Week 13: Clear - "Keystrokes Are Giving the Pen a Run for Its Money"

Social Media Is Here To Stay...
As I mentioned in a previous post, for years I had resisted partaking in the obvious and inevitable integration of Social Media (SM) into the fabric of my daily life.  Until August of last year I had successfully avoided social media and networking like they were a plague.    At that time for the most part I was a Web 1.0 person, my only indulgence in the Web 2.0 world was Skype which I had begun using four years prior in 2007.   This might prompt you to ask how/why would such a Web 2.0 illiterate be a Skype user.  Well, it was out of necessity, my son was in an exchange student program in South Korea and Skype was the least expensive (free) way I could not only talk to him but most importantly see his face (priceless) - but that was the extent of my indulgences and experience with Web 2.0 tools.  Here's a list of Web 1.0 and 2.0 offerings: 

Web 1.0		Web 2.0
domain name speculation	→	search engine optimization, fans, and followers
page views	→	cost per click
screen scraping	→	Web services
publishing	→	participation
content management systems	→	wikis
directories (taxonomy)	→	tagging (“folksonomy”)
Britannica Online	→	Wikipedia
personal Web sites	→	blogging, status updates, and link sharing
Ofoto	→	Flickr, Facebook, and Twitter
instant messaging	→	Twitter and Facebook
Monster.com	→	LinkedIn
RealNetworks	→	YouTube
YellowPages.com	→	Yelp
Travelocity	→	TripAdvisor
Vonage	→	Skype

 Gallaugher. Information Systems, Chapter 7, Table 7.1  Web 1.0 versus Web 2.0*


However, as the result of a class I took, Summer 2011, I first got my toes wet at several of the major sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Flickr, YouTube, and Google. Yes, as I said before, I am ashamed to say, I did go kicking and screaming but after a couple of weeks in that class I began to see the power and the value of SM.   I was amazed at how much easier it was to stay connected and I was surprised when I realized how businesses were also utilizing these Web 2.0 tools for their advantage. 

In UF's ISM 3004 - Computing for the Business Environment, I have learned even more as I've delved into the deep of blogs, Google+ and other Web 2.0 methods of communication.  I've come to realize that blogging can give anyone a very real and powerful voice and presence in our society. Many businesses have wised up to this fact and not only do they blog - they also constantly monitor electronic media to ensure that there isn't "anything out there in cyberspace" that could jeopardize their reputation. The old quote, "The pen is mightier than the sword", can certainly move over and make room for "Keystrokes are giving the pen a run for its money". 

Today many businesses also realize that SM should be a vital part of their strategy for marketing as SM can be used as one-way and/or two-way communication and marketing tactics which allows companies to send a highly targeted message to a large number of potential customers. And do it very quickly and at costs extremely lower than traditional advertising. 

Successful companies are those companies that proactively embrace "Our Forever Connected World". They become a part of the social media community by creating Blogs or Twitter feeds or establishing pages on social networking sites like Facebook, etc. This helps to set them up to successfully achieve their goal of gaining a sustainable competitive advantage. This is just another of the many reasons why SM is so vital and necessary to businesses. For more information and/or to see real-life examples, check out these sites on the Web:
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/
http://www.blogtrafficexchange.com/why-big-companies-are-blogging/
http://www.sitepoint.com/15-companies-that-really-get-corporate-blogging/

Just these few reasons I have touched on in this blog post is assurance to me that our society has no intentions of letting Social Media go - it's here to stay...



*Wrtten consent for reuse with attribution granted in front cover of textbook.

Week 12: Clear - Big Brother Isn't the Only One Listening & Watching

Be Careful Little Children What You Say and Do... 

Telecommunication, as defined by Dr. Means:

1. electronic communication: the science and technology of transmitting information electronically by wires or radio signals with integrated encoding and decoding equipment 
2. information transmission over communications lines

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fensterbme/64985745/sizes/z/in/photostream/

by fensterbme

  

The power and convenience afforded by telecommunications, coupled with the power and convenience afforded by the Internet, has already radically changed our world - and shockingly enough, it's not over yet.  There are still things to come that exceed the capacity of my limited understanding of the subjects. 

