Breaking the Kubernetes Kill Chain: Host Path Mount
D) Emerging ICT Tools
1. Section D: Emerging ICT Tools
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
Understand how ICT Tools can be used in
prevention, policy dialogue, exchange of
information and advocacy for HIV, MSM and
TG issues.
3. Major Communications Paradigm Shifts
How Communication shift in time 1997
AOL-Instant
1971 Messaging
Email
1996
1930
1653 HTTP/
Television
Post Mail WEB
1920 1982
2400 BC Radio Mobile
1835 Phone
Mail
Telegram
1915 1969 2002
1645 Friendster -
Telephone Internet
Newspapers Social Media
1600 1700 1800 1900 2000
4. Instant Messaging
Instant messenger (IM) is a software utility that allows users
connected to the Internet or a corporate network to send text messages
and files between other IM users.
Google Talk - http://www.google.com/talk/
Skype - http://www.skype.com
Jabber - http://MSN Messenger - http://messenger.msn.com/
Yahoo! Messenger - http://messenger.yahoo.com/
5. Multi-protocol Messaging Applications
A multiprotocol instant messaging application is a
software which allows one instant messaging client to
connect to multiple IM networks, such as Instant
Messengers.
Known as All-In-One Messengers or AIO Messenger
aka multiprotocol Instant Messaging clients.
6. Social Media
Social media includes web-based and mobile based technologies
which are used to turn communication into interactive dialogue among
organizations, communities, and individuals.
Different Categories:
8. Social Media
As you can see, those different tools and services can be grouped into categories:
Publication tools with blogs, wikis and citizen journalism portals
Sharing tools for videos, pictures, links, music, slideshows, products reviews or
products feedbacks
Discussions tools like forums , video forums , instant messaging and VoIP
Social networks, niche social networks and tools for creating social networks
Micropublication tools and alike
Social aggregation tools like lifestream
Platforms for livecast hosting and there mobile equivalent
Virtual worlds, 3D chats and teens dedicated virtual universes
Social gaming platforms, casual gaming portals and social networks enabled
games
MMO (Massive Multiplayer Online) and MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online Role
Playing Game)
10. Use of Social Media
Digital Media in Southeast Asia: The Future of Online Advertising and
Consumer Behaviour
• Southeast Asia is a strong growth area in terms of internet usage with
increasing penetration of high-speed broadband internet and Wi-Fi networks to
more areas. In most emerging ASEAN economies like Indonesia, Malaysia,
Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, there is a strong correlation between
the pace of economic growth and the development of internet infrastructure.
Even in developed Singapore, the number of people using the web is increasing
very fast.
• The Southeast Asia Digital Consumer Report by Nielsen released in 2011
showed that an increase in the number of hours spent by consumers on the
internet was seen in Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia. What
is worth noting is that even though the PC remained the most common means
for people to access the web, internet-capable smartphones are fast becoming
the method of choice for web browsing in the region. Currently, ownership of
mobile devices has equalled if not surpassed the ownership of desktop PCs and
laptop computers. In Indonesia, 29 percent of the population own a notebook or
desktop computer, compared to a staggering 78 percent who have
smartphones.
14. Facebook
Facebook is a hugely popular social networking site that allows you to
make connections, share interests, and join groups.
Facebook was started in 2004 by 19-year-old Mark
Zuckerberg when he was a sophomore at Harvard
University.
By 2006, Facebook was available to anyone over
the age of 13 with a valid email address.
Facebook is the largest social network in the world
with over 750 million users worldwide. (July 2011)
Mark Zuckerberg and the founding of Facebook
have been portrayed in the popular 2010 movie
"The Social Network” based on the book "The
Accidental Billionaires” by Ben Mezrich.
Zuckerberg is worth 13.5 billion dollars (April 2011)
and has been ranked, along with his co-founders,
as the youngest billionaires in the world.
15. Facebook Features
1) Keep Up with Friends Across the Globe.
2) Share Photos with Families and Friends.
3) Reconnect with old Friends and Classmates.
4) Try fun and Convenient Applications.
5) Invite Friend to an Event.
6) Connect across the Web with Social Plug-in.
7) Play Games with Friends.
8) Get Instant Personalization with Facebook Partner Sites.
9) Chat Instantly with Available Friends.
10)Promote Yourself or Your Business with Facebook Pages.
16. Easily sign up for a new facebook account
Watch how now.
17.
18. Twitter
Twitter is an online social networking and microblogging
service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of
up to 140 characters, known as "tweets".
created in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey and launched that July.
It has over 500 million active users as of 2012,
generates over 340 million tweets daily and handling over 1.6
billion search queries per day
the Twitter website has become one of the top 10 most visited
on the Internet, and has been described as "the SMS of the
Internet”
Unregistered users can read the tweets, while registered users
can post tweets through the website interface, SMS, or a range
of apps for mobile devices
21. Skype
Skype is a software that allows you to
instant message and make voice and
video calls to fellow Skype users on
the internet for free. You can even get
a phone number and make calls to
phones around the world for a fairly
affordable rate. Learn all the ways
you can share with those who matter
to you using Skype
23. How Does it Work?
All of this is possible through a technology called
voice over IP, or VoIP (pronounced "voyp").
VoIP is a method of transmitting the human voice
over Internet Protocol (IP) networks.
Skype uses VoIP to let you make phone calls,
video calls, group calls, and more over the
internet, instead of using traditional phone
lines.
24. Other VoIP and Video Options
Skype isn't the only software that can be used to make VoIP and video calls.
Other free or affordable options include:
• Windows Live Messenger
• Yahoo! Messenger
• Google Talk
• Facebook Video Calling
• Apple FaceTime
• FaceFlow
• ooVoo
25. Features and Services
Now that you know how Skype works, check out the complete list of features,
broken down by service. Many features are free, but some cost money, ranging
from a couple cents per minute, to several dollars per month.
26.
27. Cloud Computing
Cloud Computing
• any service that you access across the internet where you use the resources
of a remote computer.
Types of Cloud Computing
• Software as a service (Saas)
• Platform as a service (PaaS)
• Infrastructure as a service (IaaS)
There are various tools and features that users will be able to track
when using the cloud computing resource. These features/tools would
include:
• Testing
• Building applications
• Developmental Stages
• Network equipment
• Hosting Maintenance
28. Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
• Cost Effective
• Speed & Scales
• Innovation
• Convenient
• Location
• Multiple Users at one time
• Flexible
• Device Diversity
• Lots of Storage Space
• Customize Settings
Disadvantages:
• Possible downtime
• Security issues
• Cost
• Inflexibility
• Lack of support
29. Top 10 Best Cloud Computing
1. Gmail
2. Google Calendar
3. Google Group
4. Google Docs
5. Google Sites
6. Dropbox
7. Basecamp
8. Highrise
9. Backpack
10.Campfire
32. Dropbox
Dropbox
Dropbox is a file hosting service operated by Dropbox, Inc. that
offers cloud storage, file synchronization, and client software.
FEATURES
Your files, anywher. Any file you save to Dropbox also instantly
saves to your computers, phones, and the Dropbox website.
Simple sharing. Shared folders allow people to work together on
the same projects and documents.
Dropbox mobile. Apps for iPhone, iPad, Android, and BlackBerry
keep your Dropbox at hand, even on the go.
Your stuff is safe. Dropbox protects your files without you needing
to think about it.
