When to Transition to a Content Management System

Over time, websites can become clogged with old and useless content from a variety of departments, people and organizational divisions. In turn, it becomes impossible to keep track of it all. This is a major issues faced by many companies that have entrusted their website to an outsourced developer of Information Technology Department. Therefore, content management software (CMS) can assist with organization, checks and balance and overall maintenance.
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Pioneering Cloud and Colocation Facility Opens

Industry-leading cloud and colocation services company ScaleMatrix recently announced the opening of their pioneering flagship data center. The building was constructed specifically for the purpose of hosting services and boasts 50,000 sq. ft. The facility will house cutting-edge cloud hosting technology and highly efficient colocation space.

Statement from the CEO

In a recent statement by the CEO of ScaleMatrix, he said that the newly constructed facility leverages modern data center hardware to create a highly efficient location, whereas, most competitors operate from facilities that are at least a decade old. Therefore, ScaleMatrix creates a new industry standard with regards to density and overall efficiency.

Facility Characteristics

The facility features innovations in thermal management and cabinet design to create the most efficient, highest density data center location in the region. These attributes allow customers to maximize their hosting investment while minimizing their environmental impact.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The opening of this facility creates two impacts on the surrounding area. The first is from an economic point-of-view as San Diego’s technology sector will benefit from the several hundred new jobs created as well as the capacity requirements. Environmentally, ScaleMatrix’s data center will decrease the requirement for construction of corporate hosting facilities which tend to be much less efficient and have a much higher impact on the environment.

San Diego a Prime Location

The decision to select San Diego as the location for the data center can be attributed to the thriving information technology community and three native San Diegans in high places within the organization. This allows the company to feature best-in-class efficiency while creating new jobs for the region.

Preparing for Future Growth

Cloud computing is currently the fastest growing technology sector. Therefore, ScaleMatrix is positioning itself to rapidly grow through the customization of cost-effective and efficient solutions for a fast marketplace. These data centers are engineered to support scalability and expansion requirements which are the basis of cloud computing technology.

ScaleMatrix Company Information

As an industry-leading Private Cloud Solutions Provider (PCSP), ScaleMatrix has expertise with colocation and dedicated server hosting. Founded as an effort to design, deploy and manage the best private cloud and dedicated hosting technology, ScaleMatrix services a variety of customers from small start-up companies to Fortune 500 organizations.

The new data center confirms their position as one of the leading cloud hosting providers in the industry. The new facility was built to optimize all equipment from an environmental and storage aspect. Hopefully this will entice many new customers to the hosting provider.

Domain Names – Do You Still Need One

In the early days of the World Wide Web, the untouched land of domain names led to the last great gold rush.  Everyone wanted word.com, and when those went away, commonphrase.com was the next big thing.  Now, with tens of millions of domain names in existence, and harvesting companies snatching up everything that might resemble an existing word, phrase, or even sentence, those who want a good URL for their web site are faced with a question that no one would have even asked 10 years ago: do you even need your own domain name anymore?

The argument for “yes”

Thanks to the above phenomena, as well as the old monopolies on registration having long been broken, getting your own domain name is dirt cheap.  Thus, you do not always need to have a word that is found in your dictionary to be taken seriously. Get a good site going, and “Plebno.com” might be considered a brilliant, memorable name (and yes, it’s available). For instant domain name search and availability check visit pcnames.com.

A domain name is a name that will always be with you (assuming that you didn’t accidentally strike someone else’s copyright). Additionally, you can have every address associated with name@plebno.com, and you won’t be tied down to a single host.  Finally, there is a certain level of web site, mostly business-oriented, in which there is still a strong association between a domain name and a minimum level of professionalism.

The argument for “no”

If you are doing something simpler, then not only is most everyone on the web aware of all of the above problems with having your own name, but there are so many web hosts out there that can host a strong, well-done site under their own banner name that no one thinks any less of, for example mysite.blogspot.com, even if what you are hosting isn’t really a blog.

Also, there is the hassle of having your own domain.  The registration is often typically painless but, if you are trying to change the owner, or nameservers, or trying to do anything complicated at the registrar level, you could be starting at a labyrinth of emails, confirmations, credit cards, security questions, CAPTCHAs, and so forth.  If what you are running is a serious business that needs that kind of branding, then of course that is a small price to pay.  But if you are just running a hobby or educational site or even a small business site like, say, counseling, that’s just more fuss than you’re likely to want to have to deal with.

One last piece of advice. If you choose a domain name and then change your mind and let it go, you are not likely to get it back.  A harvester will snatch it right up.  But don’t worry.  If plebno.com gets taken, there’s always trozdoz.com (that’s available too).

