Author name: Simon Randall

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Which Big Data Analytics Tools Should I Use?

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For some decades now companies have been gathering large amounts of data. Over the last few years more light has been shed on how the information obtained from customers is being used. While we all know that knowledge equates to power, it takes accurate interpretation of the information gathered to transform it into a powerful tool for businesses. The use of big data analytics comes in handy once you know what to look for within the information collated.

For it to be considered big data, it needs to be not only large in its volume of results, but also varied in its format. An IBM report highlighted to businesses just how effective interpretation of the hundreds of thousands of tweets sent in a single minute are. This could reveal how customers are viewing any given business products. The information also highlighted how that information could be used to better understand consumers, ultimately increasing revenue.

The four main areas where big data analytics is of benefit:

  • Develop and promote an existing product or service being offered
  • Improve internal processing
  • Develop a new product or service to offer
  • Transform the current business model 
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How to Land the Perfect IT Job

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IT is a large and multi-faceted industry and it can be hard to find a job within it. IT covers everything from design and development through to the management of computer software, hardware, and networks. Within IT there are several management positions that don’t require technical skills, but instead requires business acumen. IT, like most industries, needs people who can communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, and colleagues.

So if you are considering a job in this sector let’s firstly look at the qualifications needed.

For specific jobs in areas such as programming, network support, technical support, database administration, computer and network security, and website development, you will need certified technical skills. These are worth considering and these skills will certainly not hamper your chances of getting a job in IT, so if you don’t currently have them it’s perhaps time that you looked into getting them.

The best certification programs can be expensive but are recognised throughout the industry and the world; these include:

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The Importance of Wireless Data Networking and Mobile Computing

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In an information heavy age where access to the internet is expected immediately, it’s important to keep your employees connected. Through data sharing via Wi-Fi and mobile technologies such as 3g and 4g, it’s now possible to remain in constant contact with your staff. Thanks to wireless networks it’s no longer so important for your employees to be in the building, especially if you allow BYOD or remote working.

Mobile Computing

Effectively a mobile computer is a one that’s not limited to one location. Instead of being chained to a desk, the mobile computer can be taken anywhere and internet access is available wherever there is signal.

In recent years the variety of mobile devices on offer has drastically increased. This has led to a trend for ubiquitous computing. Computers are now all around us, allowing and enabling access to the online world at anytime, any place, and anywhere.

Future of Computing

Mobile computing is the future of technology as it allows constant contact with the Internet and data that needs sharing. The mobile world ensures that we’re all connected at the touch of a button and in business terms, it’s incredibly important to stay abreast of this revolution.

Security

[Infographic] Migrate Before it’s Too Late – Lenova

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Early next month all support for popular operating system Microsoft XP will end, leaving many systems vulnerable to attack from malware and hackers. This isn’t the first we’ve heard about it of course, Microsoft has been warning for months that the April 8th cut-off date is looming.

So if you’re still using XP, now’s the time to stop, especially if you’re an enterprise user and need to protect both company and customer data. Currently, Microsoft are working on a number of tools to help those that have not yet updated with data migration in order to make switching a painless affair.

Why Fix What Isn’t Broken?

Because without security updates and fixes, it soon will be and whilst, as the BBC point out, many issues with XP come through third-party applications such as Java and Adobe products, the lack of patches to address issues with these will lead to infection.

IT Support

[Infographic] 20 Questions to Ask Your IT Support Provider

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IT support is something that every business needs to consider these days. Whilst the small business may not consider it a necessary expense, any IT disaster can be costly to a company, especially if it involves client data.

SMEs with an office network will have to have some kind of support in place, to ensure the least downtime and expense when it comes to IT equipment. Many companies work under the misconception that IT support is expensive at SLA/Break-Fix level, but this needn’t be the case. From weekly to monthly maintenance, much of which can now be carried out remotely, to emergency call-outs when things go wrong. having an engineer at the end of the phone is often a big relief.

Audio Visual

An In-Depth Guide to Audio Visuals

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A well-balanced audio visual system should pull together audio, video, conferencing, lighting, and related displays. The objective: to create high quality business environments, boardrooms, conference facilities, auditoriums or training rooms. It’s essential not only to select the right elements, but also to deploy them efficiently and effectively.

Many options are available, so let’s get cracking.

Projection Systems

Projectors still have a major contribution to make, as they offer the ideal solution for medium and large displays at a cost effective price. They have a range of uses, including delivery of computer content, video, live TV, and video conferencing.

Factors to consider when choosing a projector are:

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[Video] Plugging the IT Skills Gap – Education

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The IT skills gap has been subject to much discussion over the past few years and is something that makes it difficult for many companies to find the right skills that they need in order to help their business grow.

So what is being done to address it? There are plenty of programs around for adults to gain certification in many areas of IT, from Microsoft Engineering certification, to various Google programs that are aimed at improving on existing skills. But what does this mean for the future of the industry? Is it enough?

Computer Science and the UK Curriculum

Of course, in some schools around the country, Computer Science has become part of the curriculum, but for the most part, education around the sector remains lacking. Even the degree level course of the same name doesn’t really address the high-end skills that the industry lacks even now.

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Designing and Deploying a Successful Intranet

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An intranet is the backbone of many businesses and in the modern, connected world, intranets are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Whilst once they were just a means of connecting workstations to the main and mail server, an intranet can now contain many components.

This is especially true due to the rise in the use of mobile devices, the increased demand for collaboration across organisational departments and the inclusion of social as a means to further engage employees.

But what makes a great intranet? How do you ensure that your organisation serves the needs of the employers and allows them to work efficiently and productively?

Let’s take a look.

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[INFOGRAPHIC] IT Skills Gaps

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Technology is advancing at an incredibly fast rate to the point that many of those in business feel that they can’t keep up. This poses a big challenge to enterprises, both large and small, as they work to stay up-to-date with rapidly evolving technology that helps to make business processes easier and more automated.

Where this challenge is most pronounced is in the work force. As the infographic shows, a group of three hundred IT leaders in the U.S. were polled and 63% of them projected that the impending IT skills gap would have a negative impact on their business.

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Network maintenance and trouble shooting

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Networks are integral to the survival of many businesses. Fine, when everything works as it should. But when problems occur, your support staff need proper training, the right tools, and a solid troubleshooting methodology. This leads to speedier problem solving – minimising downtime, and getting network users back to productivity faster.

Know Your Network

The most common local area networks (LANs) use Ethernet, a data link layer protocol, and Internet Protocol (IP), a network layer protocol. Devices on the network are linked physically by twisted pair copper, fibre or wireless access points.

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