by Felicien | Dec 19, 2017 | Education
Leading ‘As-A-Service’ Trends In Technology And What They Can Do For Your Business
The advent of cloud computing brought with it more than just a place to store data, the cloud could be used for running, as well as building, applications and other software. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) is the most commonly used of the cloud services model. This is where a third party distributes software over the internet, making them available to everyone. This could be email, customer relationship management, and healthcare-related applications.
SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) – A software distribution model where a third-party (MSP) hosts applications over the internet, making them available to customers via the internet. SaaS is one of three main components of cloud computing. The other two are Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS).
There are several important characteristics tied to the SaaS model. These are how they differ from the traditional software model and what makes it ideal for some businesses versus the traditional way of doing things.
It’s a uniform platform for delivery. There is no need to pay extra operational overhead for software users to go through different distribution channels. It’s all done in one platform with a single avenue of distribution.
It has centralized hosting and delivery. No more different software packages for different operating systems or platforms. With SaaS, it functions on a single platform (the internet) with a uniform interface.
It allows for open collaboration and sharing. With SaaS, platform tools like automated user provisioning and self-service account management provide users with the necessary tools to control how and when they share things like tasks, data and information with other users either inside or outside their company.
It’s easy for companies to streamline their support with SaaS because vendors perform all the maintenance and upkeep: updates, runtime, servers, storage, data, etc. SaaS is one of three main components to cloud computing, along with Platform as a Service (SaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).
HaaS (Hardware-as-a-Service) – A procurement (the series of activities and procedures necessary to acquire IT products and services) model similar to leasing or licensing. The hardware belongs to the managed service provider and is installed at a customer’s site, then a service level agreement is signed that fills out what both parties are responsible for.
The Hardware-as-a-service (HaaS) model can be a cost-effective way for a small or mid-sized business provide employees with state-of-the-art hardware in a cost-effective manner. HaaS can be contrasted to infrastructure-as-a-service where the hardware is housed at the MSP’s site.
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) is for running applications and providing cloud components to software. Basically, the customer is using the provided platform, such as Microsoft Azure, to use libraries, languages, services and other tools supported by the platform provider.
The same way that you would make macros in Microsoft Excel, PaaS allows you to create applications using software built into the PaaS. Applications that use PaaS will inherit cloud capabilities such as scalability, high-availability, SaaS enablement and more. It reduces the amount of coding needed, it automates business policy and it helps migrate apps to a hybrid model.
Some vendors of PaaS use open source platforms while others use more of a proprietary version. Open source might have the advantage of being portable, but a vendor-specific version will probably have a better support model. Your business should take into account these versions before picking their PaaS. Portability is very important because businesses that want to move between cloud versions as their strategy evolves.
What are the benefits of PaaS?
One benefit is cost reduction; the other is that you can deliver web apps quickly without installing any tools or software.
What costs are associated with PaaS?
PaaS is usually billed using the same model as your utility bill, you pay for only what you use. It eliminates the need to install hardware or software that you don’t need.
What type of businesses can benefit from PaaS?
Development teams who want to speed their application’s time to market can benefit from PaaS; businesses looking to put their applications on a common architecture; and organizations who need critical support would also benefit from using PaaS. It reduces IT costs, complexity of operating systems and increases scalability.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a cloud infrastructure service that is a self-service model for accessing, monitoring and managing remote data centers such as compute, storage, networking and networking services such as firewalls. So instead of buying hardware outright, you pay for what you need as you go. It’s consumption based, much like your electricity is now.
Unlike PaaS and SaaS, IaaS users are responsible for managing data, runtime, apps and operating systems on it. The provider still manages networking, visualization and storage. Many providers now offer databases and other services. But the user is responsible for updating if there any updates.
by Felicien | Dec 19, 2017 | Education
Everyone with something to market, whether it is a business, service or product wants to stand out and get the public’s attention. We want to be the website that people visit for whatever it is that we are selling. Social media can be a great way to get our product or business out there to the public, but it’s not always easy. The social media landscape can be exciting but it can also be scary and a bit frustrating. So how do we navigate this landscape and get the results that we so desperately want?
