Everything to Look for Starting on the Web

by prolog, Posted on April 30, 2015

If you think your business needs a website, you probably already know the benefits that a site can provide. However, you might not know everything you’d do well to go looking for. If you go for a full-service solution like NetworkSolutions.com, you’ll have access to everything you need, but it’s still important to know what you’re getting into to get the maximum benefit out of your internet investment. The following are all the services you’ll need to consider before starting a professional website.

Hosting itself is the first thing, and the most important thing. You’ll need to make a decision about whether or not specialized hosting is right for you. Specialized hosting services do more than just host websites. They host services that will make your website work. Examples of specialized hosting includes database hosting and Cloud management. Only go for specialized hosting if you need it, but don’t overlook the possibility that you might.

E-mail is an easy factor to overlook. Many people rely on web e-mail, but for business purposes you’ll want to consider having an e-mail address with your company title attached. However, not all e-mail hosting is created equal, and while e-mail is a relatively low-resource program, hosting companies often restrict it to prevent abuse. These restrictions may limit your facility to use e-mail for business purposes, so make sure you know you’re getting your needs covered before you commit to a given hosting plan’s email restrictions.

Built-in services are what you’ll need to consider next. Built-in services might include blogging frameworks or e-commerce solutions. You should go for these if they’ll do what you were going to install manually. However, they tend to be inferior to more specialized solutions for more specialized purposes. Be honest with yourself about your needs before you decide to rely on any hosted services that your plan might get you access to. At the same time, you shouldn’t overlook any hosting that offers them for free. Oftentimes they will offer some kind of support to go with them, and this can save greatly on overhead. Weigh all your options and do your due diligence.

Starting a professional website can be a great investment in your company’s future, but you’ll need to do it right. Do your research beforehand, however, and you’ll be able to find the hosting you need easily enough. Then you can get started on putting together your new site.

Is horse racing about to become more interactive?

by prolog, Posted on February 19, 2015

When you watch a major horse racing event, things can get pretty exciting, and even more so if you’ve got a bet on the outcome. With online betting exchanges like Betfair, it’s so simple to find out the odds before a race starts, and if you’ve taken a value bet early, you can always decide to lay back the bet if the odds come in nearer to race day, thus making a profit even before the race has started.

Sometimes, though, when you’re watching the horse racing, even with there being so many cameras positioned around the track and travelling alongside the race, you can sometimes find it hard to keep track of your horse and rider, and get the impression that you’re just viewing a sea of riders. This makes it harder to feel a part of what’s going on.

However, all that may soon change if jockey cam developers get their way. In Nascar racing, the change has already taken place, with fans being able to pay to login for a cockpit camera view of an event. Watching the race with a driver’s eye view, it’s far easier to decide whether to alter your Betfair punts as the race is happening. The same technology is possible for jockey helmets. There’s a super-light 4oz camera that has been developed so that spectators could have a jockey’s eye view of the race.

But although the technology exists, and has been trialled in different races, jockey cams are not yet used on a regular basis. Before that happens there are some admin and safety issues to be ironed out. Although racing associations like the Jockeys’ Guild and the New York Racing Association have shown positive interest in the idea, they are yet to endorse the use of jockey cams.

One of the potential issues is whether all jockeys would be obliged to wear jockey cams. Would the ever so slight weight difference disadvantage the riders who wore them? On the other hand, the unique perspective that jockey cams give could encourage greater numbers of people to place horse racing bets – all of which would bolster the industry as a whole.

Jockey cam proponents are campaigning for the cameras to be introduced in order for the world of horse racing to increase the number of younger horse racing fans. If not, there’s a concern that horse racing will lose out to other sports where the up close and personal viewing action makes a sport that much more exciting to watch.

Will Rugged Tech Ever Be Destined for Consumer Use?

by prolog, Posted on February 18, 2015

As the lines blur between rugged and standardized gadgets, talk turns to whether us tech enthusiasts will ever choose a tougher product to cater to our everyday technology needs. We’re always looking for the latest and greatest advancements but as individuals, rugged devices seem to be off the menu… but why? And how could the advanced features of rugged tech benefit consumers everywhere?

Is tougher tech all its cracked up to be?

The latest semi and fully rugged devices can withstand the harshest conditions from rising and plummeting temperatures to excess vibration and water damage, but the last thing we’d want to do with our iPhone or tablet is submerge it into the sea or kitchen sink! Whilst delicate consumer devices fall flat in certain environments, rugged tech thrives in difficult and hostile conditions.

Despite its enhanced features, the technology giants manufacturing rugged gear are still not targeting consumers in the search for sales and increased profit. Instead the military, emergency services, oil, gas and utility markets are grabbing ruggedized devices to increase productivity and lower inventory costs.

