Month: January 2018

Categories
Technology

Hosted PBX Giving Small Businesses Flexibility While Cutting Costs

To communicate with clients and keep intra-organisational communication going, you would need a reliable phone system. From time immemorial PBX phone systems have been the mainstay of many businesses around the world but lately, the paradigm has shifted to using hosting services. Cloud technology has made it possible for PBX systems to be hosted from a remote server; many businesses are now embracing this option because of the huge savings it offers them.

In addition, it seems to be the best phone communication model for small businesses as so many of its features are consistent with the philosophy of maintaining a flexible business operation with having to sink in huge sums in investment.

This is the way it works; a company provides the PBX Hosting service while other businesses subscribe to get cloud-based PBX telephony service. At the subscriber’s end setting up the service is not so far- fetched from that of installed PBX systems; the only striking point of difference lies in the fact that a subscriber to a Hosted PBX service only keeps a PBX phone, the server and other infrastructures remain with the hosting company.

All of the benefits offered by a Hosted PBX system before long have ripple effects on business operations. First, with committing its communication system into the hands of a host, a business has one less item off its to-do list thereby freeing up more time for other business pursuits. Another thing is that reduced cost is tantamount to increased profit; and to reiterate it, cost savings comes as the greatest benefit a Hosted PBX service has on offer; now the same amount a business could have invested in the purchase and installation of limited traditional PBX hardware can be used to purchase multiple lines with so many utility services to enjoy.

If you want a phone system with an integrity of a sure connection, you can’t look beyond Hosted PBX systems as there would never come a time where you would have to fumble with any hardware component for developing a fault; this is purely the host’s responsibility given the fact that the server and other communication infrastructure are with them and since many of them are experts in managing and maintain complex communication systems, there are slim chances of having a system break-down or downtime.

With all the benefits that come with a hosting service out there for both the small organisation that can only subscribe and the large organisation buoyant enough to own a PBX hosting platform to enjoy, the gap between small and large organisations is closing by the day as all firms running at different scale of operation can now afford and enjoy essentially the same PBX hosting services, phone features and functions.

Categories
Web Hosting

A Useful Google Maps Plugin for PHP Websites

If you’re a business owner, customers being able to find you. And, this is your responsibility to do the heavy lifting fort hem. Customers do not spend ever trying to work out your location. This article is about, of course, providing them with an interactive Google Map.

Before we discuss Google Maps PHP, it’s important to emphasize that Google Maps API comes equipped with embedding code which you can customize and paste in your posts or pages without using any plugins.

However, you will have to switch to the text editor to add it to posts or pages. This is where Google Maps plugin come in handy. Using a plugin will allow you to add locations, markers, directions, routes, etc. Your map will be interactive and more useful to the users. Additionally, you can do all these stuff without writing even a line of code.

DML Google Maps PHP Plugin is here

DML Google Maps PHP helps you to create web pages with Google Maps by yourself within just seconds. Its powerful functionality allows you to edit a text, pin new locations, add lines and polygons, customize settings and much more. Lets you add an unlimited number of markers to maps.

My favorite feature is it lets you create custom markers by combining 175 ready to use icons, 6 icon containers with any color. When visitors click on one of the markers, a small pop-up display additional information, plus an image, YouTube video, and link to the location.

To further, you can add colorful polygons and polylines to them, too. You can also add a number of different layers to your website, depending on your needs. This includes bicycle, traffic, transit, and weather layers. The plugin is super-easy to use, too, with maps added to any post/page using a supplied shortcode. In fact, you can have your first map configured and live in a matter of seconds!

It’s possible to have a look at the full list of features and also you can download this amazing plugin for a good price from Envato Market.

Categories
Technology

Top 5 Uses Of Blockchain Technology You Must Know About

Blockchain has taken the digital world by storm. It all started with the need to find more impregnable solutions for e-finance but gradually made way to all other spheres of businesses. Blockchain technology makes use of electronic ledgers having time-stamped entries, totally irreversible and with decentralized control. All such qualities make blockchains a better choice for various other uses. Here are a few of the important ones.

