New open standards created in the mobile era, such as HTML5, will win on mobile devices (and PCs too). Perhaps Adobe should focus more on creating great HTML5 tools for the future, and less on criticizing Apple for leaving the past behind.

We have all been asking ourselves why Flash hasn’t been available on Apple’s mobile devices and when it will become available. The answer is in this article. I don’t know about you but it make sense to me. I also sense a little Adobe Apple tension.

Read the full article here

Webworkerdaily.com released a good article discussing the pros and cons of letting users post comments on your blog.

Read the full article here: http://webworkerdaily.com/2010/02/04/are-blog-comments-worth-it/

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When your telephone rings do you know where the caller originated from? What campaign, what made them call and what is the probability they will purchase?

More than ever before, tracking advertising efforts has become incredibly important. In today’s economic times you do not have the ad budget to hope for the best. In general, advertising is very uncertain. You allocate funds where you *think* the best returns will be. However, you rarely know how many phone calls or website hits you receive from a single ad campaign.

New technology allows us to track our ad campaigns in a way that removes virtually ALL THE UNCERTAINTIES of advertising. If you know where your revenue is coming from you can better maximize the benefit from that ad campaign.

Imagine having a Google Pay-Per-Click campaign with 200 phrases. Your total budget is $1000 per month. You spend on average $4 per click and get about 250 clicks per month spread between 200 phrases. Currently you only know that the campaign gets clicks and brings traffic to your site – perhaps you track how many people submit email forms for more information. Ad Track allows you to accurately and effectively determine which of your 200 phrases are bringing the most phone calls that ultimately turn into sales.

After running the Ad Track system for a couple months you would have enough data to eliminate a portion of your 200 keyword list, freeing up more dollars for the phrases that produce sales. Imagine if your list went from 200 to 25 high producing phrases – you would now get almost 10 clicks per phrases (before you were getting 1.25 clicks per phrase). Where you were getting 1 phone call you could be getting 10.

What if you could track phone calls that originated from various Internet Marketing campaigns?

What if you could record the call to better anticipate and prepare for pre-sales questions, aid in sales training efforts and much more?

What if you knew 80% of calls from Google Organic lead to sales and 60% of calls from Google Pay-Per-Click lead to sales – or vice versa?

What if you knew phone book advertising only brings 10 calls per year and only 20% turn into sales?
We like to call it Advertising Accountability and Advertising Forensics.

The time is now to start strategically measuring the performance of virtually every advertising campaign you deploy.

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Today is my first day of blogging glory here with the Axis Creative Group. I thought long and hard about what I’d like to share with the interweb. I figured I might as well electronically spill my guts about none other than my now long lost friend who shall go un named for now. You see I have been with this said friend for many moons…and years! When I was down and out he always kept me entertained. When I couldn’t sleep at night there was always something new to learn about him. Anytime I needed to receive an email…well gosh darnit Blackusberry came through on point! You see I have been using Blackberry products for quite some time now. I do enjoy the apple products but I’m not quite at the “fanboi” stage.

 

The last blackberry I used was the Storm, it had a little too much hype for its own good. It is a great phone for a blackberry but I feel they should’ve done a little more testing before release. I will give BBerry credit where its due though..if you want the BEST email service on your phone then you cannot beat blackberry. You instantly get your email the second it is sent to you. I have not yet ventured to the Bold but I would assume its a great phone.

 

I separated ways with my storm while I was still under a trial period. My new best phone-friend is a well known competitor that I got for a small one hundred dollars. If your up to date on your deals you may already know that its the one and only iPhone. This phone has hands down won me over. I don’t mind the 15 minute checks for email (instead of instant). If you think you have an email and want to know that second all you really have to do is click the mail icon to see and its easy as that. The sms messaging is great on this bad boy, its similar to iChat. You have bubbles for the person your texting, the other persons bubble is grey and on the left hand side. The texts that you send will show up on the right hand side and are green. These colors and settings can be changed via your theme.

 

More technology bloggage to come – stay tuned!

 

