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To activate CloudFare for your hosting account, email customer support.
Or if you don't have an IES hosting account, call us at 781-816-9437 to
get started today.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Your Internet provider is spying on you!
The five major Internet service providers (AT&T, Cablevision, Verizon, Time Warner, and Comcast) have signed onto help copyright holders "educate" consumers downloading copyrighted movies, games, music, and more. How? By spying on their customers.
The Copyright Alert System, aka "six strikes," kicked off today with the cooperation of five major Internet service providers. The goal of the new campaign is to curb copyright infringement by going after consumers rather than pirates.
While the CAS seems like something that would raise the hackles of privacy and civil liberty groups, the plan isn't to arrest, sue, or fine people downloading illegal movies, games, or music. Instead, the group managing the program -- the Center for Copyright Information -- says its objective is to "educate" such downloaders that they are infringing on protected intellectual copyrights
Under graduated response, or six strikes, entertainment companies will notify a participating Internet service providers that a customer has allegedly been pirating movies or TV shows illegally. The bandwidth provider will then send a notice intended to educate the customer about the consequences of downloading unauthorized content.
The Internet service provider is then supposed to gradually ratcheting up the pressure on customers who ignore the warnings. Eventually, after six warnings, they can choose to suspend service. Graduated response, however, does not include the termination of service. Customers wrongly accused can appeal to their company and take their case to an arbitration group for review. The plan doesn't protect Internet consumers from being sued by copyright owners, however.
Some ways that pirated material is shared on the Internet, such as cyberlockers, e-mail attachments, and Dropbox folders, are not included under six strikes.
Source: CNET
The Copyright Alert System, aka "six strikes," kicked off today with the cooperation of five major Internet service providers. The goal of the new campaign is to curb copyright infringement by going after consumers rather than pirates.
While the CAS seems like something that would raise the hackles of privacy and civil liberty groups, the plan isn't to arrest, sue, or fine people downloading illegal movies, games, or music. Instead, the group managing the program -- the Center for Copyright Information -- says its objective is to "educate" such downloaders that they are infringing on protected intellectual copyrights
Under graduated response, or six strikes, entertainment companies will notify a participating Internet service providers that a customer has allegedly been pirating movies or TV shows illegally. The bandwidth provider will then send a notice intended to educate the customer about the consequences of downloading unauthorized content.
The Internet service provider is then supposed to gradually ratcheting up the pressure on customers who ignore the warnings. Eventually, after six warnings, they can choose to suspend service. Graduated response, however, does not include the termination of service. Customers wrongly accused can appeal to their company and take their case to an arbitration group for review. The plan doesn't protect Internet consumers from being sued by copyright owners, however.
Some ways that pirated material is shared on the Internet, such as cyberlockers, e-mail attachments, and Dropbox folders, are not included under six strikes.
Source: CNET
Friday, February 22, 2013
Google seeks test subjects for new smart glasses. What's the catch? You have to pay them $1,500!
Google has announced that it plans to release a small number of Google Glass products....the glasses that do everything. (As they should for a whopping $1,500 + tax).
Interested in becoming a tester (or "explorer" as Google puts it)? In order to be a Glass tester, you need to get noticed. How? Of course through social media. But that's not all you need. If selected, you'll have to cough up $1,500 (plus applicable taxes) and attend a "special pick-up experience," in person, in New York, San Francisco or Los Angeles (at your expense).
Definitely a great piece of technology anyone would want to have. But personally, at $1,500 for just a test pair, I'll pass.
From the Google Glass website:
We’re looking for bold, creative individuals who want to join us and be a part of shaping the future of Glass. We’d love to make everyone an Explorer, but we’re starting off a bit smaller. We’re still in the early stages, and while we can’t promise everything will be perfect, we can promise it will be exciting
Using Google+ or Twitter, tell us what you would do if you had Glass, starting with the hashtag #ifihadglass.
Interested in becoming a tester (or "explorer" as Google puts it)? In order to be a Glass tester, you need to get noticed. How? Of course through social media. But that's not all you need. If selected, you'll have to cough up $1,500 (plus applicable taxes) and attend a "special pick-up experience," in person, in New York, San Francisco or Los Angeles (at your expense).
Definitely a great piece of technology anyone would want to have. But personally, at $1,500 for just a test pair, I'll pass.
