I’ve had so much on over the last few weeks that I’ve neglected some of the articles I was in the process of typing up for addition to Project Cake.
Fear not my technical colleagues – there is a light at the end of the tunnel and hopefully I will have some more articles up for next week, I’ve got a few very important projects to finish off this week and then I can get back to normal again!
The process of creating, setting up, testing, deploying and then managing a good Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) is daunting – no doubt about it. I’ve read lots of articles and white papers on the subject, some are based at a higher level and some are broken down into the specifics to get everything moving. This final part is not all-inclusive, it is intended to provide a clear insight and set a framework in place that you can work with and integrate, hopefully providing you with success and a head start.
A beta is bound to have glitches, but Windows 7 has left a good overall first impression.
It strikes users as faster and lighter than Windows Vista, and has improved on important consumer areas like home networking and media sharing.
The interface has some interesting new features but it may take a while – and perhaps some tweaking – to get used to them.
Windows 7 touch screen technology
Microsoft has developed a touchscreen operating system that could signal the end of the computer mouse.
Windows 7, a test version of which will be available from today, is part of Microsoft’s attempts to restore its reputation for innovation and to catch up with Apple, whose touch-screen iPhone has been a huge success.
Microsoft says the new version of its software could revolutionise the way we use computers, The Australian reports, paving the way for touch-screen monitors in every home. About a billion people around the world use Windows software.
Personally, I think this is a great idea for some scenarios and circumstances, but there is a reason why the humble mouse and keyboard have been around for so long – THEY WORK!
I’ve seen prototypes for touch screen technology used in a wide variety of situations – some work and some don’t, and I think this is the crux of the matter. As long as Microsoft and the companies who are going to employ this new technology use it for specific actions based on it’s strengths then I think it will be adopted and used actively in the future.
On the other hand, if companies use it just because it is new and they want to be seen as on the “bleeding-edge” of technology then they are missing the point.
First and foremost is the Human/Computer Interaction and User Experience. If any new technology does not meet the requirements from these two areas then the technology should not be used.
When it comes to backups, the risk-benefit analysis is clear. Data loss can be devastating, while preventing data loss is quick and easy if you get it right at the start. Start backing up today, because tomorrow could be too late.
For years I drilled into my clients that data backup was one of the most important business processes they should get set up and running regularly.
Which is why it was no surprise to me that when my hardware became unreadable and I had not backed up properly in a few months I felt like slapping myself about the head!
When you lose data it is such a frustration and annoyance, especially when the data is very important to you. Some things take you years to accumulate and potentially recover from, while other files, such as photos or videos of family, friends or special moments can be lost forever.
I had 4 big things happening in my life to distract me, and although the reminders on my monthly schedules were ringing with warning, I simply didn’t dedicate the time needed to make the necessary backups.
Data Backup and Data Recovery are important for everyone, not just businesses. If you spend the time early on to get a good system and process in place, then it will save you heartache and frustration further on down the line when you need to get something back.
To recap on the origins of these articles in the first place: a friend decided to work with me on a recent email marketing plan and I took the opportunity to try some variance testing on the email campaign, to see if we could get some definite trends and strategies in place for his 2009 campaigns.
The two main questions I was trying to answer for him were:
1. Should we use a “sales” email or just a straight eNewsletter for promotion?
2. How often should we be emailing his database?
The results clearly showed some useful and key information for him.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
I hope everyone had a great holiday and spent time relaxing with friends and family. I’ve had a think about the next few articles I’m going to write about while drinking beer and standing at the barbie, so here is a sneak preview at what is to come in the next month:
- IT Trends for 2009
- Review of The Best Online PM Tools Available
- The Future of Social Networks
- Data Backup and Disaster Recovery
Here’s to a bright and successful 2009 for everyone!
It’s always in the first few weeks of the New Year that everyone starts to predict the coming 12 months and what they see as the emerging markets or trends. Well I don’t like to disappoint so here is my list of what I believe to be the big areas for expansion in 2009…
Tony Burke is a Program & Project Manager for IT and web business applications.
He's particularly interested in the latest online trends and technologies, project management methodologies and providing the best service possible for his company and clients.
He's also a bit of a geek and footballer.