Tech Explorers » time

Biometric Technology, are They New Toys for Children?

admin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:54:23 +0000

Nancy William asked:

As a mother, I can truly understand how parents across the world feel about their children. The parent-child relationship is a universal one. It crosses languages, barriers, and borders and speaks the same language of love and protection. All parents have the same goal – to protect their children from the problems of the world. Obviously, most parents would like their children to grow to be model citizens and they would never want their children to be associated with anything criminal. Fair enough… but (and of course there is a but to everything, isn’t there?) there are two sides to everything. The knife that we use to cut fruits and vegetables could also be used to kill! Does this mean that we should stop using it?

I believe it all depends on how people look at things. We can choose to be positive and to look at all the positive aspects of life, or we can choose to be pessimistic and to be threatened by every fly that passes by. (Flies can carry germs!)

Recently, I have been reading countless accounts of parents who are paranoid about fingerprinting their children, and so far I haven’t been able to understand what the real issue at hand is. We have made numerous technological advancements to make our lives easier. We believe that now, in the 21st century, we are more civilized than man has ever been. So why are we not able to accept certain changes which come due to new technology? Is it because we are inherently pessimistic and cynical? I’m sure that when Marie Curie discovered Nuclear Physics her intentions were clearly not to create nuclear bombs. Humanity has benefited greatly from the development of nuclear science. Still, every time we hear the word nuclear we think of bombs and wars. It is the pessimistic nature of modern man that guides our thought process in this way.

It is true that fingerprinting has been used in the past for identifying criminals. However, the technology has evolved just as most technologies tend to do. It is rare to see someone today with a car phone or with a computer the size of an entire room. These technologies have evolved, and certainly for the better. Today, fingerprinting is generally used as a device to accurately identify people. In fact, there are a number of other biometric technologies available. Such technologies include signature readers, retina scanners and DNA samples. These have all been used to identify criminals at some point or another. But DNA is also used for many scientific tests and the study of DNA has advanced so greatly that medical science could not possibly think of doing away with it. If you were being treated for a sickness and your DNA needed to be analyzed for a possible genetic disorder, would you choose to die instead because DNA sampling is used to identify criminals? Of course this is an extreme example, but I doubt that anyone answered “Yes, of course!”

We show our children TV shows like Star Trek, The Jetsons, etc. All children have seen doors slide open and computers accessed by using fingerprinting technology “in the future”. Why can’t we realize that “the future” could be now, if we would only allow it to happen?

Parents are concerned that their child’s fingerprint will be stored in some kind of database. To be honest, I was also concerned about this at first. However, I felt that I should gather extensive knowledge about the technology before I shot it down without a second thought. I have done online research and contacted reputable firms that offer biometric technology like M2SYS, Motorola, NEC (citations to these websites are given below) etc.

M2SYS they are an American reputable leading company in fingerprint biometric technology and most of their clients are private firms, school, gyms, banks, clinics, etc. Motorola and NEC are big multibillionaire companies that produce high-fi biometric technologies for big government agencies all around the world.

These companies confirmed what really happens when an individual is fingerprinted. It basically breaks down into an initial enrollment process and an identification process. During initial enrollment, an individual scans his fingerprint for the first time. The biometric software recognizes certain unique, key points of this individual’s fingerprint. These points are then converted into a series of numbers, or a binary string. Then, each time the individual scans their fingerprint for identification, an algorithm is used to determine if the binary numbers match up with the fingerprint. If they do, then voila! The software provides instant and secure identification.

If you are still scratching your head at this point, you are not alone – I was too. Most of us will never understand the entire science involved in biometric identification. But what is easy to understand is this: every software company uses a different algorithm. There is not some magic, all-encompassing fingerprint algorithm that every company uses within their software to identify people. This means that if you had two children attending schools in different districts that were both using fingerprint identification by different biometric companies, and you accidentally sent them to the wrong schools (Mondays…) there is no way that either child could be identified. Their prints are not stored in some common database. All that is ever stored is a binary number associated with points of their prints that can only be accessed by the company that has provided the biometric software. These companies are not even associated with the government. They are mostly private technology companies just looking to sell their software solutions.

Biometric technology can be beneficial to our children by improving the security at schools and increasing the overall safety of our children, all with binary numbers which are useless to anyone but the private biometric company. I would advise every parent to do some research into the realities of biometric identification and to unveil the myth behind the infamous fingerprinting technology.

Of course if we want to think negatively, nothing is one hundred percent foolproof. Computers make our lives easier but they can be hacked too. However, if the biometric software is hacked, the thief would be disappointed that all he would receive were the useless strings of numbers. As one company put it, it would be easier to steal fingerprint data from something a child had touched than to design an intricate reverse algorithm; all to retrieve a useless series of points of a fingerprint.

Life is full of possibilities if we think positively and are open to new technology. I, for one, am more interested in my child safely growing up in a world full of amazing technological advances that my generation could never have even dreamed. I believe that this world is possible if we don’t hinder its progress by bashing advancements that we know nothing about. In the end, we may all have different opinions, but I am asking that we all gather knowledge about each new technology before we ruin a great possibility for our children.

Resources:

http://www.m2sys.com

http://www.nec.com

http://www.motorola.com

technology

Cisco Systems, Microsoft, and the Rewarding Trade of Information Technology

admin — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:03:16 +0000

Donald Carroll asked:

My name is Donald Carroll. I am the President and Webmaster of Green Planet Fantasy Theater. How did I get here? I have over ten years of work experience in the field of Information Technology (IT). I also have five years of teaching experience as an instructor in both Microsoft and Cisco technologies as well as other networking technologies such as Novell Netware, Unix, and Linux. I am twice certified by Microsoft as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), and twice certified by Cisco Systems as a Cisco Certified Network Associate, or CCNA?

The field of Information Technology has been very good to me and is an excellent trade to get into for those of you looking at entering a career or changing careers. As a former instructor, I can tell you that as a prerequisite you must be at least comfortable with using computers; better if you have a knack for fixing them when they break! Those of you who are very familiar with using, repairing, and even building computers are perfectly cut out for the lucrative field of Information Technology.