From the Google Glass website:
We’re looking for bold, creative individuals who want to join us and be a part of shaping the future of Glass. We’d love to make everyone an Explorer, but we’re starting off a bit smaller. We’re still in the early stages, and while we can’t promise everything will be perfect, we can promise it will be exciting
Using Google+ or Twitter, tell us what you would do if you had Glass, starting with the hashtag #ifihadglass.
- Your application must be 50 words or less
- You must include #ifihadglass in your application
- You can include up to 5 photos with your application
- You can include a short video (15 secs max)
- Be sure to follow us on Google+ (+ProjectGlass) or Twitter (@projectglass) so that we can contact you directly
- You must be at least 18 years old and live in the U.S. to apply
- For more details, please see our full Terms and FAQ
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Have you been Scroogled by Google? (Yes, scroogle is a real word).
"Think Google respects your privacy? Think again.
Google goes through every Gmail that's sent or received, looking for keywords so they can target Gmail users with paid ads. And there's no way to opt out of this invasion of your privacy. Outlook.com is different—we don't go through your email to sell ads."Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Burger King has been hacked!
The Twitter account associated with the fast-food chain Burger King was
suspended after an apparent hacking that defaced the page with messages
that the account had been sold to rival McDonald's.
The @BurgerKing account name was changed today to "McDonalds" and the Golden Arches' familiar logo was added to the page, as was a message that the account had been sold to McDonald's "because the whopper flopped."
The page has since been taken down, but images of the defacement are still visible on Web cache.
Before the feed's suspension, hackers posted tweets that included racial epithets to Burger King's some 83,000 followers -- a tally that ballooned by about 25,000 to more than 108,000 after the hack.
The online hacktivist collective Anonymous appeared to take responsibility for the hack in a tweet that mentioned a new operation dubbed #OpMadCow, although it was not immediately clear what the aim of that campaign was.
Burger King said it shut down the feed when it learned of the hack and apologized for the unauthorized content tweeted from the account this morning.
"We have worked directly with administrators to suspend the account until we are able to re-establish our legitimate site and authentic postings," the company said in a statement. "We apologize to our fans and followers who have been receiving erroneous tweets about other members of our industry and additional inappropriate topics."
See a screenshot of the Twitter account below:
The @BurgerKing account name was changed today to "McDonalds" and the Golden Arches' familiar logo was added to the page, as was a message that the account had been sold to McDonald's "because the whopper flopped."
The page has since been taken down, but images of the defacement are still visible on Web cache.
Before the feed's suspension, hackers posted tweets that included racial epithets to Burger King's some 83,000 followers -- a tally that ballooned by about 25,000 to more than 108,000 after the hack.
The online hacktivist collective Anonymous appeared to take responsibility for the hack in a tweet that mentioned a new operation dubbed #OpMadCow, although it was not immediately clear what the aim of that campaign was.
Burger King said it shut down the feed when it learned of the hack and apologized for the unauthorized content tweeted from the account this morning.
"We have worked directly with administrators to suspend the account until we are able to re-establish our legitimate site and authentic postings," the company said in a statement. "We apologize to our fans and followers who have been receiving erroneous tweets about other members of our industry and additional inappropriate topics."
See a screenshot of the Twitter account below:
Monday, February 18, 2013
Avoid these five mistakes and keep your customers happy...
Entrepreneurs will fight tooth and nail in their quests to get ahead.
Always on the lookout for the fast track to success, we want the tips
and tricks to become the next Mark Cuban or Bill Gates and we want them now.
Unfortunately, it's not that easy.
We have to start somewhere, though. No matter how big or small your entrepreneurial aspirations may be, it all comes back to square one. That is; are customers coming through the door? Whether you're running the corner store or a multi-billion dollar web conglomerate, the wheels don't turn unless your customers are helping put money in your pocket.
Oftentimes we focus on how to acquire more customers, although perhaps we should take some time and consider how businesses manage to lose customers. It's rather common for businesses to go downhill quickly. For example, how often do we see the one of the best restaurants in town with a great location fall to pieces under new management? How often do we see businesses experience a boom just before they go under?
Losing customers is a slippery slope. A strong customer base is one of the most powerful weapons in a small business' arsenal. As soon as that base begins to crumble, your business has to work quickly so that its foundation doesn't crumble as well. Is your business keeping up with its customers? Consider the following ways that many businesses today are losing their followers:
A Failure to Communicate
One of the quickest and easiest ways to lose out on both potential and existing customers is by being clear. From the world "go," customers should know how to reach you, find your store, your Facebook, etc. There's no need to make the process of obtaining such information into a challenge or puzzle; if you do, such customers will just move on to another business that's more visible.
