Latest Server Developments for 2012
Microsoft has just released the newest version of its SQL Server and already it is causing consternation and excitement among industry watchers. SQL Server 2012 comes with a host of new features that give it better cloud capability and reporting functions, as well as a new set of common data tools for application and database development, among other things. However, Microsoft has bundled all this with a new licensing paradigm that has some observers predicting soaring costs for its high-end power users.
The Good News
Hybrid support
The New SQL Server 2012 provides support for database access to and from the cloud, as well as enhancing support for systems that combine more traditional proprietary data centre setups with some cloud computing elements. This is done in part through the new SQL Data Tools, which is designed for the cloud SQL Azure as well as SQL Server and is a set of tools for application and database development.
Beyond Email: What’s Next for Office Communications?
While email is still the main means of communication in the workplace, a growing number of companies are looking for alternatives. Let’s face it: reading and answering emails can be extremely tedious. It can take up hours and hours of company time. As a result, many companies on the cutting edge are implementing new technology to make it easier for their employees to communicate with each other and any outsourced IT professionals on the company pay.
So what changes can businesses expect in coming years?
- Virtual Workplaces
Virtual workplaces allow companies to operate without the use of a physical office. They can save money by not having to pay for rent and utilities. In the future, this arrangement might become the everyday norm.
Which IT Services Can Be Outsourced?
These days, almost all business IT support is outsourced. More and more companies see the benefits of having their IT services outsourced to qualified offshore workers. This move can save companies both time and money, as well as increasing productivity in the workplace.
However, it is important to note that not all IT related services can be outsourced. Here is a guide to the type of jobs your company can outsource:
- Graphic design
Most business owners don’t have the experience or talent required to create web layouts and logos. The good news is that it is easy to find a freelance graphic designer. There is no shortage of designers on the web.
- Programming
Companies choose to outsource programming work since it would cost a lot of money to hire in-house. Programming languages are always evolving, and most companies don’t have the resources to keep up. Outsourcing is the perfect solution to these problems.
Troubleshooting Your Computer Problems Online
Everyone has computer problems, whether it’s frozen screens, slow processing or total shutdown. It can be your worst nightmare or another in a string of annoying glitches in your day; nevertheless, your best bet when facing any type of computer problem is the Internet. This may seem contradictory in the case of network problems, since you can’t access it when you need it the most; in this case, take it to a computer repair shop or call IT support services.
If you can still access the Internet, the World Wide Web offers you access to the wealth of knowledge and experience of fellow computer users, professionals and experts. Remember, even if you can’t see their faces, you’re still interacting with human beings, so be nice when posing your question and go in somewhat informed about your problem and the hardware and software you use.
Best VOIP Applications for Business
VOIP, or Voice Over Internet Protocol, is an increasingly popular solution to a business’s telecommunication and data needs — and it’s only getting cheaper and better.
How it works
VOIP can save businesses a lot of money by negating the need for a separate landline for office telephone systems. Voice telephony communication is routed through digital networks and treated like bits of data before being converted back to voice signals; or perhaps some other form of communication, like email. In other words, Voice Over Internet Protocol is basically using the phone over the Internet.
Do Smartphones Really Improve Productivity?
Smartphones have taken the world by storm — the business world in particular. If you go downtown on a weekday, you’ll see thousands of people walking around using their smartphones. While the marketing tells us that smartphones are the best thing since sliced bread, the jury is still out on whether or not they actually help us get more done. The following are some of the main points surrounding smartphone use and their impact on productivity.
YES
Convenient
Just having a simple cell phone can add to your productivity, so being able to make calls, surf the web, send texts, send emails, pay bills and so on, really can save a huge amount of time. With a smartphone, you really can just go and sit at the café for half an hour and take care of your entire to-do list, allowing you to be way more productive with your time. Remember, though, that you should invest in some IT security services if you’re using personal information online.
Do You Need to Come into the Office?
Working from home is one of those things that most people think would be incredible; with no boss, no-one watching you, working in your pyjamas, etc. It’s a serious consideration for a lot of people, as they could quite easily do their job from home, and maybe even more effectively. The following looks at reasons whether or not you need to come into the office to work.
YES
Meetings with co-workers
Some jobs require you to work closely with your co-workers, so if part of your job involves working closely with some of your peers, you’re probably best to keep going into the office. Emailing or Skyping your co-workers isn’t quite as high quality an interaction as a face-to-face meeting.
7 Common Cloud Computing Myths Debunked
There’s no doubt that cloud computing has gained a lot of attention over the past year or so. The idea of outsourced IT workers being able to access information in data centres remotely over the internet may sound wonderful, but some businesses have their doubts. There are also many myths surrounding cloud computing.
If your company is taking cloud computing into consideration, you need to be aware of the misconceptions. Only after reading about the misconceptions should you make a decision on whether this technology is right for your company.
Here are seven common cloud computing myths debunked:
1. The Cloud Is Always Less Expensive
Top 7 Websites to Find Outsourced Professionals
Are you interested in hiring outsourced IT professionals? Your company can save a lot of money – you won’t have to pay for expenses like employment benefits and insurance, and outsourced professionals will already have their own equipment and software.
So where can you find good freelancers? Here are seven sites to check out:
1. Elance.com
Elance is a diverse online workplace where companies find and hire people based on their experience and rates. Elance was founded in 1999, and has come a long way over the years. Today, it’s the leading workplace for hiring workers on demand. You can read reviews submitted by other companies about the freelancers, which makes it easy to hire somebody who is reliable and qualified.
9 Easy Ways to Learn CSS
When it comes to web design, you can’t rely on your business IT support to do everything. It’s important that you learn as much as you can about web development yourself. Cascading Style Sheets, for instance, are a vital component of web design. Your website will run so much better if CSS is used.
There are many different ways that you can familiarise yourself with CSS. Some people prefer to take the traditional route and attend classes. Others look for online resources which will allow them to teach themselves.
Here are nine easy ways that you can learn CSS:
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