The purpose of this article is to help you in getting started on the path towards earning your industry standard certifications in the field of Information Technology while also gaining hands on practical experience with computer networks. I will tell you on the next page exactly what to do if you are interested in entering the field of Information Technology, even if you have no experience whatsoever. In the field of Information Technology, it is often not enough to just earn your certifications as employers generally favor IT professionals with work experience.

I will also share with you more about my own background and how it helped me to enter the field of Information Technology.

In the early 1990′s I was working as an administrative assistant, and as part of my duties I learned how to use a number of different computer programs; common business applications including word editors, spreadsheet programs, and databases. After my stay as an administrative assistant, and while I was seeking new and interesting employment opportunities, I sent away for a PC (Personal Computer) home study course, mostly because it came with a PC! I learned computer hardware, and computer software, including operating systems such as Microsoft DOS and Windows version 3.1. (Learning computer hardware and computer software, including operating systems such as Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Windows Vista is the first step in training for a career in Information Technology. I will explain more about this on the next page.)

I was also able to connect to the Internet using a modem; at that time, the only real Internet choices there were was “GopherNet”, and the America Online Network. (“GopherNet”, which is still in existence today, allows you to view folders and files on a remote computer, not web pages. The America Online Network has merely changed over the years.) Besides then connecting to a rather bleak Internet, in comparison with today’s Internet, you could connect to what were called “BBS’s”, or electronic bulletin boards. These “sites” allowed you to chat, play online games, and both upload and download content. ( I would have to check to see if any “BBS’s” are still in existence today!)

In 1997 I relocated to the Silicon Valley (San Jose, California), and I began applying around for administrative assistant positions. One recruiter pointed out that I “had a list of computer skills a mile long” between having learned a number of business applications, and having also completed a two year home study course as a PC Specialist. I was offered a high paying short term contract to provide computer support for employees at NEC Computers. I was basically an apprentice to what I would call a “guru” in terms of computer and computer networking skills.

I also entered college again to earn an Associate of Science/Information Systems Degree. After my contract at NEC Computers ended I applied at Honeywell Automated and Industrial Controls, and I accepted a position as a hardware technician. At this point now in my life I was pursuing a second degree in Information Technology, and working in the field of Information Technology, developing on the job skills critical to become a real expert. (At that time, the field of Information Technology was called Management Information Systems (MIS). Later it was changed to Information Specialist (IS), and today it is known as Information Technology (IT)).

That was the beginning for me. I soon continued on to teach networking technologies, and I accepted senior engineering positions with a number of different companies and corporations. I WAS EARNING WAGES and BENEFITS PACKAGES I HAD NEVER DREAMED OF!!! I essentially climbed the ladder from working as a computer hardware technician to working as an instructor, a network engineer, a senior network engineer, and finally as a consultant! Today I work as a contractor and as a webmaster.

If you would like to enter the field of Information Technology yourself PLEASE CONTINUE READING!!! I have myself graduated over four hundred computer networking students, and I can teach you how to learn computer hardware and software, and computer networking. I will tell you what course books to study and how and what certification tests to prepare for.

The field of Information Technology is not about computer programming, or application development; this field is all about the designing, building, maintaining, troubleshooting and repairing both the computers and the computer networks that companies use to store and use their data. In considering computers, there is the computer hardware; the disk drives, cd-rom drives, memory, motherboard, processors, power supplies, mice, keyboards, and other parts and peripherals. There is also the computer software; namely, the operating system, like Microsoft Windows XP or Microsoft Windows Vista, and computer applications or programs, such as Microsoft Office or Adobe Acrobat Reader.

When one or more computers are connected together to form a computer network they are connected using network devices such as hubs, switches, routers, and other network devices. In the field of Information Technology some IT Specialists prefer to work on computer hardware and computer software, and special computers used in a computer network called network servers. Other IT Specialists prefer to work more with network switches, network routers, and other telephone and telecommunications equipment.

If you would prefer to work with networking devices more than with computer hardware, computer software, and servers, you might want to pursue getting certified as a Cisco Certified Network Associate, or CCNA. (The CCNA certification is either one or two exams; you have a choice of taking it as either one or two exams depending upon your preference.) Your duties as a CCNA would revolve more around configuring and troubleshooting network routers and switches, and working with leased line providers and telecommunications equipment. Cisco Systems also offers other more advanced routing certifications beyond the CCNA, namely the Cisco Certified Network Professional, or CCNP, and the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert, or CCIE.

If you would prefer to work on computers; installing and fixing computer hardware and computer software, and administering network servers and network databases and applications, you might be interested in pursuing first the A+ certification followed by the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, or MCSE certification. (The A+ certification exam is given as either one or two exams; one exam is based on computer hardware and the other exam covers special software known to IT Specialists as operating systems. The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, or MCSE, is awarded upon the successful completion of seven individual exams.)

Many IT professionals maintain proficiency in computer hardware, software, network servers, and computer networking devices such as routers and switches. Many employers demand that their IT staff be able to help employees with simple computer problems while also being able to solve complex network problems on network routers, switches, and even firewall systems. Many positions in the field of Information Technology require an A+ certification, an MCSE, and a CCNA. Other positions require only one of these certifications, plus or many any of a number of other industry standard certifications.

Unless you decide to pursue the Cisco Certified Network Associate, or CCNA certification, you will probably want to begin learning the ins and outs of a single computer before studying computer networking technologies. You can purchase the textbooks for the A+ certification, the MCSE certification, and the CCNA certification at almost any book retailer.

Focus first on the A+ exam material before proceeding to the MCSE exam material and/or the CCNA exam material – this is best if you are an absolute novice. It is also a good idea to set up a small computer network at home to practice with – hands on experience with these technologies is essential to success! It is also a good idea to attend a technical school to learn the basics of networking technologies, but you can study and become proficient with these technologies on your own just as well.