Furthermore, ensure that you're speaking to your audience and being cordial at all times. How you communicate, both online and off, is paramount in regard to customer service. Whether talking to a customer online or standing five feet away from you, be polite and welcoming. If it feels as if customers are shying away from you or your business, the problem is most likely yours, not theirs. Communication is a two-way street; therefore, always consider how you approach others and they approach you whenever you're doing business.
Not Looking the Part
Regardless of your industry or business, keeping up a professional look is key. Once again, this rule applies both online and offline. Your business' website should be modern and presentable, not resembling something that just stepped out of 1996. Additionally, you and your employees need to look like you care. Whether you do this through uniforms or business attire is completely you to.
While some entrepreneurs may roll their eyes at such advice, there's no denying that first appearances count. Looking the part will help let your potential customers know that you're putting forth an effort. Ask yourself what sort of message your business is sending out through it's outward appearance, both online and off.
Not Living Up to Expectations
By failing to live up to the expectations of your customers, you immediately betray their trust. Don't advertise a product or service that you don't provide. Never say your product does this when it really does that. Don't advertise this sale when you're having that sale. There's no need for your business to lie or live in the fine print; your customers will see right through cheap tactics and it'll leave a bad taste in their mouths. Chances are, they won't be back.
Customers both old and new should feel welcomed, not trapped or tricked.
Bad Information
Whether you're trying to reach a new audience or client, you're going to need to know exactly who you're talking to before you carry out a successful strategy. You wouldn't go blindly into a meeting or job interview without researching the new company first, would you? Improper research can lead to awkward situations or even cause your customers to think that you don't care. If you can't take the time to research your customers, why should they consider doing business with you?
Every business must take the time to conduct proper research and testing for every new initiative or project they roll out. Don't make assumptions when it comes to your customers, especially if your business is still wet behind the ears.
Coming On Too Strong
Being overly aggressive is poison to the modern small business. You don't have to play hard to get, but there's no need to drown your customers in sales language, useless information and a do-or-die attitude. Instead, speak their language, be cordial and reasonable. Take to your customers, not at them.
Don't sound rehearsed. Don't sound like a robot. Don't cause your customers to believe that their wallet is the only thing on your mind. Relax. While there's nothing wrong with giving customers a bit of a push when it comes to making decisions, don't push them over the edge. Not everyone is going to want to do business with you. Guess what? That's okay.
The Bottom Line
Your customers are the foundation of your business; treat them well and you'll prosper. Don't let the foundation of your small business crumble due to poor decision making or simple mistakes. Are you rolling out the red carpet for your customers?
__________________________________________________________________________________
About the author: Brent Barnhart is a young yet avid writer with a wide range of interests and specialties. Whether it’s music journalism, technical editing, or literary criticism, there is little ground that Brent hasn’t covered through the written word. He writes with the intention of leaving an impression, following the belief that any piece (as “boring” as it potentially could be) has the ability to capture.
Unfortunately, it's not that easy.
We have to start somewhere, though. No matter how big or small your entrepreneurial aspirations may be, it all comes back to square one. That is; are customers coming through the door? Whether you're running the corner store or a multi-billion dollar web conglomerate, the wheels don't turn unless your customers are helping put money in your pocket.
Oftentimes we focus on how to acquire more customers, although perhaps we should take some time and consider how businesses manage to lose customers. It's rather common for businesses to go downhill quickly. For example, how often do we see the one of the best restaurants in town with a great location fall to pieces under new management? How often do we see businesses experience a boom just before they go under?
Losing customers is a slippery slope. A strong customer base is one of the most powerful weapons in a small business' arsenal. As soon as that base begins to crumble, your business has to work quickly so that its foundation doesn't crumble as well. Is your business keeping up with its customers? Consider the following ways that many businesses today are losing their followers:
A Failure to Communicate
One of the quickest and easiest ways to lose out on both potential and existing customers is by being clear. From the world "go," customers should know how to reach you, find your store, your Facebook, etc. There's no need to make the process of obtaining such information into a challenge or puzzle; if you do, such customers will just move on to another business that's more visible.
Furthermore, ensure that you're speaking to your audience and being cordial at all times. How you communicate, both online and off, is paramount in regard to customer service. Whether talking to a customer online or standing five feet away from you, be polite and welcoming. If it feels as if customers are shying away from you or your business, the problem is most likely yours, not theirs. Communication is a two-way street; therefore, always consider how you approach others and they approach you whenever you're doing business.
