Posted by admin on October 3rd, 2008 — Posted in Tech, University Of Telecommunication
It seems that nothing can stop the rise and rise of Internet telephony. Driven by ever cheaper and faster broadband Voice over IP has become one of the fastest-growing applications on the Internet. But apart from cheap calls in the UK, there are other factors which have contributed to this massively popular method of making calls. There is clearly a trend toward more innovative and more mobile services and this looks likely to ensure that demand for Internet telephony continues to develop. It is estimated that there are already around four million VoIP UK users in the UK, not including business subscriptions.
Key figures in the industry point to the proliferation of ADSL broadband connections that do not require line rental for a conventional phone line (naked ADSL), and number portability between conventional and IP phone services as the two key things that will bring inflate the profile of VoIP to new heights.
In fact the effect VoIP has had has been so profound that some have suggested that it may not be long before users can get rid of their traditional landline telephones completely in favour of a internet phone.
Taking a more straightforward view, there are certain things that will need to be addressed before that can happen. In the UK Internet telephony providers like Vonage or VoIPTalk will have to scrutinise both security and ease of use, as well as continue to deliver a convenient and financially viable service. They certainly offer cheap calls already but, what else do they need to do to ensure a bright future for VoIP?
As the Internet is a vast public network the VoIP traffic is no more immune from attack than any other data. Security is a worry for many users, particularly in the business community and the means to develop security for users would be a welcome step in securing the long-term future of VoIP.
The ease of use issue may not remain a hindrance to development now that handsets that work on mobile networks and, via WiFi or Bluetooth links, over VoIP are now making an appearance in the shops. This raises the prospect of using low-cost VoIP services at home, in the office or at a WiFi hotspot, but still retaining the flexibility of mobile coverage when out and about.
Some VoIP providers are now selling these handsets, and have set up joint arrangements with wireless hotspots so that their customers can make and receive calls on the go without the need for a PC.
It’s likely that some of the restrictions of such handsets i.e. difficulties in hotspots that use web pages for authentication to be addressed any time now.
The advance of newer networking technologies will further reduce the distance between fixed, mobile and VoIP services. Wireless broadband services, in particular WiMax, could create city-wide wireless hotspots, making it possible to make mobile VoIP calls in much wider areas.
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Posted by admin on August 20th, 2008 — Posted in Tech
The times where laptops for gaming were a specialist sector are fading very quick. In the past the small number of sales alleviated by the profit margins. I think numerous people would agree they always wanted a laptop for gaming however it was just out of range for the majority. They were like the supreme example of what was possible with notebook technology. The best laptop computers about. They would create tons of buzz however I do not think lots of people would go out and buy laptop computers at high prices. In the present things are a lot different with larger companies also manufacturing gaming portables.
In my view they would get away by selling them at a greater price if they wanted. It is certainly a great alternative to larger gross profits. With their deep marketing budgets I’m confident they can sway people to buy laptop computers like these. I’m guessing what the the counter from local system builders will be. I’m already witnessing some price cuts. This one time premium technology is basically going to be aimed at everyone now. In my view if anybodies going to spend a lot of cash the well known brand always comes out on top.
In my view these companies are rolling out the best laptop computers at this time. This will give some encouragement to the local businesses. Being able to purchase specifically what parts they desire is a big bonus for most potential buyers who are considering purchasing a gaming laptop. Such people are traditionally techies and can liken all the fine literature. For consumers of this type, how fast it goes normally is of greater importance than what it looks like. All of this is extremely good from the consumer’s position. I would forecast a couple of price wars going on in this sector after the early stages. Its tough to say what will take place really because the industry is a fast evolving one. Prices will probably stay consistently high because there are constantly new laptops being launched. The established companies have already introduced their own gaming laptop line, so all we can do now is sit back and watch.
Should you be looking to purchase a laptop you may want to visit http://www.rizeon.com/gaming_laptops/page.php
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Posted by admin on June 1st, 2008 — Posted in Tech
Today, the usage of such technologies as e-mailing, WAP, GPRS, calendar, etc. via mobile devices (telephones, PDA) is common. Moreover, the sphere of these technologies extends from using on “entertainment” level to the business level.
IBM proposes the line of solutions based on Lotus/Domino for mobile users and wireless devices, from PIM (Personal Information Management) and emailing till PDA online-client working with Domino data. The product line develops swiftly with changing of product names and trade marks. These days there are the following directions of mentioned technologies:
• Synchronization of PIM and e-mail between PDA and Domino;
• Access to Domino data via PDA;
• PDA online-client for Domino data;
• SMS and SameTime support for wireless devices.