 With telecommunication and internet (TAI) usage growing exponentially every day, the number of questions regarding societal issues associated with using TAI has also increased.  These issues include but are not limited to privacy rights, security, net neutrality, unproductive time online (gaming,  Facebook, etc.).  The jury is still out on these issues so it's really too early to tell the final outcome.  However, we should remain vigilant and keep an active watch and voice regarding anything that could strip our privacy, security, etc. away from us. 

This is why it is so important that we remember that anything we say and do online, could ultimately be seen and heard by others.  Electronic media is not just monitored - every second of every minute of every hour of everyday of every week of every month of every year - information is being collected (24/7 - 365) by sources we don't even think about and servers and search engines are the biggest culprits. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fensterbme/5074208506/sizes/z/in/photostream/ 

by fensterbme 

   

Why should you care you might ask.  Well, this means that even though you may delete something off your page, blog, etc., unless you have the ability to delete it off every server, search engine, index, personal computer, thumb-drive, CD, etc. that saved a copy of the information - it could still come back to haunt you.  We have no way of knowing who is collecting our information or how it might be utilized in the future. 


For me, this has always been "A LITTLE TOO SCARY!!!  So I have always been conscious of my on-line reputation and I'd like to share some good advice that's lasted me for a life-time and is still very relevant today:

• From my mother many, many moons ago, "IF YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO REPEAT IT VERBATIM TO THEIR FACE, DO NOT SAY IT BEHIND THEIR BACK..." 
• And not quite as many moons ago but still a very long time, from a UF Trainer.  As I was a UF employee and I was required to attend a training/in-service regarding business communications and although I do not remember anything personal (height, weight, sex, race, etc.) about the instructor, I do remember the main point of the session and I have made it a matter of practice and I know it still applies today, perhaps even more when you think about the craziness on some of the popular sites, "IF YOU WOULD NOT WANT IT READ ALOUD AND DISCUSSED IN COURT - DO NOT PUT IT OUT THERE..."   

Telecommunications and the Internet is here to stay because responsible use adds value to our lives and increases productivity, etc. but I think it would be a nicer experience for us all if everyone would just choose to use a little restraint and discipline...

Week 11: Clear - Solutions to Some of the Problems in Paradise

Data Asset - Data and Information

Every business today faces the expense and other issues associated with analyzing information and  collecting, storing, and retrieving data.  As a result of incompatible systems, transaction processing systems and live operational data, even the information itself possess problems for every business, website, call center, etc. 

This week's material discussed solutions used to handle the issues mentioned above:

Gallaugher.  Information Systems, Chapter 11, Figure 11.2*

                        

 

1. Data Warehouse - a set of databases designed to support decision making in organizations as it stores current and historical data. 
2. Data Mart - a single database or databases focused solely on addressing the concerns of a specific problem, question or business unit. 
3. Data Mining - using computers to identify hidden patterns in, and to build models from, large data sets.  To use this process to look for trends and patterns the data must be accurate, organized and consistent. 
4. Business Intelligence (BI) - combining data exploration, ad hoc queries, aspects of reporting and sophisticated data modeling and analysis.  As a result, users have access to various reports:

Gallaugher. Information Systems, Chapter 11, Figure 11.3*

• Reports are no longer just "canned" - easy to use and all parameters are predetermined by the programmers, but users have access to 
•  "ad hoc" reports - puts users in control as users create their own reports as needed.  This type of report is harder to use as knowledge of the system and the information is necessary. 
• "Dashboards" - another BI tool, gives an at-a-glance view of critical indicators that allow managers to get graphical performance metrics more quickly. 
• "OLAP (Online Analytical Processing)" - this is one of the most valuable BI tools and is a method of querying and reporting that takes data from standard relational databases, calculates and summarizes it and then stores it in a special database called a data cube (a special database used to store data in OLAP reporting).  

Data and Information are mong the most valuable assests available and there will always be the need for solutions to store and handle it properly.  Without data and information, businesses cannot make the proper analysis necessary to forecast and prepare for future trends and patterns.  

Turning data into useful information which can be used to answer questions, to solve problems and to help reveal innovative ways firms can improve, is the key benefit.  This benefit is the reason firms are willing to weather the storm to continue the quest for more effective and cost efficient solutions.




*Wrtten consent for reused with attribution granted in front cover of textbook.

Week 10 - Clear: Got Skills? You'll Need Them!

