Field Engineering Software: Five Things You Should Look For

There is a wide range of field engineering software packages available for utilities, their vendors and consultants, but they aren't all created equal. Because most utility providers and their clients employee a number of individuals who serve different functions, it can be difficult to coordinate across different platforms effectively. When you're interested in a software solution, it's important to evaluate your company's needs and those of your engineers and other critical employees. Once you've determined what you need, do some research to find out which software companies provide the most reliable and flexible programs.

Key Elements That Make A Great Field Engineering Software Program

1. The Ability To Design And Document In The Field

Working in the field is always a challenge. If you don't truly have mobile capability that allows you to quickly, easily and accurately design, review or change extensions or repairs, you'll quickly realize that you aren't keeping up with repairs, extensions or other activities. Falling behind simply isn't an option in the utilities industry, so be sure your field engineers are using mobile solutions that give them plenty of latitude for work management regardless of their location.

2. Easy Integration With Other Company Platforms

No matter how great your field engineering software is, if it can't be easily integrated into your current system, it's useless. Be sure to talk to a representative about what you need and how well it will work with your current system. The best programs seamlessly tie together data such as utility maps and planning tools,including electronic sketching on specifications and drawings. Ask if the field engineering package can work with your accounting system or any other work-related systems back at the office. Keeping your engineers in the loop greatly enhances productivity.

3. Printable Reports

Whether you're holding a staff meeting, pitching your services to new clients, reviewing your inventory or invoicing clients, you should be able to print customizable reports that utilize the variety of information at your fingertips. Being able to view the "whole picture" instead of just bits and pieces of information will make everyone more efficient, which can improve your bottom line.

4. Systems Engineering And Analysis Capability

It's not enough to be able to see the information that's been input into your system. You have to be able to effectively analyze the information in order to determine the best course of action. Look for programs that let work crews not only view maps and sketches, but retrieve valuable information in order to engineer valid solutions. Systems engineering and analysis is the backbone of good field work, so be sure it is supported properly. The right engineering analysis software can save you thousands of dollars and hundreds of man hours.

5. Customer Service And Support

Any time you install new software on your network, there could be glitches. The learning curve can be steep for some members of your organization, but with the right customer service and support, they will soon be performing flawlessly. Ask vendors about the level of after-purchase support you can expect. Will they help your employees properly configure their computers, notebooks and smart phones? Will they be available if you run into an unexpected problem?

When you're ready to graduate to the latest in engineering analysis software, take the time to ask the right questions so that you invest in a product that will work across multiple platforms and quickly help turn problems into solutions.

Milsoft has been providing utility companies with field engineering and systems engineering and analysis software for over 20 years. When you're ready to look at mobile engineering analysis software, Milsoft is your answer. To get a free quote, visit their website.

IVR Systems: Four Critical Components For Utilities

Investing in an interactive voice response service is often one of the first steps a utility company takes toward smart grid software solutions for their business and their customers. While there are many IVR systems currently available, not all of them are tailored specifically to the needs of utilities. Be sure to compare features and establish that the software is designed for power grids and energy providers rather than being a generic customer service platform that could fall short of what you'll need the first time you need to use it for a large call volume emergency.

1. Utility-Specific Interactive Voice Response Service

Utilities who supply power to a large segment of their local population need IVR systems that address the specific needs of their customers. While being able to handle large call volume is always important, if the program is a generic customer service platform, you may find it falling short during power outages or disaster situations. Do you really want to take the chance that a system that can also be used by retailers or sales teams will provide you with the service your customers deserve? A system that is utility-specific will feature message scripting tools and call handling logic that is driven by the needs of utility customers.

2. Customization For Specific Scenarios

Customization is crucial to successfully responding to specific situations. Look for IVR systems that can be customized not only to the size of your business and customer base, but to specific incidents as they occur. You should be able to tailor scripts to a variety of scenarios, including routine calls, emergency outages and impending update notifications and more. Some companies offer interactive voice response services that include professionally scripted replies based on your input, giving you relevant protocols that always sound professional while addressing the needs of callers. Comprehensive call handling logic can be tailored to quickly route customers to the appropriate response recording or send them directly to a customer service representative as needed.

3. Adaptability To In-House Programs

You can't always upgrade your entire system to a complete smart grid software system due to budget restraints, the limitations of current systems, or the excess technological load that would be brought to bear by a whole new system. IVR systems that are adaptable to current programs and power grids make it easier to slowly roll your current, outdated technology into a comprehensive smart grid over time. Be sure to ask vendors if their program is adaptable to legacy platforms and in-house telephony. Also be sure that their message scripting tools can be used to scale your IVR to a variety of situations and needs.

4. Versatility For All Call Levels

It may defeat the purpose of investing in smart grid software if the IVR systems you choose aren't versatile enough to respond to a variety of situations, including emergency outages or disasters. You don't want your interactive voice response service to respond in the same way to callers looking for billing information and callers reporting downed lines or other emergencies. The right IVR systems offer voice recognition logic that will not only quickly route each call, but recognize the urgency of the call and handle it accordingly.

The right interactive voice response service is critical to your customer's satisfaction and the efficiency of your crews in a variety of scenarios, including disasters, upgrades and day-to-day functioning of your utilities. By carefully comparing IVR systems, you can find the one that's best for your company.

Milsoft's Interactive Voice Response Service is part of their line of IVR systems for utilities of all sizes. Check out their suite of smart grid software solutions for the twenty-first century. For an online demo, visit their website.

How Far Has 3D Printing Come?

3D printing is a very fascinating technology in my opinion. This technology has been working to change the way that we manufacture things. Products and pieces all across the spectrum are coming about, including buildings, jewelry, parts to weapons, prototypes, and even organs. The variety of 3D printed pieces is pretty extensive.

3D printing gives users the chance to create pretty much anything. The variety is very extensive. Essentially, 3D printing is the layer by layer creation of virtually any object out of one over 100 materials. There are materials for a large variety of purposes. Some materials are flexible and offer rubber-like attributes. Other materials are great for high detail and casting, making it a good choice for jewelry. Quite a few mechanical materials exist out there, for instance - titanium. Titanium is used as the outer shell for jets going into space. Inconel is also a good material, known for withstanding high heats. This material is commonly found inside of jet engines. Common materials like stainless steel or aluminum are very evident. Translucent and clear materials are available, giving artists the ability to make seemingly see through prints. Other materials exist in the world of 3D printing as well. If there is a required purpose, a material is probably available.

In addition to the variety of materials available, there are multiple processes available to create prints out of these various materials. Typically, 3D printing has only been able to create models one material at a time. However, engineers have been getting pretty crafty. We aren't in 1979 anymore. Visionaries like Objet have introduced multi jet printers, which can use up to 7 materials at once. Layer by layer processes in powder bases manufacturing processes give designers the ability to create virtually anything. When a product or piece can literally "float" in a bed of powder, there are virtually no design limitations. Of course the product can only be the size of the printer's build envelope, but outside of that there aren't many limitations. Other machines come into play which use support material to help products to "float" on the build envelope, giving designers even more power to use 3D printing. Giving freedom to designers will change what can be created, period.

Machining methods can't do much to hold up against 3D printing. Sometimes it is much more practical to create a product through machining methods, but when it comes down to the freedom that designers have when creating products - 3D printing simply blows that form of manufacturing out of the water. There are certain limitations that come into play with machining, which 3D printing doesn't have to face. The same statement stands for the manufacturing technology known as mold manufacturing. This form of manufacturing can't hold up to the design capabilities of 3D printing either, as there are some serious limitations. When a designer has to constantly worry about intricate centers, hollow spaces, and grooves & curves, there is a pretty strong issue to face. Unless however, that designer is working with 3D printing.

If you enjoyed this article, you might what else is new with 3D Printing, or possibly you'd like to join a 3D Printing Community,

What Can 3D Printing Do?

3D printing has definitely been blowing up in the last few years. In my opinion, I believe 3D printing is on its exponential curve for expansion and development. Right now, it's going straight up. There is a consistent demand for do it yourself enthusiasts and "makers" in the world, and there are quite a few people ready to fill in that demand. As it is becoming much easier to manufacture at an individual level, we will see the rise of inventors, new ideas, and a new expansion in product development. Before we even jump into that, let me answer this question for you. What is 3D printing?

This technology is a form of manufacturing that allows for the creation of pretty much anything out of a variety of materials and sizes. Typically, a 3D printer can't produce parts much bigger than a large RC plane or a motorcycle helmet. However, there has been a rise in the potential and possibility of prints. There have actually been printers which can manufacture buildings out of concrete! Printing entire buildings! There is definitely a variety of sizes. 3D printing is essentially the layer by layer creation of whatever you need. A printer head, ultraviolet light, laser, or whatever will actually lay down layers of material down, one layer at a time. These layers will continue to stack until a final piece is made. These layers will typically be less than .3mm in width, but each print typically consists of dozens if not hundreds of layers. These printers can give designers a ton of freedom in what they can make, as the designers don't have to worry about as many design rules. The layer by layer process of 3D printing can create pretty much anything that can be designed on the computer, because there isn't material removal, but material is laid down. Intricate centers are available through this technology. Hollow spaces are very popular. Aside from that, there are also a ton of groves and curves available for use within models. There are a ton of options!