33. Cloud Computing Apps
Dropbox
• Dropbox is a cloud-based file-syncing service for Windows (shown below),
Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and BlackBerry.
• Dropbox is available both an online and through a number of apps. Free
account holders get 2GB of storage to start, with more available for
purchase or as perks through referrals.
• The Dropbox website gives you access to some interesting information
about your files and account, such "Events," or as the history of actions
(when you last edited a file, etc.), as well as all the people with whom
you've shared files.
• You can customize how Dropbox installs on your computer.
• Events shows the history of actions on your Dropbox account.
• One way you can share files on Dropbox is via a "Link" feature, which lets
you give the file to anyone , even if the person doesn't have a Dropbox
account.
34. Cloud Computing Apps
Dropbox
Pros
Effortless file synchronization. Excellent array of apps for various operating
systems. Dependable servers (no downtime). Easy to install. Supports file-
sharing. Shows history of actions. Allows access to deleted files and earlier
versions. Tight OS integration.
Cons
Can't collaborate on files synchronously with others. Can be confusing as to
where files are actually located.
Bottom Line
Dropbox is a superbly implemented, cloud-based, automatic, file-
synchronization service that's ideal for working with files you can store in a
single folder.
35.
36. Cloud Computing Apps
Microsoft Skydrive
• A file hosting service that allows users to upload and sync files to a cloud
storage and then access them from a Web browser or their local device.
FEATURES
Office Web Apps
Integration with desktop version of
Microsoft Office
PDF and Open Document Format
support
Documents embedding
Hotmail integration
Share to social networks
Bing integration
Windows Live Groups integration
Location and people tagging
Photo slideshows
Download as .zip file
38. Cloud Computing Apps
Microsoft Skydrive
• A free service that lets you bring all your photos, docs, and videos
anywhere.
39. Cloud Computing Apps
Pros
free cloud space that is shareable.
2Gb file size limit better than earlier limits
Cons
Cannot find a way to give write permission to others to add files to a
folder shared with others.
Bottom Line
This is inferior to Google Docs in terms of usability, trustworthiness,
and ease of collaboration. The only advantage is the ability to use
tables, charts, and graphs from Microsoft Office, which is impossible
with Google Docs. Joining, sharing, and editing are all tedious.
41. Cloud Computing Apps
Basecamp
Basecamp is a web-based project-management tool developed
by 37signals and launched in 2004.The Ruby on Rails framework was extracted
from the Basecamp project.
FEATURES
Offers to-do lists
wiki-style web-based text
documents
Milestone management
File sharing
Time tracking
Messaging system
43. Cloud Computing Apps
Basecamp
Pros
Effortless configuration. Looks great, performs better. Unlimited users.
Plays well with your existing technologies.
Cons
No file storage. More than one project will cost you.
Bottom Line
If you're looking for free, intuitive, and scalable online project
management, Basecamp's entry-level offering is your ticket, so long as
you don't need storage for any carry-ons.
Notes de l'éditeur
Some of the popular and widely used instant messenger programs available today are:
Instant messaging (IM) is a form of communication over the Internet, that offers an instantaneous transmission of text-based messages from sender to receiver. More advanced instant messaging allows enhanced modes of communication, such as live voice or video calling, video chat and inclusion of hyperlinks to media.The biggest disadvantage of using the multi-protocol instant messaging programs is that they are usually behind the official IM programs in terms of features supported. For example, many of the multi-protocol IM programs listed above do not support voice or webcams, or their support is limited compared to the official IM clients.
Let’s publish, share and sociabilize!In “Social Media” there is “Media“, which means that social media are digital places for publication.In “Social Media” there is “Social“, which implies sharing (files, tastes, opinions…) but also social interactions (individuals gathering into groups, individual acquiring notoriety and influence…).Yes, you get the point: social media are places, tools, services allowing individuals to express themselves (and so to exist) in order to meet, share…As you can see, those different tools and services can be grouped into categories:Publication tools with blogs (Typepad, Blogger…), wikis (Wikipedia, Wikia, Wetpaint…) and citizen journalism portals (Digg, Newsvine…)Sharing tools for videos (YouTube…), pictures (FlickR…), links (del.icio.us,Ma.gnolia…), music (Last.fm, iLike…), slideshows (Slideshare), products reviews (Crowdstorm, Stylehive…) or products feedbacks (Feedback 2.0, GetSatisfaction…)Discussions tools like forums (PHPbb, vBulletin, Phorum…), video forums (Seesmic), instant messaging (Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, Meebo…) and VoIP (Skype, Google Talk…)Social networks (Facebook, MySpace, Bebo, Hi5, Orkut…), niche social networks (LinkedIn, Boompa…) and tools for creating social networks (Ning)Micropublication tools (Twitter, Pownce, Jaiku, Plurk, Adocu…) and alike (twitxr,tweetpeek)Social aggregation tools like lifestream (FriendFeed, Socializr, Socialthing!,lifestrea.ms, Profilactic…)Platforms for livecast hosting (Justin.tv, BlogTV, Yahoo! Live, UStream…) and there mobile equivalent (Qik, Flixwagon, Kyte, LiveCastr…)Virtual worlds (Second Life, Entropia Universe, There…), 3D chats (Habbo, IMVU…) and teens dedicated virtual universes (Stardoll, Club Penguin…)Social gaming platforms (ImInLikeWithYou, Doof…), casual gaming portals (Pogo,Cafe, Kongregate…) and social networks enabeled games (Three Rings, SGN)MMO (Neopets, Gaia Online, Kart Rider, Drift City, Maple Story) and MMORPG (World of Warcraft, Age of Conan…)MMO= Massive Multiplayer OnlineMMORPG= Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game
http://www.visibleasia.com/is-social-media-on-the-rise-in-south-east-asia/Is Social Media on the Rise in South East Asia?My feeling is a definite yes. Certainly for personal use on platforms such as Facebook, and to a lesser degree Twitter. Businesses are also beginning to include social media channels into their corporate strategies, albeit with much more trepidation.In a post by Econsultancy.com, Luke Richards talks about how it seems social media in business is finally being acknowledged, and by some even embraced, in South East Asia.A comprehensive report by Burson-Marsteller’s Asia-Pacific digital team concludes that 31% of Asia’s leading companies are currently active on at least three social channels. This is a massive swing from the 3% reported in 2010.Although from personal experience I haven’t seen many companies diving into the social media arena, a friend of mine recently contacted Air Asia when they announced they were cancelling their routes to Europe and India by email and twitter. She received a courteous and helpful response via Twitter within minutes which immediately calmed her frustrations of her flight to France being cancelled this summer.
