Are your customers satisfied? Are they happy with what you offer? For all your customer insight and information needs sign up for our customer surveys. Can you take a chance with customer dissatisfaction? Never. Design your customer satisfaction survey using our satisfaction survey software and gain their loyalty and confidence by tailoring your product or service. Customer is the king, service them better using satisfaction surveys and they would never leave you!
Sign up now and make your survey in minutes!
Customer drives business. And it's equally true that understanding customer is complex and there are no quick fix formulae to get an insight into customer mind. Customer surveys are the best way of accessing customer and laying a firm base for business. Customer loyalty is fragile so you better "handle it with care". One miss can have snowballing affect and regaining lost ground may be an expensive proposition. So why not just sign up for our customer satisfaction survey and rest assured of growth and business. This will give you information on aspects as quality, service, product features, concerns etc.
A few key features satisfaction survey software:
• Customized
• Date protection and safety
• Tailored questionnaire , focused questions
• Analysis tools as graphs, tallies etc.
• Satisfaction survey report can be customized.
• Support services
The benefits you could look to get include:
• Customer retention
• Exact needs, likes can be known
• Decrease dissatisfaction. It's not easy to regain loyalty.
• Gather ideas for innovations
• SWOT analysis
• Focus efforts correctly
• Analyzing using a customer satisfaction survey.
• Forewarned is forearmed!
As you can see satisfaction survey software is a very powerful tool that can launch many important decisions. The beauty of it is it allows you to customize the complete survey. The results are relevant, significant and accurate. The customer has option to opt out. But they have answered, which means they are very supportive of the brand so response to satisfaction survey feedback can translate into exponential growth figures. So you are a winner all the way with such a tool!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
PDF Converter
A Portable Document Format is a computer application with which a user can prepare a number of documents on several types of subjects. These file formats are useful and widely accepted across the globe due to its advanced features. Most of the documents are prepared and presented in this format. It is used for preparing legal copies, resumes, memos, tables, reports and much more. It is replete with advanced attributes and saves time and energy. The document enables a user to improve on his work productivity and efficiency. This helps you in meeting industry standards while delivering the work productivity.
In the daily activities of organization, you need to prepare many types of documents. A person may receive files in Word file or Excel. For instance, you have received annual report in Word file format for your review. One can review and make the necessary changes in the Word format. The Portable Document Format is an application in which such reports appear attractive and professional. You can convert word to PDF by using PDF converter tools. These tools are available online with which you can create PDF documents out of any format. They are computer programs with which you can insert headers, tables, different shapes, images, colored fonts or footers in the file. One of the advantages of using these converter tools is that they eliminate cumbersome paperwork. The paper files need to be maintained as they can face the wear and tear problem. There are some advanced programs that can even merge or split the documents. At times you may receive a lengthy file which may become difficult to manage. In such cases, you can divide such a lengthy PDF file into two or more files. You may also prepare separate documents and while preparing a report you can merge these separate files together. One can merge the files using the computer programs. It is feasible to create Portable Document Format out of any other application such as Excel, Word, Power Point or Postscript.
A person can even prepare labels, resumes, letterheads, business letters, newsletters and much more by effectively using the converter tools.
In the daily activities of organization, you need to prepare many types of documents. A person may receive files in Word file or Excel. For instance, you have received annual report in Word file format for your review. One can review and make the necessary changes in the Word format. The Portable Document Format is an application in which such reports appear attractive and professional. You can convert word to PDF by using PDF converter tools. These tools are available online with which you can create PDF documents out of any format. They are computer programs with which you can insert headers, tables, different shapes, images, colored fonts or footers in the file. One of the advantages of using these converter tools is that they eliminate cumbersome paperwork. The paper files need to be maintained as they can face the wear and tear problem. There are some advanced programs that can even merge or split the documents. At times you may receive a lengthy file which may become difficult to manage. In such cases, you can divide such a lengthy PDF file into two or more files. You may also prepare separate documents and while preparing a report you can merge these separate files together. One can merge the files using the computer programs. It is feasible to create Portable Document Format out of any other application such as Excel, Word, Power Point or Postscript.
A person can even prepare labels, resumes, letterheads, business letters, newsletters and much more by effectively using the converter tools.
EDB Database
Microsoft Exchange Server administrators come across various Exchange database related errors on a regular basis. Often these error messages make the life of these administrators miserable. Situations become serious when administrators come on the verge of huge amount of data loss. The data loss situations are often faced by administrators when the Exchange Server database (EDB) file gets corrupt.
An EDB file gets damaged due to various reasons such as improper server shutdown, malicious virus, physical damage of storage media etc. At times, when Exchange Server database file gets damaged, MS Outlook cannot access user's email, calendars etc from it which further makes the situation difficult to handle. Additionally, the communication amongst the users is on a halt, which may also lead to delay in timely projects as information related to the projects cannot be shared. At this point of time, one big question for administrator is how they will restart communication as early as possible. Because to restart the information sharing and communication, administrators need to repair exchange database and rebuild the Exchange database which might result in data loss.
Corrupt Exchange server database stops and fails to mount. However, you can repair Exchange database using eseutil utility to perform Exchange database repair. If this utility fails too, then you will be compelled to utilize the latest updated backup copy available or repair Exchange database with an EDB repair software. For example, you might come across an error message given below dealing with Microsoft Exchange Server:
"Database page read failed verification because of no page data."
This situation further suggests you to move the existing Exchange Server database to a new hardware. The error is logged with event 376 in application event log. The above mentioned error clearly depicts that the database read operation has failed. Now the causes behind the occurrence of this error message are mentioned below:
Specific Database page that has been referenced within the database file is supposed to be in use, but Exchange finds it empty or uninitialized.
The page might have failed its checksum test with error-1018. But if the page number field that is in use is 0x00000000, the checksum failed page will show -1019 error instead.
File is corrupt and as a result, it maps some pages into database file that are not associated with it.
Logical links or pointers between database pages are incorrect
Event 476 can also be related to -1018 error that indicates checksum mismatch and is caused generally due to hardware issues. Check your system for related hardware issues if the database corruption persists. Replace the hardware and upgrade your firmware and /or disk controller if needed. However, to repair Exchange database, you can run eseutil/p command which is a hard recovery option in Exchange database. But it is recommended that you use Exchange database repair third party tool to repair EDB files without causing any damage to database content, metadata or structure.
Author of the article has expertise in the field of data recovery software, email recovery, email migration, hard drive recovery and password recovery. The entire range of his articles is information-rich and useful for dealing with data recovery issues and finding suitable solution.
An EDB file gets damaged due to various reasons such as improper server shutdown, malicious virus, physical damage of storage media etc. At times, when Exchange Server database file gets damaged, MS Outlook cannot access user's email, calendars etc from it which further makes the situation difficult to handle. Additionally, the communication amongst the users is on a halt, which may also lead to delay in timely projects as information related to the projects cannot be shared. At this point of time, one big question for administrator is how they will restart communication as early as possible. Because to restart the information sharing and communication, administrators need to repair exchange database and rebuild the Exchange database which might result in data loss.
Corrupt Exchange server database stops and fails to mount. However, you can repair Exchange database using eseutil utility to perform Exchange database repair. If this utility fails too, then you will be compelled to utilize the latest updated backup copy available or repair Exchange database with an EDB repair software. For example, you might come across an error message given below dealing with Microsoft Exchange Server:
"Database page read failed verification because of no page data."
This situation further suggests you to move the existing Exchange Server database to a new hardware. The error is logged with event 376 in application event log. The above mentioned error clearly depicts that the database read operation has failed. Now the causes behind the occurrence of this error message are mentioned below:
Specific Database page that has been referenced within the database file is supposed to be in use, but Exchange finds it empty or uninitialized.
The page might have failed its checksum test with error-1018. But if the page number field that is in use is 0x00000000, the checksum failed page will show -1019 error instead.
File is corrupt and as a result, it maps some pages into database file that are not associated with it.
Logical links or pointers between database pages are incorrect
Event 476 can also be related to -1018 error that indicates checksum mismatch and is caused generally due to hardware issues. Check your system for related hardware issues if the database corruption persists. Replace the hardware and upgrade your firmware and /or disk controller if needed. However, to repair Exchange database, you can run eseutil/p command which is a hard recovery option in Exchange database. But it is recommended that you use Exchange database repair third party tool to repair EDB files without causing any damage to database content, metadata or structure.
Author of the article has expertise in the field of data recovery software, email recovery, email migration, hard drive recovery and password recovery. The entire range of his articles is information-rich and useful for dealing with data recovery issues and finding suitable solution.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Email Address Book
If you use Windows Mail or any email program there is likely to be an Address Book that you can use to store the contact details and information of your family, friends and business associates. The Address Book feature saves you time as it enables you to organise your contacts in a logical and systematic way. However, the Address Book feature is often underutilized with many people not fully aware of the time saving benefits that can be derived from using it. Some people avoid using it because they feel it is quite complicated to use. However, the Address Book feature is very easy to use with a little practice.
If you want to make the most of the Address Book feature then follow these steps:
Step One
Begin by opening Windows mail or Outlook Express and click on the Contacts button. By doing this the Contacts window will appear on your screen. Then with your mouse double click a contact that you want to add information to.
Step Two
The properties box will appear. On the top task bar will a number of tabs that will enable you to enter different contact information. A brief description of each tab is as follows:
• Name and E-mail: This is the most two most important pieces information that you need to create a contact. In this tab you can enter the person's name and e-mail address
• Home: In this tab you enter the persons personal contact information that includes their home address, fax, telephone and mobile numbers. You can also type in their website or blog address if they have one.
• Work: If you have business partners, associates or contacts you can input information about their company or the company they work for. This will include information such as their job title and business telephone and fax number. There is even the option to include a map that shows the location of their business address. This is a very useful feature in finding the location when you have a meeting at the location.
• Family: In this tab you can enter all the names and contacts of your immediate and extended family members. You can go into detail to include the gender and even anniversaries and birthdays so you do not forget these important dates.
• Notes: With this tab you have a facility to enter any relevant or useful notes.
• IDs: This tab relates to security while you are communicating with any of your contacts. Also known as Digital IDs their purpose is to ensure security is not breached. Digital IDs enable you to authenticate the identity of the person you are communicating with. If you have been provided with an ID by someone then you can store their ID details so that you can verify these when you open up a communication with that particular contact.
• When you have finished adding the relevant contact information you click on the OK button and save the changes and close the window.
If you want to make the most of the Address Book feature then follow these steps:
Step One
Begin by opening Windows mail or Outlook Express and click on the Contacts button. By doing this the Contacts window will appear on your screen. Then with your mouse double click a contact that you want to add information to.
Step Two
The properties box will appear. On the top task bar will a number of tabs that will enable you to enter different contact information. A brief description of each tab is as follows:
• Name and E-mail: This is the most two most important pieces information that you need to create a contact. In this tab you can enter the person's name and e-mail address
• Home: In this tab you enter the persons personal contact information that includes their home address, fax, telephone and mobile numbers. You can also type in their website or blog address if they have one.
• Work: If you have business partners, associates or contacts you can input information about their company or the company they work for. This will include information such as their job title and business telephone and fax number. There is even the option to include a map that shows the location of their business address. This is a very useful feature in finding the location when you have a meeting at the location.
• Family: In this tab you can enter all the names and contacts of your immediate and extended family members. You can go into detail to include the gender and even anniversaries and birthdays so you do not forget these important dates.
• Notes: With this tab you have a facility to enter any relevant or useful notes.
