Archive for the ‘Business’ Category
Sunday, March 7th, 2010
Hewlett Packard is one of the world’s most flourishing manufacturers of desktop computers, printers, servers, and laptops. With a strong and reputable consumer brand, the company has managed to grow its services and expand to provide services to a large number of businesses. During the first quarter of the company’s development, HP managed to establish a sales growth of 8%. On the other hand, HP has surprised analysts with their declining market performance with their hand-held products including the iPaq Smart Phone. Their sales have dropped $25 million in the first quarter while Apple had a $5.6 billion market growth with their iPhone.
HP has realized that because of the iPhone, Apple has managed to build more intensive relationships with customers. They have accomplished more than three billion software applications through the store which is directed to the iPhone. Now, Apple is looking to repeat this with their latest invention which is the iPad, a tablet computer which was recently launched. Researchers at HP are using this as a motivation key for building the reputation of their hand-held products and have talked about developing software’s and services that will let people print easily from their phones as well as manage and communicate their photos and communications more efficiently with each other through mobile versions of social networks.
It is expected that HP is to offer a smart phone in the coming year that will utilize the latest mobile version of Windows. Already, there is a lot of competition in the cell phone industry and it is a good idea that HP has announced to dedicate more of their focus on other products on the side of the Smartphone category.
Tags: Business, Cell Phone, cell phone industry, Company, Computer, declining market, desktop computers, developing software, google, hand held products, hewlett packard, iphone, IT, laptop, laptops, latest invention, market performance, microsoft, mobile, mobile phone, mobile version, mobile versions, motivation key, network, server, smart phone, smart phones, Social network, social networks, Software, software applications, tablet computer, Windows
Posted in Business, Information Technology | No Comments »
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Today, companies involve huge IT departments that are dedicated to storing and sharing extensive data. This means huge amounts of data and data servers being handled by companies who are at best minimally familiar with the ins and outs of computing. Presently there are more than 15 million computer servers operating globally. Every organization has to build its network for its peak demand leaving 80% of the running servers idle every day, which as you may imagine leads to huge waste of time and money for these companies.
There is an expansion of networks, computer storage and servers, and the growth has left companies wanting a new solution to their computing needs. “Data Utilities” will allow companies to discard their data storage infrastructure and hand off all their data storage and maintenance needs to third parties able to efficiently and responsibly manage them. These data utilities will allow sharing of servers to meet the peak needs of companies without requiring the company to pay for and maintain the server during its times of lower demand.
The concept of data utilities isn’t all that new, and we all use them everyday. For example, every time you share photos through services such as Facebook, snapfish, Shutterfly, Kodak, or Flicker, you are operating in the cloud and using a data utility. Similarly, the online software suite from Google Apps allows users to generate and access information and spreadsheets exclusively online. Users can create, edit, and share all sorts of files from any computer with Internet access.
Basically any kind of storage can be met by a data utility. It is estimated that the internet contains 5 million terabytes of data. That is just an initiating point since constant improvement will only increase storage demands. Data utilities will allow the collaboration of computing power, data storage, software applications, and other IT needs through a global network. It will permit businesses to concentrate on what to offer rather than technical know-how of how to offer the service.
At the time of great economic concern where cost efficiency is gold, the data utility trend has only hastened. IT decisions are being made based on economic reasoning as well as a technical viewpoint. Data utilities enable companies to utilize resources on demand and pay for them when needed.
Tags: Business, Company, Computer, computer servers, computer software, computer storage, computing power, data, data servers, data storage, Facebook, global network, google, HR, infrastructure, internet, IT, network, new solution, peak demand, server, snapfish, Software, software applications, software suite, storage demands, storage infrastructure, storage software, time and money
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Monday, February 15th, 2010
Google claims it’s new, experimental ultra high-speed broadband network will serve as a playground for developers, giving them the bandwidth they need to dream up next generation, data hungry online apps. But, Google may have other motives for its speedy network as well.
The whole transition from dial up to broadband has brought so much innovation to the internet, and now Google plans to make the delivery process for new applications even more intriguing and deliverable.
