Should We Work Off a Cloud?

Today, we hear more and more about saving everything “to the cloud.”And, with all of the different software programs that work off a cloud, the big question seems to be “Should we work off a cloud?”We save our photos and all of our information from our iPhones to the i Cloud, and we store and back up information and files on Carbonite and similar back up service provides.So why not work from cloud-based software technologies?With so many small businesses and individuals going in that direction, now is a good time to go over the good and the bad from working off a cloud. 

What is the Cloud?

Before we go any further, it is probably a good idea to define a cloud.The “cloud” is a fluffy (we know—we could not help ourselves) name for a shared network.Essentially, instead of having the necessary software or programs on an in-house server, they are stored on a cloud that is accessible from any Hampton Roads and Outer Banks Internet service providers and shared with many other users who access the cloud-based program via user names and passwords.

As technology progresses, software programs are being designed every day to work “on a cloud.”  For those who are considering a shift to computing on the cloud, following are advantages and disadvantages as we see them. 

Advantages of Cloud-Based Technologies

Working on the cloud can be very beneficial for all involved.Following are some of the main advantages of cloud-based technologies:

Change Immediately with Needs and Demands.Whether your business is growing or scaling back, cloud-based technologies allow companies to change immediately according to needs and demands.Because of this, the cost of adjusting and adding to the infrastructure is much less. 

More Cost Efficient.Not only does it do away with the need of an in-house IT professional, it lessens the necessity of buying desktop software, additional hardware, licensing fees and more which tend to be very costly. 

Access the Cloud from Anywhere.With technology as it is today, employees and independent contractors work for companies no matter where they live.With cloud-based technologies, it is possible to work from anywhere in the world as long as they have Internet access. 

Disadvantages of Cloud Based Technologies

With every advantage there are also drawbacks.Following are the disadvantages of computing cloud-based technologies:

Technical Problems.The biggest issue with computing on a cloud has to do with technical problems.If there are technical problems (and there will be), everyone working on that cloud must put their work on hold.Whether caused by a system outage or being temporarily shut down for updates and maintenance, every so often it is impossible to access.Even though it is really the main disadvantage, it is not an issue exclusive to the cloud.Technological problems happen on local servers,too.It is part of the game when it comes to technology and the Internet.

Inflexibility.While most cloud-based software systems are very flexible and offer businesses the opportunity to tailor the technology to fit their parameters, some may not be as flexible.This issue can be a moot point if decision makers review and test different programs to make sure they allow businesses to add and delete users as well as tailor the programs to fit their needs and demands.Those offering free trials, detailed demonstrations, and customizations to fit the needs of the companies working on that cloud are the primary choices that should be considered.

Cloud-Based Technology is an Excellent Option

While there are a few disadvantages that are important considerations, cloud-based technology is an excellent option for small businesses.It helps companies maintain a firm handle on their Hampton Roads and Outer Banks computer needs by keeping their fixed expenses down along with having more extensive IT options.  

For more Contact:

8452 Caratoke Hwy, Suite 702,

Powells Point, NC 27966

252-491-8306
http://www.vbltech.com/

info@vbltech.com

   

Appetizing Apps: Domino’s Gobbles up the Competition with Digital

In 2009, Domino’s Pizza announced that it was improving the quality of their pies,and since January 2010 they have watched their shares jump up by 750%. This year Domino’s shares went up an impressive 51% but it’s not simply the better ingredients in the pizzas that have boosted this year’ssales.

Apart from the increase in overseas sales, the main ingredient for the company’s recent growth has been investments in digital and mobile marketing. Their apps promise to make placing and tracking orders faster and easier for customers.

Domino’s research shows that customers order pizza 21 times every year and that six or seven of these orders comes to them. “Loyalty is not strong, we think—that’s why we are so focused on the digital because we think it’s one of the fronts that will enhance our loyalty,” saidDomino’s CFO, Michael Lawton.

The company has mobile ordering applications that are compatible with about 95% of smartphones. IPhone, Kindle, and Android users can download their mobile apps at https://order.dominos.com/en/pages/content/content.jsp?page=apps&so=hp. In August 2013, Domino’s launched a “Pizza Profiles” campaign that encouraged online customers to save their personal information so that they can reorder their favorite items in as little as five clicks, or about 30 seconds.Domino’s claims that it generates $2 billion in worldwide digital sales per year of which 35% is generated by mobile devices. CEO Patrick Doyle attributeshigher customer loyalty and order frequency to its digital ordering system.

A Mobile Marketing Lesson for Any Business

Business owners in any industry can see the value in this news release: develop a mobile website or get left behind by the competition. You might not need to develop a custom app for your company but you must have a mobile-friendly website that allows people to buy or book your products or services. Not only will a mobile-friendly website make smartphone and tablet users happy, Google will demote your site’s ranking if you don’t have a one. You can read more about Google’s search ranking demotion on Paveya’s blog: http://www.paveya.com/seo-get-mobile-friendly-get-demoted-by-google/.

For more Contact:

8452 Caratoke Hwy, Suite 702,

Powells Point, NC 27966

252-491-8306
http://www.vbltech.com/

info@vbltech.com

   

Blog Action Day 2013: Human Rights and Our Responsibility to the Community

It’s difficult to believe that we still live in a world where basic human rights are at risk. Here we are, high-speed internet and advanced technologies at our disposal, while the less fortunate in the distant corners of the world struggle to find clean water to drink. And with the current political climate bringing our nation to a state of turmoil, it’s important to take a step back and reflect.

If your family member gets sick or breaks a bone but doesn’t have health insurance, a hospital will still take him in and treat him. That’s the beauty of this nation—healthcare is available to everyone. That’s not true for many people around the world.And at the risk of sounding haughty, this issue seems somewhat trivial in light of this year’s Blog Action Day.

