Ways That Tech Can Help When You Have to Move on Short Notice

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Hi all and Happy New Year! We can’t believe it’s 2017! Hope everyone is getting caught up and settled in after the holidays. 

So you just found out you have to move ASAP. Be it for a new job or unfortunate eviction, the short notice skyrockets your stress levels and panic begins to set in. But have no fear, technology is here. 

Take control of a short-notice move by taking advantage of all the technology at our finger tips. Here are some key ways tech can save the day. 

1. Apartment Hunting Websites

Say you’re looking for apartments for rent in NYC, currently live in California and don’t have time or the means to travel last minute to find a place. Apartment hunting websites like ForRent let you filter housing requirements and provide extensive information on multiple options that fit what you’re looking for. You can also get a virtual tour of each unit so it feels like you’re there even from afar. 

2. Google It

If you’re moving to a new city and want to get a feel for what it’s like to live there, typing in a good ol’ Google search can give you exactly what you need. Search “Living in…” or “Moving to…” and the World Wide (wonderful) Web will list endless articles and the inside scoop on a particular city. That way you’re prepared to transition from transplant to local as soon as you get to your new city. 

3. Virtual Moving Guidance 

If there’s a need, there’s an app for it. The MoveAdvisor app helps you through a move by taking inventory and helping you visual where you’ll put your items in a new home. It can additionally provide weight estimates for your moving items and lists reputable moving companies near you. A timeline feature further provides a framework for all the work that must be done in a short amount of time. 

4. Match for Roommates 

If you’re in need of a roommate and don’t know where to start, you can use mobile apps like Roomi. It’s like the Tinder of roommate matching. You get the details potential roommates and swipe through various profiles to ultimately match with the one for you. Finding roommates on sites like Craigslist can often be very successful too. With instant communications like email, you can efficiently start a conversation with someone who’s also in need of a roommate and discuss what they’re looking for in a living partner.

5. Mapping Out a Floor Plan

If you’re in a crunch trying to decide what needs to be kept during a move or tossed, you can use mobile applications like Magic Plan to map out where items will go in your new home. It aggregates 3D floorplans and does the measuring for you so you can automatically see where everything will fit. 

6. Mobile Moving Service Fulfillment 

Moving service apps make the process of finding, hiring and paying movers easier and more efficient. You can use Dolly, a mobile app that helps you book reliable movers, coordinate timing and details of the move and pay for those services all on your phone. You don’t need to lift a finger, besides the one that’s used to tap your phone for services. 

7. Sort the Stuff

One of the most stressful parts of moving is organizing everything there is to move and keeping track of it. Sortly is a mobile application that easily organizes all your stuff by taking pictures of items, categorizing them and allow you to search for them via the interface. It provides visual hierarchies of everything you own in tidy folders and also creates QR labels for boxes that can be scanned and identified in the sea of brown boxes. You’ll immediately know which room to put boxes in as soon as they are unloaded from the truck.

Final Thoughts

Technology can be the biggest gift to anyone moving on short notice. Utilize the various moving apps that assist with organization and coordination, and use the internet to access information. These tech tools will give you the greatest advantage to moving on short notice and convenience that’ll directly decrease a potentially stressful time.

DON'T MISS THIS POST: How Mobile Technology Has Enhanced Everyday Life

With a new year comes a fresh start. Cheers to an epic 2017! 

*by andreascy*

The Growth of Cloud Computing Markets

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

The cloud computing markets are growing at a rapid pace. People prefer to incorporate cloud technology in their day to day work because of its convenience. According to the reports of IDC, public cloud spending is expected to grow to more than $195 billion in 2020 from $96.5 billion in 2016.

Cloud computing is growing at a robust rate at the moment and it has a promising future. If you are making plans to invest on a technology based company, you are provided with a variety of advantages, thanks to cloud computing. 

What Exactly is Cloud Computing? 

The concept of cloud computing is somewhat abstract. However, it is not as difficult to understand the heart of it. The service providers that offer cloud services help people to store applications and data remotely on servers and then access those files through the internet at any time they want. In other words, you can simply upload videos, documents and photos to the cloud and retrieve them at your convenience. 

Cloud computing consists of three main services. They include: 

• Software as a Service (SaaS) – Software as a Service is associated with the licensure of applications to customers and it is deployed online. The licenses are provided in two different mechanisms as on demand or pay as you go model. 

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) – Infrastructure as a Service includes offering everything from servers to operating systems through IP based connectivity. 

• Platform as a Service (PaaS) – Platform as a Service can be considered as the most complex layer of cloud based computing. It offers a platform, which can be used to create software. The developed software is then delivered to end customers through the Internet. 

What Factors Are Responsible for the Growth of Cloud Computing Markets?

The development of cloud based services has delivered a variety of benefits for companies that belong to many different sectors. For instance, companies have the opportunity to use software from any device by just connecting to the cloud. The connection can easily be established through an Internet browser or a native app. This can help individuals to carry over their settings and files to other compatible devices in a seamless manner. 