Saving Money and Increasing Sales with the Cloud

“The cloud” has almost become a household description in homes across the globe. Many businesses utilize the cloud in many different ways. However, the most important aspect of cloud computing is using it to generate increased revenue while saving money. Cloud hosting allows users to rent disk space from organizations that can support your website and allow you to piggyback on their equipment at a controllable price.

Ease of Use

The hosting type allows for the functionality of an internal information technology department without requiring the technical knowledge and capital costs. Also, cloud hosting allows for usage to be adjusted based on need which significantly reduces costs. Another advantage is the redundancy and backup features that typically offer unlimited storage and triple redundancy.

Remote Access

Additionally, users can run all applications, databases and servers using remote access. It is as simple as logging in from a computer with a username and password and having access to all aspects of the server. Therefore, users can concentrate on the core aspects of their business without needed to manage information technology issues. The largest cloud providers include Microsoft, Google and Amazon Web Services.

Practicality

Selecting cloud hosting is the best option currently available on the market as it is extremely practical. For all types of websites: business and personal, cloud computing provides the most flexibility and is the perfect choice for beginners that do not wish to invest their time in the learning the logistics of web hosting. Furthermore, for startups on a budget, you only pay for what you use.

Adjustable Monthly Plans

Your sales will surely increase as cloud hosting permits the maximum amount of traffic which adjusts your plan as traffic is reduced. Therefore, you will have as much freedom due to flexibility as you desire.

Controlling Resource Utilization

The greatest demand of the web hosting customer is having the ability to control the utilization because billing is calculated specifically on what you have used. Although cloud hosting may end up being slightly more expensive than shared, you will not be limited in the amount of customization, flexibility and utilization.

Cloud hosting is an excellent method of increasing sales and saving money due to the flexibility allotted by the web hosting type. Many large and small businesses are making the switch as they see the many benefits to cloud hosting technology.

Premium Web Hosting and Security Features Available in the Public Domain

Namesco recently announced discounts of up to 50 percent on premium web hosting products that greatly add professionalism to websites of all sizes. Since the transmission of data, especially payment information, has become a major issue to the online consumer, a solution had to be developed. In a short amount of time, SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates were released which provide protection for eCommerce. Continue Reading »

Search Engine Marketing Effect

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has become a regular strategy in the lives of webmasters in all industries. This method has proven effective with regards to increasing the amount of traffic on a website through search engine rank results. However, those who combine SEO with SEM (Search Engine Marketing) techniques will reap the greatest benefits online.

Search Engine Marketing

SEM is paid online advertising, known as pay-per-click that is displayed in highlighted text or on the sides of search engines. These advertisements come in many forms including text, image and video. To be effective, they must be eye-catching and one of the first items on a search engine page. The higher the ranking, the more probable leads will click the advertisement which could lead to sales.

Setting a Budget

Unfortunately since the Internet is saturated with Internet Marketers, SEM can be an expensive solution. Luckily, advertisers can set a daily budget or maximum bid amount to maintain the costs. Once the predetermined budget is reach for the day, the advertisement is removed from the search terms.

Google Statistics

The vendor of choice for Internet advertising is typically Google AdWords. According to a recent report by eConsultancy, almost 95 percent of businesses and marketing agencies utilize Google for their SEM needs. The study further proved that 53 percent of respondents are transitioning marketing and advertising budgets from print to search engine marketing.

SEO/SEM Strategy

SEM has proven to be most effective as a segment of an online marketing strategy that also includes social media marketing and SEO. By combining these methods, online businesses will generate online name recognition, targeted potential-customers and increased website traffic which leads to higher revenues.

Hiring a Professional

For those that do not have the time or technical know-how to implement such a strategy, there are a number of integrated marketing firms to assist with the website design and management. Many provide guaranteed results. For instance, many SEO and online marketing companies guarantee a client’s website will be on the first page of Google within a specified time period. Again, first page equates to more traffic and thus more sales.

Search Engine Optimization and online marketing have gradually changed over the years with Google telling the Internet world what they need to do to be noticed by visitors. Since Google makes the rules, most Internet Marketers will implement strategies and concepts specific to the Google algorithm. As it changes so do most professionals so it is important to pay attention to the changes that are enforced.

SharePoint’s Affect on Information Management

For many years content management systems have faced the challenge of a lack of discipline with regards to users effectively controlling the scope of the effort. It is easy to take advantage of any product immediately released. However, the launch of Microsoft SharePoint may be able to properly scope company initiatives.

Although SharePoint will not solve all of a firm’s problems because it is only a resource, the content management system has enough features that can provide increased business value over the previous method. On the other hand, many established vendors have additional features that Microsoft must compete with.