• IDs: This tab relates to security while you are communicating with any of your contacts. Also known as Digital IDs their purpose is to ensure security is not breached. Digital IDs enable you to authenticate the identity of the person you are communicating with. If you have been provided with an ID by someone then you can store their ID details so that you can verify these when you open up a communication with that particular contact.
• When you have finished adding the relevant contact information you click on the OK button and save the changes and close the window.
Management Software
Latest-generation Outlook Integration technology, employed by the top case management systems, takes the issue of "user adoption" by attorneys and effectively removes the barriers that commonly impede the capturing and sharing of critical data across the firm. Today's systems are easy-to-use, seamless and allow attorneys to continue working in the environment where they already spend a large portion of their time - in Microsoft Outlook.
In the past (and in some cases even today) developers of these systems have attempted to "push a large rock up a steep hill" by insisting that lawyers log into an entirely new interface in order to participate in the system. User adoption struggles as law firms investing in these systems find attorneys are reluctant to embrace new processes that go against the way they are already accustomed to working.
Innovators in legal technology acknowledged that there must be a better way, and have focused on designing "smart" case management tools that integrate tightly with the Microsoft Office suite. By deploying a stealth approach to collecting case and matter data that seamlessly fits the way attorneys work, these technology leaders have succeeded in tailoring their systems to the natural daily workflow of today's law office.
As a result, the industry has seen an increase in user adoption, as well as a significant improvement in the success rate of legal case management implementations.
The Lawyer's Outlook - A History
According to ILTA's 2009 Technology Survey, 94% of law firms are now using Microsoft Outlook/Exchange as their primary email platform. In a legal industry once dominated by Novell's GroupWise and, to a lesser extent, Lotus Notes, it is by no means a stretch to declare Microsoft Office as the de facto "standard" among personal information managers.
By positioning itself as the market leader in productivity software, Microsoft has become an attractive choice for IT Directors for a variety of reasons. The user interface is familiar and intuitive to many, helping to control training time and cost. Outlook and Exchange work very well together, cutting down on IT involvement in configuration. Outlook 2007 raises the bar with regards to organization of Email, Contacts and Calendar, making it easier to organize and delegate. And, despite Microsoft's reputation on the issue, Outlook 2007 includes strong security abilities and features.
So what is the advantage of Outlook to a law firm, as opposed to an accounting or an engineering firm? Out-of-the box, there really isn't much of an advantage, nor should there be. It has never been a part of Microsoft's business philosophy to develop versions of Outlook that meet the needs of individual vertical markets such as legal.
Instead, Microsoft chooses to release broad-based applications that meet the needs of organizations across the board, while relying on their partners to develop the add-in functionality to help fine-tune it to the needs of industry-specific organizations such as law practices. It is a testament to Microsoft and their engineering that they have built an application such as Outlook that has such a high degree of applicability across so many individual markets, and that it was built on an open architecture that allows legal technology partners to embed case management technology which enables the software to perform functions directly suited to a legal practice.
The rise of Microsoft Office in law firms has not gone unnoticed by developers of legal case management systems. In fact, those companies leading the charge would likely agree that the most important component of any case management system is its ability to integrate with Outlook and the Microsoft Office suite. While it is estimated that attorneys and their staff spend greater than 70% of their workday with Outlook open on their workstation or within their mobile device, case management companies continue to develop integration technologies that allow users to work as much as possible within this environment in which they have grown accustomed.
Outlook Integration -- defined
At its most basic level, Outlook Integration refers to a case management system's ability to automatically transfer information back and forth seamlessly between a case management system (CMS). A good system that has been tightly integrated with Microsoft standards will offer bi-directional synchronization, meaning that if an attorney or paralegal enters an appointment in Outlook, it will automatically be updated within the CMS and vice-versa. This is referred to as one-time entry.
Now considered to be in its fourth generation, CMS/Outlook Integration technology has gotten stronger and stronger, with the best systems representing a true "Outlook client". The current generation focuses on ease-of-use, allowing for a seamless user experience. The beauty of these systems lies in the capture of data via day-to-day workflow, allowing users to build the case information database while eliminating redundant data entry into separate systems. Case-related information is aggregated in one centralized database for answers to questions.
By allowing attorneys to remain in the Microsoft environment, law firms can avoid the burden of requiring them to learn an entirely new set of commands. The result is a higher overall rate of adoption and sharp improvement in the firm-wide sharing and organization of critical case and matter data.
Now let's take a closer look at the four main functions of Outlook that are essential to any legal organization: Email, Calendaring, Contacts and Tasks.
Email: It is not uncommon for attorneys to receive upwards of 250 emails in a single day, and law firms continually struggle with how to handle the volume. If you talk to an IT Director at any law firm, they are in a constant struggle with the sheer size of the Exchange database as it builds up. By being able to take data and make it available to everyone involved in the case, and not just the attorney who has access to that inbox, you're able to make true collaboration possible on cases and matters. That is where the case management system
comes in.
When users send or receive an email message, they have the ability to "associate" the message to a case or matter. Without this association, an attorney may be able to see his/her personal emails, but there would be no way to share that message across the office or to get a "case perspective" view of all emails associated to that case or matter. Associated emails are then transferred from Exchange to MS SQL database records, becoming part of the integrated case management information.
Documents attached to emails have also presented enormous challenges for law practices struggling with organizing mountains of information. A good case management system addresses this issue by prompting users to store the document within a case file.
Another major issue with email involves time capture, which will be explored later in this document.
Calendaring: Perhaps the single most important function for attorneys is the Calendar, which allows them to schedule appointments, manage activities, review available time and invite others to meetings. Especially important with today's reliance on mobility is the ability to synchronize calendars with a handheld mobile device such as a Blackberry, iPhone and Windows Mobile devices.
CMS integration with the Outlook Calendaring module is highly beneficial, as it is in email. Calendar entries associated with a case or matter create the foundation for a firm's docketing system. Outlook Integration means once appointments are associated, the firm can access a case perspective and generate
docketing reports.
Contacts: The Outlook card file is the modern day "Rolodex" for law firms, the place where lawyers, paralegals and secretaries enter all client-related data. Without Outlook integration with a CMS, each individual's card file becomes an island of important contact information that cannot be shared with anyone else in the firm. Duplicate card files, with varying degrees of accurate contact information, will exist across the firm. And if a contact's information needs to be updated, it can only be updated one card file at a time.
CMS companies overcome these issues by creating a firm-wide "related party database". When a contact's phone number or email address is updated within the master database, the change is reflected in every user's card file, so everyone has the most up-to-date contact information for each client.
Outlook Integration gives users the ability to organize contacts by party type or categories (plaintiff, defendant, etc.). Users can associate the party with one or more cases, giving administrators the opportunity to search the system to easily identify parties associated with certain cases or matters, and the ability to establish the relationship each party has to a case. In addition, once that information is captured, a good case management system will automatically conduct a conflict of interest search.
Tasks: Law offices use Outlook tools to create To Do items or packages for all lawyers and support staff assigned to a case or matter. Today's case management systems allow To Do management (also referred to as tasks, ticklers or critical date reminders) to be fully integrated with appointments, documents and other components of the system. With Outlook Integration, law offices have the have the ability to manage To Do items for individual, group, practice area or firm-wide reporting.
Piecemeal vs. the Real Deal
An all too common scenario still seen in some law firms today is the insistence to forego a CMS in favor of an inadequate combination of Outlook, Word and a document management application. Such a system leaves too many holes in the process.
Outlook and Word are excellent programs, but they are not designed as "collaboration" tools. And document management systems, once a good step for law firms, only provide a fraction of the benefits offered by a good case management system.
These systems also do not allow you the ability to assign workflow or to create standardized processes and procedures to follow.
In short, Outlook is a great "personal" information manager, and it does a great job of expressing everything that is going on in the workday of the individual professional. Where it falls short is being able to provide the "big picture" of what is going on in the firm.
Embedded case management technology into the Microsoft Outlook environment allows firm management to truly get the big picture - what people are doing, when they're doing it, where they're going to be and what the resources are so they can make adjustments in overall scheduling. That's a piece that Outlook alone doesn't bring to the table, and that's also the component that allows even the most disorganized law office to become an efficient and collaborative organization.
What Every Lawyer Wants to Know (and Isn't Afraid to Ask)
We've examined some of the benefits of case management/Outlook Integration from a firm perspective. So how do you answer the question "what's in it for me?" ("Me" referring to those individuals whose input is most essential to the success of any CMS - the Lawyers)
A case management system allows attorneys to better leverage all of the resources that are available to them within the firm. An associate, for example, may be able to lend a hand by helping to cover some important agenda items, but only if they have access to the necessary information. If an attorney is out of the office and a client calls with a request, someone else within the firm would be able to easily access the case or matter information via the case management system and quickly fill the request. In the past, such client requests could possibly take 2-3 days to fulfill. This type of response can help relieve stress, as well as go a long way towards increasing client satisfaction.
Case management systems give attorneys reminders in a wide range of instances such as case activities, time capture, etc. These systems serve to make an attorney's life a little easier and a little less stressful. They can also be credited with helping to give attorneys an improved quality of life and better control over what's going on around them, in addition to increased billings. This all adds up to a potent combination for law firms to capitalize on.
Furthermore, finding of case and matter-related information is greatly improved. Attorneys quite often need to find something and find it quickly. Search functions allow attorneys to find things very quickly without having to comb through folders and subfolders on the network.
If You Can't Beat 'em, Join 'em
Microsoft Office 2007 represented a major redesign that offered a very intuitive user interface. At the same time, top CMS developers are focusing their resources on increasing "user adoption" of their products, mainly by making their use as seamless as possible.
In fact, many active contributors to case management within the firm (attorneys for the most part) almost never enter the case management environment, remaining instead within the Microsoft Office environment all day. The name of the game here is comfort - allowing users to stay in the environment they are comfortable in (Microsoft Office) while remaining active contributors to the data collected within the case database.
By focusing efforts on creating as seamless an experience as possible, CMS developers avoid a "changing of the culture" and instead, follow the path of least resistance by allowing these users to continue working in the environment they choose. This trend is likely to continue in future generations of case management.
If a Tree Falls in the Forrest...
Or, put another way, if an attorney spends 10 minutes drafting an email response to a client inquiry and doesn't immediately enter his/her time into the time entry system, will it be billed? The answer to this is, all too often, no.
At the base level, any good case management system should have the ability to prompt timekeepers for time entries when they initiate or complete certain types of tasks or events. Don't' even waste your time looking at a system that can't do that.
Many firms who successfully implement such systems see the biggest increase in billable time occur in their Outlook email. Many of attorneys are still not billing for their email time, and this represents a huge loss in billing potential for any law firm.
Let's look at it from a workflow perspective. A legal assistant creates a document from an attorney's dictation. The assistant clicks a button and sends it back with note saying "I need you to review this." The document shows up in the attorney's review queue. The attorney reviews it, annotates it and saves it as a new version, all within the case management environment. Then the review is marked complete.
Two things happen: 1) the assistant is promptly notified that the document has been reviewed, and 2) the attorney gets prompted to make a time entry for his/her efforts. That alone is going to help accommodate for a significant increase in billing. At a secondary level, because the case management system has, or should have, the ability to track all of the activities, the law firm has a nice journal to review during billing to match up those activities with the information that show up on the WIP report for the month.
That is a specific example of how law firms increase their bottom line with a fully integrated CMS. Generally speaking, law firms who implemented such systems have reported an increase in billings on an average of 10-12%, with some firms even reporting much higher percentages. Firms often notice a significant year-over-year increase without any justification in terms of their caseload.
