Archive for the 'Technology' Category
07-03-2008
Can anyone recommend easy to use software that will help me make a short training module?
I am looking to build (and I do not program) an introduction to a new product. I would like to be able to put some video in place with voiceover and then have a q&a type overlay… Any ideas?
Answers:
By Brian Foster
Have a look at Camtasia Studio.
Links:
Captivate is one of the best. Adobe provides templates that will help you develop high quality eLearning.
Links:
- http://elearning.b2bmediaco.com/issues/winter07/winter07_featuredstory_1.ht…
- http://www.adobe.com/products/captivate/
By James Wheat
Another choice would be Articulate (pronounced like the verb, not the adjective).
To add to what others have said:
Camtasia is good if you want to create a video of your compute screen and package it for replay on other computers. You can download a free trial for 30 days at http://www.techsmith.com/camtasia.asp?CMP=KgoogleCStmhome.
Captivate is a great tool and allows you to build simulations of the product. It is a bit more involved than Camtasia and does cost more Camtasia. You can also get a 30 day trial by going go http://www.adobe.com/products/captivate/.
Articulate is a very powerful tool. But if you are not going to be building training or product demos the price (over $1,000) is just to much to pay for a casual product. Articulate offers a 15 day trial, which is found at http://www.articulate.com/?gclid=CLX-wPzRpZQCFSgtagodkDzAtA.
You may want to consider WebEx, or a similar service. WebEx has a 14 day trial. If you expect to do this once and never again, you could just start a WebEx session, share your application and/or desktop and record your demo using the WebEx tools. You could even schedule a live class with WebEx to create a different dynamic in the recorded session. For the occasional trainer, WebEx may be your best approach.
There is no simple answer. It all hinges on what your time frame is, what your learning curve is with the technology, your available budget, and your time to workout the ideal flow through your new product so the demo shows off your new product well.
Links:
- http://www.techsmith.com/camtasia.asp?CMP=KgoogleCStmhome
- http://www.adobe.com/products/captivate/
- http://webex.com/
Please contact these experts provided from the field of training and coaching…
They have written books, and run their own coaching academies/institutions.
Ajay Merchant also suggests these experts on this topic:
By Red Resener
This question sounds two fold…. First you could capture canned sims showing off your new product (Im guessing this is some kind of software) with Captivate/Camtasia, both are timeline driven and will allow you to add hi-lights and call-outs as well as allow you to edit voice-overs and other goodies like that. But, you will need to understand a little bit about video editing to make quick work of either app.
Second, you will need to know a bit about delivery. Before you export your course from either CAP/CAM you will need to ask yourself — is this going on CDROM, into an LMS, or just web-based delivery?!?!?
If you are unsure about any of this I would be happy to talk you thru it, or you could call Steve Conrad or myself at MEDIAPRO. 425-483-4700
Links:
Red Resener also suggests this expert on this topic:
By John Jamison
Hi Barbara, I use Articulate to put something together rather quickly, as it ties directly to PowerPoint which you use to actually build the piece. When I want something more robust…with more interactivity and interest, I use a program called Mediator, from Matchware.
I currently use Captivate to create rapid e-Learning. It is user friendly and is a great tool for creating software simulations or soft skill branching scenarios. You can insert videos (which get converted to Flash format for usability) and easily create interactive quiz questions for Q&A. As someone mentioned earlier, there are several templates available which you can easily change to your own company branding. As well, you can import PowerPoint slides or files for easy conversion.
Additional websites which may be helpful include Captivate tips, Tutorials on Adobe Developer Center and a well known Captivate blogger:
Links:
- http://www.raisingaimee.co.uk/
- http://www.adobe.com/devnet/captivate/
- http://blogs.adobe.com/silke.fleischer/
By Rob Phillips
I recommend CaptureCam Pro.
http://www.cintinel.com/
you need Adobe (macromedia) authorware 7
Links:
There are so many factors that would hinge on a good fit for you on the product side.
What is your budget?
What is your proficiency with learning technologies?
Do you need a host platform?
What type of learning activities are you looking to include in the learning?
I would be happy to discuss this with you and recommend whatever I can to you.
Links:
Try Jing, it records your screen actions (you can limit what on your screen is recorded) and your voice, so you can give a demo. The limit is 5 minutes per video. The tool also enables quick screen grabs of whatever you want on your screen. We’ve used it with great success. Oh, and it’s free and easy to use.