3D printers can create products in various sizes, with very little limitations as to what can be designed, but I want to cover some of the materials offered throughout this technology known as 3D printing. In fact, there are over 100 materials to choose from! That means that there is a material for pretty much any material that you would ever need. There are various mechanical materials for use. Some are flame retardants such as primepart. Titanium is a material which is actually used on the outside of jets. Inconel is a material which can withstand extreme heat, and is used in jet engines. Basic metals such as stainless steel and aluminum are also available. Full color materials are available in sandstone like composites. Various plastics are available in various colors. There are even rubber like materials, offered by Objet. Other materials exist in the world of 3D printing such as wax casts. These materials typically offer very high detail and burn out easily.

In a nutshell, 3D printing is here to stay. It is constantly improving, and it will change the way that we look at manufacturing within the next few years.

If you enjoyed this article, you might want to learn about 3D Printing, or possibly you'd like to join a 3D Printing Community.

Areas in Which Technology Has Improved Our Lives

Technology is the innovation of devices or machines that basically solve real life problems and improve the performance of existing inventions. This has made the world a better place to live in as things are much easier thus life is good. Decades ago performing certain functions took ages to implement but today; one can perform a task in an instant and have results immediately. Below are just but a few of areas in our lives that technology has improved.

1. Communication

A lot of progress has been made in the communication sector since the birth of technology, the growth in electronic devices has broken barriers that originally delayed passing on of information. Today, you can talk face to face with someone miles away thanks to the internet. Much is being done through the social networking sites thus communication is now instant. People are making friends, starting business partnerships and even getting jobs online by a simply clicking a button on their computers, thanks to technology.

2. Health

To start with, it is simpler to reach the doctor today than it was decades ago. Technology has made accessing medical information on the internet much easier thus save you trips to the hospital for simple home treatable conditions. Medical researches are easily being carried out as specialists from all over the world are coming together with rich information in solving medical problems. Improved medical machinery has boosted treatment as doctors can now get correct diagnosis of most ailments as well as perform corrective surgeries that were initially death sentences to affected patients. Hospital administrations now find it easy keeping staff and patient's records unlike the previous cumbersome filing system.

3. Education

There is better news in this sector than any other as information has been made available to anyone with access to the internet. Current information streams live online, single click on your computer and you will have a detailed article on whatever you want. Teachers can easily teach complex theories by use of simple models. Online language lessons have made enhanced cultural unity, as students all over the world are putting much effort to embrace the world as global village. Real-time data can be collected, compiled, analyzed and presented easily in this digital era. Teachers can also get feedback from students thus assess their teaching skills and decide on the best presentation styles.

4. Agriculture

Invention of the Artificial Insemination to start with has boosted animal production making Agriculture dependable by most nations all over the world. Designing of improved farming techniques both in crop and animal farming has ensured constant food supply in most parts of the world. Machines have been invented in production, preservation and processing of more than just one product.

5. Transport

Our fore fathers had it rough moving from one place to the next as walking and running were their only means of transportation, but slowly things started changing and transport is much easier. Goods can be moved around the world much faster.

Pamela is a work at home mum who enjoys writing articles on a variety of themes.

You Need Not Be A Technical Wizard To Use An Android TV Box Because Its Features Are Simple

Android TV Box, a TV player, has been becoming more and more popular because everyone knows that the Android operating systems are among the most popular systems at present. It is a known fact that Android TV players are available in various ranges and the features of these players are varied. Among all the models of Android TV players, MK802 is the smallest. This smart HD player is just one fourth in size of a normal TV player. Its size is twice that of a USB drive. You can attach this MK802 to your television at the back. Because of its small size, it is highly portable and you do not need a big space for carrying it with you.

It is through an HDMI cable that this small PC does the task of transferring the data to your television. The power for this comes from a USB cable that comes with the TV player. You need not be a technical wizard to use this player because of the simplicity of its features. The regular USB port that comes with this permits you to connect it to a mouse. If you want, you can connect it to a portable keyboard also. But, you have to get the mouse and the keyboard separately as they are not part of the package. You can easily transfer the data with the help of the USB port. You can connect the port to your computer and get your files copied on it. Another method to copy files is to use its SD memory card. This memory card allows files, pictures and videos to the extent of 32 GB. Though there is no Ethernet port on it, you can have web access by connecting to WIFI. You may consider that these features are quite simple but at the same time, you can not ignore the fact that they are quite advanced. Because of their simplicity, any one can easily understand and use the features of this TV player.

The RAM on this mini PC is 512 MB RAM and its internal memory is a whopping 4GB. The mini PC supports almost all the audio and video formats. Therefore, you get the major advantage of not needing to change the format of files for watching them on your television. The Android 4.0 system used on it is the latest and so, it supports all the applications such as YouTube, Twitter and Skype through wireless Internet.

Users of this device unanimously admire this TV player because of its light weight and attractive features. They find that they need not take highly cumbersome precautionary steps to protect it. The best advantage consumers get is the most affordable price at which they can have this device. Of course, its portability and great features are added attractions. It is true that Android TV Box series consist of many other TV players but this mini PC is the easiest to use. So, users find it extremely easy to transfer all the contents to their televisions from their computers.

When you buy this, you will get a HMDI cable and a power charger. Of course, you will get a USB cable and a connector also. Since there will be a comprehensive instruction manual, you can easily use this device easily with the guidance of the manual.

Atanu Shaw writes great reviews about various electronic gadgets and his reviews will help consumers to make the right choice. For more details on ANDROID TV BOX and MK802 visit author's website.

Consumerism of IT and Its Impact on Enterprise Mobility Solutions

During the early days of enterprise mobility solutions, there were only a few solutions capable of providing mobility to business users and the functionality afforded by these solutions was also limited to only a few activities such as checking of emails, looking up contact information, creation of documents on portable devices etc. During the initial period, enterprise mobility like many other emerging trends globally featured a needs-based approach, which led to the creation of apps as and when required by the users. The model was definitely not without its merits; however, a major issue resulting from the creation of such needs-based apps was the lack of user-friendly features as well as the minimal use of graphics in developing such apps. Things however never remain stagnant in the technology market and the enterprise mobility market changed almost overnight with the introduction of new platforms such as Android and iPhone/iOS, which featured a higher degree of user acceptance than ever before. The rapidly changing conditions of the enterprise mobility market also led to the introduction of a new trend in business- CoIT (Consumerism of IT).

In current literature, a proper definition of CoIT may be lacking, however, the basis of CoIT is much more easily understood. As smart phone adoption for personal use grew with the advent devices, which were designed specifically for individual use such as the iPhone, the iPad and various Android-based devices, many enterprise users (initially mainly senior management) wanted to be able to use their personal devices for doing company work on the move. The main reasons for this trend included the availability of various user-friendly apps and features as well as the superior design and functionality supported by these devices. The central issue for CoIT is the user's desire for apps and devices which are easy to use, powerful as well as elegant. As such an experience was not possible as the previous generation of mobile devices and apps, the market changed seemingly overnight and CoIT emerged as a driving factor in the enterprise mobility market.

These recently launched "consumerised" apps and devices provide users with an intuitive and compelling experience, which increases the overall acceptance of available software and hardware resources provided to the user. The new solutions are almost an exact opposite of traditional systems, which even though efficient, mostly featured a slow, complex and often monotonous interface. As the old interfaces did not provide a compelling user experience, it was only natural that the new consumer-friendly apps were easily accepted by users over the enterprise mobility apps and devices, which were available earlier. The major benefits from a user perspective of these new apps are the reduction of monotony and complexity in carrying out enterprise-related tasks. From the perspective of an enterprise, the benefits include further improvement of organization-wide productivity- a cornerstone of introducing mobility solutions for an enterprise.

Repercussions of the CoIT Trend

BlackBerry to Lose Enterprise Mobility Market Leadership

One of the first market-wide repercussions after the emergence of CoIT trends was the increased acceptance of emerging platforms such as Android and iPhone/iOS platforms over the mobility market leader- RIM's BlackBerry OS. Overtime, the market share of BlackBerry in the enterprise mobility market has been significantly eroded and more mobility users are shifting to alternative platforms in order to maximize the benefits derived from the use of enterprise mobility. Current short-term predictions by industry experts suggest that within the next 2 to 3 years, the BlackBerry OS will no longer hold majority market share in the mobility market.