Conclusion...
So what's next? It appears much of the current trends will continue. Outlook isn't going anywhere any time soon. However, the way in which case and matter information is accessed will change. As mentioned earlier, mobile computing continues to be a driving factor in new technology. Giving lawyers the ability to access case management data via their handheld devices is the future, and systems are moving in this direction.
As you can see, the "Outlook" is bright for lawyers and their staff having the ability to collaborate on cases through the use of the case management interface or the Microsoft Office / Outlook system. Lawyer adoption concerns are eliminated because they are already using Outlook. The true benefits will exist for law firms who invest in case management systems that transform it into the Lawyer's Outlook.
In the past (and in some cases even today) developers of these systems have attempted to "push a large rock up a steep hill" by insisting that lawyers log into an entirely new interface in order to participate in the system. User adoption struggles as law firms investing in these systems find attorneys are reluctant to embrace new processes that go against the way they are already accustomed to working.
Innovators in legal technology acknowledged that there must be a better way, and have focused on designing "smart" case management tools that integrate tightly with the Microsoft Office suite. By deploying a stealth approach to collecting case and matter data that seamlessly fits the way attorneys work, these technology leaders have succeeded in tailoring their systems to the natural daily workflow of today's law office.
As a result, the industry has seen an increase in user adoption, as well as a significant improvement in the success rate of legal case management implementations.
The Lawyer's Outlook - A History
According to ILTA's 2009 Technology Survey, 94% of law firms are now using Microsoft Outlook/Exchange as their primary email platform. In a legal industry once dominated by Novell's GroupWise and, to a lesser extent, Lotus Notes, it is by no means a stretch to declare Microsoft Office as the de facto "standard" among personal information managers.
By positioning itself as the market leader in productivity software, Microsoft has become an attractive choice for IT Directors for a variety of reasons. The user interface is familiar and intuitive to many, helping to control training time and cost. Outlook and Exchange work very well together, cutting down on IT involvement in configuration. Outlook 2007 raises the bar with regards to organization of Email, Contacts and Calendar, making it easier to organize and delegate. And, despite Microsoft's reputation on the issue, Outlook 2007 includes strong security abilities and features.
So what is the advantage of Outlook to a law firm, as opposed to an accounting or an engineering firm? Out-of-the box, there really isn't much of an advantage, nor should there be. It has never been a part of Microsoft's business philosophy to develop versions of Outlook that meet the needs of individual vertical markets such as legal.
Instead, Microsoft chooses to release broad-based applications that meet the needs of organizations across the board, while relying on their partners to develop the add-in functionality to help fine-tune it to the needs of industry-specific organizations such as law practices. It is a testament to Microsoft and their engineering that they have built an application such as Outlook that has such a high degree of applicability across so many individual markets, and that it was built on an open architecture that allows legal technology partners to embed case management technology which enables the software to perform functions directly suited to a legal practice.
The rise of Microsoft Office in law firms has not gone unnoticed by developers of legal case management systems. In fact, those companies leading the charge would likely agree that the most important component of any case management system is its ability to integrate with Outlook and the Microsoft Office suite. While it is estimated that attorneys and their staff spend greater than 70% of their workday with Outlook open on their workstation or within their mobile device, case management companies continue to develop integration technologies that allow users to work as much as possible within this environment in which they have grown accustomed.
Outlook Integration -- defined
At its most basic level, Outlook Integration refers to a case management system's ability to automatically transfer information back and forth seamlessly between a case management system (CMS). A good system that has been tightly integrated with Microsoft standards will offer bi-directional synchronization, meaning that if an attorney or paralegal enters an appointment in Outlook, it will automatically be updated within the CMS and vice-versa. This is referred to as one-time entry.
Now considered to be in its fourth generation, CMS/Outlook Integration technology has gotten stronger and stronger, with the best systems representing a true "Outlook client". The current generation focuses on ease-of-use, allowing for a seamless user experience. The beauty of these systems lies in the capture of data via day-to-day workflow, allowing users to build the case information database while eliminating redundant data entry into separate systems. Case-related information is aggregated in one centralized database for answers to questions.
By allowing attorneys to remain in the Microsoft environment, law firms can avoid the burden of requiring them to learn an entirely new set of commands. The result is a higher overall rate of adoption and sharp improvement in the firm-wide sharing and organization of critical case and matter data.
Now let's take a closer look at the four main functions of Outlook that are essential to any legal organization: Email, Calendaring, Contacts and Tasks.
Email: It is not uncommon for attorneys to receive upwards of 250 emails in a single day, and law firms continually struggle with how to handle the volume. If you talk to an IT Director at any law firm, they are in a constant struggle with the sheer size of the Exchange database as it builds up. By being able to take data and make it available to everyone involved in the case, and not just the attorney who has access to that inbox, you're able to make true collaboration possible on cases and matters. That is where the case management system
comes in.
When users send or receive an email message, they have the ability to "associate" the message to a case or matter. Without this association, an attorney may be able to see his/her personal emails, but there would be no way to share that message across the office or to get a "case perspective" view of all emails associated to that case or matter. Associated emails are then transferred from Exchange to MS SQL database records, becoming part of the integrated case management information.
Documents attached to emails have also presented enormous challenges for law practices struggling with organizing mountains of information. A good case management system addresses this issue by prompting users to store the document within a case file.
Another major issue with email involves time capture, which will be explored later in this document.
Calendaring: Perhaps the single most important function for attorneys is the Calendar, which allows them to schedule appointments, manage activities, review available time and invite others to meetings. Especially important with today's reliance on mobility is the ability to synchronize calendars with a handheld mobile device such as a Blackberry, iPhone and Windows Mobile devices.
CMS integration with the Outlook Calendaring module is highly beneficial, as it is in email. Calendar entries associated with a case or matter create the foundation for a firm's docketing system. Outlook Integration means once appointments are associated, the firm can access a case perspective and generate
docketing reports.
Contacts: The Outlook card file is the modern day "Rolodex" for law firms, the place where lawyers, paralegals and secretaries enter all client-related data. Without Outlook integration with a CMS, each individual's card file becomes an island of important contact information that cannot be shared with anyone else in the firm. Duplicate card files, with varying degrees of accurate contact information, will exist across the firm. And if a contact's information needs to be updated, it can only be updated one card file at a time.
CMS companies overcome these issues by creating a firm-wide "related party database". When a contact's phone number or email address is updated within the master database, the change is reflected in every user's card file, so everyone has the most up-to-date contact information for each client.
Outlook Integration gives users the ability to organize contacts by party type or categories (plaintiff, defendant, etc.). Users can associate the party with one or more cases, giving administrators the opportunity to search the system to easily identify parties associated with certain cases or matters, and the ability to establish the relationship each party has to a case. In addition, once that information is captured, a good case management system will automatically conduct a conflict of interest search.
Tasks: Law offices use Outlook tools to create To Do items or packages for all lawyers and support staff assigned to a case or matter. Today's case management systems allow To Do management (also referred to as tasks, ticklers or critical date reminders) to be fully integrated with appointments, documents and other components of the system. With Outlook Integration, law offices have the have the ability to manage To Do items for individual, group, practice area or firm-wide reporting.
Piecemeal vs. the Real Deal
An all too common scenario still seen in some law firms today is the insistence to forego a CMS in favor of an inadequate combination of Outlook, Word and a document management application. Such a system leaves too many holes in the process.
Outlook and Word are excellent programs, but they are not designed as "collaboration" tools. And document management systems, once a good step for law firms, only provide a fraction of the benefits offered by a good case management system.
These systems also do not allow you the ability to assign workflow or to create standardized processes and procedures to follow.
In short, Outlook is a great "personal" information manager, and it does a great job of expressing everything that is going on in the workday of the individual professional. Where it falls short is being able to provide the "big picture" of what is going on in the firm.
Embedded case management technology into the Microsoft Outlook environment allows firm management to truly get the big picture - what people are doing, when they're doing it, where they're going to be and what the resources are so they can make adjustments in overall scheduling. That's a piece that Outlook alone doesn't bring to the table, and that's also the component that allows even the most disorganized law office to become an efficient and collaborative organization.
What Every Lawyer Wants to Know (and Isn't Afraid to Ask)
We've examined some of the benefits of case management/Outlook Integration from a firm perspective. So how do you answer the question "what's in it for me?" ("Me" referring to those individuals whose input is most essential to the success of any CMS - the Lawyers)
A case management system allows attorneys to better leverage all of the resources that are available to them within the firm. An associate, for example, may be able to lend a hand by helping to cover some important agenda items, but only if they have access to the necessary information. If an attorney is out of the office and a client calls with a request, someone else within the firm would be able to easily access the case or matter information via the case management system and quickly fill the request. In the past, such client requests could possibly take 2-3 days to fulfill. This type of response can help relieve stress, as well as go a long way towards increasing client satisfaction.
Case management systems give attorneys reminders in a wide range of instances such as case activities, time capture, etc. These systems serve to make an attorney's life a little easier and a little less stressful. They can also be credited with helping to give attorneys an improved quality of life and better control over what's going on around them, in addition to increased billings. This all adds up to a potent combination for law firms to capitalize on.
Furthermore, finding of case and matter-related information is greatly improved. Attorneys quite often need to find something and find it quickly. Search functions allow attorneys to find things very quickly without having to comb through folders and subfolders on the network.
If You Can't Beat 'em, Join 'em
Microsoft Office 2007 represented a major redesign that offered a very intuitive user interface. At the same time, top CMS developers are focusing their resources on increasing "user adoption" of their products, mainly by making their use as seamless as possible.
In fact, many active contributors to case management within the firm (attorneys for the most part) almost never enter the case management environment, remaining instead within the Microsoft Office environment all day. The name of the game here is comfort - allowing users to stay in the environment they are comfortable in (Microsoft Office) while remaining active contributors to the data collected within the case database.
By focusing efforts on creating as seamless an experience as possible, CMS developers avoid a "changing of the culture" and instead, follow the path of least resistance by allowing these users to continue working in the environment they choose. This trend is likely to continue in future generations of case management.
If a Tree Falls in the Forrest...
Or, put another way, if an attorney spends 10 minutes drafting an email response to a client inquiry and doesn't immediately enter his/her time into the time entry system, will it be billed? The answer to this is, all too often, no.
At the base level, any good case management system should have the ability to prompt timekeepers for time entries when they initiate or complete certain types of tasks or events. Don't' even waste your time looking at a system that can't do that.
Many firms who successfully implement such systems see the biggest increase in billable time occur in their Outlook email. Many of attorneys are still not billing for their email time, and this represents a huge loss in billing potential for any law firm.
Let's look at it from a workflow perspective. A legal assistant creates a document from an attorney's dictation. The assistant clicks a button and sends it back with note saying "I need you to review this." The document shows up in the attorney's review queue. The attorney reviews it, annotates it and saves it as a new version, all within the case management environment. Then the review is marked complete.
Two things happen: 1) the assistant is promptly notified that the document has been reviewed, and 2) the attorney gets prompted to make a time entry for his/her efforts. That alone is going to help accommodate for a significant increase in billing. At a secondary level, because the case management system has, or should have, the ability to track all of the activities, the law firm has a nice journal to review during billing to match up those activities with the information that show up on the WIP report for the month.
That is a specific example of how law firms increase their bottom line with a fully integrated CMS. Generally speaking, law firms who implemented such systems have reported an increase in billings on an average of 10-12%, with some firms even reporting much higher percentages. Firms often notice a significant year-over-year increase without any justification in terms of their caseload.