Having an active presence on multiple social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn can give you that edge your business needs so badly. But handling one social media platform can be daunting enough but multiple can be downright overwhelming. You need a way to automate the process and streamline your efforts. Lucky for you, there are quite a few sites/apps out there that can do this automation for you. From well-known names like Buffer and Hootsuite to more obscure ones such as TweetDeck and Dlvr.it.
Here are a few of our picks to make your social media marketing less stressful:
HOOTSUITE
It doesn’t matter if you are an agency handling hundreds of social media accounts or a single person handling only a few, Hootsuite makes it simple. Adding accounts is easy, as is scheduling posts to go out. You can even add more than one account manager to help handle the workload. There is even a training program to teach you the ins and outs of social media marketing as well as how to use Hootsuite effectively. One of the best at what it does, and for the price, it’s hard to beat.
BUFFER
Utilizing all the best social media platforms, Buffer allows you to manage and schedule posts, but it also allows you to customize posts to each different social media platform it’s going out to. This is good for tailoring posts individually for say Facebook and Twitter, rather than the two being the same. It also looks more professional that way. It also shares your content at the best possible times for the platform, getting your content out to as many people as possible. Plus, Buffer tracks your posts so that you can see what posts and what time of day are getting the most traffic.
HUBSPOT
Hubspot allows you to not only post and review, but it offers you closed-loop reporting data. This means that you are able to see down the funnel of engagement and find out what posts and channels are driving actual leads that translate into sales.
DLVR.IT
Dlvr.it is pretty simple to use. You tell it where the source of your content is and where you want it to put that content. From here, it will automatically send it out every time the content is updated. Dlvr.it supports Facebook (business and personal), Google+ (business), LinkedIn (business and personal), Twitter, App.net and Delicious. It also tracks who’s clicking on your content.
TWEETDECK
TweetDeck is one that has been around for a while. It’s priced well, (free is always good) and is a great way to be part of Twitter. The app is laid out with multiple columns, allowing you to follow several conversations at once. Plus, scheduling posts is simple and easy. Keeping up with Twitter can be difficult since it moves so fast and there is so much to see. TweetDeck makes that easier.
KNOWEM
Have you ever decided to start a marketing campaign across multiple platforms, only to find out that the profile you wanted on that platform was taken? It’s always a great idea to secure your social media profiles right away and not wait until you decide to launch a campaign. KnowEm lets you check for the use of your brand. By checking over 500 popular social media sites, it searches for product, personal name, and username for you. You want to maximize your brand, right? Securing your social media identity is a great way to do so.
HUMAN BEINGS
Keeping up with trends and staying relevant on social media can be hard to do. This is especially true if you are trying to do it all yourself, along with all the other duties you assign yourself. Only using a service or app to schedule posts for you aren’t going to get you the relevance or market share you want. The best thing you can do for that is to implement a social media manager. Having a person dedicated to watching social media and staying up with trends will go a long way to keeping your brand out front and relevant. This person can be much more fluid and engaging than anything else, since their entire job is social media.
Social media can be frustrating and tough to keep up with the repetitive tasks. Automating the process can help a great deal, and there’s no substitution for a great social media manager to stay on top of trends and responding to feedback.
by Felicien | Dec 18, 2017 | Education
We like tech, it’s what we do. As the holiday shopping season kicks into overdrive, we are bringing you 12 of the most requested, most wanted tech gifts for 2017. Check back each business day between now and December 19th for another must-have tech item and why you should check it out.
If the new iPhone seems a bit pricey for you, don’t worry. The Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ offer similar technology but with a cheaper price tag. Much like its competition, the S8 offers a 5.8-inch display, but unlike that other phone, it curves around the edges of the phone producing the first true infinity screen on a smartphone.
The phone does 4K video, has a 12MP rear camera (8MP on the front), uses facial recognition to unlock, is water and dust resistant, and charges wirelessly. All features that the iPhone X sports. But unlike the iPhone, the S8 can expand its memory from 64GB to 256GB via memory cards, allows multiple windows so that you can multitask (text while watching a movie?), and contains a headphone jack. Also, you aren’t restricted to one method of unlocking. There is also a fingerprint scanner and the use of a PIN.