With your A+ certification behind you, you can work as a PC technician, or even as a Help Desk Specialist (helping employees with their hardware, software, and basic network problems.) While pursuing your MCSE and or CCNA, you can apply for positions as a junior systems administrator, network administrator, and even a junior network engineer.

Study your exam materials, setup your own home network that you can use to practice on, and by all means try to meet people who work as IT Specialists so that you can learn more about working in the field of Information Technology. Maybe you can spend a day at work with them working for free as an apprentice? (Companies usually do not mind extra help for free!)

Create a sharp resume’ listing your certifications and/or technical school degrees, and your work experience…if you do not have any work experience, try to get some working with an IT Specialist. Though certifications are important, most employers prefer work experience. Some job interviews have a required technical interview where you are tested on your fundamental knowledge and your ability to troubleshoot and resolve computer and computer network problems.

Once you have passed you A+ certification exams you can begin applying to work as a computer technician (hardware and/or software technician.) From there you can continue your studies in networking, earn your MCSE and/or CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE, and become a network engineer, a senior network engineer, a contractor, or even work as a consultant.

Good luck to you…if you have any questions about the field of Information Technology please feel free to contact Donald Carroll at Green Planet Fantasy Theater.

(For more great “how to” articles, plus DVD Movies, Music Collections, PC, XBox, Wii, Sony Playstation and Nintendo Games, Software, E-Books, Audio Books, and Adult *** Material FREE, visit Green Planet Fantasy Theater online at http://ww.myplanetfantasy.com.)

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Electronics Engineering Technology Distance Learning – Become a Most in Demand Technologist

admin — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:22:37 +0000

Jim Zorn asked:

Electronics Engineering Technology distance learning courses are flourishing, making use of the low entry-level requirement of a 2-year Associate Degree to become an Engineering Technician, and the further career advancement to an Engineering Technologist (or Applied Engineer) possible in the field by pursuing a 4-year Bachelors Degree. Among all Technicians and Technologists working in USA, Electrical and Electronics Engineering professionals make up more than one-third, which is a clear indication for their demand. And this demand is nowadays driven more by the high-tech industry’s need for Electronics Engineering Technicians, rather than the conventional industries’ need for Electrical Engineering Technicians.

Why Electronics Engineering Technology?

All of today’s booming industrial sectors like telecommunications, medical equipment, control systems, automotive systems, navigational systems, and of course, the consumer appliances sector are bringing out everything from mobile phones to home theatres, and require expertise in Electronics Engineering more than anything else, which explains the demand for Electronics Engineering professionals.

However, to attempt the field through an Engineering Degree can be taxing to those students who are not interested in taking advanced level mathematics (calculus) courses that an Engineering Degree requires, or to endure its long 4-year time frame. For such students, Electronics Engineering Technology is a great option, with its stress on applied or hands-on Electronics Engineering rather than the mathematics-dense and research-oriented Electronics Engineering. The time frame also is much shorter, with an Electronics Engineering Technician requiring only a 2-year Associate Degree to enter the field.

The job opportunities too are tilted in favor of Electronics Engineering Technicians when compared with Electronics Engineers; there are 182,000 Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians working in USA, compared with only 143,000 Electronics Engineers. The only drawbacks – a lower level in the hierarchy and the lower starting salaries than Electronics Engineers – can be overcome in the long run, since interested Electronics Engineering Technicians can study further for a 4-year Bachelors Degree, thus qualifying for the senior position of Electronics Engineering Technologist, who enjoys a position and salary comparable to Electronics Engineers. Average salary for Electronics Engineering Senior Technicians / Technologists is US $46,000, very comparable to salaries for Electronics Engineers at US $52,000.

Why Electronics Engineering Technology Distance Learning?

It is estimated that job opportunities for Electronics Engineering Technicians and Technologists would grow at up to 17% every year, for nearly the next 10 years. The requirement of an Associate Degree for entering the field is a relatively recent phenomenon, and a significant percentage of working Electronics Engineering Technicians doesn’t have such a formal degree. The industry preference to degree holders is encouraging such working professionals to get an Associate Degree, and electronics engineering technology distance learning becomes the natural choice. Also, due to the boom in the sector, those already having an Associate Degree will go for a Bachelors Degree so that they can work as a Technologist. And, of course, the growth prospects in the sector are attracting working professionals from other fields to Electronics Engineering Technology. These three factors are driving the huge demand for electronics engineering technology distance learning courses.

Earlier, there were technological hindrances to deliver such a hands-on course through a distance or online model. However, with the development of state-of-the-art systems like National Instruments’ LabVIEW/ELVIS (Educational Laboratory Virtual Instrumentation Suite), which can be used by remote students through a web browser, to virtually perform any electronics experiment, the demand for Electronics Engineering Distance Learning courses are at an all-time high.

Universities and Colleges Offering Electronics Engineering Technology Distance Learning

Electronics engineering technology distance learning courses offer both 2-year Associate and 4-year Bachelors Degrees. While Community Colleges and Institutes dominate the Associate Degree scene, Universities and Polytechnics are the primary sources for Bachelors Degrees. While searching for electronics engineering technology distance learning courses, it should be kept in mind that many US institutions still call the subject Electrical Engineering Technology.

Associate Degrees

Many Community Colleges and Institutes offer 2-year Associate Degrees for electronics engineering technology distance learning, but fully accredited courses are fewer. Whether for employment as an Electronics Engineering Technician or for further pursuance of a Bachelors Degree, it is always better to go for an accredited course. Cleveland Institute of Electronics (CIE), Penn Foster Career School, and Grantham University are three institutions that offer accredited Associate Degrees in the subject.

CIE’s Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Electronics Engineering Technology boasts of many unique features. Designed from the ground up as a distance learning course, rather than an online adaptation of a regular course, the CIE A.A.S. provides everything that an electronics engineering technology distance learning student might require, in a packaged fashion – complete with printed courseware for over 250 self-paced lessons, videos, and detailed instructions for the over 300 hands-on lab experiments. The only thing missing will be access to an Oscilloscope, and the CIE Bookstore even sells Oscilloscopes at discounted prices to its students! One-to-one instructor support is always available for students. Even the exams can be taken online. A really unique feature of the course is that interested and capable students can complete the course in half or even quarter time, and need only pay for that!