Conclusion...
So what's next? It appears much of the current trends will continue. Outlook isn't going anywhere any time soon. However, the way in which case and matter information is accessed will change. As mentioned earlier, mobile computing continues to be a driving factor in new technology. Giving lawyers the ability to access case management data via their handheld devices is the future, and systems are moving in this direction.
As you can see, the "Outlook" is bright for lawyers and their staff having the ability to collaborate on cases through the use of the case management interface or the Microsoft Office / Outlook system. Lawyer adoption concerns are eliminated because they are already using Outlook. The true benefits will exist for law firms who invest in case management systems that transform it into the Lawyer's Outlook.
Agile Development
Agile development is a growing trend in the software industry. The methodology has started to become widely adopted both in corporate environments as well as with the independent contract developers.
Agile software development aims to provide stable direction of a project throughout the entire course of development. Agile development accomplishes this via regular swing of work, known as stories or iterations, at the end of which a development teams must deliver increment of software. This process is in contrast to older methodologies such as the waterfall method.
The waterfall methodology usually creates an environment where teams only have a single chance to get each element of a project correct.
The term agile development was coined in 2001 and was introduced in the Agile Manifesto. The methodologies behind agile development advocate stringent project management and the process encourages iterative analysis and modification throughout the life of a project. Because agile development is a fluid process it often promotes an environment where a clients goals are aligned with the development approach.
Agile Development Methodologies:
Scrum (SCRUM)
Scrum is an iterative, incremental framework for project managers and developers and is particularly advantageous when dealing with ground floor development. Scrum has broad applications and the methodology often helps to assist in the control and management of iterative and incremental projects.
• Crystal
Crystal is a man-powered, flexible, lightweight, software development methodology and is actually made up of a collection of methodologies. (Crystal Clear, Crystal Orange, Crystal Yellow, etc.) The crystal methodology addresses the reality that from project to project there are unique characteristics that require custom fitted practices and policies.
• Extreme Programming (XP)
Extreme programming is a methodology, which aims to improve the software development quality and responsiveness of changing project requirements. The extreme programming methodology advocates rapid feedback loops, extensive customer involvement as well as continuous planning through out the projects life cycle.
• Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM)
The dynamic systems development method is a cumulative and iterative approach that promotes continuous client involvement. There are nine key principals in which the dynamic systems development method is associated with. Those principals are active user involvement, business needs, team empowerment, frequent deliveries, integrated testing, and stakeholder collaboration.
• Feature Driven Development (FDD)
Feature driven development is an iterative and cumulative development process. The process starts with a model-driven, short-iteration process. It begins with a determination of the overall model shape. The process then continues with an array of two-week design and build feature cycles.
• Lean Software Development
Lean software development as a methodology is iterative in nature. The core principles of lean software development include eliminating waste, boosting learning, deciding as late as possible, delivering releases as fast as possible, team empowerment, integrity and seeing the whole.
Agile development methodology attempts to provide many opportunities to assess the direction of a project throughout the development lifecycle.
Gravity Jack designs and develops industrial strength custom software solutions for all industries including retail software like the iPhone and Blackberry all the way to sites for Fortune 1000 companies. We are also known for some of the most leading edge augmented reality applications and the crazy stuff people say can't be coded. We focus our unique combination of creative, technical, and problem-solving skills on meeting our clients' goals. Because of our clarity of purpose, commitment to process, and broad professional skill sets, we are able to provide our clients with world-class custom software solutions that are functionally superior and fully aligned with our client's strategic focus.
Agile software development aims to provide stable direction of a project throughout the entire course of development. Agile development accomplishes this via regular swing of work, known as stories or iterations, at the end of which a development teams must deliver increment of software. This process is in contrast to older methodologies such as the waterfall method.
The waterfall methodology usually creates an environment where teams only have a single chance to get each element of a project correct.
The term agile development was coined in 2001 and was introduced in the Agile Manifesto. The methodologies behind agile development advocate stringent project management and the process encourages iterative analysis and modification throughout the life of a project. Because agile development is a fluid process it often promotes an environment where a clients goals are aligned with the development approach.
Agile Development Methodologies:
Scrum (SCRUM)
Scrum is an iterative, incremental framework for project managers and developers and is particularly advantageous when dealing with ground floor development. Scrum has broad applications and the methodology often helps to assist in the control and management of iterative and incremental projects.
• Crystal
Crystal is a man-powered, flexible, lightweight, software development methodology and is actually made up of a collection of methodologies. (Crystal Clear, Crystal Orange, Crystal Yellow, etc.) The crystal methodology addresses the reality that from project to project there are unique characteristics that require custom fitted practices and policies.
• Extreme Programming (XP)
Extreme programming is a methodology, which aims to improve the software development quality and responsiveness of changing project requirements. The extreme programming methodology advocates rapid feedback loops, extensive customer involvement as well as continuous planning through out the projects life cycle.
• Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM)
The dynamic systems development method is a cumulative and iterative approach that promotes continuous client involvement. There are nine key principals in which the dynamic systems development method is associated with. Those principals are active user involvement, business needs, team empowerment, frequent deliveries, integrated testing, and stakeholder collaboration.
• Feature Driven Development (FDD)
Feature driven development is an iterative and cumulative development process. The process starts with a model-driven, short-iteration process. It begins with a determination of the overall model shape. The process then continues with an array of two-week design and build feature cycles.
• Lean Software Development
Lean software development as a methodology is iterative in nature. The core principles of lean software development include eliminating waste, boosting learning, deciding as late as possible, delivering releases as fast as possible, team empowerment, integrity and seeing the whole.
Agile development methodology attempts to provide many opportunities to assess the direction of a project throughout the development lifecycle.
Gravity Jack designs and develops industrial strength custom software solutions for all industries including retail software like the iPhone and Blackberry all the way to sites for Fortune 1000 companies. We are also known for some of the most leading edge augmented reality applications and the crazy stuff people say can't be coded. We focus our unique combination of creative, technical, and problem-solving skills on meeting our clients' goals. Because of our clarity of purpose, commitment to process, and broad professional skill sets, we are able to provide our clients with world-class custom software solutions that are functionally superior and fully aligned with our client's strategic focus.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Workplace Online
Companies today that use the Internet have a whole new set of issues to concern themselves with. Many employees use the Internet to communicate with customers or need to perform their tasks online or with research from online sources. Providing these tools to your workforce may be necessary to help you do business.
Opening up the Internet to staff members can also create the potential for problems. Employees may use company resources to chat, do their personal errands, and communicate with their friends and so on. They may be forwarding jokes or receiving in Spam that can plague your network with unnecessary tasks. Opening the network to staff members may also create serious holes in your security and allow spammers and hackers direct access into your network. You need to fight proactively to ensure that your secrets and important data remain safe.
Not only do you need to protect your servers with Antivirus, firewalls and other security measures but you may also need to monitor the activities of each user or node within the network. You can do this with surveillance software that will report to you many pieces of important data. For a test run, you can download the evaluation copy of programs.
This program can run discreetly to tell you what your users are doing on the network. This can tell you who is productive and who is not. You can retrieve e-mails, websites visited, time logs for computer based activities and more. This can help you reward top performers and weed out the slackers. This can give you a bird's eye view into your employees' behavior patterns when they don't know you are looking. When the management is away, the staff members will often play. When you are out of the office, you want to know if your employees remain productive. When you set policies and procedures you may want to know for a fact that they are being followed. If you allow your employees a reasonable amount of latitude with respect to using the Internet, you may find it necessary to ensure that you are not being taken advantage of.
Companies today more than ever need to be proactive with their employees. With shrinking profit margins and accelerating business expenses, using an inexpensive program to find out where your resources are spent and who is providing you with the best return on your investment could save you considerably.
Opening up the Internet to staff members can also create the potential for problems. Employees may use company resources to chat, do their personal errands, and communicate with their friends and so on. They may be forwarding jokes or receiving in Spam that can plague your network with unnecessary tasks. Opening the network to staff members may also create serious holes in your security and allow spammers and hackers direct access into your network. You need to fight proactively to ensure that your secrets and important data remain safe.
Not only do you need to protect your servers with Antivirus, firewalls and other security measures but you may also need to monitor the activities of each user or node within the network. You can do this with surveillance software that will report to you many pieces of important data. For a test run, you can download the evaluation copy of programs.
This program can run discreetly to tell you what your users are doing on the network. This can tell you who is productive and who is not. You can retrieve e-mails, websites visited, time logs for computer based activities and more. This can help you reward top performers and weed out the slackers. This can give you a bird's eye view into your employees' behavior patterns when they don't know you are looking. When the management is away, the staff members will often play. When you are out of the office, you want to know if your employees remain productive. When you set policies and procedures you may want to know for a fact that they are being followed. If you allow your employees a reasonable amount of latitude with respect to using the Internet, you may find it necessary to ensure that you are not being taken advantage of.
Companies today more than ever need to be proactive with their employees. With shrinking profit margins and accelerating business expenses, using an inexpensive program to find out where your resources are spent and who is providing you with the best return on your investment could save you considerably.
Spouse Doing Online
The vast majority of individuals prefer privacy overall. But in a marriage or serious relationship, although privacy is important, so is honesty.
Most households today have a personal computer. Some homes have a home network where more than one person has a computer. People use the computer for many things including gaming, chatting, entertainment, news, business and more.
In a relationship, trust is key. If you don't trust your husband, your wife or your significant other, you have a serious problem that needs addressing. Many couples today suffer problems and while some are easily resolved, others are not. If you feel like you cannot trust your spouse or suspect that they are being unfaithful to you, it's important to find out the truth. Nagging suspicions can plague your every day and truly impede the quality of your life.
If you are concerned that your spouse is either downloading or looking at images on the computer that go against your belief system or that they are having an affair with someone you can find out. You can install software on your computer that acts as surveillance and can track down their passwords, tell you who they are chatting or e-mailing and exactly what's being discussed.
If you are concerned your spouse might have a gambling problem and is gambling online but denying this, you also need to know the truth to protect your finances.
Software packages can give you detailed information about what your mate is doing online. It can log every website visited, every file that's downloaded and every e-mail or instant messaging conversation. It will give you a play by play of every moment your mate is online without their knowledge.
If you suspect deceit or something unethical or something dishonest, you need to find out for certain. Maybe your mate knows how to cover their tracks by cleaning out the temporary Internet files and clearing their cache. Maybe your spouse password protects everything on their computer so you can't go in and see a thing on their machine or under their login credentials. This can be unnerving and lead to suspicion.
Finding out what's going on for once and for all can bring you peace of mind.
You do need to be prepared for what you might find and be sure you really want to know what your spouse is doing. It could change your relationship forever. It could also bring you peace of mind that everything is completely fine. Either way, if you have suspicions, you need to get closure and find out the truth.
Most households today have a personal computer. Some homes have a home network where more than one person has a computer. People use the computer for many things including gaming, chatting, entertainment, news, business and more.
In a relationship, trust is key. If you don't trust your husband, your wife or your significant other, you have a serious problem that needs addressing. Many couples today suffer problems and while some are easily resolved, others are not. If you feel like you cannot trust your spouse or suspect that they are being unfaithful to you, it's important to find out the truth. Nagging suspicions can plague your every day and truly impede the quality of your life.
If you are concerned that your spouse is either downloading or looking at images on the computer that go against your belief system or that they are having an affair with someone you can find out. You can install software on your computer that acts as surveillance and can track down their passwords, tell you who they are chatting or e-mailing and exactly what's being discussed.