The evolution of rugged devices

Whilst the use of rugged technologies isn’t making a huge impact on the consumer market, the progression of leading manufacturers may just be changing how we view these products as individuals. For a number of years, rugged devices have been criticized for their robust design, and in response to this more and more devices are been inspired by the consumer world, especially the handheld designs, which are particularly popular industry-wide.

Rugged devices are fast becoming wearable and aesthetically pleasing as manufacturers invest in the design-side of product development. In addition to its design overhaul, rugged tech is also being transformed when it comes to functionality, which has often left the most experienced users stumped. Will this be the cocktail that manufacturers are looking for to make rugged devices suitable for private sectors and consumers?

More consumer inspired adaptations

It’s not just design and functionality where rugged devices are becoming more commercialized. The chip architecture of the rugged processor is also being transformed to provide a more specialized performance. The introduction of microprocessors is nothing new in consumer product development, however, for rugged tech this enhancement enables better use of the chip’s capabilities, high performance and increased battery efficiency.

Teamed with new operating systems, applications, chipsets and hardware become much more user-friendly and stable, offering consistency for industries looking for a dynamic mobile solution.

What’s stopping rugged tech being fully available to consumers?

One huge issue when it comes to rugged tech is its price. Due to its advanced and hardened features rugged tech has been deemed an impossible purchase for the average consumer. However, with several manufacturers recently opening their doors to individuals looking to go rugged, tech experts hope a price drop won’t be too far in the future.

Rugged tech benefits at a glance

Whilst rugged technology may not be fully adapted for everyday use just yet, despite the harsh conditions you and your gadgets have to face on that morning commute, tougher devices are becoming an increasingly popular purchase for adventure lovers and thrill seekers across the globe. But what benefits can you look forward to if you prefer a trek through the jungle rather than a relaxing beach holiday?

Here are five reasons why going rugged on your next adventure holiday may be a good idea…

1. Enhanced battery life: The majority of rugged tablets and handheld devices have unrivalled battery life in comparison to standard gadgets, which means you can enjoy extended battery life even if a power point isn’t in sight for up to 13 hours.

2. Lightweight models available: Whilst many rugged devices are known for their bulky appearance, there are a number of lightweight and slim-line models that make perfect travel companions.

3. More user-friendly: Tech enthusiasts may think the enhanced features mean complicated user interfaces, however, devices are becoming increasingly user-friendly with the addition of familiar operating systems.

4. Withstand high altitude conditions: Standard devices simply would not last in extreme conditions but rugged tech is designed to withstand humidity, vibration and extreme highs and lows in temperature.

5. Unbeatable shock absorption: Accidentally dropping your device from a height is a gadget lover’s worst nightmare, especially if you are away from home and the technology is more difficult to replace. But rugged tech can withstand extreme drops with its shock resistant components.

Author Bio

Brittany Thorley is a consultant for Rugged Systems. She is passionate about technology and loves to share her expertise on the rugged device market.

Phone Cold Calling Reaches Epidemic Proportions

by prolog, Posted on January 9, 2015

Nuisance phone calls have reached epidemic proportions as most of us will testify.

According to the charity Citizens Advice, almost two-thirds of all British adults, that’s about 30 million, have received calls trying to persuade them to make a claim regarding the mis-selling of PPI, personal protection insurance. More than 50,000 people complain to the Nuisance Calls Advice Line every month and, as we know, many more of us receive them on landlines, as recorded messages or text messages on our mobiles.

phone

Ofcom reports that 7 out of 10 people have received marketing calls over the past six months. Around 3,400 people complain to Ofcom every month because they are receiving silent calls. Live marketing calls often originate in India and, as many report, have the annoying habit of coming at meal times or, if you are on a mobile, during a meeting. The unscrupulous caller, or more accurately, their company, is after your personal details which they then sell on to claims management firms, keen to exploit the £9 million compensation fund that British banks made available after it was found that they had routinely sold PPI without their clients’ knowledge.

Silent calls can be particularly worrying because the phone owner answers but can hear nothing. They are actually calls made by computers in call centres automatically dialling thousands of phone numbers at the same time. If someone answers, the computer registers the fact and someone live may ring back at a later date. More than 50 percent of landline owners who have received silent calls told Ofcom that they get as many as five or more a month and find them annoying or, in several cases, distressing. They can be especially upsetting if you live alone.

How can you prevent nuisance calls?
Fortunately, there are solutions available. Whilst it has been possible to block certain numbers for some time, this hasn’t been any help in stopping calls from unknown numbers. It is also possible to block calls which come from abroad but that isn’t an option if you have family or friends who live overseas. A new gadget now on the market, Callblocker, is a small unit which plugs into your phone socket. You then plug your phone into it. It works by intercepting all your calls directly and playing a short message. The message explains that unsolicited calls are unwelcome and asks the caller to press the five key if they are a personal and invited caller.