As a result of cloud computing, people are able to check for their emails on any computer or mobile device. In fact, most people prefer to store their files on cloud services such as Google Drive and Dropbox. On the other hand, some people use cloud services to back up their photos, music and files. This way they can make sure all their files are immediately available through the cloud service when the hard drives crash. 

Cloud computing markets can be divided into several categories. All these markets have seen an unprecedented growth over the past couple of years. These markets include: 

• Centralized Data Centers – Along with the increasing demand for cloud computing, a lot of centralized data centers have been established. Necessary plans have been taken in order to construct many more in the future as well. Some of the industry giants such as Amazon have figured out that the future lies within the cloud. As a result, they are investing billions of dollars on the development of data centers throughout the country. According to the reports of Reuters, Amazon is planning to make cloud computing as the largest part of its business in the future. 

• Security – Security is one of the major concerns associated with cloud computing. People tend to store their sensitive information on the cloud and they are always concerned about the security. As a result, a lot of companies have started offering cloud security solutions for the people in need. Qualys and Websense can be considered as perfect examples of the aforementioned trend. 

• Storage – Modern world people do not prefer to store information on local storage devices such as hard drives. Instead, they prefer to seek the assistance of cloud based solutions as they can save the files to a remote database. This can be considered as the main reason behind the popularity of Vendors such as Dropbox and Mozy. Now people can easily move all their files to a secure storage cloud in a convenient manner. It is even possible to sync the files stored in your hard drive with the cloud automatically. 

• Cloud Based Applications – Cloud computing offers a variety of services for the people as well. Software as a Service holds a prominent place out of them. Taleo, SalesForce and Keynote Systems are some world famous companies, which offer their services through cloud computing technology. A lot of other companies are making plans to offer their services to the people in need via cloud computing. This is one of the most convenient methods available for the software developers to let their end users access the applications with slow internet connections. 

• Virtualization Technology – Cloud based solutions are in a position to deliver some sort of application technology or desktop virtualization. VMware and Citrix are ideal examples for leading vendors who offer virtualization technology through cloud. 

Apparently, based on the demand of the public, a lot of money is being invested on cloud computing markets by the industrial giants. According to the financial predictions of IDC, revenue generated by worldwide cloud computing markets would rise to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.4% over the 2015-2020 forecast period. Currently the industries at the forefront of public cloud services spending consist of discrete manufacturing, banking, and professional services, which makes for nearly a third of total worldwide revenues in 2016. 

In respect to the five year period predicted by IDC, the industries that are expected to reach the fastest revenue growth are media, telecommunications, and retail. Nevertheless, all 20 industries who share profiles in the spending guide will see revenue growth of more than 100% over the forecast period. The cloud computing markets are thus rapidly expanding on a daily basis and it would be a great idea to invest on these markets, given that you have this sort of budget.

Summary 

The future of cloud computing looks promising and it is expected to grow exponentially in the future. It is predicted that cloud computing would establish itself in the IT industry. Given the technological progress and research currently taking place, people will also be able to experience an explosion of new solutions in cloud computing markets. It remains to be seen how this technology will continue to grow.

*by andreascy*

Why Alarm Dealers Should Be Promoting Video Surveillance

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

In the earliest days of electronic home security, video cameras were considered an extra only the wealthy could afford. Times have changed. Video surveillance is now affordable enough that virtually any customer with a moderately-priced alarm system can include video surveillance. Alarm dealers should be promoting video cameras to take advantage of this market.

Video surveillance can be included in a base package with 24-hour monitoring. The local alarm dealer can also offer it as an add-on to a standard system that only provides burglary monitoring via window and door sensors. It's really up to the alarm dealer and the home security dealer program he or she is affiliated with.

Videos Offer Evidence

Thanks to the proliferation of video cameras, police agencies around the country are now having an easier time identifying and pursuing criminals. Simply put, videos offer evidence that can be used for investigative and prosecutorial purposes. This is a strong sell for consumers looking to protect their homes.

Every bit of evidence makes it easier for law enforcement to punish those responsible for crime. But there's an added bonus: criminals aware that video surveillance is taking place are further deterred from attacking a known target. For example, a burglar that knows video surveillance is monitoring his activities is likely to choose another target that appears more accessible.

Around-The-Clock Monitoring

Combining video surveillance with home automation gives customers the option of monitoring their own video cameras 24 hours a day. This is another strong selling point, especially for working parents forced to allow their kids to be home alone after school. With video monitoring, mom and dad can check in to make sure the kids arrive home safely. They can periodically check in on them to ensure they stay safe.

Video surveillance is also an effective tool for keeping track of your property while away on vacation. Again, this is another strong selling point. Owners can always know what is happening with their properties, even if they are thousands of miles away.

Front Door Monitoring

One of the latest video surveillance technologies to hit the market is the smart video doorbell. A smart video doorbell takes the place of a legacy doorbell and makes it possible to see who's at the door without having to actually open it. Homeowners can answer the bell whether they are home or not, simply by responding to a push notification that comes through their smartphones.

Monitoring the front door with a smart video doorbell adds an extra level of security that customers truly appreciate. The local alarm dealer can use the video doorbell as a means of providing a dual-purpose device that increases exterior surveillance and allows the video identification of visitors before opening the door.