Mastering Access Requires An Extensive Skill Set

Hawiane Tidwell, 2012.

Although my first interaction with Access was a little over a decade ago and over the years since, I've worked with it sporatically for projects here and there and even after the refresher in this class, ISM 3004 and other computer and business courses, today I still cannot say that I am an "Access Expert" and I probably never will.  Microsoft Access is a very complex application and to master it requires a very extensive skill set as well as using the program on a regular basis.  Dr. Olson's Access Skills Track has reminded me of so much about Access that I'd forgotten which was great but also at the same time, I was reminded of so much that is still to be learned. 



Hawiane Tidwell, 2012.

Speaking of the things still left for me to learn - I did pick up some new skills and one I am really delighted about is the "Tab Stop".  Have you ever had a record with a ton of fields but you really only needed to edit a couple of them so you had to either, tab through all of them, enter through all of them, use the arrow keys, or take your hand off the keyboard so you could use the mouse to place the pointer in the next field you needed to edit?  Well, I have and let me tell you it is a productivity killer - it wastes so much time.   

Hawiane Tidwell, 2012.

Here's the simple fix!!  To restrict Access to only tab through (or only tab to) fields that you will actually edit:  In "Design View" highlight the field(s) that will not be edited.  Click "Property Sheet", on the right of the screen click the "Other" tab.  Choose "no" from the "Tab Stop" dropdown list, then press "enter".  That's it - problem solved - "tab stop" is disabled and now Access will only go to the fields that will be edited, even if it is only one (1) field.  Isn't that great!!  I think so! 

Week 9 - Clear: Days May Be Numbered for Silicon Computer Chips

http://www.flickr.com/photos/48329209@N03/4427797042/sizes/z/in/photostream/ 

by  Tomizak 

Changing the Rules for Production & Mother Nature's Laws of Physics & Quantum Tunneling Will All Contribute to Silicon Valley's Eventual Demise or Transformation!!! 



Wow!  Or should I say, whew!!
Most of this week's material wasn't totally muddy but it definitely wasn't crystal clear either - more like blurry - but very, very fascinating. I hope that I am around to see how some of the theories, new technologies and predictions play out - especially those involving Moore's Law - Gordon Moore's observation that the number of transistors on an integrated circuit doubles every two (2) years.  

http://www.flickr.com/photos/schwa23/85298610/sizes/z/in/photostream/

                            by schwa23 

In Electronics Magazine, Moore stated "transistors per chip, a proxy for power, would double every two years", which Carver Mead, a CalTech Professor and chip entrepreneur dubbed "Moore's Law".    The Business World gives Moore's Law the following definition:  Chip performance per dollar doubles every eighteen months or next generation chips today should be twice as fast but cost the same as chips from eighteen months ago.
 
   
Consumer demand for smaller, faster, more powerful, yet cheaper chips seems to be the driving force that has given Moore's Law a bountiful playing field for decades but it appears that all may be coming to a screeching halt.  As computer chips are produced smaller and more powerful, size, heat, and power all become significant stumbling-blocks to the possibility of Moore's Law continuing to apply.  The laws of physics (a chip's pathway can never be smaller than a single molecule) and quantum tunneling (Mother Nature has set the actual physical limit - which in all probability is larger than a single molecule - so chip pathways can never be smaller than this without spontaneous disruption of its electrons), are both indicators that silicon computer chips' days may be numbered.  Will Silicon Valley just gracefully bow down or stand up and fight, getting into the game by embracing new technologies, principles, materials, etc. - new rules - all for the production of next generation computer chips which satisfies consumer demand? 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pennstatelive/5188529284/sizes/o/in/photostream/

by pennstatelive  

Efforts to overcome the speed bumps of shrinking silicon chips are already underway and have been for some time now.  Solutions which include the graphene wafer (pictured left), three dimensional transistors like Intel's "3-D Tri-Gate", protein computers, DNA computers, optimum computers, quantum computers and many others are on the horizon. 

The fight is on... 

Week 7: Clear - Just How SAASSIE Is SAAS?

MORE THAN JUST HYPE - SAASSIE IS WHAT SAAS DOES!!!
 
