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From smart thermostats to wearable devices, the Internet of Things (IoT) has reinvented the ways both businesses and individuals connect. Many IT experts have even labeled IoT as a “game changer,” and while we’re usually skeptical of this term when it comes to new technology, IoT devices can open up your business to a multitude […]

08 Feb, 2017 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Hardware category

2017February8_Hardware_BFrom smart thermostats to wearable devices, the Internet of Things (IoT) has reinvented the ways both businesses and individuals connect. Many IT experts have even labeled IoT as a “game changer,” and while we’re usually skeptical of this term when it comes to new technology, IoT devices can open up your business to a multitude of possibilities. Here are four of them.

Improved logistics With IoT sensors, supply chain management and order fulfillment processes improve markedly to meet customer demand. For example, sensors on delivery containers and trucks in transit give managers real-time status updates, allowing them to track their items and ensure they reach the right location at the right time.

Streamlined inventory IoT also presents automation opportunities for businesses that need to manage and replenish their stock. When data recorded from IoT devices are tied to your enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, you can accurately monitor your inventory, analyze purchase and consumption rates of a particular product, and automatically reorder items when IoT sensors detect that supply is running low. This minimizes out-of-stock incidents and prevents excess stock build-up.

Fast payment Given how most payments are done electronically via point-of-sale systems or the internet, IoT has the potential to revolutionize the way businesses process transactions. We’re already seeing a few examples of this today as ApplePay not only allows users to purchase goods and services using smartphone applications, but through wearable technology as well.

Soon enough, IoT devices might even allow restaurants and retailers to register or charge their customers the moment they walk through the door.

Market insight Businesses that can somehow make sense of IoT-collected data will gain a competitive edge. Marketers, for example, can gather valuable insight into how their products are used and which demographic is utilizing them the most. This information can then inform future marketing efforts and give businesses more direction on how to improve their products and services for their customers.

Although businesses will certainly face many challenges in implementing the Internet of Things, those who manage to overcome them will reap all the benefits of this burgeoning technology.

Want to know if an IoT deployment is right for your business? Contact our certified IT consultants today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Yes, thanks to the new Chromebooks that will be launched in 2017. Users of the older versions of Chromebook don’t need to worry. Android apps will be repurposed for a bigger platform, and their old-model devices will get a taste of Android apps, too. With their entry into laptops, the world’s leading mobile operating system […]

07 Feb, 2017 / by Complete Technology Resources / in category

2017February7_Android_BYes, thanks to the new Chromebooks that will be launched in 2017. Users of the older versions of Chromebook don’t need to worry. Android apps will be repurposed for a bigger platform, and their old-model devices will get a taste of Android apps, too. With their entry into laptops, the world’s leading mobile operating system company looks poised to significantly expand their reach.

Simplicity, functionality, variety

Chromebooks are marketed as no-frills computers that bank on their simplicity, functionality, and security. By giving Chromebooks access to Google Play, the search engine giant’s application store, users can access thousands of apps, including Skype, and manage Office files more seamlessly.

Certain types of Chromebooks are now able to install Android apps, but they are few. The good news is that 2017 Chromebook models from manufacturers such as Acer, Asus, Dell, H&P, and Lenovo are included in the list of Chromebooks that will work well with Android. If this move proves successful, other operating systems, especially Windows, may struggle to find a way to keep up.

Benefits of a Chromebook-Android combination

The most obvious benefit would be the increased number of options for Chromebook users. While Chromebooks have their own set of useful Google apps, having the capability to download Android apps is a substantial enhancement. For instance, users can now download and use Skype on their Chromebook.

As Chromebooks welcome Google Play in its environment, they usher in more capacity without increasing the prices. Manufacturers such as Lenovo and Acer have Chromebook models that are competitively priced at just under $300.

A caveat for those looking to switch to Chromebook

If you’re thinking of switching to Chromebooks to get the most of Google apps, there are a few things you should remember. Since Android apps are designed for touchscreen devices, it might be a bit of a letdown for users of Chromebooks that have no such feature. Android will definitely adjust the specifications of Chromebooks apps, but non-touchscreen Chromebook users won’t enjoy the same benefits that users of the new models have. Moreover, not all Android apps may be fully optimized for laptop (or Chromebooks), although the masterminds behind this merger will certainly make the necessary tweaks soon after the initial verdict comes in.

Is it time to buy a Chromebook?

If you’re a Google apps power user, Chromebooks are a good way to go. They’re sleek, functional, and adaptable. But don’t ditch your current laptops or Macs just yet. The integration is yet to be finalized, so the Android-powered Chromebooks may well be “unfinished products” at this stage.

There’s always a good reason to assess the computers your business uses. Your system’s speed, functionality, and security dwindle over time and upgrades or replacements may be necessary. If you need dependable recommendations on computers that are best for your office, get in touch with us.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Behind the application is the business, and behind the business is the need to drive revenue. With Stories, Instagram aims to capitalize on their platform and the enormous consumer reach it has -- an impressive following of over 600 million monthly active users. Teaming up with global advertising giants, IG is now dipping its toes […]

06 Feb, 2017 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Social Media category

2017February6_SocialMedia_BBehind the application is the business, and behind the business is the need to drive revenue. With Stories, Instagram aims to capitalize on their platform and the enormous consumer reach it has -- an impressive following of over 600 million monthly active users. Teaming up with global advertising giants, IG is now dipping its toes into uncharted waters.