Value for Money

When you add up all of the advantages of video surveillance, it becomes apparent that value is there. The local alarm dealer that encourages customers to add video surveillance to their packages is able to increase safety and efficiency through wireless technology. And because the cost of video cameras has come down dramatically in the last ten years, there really is no good reason not to encourage customers to include video.

Overall

Of course, affiliating with a nationally branded home security dealer program helps a great deal. But even so, pushing video surveillance with remote cameras and 24-hour monitoring is a good way to expand market share, drive revenues, and make customers safer all at the same time. If you are a local alarm dealer not yet on board with video surveillance, you need to be.

READ NEXT: Yes – Burglar Alarms to Work

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*by andreascy*

Self-Driving Cars of the Imminent and Distant Future

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Sadly, the flying car is still the domain of science fiction. On the bright side, self-driving cars are not only feasible, they're already here. In fact, Google's self-driving cars have logged more than 1.5 million miles of trouble-free driving (clearly those miles don't include a recent incident with a public bus), and can currently be found in California, Texas, Washington, and Arizona. Google is so confident in its self-driving technology that the company makes it easy for the public to follow along with monthly reports. 

Eventually, the lessons learned – and the technology that is developed – will find its way throughout the industry. The gist of this continued development is plain to see; before long, autonomous cars will be an everyday reality. Just as smartphones and texting have transformed the world around us in just a few short years, it's entirely feasible that autonomous car technology could do the same.

But like any technology that is destined to cause a paradigm shift in the way we interact with each other and the world around us, there are still many questions left unanswered and puzzles ready to be solved. The technology may be ready, but are we? Are you willing to strap your toddler into a baby seat and then let the computer do the driving? The self-driving cars of the future are likely to evolve as we evolve with them.

The Promise of the Autonomous Car: A Personal Chauffeur

The ultimate expression of the self-driving car is likely yet to be determined. However, most people probably envision self-driving cars as mobile versions of robotic butlers. Available at our every beck and call, there for us when we need it, and able to take us anywhere we want, leaving the passengers to their own devices. Imagine if your car could drop you off in front of a busy downtown restaurant and then drive around or find its own parking space, only to come and pick you up when your meal was done. Well, that sounds terrific, but we're not there yet!

At the moment, self-driving applications (those that are commercially available, anyway; we're not counting Google's self-driving car) are limited to semi-autonomous auto pilot programs. Though far from being truly autonomous, they are helping both driver and engineer come to terms with what vehicle autonomy really is. Tesla offers auto pilot on its Model S and Model X electric cars, and manufacturers like Volvo and Mercedes-Benz offer or are developing similar technologies. These technologies allow vehicles to maintain speed, steer themselves, alert drivers to potential hazards, and even park themselves. If that much can already be accomplished, perhaps the autonomous personal chauffeur isn't too far away!

Self-driving Taxi Fleets Will Provide Cars on Demand

But the question must be asked: if cars become truly autonomous, do we even need to own them? Companies like Uber, Tesla, Apple and Google think there could be a future in the shared car (as well as autonomous public transportation). Fleets of autonomous cars could be the next natural evolutionary step of a concept already practiced by companies like ZipCar, Car2Go, and Paris and London's electric share car programs. Rather than own cars, why note hire them, on demand? With a smartphone in every pocket, it's easy to see how such a program could work.

Obviously, such autonomous fleets would have to be quite large if everyone gave up on car ownership in the coming decades, but it isn't hard to imagine punching in a request on one's smartphone and having a self-driving car arrive 10 minutes later to take you to your destination. Once you get there, leave the car, close the door, and be on your way. As with Uber and Lyft's current pay structure, you would be billed automatically and that would be that. You wouldn't have to worry about car insurance or even a driver's license. Nor would you have to worry about parking. For all but the most diehard gear heads, it's an attractive idea.

But What of the Obstacles?

Self-driving cars are close. As software, hardware, and technology companies like Qualcomm continue to work on vehicle applications for mobile processors, autonomous cars will continue to become more and more advanced. In fact, the odds are good that at some point in the near future, your car could be the "smartest" thing you own. But there's still much to be determined before your car drives you to work, and not the other way around.

One of the most obvious questions is who should be responsible in the event an autonomous car is involved in a crash. Volvo has already stated that it will take full responsibility in any accident involving one of its self-driving cars, but will other manufacturers follow along? And what of vehicle insurance? If your car is driving you, and not you it, should you still be obligated to purchase and maintain car insurance? Insurance companies are certain to lobby for this, but is it fair or logical? Finally, at what point can an autonomous car be trusted completely? In other words, how far away are we from being able to sit in the back seat of our car on the way to work (rather than having to babysit the wheel and pedals in the off chance the car loses control)? Taking this concept one step further, will cars in the future have steering wheels? At what point do human interfaces in cars become a liability rather than a benefit?

These questions are mostly rhetorical, of course. There is no clear answer. But we will, collectively, need to figure out the answers to these questions and more before autonomous cars become commonplace. In this case, it might not be prudent to jump into the deep end and learn to swim - better to ease into it. The future does show promise though, there can be no denying that. We are on the cusp of one of the biggest milestones in personal transportation since the original automobile was introduced over a century ago. Exciting, to say the least.