Links:
By Peter B. Giblett MBCS, CITP, LLB
I would echo Brian’s recommendation. Camtasia Studio is easy to use and inexpensive. Go to the Tech Smith website.
By Sanjay Vyas
CamStudio is similar to Camtasia and Captivate but its free. You can create AVI or SWF of your screen movement (including mouse and keyboard) annotate them with speech balloons and do a voice over.
Links:
Look up www.epiance.com
By Jack Jensen
I also vote for Articulate (www.Articulate.com). To see the result of incorporating video into an Articulate lesson, go to www.AmerSolutions.com/rt2v (2nd link below).
Links:
Posted by webmaster in Answers, Technology, Business Development, Career & Personal Development | No Comments »
06-09-2008
Which software niche would you be willing to put your money on over the next 5 years and why?
By Nick Morgan
Peter’s answer:
I think it is not about applications, but implementation style - I rather suspect Software As A Service is destined to become the next big thing - will it last 5 years? Not sure.
Let me review some of the other answers:
* XML Database - already embedded in both Oracle and Microsoft.
* Data Quality - I would like it to be here but there is a distinct lack of take-up in the business community, where it is needed.
* Cloud Computing - not sure I would put this on my list but see it as very influential.
* Mobile applications - agree with this, especially with instant updates to corporate HQ.
* Virtualisation is mainly a solved problem, not on the radar in 5 years time.
Posted by webmaster in Answers, Technology, Project Implementation | No Comments »
06-09-2008
How important is database independence in an ERP solution?
Is database independence desirable in ERP solutions?
If so, what are the technical or financial implications of such a choice. Especially when the pilot project would be scaled up through a separate contract in future.
Clarification added:
My summary of the answers given by experts:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dd6vkw8k_77z6dvf6gt (Too long to fit here, sorry!)
The question has been reopened to allow the experts to comment on the summary and to point out any errors, should they wish to do so.
Many thanks to all those who answered!
By Sunil Bajpai
Peter’s Answer:
Database independence certainly is desirable. You should assess what is best for your organisation. However it is important to note that choice of database is not always possible e.g. if you select Microsoft Dynamics then SQL Server it is! Same with Oracle!
At the end of the day it is the business process that must be satisfied by the solution adopted - and this needs to be front and centre during the whole of the product selection phase.
There will be both technical and financial implications to each of the choices you make. If you go for a pilot please ensure that the only costs you pay will be those associated with non-selection of that product. e.g if you pilot product A then determine that product A operated satisfactorily then license costs are simply scaled up to meet the full implementation and that you do not pay twice.
Posted by webmaster in Answers, Technology, Business Development, Enterprise Solutions | No Comments »
06-09-2008
What Attributes do Tech Pros Appreciate Most in an IT Manager?
Chris Fisher’s answer:
In my experience, technical professionals tend to appreciate the following traits in an IT Manager:
* Technical competence: Managers don’t need to be experts at everything but technical professionals tend to appreciate someone who understands a wide range of technical concepts and the common pitfalls, jargon and skills associated with each.
* Contacts: Managers are expected to have a reasonable range of contacts they can call upon to assist in difficult situations, or to help bounce ideas off of.
* Trust: IT pros like to know they’re going to be supported to make the right decisions and the opportunity to be able to learn from their mistakes. They usually don’t mind being challenged to think outside the square, but hate being second guessed.
* Support: IT is in my mind the single most rewarding industry on the planet, but technical professionals still need to know they have someone they can talk to when the going gets tough. No matter how busy an IT Manager is, it’s important they’re available to support their staff.
* Vision: To use the old cliche, no-one enjoys fighting the same fires every day. It’s important to have a vision of where you want to take IT for your company. A technology roadmap is a very powerful tool to be able to focus a team on goals that will move the company forward. Just don’t forget to take people along for the journey.
I hope these are useful in some way.
Peter’s answer:
In my experience (having grown from techie to manager) it would have to include those suggestions plus the ability to:
Identify a Vision: This starts with common business goals and plans and allows IT team members to support business achievements.
Technical competence: The manage does not need to be an expert, but they do need a good understanding of how the technology will function, and what the likely pitfalls are.
Management backup: Provide support for your team when identifying new work within the business community and ensure that IT is not the last one to be told. The manager needs to say a simple “No! You cannot start doing activity X on Y date because there is not time to resolve all the problems in that time. (sure you may not be successful, but you must try).