There are already concerns with the limitations on Bandwidth as businesses and consumer become more internet dependent. Internet applications such as video conferencing and telephoning are becoming so popular and accordingly so is the demand for bandwidth . As more businesses adopt internet related practices, traffic jams may take place and could affect the net. Google’s new super network may address these bandwidth concerns. As of now, the super network is in an experimental phase as Google looks to see how smaller businesses, consumers and institutions as well as the local government will utilize this high speed access. While Google promises new enhanced applications to increase the technology system on the net, the super network may also be the answer to the bandwidth troubles that currently face already existing applications.
But Google may also have ulterior motives for its super network. Google has been a frontier in providing internet services to consumers and stealing away consumer from other carriers. The new internet based technology, some say, may allow Google the opportunity to take control of internet services in the market as well. This may be a bit skeptical, but there is no question that a faster-speed super network will displace other carriers, and cause a shift in internet service carriers.
As the idea is still at its inception, Google has not yet completely figured out how it will deal with information ownership and privacy issues. Additionally, Google may have to figure out a way to work through the conflicts its new idea may cause with other carriers and providers that form the backbone of internet services and data communication. Such issues might be determining factors on the success of the super network.
So while the new super highway might provide the promise of new applications, and added support for existing applications, it’s still unclear how Google will address certain issues, and how the new super highway will effect other competitors in the market. We all know that faster is better, but what will the cost be to the market and consumers is yet to be determined.
Tags: bandwidth, Business, data, google, high speed access, information ownership, internet, internet applications, internet service, internet services, IT, network, next generation, privacy issues, speed broadband, StoneHill's Website, Support, Technology, Video, video conferencing
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Thursday, February 11th, 2010
“Green” back offices and data centers are becoming quite a trend these days — not only because of their energy efficiencies, but also because of the costs they save. With the economic downturn, making IT operations more efficient not only makes practical sense, but is becoming necessary. As your business grows your IT infrastructure will become more complex, therefore the time is NOW to implement strategies that will save time, energy, money, and increase your company’s overall productivity.
StoneHill Tech’s Green IT Strategies:
Go Virtual
- Virtualization dramatically improves the efficiency and availability of applications in your organization, reduces energy cost and improves operations by managing information traffic and workflow.
- By condensing all files and applications to one server, your business will best utilize your hardware and software resources.
Improve airflow: Improving airflow is easy and inexpensive. To immediately improve efficiency, ensure that:
- Cables, etc., are positioned so they do not restrict airflowMissing ceiling tiles are replaced so no cold air is misdirected.
- Hot air does not ecirculate, by flowing over the tops of racks or around the rows.
- Migrating racks to hot aisles/cold aisles is a continual process.
- CRAC units are positioned for maximum efficiency.
- Servers are designed with front-to-rear airflow.
- The return (hot) air plenum accommodates required airflow
Dispose of eWaste
It is probably no surprise that in our current age of technology and computer dependency eWaste (electronics waste) is the fastest growing form of toxic waste in the world. However, since society has begun to realize this there have been companies sprouting up all over that will actually come to your business and collect all your eWaste for free. We use an awesome local company; Go Green eWaste Recyclers.
Tags: Business, Company, energy cost, energy efficiencies, Green, IT, maximum efficiency, Recycle, virtualization
Posted in Business, Computer Support, Tips | No Comments »
Monday, January 18th, 2010
About three weeks ago I sat down in front of my laptop to do my homework and a screen that looks like the one below popped up telling me I had serious threats/viruses on my computer. Looks legitimate right?
WRONG!!!! This anti-virus “software” was the virus. However, I didn’t think anything of it until I was suddenly locked out of the sites I frequent, such as my school, my Gmail, my bank, etc. I may not be Miss Techie, but I do know enough to recognize that this wasn’t normal. So, in casual conversation with Zach, who is a Mr. Techie, regarding the strange behavior of my computer, before I was even half way done he said, “You have a virus”. Those dreaded words rang in my ears as I began to see the dollars falling from my wallet. Luckily, I work for the best IT company on earth and Zach was able to remove the virus within one day and install legitimate firewalls and virus protections.