RELATED: Cars Of Tomorrow - 3 Technological Advances That Will Change Driving

Any questions? Write me a comment below!

*by andreascy*

DIY Home Automation and Affordability

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Despite the fact that the home automation market is expected to grow by double digits every year through the end of the decade, there is still a reluctance among the majority of American homeowners to adopt home automation. Among the reasons for their hesitancy is the belief that equipment is too expensive. 

Until hardware manufacturers and retailers figure out how to bring prices down and make consumers comfortable with the cost of home automation, there will be ongoing challenges to making the technology as common as the smartphone.

A recently-released survey from International Data Corporation suggests that about half of U.S. consumers are reluctant to adopt home automation. The top five reasons for their reluctance are as follows:

• Too expensive (46%)

• No use for the technology (40%)

• Too little value (30%)

• Too complicated (18%)

• Lack of confidence in capabilities (12%)

Americans are undoubtedly consumers above all else. Therefore, it would seem that the two biggest hurdles for the home automation industry are bringing down retail costs and creating devices that people can find practical uses for. There are some companies already working on this.

DIY Systems Lower Costs

Bringing down the cost of home automation is more about eliminating labor than actual equipment costs. For example, a consumer who purchases a home automation system through a full-service company offering "free" installation still charges the consumer for the installation through higher hardware prices. So one way to bring down costs is to provide DIY systems.

Uxari is one example of a company doing just that. They are a Florida company that has created a collection of wireless home automation devices that customers can use to build customized systems. They can build systems that meet their requirements and budgets, knowing that those same systems will be scalable should they be able to afford more in the future.

Moving beyond Thermostats and Lighting

The other thing the industry is working hard at is moving beyond just thermostats and lighting. They definitely need to. A person who wants to better control his/her thermostat can spend less on a programmable thermostat than home automation if he/she's willing to learn how to use that thermostat in all of its complicated glory. As far as lighting goes, the old-fashioned outlet timer is still a functional way to control lighting at a lower cost.

Home automation needs to go above and beyond lighting and thermostats to be more attractive. Remote door locks are one example of the industry moving in the right direction. With electronically controlled door locks installed, the homeowner can remotely lock and unlock doors to accommodate children coming home from school or guests arriving from out of town. Should a homeowner leave home and inadvertently forget to lock the door behind him/her, the problem can be solved with a smartphone.

This leads us to another factor that could help more Americans become interested in home automation: tying it into security. Companies such as Uxari are doing that, by offering video surveillance that can be monitored remotely. For example, place a camera just above the front door and you will be able to see the kids coming home from school every day. That's the kind of usefulness people want if they plan to spend the money.

The good news for the home automation industry is that half of Americans are interested in the technology. The bad news is that the other half are not. In order to change that, the industry needs to reduce the costs and come up with devices that have more practical uses.

RELATED: Go-Go-Gadget : Advancements In Home Technology

Thanks for visiting! Hope your week is spectacular!

*by andreascy*

The Mobile Kill Switch Is In Effect: Here’s What You Need To Know

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

It’s officially July, which means the California smartphone “kill switch” law is officially effective in the Golden State. If you’re scratching your head right now asking, “What is that? Did I miss something? Is that a dumb question?” You can find the answers here. 

It’s important to stay informed because the impact of this mandate could mean a revolutionary change for the smartphone world and us owners in it. 

What Is A Kill Switch? 

A kill switch is a function featured on a smart device that gives a person the ability to remotely lock a phone and wipe the data on it if needed. The anti-theft measure requires users to input a passcode in a smartphone before it can be unlocked or restored to factory settings. What this new law in California calls for is a mandatory kill switch (think “Find My iPhone” or Android Device Manager) built into all smartphones, placed in active mode automatically. 

Why Is It Happening? 

It’s happening because “Apple Picking,” aka iPhone stealing, has become a crime epidemic due to the great value these handheld gadgets hold. In fact, 3.1 million Americans had their mobile phones stolen in 2013 and an estimated 1 in 3 thefts in the U.S. involves a smartphone. Many victims of these crimes are passengers on public transit and a sizeable portion have been threatened with knives or guns as well as assaulted. In order to deter these events from happening, the government is getting involved. A law has already been put in place in Minnesota and most recently went into effect in the state of California. The thought behind requiring an obligatory kill switch in all phones is that potential thieves won’t even attempt to steal a phone by knowing it will render useless once out of the original owner’s hands. 

How It’s Taking Effect & Who’s On Board? 

The wireless industry is proactively working together with policymakers to ensure that phone software complies to the new law in effect. For California, it’s required that a kill switch be equipped in the device and turned on as a default. Retailers must comply with the statute and if they sell any smartphones without a kill switch in place, they could be fined $500 - $2,500 per each one that doesn’t meet the now standard requirement. 