Facebook is a social networking site available on www.facebook.com. It was founded by Mark Zuckerberg and launched in 2004. Facebook allows users to connect with other people like friends, coworkers, family members and others. People use Facebook to exchange information with others, to post photos and videos, share links, and in general, to keep in touch with friends. Users must register before using the site. Anyone who declares to be at least 13 years old can register. Then they can create their personal profile, connect with others, send messages, and receive notifications from added friends. Users can see only the profiles of confirmed friends and the people in their networks.Features:ChatSee also: Facebook MessengerOn April 5, 2008, Facebook pre-released Facebook Chat.[1][2] As of April 23, 2008, Facebook Chat was released to the entire Facebook user base. Users may chat with their Facebook friends on a one-to-one basis, or a user may chat with multiple friends simultaneously through the groups feature. Instant messaging clients that currently support Facebook Chat include Yahoo! Messenger version 11.0 and later, Skype version 5 or later, AOL Instant Messenger, eBuddy, Flock, Miranda IM, Trillian,Empathy, Pidgin, Adium, Nimbuzz, FIM (Windows Mobile / Windows Phone 7), Palringo (Windows Mobile), Meebo, Tokbox as well as QIP Infium with a Firefox plugin. Windows Live Messenger 2011 (Wave 4) can connect to Facebook as well. Facebook Chat can also be run on the desktop using Gabtastik, a dedicated web chat browser. Facebook Chat can also be run on theiPhone using Facebook Chat for iPhone app. Facebook also released the official app for iPad.[3] Facebook chat is also available to use for Blackberry users via the Blackberry Facebook app. On May 13, 2008, a Facebook developer announced that they are working on XMPP support, allowing hundreds of instant messaging clients to interoperate with the service;[4] this functionality became operational on February 10, 2010.[5] In November 2010, Facebook released a major upgrade of its Messages feature, which merged Chat and E-mail into the Inbox. However, users can still only chat with friends and group members.As of August 2011, Facebook Chat supports video chat. Upon using the feature for the first time users must download a plug-in for their web browser.Facebook Messenger was released for various mobile operating systems in August 2011 and for Windows 7 in December (an "official" release was made available for Windows 7 on March 5, 2012).[6]CreditsMain article: Facebook CreditsFacebook Credits are a virtual currency you can use to buy gifts, and virtual goods in many games and applications on the Facebook platform. As of July 2010, users of Facebook can purchase Facebook credits in Australian Dollars, British Pound,Canadian Dollars, Chilean Peso, Colombian Peso, Danish Krone, Euro, Hong Kong Dollar, Japanese Yen, Norwegian Krone,Swedish Krona, Swiss Franc, Turkish Lira, US Dollars, and Venezuelan Bolivar. Facebook credits can be used sufaesr as on many popular games such as Happy Aquarium, Happy Island, Zoo Paradise, Happy Pets, Hello City, It Girl[7] FarmVille, and Mafia Wars.FriendSee also: Friending"Friending" someone is the act of sending them a friend request on Facebook. Once the friend request is set, the two people are both Facebook friends until and unless the receiving party accepts the friend request. In addition to accepting the request, the user has the option of declining the friend request or hiding it using the "Not Now" feature. Deleting a friend request removes the request, but does allow the sender to resend it in the future. The "Not Now" feature hides the request but does not delete it, allowing the receiver to revisit the request at a later date.It is also possible to remove a user from one's friends, which is referred to as "unfriending" by Facebook.[8] Many Facebook users also refer to the process as "de-friending".[9] "Unfriend" was New Oxford American Dictionary's word of the year in 2009.[10][11]Facebook does not notify a user if they have been unfriended, but there are scripts that provide this functionality.Facebook profiles also have advanced privacy features to restrict content to certain users, such as non-friends or persons on a specific list.Listen with FriendsListen with Friends allows Facebook users to listen to music at the same time as their friends and discuss the tunes using Facebook Chat. Users can also listen in as a group while one friend acts as a deejay. Up to 50 friends can listen to the same song at the same time, and chat about it. Every-time a user begins listening to music with a friend, a ‘story will be posted to her/his friends’ ticker and/or news feeds. Users will have control over who will be able to see when they are listening with a friend through their App Settings page after installing the compatible music app.[12]Facebook LiveOn August 13, 2010, Facebook launched a new service called "Facebook Live", a live streaming video channel that is intended to keep Facebook users updated to what is happening on the social networking site.[13] The service, powered by Livestream, will feature videos from Facebook staff members and celebrity interviews, but is not designed for Facebook users to showcase their own videos. All the content shown on Facebook Live will have some tie-in with Facebook products, features, or how people are using the site.[14] Facebook said this is not an opening to get them into the video distribution space. The first official guest was America Ferrera, the leading actress in the television seriesUgly Betty. She discussed her new independent film The Dry Land, that was being promoted almost exclusively through social media channels.[14]Pv6According to a June 2010 report by Network World, Facebook said that it was offering "experimental, non-production" support for IPv6, the long-anticipated upgrade to the Internet's main communications protocol. The news about Facebook's IPv6 support was expected; Facebook told Network World in February 2010, that it planned to support native IPv6 user requests "by the midpoint of this year."[15]In a presentation at the Google IPv6 Implementors Conference, Facebook's network engineers said it was "easy to make [the] site available on v6." Facebook said it deployed dual-stack IPv4 and IPv6 support on its routers, and that it made no changes to its hosts in order to support IPv6. Facebook also said it was supporting an emerging encapsulation mechanism known as Locator/Identifier Separation Protocol (LISP), which separates Internet addresses from endpoint identifiers to improve the scalability of IPv6 deployments. "Facebook was the first major Web site on LISP (v4 and v6)," Facebook engineers said during their presentation. Facebook said that using LISP allowed them to deploy IPv6 services quickly with no extra cost. Facebook's IPv6 services are available at www.v6.facebook.com, m.v6.facebook.com, www.lisp6.facebook.com and m.lisp6.facebook.com.[15]Like LikeMain article: Like buttonDescribed by Facebook as a way to "give positive feedback and connect with things you care about,"[16] users can "like" status updates, comments, photos, and links posted by their friends, as well as adverts, by clicking the "Like" button at the bottom of the content. This makes the content appear in their friends' News feeds.[17]The "Like Button" is also available for use on websites outside Facebook: "When the user clicks the Like button on [a] site, a story appears in the user's friends' News Feed with a link back to [the] website."[18] At the same time when any visitor, including non Facebook members and logged out users, visit a site with the Like Button, their presence on the site is recorded by Facebook.[19] Introduced in April 2010, by September 2010 over 350,000 sites had installed it.[20] A "Like Box" also allows Facebook page owners to see how many users and which of their friends like the page.[21] From the end of 2010 and in the US, Microsoft's Bing search engine identifies which links in the results have been "Liked" by the searcher's Facebook friends.[22][23]A lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles in 2010 claiming the Facebook should not allow minors to "like" advertising; Facebook said the suit was "completely without merit."[24]Because websites with a "Like Button" send IP address information of all visitors to Facebook, the German state of Schleswig-Holstein said in August 2011 that the button breaches German data protection laws and that federal agencies should remove the buttons and similar social plugins from their websites.[25] Canada's Privacy Commissioner raised similar concerns in 2010.[26] "Like" links are vulnerable to likejacking, a form of clickjacking that makes users "Like" content they did not intend to.[27] An Israeli couple named their child "Like" after the Facebook feature in 2011.[28]In August 2011, Google linked their +1 button to Google Plus to rival the Facebook Like Button.[29]Messages and inboxSince the website's founding, it has allowed users to send messages to each other.