So what is SaaS?  SaaS is an acronym for software as a service and refers to software that is made available online by a third party provider.  It is a tool that lets you use someone else's operating system, hardware, applications, software - any and everything you require for your computing needs.  Salesforce.com is the leading SaaS firm - other SaaS firms include NetSuite, Workday, Aravo, and Zoho.  Cloud computing makes SaaS possible and I have provided a two (2) minute YouTube video below, should you desire to learn more about cloud computing technology:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAUuY0Yld0E

"Video uploaded to YouTube by fahaimedia, 2011. Permission granted to reuse with YouTube Standard License." 

And I'm sure by now you've asked yourself at least once, maybe twice - "Well, what is SAASSIE?"  SAASSIE is a term I made up (I'd like to interject a disclaimer here - I came up with the idea for SAASSIE before watching Dr. Olson's video #07.03 "The Cloud" - I noticed in his video that salesforce.com's mascot's name is Saasy).   Anyway, after reading the first eight (8) sections of the material it became crystal clear to me that SaaS appears to be the adrenaline or dynamite behind many of the changes that have and are taking place in the software, hardware, consulting, computing, and networking and other technology driven industries.  A few of these developments I already knew about, while the majority of which I only now know about as a result of this class, UF's ISM 3004 - Computing in the Business Environment. 
 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cloud_computing.svg Sam Johnston. 

SaaS has really leveled the playing field and made it possible for all firms to accomplish what they once only thought was possible in dreams or with a boat load of cash.  SaaS is a thing of financial beauty and SAASSIE is the way I choose to express most of the assets and benefits that SaaS brings to any firm's table (large or small):

• SAVINGS!  SAVINGS!  SAVINGS!  A firm utilizing a SaaS provider immediately saves money because allocated funds for acquiring, licensing, and maintaining software and hardware are no longer fixed but are replaced by variable expenses, so can be reduced or even eliminated all-together.  Firms also save money on IT staff as the SaaS provider takes care of most, if not all issues/tasks concerning your computing needs.  So, a lower total cost of ownership than that of a traditional platform with commercial software and associated maintenance and service cost is also a benefit.   
• Access to powerful virtualization software tools, as well as enterprise, desktop and web-based storage, applications, software and hardware.   
• Accessibility and remote access.  SaaS services can be accessed via any Web browser and some providers even offer access via the phone. 
• Scalability through increased utilization and maximum capacity at data centers, as much as 80% or more in most cases and on an as needed basis. So firms are able to handle Black Swans (unexpected spikes in activity) and/or cyclical busy periods without incident.  And due to the fact that coverage is allocated and additional servers are only brought online as needed, you only pay for what you use.    
• Secure.  Even though, Saas providers take security very seriously, firms should make sure matters concerning security are spelled out in the contract and do periodic audits to make sure the agreement is being adhered to.      
• Innovative technology without paying top dollar for all of the associated expenses (research, proto-types, trial runs, acquisition, installations, development, staff, etc.).  
• Expert advice and support 24/7.  Expandable services customized to the firm's needs.  Environmental footprint that is smaller/greener than most firms' not using the service.   

Yes, like with anything else there are some risks associated with the use of SaaS providers so make sure you research any SaaS firm thoroughly before partnering.  Be sure to look at the firm's long-term viability and make sure you incorporate an exit strategy in your strategic plan.  Privacy and legal requirements may restrict/prohibit a firm's use of a SaaS provider - should this be the case, there probably will not be a way around this. 

Overall, from my observations, once a firm has "done their homework" (a minimum of which is addressed above), and also addresses contractual forensics, uses federated authentication and performs audits and accessibility assessments, in most cases, the benefits of SaaS will far out-weigh any remaining potential of risk.  With all that said, the only thing left to say is... SAASSIE UP!!! 

Week 6: Clear - "Continuous Innovation" - Key to Successfully Satisfying Dynamic Customer Needs

"VisiCalc" on an Apple II - the Mother of It All!  
Today!?  My How Things Have Changed! 
 
Well we are using two (2) books in ISM 30004 and earlier this week, I first read Chapter 9 from "How Computers Work", 9th Edition by Ron White instead of from the book assigned for this week's reading, "Information Systems: A Manger's Guide to Harnessing Technology" by John Gallaugher.  Like I've told you before, I can laugh at myself and I'll even admit to having to do it often at times and although it was a mistake on my part, I'm glad I read both books.  Surprisingly enough, the subjects covered were very closely related as White gave more specific detail about the different types and categories of software and the applications for which Gallaugher gave a detailed overview from a manger's perspective. 