Major mobile carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon have endorsed the effort, working with app developers and tech manufacturers to develop kill-switch capabilities in the phones they sell at the store. Ultimately the customer is protected in every way, and no additional costs are inflicted upon them with the upgrade. Smartphones with tightened security mean happier consumers and a happy customer for these businesses is always the goal. 

What The Future Holds

With initial steps already taken with similar kill-switch software implemented in the past couple of years, results are proving positive. From the 2013 stats of 3.1 million phones stolen, the number has already dropped by a million to 2.1 million in 2014, according to Consumer Reports. As technology undergoes innovation after innovation, more people will indirectly buy new kill-switch-enabled phones that come to market. The California law is anticipated to be a success and the rest of the nation will follow the leader. 

So now when anyone asks you what a mobile kill switch is, you’ll know that it is an anti-theft feature that has become a requirement in all new smartphones made in California. The overall hope is to prevent the act from happening altogether, thus leading to a world with no more smartphone stealing. This big move by the biggest state in America should spark a domino effect and bring the United States one step closer to a more peaceful, less crime-filled society.

RELATED: Will You be the Next Victim of Laptop Theft?

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*by andreascy*

Trending Tech Accessories Taken for Granted

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

It’s the year 2015. No flying cars, moon base, or teleportation technology. Anyone familiar with the 20th century’s pop culture projections of the future are a little disappointed. Alas, not everything tech we hoped to exist by now has failed to appear. When it comes to personal and personalized gadgets and gizmos available to 21st century consumers, the human race has done pretty well for itself. The digital revolution has helped everything from touchscreens to voice command make the leap from fiction to reality. We haven’t sent someone to Mars yet, but we can simulate it via downloadable app. 

For anyone bummed out about the chances of a working hover board appearing in their lifetime it’s time to appreciate what you do have. Here’s a list of impressive technology either ten feet away from you right now, or five years away from being ten feet away from you:

Headphones/Earbuds 

Ear gear has been around for a long time, no lie. The recent fashion flare-up involving “high quality” headphones illustrates how this taken for granted technology has come a long way. Not too long ago it exhausted a part-time paycheck or two to acquire headphones capable of reproducing great sound without letting everyone around you know what’s on the playlist. These days we’re able to isolate ourselves inside an album, movie, or viral video while riding packed public transit for less than $50 for a good pair of earbuds. Or you can opt for the $500 pair of headphones if you want...the technology is impressive either way.

Flash Drives

Like portable personal audio, the ability to physically transport digital data is nothing new. And it may even seem old-fashioned thanks to the cloud. But once again, we’re failing to marvel at one of the more magnificent inventions of our time. In terms of data volume, physical size, and versatility, nothing beats the flash drive. Not to mention they’re tangible, and thus have become a bit of a fashion accessory. Thanks to things like 3D printing people can now buy flash drives in bulk from companies capable of building them into custom shapes and figures. The result is an array of normal everyday objects capable of being hidden data mines. That’s futuristic for you.

Smart Stuff

It seems like only yesterday we were flipping open our cellular phones, winding our watches, and owning a dozen different other pieces of technology to do an equal number of tasks. The iPhone debuted eight years ago and we’re already over the all-in-one, touch-operated, voice-activated, pocket sized computers we carry in our pockets and purses. Now we have the dawn of the smartwatch; a little anticlimactic considering the wonders of the smartphone, but the stuff of science fiction nonetheless.

Drones

Does anyone appreciate the potential of drone technology? Maybe because the consumer drone industry is still in its infancy, but that’s partly because consumers aren't taking advantage of this amazing technology. We associate drones with spooky government stuff, and that’s a legitimate connection, yet drone technology can be so much more. It can be used to remotely chaperone children walking to school by themselves, or deployed to monitor a stolen car. We hear the word “drone” and picture a faceless killing machine, but the ability to essentially combine RC and smart technology together is a wonderful thing for society, whether we know it now or not.

We’re well into the 21st century now. Glance around and it doesn't really feel like it, but looks can be deceiving. Humans are easily bored and constantly eyeing the next big thing. Every once in awhile we need to stop and appreciate the technological gifts we’ve been fortunate enough to live to experience. For billions of people they were only the stuff of dreams.

CHECK ALSO: 10 Gadgets that Will Make your Life so Much Easier

Thanks for reading! Looking for feedback.

*by andreascy*

Tech for the Sales Team

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Every salesperson and sales manager has some war stories—the customer from hell, the disastrous sales trip and the awkward moments during conference calls. Add on jet lag, busy schedules and lonely road trips to create a challenging career. But, a tough day is worth it when you land that huge new customer or close the big deals. 

It can be easy for sales people to get overwhelmed with the complexities of prospecting for new business, traveling frequently and preparing for important presentations. That’s where new technology can make a real difference. Current technology can automate critical sales tasks, keep salespeople organized and help them make the best impression with customers.

Cloud Solutions

With sales teams spread out over different territories, busy sales managers need cloud tech solutions to stay competitive. Cloud providers give sales managers a user-friendly console to manage sales data and users from one source. They also provide the security of cloud backup and access from anywhere for busy sales teams on the go. Sync features let sales reps access company sales data securely with their own devices at the office or remotely.

