The 825 Tech Blog

Google Apps Update

For those of you who are using Google Apps for Domains you will be excited to know about some new developments. Starting soon you will be able to access all of the Google services through your Google Apps account. In other words, you will be able to see Picasa, Blogger, and any other service from Google.

Also, Google is releasing Horizontal Navigation in Google Sites. This is a feature that many people have been waiting for and is an exciting development. So be sure to enjoy it and share with us how you are using it.

Finally, here is a great link to tips and tricks with Google Apps: http://deployment.googleapps.com/Home/resources-user-adoption/google-apps-tips-and-tricks.

Back from Vacation

I just got back from a great vacation this week. My wife and I had a great time and saw much of California. It was one of those "once in a lifetime" trips.

While I was out of the office, I was able to objectively examine some of our business processes. During the examination I found some items that could be handled differently. We are excited about the positive changes and you will be excited to hear that all these changes will be to create a better way for IT Services to be done.

Streamlined Phone System

The first change will be to our phone system. We are in the midst of having a number of clients switch over to a 24x7 Helpdesk in conjunction with their managed services. As a result we think that it would be wise to re-organize our phone system to help facilitate people getting to where they need to be as soon as possible. As a result, be expecting a different choice of options when you call in (they should start next week).

A New Residential Service Model

The second change is still in development, but I'm so excited about it that I have to give a sneak peak. 825 Technologies is developing a new way to help residential clients and small offices who need IT support. It is a system that offers unlimited IT Help anytime you might need it. Whether you have a question about a Word document, or you have a virus, we will be there for you. As I mentioned, this is still in development but we are just so excited about what this means for households that use to have to pay an arm and leg to larger chain stores to get their computer problems resolved. We will be launching this soon, but if you have an idea or comment about please let us know. You can do that by utilizing the Feedback tab on the 825technologies.com website.

Creating the best Web Store...ever

The third change that will be coming is the finalization of our webstore. As you know, we have been having some people test and examine what they think about the new store. (If you are not familiar with the store you can examine it at https://store.825technologies.com). We want this to be the best for small to medium sized businesses. There are numerous stores for individuals and for large companies. But there are not many webstores that do a great job of serving Residential, Micro-Businesses, Small Businesses, and Medium sized Businesses. It's a lofty goal, but we are ready for it! As we have been getting feedback and suggestions, we are getting closer to zeroing in on the best experience for our clients. Please continue to offer your comments and feedback - it is what helps us more than any other form of examination.

All in all, it is great to be back. Thanks to all for your business and continued use of 825 Technologies for all of you IT needs. We love what we do, and hope that it shines through!

Where is Sprint?

Years ago Apple teamed up with AT&T, and their partnership has been a great success. Today Verizon announced that they are working with Google (we had a pretty strong feeling this would happen with the Droid). Their partnership could prove to be outstanding. But I have one thought that won't leave my mind - "Where is Sprint?" Sprint is constantly ranked as the most reliable network, and is actively developing the fastest Data Network we have ever seen. So why does Google and Apple not approach Sprint? If Sprint has reliability and speed, then where are the suitors? Where are the cool devices? Where is the buzz? The buzz has probably gone where so many of the Sprint subscribers have gone...away! It is not because of poor service, prices, or any other reason except for poor phones and lackluster commitment to customers. Here is an idea for Dan Hessey, get the buzz! I personally use sprint and love the Data and Voice plans, but besides a Blackberry I have no real choices for phones. I think that if Sprint wants to regain its market share it needs to actively pursue the great gadgets. The companies like Apple and Google who want to redefine the rules of mobility. Taking a step in this direction will not help Sprint - the need to sprint (it is their name) toward these devices and fight to get them (just like AT&T years ago with the iPhone-and look where they are now)!

The iPad Rivals

Recently I read a great article in Inc Magazine. The article was all about the iPad's fiercest rivals. My particular interest was in what other companies (without the marketing budget of Apple) were bringing to the table.

Here is a link to the little article...it is a quick read. http://www.inc.com/ss/apple-ipad-rivals#0

And if you are thinking of an iPad you should read this first. You might still end up with an iPad, but at least you will have done some easy due diligence!

Google Adds New Employee

Recently Google added a new employee to their role, a "Developer Advocate". The new employee, Tim Bray, formerly of Oracle was recently added to Google to help with the development of Android, the Google Operating System that is now found on many phone (and that will hopefully soon be found on netbooks - fingers crossed).

From his blog, tbray.org, he spells out his thoughts on Google and also takes a moment to talk about the current largest competitor for Android, the iPhone. When asked about the iPhone he said:

It’s a sterile Disney-fied walled garden surrounded by sharp-toothed lawyers. The people who create the apps serve at the landlord’s pleasure and fear his anger.

I hate it.

Those words reveal many things about Tim, but one great thing I see from his thoughts is that he sees freedom as not being easy, but being the right thing. Be sure to check out his blog to see the biggest reasons that he decided to join Google.

I'm really looking forward to seeing what the new versions of Android will have to offer - come on Version 3.0.

Sony's attack against Apple

Recently Sony has decided to attempt a coup of the handheld world. Their goal: to rival Apple's devices.

In order to do that, they are going to need one sleek, stylish and strong product. Their answer is the Xperia X10 phone. This Google Android powered phone is the first notable contribution to the smartphone world by Sony Ericson in quite a while. The X10 line includes the X10, X10 mini, and X10 pro.

For more information on these phones, check out some of these links:

http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/corporate/products/phoneportfolio/specification/xperiax10mini

http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/14/sony-ericsson-outs-xperia-x10-mini-and-xperia-x10-mini-pro/

Social Networking's Marketing Power

Can social networking and surrounding sites take care of marketing for you? A few new sites are claiming that they can greatly affect your client base. Are you interested?

The sites, which include Groupon.com, Livingsocial.com, Buywithme.com, and NimbleBuy.com are creating a unique way for organizations to get their product in front of numerous consumers. Theses sites utilize twitter, facebook, email, and even some have phone apps to announce special deals. The deals are offered by local businesses in the area. For instance, maybe a restaurant is offering $50 in gift certificates for $20, or a salon is offering a $120 massage for $30.

There can also be catches, maybe the salon giftcards are not active unless 50 customers buy in. This adds a push for friends to notify each other to buy in, creating even more fury around the deal and company presenting the deal.

Does this type of marketing work? For some people is does, others don't see the benefit for the cost. For example, Groupon might charge a restaurant 50% of the revenue from the sale of giftcards. So, on a $20 card that is good for $50 of food, the restaurant is getting $10 and a unique new form of marketing.

Only you can fully know if this is a fit for your market, but it is definitely another instance of using technology to help.

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Creative: We delve into our knowledge of existing and emerging technologies to creatively devise solutions that will eliminate your needs, both now and into the future. Because one correctly implemented technology can be the solution to a myriad of needs.
Emerging: We take the time to stay on the leading edge of emerging technologies. This attention to what the client needs helped 825 Technologies seem at least 70% growth in each of the last three years.
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