Jim Squares, director of product marketing, said in an interview with Fortune that “a two or three-week test period” will be carried out before releasing it to all its active advertisers. Let’s face it, the similarities between Instagram Stories and Snapchat ads are undeniable. But with Snapchat ads, they work mainly with larger brands and keep ads as unobtrusive as possible. If you want to collaborate with big boys like Netflix or Coca-Cola, you’re looking at a budget bigger than what you might have. By contrast, Instagram ads are self-serving and employ auction-based pricing.

When it comes to setting up and paying for video ads inside Stories, it’s a pretty straightforward process, much like Facebook advertising. Not only do you have the ability to target your audience, but the benefits of working with demographic and Internet-based targeting capabilities definitely give Instagram a competitive advantage. On top of this, users can expect more goodies when the format officially takes off. For the time being, Stories seems to be a simple yet efficient way to test out advertising placement.

Instagram also announced that analytics from Stories will also be included in the Business Tools dashboard, sharing basic insights including reach and impressions -- with a good chance of more analytics to be seen in the future. It’s estimated that up to 71 percent of US businesses will begin to market on Instagram in 2017, and these efforts will not go unnoticed since 75 percent of users initiate some sort of action after seeing a post.

It took Instagram quite a while before it rolled out any type of advertising or introduced any kind of business feature. When it finally did, however, they didn’t beat around the bush in monetizing the platform. Yet, several months after Stories’ initial launch, Instagram is already making plans to leverage its power.

That’s because Stories represents a stellar opportunity at getting back at its biggest rival -- Snapchat -- while simultaneously providing an immersive advertising experience. Because Stories take up the entire mobile screen, so will the ads. Sponsored Stories isn’t exclusive to just images; videos are an optional format for both advertisers and consumers alike. Meaning that full-screen multimedia truly makes it both an interactive and engaging experience. There won’t be a difference in engagement between organic and Sponsored stories; both enable viewers to like, comment and share.

It might not be the traditional once-upon-a-time kind of story, but Instagram’s latest feature is poised to bring happy endings to many -- if utilized properly, of course. If you are still uncertain or would like to ask further questions, feel free to give us a call. Allow us to partner with your business, so you can #succeed that much quicker.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Don’t worry, we’ll keep this one simple. Virtualization is confusing enough, and hyperconvergence is one of the newest solutions within the field, making it even harder to grasp. The quick and easy summary is this: Hypconvergence is about virtualizing the hardware and software components required to deploy and manage databases and virtualized desktop infrastructures. Not […]

03 Feb, 2017 / by Complete Technology Resources / in category

2017February3_Virtualization_BDon’t worry, we’ll keep this one simple. Virtualization is confusing enough, and hyperconvergence is one of the newest solutions within the field, making it even harder to grasp. The quick and easy summary is this: Hypconvergence is about virtualizing the hardware and software components required to deploy and manage databases and virtualized desktop infrastructures. Not simple enough? No problem, all we’re covering today is the great benefits you can achieve with this solution.

Using a hyperconvergence model to structure your network is very representative of the current trends in small- and medium-sized business technology. It’s about making enterprise-level solutions more accessible to those looking for a smaller scale. So although a lot of these benefits sound like the same points we argue for other technologies, let’s take a look at how they are unique to hyperconvergence.

Software-centric computing

It may not sound huge at first, but by packing everything you need into a single box, and wrapping that box with a flexible and adaptable management software, you empower your hardware infrastructure to receive more regular patches and updates. This makes it much easier to add more hardware later, or restructure what you’re currently using.

Unified administration

Hyperconvergence consolidates a number of separate functions and services into one piece of technology. Whoever is managing your virtualization services can tweak storage, cloud, backup, and database settings and workloads from one place.

Streamlined upgrading

Different hyperconvergence “boxes” come in different sizes and capabilities. So all it takes to scale up is buying another unit based on your forecasted needs. If you’re in a place where all you need is a little extra, purchase a smaller upgrade. But when you’re expecting rapid growth, a bigger box will ensure your IT can expand with your business.

Stronger data protections

Complexity is the achilles heel of most networked IT. When a small group of people are trying to stay on top of a mounting pile of account management settings, malware definitions, and data storage settings, it’s hard to keep constantly probing cyber-attackers from finding a security hole. But with a hyperconvergence infrastructure, your virtual machines aren’t built by bridging a series of third-party services together -- it’s all one service.

Keep in mind that while hyperconvergence is simpler than most virtualization solutions, it’s not so simple as to be managed by in-house IT departments at more small- and medium-sized businesses. The benefit of a more unified virtualization solution when you already have a managed services provider is the speed at which your growth and evolution can be managed.

The better your technology, the faster we can make changes. And the faster we can accommodate your needs, the less downtime you experience. Call us today to find out more about a hyperconverged system.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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