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 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 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:

Extra Credit: Avatar

Creating an Avatar

Today, I was thinking about how hectic things get as the end of the semester gets closer.  So after completing the assignments for week 1, I decided I should do myself a favor and get at least one Extra Credit Item (ECI) out of the way.  Yep!  You guessed it!  I chose to create an Avatar.  I started this adventure with lots of apprehension but I can honestly say it was all for nothing.   Of the seven (7) sites provided, I utilized two (2) and I will share my experience below.  And just so you know, I created all the images without divulging my personal information and they were all done for FREE: 

Portrait Illustration Maker was the first site I visited.  It was really easy to use but not quite the experience that I expected as I wasn't able to accomplish the look that I was after.  That being said, I was still able to create several Avatars - which I will share with you momentarily.  Let me first take a moment to tell you how you can get your image(s) on your computer once created. 

You can do this via one of two ways - they are both super easy so it doesn't matter which one you choose.  When you are ready to save your Avatar(s) you can right-click on the image; select "save Picture as"; and then choose where you want to store it; give it a name and press save.  Viola!  You are done!!  OR you can press "download" and when the box pops up choose "save"; and then choose where you want to store it; give it a name and press save.  Again, so simple - that's it - you are done!! 

OK.  I know you have just been bubbling with anticipation for the moment I reveal my Avatars.  Keep in mind that I told you I couldn't get them exactly like I wanted them but anyone who knows me will know I tired.  I think the site targets Chinese/Japanese and this was probably the reason I couldn't.  So anyway here they are in all their awkward splendor - it was still a lot of fun and the site was very user-friendly:   



Hawiane #1
"Image created by Hawiane Tidwell, 2012.
Permission granted to reuse with attribution."



Hawiane #2
"Image created by Hawiane Tidwell, 2012.
Permission granted to reuse with attribution."




Hawiane #5
"Image created by Hawiane Tidwell, 2012.
Permission granted to reuse with attribution."



Hawiane #3
"Image created by Hawiane Tidwell, 2012.
Permission granted to reuse with attribution."

Hawiane #4
"Image created by Hawiane Tidwell, 2012.
Permission granted to reuse with attribution."

Face Your Manga was the second site I visited and I downloaded the myWebFace application to my computer.  To save an image(s), once you have it the way you want it you just click "save to computer"; and then choose where you want to store it; give it a name and press save.  Just as easy as before and let me tell you, I had a blast at this site - there's sooo much you can do!!!  The tools available were also easy to use, I played around with a few of them and this is what I came up with in no time at all: 

I was able to create this image using the "MangaYou" application and was done in just a few clicks: 

"Image created by Hawiane Tidwell, 2012.

Permission granted to reuse with attribution."

Utilizing the "CartoonYou", I created this one also in just a few clicks:

"Image created by Hawiane Tidwell, 2012.

Permission granted to reuse with attribution."

The next two (2) required just a little more work as the applications need a photo of you.  You can either upload one from your computer or if you have a web cam you can use it to capture the photo.  I used the "MyZooMe" to create this image, I thought it was sooo cute - I think it's my favorite:

"Image created by Hawiane Tidwell, 2012.

Permission granted to reuse with attribution."

And lastly, I used "CaricatureMe" to create this one.  I'm not sure a mother could even love this face.  Kinda scary, huh?

"Image created by Hawiane Tidwell, 2012.

Permission granted to reuse with attribution."

See!  I told you, it's not that hard and it's really a lot of fun - so don't procrastinate.  Go ahead and get started, it will be one less thing you have to worry about later and you will be glad you did!!  :-)

Week 1: Clear - Necessities for Success in Today's Business World

Social Media and Technological Advancements

For years I had resisted partaking in the obvious integration of Social Media (SM) and all the new Technological Advancements (TA) - some of which seemed to be created just for SM or as a result of SM.  My only indulgences were a laptop, an air card and a cell phone.  And I only had those because at that time I was traveling a lot for my job and I needed access to email.  Until August of last year I had successfully avoided social  media and networking like they were a plague. 

However, Fall Semester 2011, I had to take a Social Networking class which was a requirement for a program I recently completed (Career Ladder AS to BS Degree Program in Business Administration).  And quite frankly, I was a little irritated when I first found out I had to complete assignments that required me to be active on several of the major sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Flickr, YouTube, and Google.  Yes, 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 and TA.  I was amazed at how much easier it was to stay connected and I was surprised when I realized how businesses were utilizing these necessary tools for their advantage... 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/xlivexalivex/5535537474/

"Photo taken By alexa fades away , 2010.  Permission granted to reuse with attribution."

 

I'm really excited about ISM3004 - and looking over the calendar, I can already see I will be venturing into waters I've yet to charter (like this Blog).  Yeah!!  This is a good thing though and I'm ready to go!  I desire to obtain any knowledge, experience and/or skills that could be a catalyst for my professional success and increased competitiveness and human capital value.  According to Chapter 1 of "Information Systems: A Manager's Guide to Harnessing Technology" by John Gallaugher, today many businesses realize that SM and TA should be a vital part of their strategy for marketing and they desire to hire Managers and other employees who posses the necessary experience and skills. 

For businesses, social media 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.  Technology whether direct or indirect is apart of almost every job function and it's use and reliance upon is also continuing to increase. 

Successful companies are those companies that proactively embrace "Our Forever Changing World of Communication and Technology".  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 one (1) of the many reasons why SM and TA 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/
This is also one (1) of the many reasons why these tools are very important to many business professionals like myself and many of you.  As I stated before, I desire to obtain any knowledge, experience and skills I can to help ensure that I become more competitive and marketable - so I'm sure you can see how it is not only important but very necessary.  By doing this, I hope to gain a sustainable competitive edge over my professional peers and I would imagine that if I were to take a poll, the same would be true for many of you.

The class I mentioned I took last year barely covered Blogs.  It basically just provided their definition without any hands on experience.  I'm glad that this will not be the case with ISM3004.  Also from the readings in Chapter 1 of "Information Systems: A Manager's Guide to Harnessing Technology", 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 mighter than the sword", can certainly move over and make room for "The keystroke is giving the pen a run for it's money".  With that being said, I found a video on YouTube that gives some pretty good advice on the basics and etiquette of blogging:
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euk1kchfHr8 

"Video Uploaded to YouTube by yourBusinessChannel , 2008. Permission granted to reuse with YouTube Standard License."*             

Now that I've gotten my feet wet regarding blogging, with the help of this class I'm wading out into the deep as fast as I can.  With the information provided by our instructors and another video I found on YouTube, it was easy to create this Blog and I'm loving the hands-on experience.   The video walks you through how to create a Blog on Blogger step-by step.  It will probably answer most, if not all of your questions and it's less than four (4) minutes long - I couldn't believe how easy it was to follow.  So check it out... 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rA4s3wN_vK8

"Video Uploaded to YouTube by BloggerHelp  , 2011.  Permission granted to reuse with YouTube Standard License."*       

*For those who are wondering what "YouTube Standard License" means - I found a very informative video - you gussed it, yes on YouTube.  Using simple laymans language it explains the copyright and licensing in regards to YouTube and it briefly mentions Creative Commons.  If this issue was "muddy" for you before, this video will definitely help to make it "clearer" - happy blogging...: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju6COlCeIIU

"Video Uploaded to YouTube by GetThereSocialMedia , 2011.  Permission granted to reuse with YouTube Standard License."