Ironically, that same evening I was watching the nightly news where they were featuring a story on “New Organized Crime Rings”…HACKERS. Apparently, technology is not only transforming the way we do business, it has transformed theft as well. The newest trend amongst thieves is to send out these nasty little parasites, disguised as helpful software, that infect your computer allowing the hacker to track your key strokes, thus gaining access to all of your personal passwords and information. A local OC business man was recently taken for $1,000,000 due to this type of scam. OUCH!
Two days ago, I was out sick and received an email from Zach saying three clients in the past week had been hit with the same thing and decided that YOU need to be aware of what is out there!!!! He sent me this really informative article: Take a look, it could save you a lot of time, money & heart ache!
Beware fake anti-virus programs
Tags: anti virus software, ANTI-VIRUS, Business, Computer, Crime, crime rings, hacker, Help, helpful software, infect, informative article, Install, IT, Software, techie, Technology, thieves, virus, virus programs, virus protections
Posted in Business, Computer Support, Tips | No Comments »
Thursday, January 7th, 2010
Let’s face it, 2009 was a difficult year for many businesses. While some did experience profit and growth, for most it has been a year of consolidation and survival. As we move into a New Year and new decade it lends hope that we are leaving the devastation of the recession behind, and according to Jan Hatzius, Chief U.S. Economist at Goldman Sachs, we just may be! He made the recent statement “The recession is most likely over as it appears the economy has stopped shrinking, posting modest growth over the last quarter.”
At the start of every period of growth, experts always identify a series of trends that businesses will move toward. After extensive research I have determined the top two trends that will immediately impact your businesses growth are green practices and digital technology.
Going Green:
Thanks to government incentives and changing public sentiment, clean energy’s popularity has risen to new heights.In 2009 the positive impacts of energy efficiency became a hot topic and awareness about the importance of Going Green spread globally. President Obama’s vision of energy efficiency creating jobs and healing our economy created a stimulus plan that poured billions into renewable energy. Energy efficiency was a central component of every one of the climate bills debated in Congress in 2009.
Not only is the Government allocating huge amounts to the movement, but according to Cleantech Group, an industry research firm, venture capital investment in clean technology–including solar, biofuels, batteries and the smart grid–overtook IT and biotech for the biggest piece of the VC pie. The sector swiped 27 percent of all investment dollars in the third quarter–that’s $1.6 billion!
Green issues will continue to dominate political and business agendas now and in the future; your business can largely benefit from this. I am not suggesting you change your existing infrastructure, or start selling Green products, but by being an environmentally-conscientious business, you will set yourself apart from your competition – people feel better when they can take the “green” option without sacrificing quality and service.
This is not a hard task to undertake. Look for green alternatives in every area of your business: For example, implementing Virtualization into your IT infrastructure will save space and energy. Avoid sending paper invoices through the mail and opt for paperless email, pay all of your bills online to avoid the use of paper, any paper you do use recycle. Businesses that make a genuine commitment to going green often find that the cost savings and personal reward of contributing to the health of our planet are as great as the positive PR their business will receive.
Check out these green trends and boost your bottom line.
*As a side note there are a lot of little things we can do as individuals to lighten our carbon footprint, MSNBC has a great article that provides easy tips to make a difference.
Digital Technology:
I write about the significance of technology in today’s world a lot and the amount of research I do on this subject always has a consistent tone: It is MOST CRUCIAL component of your business! It is important you identify the technology you need to strengthen and grow your business.
The internet is and will continue to provide the biggest opportunities for businesses. No other location or Marketing strategy has ever made it possible for a business to reach so many targeted customers.
If you are or were looking into entering into the Industry, apps are the way to go. More and more people are relying on their mobile devices and the as the web continues to move to wireless, this industry is there for the taking. Innovative ideas that bring technologies together will dominate in 2010. To help with this, Microsoft, Apple and Google have all launched third-party mobile app markets – so there really is money to be made here. You don’t need to be a computer developer to create an app. If you have an innovative idea there are plenty of freelance programmers out there who you can contract to do the work for you. Apps are only one thing to capitalize on out of the many upcoming digital trends.