Make Emails and Calls More Efficient

Scheduling is a challenge for busy salespeople on the road. Anything that makes scheduling appointments easier and faster can mean the difference between making 10 calls or 30 calls in a day. Tools like TimeTrade let salespeople embed their availability into sales emails, and save them time and improve their efficiency with a “Click to Schedule” button. It also syncs with Google and Salesforce so sales reps can easily access, control and publish their availability without a lot of back and forth communications.

Moreover, automating outbound calls with tools like XANT, which syncs with Salesforce and provides call analytics, gives your sales people an edge. The cloud-based outbound dialer also uses phone numbers with local area codes to increase the probability of calls getting through.

Never Forget a Thank You

Follow up and showing appreciation are important to sales and customer service. The personal touch of thank you cards adds a layer of courtesy and attention that customers remember, and the little things matter. Although it’s not always easy to find the time for all the follow up you’d like, busy salespeople now can utilize services such as Booked Solid Cards, an online service that sends out personalized thank you cards in your handwriting and with your signature. All they have to do is enter an email, and users report that it costs less than buying and mailing cards yourself.

Use Smartphone Apps to Work Faster and Better

Apps are the latest tools for sales people. Salespeople rely on their company’s customer relationship management system and absolutely need a companion mobile app to access it while away from the office, says Forbes contributor Gene Marks.

Marks also highly recommends a mobile payment processor like Square to collect deposits and payments on delivery, prepayments and customer information up front. This prevents them from waiting for an accounting process like invoicing and statements or follow up collection calls.

Another great app is Xpenser (acquired by Coupa Software), which helps busy salespeople keep track of expenses in real time instead of waiting for a monthly reconciliation where critical expense documentation may be lost or forgotten. Marks reminds busy salespeople that many sales software products already have built in mobile expense management features so they might need to check with their IT department first.

Looking forward to your insight. Leave a LIKE if you agree. 👇✌

*by andreascy*

How to Spot a Phishing Email

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just Gen X’ers and Millennials who are plugged in to today’s Internet-driven technologies. Baby Boomers – born between the late 1940s and mid-1960s – represent more than a third of all Internet users, according to a Nielsen study. 

And although boomers have become pretty savvy when it comes to their Internet use, they risk falling victim to various identity theft scams. Below are a few fresh and informative tips that, as a savvy boomer, you can follow to keep your yourself and your identity safe. 

Spotting Red Flags 

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, more than 16.6 million people in the U.S. found themselves the victim of at least one identity theft incident. Many of these incidents come as the result of phishing, the act of sending fake emails or instant messages aimed at convincing users to submit private information, such as bank account and credit card numbers. With phishing on the rise, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself properly from emerging threats. Here are a few red flags that boomers should look out for as they check their emails: 

The email and its links feature a misleading domain name – Most boomers might not notice a slightly tweaked URL in the sender’s email address or in any of the links within the email. For instance, a phisher may try to make part of their domain name appear as close to the official version as possible (e.g. Microsoft.baddomain.com vs. microsoft.com). Some phishing attempts use a redirecting URL on top of a seemingly legit link as a cover. In most cases, simply hovering over the link can reveal the URL’s true destination. 

The message contains threats to your account status – Many phishing attempts feature urgent messages that not only tell you that your account is in jeopardy, but threaten suspension or deletion unless it’s confirmed or verified with your personal or account information. Another phishing tactic involves a fake email warning of a recent unauthorized access attempt, with a request to validate the account using your personal information. 

Legitimate banks, government agencies and other institutions won’t threaten account closure over ID verification, nor will they require you enter your name, account number, password and Social Security number via email. If an email requests two forms of ID or any other information that could possibly compromise your identity, chances are it’s a phishing attempt. 

The message comes from someone you haven’t done business with before – If you receive an official sounding e-mail about an account, but you’ve never done business with that company, chances are it's a phishing attempt. 

Trust Your Gut 

If something tells you that an e-mail is potentially suspicious, go with your gut feeling. It’s better to be on the safe side than fall victim to identity theft. When in doubt, simply delete the message. 

As On Guard Online’s phishing guide notes, there are several other steps you can take to protect yourself from identity theft. In addition to reviewing credit card statements for unauthorized charges, you can also forward phishing emails to several organizations dedicated fighting phishing. These organizations include the Anti-Phishing Working Group and the Federal Trade Commission.

STAY INFORMED: Hackers Can Wirelessly Read Your Credit Cards Through Clothes And Wallets

Hope you find this post helpful! Till next time my friends. 😉💪

*by andreascy*

Christmas Shopping Ideas for Smart Homes

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

What do you buy someone who lives in a smart home? Truth be told, it's not as difficult as you might think. There are lots of gifts on the market which, like smart homes, manage to meet somewhere in the middle between form and function.

We've compiled a list of just a few ideas and included the links to the stores, just in case.

1. iKettle

From: Smarter

Dubbed the World's first WiFi Kettle, this revolutionary appliance lets you control the kettle remotely via your smartphone. You can program the kettle to start boiling while you're out and about, and then you can come home to a hot drink. 