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#mce_temp_url#   If you answered never, or better yet if you aren’t sure what I’m talking about you need to read on. As reliable as computers are, they are just as unreliable. With the cost of media storage decreasing as new technology becomes available there is no reason not to backup your data on a regular basis.   Whether your computer is used as a hybrid for personal and business use or only one or the other you cannot afford not to backup your data.    There are backup solutions that meet the needs of virtually every computer user. More often than not backup routines should be customized based on your specific needs and the configuration of your hardware.  The backup solution for a college student will vary from that of a business professional who travels half the week with a laptop and the other half is spent in the office on a desktop.   When creating a custom backup solution I look for a few things. I look for ease of recovery, speed of the backup, automation, cost, reliability and mobility.   My specific practices need to include the ability to perform backups and sync multiple computers while traveling. My hardware setup includes a Blackberry, iPod Touch, Apple MacBook and an Apple iMac. While in the office I will use my desktop computer, the iMac. When I use the iMac I store entries in my address book, send, receive and store emails, schedule to do items and calendar events, create and modify files and change preferences like bookmarks or email signatures. Because I travel so often, it is important for me to have my files available so I can be efficient while on the road.    To backup my main computer (iMac) I use Time Machine along with a 300 GB external hard drive. Time Machine is software that comes with Apple’s latest operating system. Time Machine automatically stores hourly backups for 24 hours, daily backups for a month and weekly backups until the backup disk is full. Time Machine makes a complete backup of my system. In the event my system crashes I have all my files on a portable device that I can connect to any other Apple computer and retrieve my files within minutes. Moreover, because the software automatically backs up my files each hour I have been able to retrieve files from earlier in the day or week when I make a mistake. Time Machine lets me browse my files in real-time  over the past 24 hours, days, and weeks, giving me the ability to recover any file right on the spot.   In addition to Time Machine I use Apple’s MobileMe. Although MobileMe offers a great deal more features than what I take advantage of, I use it for 2 reasons; to back  up my calendar and to do list, and to backup my address book. Not only to back them up but to sync them in real-time between my desktop computer and my portable computer. The best part is, even when I’m on the road as long as I have Internet access the synchronization and backup of my address book and calendar entries are running.   Because I don’t use the MobileMe email and I use my company email I elected to use an email protocol called IMAP. Basically, when you use IMAP anything you do that pertains to your email stays on the server. If you read a message it will show as read in your webmail interface as well as in your email client. If you create a new folder to store messages it will show in both places. The primary benefit to using IMAP email protocol is that all data is stored on the server and chances are your server is less likely to crash or be rendered inoperable than your personal computer. Should something happen to your computer you simple setup your IMAP account on another computer and you have all your messages just as you left them.   The last ingredient to my backup solution involves an online service called SugarSync. I read about the service while reading an article on the most efficient workflows and the tools that allow us to achieve more as business owners. SugarSync is an online backup and synchronization utility. The software runs on both Mac OS X and Windows Operating Systems, they even have a version for your Blackberry and iPhone/iPod Touch.   The way SugarSync works is by scanning your computer for modified files. When it finds modified files it uploads them to the SugarSync server. Their server is actually taking advantage of Cloud Computing which, I wrote about in previous blogs. After you sign up for the service you download and install their software, which guides you through adding folders and files to be backed up and sync’d. Upon selecting the data you want to backup (i.e. My Documents, your Quickbooks database, photos, music, spreadsheets, etc.) it will upload all the data to the server to create a duplicate copy. After all the data has been uploaded to the server anytime you make a change on your computer the modified file is re-uploaded so you always have a recent version backed up in the event of a crash.   Not only does SugarSync backup the files but it will sync two or more computers so the files are always the same on both computers. So if your like me and use two computers equally as much you’ll want access to all your important files – regardless of the computer you’re using. When SugarSync is setup and operational, when you make a change on one computer the modified file is uploaded to the server and then automatically downloaded to the other computer.   SugarSync also offers a browser-based file manager so you can safely view your files even when your not at your own computer. A few other feature highlights include the ability to send large files, save files on the server and not on your system (saves space on your computer while allowing you to keep the data), create photo albums and share photos online, retrieve files that you deleted on your computer as long as they were backed up previously, and even go back to a previous version of a file.   SugarSync is relatively new and the Mac version is still in beta, however, I consider myself a power user and have genuinely put the software to the test and I have had little to no trouble using the service for over 30 days. I use two computers and sync nearly 15 GB between the two including my Quickbooks file, personal finance software, client files, word documents, PDF’s, images, and more. It has been great.   Before I go I also want to add that SugarSync support has been a pleasure to work with. And best of all the pricing is affordable and scalable for almost any type of user – including basic home users to business professionals.

 

 

In February of 2008 Adobe Systems announced Adobe Integrated Runtime (AIR). Adobe Air’s runtime environment is designed to bring a websites interactive content to your desktop without an Internet browser. Using Flash and HTML developers can access the API (application programming interface) and bring dynamic content from a website to a local application. The local application serves the user just as any other software would. Whether online or offline, users can access the content of websites like eBay.

 

 

Adobe Air provides users with the ability to drag and drop information to interact more easily with websites. Users can store certain sets of data such as transaction history, photos, and the like for access when offline. 

 

EffectiveUI, of Denver, Colorado, created eBay Desktop using Adobe Air. EffectiveUI revamped the entire user experience by creating the desktop application. eBay Desktop users now have the ability to drag and drop photos and text directly into the new application. Additionally, they can view some data while not connected to the Internet, users are able to display information from bids in real time through the use of ‘AJAX’ and, users can customize search and bidding pages as a result of the desktop application.