Not Looking the Part
Regardless of your industry or business, keeping up a professional look is key. Once again, this rule applies both online and offline. Your business' website should be modern and presentable, not resembling something that just stepped out of 1996. Additionally, you and your employees need to look like you care. Whether you do this through uniforms or business attire is completely you to.
While some entrepreneurs may roll their eyes at such advice, there's no denying that first appearances count. Looking the part will help let your potential customers know that you're putting forth an effort. Ask yourself what sort of message your business is sending out through it's outward appearance, both online and off.
Not Living Up to Expectations
By failing to live up to the expectations of your customers, you immediately betray their trust. Don't advertise a product or service that you don't provide. Never say your product does this when it really does that. Don't advertise this sale when you're having that sale. There's no need for your business to lie or live in the fine print; your customers will see right through cheap tactics and it'll leave a bad taste in their mouths. Chances are, they won't be back.
Customers both old and new should feel welcomed, not trapped or tricked.
Bad Information
Whether you're trying to reach a new audience or client, you're going to need to know exactly who you're talking to before you carry out a successful strategy. You wouldn't go blindly into a meeting or job interview without researching the new company first, would you? Improper research can lead to awkward situations or even cause your customers to think that you don't care. If you can't take the time to research your customers, why should they consider doing business with you?
Every business must take the time to conduct proper research and testing for every new initiative or project they roll out. Don't make assumptions when it comes to your customers, especially if your business is still wet behind the ears.
Coming On Too Strong
Being overly aggressive is poison to the modern small business. You don't have to play hard to get, but there's no need to drown your customers in sales language, useless information and a do-or-die attitude. Instead, speak their language, be cordial and reasonable. Take to your customers, not at them.
Don't sound rehearsed. Don't sound like a robot. Don't cause your customers to believe that their wallet is the only thing on your mind. Relax. While there's nothing wrong with giving customers a bit of a push when it comes to making decisions, don't push them over the edge. Not everyone is going to want to do business with you. Guess what? That's okay.
The Bottom Line
Your customers are the foundation of your business; treat them well and you'll prosper. Don't let the foundation of your small business crumble due to poor decision making or simple mistakes. Are you rolling out the red carpet for your customers?
__________________________________________________________________________________
About the author: Brent Barnhart is a young yet avid writer with a wide range of interests and specialties. Whether it’s music journalism, technical editing, or literary criticism, there is little ground that Brent hasn’t covered through the written word. He writes with the intention of leaving an impression, following the belief that any piece (as “boring” as it potentially could be) has the ability to capture.
Friday, February 15, 2013
To offset and prepare for the additional costs facing small businesses, start implementing these cost-saving tactics...
Saving money on business expenses is often less about doing one or two
major things to slash your budget, and more about implementing a range
of cost-cutting measures that together make a big difference. A
significant part of the process is adjusting your outlook to find
savings wherever and whenever you can. Within the current economic
environment where many businesses are struggling, deals are to be had.
It just takes a keen eye to not let any savings opportunity pass you by.
To offset and prepare for the additional costs facing small businesses, start implementing the following cost-saving tactics:
About the author: Andrew Schrage is the co-owner of the financial resource, Money Crashers Personal Finance, which covers topics including money management, small business, taxes, investing, and more.
To offset and prepare for the additional costs facing small businesses, start implementing the following cost-saving tactics:
- Save on Supplies
Depending on the nature of your business, office supplies can be a major expense. If you aren't already, take a few minutes to shop online or in your hometown for deals on the items you use most. Or assign this task to one of your staff. Weigh the convenience factor against your cost-savings as some deals will be worth it and others won't. Also, consider your local office supply retailer - several times throughout the year many offer a range of supplies (including printer paper, batteries, and Post-it notes) essentially for free after a 100% cash back rebate. You need to sign up for that retailer's rewards program to be alerted to upcoming sales. - Save on Equipment
When upgrading or replacing equipment, think used and think online. Amazon, eBay, and Craigslist are all great resources to buy gently used equipment at significant discounts. In fact, many items listed as "used" online are practically new. - Cut Advertising Costs
Focus on your social media campaign to reduce advertising costs. Define your goals and measure the results on sites like Facebook and Twitter to make sure you're meeting those goals. Also, be sure to devote enough time to the effort - either your own or the time of one of your staff. Respond to questions quickly, and post engaging content to encourage feedback from your readers. It also helps to regularly hold promotions for free services or products as well. - Maximize Tax Deductions
Work with a qualified accountant to make sure you don't miss any tax deductions for your small business. For example, if you employ fewer than 25 people and have wages of $50,000 or less, you can qualify for a payroll tax credit of up to 35% of the cost of health insurance for your staff. For a complete list of deductions and credits, consult the IRS website. - Go Paperless
Receiving, sorting through, opening, and filing paper bills requires time that you could devote to money-making activities. Opt for online bill delivery to streamline the process. Also, by encouraging your customers to receive bills electronically, you'll save on the costs of paper and postage.