Enterprises to Support Multiple Mobility Platforms

Though the senior management was among the first people to ask their enterprise IT departments to initiate support for their new devices, other employees followed suit. IT departments soon realized that it was not possible for them to enable every device on their existing platform and in many cases they decided to provide support for multiple platforms. Currently, a majority of enterprises with emphasis on mobility provide support for two or more enterprise mobility platforms in order to support a wide range of mobility devices.

The Introduction of BYOD

As the number of user-owned devices increase in the organization's network, more and more companies are expected to implement the BYOD (bring your own device) trend to decrease overheads related to buying and maintaining multiple mobility devices for use by employees. This has been one of the key changes in enterprise mobility market, which was caused by the Consumerism of IT trend. The introduction of BYOD has been instrumental in expanding the market as more and more companies have found it necessary to support multiple mobility platforms and devices due to the exponential increase in mobility devices used by employees. However, the BYOD trend has also caused enterprises to seriously consider the possibility of breach in data security. BYOD led to companies taking more precautions to ensure the security of sensitive information. Some of the newer trends designed to provide greater security to organizations all over the world include remote wipe and container techniques.

So, what's next?

The technology and devices market changes so rapidly that it is practically impossible to determine what course the mobility market is going to take in the future. However, one thing is for certain, the CoIT trend has already changes the way mobility is provided in enterprises all over the world and such change is an ongoing process, which will continue to bring about further change in various markets including the enterprise mobility market.

For more information about Mobile Solutions and enterprise mobility solutions, please visit us at our Software Development Company website.

Technological Breakthrough in 1930s

1930s are recognized as a period of novelties and discoveries in radio physics. However, it is not a complete truth, insomuch as many other new solutions were introduced in science. The entire range of technologies discovered during this period facilitated further progress and they literally appear to be the basis of modern technological breakthrough.

In 1933 a frequency modulation was introduced that encouraged distribution of radio devices. In particular, Edwin Howard Armstrong announced that data must be transmitted via radio signals varying in frequency rather than amplitudes. Lots of major companies struggled with his idea, obstructing the patent issue. The thing is that they have invested lots of money in amplitude modulation and, therefore, promising revenues would not be realized with distribution of frequency modulation. As a result, Armstrong committed a suicide because of serious depression.

The other novelty designed in 1933 is a gypsum wallboard. Its contribution to interior decorating was unbelievable. In addition, a basis that is a mixture of recycled paper and cheap mineral - gypsum, appeared to be low cost, facilitating constructing industry.

In 1934 famous Bible for investors appeared - «Security Analysis», written by Benjamin Graham and David Dodd. Being published in the period of Great American depression, it helped a lot from the point of stock market analysis.

This year the first synthetic fiber was created - nylon. It is an achievement of Wallace Hume Carothers, a head of Chemistry department at DuPont Corporation at the time. However, he was not destined to see the progress of his invention and its massive usage in industry: in 1937 he also committed a suicide.

The experience of World War I, especially the number of human deaths, encouraged Bernard Fantus to create the first blood bank in the hospital (Cook County in Chicago), which resembled to those ones during the World War. The start of digital connection is also recorded in 1937. Alec Reeves has developed a communication device that converts audio signals into electronic pulses to transmit it through ordinary telephone lines, and then pulses are converted back to an analog signal in the reception.

The introduction of xerography is tightly associated with patenting. In practice, Chester Floyd Carlson, patent legislation specialist, was overwhelmed with copying patent applications. In 1934 he started a device, which converted images from illuminated photographic plates on a clean sheet of paper. In 1937 he was successful to create the first copying machine. The first company to apply his invention was Haloid Ltd.

The New Business of Independent Medical Practice

Managing a medical practice is becoming more challenging every year. Not only must you have good business sense and leadership skills but also have the time to see patients. Doctors are increasingly bogged down with administration and lower reimbursements so it's even more important to keep an eye on new technology, billing, marketing and practice management.

Keeping your financials in good order is essential to a healthy business. Knowing how many appointments you need every week to keep things running smoothly and having the discipline to keep accurate records can help you determine what is needed to sustain profitability. The technical challenges in the years to come are immense with Electronic Medical Records, ANSI 5010, and ICD10. These are quickly becoming a major priority.

The first part of this series will discuss Technology and Medical Billing in the ambulatory setting.

Technology

The transformation of a medical practice has rapidly evolved because of system design knowledge as well as innovations in information technology (IT). These efforts are advancing health care quality with electronic integration, connectivity, and advancements in devices that help physicians deliver high standards.

This transformation requires an e-connectivity infrastructure that integrates seamlessly with an adequate Practice Management system and an EMR (Electronic Medical Record). These systems allow for adequate follow-up and methods to track patients so that they are not lost in the shuffle. The large amount of data in these systems necessitates an IT infrastructure that provides quick access to patient-specific information. The products are hosted on a network that includes an operating system, high speed Internet access, voice recognition software, secure remote access and backup systems. They will normally include anti-spam/antiviral software, word processing, spreadsheet, and accounting software. Complete systems normally contain the following components:

•Practice Management System

•Customized encounter forms

•Disease registries

•Secure messaging (encrypted email) and connectivity

•Secure Internet portal

•Practice decision support

•Diagnostic technology

•Scanning

•Network faxing

•Interfaces with laboratories, hospital systems and radiology

Medical Billing

To deliver quality medical billing services, a practice or billing service should be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, modern devices and experienced staff. This includes software that is easy to learn and operate.

For smooth and profitable functioning, a medical practice must keep their revenue cycle steady. Timely submission of medical bills and claims is important but having a motivated and competent staff is the key. Medical billing services offer practices many advantages and are fast becoming a trusted resource for providers.

The advantages include:

•Reduction of administrative workload

•Savings in employee salaries and benefits

•Infrastructure costs are less

It is even more important to get paid for your claims now that there are Medicare payment cuts. The government has called for a decrease in reimbursements that are sure to affect a great many practices. When reimbursement is reduced and expenses increased, many physicians try to see more patients to make up for the shortfall. To accomplish that, some target based marketing will help increase traffic in the office. Using techniques like optimizing your website for better visibility is a great way to start.

The Medical Group Management Association released a Cost survey for Multispecialty Practices in 2011. Here are some interesting numbers that reflect medical office employee turnover:

Receptionist and medical records staff: 25%

Nursing and clinical support staff: 20.22%

Billing/Collections and data entry: 11.77%

E/M documentation will hit a new level of frustration in the coming years so it is eminent to prepare for this new wave of guidelines. This means that more training might be needed for all billers and coders.

Decreased revenues are putting pressure on all physicians to capture lost charges that previously would have been under-coded. To have a firm grasp on the fundamentals of E/M coding it is essential to compare your coding patterns to national benchmarks. This would keep you out of the audit category and insure that the coding accurately.

Iron Comet Consulting is a Platinum certified McKesson reseller based in Stockbridge, Georgia. We are a full service medical IT, billing and marketing firm.

5 Benefits of Custom Cable Manufacturing

Cables are a necessary component for most electronic set up and assembly and enable connectivity within and amongst multiple devices. When it comes to buying cables, most people go to a giant retailer to purchase a one-size-fits all product. Purchasing standard cables may do the job you set out to do, but there are many times when consumers could benefit from using a custom manufactured cable to successfully complete a unique task that a standard cable can't easily assist with.

Flexibility in length
The most valuable benefit of purchasing a custom manufactured cable is the flexibility. Having the ability to custom-design a cable based on the needs of your project increases the success rate for completion as well as holds to a higher standard of quality than would a generic, standard cable. If additional length is needed, consumers can design a longer cable to stretch across larger distances; similarly, buyers can request a shorter length as well to cut down on the bulkiness and clutter of having cables poking out due to their being too long for a particular space.

Looks more professional
To expand further on the look and feel of the project, ordering a custom manufactured cable gives an overall more organized look to the finished product. The finished project will appear neat and tidy, denoting the work of a highly skilled professional. Not only is the correct length of cables more professional, it also decreases safety risks of tripping over cables that are too long. In this way, the cables remain out of sight and out of harm's way.

Accountability and accuracy
Ordering a custom manufactured cable is also beneficial because the person doing the project has a closer relationship with the manufacturer than they would if stopping by a store to pick up a standard cable. By talking with a specialist and deciding on the specifications that will best do the job, the consumer is privy to a higher level of quality and accountability from the manufacturer. The manufacturer is there to create the cable using the exact specifications of the consumer. This specificity helps ensure the buyer receives just the cable they need to complete the project and decreases the likelihood of working with a cable that is the wrong length.

