of a space race between the US and the Soviet Union, a driving force in future lunar missions will be similarly political. "The new thing is China, and they've announced they're going to the moon. The Europeans want to go; the Russians want to go; and if we don't go, maybe they'll go with the Chinese," Mars Institute Chairman Pascal Lee said in an interview. "Could we bypass the moon and go to Mars while India and China are going to the moon? I don't think so."

A strong candidate for the first lunar colony is the Moon's south pole, which has virtually permanent sunlight and possible ice reserves from impacted comets.

Source: MSNBC

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Internet, Country Style

Getting a high-speed Internet connection in a major metropolitan area is hardly a problem these days. But outside the big cities, it's another story. Cable and DSL connectivity is not available to as many as 15 million households in rural communities in the US. And there, Hughes Communications sees a business opportunity.

Hughes, which primarily manages corporate satellite networks, will initially focus its Internet offerings on small businesses in rural communities that need Internet connectivity, and extend its service to residential consumers. However, Hughes' service will only appeal to those without any other broadband options, as it will be more expensive than cable or DSL ($60/month vs. $15-40/month).

Source: Washington Post

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"Talkative" Smart Items

Call it "RFID 2.0" if you will, but even as RFID remains an emerging technology, the European Union is forging ahead with a service-oriented architecture that will allow "smart items" to communicate not just with a central reader, but with each other.

The Collaborative Business Items (CoBIs) project has been in development since 2004, and combines sensing and short-range wireless technologies to create a peer-to-peer network to observe subtle changes in the items' environment, and feed that information back to a central system.

The result would be to transform inventory items into individual nodes. The resulting self-aware network could detect unsafe conditions such as overloads or the presence of dangerous substances, prevent theft and loss, and be incorporated into smart clothing -- all presumably more effectively than conventional RFID technology.

Although those involved with CoBIs are confident that the technology will soon be ready for commercial deployment, a timetable has not yet been announced, and the number of potential users is unknown.

Source: ZDNet

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Worms + Pigs = Heart-Healthy Pork

Imagine a meat that's not only low in fat, but that is actually good for your heart. That's what geneticists may have created by adding DNA from the roundworm C. elegans to pigs. The genetically modified pigs yield meat containing omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to prevent heart disease, depression and Alzheimer's disease.

This is not the first effort to genetically alter the fat content of animal meat, and it's a long way from appearing in your local grocer or deli. “We understand that this research is in the very early stages,” FDA spokeswoman Rae Jones said. “This technology will not likely reach meat counters for many years.” Even if the technology were market-ready today, FDA approval alone could take a decade or longer. Plus, consumers would have to get past the idea of pork modified with worms...

Source: MSNBC

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IT Consultant Image: Are You Professional?

As an IT consultant, your jobs will be as variable as your client’s attitudes and expectations. Your customers’ observations about your level of professionalism will have a profound impact on your career. A successful IT consultant has strong ethical standards, care for his personal appearance and conduct and will present this image clearly in printed materials.

ETHICS

As an IT consultant, you have to be true to your values, and this means being honest and up-front with your clients. You need to finish projects in a timely manner and stand behind your work in order to be perceived as professional. Your personality should ideally match that of your clients. If you like to work in informal settings and your client has a very formal company atmosphere, you might run into long-term projects. You might have to occasionally adjust your style a little, but you should still be genuine.

PERSONAL APPEARANCE AND BEHAVIOR

As an IT consultant, you are in a very people-oriented field, and the way others see you is important. Therefore, you should dress neatly and appropriately for all jobs. If a client’s office is informal, you can wear casual attire, but if your client works in an atmosphere of suits, you should up the ante.

Communicating professionally with others is essential, including during phone conversations. You should respond to phone messages on time and always indicate the reason for your call and an appropriate time to return it when you leave voice messages. This will help the client know he is important.

YOUR IMAGE IN PRINT

All printed materials, including proposals and brochures should reflect a sense of professionalism. An IT consultant can lure clients and drive them away through his written material, and are often a first impression of your company. Decide on a consistent image from the very beginning. Similarly, your printed materials and of course your website should be without spelling or grammatical errors and easy to understand and navigate.

Added By: Computer Consulting Kit

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IT Service Contracts: Essential Recurring Revenue

Professional companies need consultants that offer IT service contracts, not simply those that handle emergencies on an as-needed basis. If you don’t offer on-going IT service contracts, you end up with either too many people calling you, or not enough. IT service contracts allow your clients to get the most out of their IT investments because it helps them implement long-term fixes and plan for the future. They can also make your life easier by providing a schedule and a plan for dealing with the needs of your customers and bring you a source of dependable revenue.

RECURRING REVENUE

The best companies will request IT service contracts to handle their many needs. Your success or failure in the future will depend upon the service you provide through these contracts and will in turn determine their importance to your business. One-shot deals and simply relying on emergency work and spot-checking will leave you both frazzled and uncertain.

You can use recurring revenues obtained through dependable IT service contracts to help build your business foundation. There is no way to determine how long your company will last unless you implement this type of revenue into your business plan from the very beginning.

IT SERVICE CONTRACTS ARE ESSENTIAL

Once you start to use IT service contracts as part of your major business plan to provide recurring revenue, you need to start thinking about whether or not you want to get involved with clients that don’t want to sign long-term clients. The ones that do are asking specifically for your services, and want to develop a relationship with you that will last into the future. Their investment will be essential to building and growing your business, and will help you plan what shape and form your growth will take.