[30] A Facebook user can send a message to any number of his/her friends at a time. Deleting a message from one's inbox does not delete it from the inbox of other users, thus disabling a sender to redo a message sent by him or her.On November 15, 2010, Facebook announced a new "Facebook Messages" service. In a media event that day, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said, "It's true that people will be able to have a @facebook.com email addresses, but it's not email." The launch of such a feature had been anticipated for some time before the announcement, with some calling it a "Gmail killer." The system, to be available to all of the website's users, combines text messaging, instant messaging, emails, and regular messages, and will include privacy settings similar to those of other Facebook services.Networks, groups, and "like" pagesFacebook allows different networks and groups which many users can join. This is essentially equivalent to control of a blog for the administrators. However these blogs allow some additional controls. For example these allow privacy settings on basis of networks. Groups are used for discussions, events, etc. and are a way of enabling a number of people to come together online to share information and discuss specific subjects. They are increasingly used by clubs, companies and public sector organizations to engage with stakeholders – be they members of the public, employees, members, service users, shareholders or customers. A group includes but is not limited to the following: the members who have joined, recent news contents, wall contents, photos, posted items, videos and all associated comments of such items. In this respect, groups are similar to "Like pages" (below) but contain a different set of features. Groups are limited to 300 groups per Facebook customer.Since October 2010, there are version 0 (legacy) and version 1 (current) groups.[31] Version 1 or "new" groups can contain the name of the group in their URL if the email-address of the group is set. Groups do not have a RSS feed to export the wall or the member list, such as Pages or Events have, but third parties provide such service[32]A flag which indicates if the group was created prior to launch of the current groups product in October 2010.Facebook customers can create "Like Pages" which allow fans of an individual, organization, product, service, or concept to join a Facebook fan club. The Like Pages were introduced in November 2007. Like Pages look and behave much like a user's personal private profile, with some significant differences. Public Profiles are integrated with Facebook's advertising system, allowing Public Profile owners to easily advertise to Facebook's users. Owners can send updates to their fans, which shows up on their home page. They also have access to insights and analytics of their fan base.[33] Early on, users had the option to "become a fan" of the page until April 19, 2010[34] when the option was later changed to "like" the page. While an individual with a personal profile can acquire up to 5,000 friends, a "Like Page" can have an unlimited number of "Likers". "Like Pages" can also be customized by adding new Tabs using the Static FBML application. This powerful feature can bring additional functionality to a page such as e-mail collection, specialized content, or a landing page for sales activity. The URLs of "Like Pages" start with http://www.facebook.com/pages... and include the name of the page.In April 2010 it was announced that "community pages" would integrate content from Wikipedia, under a Creative Commons license.[35]News feedOn September 6, 2006, RuchiSangvhi announced a new home page feature called News Feed.[36] Originally, when users logged into Facebook, they were presented with a customizable version of their own profile. The new layout, by contrast, created an alternative home page in which users saw a constantly updated list of their friends' Facebook activity. News Feed highlights information that includes profile changes, upcoming events, and birthdays, among other updates. This has enabled spammers and other users to manipulate these features by creating illegitimate events or posting fake birthdays to attract attention to their profile or cause.[37] News Feed also shows conversations taking place between the walls of a user's friends. An integral part of the News Feed interface is the Mini-Feed, a news stream on the user's profile page that shows updates about that user. Unlike in the News Feed, the user can delete events from the Mini-Feed after they appear so that they are no longer visible to profile visitors. In 2011, Facebook updated the News Feed to show top stories and most recent stories in one feed, and the option to highlight stories to make them top stories, as well as to un-highlight stories. In response to users' criticism, Facebook later updated the News feed to allow users to view recent stories first.[38]Initially, the addition of the News Feed caused some discontent among Facebook users. Many users complained that the News Feed was too cluttered and full of undesired information. Others were concerned that the News Feed made it too easy for other people to track activities like changes in relationship status, events, and conversations with other users. This tracking is often casually referred to as "Facebook-Stalking."[39] In response to this dissatisfaction, creator Mark Zuckerberg issued an apology for the site's failure to include appropriate customizable privacy features. Thereafter, users were able to control what types of information were shared automatically with friends.[40] Currently, users may prevent friends from seeing updates about several types of especially private activities, although other events are not customizable in this way.[41]With the introduction of the "New Facebook" – in early February 2010 – came a total redesign of the pages, several new features and changes to News Feeds.[42] On their personal Feeds (now integrated with Walls), users were given the option of removing updates from any application as well as choosing the size they show up on the page. Furthermore, the community feed (containing recent actions by the user's friends) contained options to instantly select whether to hear more or less about certain friends or applications.[43]NotificationsNotifications of the more important events, for example, someone sharing a link on the user's wall or commenting on a post the user previously commented on, briefly appear for a few seconds in the bottom left as a popup message (if the user is online), and a red counter is updated on the toolbar at the top, thus allowing the user to keep track of all the most recent notifications.PhoneOn September 2010, rumors of a "Facebook Phone" similar to Google's Android, circulated in business and tech industry news. In an interview with well-known technology blogTechcrunch, CEO Mark Zuckerberg was noted to have said, "Our strategy is very horizontal. We're trying to build a social layer for everything," while denying that they were attempting to compete with the Apple iPhone or Android.[44]On May 28, 2012, rumorsreemerge about a "Facebook Phone" that they hope to release in 2013. Facebook has already hired more than half a dozen former Apple engineers who worked on the iPhone. This rumor has gone around before but Sunday's Times report added new specifics such as an interview with a former iPhone engineer who said he recently met with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who "peppered him with questions about the inner workings of smartphones," including the types of chips used. "It did not sound like idle intellectual curiosity, the engineer said."[45] Although still rumor, this becomes more of a reality as the percentage of people accessing Facebook continues to shift towards mobile.PhotosOn April 11, 2011, Facebook launched a new feature for photo tagging – people can tag photos with a brand, product, company or person’s Facebook page, similar to the way they tag their friends in photos.[46] In August 2011, Facebook announced that it would be adding a series of photo filters to its mobile application.[47] Facebook plans to unveil nearly a dozen photo filters, which will be similar to Instagram's grainy images.[47] Per last known numbers, today in the world, highest number of photos are hosted at Facebook.PokeThe poke feature is intended to be a poke gesture (similar to "nudge" in instant messaging) to attract the attention of another user. Many Facebook users use this feature to attract attention or say "hello" to their friends.[48] A previous version of Facebook's FAQ gave additional insight into the origin of the feature, stating: "When we created the poke, we thought it would be cool to have a feature without any specific purpose. People interpret the poke in many different ways, and we encourage you to come up with your own meanings." Mark Zuckerberg during a live Facebook webinar.There are several applications on Facebook which extend the idea of the poke feature by allowing users to perform other actions to their friends—such as "kick" or "wave to". People often reciprocate pokes back and forth until one side gives up, an event known as a "Poke War".There has been a new application called "Automated Poke", when downloaded it will re-poke any pokes received ... it will continue to do so until the "Poke War" has been won for the user.It will send a poke between 3 seconds to 12 hours depending on any connection to the internetSmartphonesMany new smartphones offer access to the Facebook services either through their web-browsers or applications. The Facebook iPhone-compatible web site was launched August 2007 and as of July 2008 over 1.5 million people used it regularly, at the point when a free application for the iOS named "Facebook for iPhone" was launched.[49] Version 2.0 of this app was released in September 2008 and featured improved services such as being able to respond to friend requests and notifications.[50] Version 3.0 was released in August 2009 and added features such as events, and uploading video with an iPhone 3GS.[51] In the latest update for the Facebook for iPhone app, GPS use is also integrated in the app under the section "places" in which you can discover moments and experiences when you and your friends are at the same place at the same time. This app is compatible with iPhone 3G, 3Gs, 4, and 4S running iOS 3.0 or later.