About the author: Andrew Schrage is the co-owner of the financial resource, Money Crashers Personal Finance, which covers topics including money management, small business, taxes, investing, and more.
We all know "that" business. The one we envy and want to be. Here's how to accomplish just that...
Learn From Your Mistakes
Businesses run into a lot of roadblocks. We constantly hear about the struggles of small businesses, where things went wrong in certain companies, and how to move forward. Sometimes it's hard to recover from mistakes; either our pride or egos take a big hit or we suffer a huge financial blow. Regardless, making mistakes is part of the process of running any business. From those mistakes we better understand what path to take our businesses as we learn that certain paths just plain aren't working out.
Nobody's perfect. Even Mark Zuckerberg makes mistakes. The key is that we don't keep repeating the same mistakes and are willing to admit that something has gone wrong.
Regret is only natural, especially when we sink a lot of time and money into a project that flops. In reality, it's just another lesson learned. This is a tough pill to swallow, but consider your mistakes as an opportunity for your business to ask more questions, set better goals and determine where it needs to go.
Wise Businesses Don't Waste Time
Businesses can't afford to waste time. This may sound like an extremely elementary principle; however, many small businesses sink their time and money into various avenues in order to avoid the reality of business. Being a small business owner isn't temporary. It's a commitment. Moreover, it's a lifestyle.
It's often said that "you get out what you put in". So, what are you putting into your business? What do you expect to get out of it? Many people turn to entrepreneurship because they want to be their own boss or their sick of the 9-to-5 grind. For such people, the reality of today's business world is sobering. It's definitely a challenge; however, the rewards are great for those who manage to stick it out.
Wise Businesses Know the Value of a Dollar
Time is money. Just as businesses today can't afford to waste time, they also can't afford to waste precious capital.
Companies like Apple, Starbucks and Dell all came from next to nothing. Small investments don't seem so small when their applied to big ideas and innovations. Entrepreneurs have proven that you can build an empire from your parent's garage or with next to nothing.
What is your business capable of? How far can you stretch a dollar? Keep such questions in mind before you splash cash on your business.
__________________________________________________________________________________
About the author: Brent Barnhart is a young yet avid writer with a wide range of interests and specialties. Whether it’s music journalism, technical editing, or literary criticism, there is little ground that Brent hasn’t covered through the written word. He writes with the intention of leaving an impression, following the belief that any piece (as “boring” as it potentially could be) has the ability to captur.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
HP to make an Android tablet.
HP is well known for their Windows 8 tablet. But they hope to now break into the crowded Android market. Their first
Android tablet will be considered high end being based on Nvidia's upcoming Tegra 4 chip.
An Nvidia Tegra 4-based Android tablet would likely be one of the faster Android devices on the market -- if HP comes out with it soon. The Tegra 4 is one of the first quad-core chips based on ARM's new Cortex-A15 design.
HP is also exploring an Android phone, though this is less of certainty at this point, the report said.
An Nvidia Tegra 4-based Android tablet would likely be one of the faster Android devices on the market -- if HP comes out with it soon. The Tegra 4 is one of the first quad-core chips based on ARM's new Cortex-A15 design.
HP is also exploring an Android phone, though this is less of certainty at this point, the report said.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Are you Twitter addicted? Are you a shopaholic? You're life just got a whole lot easier!
Twitter and American Express have just announced their new partnership, Amex Sync, on Twitter. Here’s how it works:
As a special introductory offer, American Express kicked off the new partnership with a $25 American Express gift card for $15 to those who signed up and tweeted #BuyAmexGiftCard25 as part of a limited deal that expires March 13.
Source: The Business Journals
- First, American Express cardholders sync their card with their Twitter account.
- Then, when they come across products or offers that are eligible in their Twitter feed, the social shopper needs only send out a tweet that includes a special hash tag, such as #AmexConcertTickets or #BuyDigitalCamera, and Amex will then send them an @-reply with a confirming hash tag.