1.Data analytics:

Big Data handling would be made easier with blockchains implementation. Clearer audit trails and no tampering with data make blockchains a suitable option for handling complex things like Big Data. The flexibility of adding shared data layer provides ample scope for AI integration, thus, making analytics process totally future-proof.

2. Web hosting:

More secure SSL, easily transferrable domains, encrypted data network and fast servers are some of the benefits that come with blockchain website hosting. The ability to deliver highly secure and fast sharable content can bring more quality to web hosting. HostCoin ICO (Initial Coin Offering) shows that the blockchains will become a part and parcel of hosting business in coming times.

3. E-commerce:

Cryptocurrency is the most known usable form of blockchain technology. The blockchains make financial transactions more secure, completely accountable and totally error-free, not to mention, easily traceable – all such features are essentialities of a successful e-commerce forum. Thus, e-commerce is going to find next big support in the form of this technology where there will be no room for error and each and every transaction will be fast as well as final, with no possibility of chargebacks and dispute settlements.

4. Distributed cloud storage:

Storage solutions using cloud can be enhanced more on flexibility quotient with the introduction of decentralized control as available in blockchains. A decrease in dependency and increase in security serve the purpose of using clouds more efficiently and help clouds deliver what they were actually designed for.

5. Smart contracts:

Terms sealed and signed in digital format, with no party able to denying anything once agreed upon will enable better accountability to creep into the business sphere.

The crispness of action and clarity of thought are two main requirements for making blockchains a real success. Thus, whatever field it is, practice these to ensure that you make use of blockchains in your favor and not for confusing yourself as well as others.

Categories
Technology

How Pivot Tables Can Help Your Small Business

Pivot table can change how you sort and analyze data. These data summation tables common in business software help you analyze large amounts of data fast. With just a few simple clicks, you have access to a whole new set of information and data points than you originally thought. Spreadsheets provide one solution to create pivot tables, but the best tools allow you to simply drag and drop fields in order to rearrange the data.

But what is a pivot table and how can they help your small business succeed?

What is a Pivot Table

A pivot table gives you powerful analytical processing power combined with increased data flexibility. Dynamic data allows you to summarize, sort, reorganize, group, count, total or average the data you have stored in a database. Being able to transform rows into columns and columns into rows allows for various groupings by any data field.

If you need a solid system for analysis, projection, and visualization a pivot table is a way to go. Its ability to move the data easier to view it from a different side or in a fresh new way allows you to spot trends that may have otherwise remained hidden.

Track Time Efficiently

When you manage a small business, time is money and in order to save money, you need to use your time efficiently. If you want to log and track time spent by your employees on various projects for different clients, pivot tables can help. Record the necessary information (date, time spent, employee, project ID, client ID) in the table to have it summarize and display the data. Whenever you add new information the table will update automatically, ensure there are no inaccuracies in the report.

Easily Generate Sales Numbers

Does your small business depend on your sales team to hit goals and numbers? Use pivot tables to organize and track sales by product, region or sales rep. With this information added to the pivot table, you can easily generate reports on sales numbers for any of the categories to track progress, identify products that aren’t selling, or determine what regions need additional reps.

Quickly Generate Reports

Do you depend on weekly, monthly, and annual reports to monitor how your business is doing? Pivot tables make it easy to quickly generate these reports and help you stay on track with your small business goals. With pivot table’s ability to slice and dice data you can even compare the numbers from December 2017 to the numbers from past Decembers. You can do week to week comparisons, month to month, or even year to year to see how you’ve grown.

Track Customer Call Logs

If the majority of your business is conducted over the phone, it’s reasonable to want to track the number of calls each employee is making. You can use pivot tables to track calls made, duration of calls, a topic of the call, and more. You can then sort the data in order to see things like which days you received the most calls, which employee fielded the most number of calls, and which customer called the most. This data can help you with staffing levels, and other important customer service information.