[52]Microsoft developed an application for Facebook on their Windows Phone 7 platform, available in the Windows Phone Marketplace. You can pin elements such as Messages, Events, the News Feed, and Photos directly onto your homescreen. It also includes tile notifications for events, friend requests, tags, and so on.[53] Windows Mobile platform, including features such as messaging, uploading pictures and video straight from the device, managing profile information, contact integration allowing users to call anyone in their friends list that has their number in their profile information. It is also possible to add a chat feature to Windows Mobile via third-party software such as FIM, available in theWindows Mobile Marketplace. Nokia also offers a Facebook app on its Ovi Store for Nokia S60 devices such as the N97 and contains most of the functionality of the full website.[54]Google's Android 2.0 OS automatically includes an official Facebook app. The first device to use this is the Motorola Droid. The app has options to sync Facebook friends with contacts, which adds profile pictures and status updates to the contacts list. Research In Motion also offers a Facebook application for the BlackBerry. It includes a range of functions, including an ability to integrate Facebook events into the BlackBerry calendar, and using Facebook profile pictures for Caller ID.[55]Feature phonesAlthough like all other website apps Facebook made its presence on the smartphones as mentioned but also is present for the feature phones. As the company said that the feature phones dominate the American cell phone markets hence an app was exclusively made for this purpose as well.[56]Status updates"Status updates" (also called as a "status") allows users to post messages for their friends to read. In turn, friends can respond with their own comments, as well as clicking the "Like" button. A user's most recent updates appear at the top of their Timeline/Wall and is also noted in the "Recently Updated" section of a user's friend list. Originally, the purpose of the feature was to allow users to inform their friends of their current "status," including feelings, whereabouts, or actions, where Facebook prompted the status update with "Username is..." and users filled in the rest. This feature first became available in September 2006, though on December 13, 2007, the requirement to start a status update with is was removed.[57]The is updates were followed by the "What are you doing right now?" status update question; in March 2009, the question was changed to "What's on your mind?" In 2009, Facebook added the feature to tag certain friends (or groups, etc.) within one's status update by adding an @ character before their name, turning the friend's name into a link to their profile and including the message on the friend's wall. Tagging has since been updated to recognize friends' names by typing them into a status while a list of friends whose names match the inputted letters appears. A large percentage of the updates that are posted are humorous and as a result, many apps, websites and books have sprung up to help you to update your own.TickerIn 2011, Facebook launched a ticker that showed all of their friends and pages updates. For example, it shows when their friends comment or like a status, and their status updates as soon as they posted them. If users do not have the chat sidebar open, the ticker appears on Facebook home next to the News Feed. If users do have the chat sidebar open, the ticker appears above the list of friends, and can be re-sized (it can't be if the chat sidebar isn't open). The ticker cannot be closed, and this has brought up concern among users, especially privacy concerns. However, Facebook has been keen to emphasize that the ticker only shows what people could see before – it just makes it "more discoverable".[38]TimelineSince December 15, 2011, a Timeline is the new virtual space in which all the content of Facebook users will be organized and shown.[59] Replacing the Facebook Profile, in a Timeline the photos, videos, and posts of any given user will be categorized according to the period of time in which they were uploaded or created.[59] Posts and events are displayed along a timeline that runs through the center of the profile, with the option of adding events that occurred prior to the user joining Facebook as well as "hiding" posts.[60][61] Some experts[62] see this as a crucial step on the use of social networks. In March 2012, Timeline became available for "Facebook Pages", and by the end of the month, Facebook had forced all Facebook Pages (not Profile pages) to convert to the Timeline layout - against the will of many page admins. German Facebook users can read about Timeline at Facebook-Login.de [63] Like the Wall, users can set Timeline privacy settings to change who can see their entire profile. Users' friends have the ability to post messages on the user's timeline.URL shortenerOn December 14, 2009, Facebook launched its own URL shortener based on FB.me domain name.[64] From that point on, all links based on facebook.com can be accessed after fb.me, which is seven characters shorter.UsernamesStarting June 13, 2009, Facebook introduced a feature that allowed users to choose a Facebook username to make user location easier. The user is able to direct others to their page through a simple link such as www.facebook.com/username rather than an otherwise complex URL. This feature on Facebook quickly spread, with more than 1 million users registering usernames in the first three hours.[65] Usernames are now available to any existing or newly registered user.According to the FAQ, "Facebook reserves the right to remove and/or reclaim any username at any time for any reason".[66]WallThe Wall is the original profile space where Facebook users' content, as of December, 2011, is shown. It allows the posting of messages, often short or temporal notes, for the user to see while displaying the time and date the message was written. A user's Wall is visible to anyone with the ability to see his or her full profile, and friends' Wall posts appear in the user's News Feed.In July 2007, Facebook allowed users to post attachments to the Wall,[67] whereas previously the Wall was limited to text only. In May 2008, the Wall-to-Wall for each profile was limited to only 40 posts. Recently[when?] Facebook has allowed users to insert html code in boxes attached to the wall via apps like Static FBML which has allowed marketers to track use of their fan pages with Google Analytics.[68]In addition to postings by other users, the Wall also displays other events that happened to the user's profile. It displays when information is changed, when they change their profile picture, and when they connect with new people, among other things.The Wall is being replaced by the Timeline profile layout, which was introduced in December 2011.QuestionsOn March 24, 2011, Facebook announced that its new product – Facebook Questions – facilitates short, poll-like answers in addition to long-form responses, and also links directly to relevant items in Facebook's directory of "fan pages." Voice CallingSince April 2011 Facebook users have had the ability to make live voice calls via Facebook Chat, allowing users to chat with others from all over the world. This feature, which is provided free through T-Mobile's new Bobsled service, lets the user add voice to the current Facebook Chat as well as leave voice messages on Facebook.Video CallingOn July 6, 2011, Facebook launched its video calling services using Skype as its technology partner. It allows one to one calling using a Skype Rest API.[71]SubscribeOn September 14, 2011, Facebook launched a Subscribe button. The feature allows for users to follow public updates, and these are the people most often broadcasting their ideas.[72] There were major modifications that the site released on September 22, 2011.[73]Verified AccountsAs reported by TechCrunch on February 15, 2012, Facebook is introducing ‘Verified Account’ concept like that of Twitter & Google+. Though as of March 3, 2012, verified accounts don’t get any badges or denotations, but such accounts will get more priority in ‘Subscription Suggestions’ of Facebook.[74]Easter eggsThe following are easter eggs that Facebook had at one time or another.At one time, entering the Konami Code followed by Enter at the home page caused a lensflare-style series of circles to display when clicking, typing, or scrolling.[75]Facebook chat supports some unusual emoticons.[citation needed]Asking "how is babby formed?" with the Questions feature released September 23, 2010 will Rickroll the user.A user can change his/her language to Leet Speak, Pirate language, and upside down English.Entering @[x:y] resolves a user's name, where x is a positive integer and y is 0 or 1. For example @[4:0] resolves to "Mark Zuckerberg".Possible additions:Pay to promoteAs of May 2012, Facebook is currently testing a system where users can pay a small fee to ensure that information they post is available to more of their friends. The tests are currently being carried out in New Zealand where Facebook are testing to see if users would pay to flag up their posts.[76] Possible payments could be made via Paypal or credit card. Already a similar system is in affect by Twitter in which businesses can promote their tweets as a source of advertising.Applications:EventsFacebook events are a way for members to let friends know about upcoming events in their community and to organize social gatherings.[77] Events require an event name, network, host name, event type, start time, location, and a guest list of friends invited. Events can be Public or Private. Private events cannot be found in searches and are by invitation only. People who have not been invited cannot view a Private event's description, Wall or photos. They also will not see any Feed stories about the event.