Dr. Olson added to the information in Gallaugher's book  and provided vital information for any manager - actually for any one - about to purchase software, whether on a small or large scale.  He included topics most of us rarely think of like the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) - I have thought about this when it came to owning a vehicle but never in regards to owning software.  However, it was clear that this is something software purchasers should really pay attention to as in March 2011, according to Gartner, a reputable research firm, TCO of software and software maintenance current base cost was $750.00 annually - this may not be much of an issue for ownership of one or two software suites but just think about a company that owns 100s or even 1,000s - the dollars add up pretty quickly. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Visicalc.png 

                                                Wikimedia Commons.

While reading White's book, I learned that VisiCalc was the first electronic spreadsheet application and that it was released on an Apple II computer.  Apparently in its day, VisiCalc was radically innovative software that made bankers, financial managers/officers, accountants - anyone having to "crunched numbers manually", very, very happy!!

I've heard of multiple Apple products including Apple computers that are currently successful and continuously gaining in market share as a result of innovative technology which continues to anticipate and meet customer needs.  On the other hand however, VisiCalc failed to realize that its users' needs changed - users wanted and needed more than just the ability to crunch numbers - many required database and graphing capabilities.  Where is VisiCalc now?  I had never heard of this software until this week - but I have heard of Lotus 1-2-3, Quattro Pro and Excel - which are all application software, that met the changing needs of VisiCalc users and eventually replaced it - two (2) of which I have personally used.  So managers also need to be aware of changes in the market and or technology that could impact their firm but also their firms changing needs.  One way of proactive dealing with this by making sure an "exit strategy" is included in any plan to acquire any software. 

This made it clear to me that in order for any firm's services or products to remain useful, they must be able to successfully satisfy dynamic customer needs and to do this the firm must be capable of continuous innovation.  If a firm cannot keep its finger on the pulse of the ever changing needs of its customers, it will not be able to proactively meet those needs and will eventually lose those customers to its competitor(s).  Apple is still alive and not just kicking but kicking butt!  According to Figure 9.3 of Gallaugher's book, in 2009, Apple held 5% market share of "Desktop" operating systems (OSs), 25% of "U.S. Mobile" OSs, and 16% of "Worldwide Mobile" OSs.  Below, I have zoomed in on a portion of an infographic from February 2011, which shows Apple's market share of the "U.S. Mobile" OSs to be 34% - that is a 9% increase since 2009.  In seven of the 14 countries shown, Apple has the largest market share - "click" on the first link below to view the entire infographic:

  http://connect.icrossing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Mobile-OS-Market-Share-2.jpg              www.icrossing.co.uk           

To view this entire infographic - "click" the first link above.

Dr. Olson shared the following information regarding "Desktop OSs" and in closing,  would like to share it with you - he stated the following (paraphrased): 

• "In 2005, a survey revealed that 50% of UF students bought Dell computers and 17% bought Apple - presently, nearly 50% buy Apple and only 13% buy Dell". 
• "In 2003, Apple only had 2% of the market share but in 2006, they changed to the Intel processor and their market share increased to 6%". 
• "In 2010, Apple's market share has increased to 10%, even though they are selling high-end systems which focus on quality, performance, reliability, and design - like a Porsche".
• "He also shared his observations on campus and noted that Apple laptops are #1 on campus and this is a trend for college campuses nation-wide".        

So if you are faced with the task of purchasing software, make sure you also consider the reputation and track record of the company and remember, "You get what you pay for but you will certainly miss the important stuff you don't pay for"... 

Week 5: Muddy - Rasters & Vectors - Never Heard of Them...

What are Rasters and Vectors?  Dinosaurs!? No!  I Give - Your Guess is as Good as Mine... 

Do you know what RASTERS and VECTORS are?  Well up until this week, I had never heard the terms - I think I might have previously heard of vectors but it had nothing to do with images and the words alone, made me think of dinosaurs...  So, the subject initially was pretty muddy for me because I was unfamiliar with the terminology and I had no clue about "this new technology that I was in the midst of learning". 

