You cannot do anything in the Cloud???

Cloud Computing is defined as internet or online based computing where computers accessing the internet share real-time resources to achieve certain specific goals. For a business the goal might be decreasing network traffic, decreasing server workloads and eliminating bottlenecks. For personal users cloud resources can be used for storage and collaboration on small projects.

Taking advantage of cloud resources involves management of corporate company information and knowledge. Managing valuable company information brings its own set of security issues. Not so much for the personal user. That said; let's get to the fun stuff being done in the Cloud.

Companies like Google, Saleforce, GoToMeeting and Amazon have used virtualization and datacenters built on server farms to deliver business applications to end users or clients. Facebook, and Twitter also use cloud resources to deliver all sorts of add on applications. I think it's safe to say facebooking and tweeting are very much enjoyable. Then the question becomes how can individuals and companies leverage cloud resources while mimicking the atmosphere of Facebook and twitter to increase productivity.

Maximizing the utilization of cloud computing resources just makes sense. In the age of smart phones, inexpensive digital storage, and smaller more powerful processors individuals and corporations can be connected perpetually. These connections are meaningful and serve to make life a bit simpler in terms of technology. If you have a gmail, youtube, amazon, or yahoo account you are using cloud resources already.

You name it; we can do it in the Cloud!

 

Vista to Seven....HOLD.....Sorry to not stimulate the Economy

According to Microsoft will be offering free upgrades from Vista to Windows 7. Unfortunately, the offer doesn't start until June 26. The lesson? If you planned to buy a new computer this month, don't. Wait for Windows 7.

To some extent, this new upgrade program shouldn't be a surprise; Microsoft offered free or low-cost upgrade coupons for Vista when it came out in 2007. In retrospect, the only thing worse than a Vista upgrade coupon was twoVista upgrade coupons. That's especially true for those poor saps who bought Vista Capable computers, only to find they couldn't handle Vista.

What Microsoft hasn't yet announced is the make-good program for Vista users that I wished a few weeks ago. A generous discount for Vista users, especially the early adopters who suffered through its birthing pains in early 2007, would be a great thank-you gift. Microsoft might lose a bit of money from upgraders, but they can consider it a PR cost of putting Vista behind them.

A program like the one Microsoft announced is aimed at preventing a sales freezeup that could occur now that users know Windows 7 is coming in late October. That could wipe out the back-to-school sales season, for example. Given the choice between a Vista computer that I can upgrade to Windows 7 and one with Windows 7 preinstalled, though, the best way to ensure compatibility is to wait.

http://www.informationweek.com

Social Networking Enterprise

The social networking craze that has swept the not only the young but established businesses of America has IT Infrastructure Architects managing blogs, social networking and the like.

This is where the Enterprise 2.0 Conference June 22-25 in Boston, comes in. Broadly speaking, the conference is a vehicle designed to make sense out of the social networking landscape made up of blogs, wikis, customer e-mails, web sites, and forums as well as cloud computing, that is increasingly critical to how business is conducted.

Steve Wylie, general manager of the conference, believes U.S. business is ripe for business-oriented social networking -- provided enterprises can understand it and its rapidly-changing dynamics.

"At Enterprise 2.0 we're exploring new technologies and how they're being put to work," said Wylie in an interview. "Everybody is a social media expert these days. But we're going to look at social media and distill it."

Wylie attributes the record high number of expected attendees -- 1,500 have pre-registered -- largely to their interest in finding and developing cost-efficient techniques and programs during trying economic times.

Noting that at an earlier Enterprise 2.0 event participants were still trying to define social networking, Wylie said many participants are now starting to implement their own social networking-based strategies.

They can learn from others, such as Lockheed Martin, which has initiated leading edge social networking. Harvard Business School professor Andrew McAfee will moderate a panel on "Applying the Social Dimension to the Lockheed Martin Mission." Participants will feature Lockheed's Shawn Dahlen, senior media program manager and Christopher Keohane, social media program product manager at Lockheed

Who said Social Networking couldn’t increase critical success factors. Facebook, Twitter, Wikipedia, are really good for something when used properly.

http://www.informationweek.com

MAC VS. PC

The age old debate which is better Mac OS X or Windows OS.

The Mac Operating System X:

Macintosh’s Operating System has been improved. From the system utility “Finder” which locates and opens files folders and programs to installation of the operating system, the Mac OS has been streamlined and improved.