 

More information about Adobe AIR can be found on Adobe’s Website.

Directly from the Official Gmail Blog. Gmail takes precautionary measures to prevent sending those “nasty drunk emails” late at night.   By adding a new feature called Mail Goggles, Gmail can help determine if you are in the right state to be sending emails.   You can configure the new feature for certain days of the week and times within those days. By default it’s active on the weekends during the wee hours of the night – when most are likely to send inappropriate messages.   Although this is hardly relevant for the purposes of Axis’ blog, it demonstrates with unequivocal honesty, creativity and corporate culture that is not only condoned but promoted within Google. Google, along with innovation superstar, 3M, allows each employee to spend a certain percentage of their work week on individual projects. Both 3M and Google, take this approach to innovation because they realize each person in their own right can potentially develop a stunning new product or service that will be valuable – maybe not to everyone but possibly to a small niche.

 

  Again, this information came directly from the Official Gmail Blog: Read the full article.

    Internet has long been a necessity for many since the advent of the world wide web. Accessing the Internet is no longer confined to just using computers; even your mobile phones can allow you to send that important email to your colleague. But what happens when you (or your boss) suddenly decide to pack your bags and ship you off to an island, whether for a well-earned dream vacation or for a business conference and the only option is to travel by plane? Do you really have to bid a transitory good bye to your online responsibilities at least for the time being?   Well, put that thought of impossibility to rest right now. Sure, in 2006, Boeing’s Connexion service shut down in its fresh attempt to offer in-flight Wi-Fi, but that did not mean Internet connection in the air will be entirely distant.   ATG connections Despite the lack of in-flight access in all planes, a bulk of major airlines have opted to be partners of third-party providers.   As an example, Aircell’s Gogo services uses air-to-ground (ATG) connections. Gogo works only in continental United States at present time, but the process which allows data to be sent over a high-speed Internet connection to towers on the ground proved to be an effective one. Additionally, to be able to use Gogo, the user will need a web browser, from which he signs in to connect directly to the Internet.   Good thing is, most laptops, phones, and portable game units can connect, given that the gadget uses 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi.   Gogo however, blocks (no, the network capacity is not the rub) VoIP or voice over Internet protocol, since the system can detect voice data, discouraging phone conversations (to maintain a tranquil flight among travelers). Not all voice calls though, can be blocked.   Another dilemma is the fettered Internet access when the plane flies over a body of water, since the technology relies heavily on tower coverage.   Following suit Other major airlines have joined the Wi-Fi bandwagon, too. An example is American Airlines which rolled out Gogo on 767-200 planes with coast-to-coast routing amounting to $13 a pop. Less than three hours flights are cheaper at $10.   Next summer, patrons of Delta are going to enjoy the newly-installed Gogo. By the end of this year, Virgin America flights are looking to have the same Internet service available to travelers.   US Airways is set to try the service this fall.   Some would even go as far developing its own ATG system, just like JetBlue subsidiary LiveTV which put together Kiteline. Kiteline, which provides limited access to e-mail and instant messaging is free, and will even permit users to shop on Amazon. For starters, this is already available on one plane which is the BetaBlue. Starting in January, Kiteline complimentary service is going to be offered to some Continental 737s.   Satellite connections Another alternative being explored at this point is using satellite connections, being inspired by Boeing’s Connexion service. Through this system, antennas on the planes send information directly to orbiting satellites, bypassing ground towers. One such service Row 44 (which is touted to be twice as fast as Gogo). Similar to Gogo, gadgets using 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi can connect using Row 44.   Unlike Gogo, Row 44′s service allows both VoIP and mobile phone roaming which, is openly challenged by the Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Communications Commission as they currently ban cell phone usage during flights. The commission even went so far as to propose a legislation explicitly barring all voice calls on planes.   At present, Row 44 works with Southwest and Alaska Airlines. Incidentally, neither of the two airlines plans to enable VoIP.   Rules of thumb As with most evolving technology, in-flight Wi-Fi may not necessarily affect the aircraft systems, but questions of security and discretion could be matters of concern. For one, it is logical and smart to protect sensitive documents and data in the course of the travel. And for another, some sensitive sites (i.e. adult sites) are better viewed somewhere more private and appropriate as a sign of respect to your more prudish neighbors.

 

Cloud computing is proving to be an evolving technology of data storage. In fact, while many large companies would decide against availing them at present, a lot of small to medium scale businesses are doing so because the cost is relatively affordable (paid by the month and by the user, so no need to shell out a large amounts of cash all at once) compared to the benefit of security; knowing that your data won’t clog up your computer or company server which might cause a possible crash (or worse, reformatting). That alone saves a good deal of one’s sanity.

 

To cite an example, Doug Menefee, the company’s chief information officer of Schumacher Group’s multimillion-dollar data center in Louisiana, turned to the cloud computing after the hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. He was only so thankful that the center had not gone down or managing the staffing of emergency room physicians would be an impossibly daunting task.