You probably could have heard it a mile away - I gave a sigh of relief when finally, the light bulb of understanding was bright and I got it!  Below, I will quickly share with you my understanding of this subject.  First let me give a few pointers about the differences between the two (2) types of images, so you can easily decide which will be appropriated for your next graphic image project:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:VectorBitmapExample.svg

 

VECTORS:  This image type will give you the most flexibility.  And if you need to make a lot of changes to your image before you finalize it, definitely choose this type.  Also, if you are not sure what size you need, have no fear with vectors, they are scalable and can reach extremely large dimensions without becoming distorted (blurred, grainy, etc.).  Vector files usually end with .SVG or .TSVG. 

 RASTERS: If you are working with photographs - you definitely want to use raster-based images as generally, a vector-based image as a photo does not work well. You will know you have raster images because these type files usually have file names ending with .JPG, .PNG, and GIF. These "Bitmap" files can be large and take up a significant amount of space.

Now, I will explain how each image is generated and I will also provide you with examples:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rgb-raster-image.svg

Permission granted for reuse with Wikimedia Commons.

            

A raster image is created by using tiny little dots called pixels.  Each pixel is assigned a color value and this arrangement of the pixels reveals the detail of the image.  This arrangement makes it a great choice for the subtlety that can be involved with detailed photos.  However, it is also the reason why the image can lose detail and clarity when it is enlarged - as you are spreading the pixels over a larger area. 

 Adobe Photoshop is a raster-based program and it works beautifully with pictures.  It also offers a lot of special effects.  However, once you save your image, you will not have as much flexibility when it comes to editing say - just the background -  to accomplish this, you might have to actually recreate your image.  Only this time, make sure you use the features you desire while you are creating your image. 

Vector images are a bit more complex, they are actually created using mathematical equations - but don't worry, you will not even know the math is taking place - it's all done behind the scenes.  The equations define the points and shapes of the image and if the image is resized, the equations will be recalculated accordingly so there is not a loss of detail or quality.  This is the reason why size is not an issue for these images.  Adobe Illustrator is a vector-based program and is excellent to work with if the potential for a lot of editing exist or you need varying sizes of your image. 

To try and give you a real-life visual of the differences between rasters and vectors, below I have provided an image of each: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Phone.jpg 
 

To the right of this text is the original raster-based image.  If I were to try and enlarge this picture, it would immediately begin to loose detail and as you can see, I'm limited to what I can actually do with it.  

However the image below is a vector-based image of the original raster-based image discussed above.  You can clearly see that the image below, has been enlarged and it appears that the the detail is even clearer than that of the original object.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Phone.svg
                                         

Another plus to using vector-based files is the file size itself, because everything is calculated using mathematical equations instead of using pixels, vector-based file size is a lot smaller than those of raster-based. 

However, both image types are very important as they each have different benefits and uses.  And there is reliable software available for both types like the Adobe products I mentioned earlier. 

I hope the information I've shared takes the intimidation out of your next digital image project and helps to make it a bit easier... 

 

Week 4: Clear - Operational Effectiveness Needs Accessories

Make Sure Your Firm Is DRESSED To The NINES! 
As every fashion sense woman knows, having a "Little Black Dress" (LBD) in your wardrobe is critical - you know, the one that gets you through every occasion with class and style!  All you have to do is just switch up the accessories and your LBD so graciously gives you an entirely different look that is spot on for the occasion you are facing - now how fabulous is that!! 

No matter what industry you are in, how many employees are on your payroll, what goods, services, or products you provide, or where your firm is located in the world - EVERY FIRM should strive to be EFFECTIVE and EFFICIENT.  Should your firm be not able to accomplish this, I dare confidently say that your firm will probably not successfully survive in today's business world. 

Operational Effectiveness (OE) - doing what every other firm in your industry is doing but doing it better (effectively and efficiently) - it's clear to me that OE is definitely the LBD that your firm needs to maintain a Sustainable Competitive Advantage (SCA) - financial performance that is consistently above the industry averages!  However, OE alone just is not enough to get and keep the job done successfully.  Like all LBDs, OE needs the right accessories.  So to help your firm successfully achieve and maintain SCA, you must accessorize OE with the following (If you are not sure what the difference is between OE and strategy - watch this video before you read on):
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5w3s4rckdA

"Video uploaded to YouTube by PotentialTra , 2011. Permission granted to reuse with YouTube Standard License."