This will be enough to put off all but the most determined cold callers. For added security, however, you can ask your friends and family to dial 4 or 6 rather than 5 which means that your phone will give a particular ring, telling you that the call is from someone close to you. These devices do not interfere with your internet or television connections. You can buy the device from http://www.callblocker.co.uk/

Other options

There are a number of other methods you can use to prevent these nuisance calls such as registering with www.silentguard.co.uk and www.tpsonline.org.uk.

Image attributed to: FreeDigitalPhotos.net / Stuart Miles

Source: http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/pressoffice/press_index/press_20140305.htmtwo

Take Your Business to the Next Level with Appointment Setting Software

by prolog, Posted on January 2, 2015

Intelliverse combines the need for flawless business communications with cutting edge technology to bring you state of the art business communication software. The sole purpose of this company is to help businesses communicate more effectively with their clients. They aim to achieve this by creating technologically advanced software that is versatile enough to be integrated into any business or system. The company targets key areas like social media, lead generation, and conferencing and has products like appointment setting software to increase the efficiency of businesses worldwide.

Social Media is Vital and Relevant to Your Business

Social media is undoubtedly one of the latest and most effective ways of finding out how your business is doing. By using specialized and integrated software, you are able to see what potential and existing customers are saying about your business. Clients will also have the benefit of seeing exactly who is talking about their services. Social media is considered a priceless tool when it comes to turning social conversations into tangible sales.

Communicate More Effectively with Professional Conferencing Software

This kind of software can be crucial to your business. You may need to hold an impromptu conference, share collaborations and presentations or hold an important meeting with clients who are half way across the world. Having custom made software that cuts out the plugins and avoids unnecessary downloads can be just what your company needs to propel it into a profitable future. By integrating your conferencing software with useful appointment setting software, you will never have to miss a meeting or forget an appointment again.

The Advantages of Using Appointment Setting Software

The sales department is ultimately the glue that holds everything together in any business. Since Intelliverse is a B2B company, they understand the role that effective leads play in a company’s success. This is why they have created a relevant and up to date appointment setting software that brings in the desired results. The purpose of this software is not only to improve prospecting and ultimately convert more leads to sales, but the company also believes in complete transparency in the process. So as a client, you will be kept in the loop at all times. Clients have full access to 24/7 portals, where they can access call logs and recordings and export leads. There will also be unlimited visibility when it comes to information pertaining to every call and lead that is contacted.

This type of appointment setting software is offered to clients at competitive rates. Aside from the large variety of features that appointment setting software has to offer, the benefits will speak for themselves. In a world where your business has more than one competitor at any given time, you should make a smart choice and stay a step ahead of the competition. Investing in the services and cutting-edge software from Intelliverse.com, you will ensure that your company grows from strength to strength. There is ultimately no better way to manage your business than to incorporate up to date systems into the efficient running of your company.

What Can Google Offer You?

by prolog, Posted on December 18, 2014

Google has been around for quite a while now and since it first opened its doors, or to be even more precise its search engine, it has been on a fast roll towards world domination. Google has roughly 90% of the online search audience and has managed to keep it that way for several years as they diverge to meet the needs of their demanding customers. What really made Google king of the internet is the fact that nearly all of their products are free until their products start to make you money.

Webmaster Tools

Google Webmaster Tools is entirely free; you will never pay a cent for anything. Google Webmaster Tools allows you to see exactly what is happening to your website within the search engine rankings. Where it is positioned, if it has risen or fallen in the past 30 days and will also make recommendations on how to improve your site’s visibility. Webmaster Tools is also how you let Google know that your website exists by submitting a sitemap so the Googlebot can see every page you want indexed.

Adwords

Adwords is a more advanced tool and here is where Google makes the majority of their money. You can pay to be in the top positions within the search engine rankings. Positions 1, 2 and 3 are where most of the traffic clicks through to the advertising website while the other positions account for just over 10% of clicks in total. This is why there is huge competition to be at the top of those search engine ranking positions. If you want to be among the leaders it is best to get an Adwords Consultant as Adwords tools can be hard and complicated to use if you want them to work efficiently.

Analytics

Analytics is another great tool for your website that is entirely free. Here you can see how long visitors have been on your website. You can also see where they came from: search results, paid search results, social media sites or directly by typing your web address into their browser. Analytics also lets you see how your traffic gets from A – B, generally from where they enter your website to completing goals such as making it to a certain page, or even better yet, making a sale. Here you can make sure people are navigating correctly through your website, and you can make changes if they are not, to increase your sales.

Google offers loads of other free services to keep its users happy such as Google maps, Google drive which allows you to store information and documents for free in the cloud as well as Gmail, one of the world’s largest email sites. It is no wonder they are so big as they make the majority of their money from large companies who want to get in touch with Google users.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image courtesy of ddpavumba / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Don’t Let Your Site Down Out Check These 6 Fresh Web Designs for 2014

by prolog, Posted on November 15, 2014

In a modern world flooded with websites and DIY design sites, you don’t want your own site to drown in the torrent of boring and featureless designs out in cyberspace – your own site must stand out if you want hits. Like the title suggests ‘fresh’ and ‘modern’ are two adjectives that can help lift your site head and shoulders above the rest.