The biggest difference here is that the S8 comes in a bigger model, the Galaxy S8+ which has a 6.2-inch screen for only a few dollars more. Both versions make use of Samsung’s new Bixby AI, their answer to Siri that learns from you and can do things like translate languages and point out landmarks when taking photos.
The Samsung Galaxy S8 will run you $489.99 for 64GB (upgradeable to 256GB via the memory card) while the S8+ runs $559.99, both with a two-year agreement. Both versions come in Orchid Gray and Midnight Black.
Happy Holidays and good luck on the tech hunt from all of us here at {company}!
by Felicien | Dec 18, 2017 | Education
Software updates are often seen as an interruption to people when they are using their devices. Who wants to stop and take time to update their JavaScript or iTunes? The answer is, those who wish to have the highest performing software that is secure and easy to use.
When you are asked to update your software, there is generally a reason behind the request. It might be that there have been changes made that fix old bugs, or that there are new features that will help software run smoother and prevent interruptions when using the software. Whatever the reason, it is always a good idea to update your software when an update is offered. This leads many to question, should I update my software?
Updates Keep You Up to Speed
If your device has issues with speed or compatibility, it could be time for an update. There is little that is more frustrating than trying to use your computer or phone only to find yourself stuck staring at an eternal loading screen. The reason your device is running slowly could be because it is running outdated software. By updating your software, you can make sure you have access to the applications, files, and other important tools you need, quickly and efficiently. No more stomping your feet and staring at loading screens.
If you have not done an update in some time, you might find yourself using non-compatible software for things like PowerPoint, Word, and other applications. For instance, since Windows is updated every three or so years, it can take only a few missed updates for you to fall behind the curve. This can be annoying and inconvenient when trying to accomplish tasks that require shared files. If you’re not using updated software, there is no use in even trying to accomplish anything. This can be especially true if you are someone who works not only at the office, but also at home. Is your home device compatible with your office device? If not, you could have a problem.
Updates Keep You Safe
The most beneficial aspect of updating your software is that you are now further protected in case you visit an unsecured website. In an act referred to as “Drive-by Download,” hackers infect and steal your personal information, all because you didn’t update your software. In fact, a study found that JavaScript, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and Windows are the most often targeted in hacking attempts. In terms of protection, nothing beats a software update.
Updates also ensure that your device is stable and running smoothly. This means fewer problems with crashing or slow downloads for the consumer. To ensure the best experience when running any software, make sure it is up to date. This makes sure that you are using the latest version, which will, in turn, have the most features. You don’t want to be stuck using an old version of say, Photoshop, for example, when there is so much more you could do with the newer version.
Updating Your Software Will Save You in the End
Finding out what updates you need to install is as simple as running software on your computer- just be sure to keep that software up to date. For example, Software Update Pro can be helpful in telling you when it is time to update the software on your computer. By installing these updates, you are making sure that your device will run the way you want it, smoothly and efficiently.
Also, updates are cool. They come with new features, and often new designs. Don’t put yourself in a position to feel envious of your coworker who updated their computer over the weekend, just do the update yourself. This new design could also be more user-friendly. If you’re like many people, you might have issues understanding some software all the time. With new updates, software designers try to make the new version of the software as user-friendly as possible, hoping to encourage those who had previously thought it too complicated to even look at, to download and use it themselves.
Software updates are something we rarely think about, that is until we are being bombarded with recommendations for updates to all of our software at once. This can seem annoying and bothersome, but it is for your own good. Your device is trying to tell you that there is something better out there that you should take advantage of. Furthermore, you could improve the way you work or use software, which could only be a positive outcome. Software updates come with solutions to previous problems, new features, more security, and also the interesting experience of using a newer version of the software that others may not have yet. With all of these desirable features, why wouldn’t you update your software?
by Felicien | Dec 15, 2017 | Education
We like tech, it’s what we do. As the holiday shopping season kicks into overdrive, we are bringing you 12 of the most requested, most wanted tech gifts for 2017. Check back each business day between now and December 19th for another must-have tech item and why you should check it out.