Quantity
Lastly, consumers who buy custom manufactured cables can purchase as many, or as few, as they need. The manufacturer is able to save customizations and duplicate those specifications for multiple cables. It's a smarter use of resources to spend time designing and purchasing custom cables that align perfectly with project needs rather than wasting time going to stores, buying standard cables and then returning them once it's found out that they are too short, too long or not strong enough for the project. Standard cable manufacturers don't understand the unique needs of every project; their sweet spot is aggregating the needs of multiple projects and creating a product that can successfully fulfill average project duties. By purchasing a custom manufactured cable, consumers can go a step above average and get a product specially designed for their needs.

For more information on custom manufactured cables, check out LoDan Electronics!

Could You Work in the Cloud?

I'm sure you've heard how some people fear that the cloud computing phenomenon will cut jobs in different industries.

While it is unclear yet how many jobs will actually be 'transformed' with the introduction of the cloud, multiple studies have shown that the same cloud industry will actually generate jobs.

One of those recent studies, which is a joint report by 'Oxford Economics', 'Goldblatt McGuigan' and 'Whisple Cloud', have even stated that this new technology will generate 16,000 more jobs in Northern Ireland alone.

Personally, when I think about such figures, I just can't help but wonder what kind of jobs could those be. And, like most people, I've come to the natural conclusion that those jobs will most likely be IT related.

However, is this actually the case? Let's have a look at the kind of jobs that the cloud-computing industry could generate:

• IT engineers: well, this is an obvious one. After all, the Cloud is directly related to Software-as-a-Service, or Platform-as-a-Service or even Infrastructure-as-a-Service.

However, beyond all of this, there are lots of developers working behind a single cloud-computing offer. Indeed, if you only consider the software in itself, it needs hours of coding and testing before it can be delivered as a complete product. As well as the core development of the software, don't forget the 'mobile developer' whos task is to make the product viewable through apps or mobile versions of the website. In the same technical field, we can also include lots of System Administrators and Network Administrators who will make things work smoothly, with an availability which is defined on the Service Level Agreement.

• Customer Support team: At this stage, there can be many different levels of support, thus many different roles within a Cloud based team. The cloud being availed to people from different places and countries, the chances are that support could be needed in different languages, and on different time-zones.

• The Sales team: Most cloud-computing business models have an in-house sales team, but they also rely heavily on resellers that will do the demos as well as sell-on the Cloud solutions. This reseller's business model allow cloud computing to generate a lot of jobs since the same system can be sold in different ways, and from different locations thereby making geo-segmentation easier.

• Training and consulting: as is common with any new technology, the introduction of cloud-computing solutions will require some change management as well as training to end users.

• And last but not least, the cloud in itself can enable budding entrepreneurs to create new ventures. I've already written previously about how the cloud can help make a difference to the solo-preneur - as a reminder, we said that cloud computing is the 'magic' solution that allows the solo-preneur to focus on their business while 'outsourcing' their IT solutions to the cloud: this could include book-keeping systems, customer relationships management as well as communications (e-mail, calendar, contact... ).

This list is surely not exhaustive, and I invite you the reader to add to it or by all means, delve into more detail on some specific points. After all, your contribution may also inspire some other people to consider the advantages of cloud-computing for their business.

Exchange hosting is just one of the business grade cloud services available from Giacom World Networks. Connect, collaborate and share with hosted Exchange.

3 Things to Consider When Outsourcing Your IT Services

In today's world, there are many different kinds of technology companies. Some are service based only. Others are manufacturing based. And still others are a combination. When it comes time to managing technology, there are 3 types that should be considered: on-site, basic remote support, and managed service providers. Let's examine all 3 of these and their respective benefits.

On-Site

As a former owner of an on-site company I can really speak to how these types of companies work. These companies charge a premium dollar for their skilled technicians to come to your place of business and with the right tools of the trade, fix the issue at hand. The benefit is they are in your office and you get the feeling of having someone present and the inherent benefit of knowing where your hard earned company dollars are going. You can watch this person, see that they are working, and once they fix it you have someone to thank. However, the downsides are that you are on their watch... they get there when THEY want to, and usually your crisis has to be scheduled WHEN a technician is available. Although if you are experiencing an emergency someone can be sent right out... at twice to three times the dollar amount.

Basic remote support

Typically when one thinks about the term remote support we think of being on the phone with someone who doesn't speak the native tongue and is not necessarily trained in anything more than where to route our phone calls. However, depending on the company of your choice, there are remote support companies that can provide level 1 support and handle the majority of the issues that users really experience. The underlying issue is that you only can talk with this person on the phone. There is no personal relationship nor are you guaranteed to get this same person on the phone every time you call. Typically this is random. The last drawback to this kind of service is what happens when you do need someone on-site to come out? That is once again where this equation goes wrong.

Managed Services

Managed service providers (MSP) have been surfacing over the last 5+ years. These companies tend to offer a combination of remote services that include what they claim to be the end-all be-all of IT service and support companies. The services they offer tend to be: remote monitoring and alerting of all systems, all patching and updating completed during off hours, a backup solution, and a help desk to provide first point of contact for clients. This option is becoming more and more appealing. However, the traditional MSP does not usually provide an on-site component in the contract that they have you sign for their managed services offering. They typically add that as an additional fee.

About the Author

Matt Votisek is CEO of OneCall Technology Solutions, a managed services provider with a unique service offering. OneCall is focused on being a single point of contact for businesses. It prides itself and positions itself as a better option to Dell and Best Buy. The company slogan and on-going mission is the same: All your technology, one number to call. For more information check out our website at: http://onecalltechsolutions.com or call us at: (855)281-2255.

Six Ways You Can Save Money By Using Outsourced IT Support

The arrival of more complex computer systems into businesses has brought with them the need for comprehensive IT support. Sometimes, setting up an in-house IT department can be difficult when you consider factors such as the budget, manpower, infrastructure and the technologies involved. In such cases, outsourcing the job to an IT support company becomes the best alternative for your small business. The benefits that you can discover by outsourcing your IT support will certainly give you the strongest justifications for hiring third party network support providers.

Here are six ways through which you can save money by using outsourced IT support.

Convenience
Some businesses resort to small business IT outsourcing because they lack the resources to set up in-house IT support systems. For instance, if you are running a business with a huge flow of data, then you will need a round the clock back-up, which can be very costly when set up in-house. Also, your business will require the server and the applications maintained for optimal performance. However, contracting a support company can reduce your hassle and cost of managing these business aspects effectively, thus saving you money in the process.

Simplifying the business
Nothing can be more frustrating like struggling with a system downtime while running your business. You are better off letting the experts handle your IT department while you concentrate on growing your business. The support company will take responsibility of all the running around when a problem arises in your computer systems. In addition, they will advise you on the preventive measures that you can implement to keep your system at optimal performance. Better still, you can tap in to their experienced technical support to run your business more efficiently.

Saving your business time
The most important thing that every business requires, at every stage, is time. Whether you are running a start up business or an already established one, you need to take the time factor seriously. The IT aspect is what keeps your business running smoothly; which is why you need to pay close attention to it. By outsourcing your IT department, you can be sure of round the clock monitoring that will keep your network performing at their best and thus avoiding business losses occasioned by downtimes.

Cost cutting
By outsourcing your IT department, you will gain access to willing and highly skilled personnel that are capable of delivering exceptional services at a fraction of the cost of setting up an in-house IT department. In addition, since you will not be hiring any IT personnel, you can avoid costs such as insurance, employee recruitment, training, wages and other associated costs.

Focusing on business growth
Instead of worrying about the latest developments in the IT industry, and how you can align your business with these developments, you can outsource this department to experts who will handle and align your business with the latest technologies while you focus your energy on growing your business. Since IT is not your core area, outsourcing your IT department will allow you to invest more time and resources on the core areas of your business. In addition, you will not have to invest money in acquiring new equipment and training your workforce on how to use them.

Access to skilled and competitive experts
IT professionals are some of the highly paid experts in the labor market. In addition, the costs associated with recruiting, training and retaining a workforce can be very high to a small business. These are costs that you can conveniently avoid through outsourcing. Better still, you can access highly skilled IT professionals without breaking your bank.

It is wise outsourcing IT support for business to a professional service provider. This will enable you to access a pool of professionals at a very low cost thus saving money for your business in the process. Regardless of the size of your business, IT outsourcing can help your business take new leaps.

IBM Information Server 8.X (DataStage): Parallel Transformer Stage Variables And Properties

DataStage: What is Transformer Stage?

DataStage provides several stages to load the data into the data warehouse or data marts. The stages classified into General, Database, Developement and Debug, File, Processing, Real time etc. and the transformer stage is a processing stage.

Local Variables:

You can declare and use your own variables within a Transformer stage. Such variables are accessible only from the Transformer stage in which they declared. Since these variables are local to the transformer, the name local variables.

The uses:

• The values assigned by expressions.

• They are used in expressions which define an output column derivation.

• Expressions evaluating a variable can include other variables or the variable being evaluated itself.