The Wake mode acts as your personal barista, gently waking you and asking if you'd like the kettle to start boiling. It's also a great way to multitask in the morning.

2. Ring

From: Ring

When it comes to a smart home, smart homeowners know that safety and security should be top priority. Home automation is usually the way most people go and the Ring is a pretty user-friendly entry into that realm. 

The weatherproof device is mounted outside your door and acts like your own electronic peephole – sending pictures straight to your phone.

3. iPad Pro

From: Apple

Lightweight, CPU performance comparable to a desktop, and with a battery life of up to 10 hours, the latest incarnation of the iPad packs a big punch in a tiny package. 

The wireless performance has also received a boost as well, making it much easier to enjoy the litany of apps that everyone can't stop talking about.

4. Satellite Internet

From: Hughes Net

When we say "smart internet coverage," we basically mean the best internet service for your purposes. The popular trend with a lot of smart homes is to place them in rural areas so; obviously, you would want a service that can reach your home wherever it may be. 

Hughes Net is just one example, but there are many others and it's important to do your research.

5. Roomba Robot Vacuum

From: iRobot

Nothing says "smart home" like having your own personal army of independent automaton cleaners, and the Roomba is probably the best of the bunch. Sleek and easy-to-use, this cleaning robot fits within most standard gutters. 

The high-velocity auger sweeps and scrapes away dirt and debris from the gutter, able to clear thirty feet of gutter in a few minutes minutes – faster and safer than the traditional method.

6. Pivot Power

From: Quirky

This app-enabled version of the popular power strip offers all the flexibility and efficiency of its predecessor with a few extra perks. Now, you are able to remotely power on or off two of the sockets on the strip through mobile devices. 

You can even schedule the sockets, allowing you to automatically turn on and off the lights – great if you're abroad.

Conclusion

Gifts like these are great for both adding a little flair and, really, just making life a little bit easier. These are just a couple examples and, as technology continues to evolve, we'll be seeing a lot more in the coming months.

NEXT ARTICLE TO READ: 5 Top Picks for Christmas Holiday Like a Fairytale

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

*by andreascy*

How to Keep Employees From Texting Too Much

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Undeniably, one of the arising problems that most employers are dealing nowadays is about their employees getting distracted at work because these personnel are spending much time on their mobile phones. There are instances when employers catch the employees on hand texting most of the time during working hour and when asked or confronted about it, easily they would just say or may make some alibi that what they are doing has something to do with business or are business related like answering clients query or making some follow-ups.

In the standpoint coming from human resources management, there are lots of employers who are being caught up this same situation. Worst is, most of them don’t know what is the proper way to deal it with their employees or doesn’t know how to possibly handle this kind of issue without turning out to be the cons. Grounding or terminating an employee due to mobile phone usage will certainly affect employee’s outlook to the company. Some employers think about this agreement to their employees to hand their cell phones during working hours and could use them during break time or at the end of their shifts. However, this bargain still cannot address the issue for some and is only applicable for just a few. In short, it is not most likely suitable for every kind of working environment.

The practice of cell phone usage that has not something to do with work and being highly done in the workplace may extremely result big loss in the productivity of the company. It is therefore a must to take some action on how to take measures in dealing the issue in a not too restricting manner, but definitely work to keep your employees from texting excessively or using phone too much at work.

As we all know, cell phones is widely use nowadays not just by many employees but by people of all ages including the younger generation. People are now very dependent on it as a tool for communication. Thus, banning the use of cell phone in the business premise or in your company could only persuade absolute panic and confusion among sections of your company. This is because working parents can only keep in touch on their child at school or the ones left at home by texting them and vice versa. Actually, using mobile phone in the work place especially for important matter as well as in case of emergency is not a problem, bad or prohibited as long as it is minimal and reasonable. What really causes and serves as the root of the problem is when employees starting to use the mobile phone issued by the company inappropriately and abusively during office hours.

It has always been employer’s goal to maintain or increase productivity among employees and they don’t want to bear witness on how business working hours have been wasted through texting too much unproductively. And as the business keeps on expanding, it would be more difficult keeping an eye on all of the employees activities, including unofficial phone calls and sms. 

The best way to stop all the unnecessary activities that employees might get hooked onto, employers should start using spyware apps. Those cell phone tracking apps when installed in a mobile phone can keep track and full record of messaging and call activities of the employees. 

The cell phone tracking software could really help the employer to identify and know these employees who are working on their jobs the entire working hour and those who are just busy on sending text messages. The mobile spyware works remotely and gives you access to data through your account online. This feature helps employers to not only monitor if employees are working, but at the same time can also check their loyalty with the company.

DON'T MISS: Trying to Improve Productivity in the Workplace? Try These Unconventional Methods 

Make sure you share this post so your friends and others can see it as well. Back to you soon.

*by andreascy*

3 Must Have Pieces of Technology for Your Home Office

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

If you’re among the fortunate and can work from home each day, you have the luxury of skipping a stressful commute, but the burden of creating your own home office. To ensure that your day can run as smoothly as possible, it’s key to have the best technology at your disposal. 