Now to solve the first direction of tasks IBM actively promotes IBM WebSphere Everyplace Access product. In this article we’ll concentrate on Red Book (sg246676.pdf) documentation.
WebSphere Everyplace Access can be used to synchronize PIM and e-mail with PDA and Domino. The product includes Everyplace Synchronization Server (ESS), which provide the synchronization. ESS represents a special adapter, working under WebSphere Portal Server, allowing secure connection with Domino server from 5.0.12 till 6.5.1. versions. AS a mobile client for ESS can be used IBM Everyplace client and native SyncML clients. For example, on PocketPC it is possible working with e-mail and PIM Domino, as via inbuilt browser as specially installed Everyplace Client. Everyplace Client has version as for PocketPC as for Palm OS.
IBM WebSphere Everyplace Access can be used not only for PDA and Domino conenction, it may as well synchronize:
• PIM and e-mail between PDA and MS Exchange Server (verions 5.5, 2000 and 2003);
• DB2 and PDA. In this case two components are used: DB2 Everyplace Synchronization Server and DB2 Everyplace database, which working on PDA;
• Oracle and PDA.
From the previous versions of IBM products practically used by the author, may be mentioned the followings:
• EasySync Pro and IBM Mobile Connect, assigned to synchronize PIM and e-mail between PDA and Domino. IBM Mobile Connect works on the server side, and EasySync Pro on client side;
• Domino Everyplace Access and Domino Everyplace Enterprise. The first allows accessing to specially designed Domino-applications via WAP. The second exepting the server part offers PDA-client, which has analogous functions without using WAP-browser;
• Sametime Everyplace and Domino Everyplace SMS. The first allows having access to Sametime functionality via WAP-browser. The second represents a sluice for bidirectional transformation between SMS and Domino email.
It should be mentioned here that in Domino Designer version 6 exists special “hide” option for mobile devices. This solution allows not transferring on mobile device side some volumetrical design elements (for ex. inbuilt views, sections, etc).
As a resume -IBM focusing attention on mobile devices and sees a serious potential market segment connected with this direction.
Good luck in your system setting up and contact us for any help in USA: 1-866-528-0577, Germany: (0177) 8349 806! help@albaspectrum.com
Polina Gottmann is a technical writer in Ronix Systems ( http://www.ronix-systems.com ) the European branch of Alba Spectrum Technologies ( http://www.albaspectrum.com ), IBM and Microsoft Business Solutions Partner, serving clients in Chicago, Miami, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Phoenix, Houston, Atlanta, Germany, UK, Australia, South Africa, Brazil, Moscow.
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Posted by admin on May 25th, 2008 — Posted in Tech
Registry Cleaner
You know how your computer can always be on the fritz,
especially when you have important work to be done. If you are
having computer problems, such as slow start ups, constant error
messages, problems with your applications not starting and
problems that seem to have no cause or effect, then you probably
need to clean your registry.
Your registry is where your computer keeps its most sensitive
files on applications and windows programs. Every time you load
a new program or delete a new program it affects the registry.
There are many ways to clean the registry, but be careful if you
manually clean the registry. One mistake and you can cause a
system wide shutdown that you may never be able to correct.
Most people that are having problems with their registry either
download a free or inexpensive registry cleaner. There are many
programs available that will easily find errors in the registry
and report them to the user. Many registry programs are
extremely powerful and determine the problems that are causing
you errors and then fix them instantly. They even scan your
computer daily or weekly to see if there are any issues that can
cause your computer performance trouble.
If you are having lots of errors and poor computer performance,
do a little research on Registry cleaner software, your computer
will thank you for it.
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Posted by admin on May 14th, 2008 — Posted in Tech
DVD-R Discs are single write only - this implies that once data or video is written on to the disc, it will not be possible to erase and re-write the disc. Since DVD-R technology is becoming more commonplace, DVD-R discs are becoming easier to find and progressively cheaper.
There are two types of DVD-R discs: DVD-R for general use and DVD-R for authoring. Most consumers who have recordable DVD drives use DVD-R(G) discs. DVD-R(A) discs are typically used on professional burners and are more expensive. The two DVD-R discs are not mutually compatible, meaning that a DVD-R(A) writer will not write to a DVD-R(G) disc. However, these discs are readable in most DVD players and drives.