[78] When setting up an event the user can choose to allow friends to upload photos or videos. Note that unlike real world events, all events are treated as separate entities (when the reality is some events sit inside other events, going to one event would preclude going to another, and so on).In February 2011, Facebook began to use the hCalendarmicroformat to mark up events, and the hCardmicroformat for the events' venues, enabling the extraction of details to users' own calendar or mapping applications.[79] Third parties facilitate events to be exported from Facebook Pages to the iCalendar-format.[80]MarketplaceIn May 2007, Facebook introduced the Facebook Marketplace allowing users to post free classified ads within the following categories: For Sale, Housing, Jobs, and Other. Ads can be posted in either available or wanted format.[81] The market place is available for all Facebook users and is currently free.[82] In 2009, Facebook transferred ownership of the Marketplace to Oodle.[83]NotesFacebook Notes was introduced on August 22, 2006, a blogging feature that allowed tags and embeddable images. Users were later able to import blogs from Xanga, LiveJournal,Blogger, and other blogging services.[84]A recent[when?] use of Notes includes the Internet meme – "25 Random Things About Me" which involves writing 25 things about the user that their friends don't already know about them and using the tag function to ask 25 friends to also do so. Nearly 5 million "25 Random Things" notes were written on Facebook profiles in the first week of February 2009.[85]PhotosOne of the most popular applications on Facebook is the Photos application, where users can upload albums of photos, tag friends helped by face recognition technology,[92] and comment on photos.VideosDuring the time that Facebook released its platform, it also released an application of its own for sharing videos on Facebook.[96] Users can add their videos with the service by uploading video, adding video through Facebook Mobile, and using a webcam recording feature. Additionally, users can "tag" their friends in videos they add much like the way users can tag their friends in photos, except the location of the friend in the video is not displayed. Users also have the option of video messaging. Videos cannot be placed in categories, whereas photos are sorted by albums. Facebook Video can support up to 1080p format and even 4K resolution.Security features:Clickjacking warningsFacebook will display warnings when users are about to be duped by clickjacking and cross-site scripting attacks in which they think they are following a link to an interesting news story or taking action to see a video and instead end up spamming their friends.[97]Login approvalsFacebook also offers two-factor authentication called "login approvals," which, if turned on, will require users to enter a code whenever they log into the site from a new or unrecognized device. The code is sent via text message to the user's mobile phone.[97]Site warningsFacebook is partnering with the free Web of Trust safe surfing service to give Facebook users more information about the sites they are linking to from the social network. When a user clicks on a potentially malicious link, a warning box will appear that gives more information about why the site might be dangerous. The user can either ignore the warning or go back to the previous page.[97]
Cloud Computing is the term given to the use of multiple server computers via a digital network as if they were one computer. The ‘Cloud’ itself is a virtualisation of resources – networks, servers, applications, data storage and services – which the end user has on-demand access to. These resources can be provided with minimal management or service provider interaction.Cloud computing offers the end user resources without the requirement of having knowledge of the systems that deliver it. Additionally, the cloud can provide the user with a far greater range of applications and services. Therefore the cloud enables users and business scalable and tailored services.Platform as a Service (PaaS) provides the user with development environment services where the user can create and run home-grown applications.Software as a Service (SaaS) provides the user with access to already created applications that are operating in the cloud.Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provides the user with virtual infrastructure, such as servers and data storage space. This is where virtualization fits into the cloud.There are various tools and features that users will be able to track when using the cloud computing resource. These features/tools would include:TestingBuilding applicationsDevelopmental StagesNetwork equipmentHosting MaintenanceThis can all be done over the internet for a low and cost effective price.
Cloud Computing is the term given to the use of multiple server computers via a digital network as if they were one computer. The ‘Cloud’ itself is a virtualisation of resources – networks, servers, applications, data storage and services – which the end user has on-demand access to. These resources can be provided with minimal management or service provider interaction.Cloud computing offers the end user resources without the requirement of having knowledge of the systems that deliver it. Additionally, the cloud can provide the user with a far greater range of applications and services. Therefore the cloud enables users and business scalable and tailored services.Platform as a Service (PaaS) provides the user with development environment services where the user can create and run home-grown applications.Software as a Service (SaaS) provides the user with access to already created applications that are operating in the cloud.Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provides the user with virtual infrastructure, such as servers and data storage space. This is where virtualization fits into the cloud.There are various tools and features that users will be able to track when using the cloud computing resource. These features/tools would include:TestingBuilding applicationsDevelopmental StagesNetwork equipmentHosting MaintenanceThis can all be done over the internet for a low and cost effective price.
Cost EffectiveThere is no need for users to invest their time and money into using stand alone servers which would be a bit complicating to use compared to the cloud method. It is a cheaper way to maintain the software and it will save time, as the developers keep track of updates and maintain your programs while you use it. There is no need for replacing capital expenditures on a regular basis. The cost of using cloud resources is very economical for resources such as centralized, real estate, bandwidth, and power. Users will also save money on software updates, management costs, and data storage costs.Speed & ScalesThere is no need to purchase and setup hardware manually when using the cloud computing method. Depending upon their needs the user can quickly scale up or scale down.InnovationUsers can now pay closer attention to the innovation process because they don’t have to manually manage other resources. Cloud computing produces a faster development pace for prototype and testing phases. Projects at which users have to watch over for progress on a regular basis will benefit the most because of this advantage.ConvenientSince overheads are low when sharing the same infrastructure the services are available to use immediately. Payments are only billed for the times that the service is being utilized. You can easily check the cost of the bill because the service provider will make them available online for you to view.LocationAreas that have lower overheads are able to utilize this service and take advantage of the benefits as well. Many different websites are able to be set up in the case of a disaster recovery which helps the companies to cut costs in different ways.Multiple Users at one timeCloud computing is not only cost effective, but utilizing it also helps to cut back on global wastes. It is environmentally friendly since it is shared by multiple users. The down time is cut in half and the resources are stretched.FlexibleThere is a high rate of flexibility when using cloud computing because people can opt out of using it whenever they want too. This is also one of the main reasons people love to use this method. Service level agreements are what cover the costs in this case. If the correct quality is not provided then has to pay a penalty cost.Device DiversityThe cloud computing method can be accessed through various different electronic devices that are able to have access to the internet. These devices would include and iPad, smartphone, Laptop, or desktop computer.Lots of Storage SpaceWhen you use the internet with the cloud services then your company will have lots more room to store the files and data that they need to store.Customize SettingsLast but not least, you will enjoy the fact that cloud computing allows you to customize your business applications. This is a great benefit because the world of online business is very competitive.Disadvantages of Cloud Computing1) Possible downtime. Cloud computing makes your small business dependent on the reliability of your Internet connection. When it's offline, you're offline. And even the most reliable cloud computing service providers suffer server outages now and again. (See Cloud Computing Service Outages in 2011 (About.com New Tech).)2) Security issues. How safe is your data? Cloud computing means Internet computing. So you should not be using cloud computing applications that