Penn Foster Career School offers an Associate in Specialized Technology (AST) in Electronics Technology, that can be completed fully online, with access to an internet-connected computer being the only requirement. Tuition includes well-written and amply-illustrated printed courseware, tools and equipment for experiments, and unlimited instructor support through website, phone, email, and regular mail. Online open-book exams and end-of-semester proctored exams are other features of this course. The course is self-paced, with longer than 2-year durations allowed.

Grantham University offers an Associate of Science (AS) in Electronics Engineering Technology through the distance mode. The tuition package for the course includes textbooks, lesson guides, grading of all tests, mailing of materials and graded tests from the college, consultation with instructors, and required software. Proctored exams are conducted at the end of every semester, which lend more credibility to this course. Consultation with instructors is available through phone, fax, email, and regular mail. To better facilitate the distance mode of the course, Grantham University even provides a discounted option for its students to buy computers from Dell. However, the main advantage of this course is that full credit transfer is possible to Grantham’s Bachelors Degree in the subject. Grantham is especially popular with military students.

Bachelors Degrees

When it comes to Bachelors Degrees for electronics engineering technology distance learning, even courses with accreditation from the Technology Accreditation Commission (TAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology (ABET) are available.

Old Dominion University offers its Bachelor of Science (BS) in Engineering Technology, with Electrical Engineering Technology as Major, and Electrical Systems Technology as optional. The course name follows the earlier US convention of naming Electronics Engineering courses as Electrical Engineering courses. This B.S. indeed has significant stress on Electronics Engineering Technology. In-depth coverage of Electronics includes Linear Electronics, Digital Controls, Microprocessors, Communications, Control Systems etc. High-tech delivery methods like virtual laboratory, streaming video, and satellite broadcast for 1-way video and 2-way audio, are fully utilized. The course is accredited by TAC of ABET.

World College, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Cleveland Institute of Electronics (CIE), offers a Bachelor of Electronics Engineering Technology (BEET) through the distance mode. Features include over 300 lab experiments, online exams, and toll free phones and email for consultation with instructors. Subjects covered include Electronics, Computer Technology, Telecommunications, Electrical Power, and Control Systems. Access to a computer and an oscilloscope are necessary.

Grantham University (described above, under Associate Degrees) also offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Electronics Engineering Technology.

The only current limiting factor for electronics engineering technology distance learning seems to be the high costs for implementing virtual labs that can be simultaneously accessed by a large number of students, and once this is solved by better and economical hardware and software, electronics engineering technology distance learning will be provided by more and more Universities, Colleges, and Polytechnic Institutes.

Kansieo.com

The Right it Stuff: Finding and Working With the Best Information Technology Services Partner for your Small Business

admin — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:59:59 +0000

Ilene Rosoff asked:

Do you often feel stuck in the computer abyss when it comes to managing your company’s needs for web or information technology services? Businesses with fewer than 50 or 60 employees often find themselves struggling to keep pace with their basic web and computer support services and miss out on effective small business IT solutions.

Without the guidance of an information technology services provider, small businesses can end up wasting time and money on computer support services because they aren’t in touch with the best technology tools and practices for small business IT solutions. Even zero-employee companies can benefit immensely from a computer support services partner who shows them how to standardize their practices, save money with the right hardware or software and develop effective websites.

Putting Out Fires – Who Needs Dedicated Computer Support Services Anyway?

The approach often taken by small organizations when it comes to information technology services is one of putting out fires. No one has time to update the website, the network is cobbled together with wiring strung across the floor, and you’re not sure when the last backup really ran. Then, a hard drive starts going click-click. You call that guy you occasionally use for computer support services, “Joe-I-Fix-Anything-PCs,” to get the computer booting. That’s when to your horror you discover that the tape in the drive since last Tuesday wasn’t really backing up and the click-click is the sickening sound of your QuickBooks data being eaten by the dying hard drive.

There is a Better Way: A Solutions Partner for Web and Information Technology Services

It isn’t that “Joe” can’t spot you some quick computer support services and get you up and running again. It’s the point that the “bargain” hard drive failed without warning, your data wasn’t backed up and you didn’t even have a centralized data management practice to begin with. Wouldn’t it have been great to avoid all the headaches by using best-practice guidelines for business management and making informed purchase decisions? That’s where a good small business IT solutions provider comes in, not only to avoid disaster but to save money. For example QuickBooks could be integrated with your shipping and credit card processing which saves three employees 30 hours a week in order fulfillment. Then you might implement a web solution for online orders which integrates with QuickBooks. A good information technology services partner makes computer support services a value proposition.

Small Business IT Solutions – Hiring a Partner

So what’s the best way to find a great web or information technology services partner to work with and then get the most out of that relationship?

1. Look for a company that specializes in small business IT solutions

Computer support services companies that specialize in small business will be more in tune to your particular needs and challenges. They will understand budgetary constraints for computer support services and the need to use resources very efficiently. Because technology developers and manufacturers are now seeing a large and relatively untapped market of small business customers, there are some terrific tools emerging for small organizations. A technology partner focused on small business IT solutions and information technology services will help your company grow and succeed.

2. Do you need a local information technology services partner?

Not necessarily. If the goal here is to find a provider of information technology services to help you manage your website, make purchase decisions and facilitate projects, it doesn’t have to be local. With sophisticated remote tools and web-based collaboration, many problems and projects can be addressed remotely. The key is to find a good fit. For onsite service such as network installation or hardware swaps, a good solutions partner can identify and schedule local computer support services as needed or works with a nationwide network experts for repairs, rollouts or other onsite computer support service. If the company isn’t local, ask what provisions it has in place for onsite service.

3. Personalized computer support services

One of the stigmas attached to the tech industry and a common complaint about providers of computer support services is lack of personalization. A good provider of information technology services wants to get to know you, your processes and your employees. The staff should ask questions about what your company does and who the key contacts are to gain a feel for your organization’s culture. Likewise, access to the provider’s staff and resources is equally important. The relationship is going to be much more effective when that company has a mandate for personalized service and an open door to communications.