- Lastly, the buyer sends out a second tweet with the special hash tag within 15 minutes of the first tweet.
As a special introductory offer, American Express kicked off the new partnership with a $25 American Express gift card for $15 to those who signed up and tweeted #BuyAmexGiftCard25 as part of a limited deal that expires March 13.
View a video on how this works below:
Source: The Business Journals
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
It's official: America's favorite snack is cleared to auction off assets for bankruptcy.
Hostess Brands Inc, the bankrupt maker of Twinkies,
received court permission yesterday to proceed with auctions for
several of its brands, including Twinkies, Fruit Pies, and Wonder Bread.
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court cleared Hostess to sell off assets related to its Hostess and Dolly Madison Brands. The hearing to approve the successful bidder is scheduled for March 19.
Private equity firms Apollo Global Management LLC and C. Dean Metropoulos & Co have set a baseline offer of $410 million to buy the company's snack cake brands including Hostess Twinkies and Dolly Madison, Hostess said last month. Working together to buy the 82-year-old baker, this bid would serve as the minimum offer for the Hostess brands, which could still be topped by others.
Source: Huffington Post
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court cleared Hostess to sell off assets related to its Hostess and Dolly Madison Brands. The hearing to approve the successful bidder is scheduled for March 19.
Private equity firms Apollo Global Management LLC and C. Dean Metropoulos & Co have set a baseline offer of $410 million to buy the company's snack cake brands including Hostess Twinkies and Dolly Madison, Hostess said last month. Working together to buy the 82-year-old baker, this bid would serve as the minimum offer for the Hostess brands, which could still be topped by others.
Source: Huffington Post
Internet Explorer's targets kids of the 90's in new ad.
In an attempt to be purely sentimental, Internet Explorer launched an ad targeted at children of the 90's (aka the tech generation). While it was not really persuasive enough to make me switch from Firefox, this new
Microsoft Internet Explorer ad definitely connected with me from an
emotional approach.
Be sure to view the ad below:
Nemo has finally left! But not without leaving a mess to cleanup.
In what seemed like two days of nonstop snow, winter storm Nemo is finally over. The aftermath includes countless downed trees, downed power lines, caved in roads, and snow piles a mile high. And who can forget that the kids are off of school...again.
Many are still without power thanks the NSTAR and National Grid (including our Pembroke office). Slowly, power is being restored to local businesses and homeowners. Yesterday we were called out to many of our clients due to computer problems; the multiple power surges proved to be too much for many servers or computers to handle. If your power gets restored and you are having trouble using any of your technology, give us a call at 781-816-9437, extension 8911. Our office phone lines are currently down, but all calls will be forwarded to employee's cell phones by dialing the emergency tech support extension.
Many are still without power thanks the NSTAR and National Grid (including our Pembroke office). Slowly, power is being restored to local businesses and homeowners. Yesterday we were called out to many of our clients due to computer problems; the multiple power surges proved to be too much for many servers or computers to handle. If your power gets restored and you are having trouble using any of your technology, give us a call at 781-816-9437, extension 8911. Our office phone lines are currently down, but all calls will be forwarded to employee's cell phones by dialing the emergency tech support extension.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Winter storm Nemo and an IMPORTANT message.
Important Information - Please Read Carefully!
The media is reporting severe blizzard warnings here in the Northeast...winter storm Nemo is on its way. Based on past experience, we can expect multiple power outages throughout the storm period.
Due to the fact that we will be in a storm situation, I wanted to reach out to everyone in an effort to minimize any potential damage to your critical technology infrastructure.
Current forecast information shows that we will be experiencing severe wind and snow fall as well as flooding and perhaps evacuation of low lying coastal areas throughout Friday
afternoon into Saturday morning. This forecast pretty much guarantees there will be multiple and extensive power outages throughout the region.
It is our recommendation that all clients power off all computer work stations first, then power off your servers, prior to leaving their office for the weekend. When you return to work on Monday, turn on your servers FIRST, then turn on your computers.
Even if you have a UPS or battery backup unit, the potential of an extended power outage and the resulting surge of electricity when power is restored is a great concern. We recommend taking your backups home with you this weekend, whether it be on a removable USB drive or external hard drive.
If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to call our office to speak with someone who can help you: 781-816-9437.
Stay safe this weekend!
-Tom Cheever
Operating Partner
International Enterprise Services
The media is reporting severe blizzard warnings here in the Northeast...winter storm Nemo is on its way. Based on past experience, we can expect multiple power outages throughout the storm period.