Blogged By: Computer Consulting 101

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Coffee is Hotter than Ever

Over the past decade, sales of coffee worldwide have more than doubled, from $30 billion in 1996 to $70 billion today. Give credit to the marketing power of Starbucks... as well as our hectic lifestyles that deprive us of sleep and require constant caffeine fixes. Recent research documenting health benefits of coffee haven't hurt either.

Now, beverage giant Coca-Cola is getting in on the act, with an array of patents and registered trademarks for to-be-released coffee products as well as a coffee-flavored cola called "Coca-Cola Blak." McDonald's is likewise trying to attract discriminating coffee drinkers with premium roasts.

Growing along with coffee is the popularity of coffee houses -- so great that coffee houses have begun to replace the legendary pubs along London's Fleet Street. Although this is something of a chicken-and-egg phenomenon (does coffee beget coffee houses, or vice versa?), coffee houses have gained popularity as meeting places and secondary workplaces with Internet connectivity -- indeed, usurping the role of the local bar in many communities.

SORTA KINDA RELATED: Downing java by the gallon just to stay awake? You might want to "Take Back Your Time" during Sleep Awareness Week, March 27 - April 2.

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Computer Consulting: 3 Questions To Ask Your Clients

1. “How Can We Improve the Level of Service That We Provide Your Company?”

You should ask this question at least twice a year. Your clients will likely always have suggestions for you. From friendly reminders to more advanced services, your clients may end up needing more than you first expected. Thus, you may find that this little question can provide a lot of revenue throughout the years.

2. “Is There Anything Else IT-related That Your Company Needs Help With?”

You should be asking this question often as well. Perhaps they've been meaning to ask you about certain issues, but they constantly forget to ask while you're there. By asking this question you are likely to get even more business from good clients.

3. “Do You Know Anyone Else Such as Business Associates, Friends, Family Members in the Greater Area That Could Use Some Help With Their Computer-related Problems?”

A lot of people will not refer you no matter how good you are unless you ask them. They may assume that you already have a full load or that you might not be willing to drive to another part of the city for work. Always see if they have any ideas for referrals.

For more on requesting referrals from clients and training them to know when you might be of service, read the full article (link above).

Added by Joshua Feinberg

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Protecting Your Investment With PC Support Contracts

You invest thousands of dollars into your PCs every year and store valuable, and often irreplaceable, data on them, so why would you not take the utmost precautions to protect this valuable investment?

The Best Service

By obtaining a PC support contract from a reputable company, you can be assured that you will receive the best service available. The technicians will fix your computer now and prevent more problems down the road.

Accreditation and Experience

The two most important factors in choosing a computer consulting company is their accreditation and experience. Technicians should have certificates stating that they do have training in the area, and the company should have a proven track record of satisfied clients with whom you can talk.

To learn more about choosing the best company for a PC support contract, read the article, PC Support Contracts – Protecting An Investment (link above).

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[TIPS] - Google Earth Visual Guides

http://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2006/03/google_earth_vi.html

Here is a free great printable guide for Google Earth. Two sided. Check it out. Unleash the power of google earth!

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Solution Providers Note Potential Problems Caused by New Intel Macs

According to solution providers and other experts, Apple’s endeavors to change from PowerPC format to Intel-based Macs could make them more vulnerable to cross-platform attacks and other issues.

OS X offers features that make it susceptible to malware, and the Intel-based Mac computers may be even more at risk for infection than PowerPC’s. Security researcher Kevin Finisterre created three recent versions of InqTana, a worm that spreads through a hole in the Bluetooth aspect of OS X.

Finisterre and other solution providers believe that in general people will be more comfortable using the Intel processors than a PowerPC, and that the simplicity of the Intel processors makes users more trusting and exploratory, and therefore makes it simpler for hackers to create problems. He states that many malicious techniques that could not be carried out on PowerPC Macs, including taking advantage of Unicode-based buffers are used to damage Intel-based computers.

When set off, the Inqtana worm scans for Bluetooth-enabled devices and attempts to send itself through wireless connections to other machines. Finisterre was responsible for telling Apple about this issue last month, at which point Apple quickly released a patch.

The XD security technology that has been added to newer Intel processors may make the new Macs less susceptible to problems. XD, short for “Execute Disable” prevents viruses by disallowing the execution of specific types of codes. If Apple uses this program diligently, Finisterre feels attacks could be prevented much more easily.

The Inqtana worm is one of a few new OS X security issues that has been uncovered recently. In February, researchers and solution providers found a virus that could attack the Safari browser and allow malware onto the machine, along with a Trojan Horse virus that is transmitted through iChat instant messaging. In January, four separate critical security issues were found in the Apple QuickTime and iTunes applications.

Spokespeople at Apple and many that have encountered problems state that Apple has been very quick to solve recent problems. Many feel that despite recent issues, new Intel-based Macs are not necessarily more of a target for malware than other machines. But new applications that have been developed in the Intel arena may create more serious problems with cross-platform attacks. Apple and other solution providers advise users to be much more watchful when using their Macs from now on.

Added By: Computer Consulting 101 Professional Kit

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Computer Consulting: Microsoft Finds Yet Another Bug in New Explorer

Last Wednesday, Microsoft Corporation found the second bug in only two days in its new version of the Internet Explorer (IE) program. The company this time promised to patch the zero-day bug as soon as possible.

According to both vulnerability tracker Secunia and Symantec reported that the problem was the result of an error in IE’s processing of the JavaScript method call “createTextRange ().” Hackers that used the bug to their advantage could get IE to remotely run bad code or crash the user’s browser entirely.