4. Due diligence

Think of hiring a solutions partner for information technology services like you would hiring someone for your staff. Look for a company that is seeking a long-term partnership. Ask for references. Then find out how long the company has been in business, who you will have access to for a problem or project and how the provider charges for its computer support services.

5. Cohesive approach and good facilitation

The partner that you select should want to take a cohesive approach to understanding your business or organization and help you come up with a customized plan for your technology and web needs, be it a long-range strategy or a specific project. The difference between “Joe-I-Fix-Anything-PCs” and a provider of complete information technology services and solutions is someone who can do a good discovery about your organization and its goals, facilitate the project and help bring together providers for the components outside their expertise. Also, a one-stop shop can provide you with benefits. Keeping your hardware and software purchases, web and computer support services together can provide you economies of scale combined with the convenience of single point of support and access to someone who knows your business.

How to Get the Most Out of the Relationship

6. Identify key problems, goals and areas to improve efficiency

Once you partner with a provider of information technology services and solutions, the first and most important step is an analysis of problems. The more you can communicate about your company, current practices and areas to improve, the more effective your solutions partner can be in coming up with a computer support services plan designed to keep things running smoothly, maximize your assets and move your organization forward.

7. Set up best practices

Typically the biggest challenge small organizations face in being successful is getting out of their own way, seeing the big picture and making the changes necessary for improvements to happen. A good small business IT solutions partner can help you set up best practices to get most out of your investment in information technology services. However, making sure those practices are implemented and followed rests squarely on your shoulders, not on those of your computer support services provider.

8. Avoid costly mistakes – Don’t make impulse purchases

Whereas large companies tend to have a formal evaluation and approval process in place for making technology purchases, many smaller organizations make impulse purchases. Let the company you’ve hired for information technology services do its job and provide you its expertise on purchases. If the company resells hardware and software at competitive rates, purchasing from it can be worthwhile. You’ll have a single point of purchase for computer support services, and the company can recommend hardware and software from manufacturers it has partnerships with and expertise on as well. All of that translates to added benefit to you.

9. Choose managed information technology services designed for business

Small organizations have a tendency to operate off the cuff, looking for freebies or grabbing cheap services not really designed for business. This approach to information technology services can come back to bite you. If you want to grow your business, approach your needs for computer support services like a bigger organization would. If your IT partner makes recommendations on computer support services that you think you can find cheaper elsewhere, take a hard look at what you are getting and how it can really benefit your business. Once you weigh all the benefits, you may find the value to your business growth and offerings far outweighs the cost.

10. Can I still do it myself?

Working with a good provider of information technology services doesn’t mean you can’t do anything yourself. In fact, a reputable and innovative IT company should educate you on how to better manage your technology needs and investments. There are still a lot of day-to-day tasks you can and should do within your organization, depending on your skill level, time and desire. The point is to keep your computer support services partner in the loop and use their expertise and input on major technology decisions.

Conclusion

So, what’s in it for you? By partnering with a provider of information technology services, you’ll find a more thought out, comprehensive approach to small business IT solutions that can increase efficiency, save you money, generate revenue, and help your business succeed

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Technology Vendor Contracting: Breaking the Mold

admin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:31:14 +0000

Timothy Nuckles asked:

Commercial buyers of information technology products and services are locked into a self-defeating pattern of behavior when it comes to negotiating contract terms and conditions with technology vendors, and it is time to move on to a better approach. Better technology vendor negotiations produce better contracts for a technology project, and better contracts produce better project outcomes. So, break the mold and move on to a better way of negotiating contract terms and conditions for your next technology project.

Vendor Contracts – Timing Is Everything

Let us assume that by now you have done a lot of planning and information gathering for your proposed technology project, you have completed a vendor selection process, and now it is time to document your deal with your chosen vendor.

At this stage in the technology procurement process, the most common practice—indeed the almost-universal practice—is to distribute the vendor’s proposed contracts to your project team for review and comment. Then, as if by instinct, everyone starts looking for vendor bias in the contracts. No one has been given this specific directive. You simply assume and expect that everyone knows the drill. Folks on your project team begin striking certain biased provisions and scribbling notes about amending others. For sure, removing or limiting vendor bias in the contracts is a worthwhile exercise, but now is not the time to perform this exercise.

Light bulb on

I had to get several technology deals under my belt before I realized this, but at this early stage of the contracting process, you really need to focus first on terms and conditions that are important to you, not the terms and conditions that are important to your vendor. We know your vendor has included in its specimen contracts (as modified prior to presentation to you) all the terms and conditions of your deal that are important to your vendor. In fact, they are very easy to identify. They are all the contract terms with vendor bias. These provisions are so important to your vendor that it has purposely added bias to them, often with obvious exaggeration and redundancy. Even if your vendor has to bargain down somewhat from these provisions, your vendor is still in a safe position because the starting point was so extreme.

What you should do instead

At this initial stage of contracting, you should ignore your vendor’s proposed contracts. Simply set them aside for the time being, and do this for two reasons.

First, in order to express in writing the terms and conditions that are most important to you, you must actually think of what those terms and conditions might be. Likeable as your vendor may be, your vendor will not have already added to its proposed contracts the terms and conditions most important to you for your particular project. You will have to come up with this stuff on your own.

Second, until you know what terms and conditions are most important to you

for your particular project, you are in no position to challenge your vendor’s biased provisions except in attempt to remove or limit the bias. “I don’t know exactly what impact this provision has on our project, but I know it’s not a provision that helps our cause.” Challenging these provisions in a vacuum does not really help you.

The big picture

Now is the time to start with a fresh, big-picture perspective, and then fill in lots of detail. Circle back to earlier stages of your procurement process and revisit your decisions, your assumptions, and the various things you have learned. As a result of your many meetings and discussions, there may be things that you are now taking for granted: special vendor qualifications, how a particular piece of your project will be orchestrated, acutely risky aspects of your project, and so on. Bring to mind other similar projects within your organization and apply what you learned from those experiences.