Categories
Hardware

Cable Cord-Cutting Options Available Today

In today’s world of virtual reality, we are in a constantly changing and evolving digital world. Streaming video providers have made watching your favorite shows and programmes easier. Reminiscing about the days of cable television, it was difficult for some people to be able to afford. Furthermore, the things we can afford don’t seem to worth the penny paid for it. Cable and satellite prices keep increasing while their services seem to be decreasing in the process. Also, the volume of unnecessary and lame commercials seems to be increasing, thus, frustrating their subscribers. With streaming video services, the days of paying fees for hundreds of channels you never watch seems to be declining.

Looking back in time to see the stress our parents had to go through just to rent a movie. They had to take a long and tiring walk about five miles or more, through eight feet of snow to the local video store in a frigid weather. When they finally arrived the video store, they only had a selection of few movies to choose from. There were typically only 20 titles available and where most times, not new releases. After they rented a video, they had to hurry home and quickly watch it. If it wasn’t watched quickly and back by 6:00 pm the next day, there would be an exorbitant late fee attached. The late fee was usually as twice as much as the original rental. The issue was that because they liked it and they appreciated the opportunity to be entertained, no one complained. It was the only source of entertainment for some people. Oh! Times have changed and thanks to advancement in technology there has been a change in how we get our entertainment. We can now enjoy the cinematic arts in the comfort of our room, anywhere and at any time we want.

Streaming video services with cutting-edge technology have given us the need to cut the cord. There has never a better time than now to part ways with relics of the past. Delivering primetime programming online, live sports and events often at the drop of a hat. There are also no hidden charges or fees with live streaming TV. Live streaming TV also features easy to use operational functions that anyone can use.

Have you been thinking of cutting the cord? Have you also been thinking about freeing yourself from the shackles of cable package limitation? The best streaming providers for cord cutters right now are listed below.

  • Hulu
  • Netflix
  • Amazon video
  • HBO
  • FilmStruck
  • Sling TV
  • DirecTV NOW

 Hulu:

Hulu is an American streaming provider service owned by Hulu LLC (an alliance participation by The Walt Disney Company, 21st Century Fox, Comcast and Time Warner). Hulu CEO, Randy Freer, has moved the company in a positive direction. This entertainment subscription on-demand service was founded on March 3rd, 2007 by Jason Kilar and Beth Comstock. Hulu was formerly divided into free and paid options. However, Hulu’s free option is now set to continue for a long time because of a deal made with Yahoo! This joint venture kick-started in May of 2017 and is now known as Yahoo! View. Hulu with its already enormous on-demand programming services has added to its paid library a live streaming of cable channels. This content-rich, streaming service is known as Hulu with Live TV. Hulu with Live TV enables users to watch live and on-demand programs and is currently supported on many devices like iOS, Android, Xbox one, etc. With a starting price of $39.99, you get access to over 50 broadcast channels, like Fox, ABC, ESPN lineup and CBS. It provides access to major network shows and also sports channels. With Hulu, you can access a show’s current season or view all the program’s seasons after they have been aired. Also, Hulu hosts a couple of original shows like “The Thick of it” and “The Wrong Mans”. Coupled with a great selection of quality original programming, you also get about 50 hours of DVR recording. You can rewind live TV, pause and watch TV shows and programs at a time convenient for you. Sadly, you may have to sit through commercials although fewer than those on cable. However, the commercials can be skipped when you switch to ad-free or upgrade to the Enhanced DVR package. Also, Hulu services are mainly offered in the United States and Japan.

Netflix:

Netflix is a popular streaming media service that offers numerous shows and movies on demand. Reed Hastings has been leading the company since 1998. This American entertainment company is the 10th largest Internet company in the world. This granddaddy of streaming services was founded on August 29, 1997, by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph. Netflix is available in most countries and offers a one-month free trial for new subscribers. Also, it comes with an easy to use interface and features the option to search and browse by names or genres on the web, Android, and iOS. You also get access to movies, documentaries and original programming including “Orange is the New Black” and “House of Cards”. To save someone from a bunch of annoying commercials that interrupt the viewing experience of movies or TV shows, Netflix is commercial free. A unique feature of Netflix is the ability to download content in an area with good internet connection and watch it offline in an area of poor internet connection like while on a vacation or a road trip. There are also different membership plans that are very affordable for people of all economic backgrounds. However, the latest episodes of current TV shows are usually unavailable on Netflix but Netflix’s original shows will premier on the streaming service. Also, with its outdated library, it has limited brand-new content so you may have to wait for a long while before new content becomes available.