This USB drive has connectors for both USB-A and USB-C, to make it simpler for transferring data between computers and even some newer Android phones with USB-C. Laptops, Android phones, Macs, and PCs are all utilizing the USB-C connection. With this, there’s no need to worry which type of flash drive you have.
The Dual Drive comes in 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB sizes. The 32GB can be found for less than $30, while the bigger sizes will run you a bit more money.
Happy Holidays and good luck on the tech hunt from all of us here at {company}!
by Felicien | Dec 15, 2017 | Education
You may be thinking to yourself, “I don’t need antivirus software. I don’t go to any sketchy websites or click on shady pop-ups.” While that does help cut down your risk of getting a virus that doesn’t mean you are 100% safe. Many viruses now are found on legitimate websites that have been corrupted, and you could unknowingly be putting yourself and your computer at risk. The adage “it’s better to be safe than sorry” holds true in this case. Think about all the valuable data on your computer that you use every day; wouldn’t it be a huge inconvenience if you lost access to it all because of an entirely preventable virus?
Types of Attacks
There are several types of viruses and attacks that your computer may be vulnerable to. The first of course is the typical computer virus. You could end up with this by clicking on the content of unknown or questionable origin. Computer worms are another type of attack that usually attacks the network as a whole, but may still deposit malware onto your device to spread it throughout the network. Trojan horses are when the user thinks that a download is legitimate, but is a virus in disguise. Some viruses appear to be updates or downloads from reputable websites so it can be difficult at times to know what is fake and what is real. Antivirus software can warn a user when a virus is within the download, but can’t stop the user from downloading the file if they so desire. Spyware is a virus that doesn’t actively change anything on your computer, but instead steals data and information for use by a cybercriminal. Messaging applications are common carriers of viruses, so it is essential to have an antivirus software that will warm you when your emails or IMs are carrying fake links or attachments. Bots are also a standard way for cybercriminals to drop viruses and malware onto your computer, by remotely hacking into your computer. Antivirus software will warn you when someone is trying to hack into your computer. And finally, beware of rootkits that are buried deep in your computer hiding other viruses and malware from your immediate view.
Safe Surfing
Using common sense on the internet and browsing carefully will get you far, but it can’t protect you forever. Not every type of virus or malware attack is easy to spot and therefore having antivirus software is necessary for the times when you couldn’t tell if something was corrupted or that someone was hacking into your device. Often, companies will set up your computer with an antivirus before it reaches you and when you first start it up, it will get you to sign up for the antivirus already pre-installed. This is how some companies make extra money. However, you don’t need to use the antivirus software that is preloaded. You can choose another service if you want. There are many good antivirus software on the market to fit any budget.
Some of the Best Antivirus Softwares
All Windows 10 PCs come with Windows Defender. This is an excellent all-around software that fights off the most run of the mill viruses and threats. The benefit of using Windows Defender is that it already comes on your computer and offers a proficient level of protection. It is comparable to other software available from third parties. It also has a user-friendly dashboard where you can check on things like the overall health of your device, parental controls, antivirus settings, and scan results.
Norton Security is an antivirus software that has been around for a very long time. It is a trusted name with an excellent reputation for antivirus protection. The basic package starts at $49.99 per year, and the premium package is $109.99 per year. All their packages are a great value, and the one best for you depends on things like how many devices need protection and if there are children that will be using said devices.
McAfee is another popular option. They have a basic package that starts at $59.99, and they go up to $99.99. This software offers excellent protection while managing to stay more affordable than some of the more dominant antivirus software.
Avast has a good basic free option that consumers often take advantage of. Their 1-year subscription is $59.99 and includes a two-way firewall so that viruses already on your PC can’t get back out onto the internet and spread to another network or device. It also comes with parental controls and several other features.
Conclusion
Antivirus software is an essential tool when using the internet. There are people out there wanting to steal your information, wreck your computer, or just cause general chaos. Don’t give them the opportunity to do so; protect your computer.