Since its inception in 2007, Blog Action Day has called all bloggers to contribute to one single topic on the same day in an effort to evoke discussion and spread awareness of said topic.Today, October 16, 2013, is that day, and the people behind Blog Action Day have elected human rights as their topic of choice.

In honor of Blog Action Day, we want to call attention to the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).The Declaration, which was established in 1948 at the end of WWII, proclaims the basic innate human rights.It serves as the recognition of the “inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family” which is the “foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world” (www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/).This document came at a time when it was essential to promote the human conscience and their reaffirmed faith in fundamental human rights and in the dignity and worth of each human being.

There are those, however, that still cannot attain the basic human rights outlined in this document.The freedoms we enjoy in this country, such as freedom of religion and freedom of speech, are too often taken for granted. We can attend a church of our choosing without prejudice, and we can speak out in protest of injustice.In a country where we are awarded so many freedoms and liberties, it’s easy to overlook the oppression going on in your own backyard. This is why it’s imperative that we draw our attention to one Article of the Universal Declaration of Human rights in particular—Article 29, which draws attention to our responsibility for our community.

Yes, we have human rights, but with those rights, we carry responsibilities—the responsibility to look out for our fellow citizens. We are not to impair others from gaining access to their basic rights but called to help where we can.The acknowledgement of this duty can appear a daunting task, but small efforts can lead to world-wide change.That’s why this responsibility starts in your own community.

At VBL Technologies, we are concerned over the well-being of our neighbors, and we are passionate about helping our community thrive. We think it’s not enough to simply participate, but we must also be good stewards of what we have to give. Article 25 of the UDHR—which acknowledges a person’s right to an adequate standard of living in accordance with health and well-being, including food and clean water—moves us to action. Practically speaking, we can see this through by serving as a corporate sponsor of Backpacks for Kids, a program that provides backpacks for kids full of nutritious food for children living in food-insecure homes. This, combined with educational materials about health issues, is available for them to take home during a weekend or a break from school. To continue the tradition, we provide ongoing monetary donations and volunteer support to our local food bank that helps to feed about 800 people per month.

We were honored to be this year’s recipient of the Currituck Chamber of Commerce’s Corporate Community Service Award.We acknowledge this honor not out of pride but to encourage others to get involved as well. In knowing the responsibility we carry for those around us, we focus our philanthropic efforts towards organizations who concentrate on poverty and hunger, education, and health (preventive and basic health care). We only hope that our small contributions can make a difference, and as best we can, we will continue to support the efforts being made in our community to adhere to these universal human rights.

What will you do today to make a different in your local community or abroad?

For more Contact:

8452 Caratoke Hwy, Suite 702,

Powells Point, NC 27966

252-491-8306
http://www.vbltech.com/

info@vbltech.com

   

Windows XP and Office 2003:Scheduled Retirement Invites Hackers

When Microsoft retires Windows XP on April 8, 2014, security experts say that the aged operating system will be open to hackers.

This means that XP users must take action. After retirement, Microsoft states that there will be "no new security updates, non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options or online technical content updates."

Why Microsoft will End Support for Windows XP

In 2002 Microsoft introduced its "Support Lifecycle" policy in response to customers asking for more "transparency and predictability of support for Microsoft products". So Microsoft business and developer products, including Windows and Office products, are given a minimum of 10 years of support (5 years Mainstream Support and 5 years Extended Support). So, time is up.

What Retirement Means for Windows XP Users

So what does end of support mean to customers? XP users will be vulnerable to security hacks unless they upgrade their operating system. Here are a few details from microsoft.com:

"Running Windows XP SP3 and Office 2003 in your environment after their end of support date may expose your company to potential risks, such as:

·         Security & Compliance Risks: Unsupported and unpatched environments are vulnerable to security risks. This may result in an officially recognized control failure by an internal or external audit body, leading to suspension of certifications, and/or public notification of the organization’s inability to maintain its systems and customer information.

·         Lack of Independent Software Vendor (ISV) & Hardware Manufacturers support: A recent industry report from Gartner Research suggests 'many independent software vendors (ISVs) are unlikely to support new versions of applications on Windows XP in 2011; in 2012, it will become common.' And it may stifle access to hardware innovation: Gartner Research further notes that in 2012, most PC hardware manufacturers will stop supporting Windows XP on the majority of their new PC models."

(Source: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/endofsupport.aspx)

Retirement Opens the Door to Hackers

According to many security experts, cyber criminals will wait until Microsoft retires XP and stops patching the outdated operating system before they unleash their "exploit code" (security and compliance bugs). Then hackers will sell their code to hackers or release the exploits themselves on unprotected PCs.

Tim Rains, Microsoft's Director of Trustworthy Computing wrote, "After April 8, 2014, organizations that continue to run Windows XP won’t have this advantage over attackers any longer. The very first month that Microsoft releases security updates for supported versions of Windows, attackers will reverse engineer those updates, find the vulnerabilities and test Windows XP to see if it shares those vulnerabilities. If it does, attackers will attempt to develop exploit code that can take advantage of those vulnerabilities on Windows XP."

Without official patching from Microsoft, “XP hacker attacks and their associated exploits could remain effective for months, maybe even years, depending on how well security software detects and quarantines such attacks”.

outer banks computer 

If you or your business has any computers running Windows XP or Office 2003 (or older), it is advisable to immediately begin making plans for replacement.  Contact VBL Technologies to develop a migration strategy to minimize disruption and keep costs to a minimum.

To learn more about migration and deployment options, please contact VBL Technologies, a Certified Microsoft Partner, at 252.491.8306.

For more Contact:

8452 Caratoke Hwy, Suite 702,

Powells Point, NC 27966

252-491-8306
http://www.vbltech.com/

info@vbltech.com