Lead security program manager at the Microsoft Security Response (MSRC) Center blog Lennart Wistrand said that the issue has been confirmed and the proper authorities have been advised and are in the process of creating a solution. On Tuesday, the MSRC confirmed that another bug in Internet Explorer could crash the browser and might be able to harm computers.

The latest bug could allow hackers to design a malicious website that contains the “creatTextRange()” JavaScript and draw users to this faulty site. People visiting the site, even briefly, would have no idea their system security was being compromised. This new vulnerability has been labeled “highly critical,” the second most severe label.

Even though IE 7 and the January version of the IE7 Beta 2 Preview are at risk to be attacked by this new bug, Wistrand stated that the version of the IE 7 preview released on March 20th is not susceptible. Source TechWeb asserted that the IE 7 Beta 2 Preview is completely safe and has been tested using the proof-of-concept code, publicly available to users.

Microsoft assures users that IE7 is much more secure than earlier versions of the program. Gary Schare, director of product management at Microsoft specifically for IE said that the latest version of the program would stop illegal copies from being downloaded. Still, scripting issues have been a problem for the IE program for over two years, and the flaw discovered in November 2005 was actually used by many spyware sites to install malicious software on PC’s.

Microsoft recommends that users disable JavaScript until a patch for the recent problems is available.

Added By: Computer Consulting Kit

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How to Plan for IT Emergencies

IT emergencies are inevitabilities in today’s technological world. Handling them will be critical to your IT business and maintaining a strong and loyal customer base. You have to achieve a delicate staff balance that allows you to meet the needs of existing clients and gain new ones.

DON’T OVERSCHEDULE

For technical people that do not have sales or management tasks, you want to schedule at 75 percent capacity. This means that 25 percent is left open for non-billable projects, IT emergencies and new business.

You will encounter times, even when you leave room, when you still can’t handle every client without calling in all available resources. This is the time when you need to pull everyone together to handle enough IT emergencies and focus on individual customers. Standardizing will pay off during this time.

If you have someone out in the field for a full day, schedule them from eight to eleven a.m. and then do an afternoon appointment from one to four, which leaves you time.

EXPLAIN IT EMERGENCIES WELL

Long-term clients understand IT emergencies and typically will be able to deal with times when you have to reschedule their appointments. Your response to emergencies lets them know that when they get into trouble, you will be there for them too. The most important thing to do if you encounter IT emergencies is to keep communications open; if you’re running a few hours late, call your next client and explain the situation.

The most important things to remember when handling IT emergencies is to keep communications open, stay in contact with clients, make the best use of what resources you have and don’t over-schedule routine appointments so you are prepared. You will need this extra time built-in s you can best handle IT emergencies.

Added By: Computer Consulting Kit

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Computer Repair Franchises: Buying an Existing Franchise

Existing computer repair franchises are typically available immediately and are a good option for professionals looking to start a new business in the computer industry. Before deciding to buy a completely new franchise or an existing computer repair franchise, as a prospective business owner you must learn about all the issues involved in buying existing franchises so you don’t risk being surprised by the unexpected down the line.

ADVANTAGES OF EXISTING COMPUTER REPAIR FRANCHISES

Computer repair franchises already in existence already have an established performance history. Because of this, you don’t have to spend precious time evaluating business potential and can focus on looking at actual earnings. The franchises you want to buy will have a good reputation in their communities and already have loyal clients.

When you buy existing computer repair franchises, you also don’t have to worry about finding a location, negotiating a lease or stocking your store with equipment. Similarly, there is no need to hire new employees because the business already has a well-trained staff. With many elements already in place, buying an existing franchise will help you start business much more quickly.

DISADVANTAGES OF EXISTING COMPUTER REPAIR FRANCHISES

You should investigate an existing franchise before you buy it. Why is the franchisee leaving? If it is for reasons other than retirement, a career change or other issues of that nature, the franchise might not be worth the investment. Perhaps the location isn’t making money anymore. Regardless, thorough investigation is necessary.

As a prospective owner, you need to look through all renewals. Sometimes your purchase will only be good for the remaining time on the agreement while other franchises offer new renewals. Also look at lease renewals to make sure they will be renegotiable when your time is up.

Considering advantages and disadvantages of purchasing existing computer repair franchises will help you make the right decision about whether to buy them. They can be good investments if they are profitable and have a good reputation.

Blogged By: Joshua Feinberg

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Why Use Subcontractors?

As a small consulting firm, you can't afford to pay a high salary to someone with five certifications. Instead, you need to see what your in-house techs can do, and then subcontract people in other areas to supplement your techs.

You may also want to use subcontracting work in just the opposite way. Your employees are likely to become bored if they simply have to fix printers or work on Quickbooks all day. Instead, you can contract out the junior work to someone else.

Subcontracting can help you deal with the finances of growing your computer consulting business while reducing boredom and competition among your techs. Find out more about the advantages of subcontracting in the article, Subcontracting: Why Enter These Relationships? (link above).

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Network Service Contracts Provide Virus Removal Solutions

Despite the advances in software that protects against viruses, the truth is that creators of viruses always seem to be one step ahead. Thus, virus removal will be a major part of any computer consultants job for a long time to come.

Knowing how to best serve your customers is key in providing network service contracts. Customers want you to know exactly what you're doing, and they want to know that you'll respond quickly to their needs.

Finally, efficiency and customer service are the primary parts of your business. Customers want quick, inexpensive solutions whenever possible and they want the best customer service. These things, combined with your expertise, will help you become a key figure in your community's fight against computer viruses. Learn more in the full article (link above).