Due to the fact that we will be in a storm situation, I wanted to reach out to everyone in an effort to minimize any potential damage to your critical technology infrastructure.
Current forecast information shows that we will be experiencing severe wind and snow fall as well as flooding and perhaps evacuation of low lying coastal areas throughout Friday
afternoon into Saturday morning. This forecast pretty much guarantees there will be multiple and extensive power outages throughout the region.
It is our recommendation that all clients power off all computer work stations first, then power off your servers, prior to leaving their office for the weekend. When you return to work on Monday, turn on your servers FIRST, then turn on your computers.
Even if you have a UPS or battery backup unit, the potential of an extended power outage and the resulting surge of electricity when power is restored is a great concern. We recommend taking your backups home with you this weekend, whether it be on a removable USB drive or external hard drive.
If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to call our office to speak with someone who can help you: 781-816-9437.
Stay safe this weekend!
-Tom Cheever
Operating Partner
International Enterprise Services
On your phone too much? Send it to cell phone jail!
Here's a funny little gadget that helps the most gadget-addicted of us
to put the cell phone away for an enforced break. It's the Cell Lock-Up,
which has a timer you can set for locking your devices away for that
amount of time. And if you try to get at your cell phone before the
allotted time, a buzzer sounds.
The Cell Lock-Up retails for $20 and probably makes a better joke gift than anything else. Though, with so many kids and teens burying their noses in their cell phones rather than having conversations with people standing in front of them, it might be a good idea for parents to have this set up for mandatory breather time.
The Cell Lock-Up retails for $20 and probably makes a better joke gift than anything else. Though, with so many kids and teens burying their noses in their cell phones rather than having conversations with people standing in front of them, it might be a good idea for parents to have this set up for mandatory breather time.
Picture courtesy CellLockUp.com.
Super Bowl kiss: Risky, disgusting, and very much worth it!
$3.8 million: the cost this year for each 30 second commercial spot during Super Bowl XLVII (source). Is it really worth it? It certainly was for GoDaddy!
Voted the worst of the worst by viewers (source), GoDaddy's "Perfect Match" commercial seemed like agony to sit through. Starring Victoria's Secret model Bar Refaeli and actor Jesse Heiman, the words disgusting and messy immediately came to mind. Of course, this commercial ended up sparking a huge outrage.
However, on Tuesday, GoDaddy revealed that the Monday following the Super Bowl was the biggest sales day in the history of the company (source).
So here's more proof that sex does in fact sell. The point of this commercial was to peak your attention. I bet this is one of only a few commercials that you remember fully. So GoDaddy, mission accomplished. Congratulations.
Voted the worst of the worst by viewers (source), GoDaddy's "Perfect Match" commercial seemed like agony to sit through. Starring Victoria's Secret model Bar Refaeli and actor Jesse Heiman, the words disgusting and messy immediately came to mind. Of course, this commercial ended up sparking a huge outrage.
However, on Tuesday, GoDaddy revealed that the Monday following the Super Bowl was the biggest sales day in the history of the company (source).
- Hosting sales jumped 45%.
- Dot-com domain sales rose 40%.
- New mobile customers increased by 35%.
- The company added 10,000 customers in total
So here's more proof that sex does in fact sell. The point of this commercial was to peak your attention. I bet this is one of only a few commercials that you remember fully. So GoDaddy, mission accomplished. Congratulations.
In case you missed this commercial, here it is:
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Windows 8 giving you problems? You're certainly not the only one!
"It took me 20 minutes to figure out how to shut it down..20 minutes...to turn a damn computer off"!
"I'm ready to throw them all to the ground and stomp on them".
"I just want to print...how the hell do I print"?
"This thing sucks; I'm sending it back".
"I can't do anything"!
DailyTech reports that 80% of businesses will never adopt the Windows 8 operating system. But can you really blame them? Trying to use this operating system to accomplish anything is damn near impossible. From attempting to find an installed program that's not pinned to your start screen or desktop to figuring out how to exit a simple program like Adobe Reader to browsing the web on a non-full screen Internet Explorer, and even shutting the computer down - it's just not worth the struggle! Employees simply can not be productive with their time if they can't use the technology of the 21st century. Microsoft sure made a mistake bringing this operating system to market.
Our clients and staff are not the only ones complaining about Windows 8. Check out this hilarious 23 minute animated rant from freelancer Brian Boyko. He decided to experiment with the new operating system thinking, "What could go wrong" and quickly found the answer to be "Just about everything".