The capacity of standard single-sided, single-layer DVD-R discs is 4.37GB. It is also possible to get a double-sided, single-layer DVD-R disc with a capacity of 8.75GB. However, this requires the user to flip the disc halfway through the burning process. Manufacturers have developed double-layer discs that hold approximately twice the capacity of single-layer discs.
DVD-R discs have to be cared for the same way you would all other media that are read by a laser. DVD-R discs have powerful error correction and are therefore resistant to minor fingerprints or scratches. It is advisable that you handle DVD-R discs only at the edges or the hub. Also, DVD-R discs use light-sensitive dyes and are more prone to damage from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Different manufacturers use different colored dyes in the recording layer of DVD-R discs. The color generally has no effect on the quality of the disc. Some clear and dark blue dyes tend to last longer than others. However, more than color, you should pay greater attention to the manufacturer of discs you choose to purchase.
DVD-R discs are manufactured by Hitachi, Maxell, Pioneer, Sony, TDK, Verbatim and many others.
DVDR provides detailed information about DVD Rs, DVDRs, DVD R discs, and more. DVDR is affiliated with Mini DV Tapes.
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Posted by admin on April 28th, 2008 — Posted in Tech
Electronic Distribution
How Electronic Distribution Works
The Problems of Distributing Prepaid Services with Hard
(Scratch) Cards
Introduction
One of the most significant developments in the prepaid telecom
industry in the last few years has been the emergence of
electronic distribution technologies, such as Prepaid Wireless
Direct point-of-sale activaton (POSA) will completely
reconstruct the way in which prepaid services are sold.
How Electronic Distribution Works
Prepaid Wireless Direct electronic distribution systems enable
any prepaid sevice to electronically transmit their services to
virtually any retail location. Prepaid Wireless Direct provides
an integrated POSA solution comprised of flexible and compact
point-of-sale terminal equipment, proprietary software,
transactional communications, protocols, and professional
services to assist retailers with implementation.
Once in the retail environment, consumers simply select a
product from point-of sale signage or displays and make the
approprate payment to the clerk who then inserts a wallet-sized
thermal card into the POSA terminal. After pushing a few key
corresponding to the desired product, terminal prints a prepaid
PIN along with usage instruction on the card. Prepaid Wireless
Direct also supports PIN-less delivery whereby the terminal
makes a real-time connection service provider. A credit is
instantly issued to the customer’s account. Within moments of
purchase, customers can use services.
The types of retail environments that are beginning to switch to
electronic delivery include wireless shops, supermarkets,
conveience stores, check cashers, food marts, university shops,
electronics stores, hotels and many more.
The Problems of Distributing Prepaid Services with Hard
(Scratch) Cards
Prepaid Wireless Direct has developed electronic distribution
services to address the many problems of distributing prepaid
mobile and other prepaid services through hard cards. Hard cards
are also known as scratch cards because the customer scratches a
panel on the back of the card to reveal a PIN or other secret
code.
The current and traditional distribution methodology of most
prepaid services involves the prepaid services involves the
provider printing scratch cards, warehousing them and fulfilling
orders to distributors. The distributors purchase large
quantities for providers, warehouse them and fulfill retail
orders. And retailers purchase the cards from distributors,
manage the inventory and sell the cards to consumers.
Each participant in the distribution chain encounters problems
with scratch cards.
Retailer Problems. Under today’s traditional hard card
distribution format, most retailers struggle on several fronts
to offer prepaid products
Retailer have a difficult time carrying the inventory costs of
prepaid services. The recent growth and popularity of prepaid
wireless intensifies the problem. With prepiad mobile, airtime
denominations are much more expensive the phone cards that most
retailers are familiar with. It’s common for one prepaid
wireless provider to offer 5 or more different airtime
denominations that range in price form $20 to $150 each. To make
things worse, prepaid wireless airtime is carrier specific,
meaning that Verizon prepaid wireless customers cannot top up
(recharge or replenish) their accounts with AT&T, Cingular or
any other providers’s airtime, and vice versa. This makes it
critical for retailers to carry airtime for all of the popular
national and regional prepaid wireless carriers or operators in
their area, something that retailers didn’t have to worry about
with phone cards. Today there is an average of six major
carriers or operators offering prepaid wireless in each of the
top 20 U.S. markets. Trying to inventory product for all six
could mean that prepaid wireless alone could account for as much
as 25 percent of a conveience stores total in-store inventory
costs. Many retailers simple cannot afford the cash outlay
required to successfully sell prepaid wireless services.