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[TIPS] - ajaxwrite (too cool to wait until next week)

http://www.ajaxwrite.com/

This one was too cool to wait. Ajax (not the foaming cleanser) is VERY H-O-T stuff. Here is an ajax-based word processing program that looks just like MS Word. It opens in 6 seconds.

Something to think about...

While we were busy playing with your basic web pages (or writing web pages with Frontpage or Dreamweaver, etc), and installing Microsoft Office on out desktop machines, the world has been busy moving things online. I've sent you several sites in the past as examples. But, I want to make sure that you know that this isn't just a passing fad. Watch the web closely and watch as it transforms itself from a Medium to a Platform. You'll be able (actually you can NOW) to access all your files online- whether or not we think it's a good idea. AND, things are being designed to be collaborative by design. (Remember Writely.com?)

Why is this a big deal? Remember - we're not in the business of teaching kids how to live in the past.

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[TIPS] - juicy geography for Google Earth

Got Google Earth? What a fun way to study geography. http://www.juicygeography.co.uk/googleearth.htm

 

- - - and since I didn't get to send out a tip yesterday, here's a bonus - - -

 

http://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2006/03/us_government_p.html

 

And here the Sierra Club uses Google Earth to show the land that the Fed government is selling off. (Hmmm.... I wonder if it'll stay protected. Hmmmm)

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"MIT Technology Review" 10 Emerging Technologies

This special report on top emerging techologies from MIT Technology Review is not your average list. Sure, it contains some familiar technologies (nanomedicine, universal ID), but it also boasts what might be some new terms, including:

• Epigenetics, or early cancer detection through measuring subtle changes in DNA
• Diffusion tensor imaging, a new way to image and understand brain disorders
• Comparative interactomics, or developing new medicines based on the body's molecular interactions
• Cognitive radio, a technique allowing wireless devices to negotiate for space on the crowded radio spectrum

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Firstlogic Partnering With New Media Technologies

Firstlogic, one of the leading of enterprise data quality solutions, is teaming up with New Media Technologies, a comprehensive consulting firm. The company's partnership will benefit many financial services companies.

Financial services companies will be able to analyze and retain data more efficiently so that they can know their customers and provide the appropriate solutions. They will also be able to better meet compliance standards with this new technology.

According to Kathy Gibson, sales manager for New Media Technologies: "Our services help banks, brokerages, securities firms and high-profile investment companies to achieve three key goals: savings, flexibility and integrity in the management of their customer communications. "Data quality is required to achieve these goals and to help firms who value the customer and aim to provide the best possible service."

Learn more about this new partnership and how it can help your clients by reading the entire article (link above).

Blogged by Joshua Feinberg

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Windows Not Shaken By Delay

Yesterday, Microsoft announced that their Vista program would be delayed until 2007 due to a certain lack of "people friendliness." Although some people began second-guessing Microsoft, most people are just taking it in stride.

Microsoft claimed to only need a few extra weeks but is actually taking a significantly longer time. Many VARs were surprised to see Microsoft announcing yet another delay, but all agree that they would rather sell a completed product than only a second-rate product.

According to the article (link above), "Some VARs speculate that Microsoft has purposely delayed the consumer versions out of fear that the majority of consumers buying new PCs for Christmas would not be willing to spend close to $1,000 for a system that could run Vista with good performance. The company feared the consumer releases could fall flat on its face as it came out of the gate."

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"Microsatellites" May Point to NASA's Future

Early this morning, NASA launched three 55-pound "microsatellites" into orbit using not a traditional ground-based rocket, but a Pegasus missile strapped to the belly of a Lockheed L-1011 jet airplane. At 39,000 feet, the missile was released from the plane's belly and fired its engine to fly 10 miles into Earth orbit.


The microsatellites are part of NASA's New Millenium Program, designed to test new technologies for future space missions; these particular satellites will measure the Earth's magnetic field from different points.

Part of the project's outcome may be that this type of a launch -- taking a page out of the playbook of private space entrepreneurs -- will prove far more economical than traditional rocket launches or the Shuttle, making Earth orbit accessible to businesses as well as countries that cannot currently afford their own space programs. As a result, NASA's focus may ultimately shift to that of a high-tech think tank and science advocate, leaving actual space flights to the private sector.

Source: CNN.com

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40 Pct. of Amazon Rainforest Could Vanish by 2050

Ranching, logging and farming, while profitable ventures for the South American economy, have been eroding the Amazon rainforest for years. A report in Nature estimates that up to 40% of the rainforest could disappear within 45 years if development goes unchecked.

Britaldo Soares-Filho, of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais in Brazil, ran computer models simulating the effects of agricultural and industrial encroachment on virgin forests in three different scenarios. In the worst case, up to 777,000 square miles of forest could be lost by 2050, threatening the continent's ecosystem and endangering 100 native plant and animal species. Best-case scenarios, though, show that reduction could be minimized through land preservation and controlled growth.

The Amazon rainforest is important not just to South America, but the entire planet, as it absorbs a large amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Without the rainforest, carbon emissions would go unchecked, thereby accellerating global warming.

Faced with this, South American countries have a dilemma: how to protect the rainforests without harming desperately needed jobs and economic growth. Scientists taking the long view would invariably argue that the rainforest is the greater priority, though protecting it will be politically treacherous if means lost jobs and incomes.

Source: Reuters

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Turning Urinals into Video Games

In today's entertainment-driven society, everything can be made into a form of recreation. And I do mean everything...