Re-acquainting yourself with prior thought processes, discoveries, assumptions, and experiences will help you remember aspects of your project that you previously deemed important—whether because they are critical to project success, they pose a substantial risk within your project, or perhaps both—and it will force you to consider the importance of other elements for the first time. This process will help you build out the terms and conditions for your deal that benefit and protect you, terms and conditions that maximize the probability of project success and minimize project risk.

As part of this process, make a detailed list of list of terms and conditions that are important for your particular project, and:

1) Categorize them by subject matter.

For example, requirements development and prioritization, data mapping, business process issues, software development, application integration, database integration, system integration, testing, implementation, buyer protections, vendor management tools, warranties, etc. When you get around to negotiating the items on your list with your vendor, your project team will have important reference points. “Does this contract item touch implementation? If so, let’s look at our implementation items.”

2) Add qualifiers for each item.

Among other things, qualifiers can include a ranking of particular item’s relative importance within your project (critical to project success, represents substantial risk, wish list, etc.). When you get around to negotiating the items on your list with your vendor, your project team will be less inclined to treat all items on your list as equally important. Almost certainly, not all will be equally important. Your team will have a sense of how hard to push on a particular item, and in terms of the give and take that occurs in any negotiation process, they will have sense of what items to compromise (and by how much) or concede outright if met by strong resistance from your vendor.

3) Add relevant notes and comments for each item.

Among other things, relevant notes to attach to your list items include comments about accountability. Who within your project will be accountable for accomplishing the particular item: your vendor, your internal staff, or some combination? And what should happen if the party with accountability drops the ball?

With this kind of list in hand, you are in a much better position to review your vendor’s proposed contracts. Perhaps most important, you are no longer reviewing the contracts in a vacuum. You are equipped to conduct a truly meaningful review of your vendor’s proposed contracts.

Is there a gap in the vendor’s proposed contracts; that is, an item from your list has not been addressed at all? Is there an inaccuracy in the vendor’s proposed contracts; that is, an item is addressed, but its present treatment does not match your understanding, preference or requirement? Are topics within the contracts miscategorized? Are interrelated items not treated as such? Are accountabilities not clearly established?

An even better approach

Although breaking the mold and adopting the above approach to technology vendor contracting will certainly help you produce better contracts for your next technology project, which contracts should facilitate a better project outcome, there is a way to help yourself even further.

Instead of starting with and working from your vendors’ proposed contracts for your next project, think about developing your own standard agreements to include within your technology procurement process (usually at the RFP stage).

First, develop a neutral or somewhat buyer-favorable Software License Agreement. Find a standard Software License Agreement and neutralize or remove the elements of vendor bias. Then add the buyer-side content that you would normally find yourself negotiating with a typical vendor (were you working from the vendor’s standard Software License Agreement). Next, find a standard Consulting Services Agreement and do the same thing.

You can add your newly-developed standard agreements to your next technology RFP and request that responding vendors either approve your standard agreements as-is, or cite alternative language for provisions they do not find acceptable.

By incorporating your standard agreements into your technology procurement process, you will achieve two important things. First, you will be able—probably for the first time—to evaluate vendor candidates based on one of the most important factors for project success, terms and conditions. You can guage a prospective vendors appetite for terms and conditions that are important to your for your particular project BEFORE you have selected a vendor. It is much harder to win favorable terms and conditions AFTER you have selected the vendor for your project. And second, you will greatly reduce negotiation cycle times.

More and more commercial information technology buyers—of all sizes—are using this approach. It may surprise you to learn that many reputable technology vendors will not only entertain the possibility of working from your standard agreements instead of theirs, they may even welcome the prospect because it saves them time and expense as well.

A word of caution

When you develop your own standard agreements, exercise some discipline. Do not convert a terribly vendor-biased agreement into a terribly buyer-biased agreement. This will not help your cause. Instead, shoot for balance. Software developers, for example, have to protect their rights in their intellectual property, and there a certain limits beyond which they will not venture; for example, an excessively broad license grant. Understand vendor limitations and be fair. Add buyer bias judiciously and only if it is truly important to your organization.

Meet Nuckles at http://www.NucklesLaw.com or visit the firm’s sister site at http://www.TechnologyBuyersAdvocate.com.

© 2008 All rights reserved. Olive Consulting Group LLC / Nuckles Law Firm

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Facing The Facts With An Information Technology Degree

admin — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:46:57 +0000

Andy West asked:

Getting an information technology degree makes perfect sense in a world where the technology’s expansion rate shows no signs of slowing down. Those who love to work with computers and are looking for a solid and dependable career choice would be wise to consider the information technology field. No matter where one goes in the world, IT professionals will find their skills in demand.

It is no secret how much daily life has come to depend on computers and their various aspects. From computer programming to network engineering, the demand for intelligent and detail focused individuals are an essential element. This is especially true if things are expected to stay running in a functional and efficient manner.

Unbeknownst to many, there are a number of different career choices when it comes to the information technology field. While some careers are very detail oriented and have individuals working in solitary environments, others require the cooperation of many departments at a time. While some careers require an individual to think fast on their feet others simply require following preset instructions.

As long as a person has an interest in computers, there is likely a career in information technology that they will find fulfilling. As technology changes so do certain aspects of an information technology career. This guarantees an individual will never get stuck in a rut when it comes to their job.

More often than not, getting an information technology degree will also entail getting a particular type of certification in such areas as Cisco’s CCNA or Microsoft’s MCSE and other applications. These specialized skills can help further their career and gain just the earning power they have been looking for. In fact, many companies only hire individuals with qualifications held in these types of programs.

A reputable information technology program is one that works closely with vendors such as Microsoft to help students get certified in all programs from MCSA and MCAD to Comptia’s A+ or Net+. Because technology changes as rapidly as it does, students may find they will need to update their certification from time to time. However, this keeps them at the forefront of the newest technologies as they emerge.