If you are concerned your spouse might have a gambling problem and is gambling online but denying this, you also need to know the truth to protect your finances.
Software packages can give you detailed information about what your mate is doing online. It can log every website visited, every file that's downloaded and every e-mail or instant messaging conversation. It will give you a play by play of every moment your mate is online without their knowledge.
If you suspect deceit or something unethical or something dishonest, you need to find out for certain. Maybe your mate knows how to cover their tracks by cleaning out the temporary Internet files and clearing their cache. Maybe your spouse password protects everything on their computer so you can't go in and see a thing on their machine or under their login credentials. This can be unnerving and lead to suspicion.
Finding out what's going on for once and for all can bring you peace of mind.
You do need to be prepared for what you might find and be sure you really want to know what your spouse is doing. It could change your relationship forever. It could also bring you peace of mind that everything is completely fine. Either way, if you have suspicions, you need to get closure and find out the truth.
Download Cheap Software
Many people are interested in finding software titles that are not only easily acessible, but easy on the wallet as well. Sometimes, a user only needs a title for a specific, short-term purpose, or simply doesn't have the budget to accommodate the price of commercial packages.
By its very nature, software is well suited to downloading. Faster connection speeds and streamlined code make it easier than ever to download programs, but they are often still associated with high prices. Accordingly, the interest in being able to download cheap software is as old as downloading itself.
One way to find software for download that doesn't require a hefty investment is to look for inexpensive alternatives to pricier titles. For instance, some of the big names in office productivity software are being challenged by cheap rivals, some of which offer their programs for no cost at all. For every major program on the market, there is likely at least one low-cost alternative of comparable quality and functionality.
The burgeoning Open Source movement is also increasing the user's ability to download cheap software. The Open Source movement is committed to making programs available, free of cost, through collaborative development and distribution methods. These programs are often created by highly qualified developers who often work for major software firms in their free time, as part of their commitment to their craft. The collaborative nature of these programs also make them more comprehensive, more flexible and more accessible.
It is also sometimes possible to download cheap software from the major software houses. Trial versions with time or functionality limitations are often made available so that users can try the program out and determine whether it meets their needs. Additionally, some companies make their older titles available for download when new versions come out. This drums up interest in their products, and can help build valuable brand loyalty - a precious commodity in the software industry.
Freeware and shareware are also great ways to find cheap software for download. Freeware is exactly what its name suggests: completely free. These are often developed by aspiring developers who want to try their hand at creating a program, or seek to resolve some personal need. Shareware is free to download, but often incorporates some sort of limitation, either by limiting the time that it can be used, or blocking some crucial functions. However, some shareware titles will function fully for an unlimited amount of time, using methods such as execution delays (mildly lengthy pauses before the program fully executes) to encourage users to register their copies.
There are many sites dedicated to making it easy to find and download cheap software. These are often repositiories of all types of inexpensive programs: freeware, shareware, Open Source and program demos. For the user interested in finding software that suits their needs and fits their budget, these resources can be invaluable. Many also include a rating system so that a user can see what other people think of the program, allowing them to make an informed decision about whether to download a program or not.
By its very nature, software is well suited to downloading. Faster connection speeds and streamlined code make it easier than ever to download programs, but they are often still associated with high prices. Accordingly, the interest in being able to download cheap software is as old as downloading itself.
One way to find software for download that doesn't require a hefty investment is to look for inexpensive alternatives to pricier titles. For instance, some of the big names in office productivity software are being challenged by cheap rivals, some of which offer their programs for no cost at all. For every major program on the market, there is likely at least one low-cost alternative of comparable quality and functionality.
The burgeoning Open Source movement is also increasing the user's ability to download cheap software. The Open Source movement is committed to making programs available, free of cost, through collaborative development and distribution methods. These programs are often created by highly qualified developers who often work for major software firms in their free time, as part of their commitment to their craft. The collaborative nature of these programs also make them more comprehensive, more flexible and more accessible.
It is also sometimes possible to download cheap software from the major software houses. Trial versions with time or functionality limitations are often made available so that users can try the program out and determine whether it meets their needs. Additionally, some companies make their older titles available for download when new versions come out. This drums up interest in their products, and can help build valuable brand loyalty - a precious commodity in the software industry.
Freeware and shareware are also great ways to find cheap software for download. Freeware is exactly what its name suggests: completely free. These are often developed by aspiring developers who want to try their hand at creating a program, or seek to resolve some personal need. Shareware is free to download, but often incorporates some sort of limitation, either by limiting the time that it can be used, or blocking some crucial functions. However, some shareware titles will function fully for an unlimited amount of time, using methods such as execution delays (mildly lengthy pauses before the program fully executes) to encourage users to register their copies.
There are many sites dedicated to making it easy to find and download cheap software. These are often repositiories of all types of inexpensive programs: freeware, shareware, Open Source and program demos. For the user interested in finding software that suits their needs and fits their budget, these resources can be invaluable. Many also include a rating system so that a user can see what other people think of the program, allowing them to make an informed decision about whether to download a program or not.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Document Retention
Business documents are retained for several purposes such as complying with statutory requirements, providing decision support information, recording history, demonstrating compliance with regulations and meeting document-discovery needs in litigation. Retaining electronic documents for long periods faces some special problems.
1. Government regulations require that certain documents, such as accounting records, be retained for specified number of years. New regulations such as Sarbanes Oxley Act (SOX) have extended the scope further, making it necessary to retain practically all kinds of documents to authenticate the accuracy of published financial information.
2. Other regulations require documents to be maintained to show that the business is complying with regulations. For example, many kinds of records need to be maintained about employees and the calculation of their pay if you employ people.
3. In litigation, claims are proved by producing relevant documents. If care had not been taken to preserve these documents, genuine claims might not be enforceable in a court of law. On the other hand, if all documents had be retained in a manner that enables quick retrieval, the claims can often be settled without going to court through document discovery process.
4. Audit is another situation where production of documentary evidence becomes necessary. The auditors can be auditors checking the accuracy of financial statements or regulators checking that the company has complied with regulatory requirements.
5. While regulatory compliance as above is at best an unavoidable necessity, document retention for providing decision support information is a critical requirement affecting the very success of the business. Without relevant information about past performance and other aspects, business managers can easily make wrong decisions.
6. Historical records can help a company build its brand. For example, old facts about the Coca Cola Company might be used to recreate nostalgia and a favorable impression about the company in the minds of prospective customers.
7. The types of documents that need to be maintained to meet the requirements are varied. They range from transaction records such as invoices and purchase orders through e-mails, correspondence, chat message records and market study reports to audit working papers and registers in standard formats that record specific happenings, such as industrial accidents.
8. Document retention has been made far more affordable and manageable by Information Technology. Electronic documents can be stored in little space, and organized in a manner that enables retrieving any particular document amazingly quick compared to retrieving paper documents from the filing section.
9. Document retention policies must be so framed that privacy of personally identifiable information about individuals is maintained in a confidential manner. Regulations like HIPAA make such confidential maintenance compulsory and make any failures punishable.
10. Retention of documents also involves their eventual disposal when they have expired. Retaining every kind of document indefinitely can prove expensive and a sheer waste of resources. There is also the issue of electronic documents created by legacy systems unreadable as the systems that created them are no longer in use or supported. Hence, periodic conversion of old data into current (or other readable) formats is an additional task that will need to be attended to. Tagging documents by their expiration date and automatic disposal of expired documents can save a great deal of trouble.
Regulatory requirements, audit requirements, management information requirements and recording of history all require that documents be maintained for specific periods or even forever. Document retention policies need to be decided upon and implemented on the ground to meet the varied requirements at affordable costs.
1. Government regulations require that certain documents, such as accounting records, be retained for specified number of years. New regulations such as Sarbanes Oxley Act (SOX) have extended the scope further, making it necessary to retain practically all kinds of documents to authenticate the accuracy of published financial information.
2. Other regulations require documents to be maintained to show that the business is complying with regulations. For example, many kinds of records need to be maintained about employees and the calculation of their pay if you employ people.
3. In litigation, claims are proved by producing relevant documents. If care had not been taken to preserve these documents, genuine claims might not be enforceable in a court of law. On the other hand, if all documents had be retained in a manner that enables quick retrieval, the claims can often be settled without going to court through document discovery process.
4. Audit is another situation where production of documentary evidence becomes necessary. The auditors can be auditors checking the accuracy of financial statements or regulators checking that the company has complied with regulatory requirements.
5. While regulatory compliance as above is at best an unavoidable necessity, document retention for providing decision support information is a critical requirement affecting the very success of the business. Without relevant information about past performance and other aspects, business managers can easily make wrong decisions.
6. Historical records can help a company build its brand. For example, old facts about the Coca Cola Company might be used to recreate nostalgia and a favorable impression about the company in the minds of prospective customers.
7. The types of documents that need to be maintained to meet the requirements are varied. They range from transaction records such as invoices and purchase orders through e-mails, correspondence, chat message records and market study reports to audit working papers and registers in standard formats that record specific happenings, such as industrial accidents.
8. Document retention has been made far more affordable and manageable by Information Technology. Electronic documents can be stored in little space, and organized in a manner that enables retrieving any particular document amazingly quick compared to retrieving paper documents from the filing section.
9. Document retention policies must be so framed that privacy of personally identifiable information about individuals is maintained in a confidential manner. Regulations like HIPAA make such confidential maintenance compulsory and make any failures punishable.
10. Retention of documents also involves their eventual disposal when they have expired. Retaining every kind of document indefinitely can prove expensive and a sheer waste of resources. There is also the issue of electronic documents created by legacy systems unreadable as the systems that created them are no longer in use or supported. Hence, periodic conversion of old data into current (or other readable) formats is an additional task that will need to be attended to. Tagging documents by their expiration date and automatic disposal of expired documents can save a great deal of trouble.
Regulatory requirements, audit requirements, management information requirements and recording of history all require that documents be maintained for specific periods or even forever. Document retention policies need to be decided upon and implemented on the ground to meet the varied requirements at affordable costs.
CPA Exam Software
CPA exam software, over time, has been doing extremely well. It includes scientific study coupled with the unmatched proprietary teaching methodology for constantly adjusting and evaluating your individual study program. CPA exam software objectively makes new customized study seminars according to your progress as well as reports and tracks the progress at each individual step.
In essence it is technologically advanced, absolutely personalized, with a one to one approach. The software has the intention of teaching the knowledge that every individual student requires to pass their exam. The CPA software includes a series of matrixes and algorithms in an array of mathematical equations and elements, which are combined for ensuring each study session is tailor made for specific study requirements. With the CPA exam software or CIA exam prep study material, learning is especially pinpointed with accurateness, much more like having a personal professor, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The software assures that you get the appropriate number of questions with right categories and adjusts after every study session in order to imitate your most recent requirements.
The software also tells you the exact time to read the review textbooks, demonstrating areas to study according to your indicated needs. Nothing more or nothing less, the CPA software is custom made for pinpointing each individual's every changing weakness and strengths plus objectively developing the feasible remedies for your next learning session. This is why the software works so wonderfully for everyone.
In addition, it should recognize that each candidate is important and thus offers individualized training through training programs the candidate alone requires for overcoming their exclusive established weakness and their proven potency.