Consider the video game urinal developed by Marcel Neundörfer. While a man is using a rest room, he can play a game by, uh, taking care of business:

Recessed into a urinal is a pressure-sensitive display screen. When the guest uses it, he triggers an interactive game, producing images and sound.

Hey, what the heck... most guys would get a kick out of it! But the device arguably has some practical advantages as well:

The reduced size of the “target” improves restroom hygiene and saves on cleanings costs (like the “fly in the urinal” at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport). It also makes a trip to the urinal “fun and games” – more than just a necessary nuisance.

The design also has some "critical-ironic" artistic aesthetics evocative of Duchamp. And Lord knows that typical public men's rooms need all the artistic help they can get...

Now, of course, comes the next obvious challenge -- a version for the ladies!

Source: Boing Boing

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Acceptance of Gay/Lesbian Lifestyle Increasing

Americans are increasingly accepting of homosexuality, according to recent findings by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. Opposition to such divisive issues as gay marriage has fallen considerably in the past couple of years, and a majority (60%) favor allowing gays and lesbians to serve in the military. Support for gay and lesbian couples adopting children is now split evenly, whereas a clear majority opposed it in 1999.

The trend toward greater acceptance cuts across most all major demographic groups, with white evangelical Protestants being the primary exception.

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Bacteria-Powered Nanotech

What better power source for nano-scale robots than something microscopic? Researchers at Rice University and the University of Southern California are experimenting with a strain of bacteria that, like a miniscule electric eel, generates its own electricity.

Shewanella oneidensis eats metal (mmmm...), and excretes electrons stripped from the metal in the form of electricity. Theoretically, these organisms could be built into a battery to provide a long-lasting charge, powering a device that is either extremely small, requires an exceptionally long-lasting power source, or both.

Using organisms as an energy source is a burgeoning field. Indeed, no less a figure than Dr. Craig Venter, the scientist who first mapped the human genome, is behind a startup in this area.

Source: CNET

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Windows Vista Delayed Until 2007

If you were planning to ask Santa for a new Windows Vista-powered PC this coming Christmas, you'll have to take a raincheck. Microsoft is delaying the release of its next-generation operating system until January 2007.

Some Vista versions for business will be released this year, but the consumer flavors won't make their appearance until after the 2006 holiday season -- a serious problem for PC manufacturers counting on a boost from holiday sales. However, the delay might be beneficial in the long run, as Microsoft will reportedly use the extra time to tighten security features.

Source: CNN.com

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Computing 2020

Nature has posted a series of essays on the future of computing, covering such possibilities as quantum computing, pervasive environment and computing ecosystems, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Essays are available in both HTML and PDF formats.

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Are You Ready To Grow Your On-Site Computer Repair Business?

When you are considering whether it is time to grow your on-site computer repair business, there are several factors that you should consider. Let's go over the three most important to making this decision.

1. Ability to Delegate

Delegation can be much more difficult than it seems at first. You need to carefully evaluate whether you can give an assignment to another technician and leave him or her alone to complete it.

2. Financial Stability

Adding employees will add extra financial responsibility. You must be able to send out paychecks on time, every time. Many employees will also except to receive health insurance and other benefits (paid vacation, etc.).

3. Reliable Employees

Finding reliable employees can be tough in this business. Most employers give newcomers a trial period and other some type of training to help these new technicians become long-term loyal employees.

Before you jump into expanding your business, carefully consider these three important factors. If you are ready, then make your plans to expand. Learn more in the full article (link above).

Blogged by Computer Consulting 101 Professional Kit

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Network Service Contracts Increase In Popularity

With more companies creating advanced networking systems (including wireless systems) and with the increased risk of identity and data theft, network service contracts have greatly increased in popularity recently.

Choosing Your Consultant

Credentials are very important when choosing a consultant. You may not always know what they mean but a quick Google search will fix that, or you could just ask - an honest consultant will tell you exactly what you need to know. Also, choose a company with a great track record that can be proven through references from other clients.

If You Are a Consultant

If you are one of the consultants who deliver high quality services to clients honestly, we thank you. You are giving computer consultants a good name all over the world. Keep up the good work!

Added by Computer Consulting 101

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[TIPS] - Podcast directory for educators

Looking for some podcasting examples from school aged children? Check this site. I clicked the School podcasts link on the left and then chose "the age of 11" and was given a nice page of links. They play with real player on my machine.

 

http://recap.ltd.uk/podcasting/

 

Want to hear some local podcasts? Chris H at WSSD has just started and his classes have two podcasts. Find them here: http://www.wssd.k12.pa.us/webpages/CHyde/   I think Chris has plans to have his kids read their stories in their podcast, eventually. (Remember that tip from a while back?)

[The last sub page on the left is "Podcast Page" - the directions are there (all you need is iTunes).]

 

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Blogging Computers in Libraries 2006

This week I'm in Washington, DC attending and speaking at the annual Computers in Libraries conference. What's this have to do with futurism and emerging technology, you might ask? Plenty!

The three-day conference is entirely focused on advanced digital technology. Although it's designed for those involved in library sciences, almost anyone can find something useful here and learn something new.

This morning saw excellent presentations by the keynote speaker, Chris Sherman of SearchEngineWatch, as well as a talk about innovation and Millenials by Jill Hurst-Wahl of Hurst Associates, Ltd. (who is also blogging the conference and will post info on her presentation). I also attended a presentation about Ajax and open source web tools. Afternoon presentations included an overview of the Grokker visual search tool, and an approach to setting up and managing an emerging technology program. An evening panel discussion of Web 2.0 was, in my experience, one of the most entertaining in memory.