Since most work-from-home positions require you to communicate remotely with a main office, Internet service is absolutely essential, as is reliable equipment. Here are three pieces of technology that you really shouldn’t skip if you want an efficient home office.

1. Laptop

A desktop computer doesn’t offer the mobility of a laptop, which can make it more difficult to work from outside your home office - like at a coffee shop. If you do go into a company office on occasion, you can’t just pack up your desktop computer and set it up at the new location. A laptop is not only mobile, but it also occupies less space. If your home office ever becomes the guest room, you will be happy that you decided to skip the desktop. If you like a large monitor, you may be able to attach your laptop to a larger screen and connect it to a USB keyboard. This gives you the freedom of having a small laptop set up or a desktop feel. 

2. Wireless Internet

Wireless Internet, usually called just WiFi, lets you get access to a data connection without tripping over wires all day. If your Internet router is set up in another room, it may not be feasible to get Internet in your home office without this technology. While your laptop will need to be within a certain distance of your router to get a good connection, you can typically be at least a few rooms away and still get good WiFi service on your computer. A service provider may be able to bundle your wireless Internet with other communication services so you can even save some money. 

3. High Speed Internet

Your wireless Internet should be high speed so you’re not wasting any time when you need to get online in a hurry. High speed Internet will expedite your Internet browsing, and can allow you to open more than one program at a time without your computer crashing or freezing. If your connection is too slow, you may be limited to keeping only one or two tabs open on your Internet browser screen. High speed Internet also guarantees that you can load and view media like videos without interruption or negative effects on your computer performance. A slow Internet speed can make it nearly impossible to load large files like PDFs or download email attachments from a colleague.

A home office is a good investment if you’re able to keep it up and running. With these must have pieces of technology, you can stay on track of your work objectives without the interruption of an Internet breakdown or the dilemma of how to get your computer’s data to another location.

SEE ALSO: How To Build A Home Theatre At A Reasonable Price

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*by andreascy*

Are Your Smartphone Apps Putting Your Phone At Risk?

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

As smartphones become an everyday aspect of life, the apps we use help us do things better, simpler and faster. But as a new report shows, those exact same apps may just be making things easier for cyber criminals too.

The June 2013 Mobile Security: McAfee Consumer Trends Report revealed a number of interesting points, showing how free apps are able to invade phones by sneaky permission settings. While adware is of course a known risk, the McAfee report noted that 26% of apps are very likely worse than adware – sms scams and many others have also been bundled in with free apps.

What apps are most likely to be infected? Apparently games are most targeted, followed closely by personalisation apps such as wallpapers; music apps, lifestyle apps and TV apps.

Luis Blando, McAfee VP of mobile product development says, "Most consumers don’t understand or even worry about the app permissions they agree to. Because of that, cybercriminals are increasingly abusing app permissions as an efficient way to deliver mobile malware. Through these agreements mobile consumers are willingly putting their personal information into the hands of criminals disguised as ad networks, and opening up endless doors for scammers.”

Skype App Also Posing Risks?

If by now you’re feeling safe and smug, you will want to read this before feeling too comfortable. An Android developer known as ‘Pulser’ had some rather interesting things to say about Skype on the Full Disclosure security forum recently.

According to this developer, there may be a way that Skype for Android is able to get past the lock screen. Although it may still be pure speculation, this potential security glitch may be cause for even more concern.

"The Skype for Android application appears to have a bug which permits the Android inbuilt lockscreen (ie. pattern, PIN, password) to be bypassed relatively easily, if the device is logged into Skype, and the 'attacker' is able to call the 'victim' on Skype,” says Pulser on the forum post.

Watching Out For Sneaky Mobile Apps

Like it or not, the applications we use on our phones put us at risk - just as the tools we use on our computers do. You can’t completely take out any remote chance of viruses or other threats, but you can at least put some basic steps in place to improve your security on your smartphone. Try these simple tips for preventing attacked posed by sneaky apps…

•  Always read app permissions before hitting download. If you see any that require permission to access your calls, contacts or other features that should not be required by the type of app in question, do not download.

•  Do a proper clean up every few months to remove apps you no longer use. Those fun, quirky apps you downloaded for a laugh last year has served its purpose, and is just taking up memory if you don’t use it. 

•  Be aware of updates before installing them. Even apps that seem legit on the surface may not be entirely safe on a long-term basis. Some even trick users into adding 5 star reviews, in order to appear safer to new users.

•  If you are ever unsure, take the time to do a quick Google search on the app you want to add. In many cases, you can spot a dodgy app in the search results quickly, or you can see if anyone has anything else to say about it before downloading.

•  Check your app permission settings. It’s also good to remember that many apps are added in a sneaky way - you may authorize a certain app when using a news reader for instance, or you may click on something without realizing it’s an application. Check your general permission settings so that you don’t add something nasty without realizing.

Conclusion 

If you put a little more thought into the app browsing and downloading process, you will be able to reduce security risks notably. The less risk there is, the more you can enjoy better quality apps that don’t turn your phone into a lean, mean, virus-ridden machine. 

RELATED: Tightening Android Security Against Data Stealing Applications

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*by andreascy*