Advantageous of stage variables:

1. Same part of an expression used in multiple column derivations.

For example, IF (DSLINK1.col1 [1, 3] = "001") THEN { statements evaluated here} used in multiple output column derivations, the expression evaluates for each column that uses it. Use the stage variable by moving this substring calculation and the substring evaluates just once for every input row.

2. Where an expression includes calculated constant values.

A column definition might include a function call that returns a constant value, such as: Str(" ",20).This returns a string of 20 spaces. In this case, the function would be evaluated every time the column derivation is evaluated. It is more efficient to calculate the constant value just once for the whole Transformer.

Use the stage variable to use this function. This case, the function would still be evaluated once for every input row.

Assign the initial value from the Stage Properties to the stage variable and leave the derivation empty. This way, the function evaluated only once for whole transformer processing.

3. Where an expression requires a type conversion and used as a constant, or used in multiple places

System variables

WebSphere DataStage provides a set of variables containing useful system information that you can access from an output derivation or constraint.

Name Description:

@FALSE The value replaced with 0.

@TRUE The value replaced with 1.

@INROWNUM Input row counter.

@OUTROWNUM Output row counter (per link).

@NUMPARTITIONS The total number of partitions for the stage.

@PARTITIONNUM The partition number for the particular instance.

Transformer stage: Input page

Partitioning tab:

The Partitioning tab allows you to specify details about how the incoming data partitioned or collected when input to the Transformer stage. It also allows you to specify that the data should be sorted on input.

By default the Transformer stage will attempt to preserve partitioning of incoming data, or use its own partitioning method according to what the previous stage in the job dictates.

In The transformer stage, the stage tab allows to set various properties in the General like Execution mode, Preserve partitioning, Advanced tab, Triggers tab etc.

For more info on learning IBM Information server 8.x or DataStage 8.x, I invite you to visit the http://dwexpertsolutions.com/ where you will learn more on Data Warehousing concepts, designing and developing DataStage Server Jobs, Parallel Jobs, containers and sequence jobs in detail and sign up for the Special Offer: Grab the FREE 7 Day Mini Email Course on how to "Master the DataStage"

The article is submitted by Yogi Talakanti, creator of Data Warehousing expert Solutions.

The Biggest Challenge For Cloud Computing In 2012

Cloud computing has become quite the buzzword in the IT world. Whether you prefer to use the term cloud services, cloud hosting, cloud computing, or whatever... you need to be aware of the challenges and what you're getting into before you jump right into it.

Security always appears top of the list, coupled with what I interpret as confusion over how and what is needed to make best use of the cloud. So in short, for me, a lack of understanding remains the challenge. Whilst security is critical, I feel the need to provide some counter points.

Any computer connected to the Internet is at risk from hackers, whether it is in the cloud or in a private data centre. Would it be true to say that an SME, with necessarily limited resources, is able to better secure its data than say, Amazon? In addition, who says everything needs to be in the cloud? Adopting a cloud computing strategy isn't an 'all or nothing' decision. Data can remain within a data centre or on premise, whilst applications that need to access such data can be based in the cloud. That's the whole principle behind the different cloud types - private, public or hybrid.

I think that anyone considering a move to the cloud needs to carefully consider their motivations and objectives for doing so, and to question what data and workflows they and their customers will feel happy placing in the cloud. Most importantly, select a vendor that can accommodate your cloud migration strategy, now and in the future. The challenge in 2012 isn't that of cloud computing, the challenge for cloud vendors or providers of Cloud 'services' is that they need to not only advocate the benefits of their particular offering, but also educate the market on the benefits of cloud, full stop.

Another major challenge will be Bandwidth. It's probably the case that the majority of SME/Bs have 'plenty' of local network bandwidth with which to conduct their in-house operations/business, however, it's also probably the case that they don't have the same bandwidth in their pipe(s) into the 'Cloud' and that could be an awkward bottleneck if you swallowed the cloud philosophy without adequate preparation - which, of course, you'd never do.

For the pessimists amongst you, despite Moore's Law and Nielson's Law, there's always Parkinson's Law, which prevails: "Usage expands so as to fill all available bandwidth."

Michael is the owner of FreedomFire Communications... including Business VoIP Solution. Michael also authors Broadband Nation where you're always welcome to drop in and catch up on the latest BroadBand news, tips, insights, and ramblings for the masses.

Ainol Novo 7 Tornados - Tablet Computers From Ainol Electronics

It is Ainol Electronics, a Chinese company, that manufactures the Novo 7 series of Android tablet computers. Since the size of the screen of these tablet computers is 7 inches, the company has given the name of Novo 7 to these series of computers. It was in June 2012 that the company brought out Ainol Novo 7 Tornados. Let us into look into some of the features of these tablets.

Prior to Ainol Novo 7 Tornados, the company manufactured Novo 7 Paladin, which was the world's first Android 4.0 tablet. The company released it in the latter half of 2011. But, as far as the Ainol Novo 7 series are concerned, the first to be manufactured were Novo 7 Basic and Novo 7 Advanced and the company released them during the early part of 2011.

The company brought out other Ainol Novo models like Novo 7 Mars and Novo 7 Elf2 along with Novo 7 Tornados. All of them come with ARM processors. The internal storage capacity of these tablet computers is 8 GB. As the name denotes, all the three tablets have 7 inch screens.

You may wonder if there are any differences between Novo 7 Tornados and the other Ainol Novo tablets. The basic difference is in the speed of the Central Processing Unit or CPU. There is a difference in the screen resolution also. The common features in all the three tablets are that the processors on all the three are ARM processors, the internal storage is the same and all the three tablets have 7 inch screens. But, if you see the difference in the screen resolutions, Tornado comes with an 800x480 pixel screen and Mars with a 1024x600 pixel screen. Tornado and Mars have 1GHz single-core processors but Elf 2 comes with a dual-core 1.5GHz processor. But, the screen of Elf 2 is 1024x600 pixel screen, which is the same as that of Mars.

According to experts, all the Novo 7 tablets as low-end models. This is because their specifications are lower than those of other contemporary tablets. If you compare the prices of other tablets with those of Novo 7 models, you will realize that Novo 7 tablets are priced lower. All the Novo 7 tablets support Wi-fi. But, there is no built-in 3G support in any of the Novo 7 tablets.

Tablets of Novo 7 series use the updated Android 4.0.3 v1.0 of Ainol. It was by the end of March 2012 that the company released this updated software. This software is capable of fixing almost all the bugs for firmware v4.0.3 v0.9. Ainol released this firmware during the first week of March 2012.

The processor of Ainol Novo 7 Tornados is the latest Cortex A9 AMLogic AML8726-M3 1GHz Processor. 1GB DDR3 is the RAM on them. The RAM comes with a pre loaded Android 4.0.3 OS. The 7 inch Capacitive Touchscreen on the Ainol Novo 7 Tornados supports 5 point Touch.

The main features of Ainol Novo 7 Tornados are:

- The Operating System of these tablets is Android 4.0.3.
- The Central Processing Unit is Cortex A9 AMLogic AML8726-M3 1GHz.
- Mali 400 is the Graphical Processing Unit on Ainol Novo 7 Tornados.
- While the RAM is 1GB，DDR3, storage capacity is 8 GB.
- The shell of these tablets is made of plastic.
- As the name denotes, the screen is 7 inches and it is also LCD Capacitive 800x480 pixels Touchscreen.

A study of the above features will help consumers to make their decision about buying these tablets.

Atanu Shaw is an expert writer who can write well-researched reviews about various gadgets. These reviews will help the consumers to make the right decision while buying gadgets. For more details on Ainol Novo 7 Tornados and Ainol Novo visit author's website.

Buying An Ainol Novo 7 Aurora II Tablet Is A Worthy Investment

"Where a new invention promises to be useful, it ought to be tried", said Thomas Jefferson. Since Ainol Novo 7 Aurora II is a tablet manufactured by Ainol Electronics Company Limited, one of the most popular Chinese companies, everyone should procure it and use it. Once consumers use it, they will find that this gadget is very much useful to them because some of the gray areas in the earlier products have been removed by the company. But, you can not say that everyone will be open-minded because there are always a group of people who are sceptical about everything. But, the fact that this gadget has been gaining many admirers since its launch goes to prove that buying this tablet is a worthy investment. Even celebrities, heads of big and reputed companies and business people have bought this tablet for their use. These facts may convert even sceptics into believers and bring about a metamorphosis in their thinking. So, they may also opt to buy these gadgets in due course of time.

If you delve deep into the features of this tablet, you will certainly conclude that the company has clearly aimed to provide excellent benefits to consumers at the most affordable prices. It is quite obvious that the strategy of the company is to convince consumers with the features of the gadget and not by adopting any big marketing gimmicks. Some of the big companies are highly appreciative of the great features of this tablet and they have realized that these gadgets are the best among the contemporary tablets. That is the reason they have arranged to get these gadgets for their employees also.