If you happen to be in the Washington area this week, you might want to stop by the Washington Hilton and get a day pass. Pretty much every session has some angle on emerging technology.

As for me, I'll be presenting Friday afternoon. Until then, I'll make updates on interesting stuff that's going on at CIL (it's all interesting, though!).

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[TIPS] - the missing link

http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/flash/

 

Thanks to the dozens of people ... OK... it was just one... who wrote back to tell me that I didn't paste my link on the second part of yesterday's tip. I HATE when that happens!

 

This is the newspaper site that ... well, check it out.

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Packaging IT Service Agreements

You need to think about the specifics when packaging your IT service agreements. You need to think about whether you will offer them at a fixed price or base them on a retainer or a pre-paid block of time. Fixed-price IT service agreements can be challenging because you have to predict the needs of your clients, and therefore most small business computer consultants will not have the skill or ability to accomplish this.

FACTORS OF PACKAGING

The following are important factors to consider when packaging your IT service agreements:

1. What real benefits can you offer?
2. What can you give clients that will make signing the agreements more attractive?
3. What will make prospects want to sign IT service agreements without a second thought?

BENEFITS

The key to answering the questions above lies in the benefits you offer prospects as a part of IT service agreements.

One benefit you can offer is speedy response time, whether for on-site service, phone or for remote support. Another benefit is on-going, scheduled maintenance, either remote or dialing in directly to check logs on occasion. An hourly discount is also a bit benefit that will usually push prospects over the edge when they are wondering whether to sign IT service agreements. Waiving premiums for after-hour service or emergency work is also something that will attract potential clients.

Benefits are the key to packaging and getting clients to quickly sign IT service agreements, but you need to be specific about what you can offer and make sure you can actually give them what you are offering and that it meets their needs.

Added By: Computer Consulting 101 Professional Kit

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Computer Franchises: Preparing for a Franchise Expo

You can find computer franchises by going to franchise expositions, but you have to prepare for them in order to minimize being overwhelmed by the options and narrow down your search. Since exhibitors go to these expos in order to sell their franchise, you need to prepare to know exactly how to find a franchise that will fit your needs and abilities. Attending a franchise exposition is a fantastic method by which to familiarize yourself with the options available to you.

YOUR MAXIMUM INVESTMENT

The first bit of preparation involved figuring out how much you can invest so when you get there you know what computer franchises are even within your realm of possibilities. You will know not to waste precious time talking to a sales person if his franchise fee is outside your budget and will be able to move forward to those that are affordable.

PROOF OF EARNINGS

Some computer franchises will brag about high earnings and profits at expose to lure you. While some might be telling the truth, some might be exaggerating to get your attention. If you insist on seeing proof of their earnings, you will find out quickly the truth of the matter and be able to move onto another franchise if they cannot provide legitimate substantiation.

WRITE IT DOWN

Franchise expositions offer so many computer franchises that it can be easy for you to forget all the details. If you take careful notes on each option you find, you will be more easily able to review your choices after the expo is over. Taking brochures and pamphlets is also a good idea, along with obtaining contact names and numbers in case you have questions afterwards.

THE OFFER

Don’t be pressured into signing contracts or giving deposits at the expo itself. You need the time after the expo to interview franchises outside the excitement of the expo and get general feedback and opinions. You also would be wise to hire an attorney to look carefully through contracts and the disclosure document to make sure it is in order. Since computer franchises are a giant investment, you need to know the computer franchise you choose is absolutely right for you.

When attending a franchise expo, you need to be both informed and objective. If you know what to expect beforehand you will be able to make the right decisions during and afterwards.

Blogged By: Joshua Feinberg

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Job Market Rapidly Becoming a "Seller's Market"

The Herman Group, a futurist-oriented HR consultancy oft-quoted here, has been forecasting a fundamental change to the global labor market for several years. Now, it believes that the US alone will face an employee deficit of 10 million by 2010.

In 2004, in our Red Alert Paper, we reported that the employment market was shifting from a buyer's market to a seller's market. Now, employee turnover is increasing even faster, as talented employees seek better job opportunities. The phenomenon is not limited to the United States or North America. We see these conditions developing at an alarming pace in developed---and some developing---countries around the world. This global shortage of skilled workers---educated and trained to perform the work of today and tomorrow---will affect everyone.

The group points to trends worldwide that show increased and more aggressive hiring. In Japan, where job growth has been stagnant, many of the top firms plan to hire 1,000 or more recent college graduates this year -- an unprecedented number in that country. In addition to a worker shortfall, Japanese employers are also grappling with a 30% turnover rate among new hires.

UPDATE: Peter Cappelli of the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School believes that the situation is not so much a labor gap as a skills gap. In an article published in the Feb. 2006 issue of the ASTD's TD magazine, Cappelli argues that while no shortage of people exists, employers are struggling to get workers up to speed, and don't have good training programs in place. Others, though, insist that the demographics of a labor shortage are very real, and that the labor market faces a shortfall of 7 to 10 million skilled workers with education beyond that of a high school diploma in the coming years. All, however, agree that the US labor market faces a deficit of skills, especially executive, managerial, communications, IT and project management skills.

UPDATE 2: The same article cites a survey by the Association of Executive Search Consultants suggesting the US could face a "brain drain" if overseas job opportunities were appealing enough. Half of the US executives surveyed said that they would be willing to relocate to China, and 35% said they would consider moving to Russia or India.