A wide vocabulary that includes specialist business speak as well as tech-speak (and sometimes act as translator). Have you ever seen a DBA and an Insurance Actuary talk to each other? For the mere mortal it is a discussion where no common ground or understanding can be reached.
Posted by webmaster in Answers, Technology, Career & Personal Development | No Comments »
06-09-2008
What Internet trends are most important?
what internet and technology trends are the most important over the next 5 years? elaborate. Is it the “semantic web”? mobile computing? what else…..?
Peter’s answer:
I see a split between social networking (e.g. FaceBook, YouTube) that you MUST use ONLY at home and business networking (e.g. LinkedIn, Xing, Konnects) with the Q&A components providing corporate added value to corporations.
Mobile computing will continue to be a major influence.
With the Internet traffic heading ever upwards and the suggestion that higher volume users get charged more then I see download compression as something that will be investigated.
Ultimately I would like to have the ability to watch any TV program from any TV station in the world either in real-time or n-hours later possibly downloaded via the net to our intelligent TV/set-top-box.
See also Asa Blum’s answer:
1. Cloud Computing
This movement will enable the smallest companies to compete with the largest infrastructure. It will drive the new internet economy.
2. P2P
You may have written this off but it’s the true key to the next big wave of Hi_Def media distribution. Commercially sponsored P2P networks will be the key to distribution of HD content over the net in the next 5 years.
3. 3G
The building of new faster wireless access networks across the US and world will really drive the internet and technology in to realms it has never existed.
4. OLPC
The driving effort to put affordable computing systems in to the hands of the worlds poor will shape the technology world for many years to come.
Honorable Mentions:
RFID: Your hidden big brother will track everything we do and how we do it.
Social Networking: It’s nice but it will soon become standard feature in nay application
VIDoIP: Soon all video will be running over IP networks and your AV cables will all be CAT6 or multi-mode fiber.
IPV6: Its pretty much a standard in lots of countries now, but the US will soon follow as the MSO and wireline provider push VIDoIP and need more address space for each customer. This will be some hard medicine for everyone when they have to replace their router in 6 years.
Posted by webmaster in Answers, Technology, Neat Ideas | No Comments »
06-09-2008
Any advice for making the case to upper level management that it’s a good business decision to let highly skilled developers work at a distance?
I need to make the case, quickly, to management that keeping the highly skilled programmers on our team by allowing them to work from home is better than losing them when they close our local office. Any advice?
Clarification added:
Thanks for all of the excellent and thoughtful responses! To clarify a bit, we’re looking at a timeframe of weeks, not months to convince upper management of our case. And, maybe that characterization is not completely fair. Of course, management doesn’t want to lose most of a highly skilled team that has 75% or more of the application knowledge. It’s a new funding source that is putting this constraint on us. I’m trying to collect tips and evidence they can use to try to convince business types who sounds pretty old-school in their thinking. As one respondent said, it may be a situation with little hope, but, for the sake of my colleagues, I feel I need to try.
Peter’s answer:
Just because your team “has 75% or more of the application knowledge” does not make them irreplaceable. It is an unfortunate fact of life that the more irreplaceable you think you are the more likely you are to be dumped.
It seems that the management has made the decision. But I would simply offer a possible solution that allows your staff to provide contracted-out support for say 6 months that way there is smother transition.
Posted by webmaster in Answers, Technology, Business Development | No Comments »
05-13-2008
Are we ready for Win 2008 deployment?
I have test 2008 servers, and I wonder if it is time to move my customers from 2003 to 2008. On Mac, I am already in process of moving from 10.4 to 10.5 server and it works fine. Test installations are not proof of quality because not much is happening around them (and only few errors).
Here is what keeps me waiting. From time to time I encounter some error on some 2003 system which is not supported on Microsoft, and is very hard to find on Google. 2008 is new and there is much less support (and experience) from other people in IT. I have great uptime and my customers are very satisfied, so I don’t want to change that because MS is still experimenting. So, is it too early to move clients to this new platform, or the risk is enough low? (of course I have backups, etc, but I want to keep number of problems as low as possible)
Peter’s answer:
I would generally advise waiting till later in the year, or perhaps 2009 before going ahead. Keep an eye on the computer press for issues of stability, because I sure some will arise.
Additionally with servers you need to be concerned about the applications that need to be run on the server when selecting the appropriate operating system. I would suggest that is your main driver.