Let us now look into some of the main features of this tablet computer:

The operating system of this tablet is Android 4.0.3. The company has consciously ensured that it offers full support to Google Play, Facebook, You Tube and many other applications. The Central Processing Unit of the gadget is Amlogic8726-M6 Cortex-A9 Dual Core 1.5Ghz and the Graphical Processing Unit is Dual Core Mail 400×2.

The RAM used on this is DDR3 1G 1333MHZ and its storage capacity is 16GB. The gadget has a 7 inch Capacitive Touchscreen with a high resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels. The visible angle is 178° and the display is IPS. You have a front camera of 2 Megapixels on this tablet.

In addition to considering these features, you should remember the fact that the company is always focused on ushering in an era of excellence in all their launches and so, there is every reason to believe that Ainol Novo 7 Aurora II will also live up to your expectations. The features of Ainol Novo range of products speak volumes about their capabilities and so, you will certainly relish the amazing experience of using these gadgets. The launch of this new tablet has once again proved that the company never hesitates to make the necessary improvements that may help consumers to have greater and better performance.

Atanu Shaw's reviews about gadgets will educate the consumers appropriately so that they can make an informed decision. For more details on Ainol Novo 7 Aurora II and Ainol Novo visit author's website.

Is Cloud Computing An Over Hyped Technology?

"Over hyped" is in the eye of the beholder.

Cloud Computing (specifically SaaS) provides a great option for small businesses to be able to get access to software solutions that they would never otherwise be able to afford due to the prohibitive cost of entry - servers, support, staff, etc.

And getting the word out to a lot of small businesses takes time and a lot of avenues.

So, it may seem over-hyped to those of us who work with this stuff on a regular basis, but for small business owners who spend their days just "keeping the joint running", it's necessary to keep it in front of them - eventually they will look up and see they have options to make things easier/better/faster/cheaper.

But there is no question; it is being over hyped. The marketing people are making promises that cannot be delivered. I would suggest that in many cases, they are using the phrase incorrectly as well.

In many cases, the technology is being sold as a very generic solution to problems that actually require very specific answers, and Cloud Computing may not be appropriate at all.

Having said that, true Cloud Computing (public, private or hybrid) does offer some real benefits and could be used very effectively by a lot of businesses of different sizes. I would argue that it should be considered another weapon in the IT arsenal; not a replacement for the other technologies.

As far as it is actually a real technology - yes definitely over hyped.

But the more I think about it, the less I am convinced about 'cloud' being a real technology. It is more a conceptual change in the way delivery is done.

A private cloud can just as well be a normal off-site data center, just as they have been around for forever. Public clouds have already been around for ages as well (think of the way MSN has been around).

The thing is that the technologies we CAN offer both on- and off-premises have evolved in such a way that people are now starting to refer to it as 'cloud'.

This does not mean that we should not be excited about this evolution in service delivery. I personally have my doubts about the integration of hosted cloud-based services as opposed to the freedom and flexibility of a personally maintained system. This particularly if you would think of a multi-tenant unified communications environment...

I guess it's the usual answer in anything network-related: it all kind of depends...

Michael is the owner of FreedomFire Communications... including Business VoIP Solution. Michael also authors Broadband Nation where you're always welcome to drop in and catch up on the latest BroadBand news, tips, insights, and ramblings for the masses.

Tips to Make Your Computer Faster

Some people easily confuse Internet Speed with computer speed but there is a very big difference between them. When you clean your browser it does not improve your internet performance, it only cleans your computer of some space. What you need is space for your PC to run smoothly. The best performance of the computer is because of a hard disk with plenty of space and a spacious memory. You can speed up your computer and it's booting speed by trying some of these:

Disk Defragmentation

Your system tools will give you an option of defragmentation that can help creating space on your hard disk. It is normal to defragment your disk about once a month. You can use the defragmenter that comes with Windows and you can also look for other softwares that often faster. You can search them online and you will find many different programs for defragmentation. They are not always free so you need to make sure you have some bucks to spare.

Uninstall All Unimportant Programs

Visit the list of your programs in Control Panel, and you will find that there are many that you do not use any more. There may be some programs that your friends installed to use for once and you never got a chance to delete them. This is where you click uninstall and easily get rid of any programs that you do not need.

Reinstall BIOS

Start up depends highly on BIOS and if your computer is too old you might need to update your BIOS. This might require you to take your PC to an expert and he will help you with it. Also, look for different software to help you update your BIOS. If this is the problem you will be able to make your computer faster.

Configure Startup

Most people have never heard of this idea and it usually works for most. You need to go to RUN and configure your startup. This requires you to cancel all the programs that you do not want to run on startup. Usually the PC takes that long to start because it has to wait and load some of the programs that run in the background.

Clean Your Disk

Clean all your disks and all their part of the temporary files and anything else that you do not use any more. The key is to keep your computer updated in every way. Get rid of the files that you have stored online and remove any media that is available on the Internet if your computer is very slow. If you have a secure connection you will not need them at all.

This should make your computer run fast but if it does not then do not stop trying to look for other methods that help improve computer performance. Also, begin saving for a new machine if it is not too much trouble.

If you would like to learn more about how you can make your computer faster, please visit my website by clicking the link.

What Kinds of Projects Can You Use Adobe Premier For?

Adobe Premier Makes Creating Videos Easy

Most of the time learning how to use a product is just a matter of getting started working with it. Using the features will allow you to get a feel for what you can do. The best way to learn about Adobe cs6 is to use a video that is already in your camcorder. Here are some things you can do with your Adobe Premier.

Your first project may be a bit challenging but remember that with practice you will get better and of course faster. You can create projects with video which can be loaded to an Internet site. The reason for loading it to the Internet is to allow others to view your creation. Some people work with Adobe Premier and then load projects to social media sites for family and friends to enjoy, but others use it for commercial purposes.

If you have several short videos that you would like to make into a longer one, this program will help you to do that. Splicing and editing of film clips is a breeze. Promotional videos are also easy to capture including audio. Animation with different special effects is made easy when using Adobe Premier too.

Adding Adobe cs6 to your video tools will add even more elements to any programmer's dreams. Adobe has created a large array of fantastic programs that make it much easier to create the types of videos that anyone can want. Besides it is a lot of fun as well.

Creating music videos has become very popular these days with the large number of video sharing sites that can be found online. With Adobe Premier along with the many other great products from this company it is possible to make a video which will go viral in no time at all. Becoming famous online without all the trappings that goes with it can be very exciting.

Adobe even has everything you need to make a text-based infomercial if that is what you want to do. After Effects is the program to use for this. You can even create some phenomenal title sequences with it as well.

To recap just a few of the projects you can use Adobe Premier for.

You can splice two or more videos together making one longer one. With the videos you produce you can upload them to video sharing sites and let others view them. You can share your videos with family and friends or even strangers if you like. Business owners can use them to market their products with by placing them on their own sites or blogs. You can even create animated videos if you like when you have all the right Adobe tools for it.

Once people know what can be done with Adobe Premier the excitement has just begun. Making videos just the way you want them has never been this easy before.

Discover how to use the special features in Adobe Premier CS6 Classes to develop high quality videos from an experienced professional. With VPclasses, you can learn more about this video edtiing software through our Des Moines Adobe Premier CS5 Classes.

Video Walls Stand Out In a Crowd

If you recently attended a trade show or conference, it's likely you saw vendors using a video wall to demonstrate products and services. This method of presenting is very popular as it reaches out to the audience capturing their attention, often better than the sales person behind the table. The price and weight of high-definition LCDs and televisions is trending lower and when coupled with video wall hardware it makes this an attractive solution for many different venues.

Originally, this type of marketing was used exclusively in exhibitions and trade shows. However, with the steady drop in the cost of a high-definition television, video walls began showing up in places outside of the exhibit floor including in corporate office lobbies, at the airport, hotel and retail malls. LCD or plasma screens are designed as a single or multiple video wall panel configurations. The more popular formats are 2x2, 3x2, 3x3 and 4x4. The area required to set up a video wall depends on the size of display.

In the earlier days, video wall hardware was much more bulky, but today displays are very lightweight, easy to mount on a wall and affordable. Plus, the screens offer much higher resolution compared to predecessors.

Management

You may wonder how all those television panels are controlled. This is done using a management system. This is a sophisticated, yet user-friendly appliance that is set up in an office or cabinet usually located a distant from m the panel of screens. A technician configures the panels to display different images on the different panels or leave a single image on multiple screens. This provides a presentation that is easily modified to suit the audience or message.

This video wall hardware is housed in a compact device designed to fit into standard commercial grade computer cabinets or racks. Typically, the management system is set up away from the panel allowing a technician to remotely configure the settings and images. The video wall software is designed to be simple enough and does not require advanced training. Technical professionals learn how to set up and configure these systems in a single session.