involve using or storing data that you are not comfortable having on the Internet. That being said, established, reliable cloud computing vendors will have the latest, most sophisticated data security systems possible as they want your business and realize that data security is a big concern.Switching to the cloud can actually improve security for a small business, says Michael Redding, managing director of Accenture Technology Labs. "Because large cloud computing companies have more resources, he says, they are often able to offer levels of security an average small business may not be able to afford implementing on its own servers" (Outsource IT Headaches to the Cloud (The Globe and Mail).3) Cost. At first glance, a cloud computing application may appear to be a lot cheaper than a particular software solution installed and run in-house, but you need to be sure you're comparing apples and apples. Does the cloud application have all the features that the software does and if not, are the missing features important to you?You also need to be sure you are doing a total cost comparison. While many cloud computer vendors present themselves as utility-based providers, claiming that you're only charged for what you use, Gartner says that this isn't true; in most cases, a company must commit to a predetermined contract independent of actual use. To be sure you're saving money, you have to look closely at the pricing plans and details for each application.In the same article, Gartner also points out that the cost savings of cloud computing primarily occur when a business first starts using it. SaaS (Software as a Service) applications, Gartner says, will have lower total cost of ownership for the first two years because SaaS applications do not require large capital investment for licenses or support infrastructure. After that, the on-premises option can become the cost-savings winner from an accounting perspective as the capital assets involved depreciate.4) Inflexibility. Be careful when you're choosing a cloud computing vendor that you're not locking your business into using their proprietary applications or formats. You can't insert a document created in another application into a Google Docsspreadsheet, for instance. Also make sure that you can add and subtract cloud computing users as necessary as your business grows or contracts. 5) Lack of support. In These Issues Need to be Resolved Before Cloud Computing Becomes Ubiquitous, (OPEN Forum) Anita Campbell writes, "Customer service for Web apps leaves a lot to be desired -- All too many cloud-based apps make it difficult to get customer service promptly – or at all. Sending an email and hoping for a response within 48 hours is not an acceptable way for most of us to run a business". The New York Times puts it this way: "The bottom line: If you need handholding or if you are not comfortable trying to find advice on user forums, the cloud probably is not ideal" Thinking About Moving to the Cloud? There Are Trade-Offs.Bottom Line: Cloud According to Your Comfort LevelIn my opinion, cloud computing is a great opportunity for small businesses to off-load the hassle and costs of IT management – as long as they can live with the disadvantages. Security issues related to having their business data 'out' on the Internet seem to be the number one concern of small business owners.One approach might be to start cloud computing slowly; choose one or two of your business applications to replace and see how it goes. Hopefully over time you'll become more comfortable with it and able to reap even more cloud computing advantages.
Top 10 Cloud AppsGmailGmail is a free, advertising-supported [email] serviced provided by Google. Gmail was launched as an invitation-only beta-release on April 1, 2004 and it became available to the general public on February 7, 2007, though still in beta status at the time. As of November 2010, it had 193.3 million users monthly. - Wikipedia.Gmail is becoming more and more widespread throughout the small business community because it lets small business owners work remotely so much easier. It has increased spam protection, it organises incoming emails from each sender into more of a conversation, rather than just chronologically listing them. Gmail also includes a live chat facility so that you can connect with other Gmail users in real time.Most importantly, with Gmail you can customise your email address to include your business’ domain name!Gmail is free.Google CalendarGmail is a free, advertising-supported [email] serviced provided by Google. Gmail was launched as an invitation-only beta-release on April 1, 2004 and it became available to the general public on February 7, 2007, though still in beta status at the time. As of November 2010, it had 193.3 million users monthly. - Wikipedia.Gmail is becoming more and more widespread throughout the small business community because it lets small business owners work remotely so much easier. It has increased spam protection, it organises incoming emails from each sender into more of a conversation, rather than just chronologically listing them. Gmail also includes a live chat facility so that you can connect with other Gmail users in real time.Most importantly, with Gmail you can customise your email address to include your business’ domain name!Gmail is free.Google GroupsGoogleGroups is a service from Google that supports discussion groups … based on common interests. Membership in Google Groups is free of charge and many groups are anonymous. Users can find discussion groups related to their interests and participate in threaded conversations, either through a web interface or by email. They can also start new groups. - Wikipedia.Google Groups is free.Google DocsGoogleDocs is a free, web-based word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, form, and data storage service offered by Google. It allows users to create and edit documents online while collaborating in real-time with other users. Data storage of any files up to 1GB each in size was introduced on January 13, 2010. - Wikipedia.A lot of my web-based and website-based forms are done using Google Docs. The functionality that Docs offers me in being able to integrate, collate and refer to word documents, spreadsheets, presentations and so on is really handy and best of all, stored offsite on Google’s secure servers so I don’t have to worry about space, either in my office or on my computers.Google Docs is free.Google SitesGooglesites is a structure wiki and web page creation tool offered by Google as part of … Google Apps. [It] started out as Jotspot [and] it was targeted mainly at small-sized and medium-sized businesses. - Wikipedia.This one was referred to me by a few of my Twitter followers when I was researching this post, but to be honest, I have never used it. I am, however, a massive fan of Wikis like WetPaint, and any application that allows like-minded people (clients or business partners) to collaborate and share information sounds like a good idea to me.Google Sites is free.DropboxDropbox is a web-based file hosting service … which uses cloud computing to enable users to store and share files and folders with others across the internet using file synchronization. There are both free and paid services, each with varying options. – WikipediaI love Dropbox and use it all the time. Quite often my small business clients have to send me big files for instance (text, audio or video) and to do that via email is a bit of a nightmare. But they are able to upload the files to Dropbox and I can instantly have access to them, either on my computers or on my phone.I find it’s also a great way to share images and video that I take as a snapshot on my phone straight to my computer (or someone else’s computer) to then upload to my social media channels and so on.And the Dropbox on my phone is identical to the Dropbox on my computer which I love.Dropbox is free but has upgrades to Dropbox Pro 50 which costs $9.99 per month or Dropbox Pro 100 which costs $19.99 per month.BasecampBasecamp is a web-based project management tool launched in 2004. Basecamp primary features are to-do lists, milestone management, forum-like messaging, file sharing, and time tracking. - Wikipedia.Basecamp has four different plans available starting at $24 per month right up to $149 per month and all accounts have a 30 day free trialHighriseHighrise is a ‘shared contact management’ web application which supports basic CRM tasks. The application centers around person and company pages, which collate information such as images, notes, and contact detail. - Wikipedia.Highrise has three different plans available starting at $24 per month right up to $99 per month and all accounts have a 30 day free trial.BackpackBackpack is a web-based personal information manager and intranet for small business. The application has two main functions: user-created pages (which can include text, images and files) and an iCalendar format calendar. Features of the user-created pages include to-do lists, inline photo galleries, notes and file attachments, and page sharing. - Wikipedia.Backpack has four different plans available starting at $24 per month right up to $149 per month and all accounts have a 30 day free trialCampfireCampfire is a business-oriented online chat service. The application uses Ajax technology for real time communication. To use the application, users must either create a new chat room or be invited to one. Unless a chat room is specifically chosen to be “off the record”, browsable transcripts of chats and uploaded files are stored for future reference. - Wikipedia.Campfire has four different plans available starting at $12 per month right up to $99 per month and all accounts have a 30 day free trial.