1. Strategic Positioning - by doing what your competition isn't doing or do what they are doing but in a different way, you will create and/or strengthen strategic differences which will give your firm an advantage that will be difficult for your competitors to match.
2. Resource-Based View of Competitive Advantage - if you are to successfully maintain a SCA, you must control an exploitable resource(s) - but not just any old resource.  This resource must have the following critical characteristics: 1) it must be valuable; 2) it must be rare; 3) it must be hard to copy/imitate; and 4) it must be nonsubstitutable. 
3. Imitation-Resistant Value Chain - Your value chain is what you do to create and bring your products/services to market and if you create a unique way of doing this you will have an edge on your rivals that will last a very long time. 
4. Scalability - as your firm grows, you will gain scale advantages like those from economies of scale. Being able to spread your cost over an increasing number of products and services will increase your profits drastically. 
5. Differentiation - is what sets your firm's products/services apart from all the other firms'.  Grab and keep your customers' attention by using differentiation to breakout of the cookie cutter madness and to elevate your products/services above commodity status.
6. Distribution Channel(s) - is the path(s) you use to distribute your products/services to your customers and is one of the key players in your firm's success.  If you get everything else right but fail here - your customer will not get the opportunity to even think about choosing your goods let alone buying them...
7. Patents/Intellectual Property Protections - do not drag your feet here - make sure you take quick action to protect your firm's creativity, innovation, inventions, etc. anything that can be copyrighted or patented.  Doing this will give you some degree of protection from the firms out there who are waiting to reap benefits from your firm's blood, sweat and tears.   
8. Porter's Five Forces/Industry Competitive Analysis - the five (5) forces are 1) rivalry among firms already in the business; 2) the threat of new firms entering the business; 3) the threat of a substitute for your product(s)/service(s); 4) the bargaining power of your customers; and 5) the bargaining power of your suppliers. Do yourself a favour - use these factors to do an Industry Competitive Analysis so that you know your firm, your industry and you are not doing business blindly. 
9. Technology - last but not least, the icing on the cake - or should I say the finishing touch! Use the enabling characteristic of technology to help you leverage in each of the areas mentioned above and your firm will certainly be a leader in your industry. 

Again, make sure that your firm is DRESSED to the NINES!  OE should never be without the proper accessories. 
So get out there and make sure that your firm is prepared with a properly accessorized LBD - a Successful Firm would NOT be caught dead without one!!

Week 3: Clear - Networks and the Internet

APs to Wireless - All I Needed to Know:

This week has been really interesting.  In a few short days, I have learned more about networks and accessing the Internet than I've ever known.  Should I ever be responsible for overseeing the design and implementation of an enterprise network - thanks to ISM3004 - I will be ready! 

One thing clear to me is that there is no way around networks and the Internet, they are an ever present fact and necessity in the world we live in today.  There's no sign of this changing as our dependence on them is continuing to increase as a result of the increased use of the Internet - not just by businesses - but also by private individuals like you and me.

   http://www.timothyedwarddowns.com/Tim_Downs_Portfolio/illo/Pages/infog.html#29 

*Image by Timothy Downs. Written Permission granted for reused with attribution.

Ever improving advancements in technology not only produces better equipment and lowers its cost but also makes the process of setting up a network and using the Internet more accessible to everyone.  I do all my banking, stream Netflix, Hulu and other services, take on-line classes, and much more - all on-line via my home VPN (Virtual Private Network).  My VPN consists of a DSL modem, Linksys Wireless router, 802.11g All-in-One (printer, fax and copier), laptop and a desktop replacement.  I really can not imagine what it would be like without my direct access to the "CLOUD"... 

To ease any concerns regarding security, I utilize WPA2 Encryption. Doing all I can do to maintain the integrity of my VPN is also the reason why I chose DSL over cable.   I just wasn't comfortable with the idea of my Internet activity being sent to everyone on the Internet Service Provider's network.  The thought of leaving it to the cable modem to handle (deliver or discard) the information correctly & without failures would be just one more thing to worry about for me.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:ADSLmodemWestell6100.jpg
Permission granted for reuse with Wikimedia Commons. 