 Amazon Video:

Amazon Video is an online video on demand service owned and operated by Amazon. This streaming video media provider was launched on September 7th, 2006 and was originally known as Amazon Unbox. Roy Price first developed Amazon Unbox and It was later renamed Amazon Video. Roy Price’s biography in this field is astonishing. Amazon video offers a one-month free trial for its Prime members, and students also get a six-month free trial for Amazon Prime. For those who shop mostly online, Amazon Prime requires little to no stress. With a $99 per year fee, you get a free two-day shipping on purchases, unlimited access to both Amazon Music and Amazon Prime Instant Video. Amazon video is available on various devices like PCs, smartphones, various TV, consoles etc. and boasts a number of veritable great TV shows, movies, and original programming. Comedy shows by Amazon Studios include “Alpha House” and “Betas”, “Mozart in the Jungle” and most notably “Transparent”. The original show “Transparent” won a Golden Globe Award for the Best Television Series (Musical or Comedy). Also, they made a deal with Viacom that arguably offers the richest selection of comedy and anime for kids out of all the streaming services. It also has sports content like NFL’s Thursday Night Football games an ATP World Tour. There is also unlimited access to an extensive collection of classics such as “The Wire”. Sadly, access to current movies is only possible by paying an extra fee.

HBO NOW:

Home Box Office Now (HBO NOW) is a streaming internet TV service provider operated by the Time Warner Company HBO. It was launched on April 7, 2015, after being officially unveiled on March 9, 2015. It was the answer to HBO subscribers who wanted to cut the cord and access HBO shows on the go. HBO NOW provides full access to the entire HBO library of original programming and TV shows. To make the HBO NOW app easy to use, there are online tutorials, email support and also Twitter and Facebook links. Although, HBO has entertaining TV shows, sports, comedy etc. subscribers have no access to other programs. They only have access to HBO specific programming and doesn’t offer content from various network providers. Also, the downloading of contents for offline viewing is not available. This is a major concern for areas with poor internet connections like a long flight without Wi-Fi or on a vacation.

FilmStruck:

FilmStruck is one of the new kids on the block options for cord-cutters. It was launched in November, 2016. This online streaming service provider is a joint venture between Turner Classic Movies (TCM) and Criterion. Prior to the existence of FilmStruck, Criterion films were available through Hulu. FilmStruck does not offer TV shows but has a rich selection of classic, foreign and new films. It offers two options for members i.e. the cheaper “Without Criterion Films” option and the more expensive “With Criterion Films” option. There is also a free two-week trial for new members. At an affordable rate, there is also a huge selection of movies to select pick from. However, FilmStruck poses some problems like using a Flash Player, an outdated streaming technology. The movie watch list is not convenient due to the inability to move the movies to the top and remove the movies after watching and also the inability to tag movies to make them easy to find later. There is also no offline support for the mobile platforms.

Sling TV:

Sling Television is an American virtual multichannel online video programming provider. Sling TV is owned by Dish Network that was unveiled on January 5, 2015, and was launched on February 9, 2015. If you like the idea of cable television but want to keep up with the trends of over-the-top online television, Sling TV is the perfect solution. It comes with great cable channel lineup to always keep you entertained for starting fee of about $20 per month for the Orange package. There is also a one-week free trial for new subscribers. It is especially handy for cord-cutting sports fans, offering a variety of sports programs through its sports channels like ESPN. Sling TV now offers optional DVR services, so most channels let you control playback. However, it gets expensive for optional packages because it is an a la carte service provider. The interface and video quality still require some advancements and it only supports one user profile.