As technology progresses, the need for computer savvy technicians also rises; however, IT positions are not just filled by those walking in off the street. Until a person gets the right skills with the right education, an IT job will be completely off limits. Taking part in an accredited program will get the wheels going on an individual’s IT career in no time.

Depending on what an individual hopes to achieve, he or she can spend as little as one year learning the ropes for a new IT career. Extensive degrees can take two to four years to complete. The bonus of getting an information technology degree is that a person can build their career goals in the direction that fits them best.

For those already in the field looking to advance themselves, an accredited school can offer financial aid. This can help cut back on the reservations that many adults have about going back to school. Many schools offer financial aid specialists that help individuals hatch just the right plan to get them where they want to go.

An information technology degree has helped many individuals get high paying jobs with both large and small companies in every industry across the board. Some information technology jobs can boast the highest starting salaries of any career choice available. This has made information technology jobs one of the most sought after careers ever.

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Latest Mobile Communications Technologies

admin — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 17:09:56 +0000

Sarvesh Sharma asked:

From the heavy cordless phones of the 1980′s to the smart phones of today, cellular phone technology has undergone a incredible change. But have you ever wondered how you can call to your well wisher in the whole world with the usage of a mobile phone? You also have knowledge about the main features such as WAP and GPRS from the cell phone vendors and service providers. But you must aware of what they really mean?

There are numerous mobile technologies. So next time, when you are going to purchase a phone, you should know what technologies it has.

Generations of mobile communications

In the late 1970s, the first generation (1G) of mobile communications was introduced; it was primarily used for voice transfer. Second generation (2G) systems came into existence in the early 1990s and was further developed to 2.5G, which includes high technologies such as TDMA, GSM and CDMA. These technologies were used for voice and data.

The next generation of mobile communications is 3G which delivers data speeds from 384 kbps to 2 Mbps and over wireless interfaces such as GSM, TDMA and CDMA.

Mobile phone access technologies

Frequency division multiple access (FDMA)

The first-generation analog mobile access method; for each call, FDMA uses separate frequencies. For instance, if there are four stations, each will receive their own frequency. So there is no interference between them. It reduces interference, but limits the number of users.

Time division multiple access (TDMA)

TDMA allocates unique time slots to each user within each channel, thus allowing many users to access the radio frequency without anyone’s interference. Each mobile conversation uses only a particular frequency slot of the time.

Code division multiple access (CDMA)

Commercially introduced in 1995 by Qualcomm, CDMA quickly became one of the world’s fastest-growing wireless technologies. 3G CDMA networks provide more capacity for voice traffic with high-speed data capabilities, hence many cellular service providers are now building or upgrading to it.

CDMA is used in both 2G and 3G wireless technologies. Indian Cell operators such as Reliance IndiaMobile, TATA Indicom, BSNL and MTNL’s Garuda all use CDMA2000 technology and its variant CDMA1x.

Global system for mobile communications (GSM)

GSM is now the worldwide standard technology for mobile communications. It is developed on TDMA protocol in Europe. GSM provides a high level of security, globally accepted technology standards and superior sound quality.

For any GSM phone to work, it needs a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), a card which contains your telephone account information. So, an Indian GSM phone can be used in any part of the world.

Wireless technology platforms

1) GPRS

GPRS (General Packet Radio Services) is an enhancement to GSM technology that integrates GSM and IP technology. GPRS offers to access the Internet at the very high speed. So you can check your email on the move and surf the Web at very high speed. Currently BPL Mobile and Hutch (Orange in Mumbai) offer GPRS services in India.

2) WAP

In this high technology age, people on the move need any-time access to the Net. This is where WAP comes in. It facilitates us to Internet access from cell phones. It is an open standard for wireless protocols that is independent of the service providers. The cell phone must have a WAP browser to display Web content. Now-a-days, cell phones often come equipped with WAP browser and GPRS technology.

WAP and GPRS also enable the user to download games, send mail and even transfer your messages to your PC.

3) EDGE

The new EDGE (Enhanced Data GSM Environment) interface has been developed specifically to meet the bandwidth needs of 3G. This technology is promoted by Ericsson, it also offers high-speed data transfers over GSM networks with just a software upgrade to the handset. EDGE technology allows speeds up to 384 kbps.

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Earning a Technology Degree Online Will Accelerate Your Career

admin — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 04:27:42 +0000

Divya Aggarwal asked:

Technology degrees online are the need of the day, study for them while you work. You will not only gain a valuable degree but enhance your career prospects too.

With technology gaining importance in all processes right from acquiring raw materials, manufacturing to selling etc… you need to equip yourself with a technology degree and move ahead in your career. You may be working too and the idea of joining a full time course is not appealing so.. you should check out the technology degrees online offered by many accredited online colleges.

You can opt for technology degrees online depending upon your field and interest. The popular ones being in information technology, communication technology and system engineering. At the same time you could opt for an associate degree, bachelor’s, masters or even doctorates in technology too.

When being taught for technology degrees online, you will be on par with the latest in technology platforms, with constant interactions with distinguished faculties and have to be involved in degree program. As they have flexible schedules and are quite accommodating to your working hours too.

While thinking on those lines, it would be an ideal option if you arm yourself with an Technology MBA program which covers and educates you in important programs such as enterprise strategy, team building, project management which is what is needed at these times for gaining a good job. The technology degrees will be of great value in your resume, accelerate your career and at the same time prove to be very useful in delivering the best out of you.

The University of Phoenix offers a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Program, Master of Business Administration/Technology Management, Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership/Educational Technology, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology/Software Engineering which could be suitable to opt for in case you are from a business background, education background or an Information Technology background respectively.

Similarly the Westwood college Online, offers a host of technology degrees online especially related to Information Technology such as a Bachelor’s in game art and design, bachelor’s in web design and multimedia, a bachelor’s in computer network management.

So, study your options carefully and opt for a technology degree online as soon as possible from an accredited college to move swiftly ahead in your career and earn good money as well.