For example, multiple core processors and 64 bit support produces an OS that is even more aggressive when Snow Leopard is activated or installed. Leopard is the OS patch for Apple’s OS X. Much like Microsoft’s Seven is the OS patch for Vista.

Pro: Apple comes with useful pre-installed software.
Iphone, Ipod and family of compatible products.
Con: Price points, do it yourself hardware support. (tutorials are more available).

My opinion:

I love Macs for their pre-installed software. From a web design perspective Apple is incredible. Designing and Video Editing on Mac OS X Leopard is exhilarating.


Windows Vista Operating System:

Microsoft’s second to last OS has also been improved. From the interface to security and search features. The upgrade patch Windows Seven much like Leopard to OS X is the upgrade patch. Seven is Vista on steroids.

For instance, Seven also utilizes 64 bit support and dual core processing. (The processor is the frontal lobe of your machine.) Hardware support ventures into emerging touch screen technologies.

Pro: Price points, selection of hardware producers. Larger Market Share.
Con: Standards and compatibility issues. Additional software costs.

My opinion: I love PC’s for their programming conductivity. An amalgamation of utilities exists for web programming in a windows environment.

Both OS have their position in the world of computing. I’m proficient using both Apple and Windows to develop various projects. I also own both types of machines.

So keep debating……

Business Architect

A Business Architect operates in a technical field. Business Architects use both tactics and strategy to achieve desired results. BA's are almost always in the thick of things assisting upper level management with core business decisions. Business Architect's are technical writers that bridge the gap between super tech geek and management trainee. BA's develop requirements for companywide system installations and upgrades. Interpreter, translator, and liaison can be used interchangeably with "Business" preceding it. Business Architects are more than Business Analysts yet vital to the CEO, CFO, and COO.

Business Architects initiate exciting New Ventures. They lead the charge into innovative thought and ideas. BA's generate unique business models and facilitate growth in many different types of organizations. Whether a Joint Venture, LLC, Corporation or New Startup, the Business Architect thrives in an entrepreneurial environment.

 

WINDOWS SEVEN

Many are awaiting the final release of Windows 7. Seven is believed by many to be the fully restored Vista. In other words, Seven will be Vista without all of the bugs and incompatibility issues. Naturally, programmers have written in more bells and whistles. For example, touch screen interface, slider for user account control, and upward compatibility from Vista to Seven without hardware upgrades.

Seven’s taskbars are bigger with previews the icons are larger and easier to use. Rollovers give fullscreen previews thereby increasing visual appeal and user friendliness. One of Vista’s strong suits. Users can pin frequently used programs and documents to the taskbar. Drag and drop is also functional in the taskbar.

Speed has been made a top priority. Booting, shutting down, and returning from standby have been streamlined and require fewer steps. User Account Control has been bundled into the Action Center and gives the user quick access to Seven’s back end Operating System allowing easy recovery from errors, disk management, and more.

Audio visual and entertainment have seen seamlessly integrated into Seven. Support for Digital Television and Windows Media Center has been built into certain versions of Seven. Accessing, storing, and enjoying digital media has never been so simple. Seven even manages a TV Guide and a new component called Turbo Scroll.

Comparing Vista to Seven is like comparing the good child to the bad child. Vista always acts up with its temper tantrums and incompatibility issues. Vista hardly ever cleans up while hogging memory and hardware resources. Vista is so selfish. On the other hand, Seven makes friends and shares resources while doing so. Seven is also prettier, and much faster. Building upon its older sibling’s successes as a handsome interface; Agility and physical fitness make Seven the hare, while Vista remains a tortoise.

RECORD KEEPING

Record Keeping is vital to establishing and maintaining an online presence. Leveraging technology to grow your business involves playing an active role in learning some of the technical jargon as well as knowing small things about technical advancements you desire to make.

Irritation is an understatement when describing several clients and freelance projects that involve updating and/or correcting a previous person’s work. Knowing things about your Operating Systems, Wireless Connectivity, Web Hosting, Web Security, and Networking will speed up your development process. Hourly compensation for services can easily become a motivator. Keeping notes about aforementioned items as they relate to your business is always a good idea.

For example, I have had clients with twenty thousand dollar projects completed and they have no idea where their Web Server lives or how to access it. Many clients have no idea of password information, or notes kept by developers. Translation: Longer time to delivery and higher costs.

When you are ready to expand your business develop notes and hardcopy ideas that facilitate the development process. I appreciate actively engaged clients. As a consultant/developer I would like to meet your budget.