DropboxDropbox is a web-based file hosting service … which uses cloud computing to enable users to store and share files and folders with others across the internet using file synchronization. There are both free and paid services, each with varying options. – WikipediaI love Dropbox and use it all the time. Quite often my small business clients have to send me big files for instance (text, audio or video) and to do that via email is a bit of a nightmare. But they are able to upload the files to Dropbox and I can instantly have access to them, either on my computers or on my phone.I find it’s also a great way to share images and video that I take as a snapshot on my phone straight to my computer (or someone else’s computer) to then upload to my social media channels and so on.And the Dropbox on my phone is identical to the Dropbox on my computer which I love.Dropbox is free but has upgrades to Dropbox Pro 50 which costs $9.99 per month or Dropbox Pro 100 which costs $19.99 per month.
Your files, anywhereAny file you save to Dropbox also instantly saves to your computers, phones, and the Dropbox website.2GB of Dropbox for free, with subscriptions up to 100GB available.Your files are always available from the secure Dropbox website.Dropbox works with Windows, Mac, Linux, iPad, iPhone, Android andBlackBerry.Works even when offline. You always have your files, whether or not you have a connection.Dropbox transfers just the parts of a file that change (not the whole thing).Manually set bandwidth limits -- Dropbox won't hog your connection.Simple sharingShared folders allow people to work together on the same projects and documents.Invite friends, family or teammates to a folder. It'll be as if you saved the folder to their computers.See other people's changes instantly.Create photo galleries viewable by anyone you choose.Send a link to any file in your Dropbox using your Public folder.Dropbox mobileApps for iPhone, iPad, Android, and BlackBerry keep your Dropbox at hand, even on the go.Bring your files with you when you're on the go.Edit files in your Dropbox from your phone.Easily upload your photos and videos to Dropbox.Share freely with family and friends.Your stuff is safeDropbox protects your files without you needing to think about it.Dropbox keeps a one-month history of your work.Any changes can be undone, and files can be undeleted.Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and AES-256 bit encryption.
Dropbox is a cloud data warehouse that was introduced by company Dropbox Inc., This service allows users to store their data on servers in the cloud and share them with other users on the Internet. The service is based on the synchronization of data.Dropbox is an online file storage service that allows users to upload, share, and access files and folders via mobile and desktop applications as well as a browser-based interface. The service offers free and paid services consisting of varying data and sharing restrictions and provides software applications for Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Android, Windows Phone 7, BlackBerry, iPhone, and iPad. This article will walk you through the process of sharing folders on Dropbox.
SkyDrive (officially Microsoft SkyDrive, formerly Windows Live SkyDrive) is a file hosting service that allows users to upload and sync files to a cloud storage and then access them from a Web browser or their local device. It is part of the Windows Live range of online services and allows users to keep the files private, share them with contacts, or make the files public. Publicly shared files do not require a Windows Live ID to access.FeaturesOffice Web AppsMicrosoft added Office Web Apps support to SkyDrive in its "Wave 4" update allowing users to upload, create, edit, and share Microsoft Office documents directly within a Web browser. Users can create, view and edit Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote documents within the Web browser. In addition, Office Web Apps on SkyDrive also allow multiple users to simultaneously co-author Excel directly within the web browser, and co-author OneNote documents with another web user or the desktop application. Users can also view version history of Office documents stored on SkyDrive.[14]Integration with desktop version of Microsoft OfficeUsers of recent versions of Microsoft Office (for Windows or Macintosh) can use the desktop applications to edit the same section of documents stored on SkyDrive simultaneously. Changes are synchronized when users save the document, and where conflicts occur, a user is given the selection to choose which version to keep. [15] This is a collaborative real-time editing suite as multiple users can use combinations of desktop applications and the web apps PDF and Open Document Format supportSkyDrive supports viewing of Portable Document Format (PDF)[16] as well as Open Document Format (ODF), an XML-based file format supported in a number of word processing apps including Microsoft Office, OpenOffice, and Corel's WordPerfect.[17]Documents embeddingSkyDrive allows users to embed their Office documents (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) onto other web pages. These embedded documents allow anyone who visits these web pages to interact with them, such as browsing an embedded PowerPoint slideshow, or perform calculations within an embedded Excel spreadsheet.Hotmail integrationSkyDrive integrates with Hotmail which allow users to:Directly upload Office documents and photos within Hotmail, store them on SkyDrive, and share them with other users[18]Directly save Office documents within Hotmail to SkyDrive, and view or edit these documents directly within the web browser[19]Allow Hotmail users to edit Office documents within the web browser using Office Web Apps, and reply directly back to the sender with the edits made[19]Share to social networksSkyDrive integrates with social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to enable users to quickly share their files to contacts on these social networks.[20] SkyDrive maintains an access control list of all users granted permission to view or edit the files, including those users on social networks.[21]Bing integrationSkyDrive integrates with Bing's Save & Share feature, allowing users to save search histories into a SkyDrive folder.Windows Live Groups integrationEach group within Windows Live Groups are provided with 5 GB of storage spaces on SkyDrive to be shared between the group members. Group members are allowed to access, create, modify and delete files within the group's SkyDrive folders, as well as other functionalities that SkyDrive provides.Location and people taggingSkyDrive supports geo-location data for photos uploaded onto the service, and will automatically display a map of the tagged location. SkyDrive also allow users to tag people on the photos uploaded onto the service via the web interface or via Windows Live Photo Gallery.Photo slideshowsPhotos uploaded onto SkyDrive can be played as an automatic slideshow.Download as .zip fileEntire folders can be downloaded as a single .zip file with SkyDrive.
Google docs features:Google Docs is Google's "software as a service" office suite. Documents, spreadsheets, presentations can be created with Google Docs, imported through the web interface, or sent via email. Documents can be saved to a user's local computer in a variety of formats (ODF, HTML, PDF, RTF, Text, Microsoft Office). Documents are automatically saved to Google's servers to prevent data loss, and a revision history is automatically kept so past edits may be viewed (although this only works for adjacent revisions, and there is currently no way to find and isolate changes in long documents.). Documents can be tagged and archived for organizational purposes. The service is officially supported on recent versions of the Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari and Chrome browsers running on Microsoft Windows, Apple OS X, and Linux operating systems.[32]Google Docs serves as a collaborative tool for editing amongst in real time. Documents can be shared, opened, and edited by multiple users at the same time. Users cannot be notified of changes, but the application can notify users when a comment or discussion is made or replied to, facilitating collaboration. There is no way to highlight changes made by a particular editor in real time during a writing session, nor a way to jump to the changes made. However, users can usually see where in the document or file a particular editor is currently writing, since in most of the suite's products, an editor's current position is represented with an editor-specific color/cursor. Also, the revision history included in the service allows users to see the changes made to a document, distinguished by editor, using their specific color. The application supports two ISO standard document formats: OpenDocument (for both opening and exporting) and Office Open XML (for opening only). It also includes support for proprietary formats such as .doc and .xls.[33][34]Google Docs is one of many cloud computing document-sharing services.[35] The majority of document-sharing services require user fees, whereas Google Docs is free. Its popularity amongst businesses is growing due to enhanced sharing features and accessibility.[36] In addition, Google Docs has enjoyed a rapid rise in popularity among students and educational institutions.[37]