The benefits of these types of visual marketing tools are available to any business and not limited to those with large technology and marketing budgets. They can be configured to allow interaction with the passerby or programmed to stream video or images 24 hours a day. People naturally are attracted to the television display making video walls an ideal method to deliver a highly targeted message to the viewer.

To learn more about the options available or to learn which video wall system is best suited for your situation, visit http://www.smartavi.com/. Visit us today or call directly at (818)503-6200.

4 Features a Digital Signage Solution Must Have

Digital signage is proven to be an effective marketing tool across a wide range of platforms. By delivering eye-catching, real-time content, digital signage has the power to deliver the right message, at the right time and targeted specifically to an audience.

Key to the flexibility of this marketing solution is the digital signage hardware and software applications that work behind the scenes. In the past, digital signage software required a trained, technician to configure the settings, but today's solutions are much more user-friendly allowing even non-technical people to easily learn and configure presentation settings.

There are 4 main areas to consider when evaluating different features of digital signage software. These are:

Remote administration
Media support
Zoning
Scheduling

One of the benefits of using this type of solution is that the displays can be located anywhere in a facility and even in a completely different building from the location of the management console. It's critical that the management console is located in a secure room away from curious eyes.

Remote Administration

You will need to have some kind of network access between the display and the configuration console. The network makes it possible to send communication commands from the console to the display. This access for remote administration may be through a local or wide area network, or even through the Internet.

Media Support

Before making a final decision on a digital signage solution, make sure the system supports various media such as high-definition video, MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Powerpoint), Quicktime, MPEG, AVI, WMV, JPG, GIF, PNG, Adobe Acrobat, PDF, HTML and even display an RSS feed. You want to be able to create presentations using an image format (JPG, GIF, PNG), or to include a video, audio recording or even a display a document.

Zoning

When using the configuration software, not only do you need to be able to easily manage and modify the messages being displayed, you also want to be able to control where on the display the different messages appear. For example, you may have a video running in the top half of the screen while news feed streams along the bottom half of a display.

Scheduling

The most flexible digital signage solutions allow you to schedule different presentations to appear depending on the day of the week and time of day. This is important as there may be an entirely different audience in the area at different times.

Be sure your final digital signage selection includes these capabilities.

Watch this video to learn more about how easy it is to configure this digital signage solution. Contact the digital team at http://www.smartavi.com/ or call directly at (818)503-6200. Proudly displaying the "Made in the USA" flag.

HDMI Matrix - An Easy Solution For Connecting Multiple Devices

What do you do when your high-definition television set has only one HDMI connection, but you have several HD components that you want to connect? In today's digital age people are hungry to have different components to capture or view videos or pictures, watch the latest 3D movie release, play an xBox game or revisit of the baby's first birthday. The problem is that many older high-definition televisions are designed with a single HDMI port. In order to resolve a problem where there are more connections than HDMI ports, you use a HDMI matrix.

The problem with having so many high-definition gadgets is that many HDTVs have a single port. Well, there is another problem: You've run out of space to store all this stuff in your entertainment center. The good news is that using an HDMI matrix switcher, solves both problems. Buying an HDMI switch won't send you to the poorhouse either.

An HDMI matrix acts as a hub for multiple source devices and then relays the audio and video signals to a receiver, typically an HD television. Some HDMI switch devices allow you to switch between the components using a remote control or manually pushing a button on the unit. More advanced HDMI switch devices actually automatically change over to a component when it is powered on or when another is shut down.

The basic implementation allows several HD inputs and outputs which can be conveniently selected in any combination. If you have to extend the distance between the switch box, HD components and the television then choose a more advanced HDMI matrix unit with the ability to transmit high-definition signals over a CAT5/6 cable. This cable is very lightweight and flexible making it an ideal solution for stringing through ceilings or walls. Some HDMI matrix switchers allow you to flip between different components and even select another combination of devices while the first selection is active.

There are a number of different HDMI matrix models the most popular supporting 3 inputs and 1 output. That means you can connect 3 HD devices and switch between each to view on a single output, your television. There are several other input/output configurations available including 4x2 (4 inputs/ 2 outputs), 4x4, 8x8 and even 16X16.

You don't have to be a high-end technology business to benefit from these solutions. Small businesses and the home gadget experts benefit from using HDMI matrix units offering simple and reliable HDMI distribution.

Connecting an HDMI matrix is simple and you'll have all your components configured in just a few minutes. Contact the digital team at http://www.smartavi.com/ or call directly at (818) 503-6200.

I'm Paranoid (About Backups)

Yes, I'm paranoid. So should you be. Backups are my passion. "Do your backups" is my mantra.

"Why?" I hear you ask. That's easily answered. I'm a computer troubleshooter and web designer. I spend a lot of time tending to poorly computers. I don't have a workshop, I work in my clients' homes or offices, so poorly computers are usually accompanied by their unhappy owners.

We've all been there - your computer starts working more slowly, it won't turn off properly, it won't turn on properly, it freezes, strange boxes start popping up. I treat my own computer as if I'm an over-anxious mother. The instant it so much as hiccups I'm scanning it with Malwarebytes, Superantispyware and CCleaner. Most of my clients don't do this - they just learn to live with their computer's strange behaviour - which slowly deteriorates until the time comes when it won't turn on, or won't unfreeze, or won't connect to the internet. Then they phone me. Often in a panic.

What would YOU do if you woke up tomorrow and found your computer wouldn't turn on? Or found it had been stolen? Or there'd been a flood or fire in your office?

Computers can be replaced - as I'm typing this I'm on my second new computer in as many months. The old one's screen has failed. The first replacement failed after a few weeks and had to be replaced. What did I do in the interim? I used a friend's computer - I have easy access to all my data online, in the "cloud".

Data can't be replaced. Your precious photos, documents, videos are irreplaceable. You can't nip to the local store and buy a replacement set of family photos. This is where backups come in. Backups are good, you can't have too many. You can, however, have too few.

I meet many people who claim they store their backups on an external hard drive or on memory sticks. Just yesterday I rescued data from an ageing computer that had frozen. Its owner assured me it backed up regularly. When I asked him where to, he had no idea. Do you want to guess where? It was set to back-up to an external hard-drive. Not a bad idea - except the external hard drive had spent the last 3 years living in the roof of his garage. Yes, really. The last backup was 3 years old.

The moral of that part of the story is this: If your computer backs up automatically make sure that

a) You know WHERE it is storing its backups, and

b) That it is actually doing those backups.

Many backup programs simply store a complete new backup each time, I see many hard drives that are full of old backups, have run out of space and haven't been able to store a new one for ages.

Is this happening to you? If your backups are being stored one after the other to a memory stick, DVD, hard drive, etc, check that your backup medium isn't full to capacity with old backups. If necessary, delete all but the most recent to free up space.

There are two downsides to all these backup methods. One is that your backup medium needs to remain connected to your computer. The other is location.

Location? Yes. Where do you store your backup medium? With the computer, right? Suppose your computer is stolen, lost, damaged by fire or flood. What will happen to your backups?

Can you see where this is leading? Cloud storage. Online backups. I couldn't live without mine. I wouldn't sleep at night without mine. When my computer failed just a few weeks ago, I didn't panic. As I said above, I was able to access all my data from friends' computers. It was all there, safely stored online.

Most online backup services can be set to backup to a schedule or, like mine, be set to back up automatically whenever the computer is idle. As long as you have a good enough quality internet connection, you can sleep easily, knowing that your data is safe. I can see at a glance which files have been backed up and which are awaiting backup.

If you decide to join a cloud storage service, just be aware that your initial backup could take a few days - depending on the upload speed of your internet service. Mine took two whole weeks of leaving my computer turned on 24 hours a day.

I can't recommend online, or cloud, backup highly enough. I use an external hard-drive too, but my online backup is my computer lifeline. It should be yours, too.

A screen's refresh or frame rate is referred to as the speed at which it switches images one after the other. Anything recorded on visual data is actually divided into pieces of images that are chronologically pieced and timed together to give the illusion of motion. A simple way to prove this fact is by looking at old film reels.

Most screens refresh at around 30Hz (or 30fps if it's a video media), which means that the screen flashes 30 still images in one second. The generic standard of most HDTV's is set at around 60Hz, but many more advanced models are capable of pushing this rates to 120Hz, 240Hz and even 600Hz.

Why care about the refresh rate?

Why is it important for some people to have higher screen refresh rates? The answer lies in image fluidity. The increase in flashed images when refresh rates go up usually results in increasing the detail and sophistication of any kind of movement, thus making it look a lot more fluid. This provides added depth to anything that you are watching on your HDTV. Not only would you be able to see everything in clear detail, as you will also see each micrometer of movement in any direction very clearly. Also, another good benefit of higher screen refresh rates that is connected to increased movement fluidity is the apparent elimination of screen lag.