Tags: Business, clean technology, Computer, digital technology, economy, energy efficiency, Green, investment dollars, it infrastructure, marketing, new decade, Recession, Recycle, Technology, Tips
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Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009
After living through the tragedy of my friend Kristen’s computer crashing last week, the internal conversations at StoneHill ignited a list of questions. My brain is dominated by the right side and does not operate even a little bit in a logical let alone technical sense. I have worked with computers my whole life, but in the last two months I have learned more than I ever imagined being around my brilliant co-workers.
Unfortunately, I not only had to report back to Kristen that due to her lack of knowledge about cleaning her computer had led to the death of her hard drive, but also had to tell her that because she failed to back-up her data there is a very good chance that all of her research, work, and personal items may be lost forever. It seems backing up data is not only one of the most important components of maintaining your computer’s health, but also the most neglected. In the midst of this conversation that not only intrigued, but inspired me to write this, another one of my co-workers Zach Hart made the statement “If there is not a backup system in place it can costs 10’s of thousands of dollars with no guarantee that all the data will be recovered.”
It’s amazing to me how much we think we know, but don’t. Therefore I wanted to share with you some tips and resources to prevent any suffering to you personally or professionally from data loss. This information caused me to inquire about how to effectively back-up data from the individual station to your businesses network.
- Purchase a Zip Drive and back-up daily. Although this is the cheapest method it can be very time consuming and has limited memory.
- Purchase and external hard drive that you can back up to regularly. Christos recommends: Western Digital.
- Back-up online. This has become a very popular option where you rent virtual space to upload your data on.
StoneHill offers an affordable service to our clients called BDR; this system is recommended for small to medium sized businesses. BDR is very affordable and has many great functions including, but not limited to the following:
- Very frequent backups
- Optional off-site data storage
- Multiple restore points
- Standby server capabilities
- Advanced restoration options
With StoneHill’s BDR backups are performed as frequently as every 15 minutes, providing clients with numerous restoration points compared to traditional tape backups.
Tags: affordable service, back-up, backing up data, backup, backup system, Backups, Computer, data, data loss, maintaining your computer, StoneHill's Website, Tips
Posted in Business, Tips | No Comments »
Tuesday, December 15th, 2009
In the last 15 years the wealth of Americans increased four-fold. The number of Millionaires are destined to double in the next 10 years. With Entrepreneurship on the rise the trends have shifted tremendously; the predicted growth is staggering beyond what anyone anticipated. There are currently two areas of exploding growth; technology and internet marketing. Internet marketing has caused a major shift in the Industry becoming a multi-billion dollar industry.
Studies show that a combination of technology and internet marketing translates into the ultimate opportunity and the fastest way to wealth.
By expanding into global markets the Entrepreneur will expedite their growth and secure a successful International business. As each country catches this wave of interest the evolving entrepreneur will use technology to insure that they capture the most influential leaders from each country to promote their business. By developing a network of this magnitude the entrepreneur gains the ability to form powerful strategic partnerships all over the planet. There business will grow exponentially; like positioning oneself at the top of the ladder, so to speak.
The Entrepreneur will use technology to generate interest with blogs, forums, web sites, article linking, page ranking, traffic generation, search engine optimization, etc. A technologically savvy entrepreneur will leverage the internet to achieve 100 to 1000 times the financial results of the “old school” way of prospecting.
The open minded, forward thinking entrepreneur will generate interest, find a couple of leaders in an expanding country and utilize those partnerships to pre-position themselves in numerous other countries. After two or three countries have been opened the evolving entrepreneur will make thousands or tens of thousands a month; whether he chooses to get out of bed in the morning or not. This will be a gold mine for those sharp entrepreneurs who have the foresight to see the opportunity 4-5 steps ahead and leverage their time with technology.
Tags: Business, entrepreneurialism, entrepreneurship, internet marketing, Technology, wealth
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Twitter is a service for friends, family, and co–workers to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing? Why we use twitter is because even basic updates are meaningful to family members, friends, or colleagues—especially when they’re timely. With Twitter, you can stay hyper-connected to your friends and always know what they’re doing. Or, you can stop following them any time. You can even set quiet times on Twitter so you’re not interrupted. Twitter puts you in control and becomes a modern antidote to information overload. Twitter is now moving forward to another level in order to create potential business relationships for SMB owners. It is starting to become a good promotional campaign to create new leads for a company, as well as being a cost effective method to market businesses.