In essence it is technologically advanced, absolutely personalized, with a one to one approach. The software has the intention of teaching the knowledge that every individual student requires to pass their exam. The CPA software includes a series of matrixes and algorithms in an array of mathematical equations and elements, which are combined for ensuring each study session is tailor made for specific study requirements. With the CPA exam software or CIA exam prep study material, learning is especially pinpointed with accurateness, much more like having a personal professor, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The software assures that you get the appropriate number of questions with right categories and adjusts after every study session in order to imitate your most recent requirements.
The software also tells you the exact time to read the review textbooks, demonstrating areas to study according to your indicated needs. Nothing more or nothing less, the CPA software is custom made for pinpointing each individual's every changing weakness and strengths plus objectively developing the feasible remedies for your next learning session. This is why the software works so wonderfully for everyone.
In addition, it should recognize that each candidate is important and thus offers individualized training through training programs the candidate alone requires for overcoming their exclusive established weakness and their proven potency.
Windows 7
Unlike Vista, which included a number of new applications and an entirely different look and feel than earlier operating systems, Windows 7 is meant to be fully compatible with all aspects of Vista. Some upgrades do make Windows 7 preferable to both Windows XP and Vista, but some aspects are better in the older versions. The time to boot up and shut down the system as well as the speed at which documents and other files open are much improved in Windows 7. But, tasks like video editing remains just as slow as they do in XP and Vista.
While there are new features that are part of Windows 7, the Microsoft team placed much emphasis on ensuring that users would not have major compatibility issues when making the switch. They seemed to have learned their lesson from the difficulties that arose when people moved from Windows XP to Vista. One of the new features includes advances in handwriting recognition, a huge advantage for those who can write faster than they type. The Control Panel has some new additions as well including a color calibration wizard, troubleshooting, and biometric devices. The Windows Security Center has a new name, the Windows Action Center, which houses both security settings as well as computer maintenance.
The changes that will be most noticeable to the average user are those made to the task bar. The Quick Launch toolbar is no longer, and has been replaced by pinning applications to the task bar. Applications that are `pinned` to the task bar are then easily accessible by buttons that become part of the task bar. The set-up of the new task bar allows for easy re-organization and re-ordering of the items on the bar to suit user preference.
Another very useful new feature is called `Aero Peek`. Hovering the mouse over the Aero Peek button, located on the task bar, immediately renders all open windows transparent so that there is a clear view of the desktop. A simple click on the button automatically minimizes all the open windows and a second click brings them all back.
Consumer reception of Windows 7 has been positive thus far. In the first eight hours that pre-orders were being accepted, demand for Windows 7 surpassed that of the demand for Windows Vista in its first 17 weeks of availability. If that is any indication, Windows 7 is a marked improvement over Vista. Early reviews of the operating system confirm that it is an improvement based on the fewer compatibility problems, the redesigned task bar, and faster start-up.
It is not all good news however, as a major concern about Windows 7 is the hefty price tag. It seems, however, that it is worth the price, especially for those users of Vista, which is known to have some difficulties. Vista users who are upgrading to Windows 7 can install the new system directly on top of Vista, while those who are moving from XP will have to reinstall all of their applications.
Overall, the improvements provided by Windows 7 seem to make it worth the price and potential hassle to upgrade.
While there are new features that are part of Windows 7, the Microsoft team placed much emphasis on ensuring that users would not have major compatibility issues when making the switch. They seemed to have learned their lesson from the difficulties that arose when people moved from Windows XP to Vista. One of the new features includes advances in handwriting recognition, a huge advantage for those who can write faster than they type. The Control Panel has some new additions as well including a color calibration wizard, troubleshooting, and biometric devices. The Windows Security Center has a new name, the Windows Action Center, which houses both security settings as well as computer maintenance.
The changes that will be most noticeable to the average user are those made to the task bar. The Quick Launch toolbar is no longer, and has been replaced by pinning applications to the task bar. Applications that are `pinned` to the task bar are then easily accessible by buttons that become part of the task bar. The set-up of the new task bar allows for easy re-organization and re-ordering of the items on the bar to suit user preference.
Another very useful new feature is called `Aero Peek`. Hovering the mouse over the Aero Peek button, located on the task bar, immediately renders all open windows transparent so that there is a clear view of the desktop. A simple click on the button automatically minimizes all the open windows and a second click brings them all back.
Consumer reception of Windows 7 has been positive thus far. In the first eight hours that pre-orders were being accepted, demand for Windows 7 surpassed that of the demand for Windows Vista in its first 17 weeks of availability. If that is any indication, Windows 7 is a marked improvement over Vista. Early reviews of the operating system confirm that it is an improvement based on the fewer compatibility problems, the redesigned task bar, and faster start-up.
It is not all good news however, as a major concern about Windows 7 is the hefty price tag. It seems, however, that it is worth the price, especially for those users of Vista, which is known to have some difficulties. Vista users who are upgrading to Windows 7 can install the new system directly on top of Vista, while those who are moving from XP will have to reinstall all of their applications.
Overall, the improvements provided by Windows 7 seem to make it worth the price and potential hassle to upgrade.
Develop iPhone
Developing iPhone apps has become a quick way to both make a few extra dollars and to get your name out in the world. But, it isn't an "instant on" process. Let's face it, with over 85,000 iPhone apps already available, the first thing that has to be done is to find something that hasn't already been done to death. GPS apps, chat apps, games, eBay hooks, time apps, etc. have all got their own 'category' as it were in the app store.
So, finding something that will be saleable to the general public and acceptable enough to Apple that they'll allow it onto the "store shelves" means either finding something new, or doing something that's already out there better, cheaper and faster. Another thing to think about is whether to have it be a "public" app or finding a concept or idea geared specifically to a specific company or genre like online delivery apps for pizza or Chinese takeout, or even more narrowly defined for a local company that has a specific need, like companies that deliver bottled water to offices.
Once you've got the concept of what you want to do nailed in place, then it comes down to delivering the coded and compiled app for public consumption. The great thing about doing iPhone apps now is the fact that there is a lot of "prior art" out there to work from. Not only is there an "official" iPhone SDK, or Software Developers Kit, available, but there are a multitude of pre-built libraries that can be either imported for free, or for a nominal cost that will speed development and programming of your app dramatically.
Depending on how much "new code" that has to be created, a new iPhone app could be created, tested and posted online in as little as a few hours. Some apps that require a lot of new code, or that have to have a lot of testing to ensure stability could take days, weeks or even months before they're ready for ‘prime time'. One aspect of the whole development process that bears keeping in mind is Apple's guidelines for acceptance into their online store. Apple doesn't let just any app in, as has been noted in the news. A modicum of taste and decorum is necessary, although it doesn't take much.
But, once the app is completed and is on Apple's store, it is in front of a national audience. As with the old shareware and freeware programs when PC's were ‘shiny and new', there are a lot of people, including potential employers taking a look at what is available in terms of capability from coders. So, if you choose to take on the challenge of developing an iPhone app, keep in mind you may very well be displaying your skills to some of the most important people in the country, in terms of jobs.
And in today's economy, a little care, a little patience and a little iPhone app could make all the difference in the world.
So, finding something that will be saleable to the general public and acceptable enough to Apple that they'll allow it onto the "store shelves" means either finding something new, or doing something that's already out there better, cheaper and faster. Another thing to think about is whether to have it be a "public" app or finding a concept or idea geared specifically to a specific company or genre like online delivery apps for pizza or Chinese takeout, or even more narrowly defined for a local company that has a specific need, like companies that deliver bottled water to offices.
Once you've got the concept of what you want to do nailed in place, then it comes down to delivering the coded and compiled app for public consumption. The great thing about doing iPhone apps now is the fact that there is a lot of "prior art" out there to work from. Not only is there an "official" iPhone SDK, or Software Developers Kit, available, but there are a multitude of pre-built libraries that can be either imported for free, or for a nominal cost that will speed development and programming of your app dramatically.
Depending on how much "new code" that has to be created, a new iPhone app could be created, tested and posted online in as little as a few hours. Some apps that require a lot of new code, or that have to have a lot of testing to ensure stability could take days, weeks or even months before they're ready for ‘prime time'. One aspect of the whole development process that bears keeping in mind is Apple's guidelines for acceptance into their online store. Apple doesn't let just any app in, as has been noted in the news. A modicum of taste and decorum is necessary, although it doesn't take much.
But, once the app is completed and is on Apple's store, it is in front of a national audience. As with the old shareware and freeware programs when PC's were ‘shiny and new', there are a lot of people, including potential employers taking a look at what is available in terms of capability from coders. So, if you choose to take on the challenge of developing an iPhone app, keep in mind you may very well be displaying your skills to some of the most important people in the country, in terms of jobs.
And in today's economy, a little care, a little patience and a little iPhone app could make all the difference in the world.
Electronic Signatures
In most developed countries, electronic signatures are becoming as valid as conventional signatures. An electronic signature is more than a digital signature and can take surprisingly varied forms, as discussed in this article. Moving to electronic signatures is an essential step of moving to complete e-business.
1. An electronic signature is defined as "an electronic sound, symbol, or process, attached to or logically associated with a contract or other record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record" ( see U.S. Code).
2. Courts have accepted e-mail messages, facsimile (FAX) copies of signed documents, encoded messages (e.g. telegrams), encrypted signatures and e-filings as valid electronic signatures, among others.
3. A digital signature involves programmed generation of a unique private key and a corresponding public key. At the signer's end, a digital signature is generated on the basis of a message and the private key. At the recipient's end, the signature is verified using the public key with the message and signature.
4. Digital signatures are easier to authenticate than the other forms of electronic signatures because cryptographic means are used for creating the signature, and can be used for sending the message. The signer cannot repudiate the signature on the ground that the private key has been compromised.
5. A trend is emerging to digitize the complete signing process. Documents are hand-signed and factors such as hand-pressure used for signing different parts are recorded and encrypted. It is much more difficult to forge all the different elements and authentication becomes more dependable.
6. Biometric signatures attach unique individual characteristics such as fingerprints and iris patterns to the documents. Modern passports and visas are examples of such documents which are verified by sensors scanning and matching these characteristics of the individual carrying the document.
7. All forms of electronic signatures, including biometric ones, have been forged or spoofed successfully. However, such duplication is much more difficult compared to conventional signatures, which can be forged by skilled forgers easily.
8. Businesses typically rely on other factors, such as a continuing business relationship, receipt of some payment under the contract and telephone conversations with the person concerned, to ensure the genuineness of electronic signatures.
9. Electronic signatures are an essential element of e-commerce that speeds up and extends the reach of business transactions and is being increasingly accepted by courts of law as binding on the parties.
10. Full authentication requires that electronic signatures be combined with some means to assure that the accompanying document itself is authentic and has not been altered since it has been signed. Encryption and locking of documents seek to provide such authenticity.
Electronic signatures can exist in different forms such as sending an e-mail that cannot be changed by users and attaching biometric signatures such as scanned fingerprints and iris patterns to documents. No form of electronic signature has been found completely foolproof. However, they are typically much harder to forge or spoof compared to conventional signatures.
1. An electronic signature is defined as "an electronic sound, symbol, or process, attached to or logically associated with a contract or other record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record" ( see U.S. Code).
2. Courts have accepted e-mail messages, facsimile (FAX) copies of signed documents, encoded messages (e.g. telegrams), encrypted signatures and e-filings as valid electronic signatures, among others.
3. A digital signature involves programmed generation of a unique private key and a corresponding public key. At the signer's end, a digital signature is generated on the basis of a message and the private key. At the recipient's end, the signature is verified using the public key with the message and signature.