And now for a simple comparative analysis about some of these refresh rates:

120Hz versus 240Hz - 120Hz is probably considered as the most standard of all of the higher refresh rates, because it does not veer too much from the HD standard 60Hz (although it is still double the amount). 240Hz on the other hand, may be a little bit too much for the average viewer although it is undeniable that those kinds of refresh rates would still create superbly fluid images. When it comes to choosing which is better between the two though, practically we would have to say 120Hz.

Higher refresh rates usually only interpolates video data in order to produce additional frames. What are you going to do if you need to pull a 1080p MP4 file that is only set at 60Hz? The image on the HDTV would probably produce a more fluid quality as it attempts to transform it to 240Hz, but it would be too unnatural for you to watch properly.

240Hz versus 600Hz - if 240Hz worsens the problem of overflowing image fluidity, how about trying to crank up the refresh rate 10 times than that of the standard one? 600Hz HDTV's aren't exactly that bad, I mean, they are always marketed as the best kind of HDTV that can produce the "most fluid image that you have ever experienced", but then again, the issue lies with practicality. 600Hz might totally eliminate any sign or trail of motion blur in the video, but it would drastically alter its image quality. Depending on the one observing the change, the sheer unnaturalness of image could be quite annoying.

In fact, there are a substantial number of people that quickly became unsatisfied with higher refresh rates. They named the unnecessary motion fluidity given by these HDTV's the "Soap Opera effect". Anything that has their refresh rates drastically altered would seem to look like it was filmed using cheap and economic studio cameras. And that is only when they started watching everything in 60Hz (yes 60, not yet 600).

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Alalog Multimeters Vs. Digital Multimeters

From time to time I still pull my Analog Multimeter out of my Tool Box and put it back in to service. Sounds crazy doesn't it? I know what you are thinking, why in the world would anyone want to use an Analog Multimeter when you could be using a Digital Multimeter with all those bells and whistles.

Well there are just times I just like to pull out the old trusty analog meter and reflect on when I first started in the field of Electronics and Digital multimeters were the new kid on the block! I have to admit, when it comes time where accuracy is a factor, I will always go the direction of a Digital Multimeter, but when working on hobby projects, it's always fun to go back to old school.

Analog vs. Digital:

Analog Meters are cheaper than their Digital counterparts.

Analog and Digital Meters both use test leads, one black and one red. Red always representing positive and black representing ground.

Both meters measure voltage, ohms, current and resistance. Although unless you are measuring resistance or making a continuity check,the Analog Meter will continue to function with out a battery, where a Digital Multimeter is dead in the water when the battery needs replaced.

Analog Meters can be read incorrectly if you are viewing the meter from the side versus straight on. The Digital Meter, well you can read the display from just about any angle and know that what you see is the correct reading.

Analog Meters don't have all the bells and whistles available to them like the Multimeters of today. Digital multimeters can be interfaced with your computer, they can read temperature, humidity, frequency and a gambit of other features that you just can't get with an Analog Meter.

When making measurements and you misjudge the scale on the Analog Meter your reading will be off the scale, where with the Digital Multimeter most models will self adjust or indicate on the LED readout that you need to change the scale for an accurate reading.

Bottom line here is I am not arguing that trashing your Digital Multimeter is something you might want to do. There is no doubt that when it comes to convenience and accuracy the digital side of things is the way to go. But I have to admit that at times, when working on electronic projects that don't require pinpoint accuracy, it's still fun to pull the old Analog Meter out of the tool bag and put it back in to service.

Mark Boehm is the president of M-B Electronics, Inc, Electronic Toolbox, Inc He has over 25 years of experience in the Audio Visual and Electronics Industry and a Bachelors degree in Electronic Engineering.

Powerful Video Extenders Send Video Without Degradation

A video extender or video over CAT5 extender is used to transmit video over long distances. These products are perfect for transmitting video from a computer located in one room to a monitor of LCD display in another room. In fact, the distances that you can send the video signal are pretty amazing. Find out more about using video extenders in this brief article.

A video extender is used to send video signals down a cable longer distances than can be achieved with the cable that comes with a monitor or projector. Often presentation rooms are set up where the host computer is located more than 10 or 15 feet from the projector. In other scenarios, such as in banks, military settings or in hospital applications, the monitor must be in a room separate from the computer. This may be for security or another reason, but the challenge is getting the computer and monitor connected so that the video is displayed without distortion. This is when the video over CAT5 extender is used instead of traditional video cable.

One type of video extender is the VGA over CAT5 device. The benefit of using this component is that the short bulky VGA cable provided with a new monitor won't transmit the video signal more than a few dozen feet. Beyond that and the video ends up distorted on the receiving display. By using a VGA over CAT5 extender, the signal is transported a very long distance from the host PC, as much as 1,000 feet.

The video extender is also used outside of business applications. For example, you may have a digital video recorder, or DVR, in your family room, but want to be able to view or record a broadcast from the television in your bedroom. In this case a video extender is used to send the signal from the bedroom television to the DVR in the family room.

The other type of popular configuration using a video over CAT5 extender is sending a single signal from one source to multiple displays. For example, an airport would send the arrival and departure schedule from a control center to multiple displays located throughout the airport terminals.

Now that you understand the different uses for a video extender you probably are thinking of ways to use them at home or at work. They really have been a big improvement over having to always have a display directly next to a computer.

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Making More With the Latest Technology News

Technology has become an important part of our life, because it not only saves time to do things we want, but also does it with more accuracy, than we could have done it. It also at the same time has made the world a smaller place to live in, not just by making us communicate with ourselves but also making us know each other better.

Technology has not only brought us closer but also had made us more complete, or I can say better than what we would have been without it.

It has made people more aware of the things that are happening around us and gadgets that are actually going to help us in the coming days. It also made people more aware of their talents, by exploiting their own for good. Now there are someone's among us that have made successful change in life and themselves with the help of latest news, available on the technology blogs.

The latest technology news have made us realize our true potential, of what can we do and what can we learn from the world around us.

Children as we know are now more bold these days, than we at their age. Technology has made many changes today and we still don't know many of them. May be with this rate of development today it would be very difficult to keep pace with the generation coming ahead.

Now as of today we all know that with changing times we also need to reform ourselves, keep us up-to-date and should follow up the latest trend in the market, not just for information, but also for our daily needs.

Every day news and media news is not at all similar to technology news, it may contain a part of it, but it is just not covers everything in it.

IF you are a good reader and have a passion for technology then only you can see what the creators of beautiful tomorrow wants show us. Only our passion in this stream could lead us to somewhere near to what is called tomorrow. May be something can be left and may not be seen with our eyes for some time, but at the continuous follow up with the gadgets and gizmos coming today, we will not be missing much out of it.

Technology coming today reduces its cost and increases its productivity daily. So it is very important for all of us to know about the latest incoming releases in the technology.

To do this we can all keep track of the latest technology news with the help of technology blogs.

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What Is Wi-Fi Tethering?

Most people in today's society are always looking for a way to stay connected to the internet. They can go down to a local coffee house and enjoy the free Wi-Fi that is provided to play games and use social networks or they can read the local news of the day right at their office. With the advancement in wireless technology over the past ten years, the internet can now be accessed at any time on mobile phones and tablets based upon place and connection. Sometimes, however, there are moments where certain items need viewing on more than just a phone or tablet and that is when the phenomenon known as tethering comes into play.

TETHERING

Tethering provides a customer with the opportunity to use the internet connection on their cellular phone and share it with other devices that they own, such as a tablet or a laptop computer. The tethering can be done via a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth compatible or live cable connection to the phone or device itself. The strength of your connection is always going to be based upon the signal your phone is getting at any given time. Multiple devices can be tethered to the main hotspot all at the same time but the decrease in speed will be apparent when trying to run an internet based application, such as browsing the internet or online gaming.

CONNECTION/DATA USAGE

The internet connection that you would be receiving through the tethering would be based upon the data package that you purchased from your network provider.. Another main key to tethering is that each device connected through your phone will count against your data usage. This is vital in determining what devices are needed at any given point and when and when not to use the tethering feature at all. If you are at a place that provides free Wi-Fi, such as a coffee house or a home, than using your device as a mobile hot spot for your laptop would not charge against your data plan There are applications available for tethering mobile devices that allow you to set standards about how much data can be used at any point as well as specific devices with passwords that given access.

IS IT OFFERED?

There are many cell phone and network providers in the United States and all have a different stance on tethering and mobile hotspots. Some companies do not offer this has a viable option within the data packages they offer while others offer it with monthly fees based upon the amount of data usage per month. If tethering is something that is needed for your home or work, it is best to contact your cell phone provider and see if it is available for use.

Peter Wendt is a writer that loves to travel. Sometimes he has issues finding internet access and will utilize tethering. He prefers Wi-Fi though, especially from one of the more reliable hotspot providers like this one.