Your needs, preferences, and price-point may lead or have already led you to setup your home or small office network utilizing equipment and/or services that are very different than those I have chosen to use for mine - in most cases you will find this to be true as no two (2) networks will be exactly the same.  They are designed to cater to individual needs.  Happy surfing!!                   

  http://www.timothyedwarddowns.com/Tim_Downs_Portfolio/illo/Pages/infog.html#22

*Image by Timothy Downs. Written Permission granted for reused with attribution.

*Timothy Downs  written consent for reused by Hawiane Tidwell with attribution:

Week 2: Muddy - Modders Do What...!?

Overclocking! - What's that...!?

Wow!!  What a week - a lot of information to wade through and so many new terms!  Overall though it hasn't been too bad - I realized that I do know a little something about the inner/outer workings of computers and laptops - only I just never really knew the "real" names/terms for some of the components.  However, a concept that was quite muddy for me was "Overclocking" - I had never heard this term so I had no point of reference.  I can laugh at myself so I will tell you that I originally thought the term referred to staying on your laptop or computer too long and I thought, how can this possibly multiply anyone's time. 

Finally I understood that overclocking is when a Modder (term used in "How Computers Work" by Ron White) and/or Hobbyist (term used by Dr. Olson in UF ISM3004 video lecture "02.04 Inside Desktop"), who has purchased a personal computer (PC) with a specific clock rate - i.e. 3GHz - Intel CORE i5 - decides to increase the speed of that machine by speeding up its internal clock (a resonating quartz crystal oscillator). 

You see this clock/crystal is like the PC's conductor and the faster the crystal vibrates, the faster the PC's multiplier ticks.  The multiplier is the component which controls the length of time that electricity is flowing to most of the PC's components, so the faster it ticks, the faster all those affected components inside the PC are enabled to work.  When there is no electricity, these components are forced to wait or sleep (this wastes time)...  Keeping the electricity coming - keeps the components revved and working!!

Photo taken by isriya , 2008. http://www.flickr.com/photos/isriya/3040882030/in/photostream/ 

One way Modders/Hobbyists are able to accomplish this is by going into their PC's motherboard's setup and setting it to run at 4GHz instead of 3 (note: some manufactures lock the multiplier rates so that they cannot be altered).  Modders/Hobbyists do this because they want to increase their machine's performance and know that the machine will exceed the listed speed because all manufacturers have factored in a certain margin for error.  What they don't know is by how much will the PC's speed increase and will this modification destroy the machine. 

WORD OF CAUTION:  This is not recommended and even if you did this and your PC initially survives, there are still drawbacks:  1) Manufacturers have not extensively tested and certified the PC to run at the new speed.  2) Your machine will consume a lot more electricity.  3) Consuming the additional electricity causes it to generate significantly higher levels of heat.  4) The higher levels of heat will definitely decrease the PC's reliability and could cause the machine to become over-heated or even to burn-out.  Modders/Hobbyists do address this issue but their solutions are not discussed in the written text of this blog.  So with all that being said, 5) you still will not know how long your PC will last once you alter it. 

TOO RISKY for me...  Again this is NOT RECOMMENDED, but for those of you who are brave at heart, or maybe has some money you want to burn (pun intended...), below I have provided a YouTube video series that walks you through the entire process step-by-step for an Intel product(s):

Intel Overclocking Basics Part I:  Introduction

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOet4OqAVho

"Video uploaded to YouTube by FrogurtX , 2009.  Permission granted to reuse with YouTube Standard License." 

Intel Overclocking Basics Part II:  Preparation H

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGhuPpyMqmw

"Video uploaded to YouTube by FrogurtX , 2009.  Permission granted to reuse with YouTube Standard License."

Intel Overclocking Basics Part III:  Manual is Your Friend

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPCcsewAcaU

"Video uploaded to YouTube by FrogurtX , 2009.  Permission granted to reuse with YouTube Standard License."

Intel Overclocking Basics Part IV:  Overclocking the BEAST

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26LBpXSO71Q

"Video uploaded to YouTube by FrogurtX , 2009.  Permission granted to reuse with YouTube Standard License." 

Intel Overclocking Basics Part V:  Testing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Mmp5nX1mHE

"Video uploaded to YouTube by FrogurtX , 2009.  Permission granted to reuse with YouTube Standard License."