‘Modern’ and ‘fresh’ are two ways of describing ‘clean’ designs, designs mostly used by photographer freelancers, artists, bloggers, the creative list goes on… A clean design usually features simple navigation and organized elements on the page, and content is presented in an easy-to-read format. Less is often more in minimal and clean design.

Remember, a website is like the front of a shop or business, giving an indication as to just what you represent and offer. The perfect example of this is when you walk into the Apple store – you immediately know where you are because it is unique, bright and simple, just like their website.

Listed below are just 6 examples that will give you the perfect template and design in a perpetually changing and modern world.

ammunition – WEBDESIGN INSPIRATION

This site is clean and very modern. With its image-focussed format, ammunition would suit portfolios and corporate sites. Freelance photographers, artists and designers would also do well with this design.

Maxlabs.de – Design & Development

Using clean styles, contemporary pastel colours and icons, this modern design by Maxlabs is suited to industries such as agencies, internet-based and tech-based companies.

Paw Studio – WEBDESIGN INSPIRATION

This design uses grey, white and cyan blue to great effect, enhancing the icons. It utilises the illustrative, modern and scroll down styles, ensuring easy navigation. Like the ammunition design, this would make for a great portfolio style site within the agency/design/tech industries.

Kalexiko – Momiji

Momiji makes an immediate impression with its white background and contrasting coloured dolls. It uses clear and uncluttered text, and the vivid images also make for an easy experience on the eye. With instant page loads and effortless searching and buying, Kalexiko’s Momiji design would suit retail and selling perfectly. Kalexiko who are a web design company based in the West Midlands and would be an ideal contact to talk about the rise of this type of design.

Career Glider – Blue Fountain Media

Career Glider is a site used by job seekers to search for information on careers and the correct education for the chosen career. The design only uses a few colours, with white clouds and blue sky the theme used on every page. The design is simple, as it really doesn’t need to be fussy for this site to function or attract users. It has a modern Twitter look to it and is very simple to use, with its drop down menus and clearly headed pages.

BritAsia TV – Kalexiko

The website developed here offers a superb user-friendly experience. Video content is the main focus the site ensures the clips can be easily and quickly accessed.

The pages feature the colours of monochrome contrasted against white, with pink used as a highlight. Pages are headed by a vivid and textured monochrome image, drawing the viewer in.

This design is obviously suited to video content and creative industries.

So when it comes to designing a website, less is often more in an age that is perpetually simplifying technology. Think of all the big names in Silicon Valley and you’ll see how simple and easy their websites are to use.

Search Engine Optimisation Could Be The Key To Your Success In Online Marketing

by prolog, Posted on November 11, 2014

If your local business relies heavily on your online marketing presence and you are struggling to drive effective traffic to your website, then you may need to begin considering services for SEO in Brisbane. The truth is, no online marketing campaign can be considered successful until it has begun to generate legitimate web traffic that can be effectively translated into an increase in business for your company.

Many local companies have begun to turn to advertising agencies that provide services for SEO in Brisbane for some of the following reasons:

– SEO in Brisbane is tricky and technical. Good Search Engine Optimisation begins with understanding what your potential customers are searching for on the Internet and catering your online content to contain the appropriate keywords to increase your visibility.

– Service providers for SEO in already know the tricks. It may be possible for you to wade through the waters of creating relevant SEO content for your web site, but this will most likely take some trial and error. You can save yourself a lot of time and money by choosing to work with an advertising agency that already has these tricks figured out as they relate to SEO in Brisbane.

– Performing your SEO in Brisbane can take up a lot of time. One of the tricks to keeping your online presence optimised for search engines is by creating a steady stream of SEO content that is both relevant and interesting to your target audience. This can equate to a lot of time and effort on your part, or you can let a local provider for SEO in Brisbane handle that work for you so that you may focus your efforts on other aspects of business.

– Effective SEO in Brisbane yields undeniable results. Sure, you may be asked to make a financial investment that you could save by handling the Search Engine Optimisation for your web site on your own. But by choosing to work with a professional, you are likely to see more positive results. The long and short of it is, hiring a professional to handle your SEO in Brisbane could ultimately pay for itself and then some, in the grand scheme of things. Other Brisbane marketing services while help make this investment more worthwhile.

With so many businesses turning towards the Internet to market their products and services, your online visibility has become more important than ever. Don’t let yourself get left behind by operating a web site with low online visibility. It would be a safe bet to assume that your competition is going to do everything in their power to become as visible as possible, and you should make every attempt to do the same.