On that note, is primarily used for file sharing and the distribution of information across many departments. Due to its popularity, the system has grown and become extremely critical for many groups within an organization. In its simplest form, SharePoint is a transparent records management system that archives data from today, last week or a year ago. Many other content management systems offer the same task with plenty of other features.

However, where SharePoint shines is that the system is an excellent starting point for any initiative. Although it can be replaced by a more feature rich system, the platform answers the true needs of its users. For instance, there are several advantages to the system including:

• Records management
• Process automation
• Invoice processing

In many organizations records management is a priority. Therefore, Microsoft SharePoint was designed to enhance the existing architecture of any system without the user being aware of the change. Users can create, delete, edit and perform many tasks common to records management.

Also, when developing the system, Microsoft determined that many processes needed to be automated. Therefore, a simple analysis determined that 87 percent of processes can be implemented into SharePoint with minimal effort. The remaining processes only impact a small amount of the work force.

At any organization, there are thousands of invoices processed every year. Therefore, procurement departments can easily manage all of them within the SharePoint environment. Therefore, the system can managed these documents regardless of size, file type and fax type. As a result, organizations do not need to purchase a separate software license for a program to manage the files and integrate them into SharePoint.

Microsoft SharePoint has been an extremely successful content management system that has been implemented into many major organizations across the globe. Although it may not have many of the other features found in its competitors, the system relies on simplicity for the average user.

To Blog or Not to Blog?

Social media is becoming an integral part of the 21^st century.  Customers expect business owners to use social media marketing tools such as blogs to promote products and services.  In fact, 50% of global companies implement blogs into corporate communication and about 12% of larger Fortune 500 companies blog.  While there are many advantages of blogging, business owners must have the time and energy required to maintain a blog, otherwise it’s a lost cause.

Blogging is an increasingly popular way of maintaining relationships with existing customers and attracting new sale leads.  Perhaps the greatest advantage of blogging is being able to keep customers in the loop of the daily operations of a specific company.  Whether providing important customer updates, details on special promotions for first time buyers, discount information for existing customers or just random ramblings too read for enjoyment, everyone with a garnered interest appreciates being kept informed.  Companies that open their doors and share experiences via blogging are more often than not repaid with customer loyalty.

Blogs are also a great tool for building and strengthening business relationships.  Not only do blogs allow customers an insight, but also encourage them to participate in blogging by leaving comments and feedback regarding specific products or services.  Many blog administrators find it helpful to enable the comment feature on blogs to allow visitors to post comments and replies.  This is especially helpful when soliciting customer feedback.  Although most feedback is extremely positive or negative, each individual feedback response is vital for continuous improvements of product quality or services

Blogs also help to generate traffic to a particular website.  An increase in blog activity is typically a good indicator of increased traffic; thus more traffic means an increase in potential sells.  While it’s important to keep in mind that not everyone visiting a blog will make a purchase; however, blogs are a great marketing tool to fish for new sale leads.

Disadvantages of Blogging

The greatest drawback of blogging is the time it requires.  Depending on how often a blog is updated dictates how much effort is involved with maintenance.  If a blog is only updated once a month, bi-weekly, or weekly, the time required isn’t too demanding; however, for those requiring everyday entries, the task may become daunting.  It’s important to post scheduled blogging entries; old and out-of-date entries are a sure way to tarnish one’s reputation.

For blogs requiring daily entries, often the task of posting entries is outsourced to a third party.  While smaller companies may not have the resources to hire someone responsible for blogging, larger ventures find that having someone to handle the blog a worthwhile investment.

Spam is another disadvantage of hosting a blog.  While it’s not nearly as much of a nuisance as it was just a few years before, robots and malicious users continue to thrive on posting spam and other annoying posts.  The good news is that blog administrators have more control over blogs, especially when it comes to thwarting spam attacks.

Conclusion

The decision whether or not to blog depends on the size of the company and available resources.  Even though most blog web hosting packages include a free blog, the amount of time and effort required to maintain a functional blog is often too much of a strain on smaller ventures.  Mid to large-scale companies with a sizeable customer base, however, reap the most benefits from blogging.

Budget Web Hosting: Is It Worth the Buck?

Today there are plenty of companies offering budget web hosting. These are the ones whose rates usually don’t go beyond $6, making them super-affordable especially by small and home-based business owners. The price also makes them extremely attractive too for any Internet user to start his or her own online business.

But then again, no matter how cheap it is, you’re still shelling out moolah, and there’s no money tree growing anywhere in the world. You must then want to know if you’re going to make the most out of every penny with budget web hosting. Continue Reading »