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17 Free Ways to Speed Up Your Network

Generally speaking, new clients don't want to pay a fortune on new hardware to speed up their network. Instead, you can make all the difference in the world for them in ways that are relatively inexpensive on the product side so that they won't feel that you are just taking their money.

Phil Britt has created a list of 17 things that you can do to speed up a network with little expense. Using his suggestions, most of which you should already know, can help you create a great relationship with a new client.

You may also want to use a similar tool in your marketing. Perhaps you could give some free tips in exchange for someone contacting you. It's a perfect direct mail postcard type of ad. Learn more about speeding up your clients' networks in the full article (link above).

Posted by Joshua Feinberg

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Scalix Enhances Support for Key Novell Infrastructure

Scalix announced that their software is now available for use with Novell's SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9, Novell eDirectory and Novell Evolution. Novell resellers helping clients transition to Linux pushed for the change and the company listened to their suggestions.

Roger Levy, vice president and general manager of Open Platform Solutions for Novell had this to say about Scalix's move: "Novell is committed to helping customers achieve an open, secure and cost-effective IT environment, and Linux is an important lever for getting there. Scalix enhanced support for Novell enables customers to deploy additional Novell Linux server and client products to achieve their desired computing environment."

With enhanced support and a better working structure, Scalix has provided resellers and consumers with a desperately needed product. To learn more about the changes, read the article, Scalix Enhances Support for Key Novell Infrastructure, Enabling VARs to Expand Novell Linux Server and Desktop Footprint in Accounts (link above).

Blogged by Computer Consulting 101 Professional Kit

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"Fast Company" List of "Jetsons Moments"

The technology business magazine Fast Company has a list of what it considers the most interesting and promising emerging technologies, from blimps and gliders used as portable wirless broadband antennas, to washing machines that use negative ions in place of water and detergent, to scented plastics, to "galvanic vestibular stimulation" (delivering a light electrical charge to the small hairs of the inner ear to control equilibrium). A slideshow is also available.

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Computer Consulting News: "Botnets" Provide New Issues for Wireless Users

In a world full of wireless networks and wireless phones, hackers are finding new ways to attack technology users with virus-like botnets that spread through text messages sent on smartphones, giving computer consulting firms yet more work to do with virus protection. This robotic network sends a text message to a user’s smart phone; thinking it is from a friend, the user opens the message and it looks through the phone system for sensitive information like credit card numbers, bank account statements and passwords.

Computer criminals are using botnets to extend violations to the world of text messaging, adding to a slue of other problems that have developed with the smartphone technology, almost faster than computer consulting firms and phone manufacturers can find solutions. Researchers in California at Time Security Labs found the new threat last week and deemed it “high risk.” Research in Motion, creator of the BlackBerry device and other companies including Skype have started to add instant messaging capabilities to all their smartphones, and the botnets problem should get worse before it gets better according to experts.

Attacks of botnets seemed to increase just as the instant messaging capabilities were introduced in the United States, as it first started in Europe. One of the reasons for the increase in text messaging is that it is lower cost than other phone capabilities, with some plans starting at just $2.99 per month. Besides being inexpensive, it is a very easy way for people, including regular consumers and business customers to communicate when they aren’t in one spot.

However, business have noticed that instant messaging can be distracting in the workplace as employees are interrupted by non-work-related messages and tempted to use IM during a meeting. Another issue of text and instant messages is storing them in order to document business information. Some companies are getting around this major problem by encrypting all data in the database and not just that which is in transit via other methods. However, this can be a costly process and requires typically hiring outside computer consulting firms to manage the process. The process of data storage can be a huge task for many computer consulting firms because of how quickly data builds up. And there is a chance that when storing these instant message and text message bits of data, a lot of useless personal information will be stored as well.

Computer hackers are aware that everyone from businesses to universities view text messaging and smartphones along with instant messaging as a very economical way to communicate, which is precisely why the botnet attacks were developed. Researchers have given information about hackers to federal authorities and an investigation is under-way.

Blogged By: Computer Consulting 101

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Computer Business Oracle Enjoys Profit on New Licenses

Computer business Oracle revealed a higher profit than ever before, attributed to an increased demand for new software licenses and database software accompanied by a greater European presence.

The fiscal period ended February 28, and the business software maker reported a third-quarter net income of $765 million, 14 cents per share up from the prior net income of $540 million, 10 cents per share a year ago. Revenue also rose from $2.95 billion to $3.47 billion. Oracle posted a per-share profit of 19 cents, excluding items, which was up from Wall Street estimates put together by Reuters earlier stating a per-share profit of 18 cents.

Oracle has spent nearly $19 billion buying competitors in an attempt to match some of Germany’s biggest rivals, namely SAP and get a larger slice of the market for business software that automates human resources, accounting, inventory management and many other critical aspects. After implementing a strategy that included acquiring companies such as PeopleSoft and Siebel systems, Oracle’s stock has risen only 4 percent in the past year, mostly because investors were skeptical of the computer business’ plan. SAP shares that were traded in New York have gained 32 percent with the Oracle’s new business wins.

New licenses of Oracle’s business application, database and middleware software increased 16 percent to $1.096 billion according to the company’s spokespeople. At the same time, sales of new licenses for its applications software exploded 77 percent to $269 million. Most marked growth for applications revenue occurred in Europe where they more than doubled.

Blogged By: Computer Consulting Kit

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[TIPS] - Google Earth Basics - and a cool news site

http://www.gearthblog.com/basics.html

Lots of good stuff here including 3-d buildings, "Tour" mode, using GE offline, and much more. Return to the home page of that site (remove everything after the .com) and you'll be able to subscribe to this blog to be notified when new posts are added.