4. Digital signatures are easier to authenticate than the other forms of electronic signatures because cryptographic means are used for creating the signature, and can be used for sending the message. The signer cannot repudiate the signature on the ground that the private key has been compromised.
5. A trend is emerging to digitize the complete signing process. Documents are hand-signed and factors such as hand-pressure used for signing different parts are recorded and encrypted. It is much more difficult to forge all the different elements and authentication becomes more dependable.
6. Biometric signatures attach unique individual characteristics such as fingerprints and iris patterns to the documents. Modern passports and visas are examples of such documents which are verified by sensors scanning and matching these characteristics of the individual carrying the document.
7. All forms of electronic signatures, including biometric ones, have been forged or spoofed successfully. However, such duplication is much more difficult compared to conventional signatures, which can be forged by skilled forgers easily.
8. Businesses typically rely on other factors, such as a continuing business relationship, receipt of some payment under the contract and telephone conversations with the person concerned, to ensure the genuineness of electronic signatures.
9. Electronic signatures are an essential element of e-commerce that speeds up and extends the reach of business transactions and is being increasingly accepted by courts of law as binding on the parties.
10. Full authentication requires that electronic signatures be combined with some means to assure that the accompanying document itself is authentic and has not been altered since it has been signed. Encryption and locking of documents seek to provide such authenticity.
Electronic signatures can exist in different forms such as sending an e-mail that cannot be changed by users and attaching biometric signatures such as scanned fingerprints and iris patterns to documents. No form of electronic signature has been found completely foolproof. However, they are typically much harder to forge or spoof compared to conventional signatures.
IT Disaster Recovery
Today's businesses depend heavily on Information Technology (IT) because of the overwhelming business advantages it can provide. This dependence has a flip side in that an IT disaster can cripple the business. For example, the business can go bankrupt if it loses all the electronically stored business data and there are no backups to restore them.
1. The starting point of disaster recovery is a careful examination of all the different kinds of disasters that can happen, and the impact each can have on the business.
2. Disasters can generally be classified into:
3. Once you have a picture of the kinds of disasters that can happen, you will be in a position to think more clearly about the likelihood of each, and the impact each can have. The risks can then be prioritized depending on how serious the impact of each is.
4. Once the risks are prioritized, you can start planning preventive, detective and remedial measures. Each of these measures is important. Prevention can reduce the incidence of disasters. Detection can alert to impending serious disasters. And remediation is the ultimate objective. Thinking about each in detail will lead to a complete planning exercise.
5. Preventive measures typically involve taking safeguards like:
6. Disaster detection requires both software and human actions. Software tools can detect viruses and impending disk failures, for example, and help take timely remedial action before the problem becomes serious. Human actions such as monitoring audit trails for unusual activities can alert the organization about unauthorized employee activities.
7. Disaster remedies depend on the nature and extent of the event. A natural disaster can involve replacing the whole infrastructure and restoring the systems, applications and data from the backups. Smaller disasters can involve nothing more than just restoring the data, or can involve disciplining employees guilty of malicious actions. Where the costs are heavy, claiming insurance can become a critical task for survival of the business.
8. Data backups need to be organized in a systematic manner. All data must be backed up while minimizing redundancy. In addition to transaction data, system data and applications must also be backed up to restore the original environment. Data compression to reduce storage requirements and encryption to maintain confidentiality are other practices.
9. A major portion of data losses has been attributed to employees. It is critically important to train employees in safe practices, and to restrict access to data by using access rights and passwords. Audit trails must be generated by all systems to keep track of who did what with the data.
10. It can be worthwhile to entrust installation and monitoring of IT disaster measures to expert third party service providers who will be aware of all that can happen and how these can be prevented, detected in time and remedied.
IT disasters are very real possibilities that need to be taken extremely seriously if the business is to survive. In particular, restoring the unique business data that each business generates is of critical importance. So are preventive measures like data backup, antivirus software, employee training and formulation of proper policies.
1. The starting point of disaster recovery is a careful examination of all the different kinds of disasters that can happen, and the impact each can have on the business.
2. Disasters can generally be classified into:
- Power-supply related such as power failures, surges and other kinds of disturbances
- System related such as hardware or software problems
- Externally originating dangers such as virus and hacker attacks
- Employee-caused such as accidental or malicious actions that result in data loss
- Natural disasters such as fire, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes
- Others such as theft of equipment and storage media
3. Once you have a picture of the kinds of disasters that can happen, you will be in a position to think more clearly about the likelihood of each, and the impact each can have. The risks can then be prioritized depending on how serious the impact of each is.
4. Once the risks are prioritized, you can start planning preventive, detective and remedial measures. Each of these measures is important. Prevention can reduce the incidence of disasters. Detection can alert to impending serious disasters. And remediation is the ultimate objective. Thinking about each in detail will lead to a complete planning exercise.
5. Preventive measures typically involve taking safeguards like:
- Using backup power supply systems and surge protectors,
- Regular hardware maintenance, and procedure manuals for handling software problems,
- Installing antivirus and firewall software,
- Maintaining audit trails of employee actions and restricting their access to data,
- Backing up data and
- Storing them remotely and implementing physical safety measures.
6. Disaster detection requires both software and human actions. Software tools can detect viruses and impending disk failures, for example, and help take timely remedial action before the problem becomes serious. Human actions such as monitoring audit trails for unusual activities can alert the organization about unauthorized employee activities.
7. Disaster remedies depend on the nature and extent of the event. A natural disaster can involve replacing the whole infrastructure and restoring the systems, applications and data from the backups. Smaller disasters can involve nothing more than just restoring the data, or can involve disciplining employees guilty of malicious actions. Where the costs are heavy, claiming insurance can become a critical task for survival of the business.
8. Data backups need to be organized in a systematic manner. All data must be backed up while minimizing redundancy. In addition to transaction data, system data and applications must also be backed up to restore the original environment. Data compression to reduce storage requirements and encryption to maintain confidentiality are other practices.
9. A major portion of data losses has been attributed to employees. It is critically important to train employees in safe practices, and to restrict access to data by using access rights and passwords. Audit trails must be generated by all systems to keep track of who did what with the data.
10. It can be worthwhile to entrust installation and monitoring of IT disaster measures to expert third party service providers who will be aware of all that can happen and how these can be prevented, detected in time and remedied.
IT disasters are very real possibilities that need to be taken extremely seriously if the business is to survive. In particular, restoring the unique business data that each business generates is of critical importance. So are preventive measures like data backup, antivirus software, employee training and formulation of proper policies.
Workflows
In the assembly line days, work flowed along the line with each worker repeating the same limited operation throughout the day. Though this kind of work flow increased productivity dramatically, it had a huge price in the form of worker boredom and weariness. Information technology has made it possible for more varied kinds of work to flow from person to person automatically.
1. A workflow is like a flowchart, graphically showing the sequence and names of processes that constitute a work flow. The named processes can represent resource consumptions, physical transformations, information flows and human activities. The graphic representation shows what is involved in achieving specific results, such as making or selling a product.
2. All of the processes can be performed by a single person, as when a house painter assembles all the requisites and paints the house. More typically, however, different processes are carried out by different persons, usually in a certain sequence, to produce the desired result.
3. The graphic representation is thus a model of the work as it is done, and can highlight redundancies, inefficiencies and even bottlenecks. We can then work on the model to explore alternatives that can eliminate these problems.
4. The difference between work flow and process is that the latter is more precisely defined, with specific input and output, and a processing algorithm. Work flows are more general with less well defined components.
5. Workflow representations can help us identify the information needs at each point, and to design information flows that improve work performance. For example, we can look at the processes involved in just-in-time ordering and identify ways to improve the flow of information about materials requirements and current stock levels to concerned decision makers.
6. Workflow signifies movement of documents in the context of document management systems (DMS). These systems typically provide the facility to define workflows and attach a document to a predefined workflow. The document will then be forwarded to all the persons who have a role with that document, such as review, commenting, updating and approval.
7. Computer based DMS can thus automate document routing, and even do some of the processing such as extracting information about the document, tagging it with the information and indexing. Modern DMS also integrate work flows by providing interfaces between different applications.
8. Workflow representations can help initiatives such as Business Process Reengineering and Six Sigma that can produce dramatic improvements in business results by improving work flows across the organization.
9. Work flow improvement campaigns need to involve the workers. Those who are performing the work can provide the best insights into existing problems and possibilities of improvements. Involving them also creates a better sense of commitment to implement the suggested changes.
10. It is also extremely important to document designs in detail. In addition to the workflow chart, the rationale of the design should be explained in full detail. This can mean the different between successful implementation and disaster as undocumented problems crop up later.
Workflows are graphic representation of the processes involved in different kinds of work flows. Such representations provide reviewers with a clear insight into the issues that can cause problems. With these insights, and the active involvement of workers performing the processes, it will be possible to redesign the work flow to produce significant performance improvements.
1. A workflow is like a flowchart, graphically showing the sequence and names of processes that constitute a work flow. The named processes can represent resource consumptions, physical transformations, information flows and human activities. The graphic representation shows what is involved in achieving specific results, such as making or selling a product.
2. All of the processes can be performed by a single person, as when a house painter assembles all the requisites and paints the house. More typically, however, different processes are carried out by different persons, usually in a certain sequence, to produce the desired result.
3. The graphic representation is thus a model of the work as it is done, and can highlight redundancies, inefficiencies and even bottlenecks. We can then work on the model to explore alternatives that can eliminate these problems.
4. The difference between work flow and process is that the latter is more precisely defined, with specific input and output, and a processing algorithm. Work flows are more general with less well defined components.
5. Workflow representations can help us identify the information needs at each point, and to design information flows that improve work performance. For example, we can look at the processes involved in just-in-time ordering and identify ways to improve the flow of information about materials requirements and current stock levels to concerned decision makers.
6. Workflow signifies movement of documents in the context of document management systems (DMS). These systems typically provide the facility to define workflows and attach a document to a predefined workflow. The document will then be forwarded to all the persons who have a role with that document, such as review, commenting, updating and approval.
7. Computer based DMS can thus automate document routing, and even do some of the processing such as extracting information about the document, tagging it with the information and indexing. Modern DMS also integrate work flows by providing interfaces between different applications.
8. Workflow representations can help initiatives such as Business Process Reengineering and Six Sigma that can produce dramatic improvements in business results by improving work flows across the organization.
9. Work flow improvement campaigns need to involve the workers. Those who are performing the work can provide the best insights into existing problems and possibilities of improvements. Involving them also creates a better sense of commitment to implement the suggested changes.
10. It is also extremely important to document designs in detail. In addition to the workflow chart, the rationale of the design should be explained in full detail. This can mean the different between successful implementation and disaster as undocumented problems crop up later.
Workflows are graphic representation of the processes involved in different kinds of work flows. Such representations provide reviewers with a clear insight into the issues that can cause problems. With these insights, and the active involvement of workers performing the processes, it will be possible to redesign the work flow to produce significant performance improvements.
Anti-Virus Protection
Most people have virus protection on their computer. Programs can range in price and can be suitable for home and office computers. There are so many places to pick up a virus on the computer while using the internet that it is foolish to not have a software program designed to keep viruses away.
A virus is a program that attaches itself to your computer and can cause some major damage. It can cause your computer to run slowly or shut it down. The problems can damage your computer permanently or can cause you to have to get a repair which can cost you a few hundred dollars. Some people wait until a problem arises before they buy a program.
A virus can also attach itself to your programs. It can track your internet use and see everything your doing. It can also see your passwords and change things in your personal files. IT can also get into your banking and email. It is scary to think of all of the things someone could do with all of your computer's personal information and history.