Retailer trying to minimize inventory costs often create
out-of-stock problems. In general, stock outages cost the
average retailer 6% of its sales, resulting in loss of billions
of dollars every year and high customer dissatisfaction.
To make thing worse, today’s airtime hard cards, also know as
vouchers, scratch cards, replenishment cards, recharge cards,
and hanging cards, increase the likelihood of fraud. The biggest
problem seems to be at the point of sale where easily concealed,
high-value airtime cards can be the target of both retail
customers and employees alike. To prevent comsumer theft,
retailers often put cards under lock and key but still suffer
losses due to employee pilferage. In the conveience store
industry, it is believed that as much as 80 percent of the
store’s shrinkage is attributable to employees. Retail employess
often feel underpaid and rationalize theft as a way to make up
for what they’re owed. As prepaid wireless airtime cards often
range in denominations from $10 to $150, employees can easily
conceal thousands of dollars of product in their pockets or
purses. Cards are also attractive because they can be easily
converted to cash on the street by offering them for sale at a
discount of their face value. Because they’re close cash
equivalents, prepaid wireless cards have become tantamount to an
underground currency in some places including Europe. Because of
the proliferation of theft reduction is the number one
investment priority among convenience store executives.
Additionally, each of the supply chain participants lacks
efficient inventory controls and reporting while battling fraud.
Because of the difficulties they face, and retailers that sell
traditional hard cards are in dire need of cost-effective
distribution solutions.
Electronic Distribution Solutions
Prepaid Wireless Direct products and services solve the
distrbution problems of retailers that sell prepaid wireless
(mobile) and other prepaid services.
Retailer. Retailers are increasingly demanding electronic
delivery for the significant benefits they derive.
By delivering prepaid products electronically, on demand, with
point-of-sale activation(POSA) techniques, Prepaid Wireless
Direct essentially allows any retailer to sell prepaid wireless
or other prepaid service without carrying any inventory. This
eliminates prepaid inventory costs that acted as enormous cash
barriers, prohibiting many retailers from selling prepaid
wireless or other prepaid services. What once tied up thousands
of dollars in inventory, now requires no up front cash from
retailers. Now virtually any retailer not only can afford to
participate in selling prepaid services, but also can expand
their product portfolios to include phone cards, wireless, dail
tone, credit cards, internet and more. In addition, they can
also afford to represent all of the popular prepaid wireless
service providers in their areas.
Also, because products are automatically replenished at POSA
terminals electronically in PIN or real-time formats, retailer
never run out of inventory. With Prepaid Wireless Direct POSA
solution, retailers avoid the heavy costs of out of stocks and
resultant customer dissatisfaction.
Once installed in a retail location, the POSA terminal virtually
eliminates theft by retail customers and employess. Because only
inactive products are on display, retail customers can no longer
steal valuable airtime. And because all retail employees are
assigned unique passwords required to accesss the POSA terminal,
the system creates an audit trail that details all sales
activity by date, time, shift and employee. This audit trail
provides a monitoring system that virtually eliminates employee
theft. With the POSA system, retailer no longer need to count
and reconcile scratch card inventory amounts at the beginning of
every shift.
POSA also reduces shelf space requirements and simplifies a
retailers job by consolidating all prepaid products into one
convenient POSA platform. POSA delivers operating flexibility to
the retail marketplace that traditional point of sale products
fail to provide.
Retailers also have 24/7 online access to reports that show
real-time sales activity by each of their locations. Retailers
can also print real-time sales report directly for their POSA
terminals. Reports can drill down to sales activity at
individual retail outlets by product, clerk, day, and time.
Reports come standard but may be customized to match the
retailers unique information needs. Retailers use sales activity
reports can also highlight sudden changes in sales at a
particular location. Subsequent investigation often reveals a
simple solution to boosting sales such as replacement of signage
that has been taken down by a window washer. Timely awareness of
problems and simple remedies often make a significant difference
to the amount of sales at retail.
Prepaid Wireless Direct is proud to be leading the way in the
electronic distribution of prepaid services through retail
environment. By delivering unique, industry-first features and
benefits, while supporting a growing list of platforms, methods,
suppliers, and products. Prepaid Wireless Direct is poised to
lead the electronic distribution movement into the future. In
addition to its current suite of products. Prepaid Wireless
Direct intends to introduce many more electronic product
delivery solutions as it continues to leverage the leading
technologies to create cutting-edge, customized products for
emerging customer segments.
Bill Payment Service & Prepaid For Leading Merchant Retailers:
www.prepaidwireless.2ya.com 1-877-947-3577
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