- - -

Not "into" GE? Try this tip, then. Would you like the read newspapers from around the country? Around the world? This one is quite interesting. Hover over the dots to see a sample image of the newspaper for that location appear on the right. Click the dot top open it in its own window. That window also has links back to the home website for that paper. Zoom in or out, move the map around, and change countries. Very cool!

http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/flash/

See if you can find The Patriot News. Hmmm... "A Dry Season" it says....

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Space Tourism as Early as 2007

As many as a dozen space tourism startup companies are developing space-plane technology that could take paying customers into suborbital space as early as the end of next year.

Outfits such as Virgin Galactic, Space Adventures and PlanetSpace are lining up both craft and ground facilities with the expectation that plenty of civilians will be willing to pay from $100,000 to $250,000 for a two-hour flight and approximately five minutes of weightlessness (a bargain compared to the millions that space tourists currently pay). Rocketplane Kistler, a firm headed by American businessman George French, is aiming to be the first out of the gate, preparing to take commercial passengers into space by the summer of 2007. Most of its competitors are shooting for 2008 or 2009 startup dates.

Source: CNN.com

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[TIPS] - the nist global clock - revisited

Ah, March. That time of year when so many of us wake up with a start thinking that we've overslept. :-) Yes, it's getting brighter, earlier. The days are getting longer. Does that put a smile on your face, or what?

 

Several people have asked me for the website where you can see what parts of the planet are in daylight and what parts are in darkness. Today is a critical day since the equinox occurs today. 

 

If you've not done this before, check out the map today with your students. Revisit it once a week and print out the screenshots. A nice lesson, to be sure.

 

http://nist.time.gov/timezone.cgi?UTC/s/2/java

 

--

And thanks to Larry W for sharing this one:

http://codefromthe70s.org/desktopearth_dl.asp

 

I havcen't found any mention of it being any sort of spyware, but you should ALWAYS be careful with this sort of thing.

 

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The On-Site Computer Repair Technician – The ABC’s of Marketing Your Services

For many on-site computer repair technicians, marketing their services can be a daunting task. A strong marketing plan can make all the difference. If you have a large budget, you may want to hire an advertising service to do your marketing at least in the beginning. If you can't afford that, here are three ways to begin marketing your company.

1. Press Releases

Press releases generally focus on the grand opening of your business, special services, or new hires. On-site technicians can either write their own press releases or hire someone else to write them. Then, they are given out to a variety of media sources with the hope that one of them will pick up the story. If so, readers will remember your services for a long time to come.

2. Print Advertisements

Print advertising is also an effective marketing tool. Putting ads in the newspaper or magazines is cost-effective and can reach a wide audience.

3. Radio and TV

Radio and TV advertising are the most expensive methods of advertising. At some point, if you can afford this option, you can reach the widest audience through radio and TV advertisements.

Learn more about advertising your services effectively in the complete article (link above).

Added by Computer Consulting 101

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Network Maintenance Agreements: Designing and Maintaining Your Network

Designing the right network for your company is extremely important. You want all users to be able to access the scanners and printers as well as share some important company files. A well-designed network will allow you to do all these things.

Most companies don't realize the importance of network maintenance agreements and thus overlook them completely. Not only do they allow you to have an expert design your network, but you're also able to have expert maintenance on the network.

Before choosing a network maintenance contract, read over several to find out the advanced options available as well. Although you may not need them now, in the future you may find that the advanced options are just what you need to expand your business.

Learn more about getting a network maintenance agreement to cover designing and maintaining your network in the complete article (link above).

Posted by Computer Consulting Kit

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Computer Repair Franchises: Evaluating a Site

Computer repair franchises need a good location to enjoy success. Finding the best site involves several factors, and many franchisors are happy to help prospective owners weigh different criteria and use all available resources before choosing a site.

The following factors are critical to location choice for computer repair franchises: population density; traffic; competition; appearance; and visibility. A realtor might help potential buyers in the search, and could be a good investment.

Franchisors will often be able to give you a demographic report. Even in cases where this is not a possibility, you can find a company that can give you reliable statistical information about population density. The report should include the amount of people in the area, their ages, incomes, ethnic backgrounds and marital status. All these characteristics of the population are relevant to those looking to open computer franchises because it determines the customer base.

Traffic in the area of the potential sites of computer franchises is also very important and consists of several considerations. What is the traffic within the proximity of the potential location? A city’s downtown will probably not bring much business for those needing home computer help, so you probably want a suburban location to tap into this market. Besides this type of traffic, computer repair franchises are dependent upon traffic that drives by the site. How accessible is parking and what inhibits entry to the lot? Having a location that is easy for driving traffic will greatly improve business.

Competition can make or break computer repair franchises. Buying a site directly next to another computer store is not a good idea. You should find out where competitors are located and try to avoid saturation. The area surrounding your computer franchise needs to be able to sustain the business; there can’t be too many franchises in a 15-mile radius.

The appearance of the potential or existing site is critical to business success. Evaluate the parking lots, landscaping, signage and lighting, and for new sites, look into the landlord’s reputation and even visit other properties he owns to gauge what you can expect over the years.

Visibility of the site is very important for computer repair franchises. You want to make sure the location can be seen from the road and that landscaping doesn’t block any signage. Drive past the location from every direction to see if visibility is optimal.

Choosing a site is one of the first and most important steps to opening computer repair franchises, and considering every factor will help ensure a successful business future.

Added By: Computer Consulting Kit

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