Is Software Hard? by Tim Bryce
"Systems are logical, programming is physical." - Bryce's Law For something that is supposed to be "soft", software exhibits some pretty "hard" characteristics. The original premise behind the COBOL programming language was to devise a language that could be easily ported to several computers. ... The point is, software does in fact exhibit some very "hard" characteristics as it is married to the host computer configuration making it not very portable. ... Consequently, software developers had to maintain different versions of source code to suit the particular needs of the various...

Twelve Things You Should Know to Save on Computer Software by Larry Andrew
Do you want to get quality software at a reasonable price? Whether you work at home or just need good software for your personal computer, you are faced with an almost endless selection of computer software. Sorting through the options can sometimes be a major task. ... Finally, if you are fairly computer literate, have no specific deadlines and know that a freeware program does not contain spyware, then, a freeware computer program can be a great bargain. ... If you get a “Shareware” software program you need to know three things: First, shareware is a software program that lets you try...

Wireless POS & Wireless Mobile Computing- Hospitality Technology Increases Profits by Derek Meade
Until recently, restaurant and hospitality owners were wary of adopting wireless POS systems for their establishments. Issues such a cost, ease of use and a general uncertainty about new technology caused them to take pause. Nowadays, however, with the popularity of PDA’s, Blackberries, cell... Volanté™ has evolved its software into the peer to peer architecture, and now POS software can be loaded onto a small wireless notebook with amazing results. ... Non-serving staff can then be hired (at significant payroll savings) to dispatch food and clean sections.

Business IT Networks - 5 Common Problems Overlooked by Entrepreneurs by John Hammond
IT Networks though simple, require extensive planning to ensure stability, yet we often encounter businesses that are unacquainted with the imperative role networking plays in the efficient functioning of their company. Informed business entrepreneurs often opt to upgrade their networking... While they insure their store and goods against fire, theft, natural calamities, etc., in many cases they ignore the need to implement a disaster recovery plan for financial records, employee payroll and client data.

Computer Data Backups: Test Now or Cry Later by Joshua Feinberg
If you’re like most small business owners, your computer data backups are one of those things that you rarely pay attention to. Computer data backups are kind of like flossing your teeth and eating low-fat, high-fiber foods… everyone knows what they’re supposed to do… but how many REALLY do... The Hazard of Moving Parts and Open Design with Computer Backup Systems Why do you need to take these precautions if you’re purchasing a reliable, business-class computer data backup system to start with?

Meta Data – In The Arena of Commerce by Marilee Veniegas
In the annals of history, mythology and fiction someone has always been assigned the arduous task of gatekeeper of information. In ancient Greece, sage sibyls like the Oracle of Delphi, Pythia veiled her revelations to those seeking the god, Apollo's favor. ... Computer software from Microsoft Office applications like Word and Outlook to the widely used graphics programs of Adobe CS's Version Cue and Adobe Bridge capture this meta data information to track document use. ... ERM or SBRM software gives content authors the power to determine how recipients may use their documents and email.

Five Steps to Protect Your Business System from a Disaster by David McCullough
You never know when disaster might strike. If one happens, the first thing on your agenda as a staffing business owner or manager, after assuring the health and safety of yourself and others will probably be: "How are we going to do business?" The lifeblood of any staffing business is information. ... For his plan to work, Britt needed to have a parallel computer hardware/software environment ready on a moments notice so that his business would experience minimal interruption in the event of a disaster.

Lowering The Risks In Developing Do-It-Yourself Software Projects by Phil McCutchen
Mike Dunville* had a decision to make. As the new operations manager for Alpha Staffing, he wanted to make a difference at the dynamic staffing firm. The principals of the firm had charged him with making the day-to-day operations run smoothly and efficiently while they concentrated on growing... According to one survey of thousands of software projects, conducted by the Standish Group of Hanover, Massachusetts, four of 10 software projects failed outright. ... Software development and implementation is an incredibly complex process, even for a moderately sized firm.

The Need for Physical and IT Security Convergence by Jeffrey Bennett
Business security professionals make it a point to study their craft and learn ways to counter evolving threat. Business intelligence methods need to continue to keep up with technology to analyze and prevent the internal and external influences that can ruin the enterprise. ... When employees visit unauthorized websites, download unauthorized software, transfer data from a home computer or forward corrupted email, they can cause just as much harm. ... When the IT department handles all internet activity, human resources execute the laying off offenders, finance department handle all...