DirecTV Now:

DTV Now is also a new cord-cutting option. This streaming service provider owned by AT&T was founded on November 30, 2016. It offers an array of entertainment for subscribers with over 60 cable channels. There is also a 7-day free trial. The “zero-rating” policy will also be beneficial to AT&T data plan customers as DirecTV NOW will not count against their data usage. Also, AT&T Unlimited Plus customers can enjoy free HBO with their wireless plan. However, it does not support Cloud DVR, therefore, recording of movies and shows to watch later are not possible.

Cutting the cord on traditional cable saves you a lot of money and provides more flexible and easier access to desired contents. All these streaming options would not have been made possible without the inventive minds like Jason Kilar, Beth Comstock, Roy Price, Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph. The people and their companies made it possible to be free from the expensive cable companies. To be able to enjoy the best benefits, choose a streaming TV provider that is affordable, add-free, excellent over-the-top DVR product and an awesome streaming bundle experience. Try one today!!!

Categories
Technology

Remember the Memories Made at Your Next Big Event

Fresno Photo Booth Rental has some of the most amazing new LED photo booths. Renting one or more of those booths for a wedding or other affair can be the hit of your party. These are booths but also can have portable LED kiosks, using high-quality, and ultra-light materials for rentals. It can fit in a car and only needs one person to setup. Setup time is easy and fast.

Company in Fresno

This company in Fresno is the only one with these new LED Photo Booths for rent. And it is always something new and interesting that always is the hit of any party – whether wedding or birthday. Every couple or group of friends can get their picture taken to remember the fabulous party that you threw. These booths were designed just for that – everyone having a good time.

Head-turning new idea

This is a real head turning booth – so upload this page and share with those that are helping to have this party with you. Ask them what they think about renting one or more of these booths and they will probably tell you yes, as it is a great new idea.

Photos posted on social media

After the party, photos can be uploaded to Social Media or a Facebook Page, so everyone can share the good time and memories that were made at this party. This is something new and different and things like people that are new and different are always what others can’t stop talking about. These booths are interactive and add to the fun.

Remember the memories

You can keep a flash drive of all the pictures for every event – what a better way to remember your Senior Year of high school or college. These booths can be hired for 3, 4, or 5 hours.

For further information click here Fresno photo booth rental and get all the information on what to do to hire them for your next big party.

Categories
Hardware

How Can Printer Guide Help You in Choosing the Correct Printer for Your Home and Office Needs?

With the changing technology, the way in which printers function also has changed a lot. People have moved from computers to smartphones, and they send their daily tasks from a smartphone as against a conventional computer. Today’s best printers are trying to blend with the evolving technology, thereby offering new features like mobile printing and wireless connectivity options.

Irrespective of whether you are buying a basic printer or 123ink.ca printer, guide is essential so that you choose the best option in the market. Here is a guide that can help you to choose the best printer for your home and office needs.

What Kind of Printer Best Fits You?

Home users are mostly students and homemakers. They may not print much. Their printing requirements might vary from a home assignment to an art project. On a simple note, home users require a printer, which is versatile and priced low. Color inkjet printers may be their best bet.

Small office or home office users might print more than a traditional home user. So, they might require a printer, which provides the best quality professional output. These people require a similarly priced inkjet color printer like home users. These printers are more capable than laser printers.

Important Printer Features

Here are the important features of printers based on which you can choose the right fit for your needs.

  • Multifunctional Printer:

    A multifunctional printer is one, which has both scanning and printing facility. The scanner helps you to digitize the documents and the printer helps you to get a professional print of those digitized documents. Unless you are sure that you want only a printer, it’s better to opt for a multifunctional printer for versatility.

  • Connectivity:

    Advanced printers come with the latest features like Wi-Fi connectivity, mobile printing, and USB connectivity options. These printers are mostly used for office purpose as they provide professional quality prints, and also they have Ethernet ports integrated for wired networking. On the other hand, Wi-Fi has become one of the most common features of printers these days.

  • Duplexing:

    These printers help you to print on both the sides of the paper, thereby cutting down the printing costs. Some printers come with manual duplexing, while others have automatic duplexing modes.

  • Paper Handling:

    Home printers can handle 100 sheets in a tray, while office-based printers can handle up to 250 sheets in a tray.

Assess the features you need and choose a printer wisely based on your requirements.