*Over the last week, I have asked some of the firm's clients about their thoughts on the Windows 8 operating system. They responded with the quotes at the beginning of this blog post.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Blackberry's new Z10 Phone scores at the Super Bowl.
Opening with a man walking down
the street with his BlackBerry handset, the ad shows the BlackBerry Z10
user bursting into flame, walking around on elephant feet, and
disappearing into a puff of rainbow smoke. Toward the end of the
commercial, the man uses the handset to turn an oncoming, out-of-control
truck in a harmless pile of rubber ducks. So, what's the tagline of this commercial? Apparently it was easier to show what this incredible phone is incapable of doing in a 30 second ad than show what it is capable of doing - talk about effective marketing! It looks like Blackberry is finally catching up to 2013.
Watch the 30 second Super Bowl commercial below:
NEWS FLASH: Facebook is watching (and tracking) your every move!
Facebook is currently developing a new app that keeps track of a Facebook user's location, and reports that information to friends when they're nearby. The app is set to be released in mid-March, and will run even when it isn't open on users' phones. For example, Facebook user Shirley may get a notification that says Bob is around the corner - even if neither of them happens to be using the app at that time.
Is it finally to that point where Facebook is stepping over the line into the category of cyber stocking?
Source: Mashable
Is it finally to that point where Facebook is stepping over the line into the category of cyber stocking?
Source: Mashable
If it can happen to the government, it can certainly happen to you! Hackers have attacked the US Department of Energy.
"The Department of Energy has just confirmed a recent cyber incident that
occurred in mid-January which targeted the Headquarters' network and
resulted in the unauthorized disclosure of employee and contractor
Personally Identifiable Information".
The agency said that it is working to figure out the "nature and scope of the incident" but that so far it believes no classified data was compromised. It's currently unclear which divisions within the Department of Energy were attacked or who was behind the hack.
Source: CNET
The agency said that it is working to figure out the "nature and scope of the incident" but that so far it believes no classified data was compromised. It's currently unclear which divisions within the Department of Energy were attacked or who was behind the hack.
Source: CNET
Monday, February 4, 2013
Seth Rogen & Paul Rudd make their pitch to represent The Next Big Thing for Samsung.
Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd make their big pitch to Samsung about The Next Big Thing, but not without ripping off commercial ideas that have already been done; a method that has actually proven to work in the past.
Ideas from Rogen & Rudd:
Talking babies (E-trade), Asian rappers (Wonderful Pistachios), Crowd Sourcing - put it out on the Internet that you want people to send you ideas so we don't have to think of an idea (Doritos), and sending a guy into the galaxy (Axe).
Ideas from Rogen & Rudd:
Talking babies (E-trade), Asian rappers (Wonderful Pistachios), Crowd Sourcing - put it out on the Internet that you want people to send you ideas so we don't have to think of an idea (Doritos), and sending a guy into the galaxy (Axe).
Watch the 2 minute extended Super Bowl commercial below:
Got a good idea? GoDaddy made it clear at the Super Bowl that it is important to be first to market. It's time to act!
Yesterday, we saw the conclusion of a close game between the Ravens and the 49ers after a half hour power outage. I'm sure everyone watched the commercials, many of which were funny as usual. But one stood out in specific that was relative to our industry: GoDaddy's YourBigIdea.co ad. What's the message being portrayed here? If you have an idea for a business, act on it quickly before someone beats you to it.
IES can secure your domain, build your website, and help you form a brand for your business. Give us a call today at 781-816-9437 so we can get started securing your idea!
IES can secure your domain, build your website, and help you form a brand for your business. Give us a call today at 781-816-9437 so we can get started securing your idea!
Watch the 30 second Super Bowl commercial below:
*International Enterprise Services is affiliated with GoDaddy Operating Company, LLC. Links, GoDaddy name, and commercial used with permission.
Friday, February 1, 2013
As if posting a status such as "I'm happy today" wasn't enough, Facebook is now working on new icons to share your moods.
Facebook has been busy coming up with new icons to share your moods. Over night, they have rolled out the ability (to a limited number of users) to pick from an array of emoticons -- something very similar to other social networking sites -- to express how they're feeling at any given moment.
Just when I thought seeing statuses like "I'm so happy today" was annoying, this comes along...
Source: CNET
Just when I thought seeing statuses like "I'm so happy today" was annoying, this comes along...
Source: CNET
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