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The Latest Patent Applications: Kernel Of Technological Advancement

admin — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 15:53:19 +0000

Danny Wirken asked:

The value of freedom in a country is priceless. If one country has freedom of speech and thought then they are sure to have a bright future ahead of them. How so? If a society has freedom of thought then they are free to explore their interests or whatever else that may pique their curiosity, which could eventually lead them to great knowledge and amazing discoveries.

Take the United States for example. America has surpasses all the other countries of the world not only economically but technologically as well. Although it is true that most technological inventions and other scientific discoveries did not really originated from the Americans themselves but rather are attributed to citizens of other countries. However, it is undeniable that these technological inventions are enhanced and further developed in America. Thanks to America’s innovative patent system these technological inventions are put to better use.

Just what is a patent you asked? The term “patent” is generally defined as a set of exclusive rights granted by the government to a person for a certain period of time (usually for 20 years) in return for the regulated, public disclosure of some information about their invention. It was Thomas Jefferson who initiated the first national patent system in the United States of America during the year 1790. From then on, this exclusive right has been protecting the inventor’s interest by preventing other people from copying, using or selling the already claimed invention.

So how exactly are these patents significant in technological advancement? According to the World Intellectual Property Organization or WIPO about 90% to 95% of all the world’s inventions can be found in patented documents. However, these technological inventions comprise only a small percentage of all the patents that are applied for and granted. Therefore it is safe to assume that the latest patent applications are the kernel of technological advancement.

Take a look closer at the Internet. This technology has undergone numerous changes from the time that the concept of the World Wide Web was first introduced a few decades back. In an attempt to put Internet into better use, various inventors who aim to further develop and enhance the existing models filed numerous patent applications that are related to this technology.

One of the latest patent applications is called system and method for scoping searches using index keys. The invention involves a set of index keys, which is to be included in an index search system that are related with the scope of the search instead of the content of the documents, which are the target of the search. These so-called “scope keys” enables the scope of the search to be customized, thus reducing the number of documents that a search supposed to sort through in order to acquire the results.

Another latest patent application that is related to technological advancement in the Internet is the “system and method for performing a search and a browse on a query”. Now, in this invention a search and a browse on a single user query is executed. Then a refined query is chosen from the results of the first user query. After that, a list of concepts from a first directory that are related with the refined query is acquired.

Here, the “concepts” are categorized in a hierarchical relationship. Concepts with broader scope are obtains a higher position. Meanwhile, the concepts with narrower scope get a lower position in the hierarchy. In addition, a list of web sites that related with the search concept is also acquired from a second directory.

The forming intent-based clusters and employing same by search, is also a patent application that is related in further enhancing the Internet. This patent application is associated to a system and method that will be use for identifying and forming intent-based clusters based on search requests that were sent by the users to the search engines, as well as to the search engine utilizing the formed intent-based clusters to answer the search requests made by the users. To be more precise, the invention is associated to recognizing and utilizing intent-based clusters so that a search made by a user with similar intent may receive a respond more quickly and efficiently. Most importantly, with search results that more directed to the search of the user.

All three patent applications are dedicated in making the Internet searching process less complicated and not to mention, much more efficient in terms of coming up with results.

Today, patents are considered as the leading source of technological information that is vital in technological advancement. Thanks to the innovative Information Technology industry, particularly to the Internet, the general public can now easily access these constructive documents. Just about anyone who is familiar with the Internet can browse through different patent databases available and obtain the specific patent document that they needed.

There are various patent databases that are accessible by the public, USPTO, EPO, JPO, to name just a few. For instance, if you are looking for patents that are related to a certain technological area you will find countless information regarding the entire process of technological innovation, such as the evolutionary path of a specific technology, it’s technological development, technological diversification, technology merges, as well as the major players in specific technological area, and the key points of the specific technology.

The secret behind each major technological advancement and inventions are thousands of patents that were applied, filed and then put it into practical use. Fortunately for us the public are well aware of the significance of patent application in developing tomorrow’s technology. The number of patent applications is growing at an enormously fast rate. Inventors not only from America but from other countries as well, are diligently working on their inventions as well as on patenting their ideas — a clear indication that our nation’s future is indeed in good hands. For as long as the American government continues to nurture innovation, then they will remain as global leaders both in economy as well as technology.

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Benefits of Video Conferencing and Technology Videos

admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:32:17 +0000

Jacob Brown asked:

Video conferencing is a technology that helps many a Multinational Company to thrive in spite of operating from different functional bases at different poles of the world. For these companies, the technology of video conferencing ensures better reach across globe and benefit from multi-point client interactions possible. Add to it the advent of Internet. In addition video conferencing, another cost-efficient and effective means of updating men around the globe about a new development is one that comes by the shape of technology videos. Forget about how a distant and inconvenient place a company is operating from, technology videos and technology news and video conferencing means that right information is passed on the stakeholders at the right time.

Video Conferencing nowadays are also been used as a strong means of partnering when used in cooperation with right hardware and information sharing platform. All the employees of a multinational company taking part in video interaction have the dual benefit of seeing their counterparts as well as the technology news all at one place. And yes they can participate in real time communication as well.

All types of official information relating to various fields of induction, training, research, which otherwise would have been too much dependent on paper, can be presented using these upgraded medium of technology videos.

Technology videos – be it via video conferencing or Internet, can be helpful in a variety of domains. Educational training, business meetings, instructional training and collaborative communication with health officials are some of the areas where benefits of technology videos can be felt.

Video conferencing helps people staying in remote locations to communicate with outer world without much traveling or expenses. People today are getting to access and use technology videos more easily. Evidently, because web and its far-flung reach, information about latest in technology is getting disseminated at a faster pace, the same is also welcoming people to collaborate more freely and willingly. Students can take advantage of video conferencing and technology news to attend classes at distant locations that in normal conditions would have been impossible Students can also attend distant classes via video conferencing and continue an alternate career alongside.

Video conferencing, technology video and technology news can stimulate enhanced knowledge sharing, brainstorming and information gathering. Businesses can use video conferencing to provide official presentations to the clients and members of an organization or to solicit new clients in a professional manner, regardless of their location.

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