 

But what is really in cloud computing for you? Here is your list of considerations before you plunge all the way down to the cloud.

 

Data access. Educate yourself as to who will see your data. Some data can be very sensitive and if accessed and used improperly by unauthorized people, might cause more discomfort than ease. In addition, some trades (such as the health care industry) have privacy regulations which might render cloud computing inappropriate.

 

Payment concerns. It is a good rule of thumb to set clear expectations. One might need to ask what happens to the data if there is a missed payment. This is something crucial that needs to agreed upon and written in black and white.

 

Backing up. Seeing that the technology is still new, it is recommended to inquire if they back up your data in case their own system backfires. A usual contract stipulates that the data owner is solely accountable for data backup, protection, and even security.

 

Consider the possibility of your cloud entering the same business as yours. By entrusting them with your data, you are almost inevitably selling your own wares to them and inviting your own competitor.

 

Think ahead if you’re doing business abroad. You may have opted for a cloud that is based offshore. Consider the probability of your data being searched under certain circumstances. For example, if your cloud is situated in US, your data may be subjected to the USA Patriot Act searches.

 

Expectations. Expectations. Expectations.  Discrimination of any form might not allow you to store your data at Amazon and infringe copyrights might rule out Google. How about access controls such as passwords? Does your cloud charge for freeing up advertisements in your employees’ emails? In the event you are unhappy with the cloud’s service, how do you terminate their services and at what costs?

 

Once all these are considered, follow the three fundamental principles that can save you lots of headaches in the future.

 

Triage, or keep a very close eye and tight fist on anything (be it data or something else) that will render your business paralyzed if lost or copied.

 

Secure, or take advantage of the tools available in the software to encrypt and hide information which are ultra-sensitive. Educate yourself and the other users. It might save your life.

 

Backup; this is the most basic of all. It never hurts to cover your bases by having updated backup copies of everything your cloud has. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound cure as they say.

 

 

 

Cloud computing using Google Apps was first patronized by only a handful of staff at Sanmina-SCI (SANM), a company with a $10.7 billion of revenue annually, using the applications to send emails, create documents, and schedule appointments and commitments. After six months, the handful went up to a thousand users of the electronics manufacturing company going online to use Google applications, shunting Microsoft tools to one side.

 

According to Manesh Patel, the chief information officer of Sanmina-SCI, the Google Apps make a difference between a poorly collaborated cluster and an organized, well-coordinated project teams. He even projected the Google Apps users to increase by 25% (totals 10,000) in the next three years.

 

Sanmina (which is based in San Jose, California) and Google spearhead a significant shift in the way organizations avail of software and computing capacity as well. Amazon, Salesforce.com, IBM, Oracle, and Microsoft aid corporate clients in exploring the Internet from extra server space down to software which manages customer relationships more effectively.

  So What Exactly Is “Cloud Computing”? The computing tasks (referred to as “cloud computing”) are assigned to a remote location rather than to the company’s own server. Cloud computing services are delivered all over the Internet depending on the demand from massive data centers. A million-dollar enterprise, Merrill Lynch’s estimate is that the annual international demand for cloud computing will be up to $95 billion. Based on May 2008 report, 12% of software market worldwide would choose cloud computing, in fact, IBM, DELL, and Hewlett Packard are looking to shift to cloud computing in the near future. Even IBM professes its willingness to spend $36-M to build cloud computing data center in Research Triangle Park, N.C. Michael Dell, DELL CEO, stresses that they’ve put together a new industry building custom products for customers with specific needs to address.   Question of Reliability Some companies have qualms regarding the system’s reliability, but Daryl Plummer, managing vice-president of consulting firm Gartner, reasoned that technologies take some time to achieve that perfection which everyone might be looking for. Google Apps as an example might not offer the same features as Microsoft Office Professional, but is effective in maintaining collaborations among employees globally.   Dave Girouard, of Google, stressed that things are not expected to turn out as smoothly or as perfectly as one hopes to be but Patel of Sanmina said that in the long term, it shouldn’t pan out so badly. Girouard noted that more than half of the 500,000 organization use the free version of Google Apps.   Cloud computing might give HR a run for their money because the idea of moving attendance monitoring and expense reporting into Google Apps is something that is explored by Patel. Taking baby steps, as per Patel’s remark coupled with trying lower-priority applications will help them get the results they are aiming for. Cloud computing might not be applicable to storing financial and health records due to rules for security and privacy but a private cloud may be a possibility.   Generally, most feel that the system has to iron out things first before anyone adopts it on larger scale. An upswing in revenue is expected as more companies become more comfortable with the system. Google Apps will be provided for free, too. As Girouard at Google puts it, they intend to “generate millions of users for life”.