Security Shield 2010 is a new program designed at combating the latest viruses available. It has complete virus and spyware protection. It offers free support. Smart scanning of anything suspicious on your computer. It offers Real time threat detection, hourly updates and is vista compatible. This program offers great parental control so that your kids are not viewing sites not intended for them. It uses a small amount of space and system resources. It can block inappropriate emails and websites from popping up. It also removes spyware and can protect your computer.
Trend Micro Antivirus Internet Security 2010 is a system that works great too. It protects against all types of threats and uses Real time protection. This program can stop viruses, worms, spyware and bots from entering your computer.
Norton Antivirus 2010 is a popular brand name. It is used in both office spaces and home computers. It can keep login and personal information safe by securing it and storing it. IT features an auto saves program that automatically saves important files. It also maps wireless home internet services so that you can use wireless and feel safe about it. Norton offers free support to users that encounter problems. It can provide parental control, keeping kids safe from inappropriate pop ups, ads and sites.
It also offers remote file lock safeguards to protect your laptop or computer if it is ever stolen. It blocks websites and programs from opening and protects your privacy and computer information from being damaged. This software can keep programs from having unauthorized users from changing important applications and monitors all use and any registry changes. Norton also offers frequent scheduled scanning for optimal security and peace of mind.
Having an anti-virus program added to your computer is a smart decision. In life everything gets protected; homes, cars and office spaces. So not protecting your computer while you surf the net can be foolish. Using the internet safely and feeling good about it entails buying a software program and adding it to your computer. For any questions you can always access their free support 24 hour contact numbers, so there is always help at hand if you need it. With all of the things we do on the net, from banking to loading personal files and pictures, ensuring that information is safe is crucial.
A virus is a program that attaches itself to your computer and can cause some major damage. It can cause your computer to run slowly or shut it down. The problems can damage your computer permanently or can cause you to have to get a repair which can cost you a few hundred dollars. Some people wait until a problem arises before they buy a program.
A virus can also attach itself to your programs. It can track your internet use and see everything your doing. It can also see your passwords and change things in your personal files. IT can also get into your banking and email. It is scary to think of all of the things someone could do with all of your computer's personal information and history.
Security Shield 2010 is a new program designed at combating the latest viruses available. It has complete virus and spyware protection. It offers free support. Smart scanning of anything suspicious on your computer. It offers Real time threat detection, hourly updates and is vista compatible. This program offers great parental control so that your kids are not viewing sites not intended for them. It uses a small amount of space and system resources. It can block inappropriate emails and websites from popping up. It also removes spyware and can protect your computer.
Trend Micro Antivirus Internet Security 2010 is a system that works great too. It protects against all types of threats and uses Real time protection. This program can stop viruses, worms, spyware and bots from entering your computer.
Norton Antivirus 2010 is a popular brand name. It is used in both office spaces and home computers. It can keep login and personal information safe by securing it and storing it. IT features an auto saves program that automatically saves important files. It also maps wireless home internet services so that you can use wireless and feel safe about it. Norton offers free support to users that encounter problems. It can provide parental control, keeping kids safe from inappropriate pop ups, ads and sites.
It also offers remote file lock safeguards to protect your laptop or computer if it is ever stolen. It blocks websites and programs from opening and protects your privacy and computer information from being damaged. This software can keep programs from having unauthorized users from changing important applications and monitors all use and any registry changes. Norton also offers frequent scheduled scanning for optimal security and peace of mind.
Having an anti-virus program added to your computer is a smart decision. In life everything gets protected; homes, cars and office spaces. So not protecting your computer while you surf the net can be foolish. Using the internet safely and feeling good about it entails buying a software program and adding it to your computer. For any questions you can always access their free support 24 hour contact numbers, so there is always help at hand if you need it. With all of the things we do on the net, from banking to loading personal files and pictures, ensuring that information is safe is crucial.
Repair your computer
There are several computer repair problems we face in day to day life while working on a computer. Some problems are not very harmful and do not affect immediately but some are very effective and immediately starts troubling you. Here we will discuss about some of the computer problems that normally every individual faces and wastes lots of money on computer repair.
Infected with spyware- Most of the computer geeks face the problem because of spyware. And some of them still don't know what to do to save computer from spyware. To protect your computer from spyware you need to install and run remove spyware adware program. There are people with ill intentions out there in the world who try to steal your private information data and generate disorder in your computer while they are doing it. Sometimes your computer gets infected and you need to remove spyware adware from your system. To remove spyware adware from your system try to find a good adware spyware cleaner to clean your computer system from these not needed programs. This kind of security makes sense and gives great benefits to everyone who uses this program.
Windows registry cleaner- It is another very important and beneficial tool for your computer. The window registry is getting larger day by day, as you are setting up latest software or programs every after few day. It is a type of database folder, inside which all information is stored with total configurations. It gathers all the troubling and immaterial information, which slows down the performance of your computer system.
Windows file recovery- This is another most well liked tool amongst all computer users. If by mistake you delete the old user profile or information without backing up the data then you might encounter a serious data loss situation. To recover these kinds of important data or file in such conditions, a thorough scanning of the complete hard drive by File Recovery Software is necessary.
Windows virus removal- Virus infection is the most common problem faced by every computer. And to protect your computer after regular computer maintenance you must use some trustworthy virus removal program.
If you are experiencing any computer problem which you may not be able to solve it then online computer repair services can surely help to resolve the problem. It is guaranteed that these online computer repair service centers take action on time and quickly respond to your calls and provide you the best technical solution to fix your computer problems. You don't have to go anywhere to call any computer maintenance guy to solve any computer related problem, because you can get the cheapest, quickest and most effective computer solution in the comfort of your homes. There are several softwares available online with help of which you can protect your computer as well as save enough money on computer maintenance and computer repairs. Computech is one such service provider that specializes in spyware and adware removal service.
Infected with spyware- Most of the computer geeks face the problem because of spyware. And some of them still don't know what to do to save computer from spyware. To protect your computer from spyware you need to install and run remove spyware adware program. There are people with ill intentions out there in the world who try to steal your private information data and generate disorder in your computer while they are doing it. Sometimes your computer gets infected and you need to remove spyware adware from your system. To remove spyware adware from your system try to find a good adware spyware cleaner to clean your computer system from these not needed programs. This kind of security makes sense and gives great benefits to everyone who uses this program.
Windows registry cleaner- It is another very important and beneficial tool for your computer. The window registry is getting larger day by day, as you are setting up latest software or programs every after few day. It is a type of database folder, inside which all information is stored with total configurations. It gathers all the troubling and immaterial information, which slows down the performance of your computer system.
Windows file recovery- This is another most well liked tool amongst all computer users. If by mistake you delete the old user profile or information without backing up the data then you might encounter a serious data loss situation. To recover these kinds of important data or file in such conditions, a thorough scanning of the complete hard drive by File Recovery Software is necessary.
Windows virus removal- Virus infection is the most common problem faced by every computer. And to protect your computer after regular computer maintenance you must use some trustworthy virus removal program.
If you are experiencing any computer problem which you may not be able to solve it then online computer repair services can surely help to resolve the problem. It is guaranteed that these online computer repair service centers take action on time and quickly respond to your calls and provide you the best technical solution to fix your computer problems. You don't have to go anywhere to call any computer maintenance guy to solve any computer related problem, because you can get the cheapest, quickest and most effective computer solution in the comfort of your homes. There are several softwares available online with help of which you can protect your computer as well as save enough money on computer maintenance and computer repairs. Computech is one such service provider that specializes in spyware and adware removal service.
Solution Specialists
Pangea Business Solutions is a Microsoft certified gold partner and has been in business since the year 2000 and has been steadily expanding since it's inception by consistently searching for solutions for all your business requirements, and maintaining their promises to you. With their main offices in Miami Florida, Pangea can serve South Florida region businesses by providing them with quality Microsoft dynamics choices for their increasing companies. They are also the top company for Microsoft Business Solutions as less than 5% of companies are able to hold the level of Gold Partner with Microsoft. They can accomplish this high commendation by constantly protecting the standards of:
• Cleverness in job presentation
• Delivery of Solutions
• Solid communication with clients and acknowledgement of their concerns
• Exceptional quality in products as well as services
A broad range of flexible, customizable analytics, reporting and budgeting choices are provided by Microsoft Dynamics GP in order to meet your company's requirements-from advanced consolidation analysis to the simplest reporting requirements. Its applications tap into the most powerful reporting, analysis, and budgeting tools available-providing real-time insight into the important information necessary for smarter, quicker business decisions.
Lots of companies have found out the benefits of Florida Microsoft Dynamics through Pangea business solutions and have sent in rave reviews:
"Making use of WMS express has been great for our company. PANGEA was able to integrate their software with our ERP system, and at present we can carefully track our warehouse operation. WMS Express has assisted our company by setting up a pick and pack process and organizing our warehouse. With real time inventory we can make smarter buying decisions which in turn improves customer satisfaction because their orders are met and shipped punctually. With WMS Express we don't have to be in our warehouse to know what is happening there, we consider everything online from our head office in NY or when we are away on business. We feel today we are prepared for higher volumes and greater sales. WMS Express has been a great investment". Ernesto Khoudari PRESIDENT Kassatex, Inc
PANGEA continues to lead the accounting software business in Florida because of the fact that they meet you, listen and realize what your particular needs are and then establish a tailor made office suite, designing applications around Microsoft Dynamics GP. Their services contain:
1. Web creation and improvement
2. Application Design
3. Database Design
4. and much more!
With newly widened offices opened in the northern parts of Florida Pangea Business Solutions can today serve the whole state with knowledgeable staff and true solutions. Go to the Pangea site for a full breakdown of services and even visual assistances to help you understand the way how their solutions can make your business run efficiently presently and grow seamlessly later.
• Cleverness in job presentation
• Delivery of Solutions
• Solid communication with clients and acknowledgement of their concerns
• Exceptional quality in products as well as services
A broad range of flexible, customizable analytics, reporting and budgeting choices are provided by Microsoft Dynamics GP in order to meet your company's requirements-from advanced consolidation analysis to the simplest reporting requirements. Its applications tap into the most powerful reporting, analysis, and budgeting tools available-providing real-time insight into the important information necessary for smarter, quicker business decisions.
Lots of companies have found out the benefits of Florida Microsoft Dynamics through Pangea business solutions and have sent in rave reviews:
"Making use of WMS express has been great for our company. PANGEA was able to integrate their software with our ERP system, and at present we can carefully track our warehouse operation. WMS Express has assisted our company by setting up a pick and pack process and organizing our warehouse. With real time inventory we can make smarter buying decisions which in turn improves customer satisfaction because their orders are met and shipped punctually. With WMS Express we don't have to be in our warehouse to know what is happening there, we consider everything online from our head office in NY or when we are away on business. We feel today we are prepared for higher volumes and greater sales. WMS Express has been a great investment". Ernesto Khoudari PRESIDENT Kassatex, Inc
PANGEA continues to lead the accounting software business in Florida because of the fact that they meet you, listen and realize what your particular needs are and then establish a tailor made office suite, designing applications around Microsoft Dynamics GP. Their services contain:
1. Web creation and improvement
2. Application Design
3. Database Design
4. and much more!
With newly widened offices opened in the northern parts of Florida Pangea Business Solutions can today serve the whole state with knowledgeable staff and true solutions. Go to the Pangea site for a full breakdown of services and even visual assistances to help you understand the way how their solutions can make your business run efficiently presently and grow seamlessly later.
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