I would not upgrade to a new operating system version without a clear statement statement that the software support that version - even then I would build a test server with all of the components newly installed and test each against the operation system version, and then re-test all interconnectivity thoroughly before going ahead with such an upgrade on live systems.
BTW, Microsoft will always say their products are fully compliant with the new version - please have this verified by an independent third party before going ahead with the upgrade.
In my experience some servers have had to kept at old versions for many years because of incompatibilities or interoperability problems. Step cautiously!
Posted by webmaster in Uncategorized, Answers, Technology | No Comments »
05-06-2008
Have you purchased and/or used (or considered) MicroStrategy?
What worked well, and what fell short of expectations? What would you say was the single biggest benefit, and would you recommend it for an Internet startup with a 2-3 person analytics team that know SQL, Perl and stats? Also, did you evaluate vs. Pentaho and vs. pulling data out out using SQL queries & Perl? Why did you decide to go or not go with MicroStrategy? I’d love your thoughts.
Peter’s answer:
I have much experience in assessing right solutions for business intelligence. You describe your technical team within the scope of your question, but nothing about the business team. BI tools like MicroStrategy are primarily focused at the business community (who know little or nothing about SQL or Perl).
That said MicroStrategy is one of the leading contenders in the BI application arena. What follows is a mini-review of the leading OLAP/BI products on the marketplace:
Microsoft: Having purchased in 2006 the ProClarity package they have brought on-board a powerful product. Performance Point Server embeds ProClarity into Microsoft services and offers significant advantages for SQL Server users.
Oracle: They have arguably the best OLAP database on the market, but until their recent acquisition of Hyperion did not really possess a leading BI application.
Cognos (recently acquired by IBM): is not a user friendly product as it demands the building of a cube for the analysis application. Gartner accredits this product as more of a leader than I do.
Business Objects (recently acquired by SAP): This product has been reacting to the query & reporting end of the market rather than analytics capability. Performance was always an issue because of the need to build cubes on the fly. Not a contender in the increasingly sophisticated analytical market we have today.
WebFocus, by Information Builders: This product has some exciting analytical capabilities, not to mention the ability to link with GIS systems. It has advanced analytical applications such as Business Scorecard for your dashboard.
MicroStrategy: Has always sought to provide high-end analytical capabilities that has always made it a leader. Its agent technology allows it to notify business managers of significant events.
I would say that WebFocus, MicroStrategy, and ProClarity are the leaders today, but much will depend on your business model and your technical infrastructure.
Posted by webmaster in Answers, Technology, Business Intelligence | No Comments »
05-05-2008
What does the term “Business Intelligence” mean to you? Is there such a thing as “Application Intelligence” and if so, what does that mean to you?
Business Intelligence can be such a broad term and Application Intelligence as a term can be construed as somewhat ambiguous. However, I think Application Intelligence can drive business decision-making, so does that mean Application Intelligence is actually Business Intelligence?
Peter’s Answer:
This is a question that can definitely open a can-of-worms.
I will disagree with Tim Tymchyshyn - there very definitely is business intelligence - some businesses simply fail to leverage BI correctly.
Having worked for the last 20 years to provide businesses with the capability to improve their business performance through the application of Business intelligence I could respond with enough to fill a book on this question.
Theo is right “Business Intelligence is the term around the supporting framework to make better business decisions through the provision of information from various sources”. but that is only the starting point. Business intelligence leverages data from corporate applications in order to answer specific questions about the performance of the corporation and ultimately its position in the marketplace.
I have been responsible for more than 40 BI projects over the last 20 years. Many start with Tim’s question, or more correctly “Is there any intelligence we can use to grow our organisation?” My role has been to guide the corporation to realise the the investment they have made in their data.
On one project I assisted financial analysts within British Airways to switch from a situation where they spent 95% of the month processing data to a situation where systems automatically generate results and the analyst spends their time analysing various aspects of business performance.
I have given some thought about your term Application Intelligence and do not believe it has any relevance in the context you have stated it. Yes there are some very smart applications available in the world, including many BI applications (e.g. predictive analysis, balanced scorecard, and operation business intelligence). It could be argued that an intelligent application is a business application that will provide the ability to support decision making by providing meaningful information and delivering improvements in performance.
Posted by webmaster in Answers, Technology, Business Intelligence, Enterprise Solutions | No Comments »
05-03-2008
Is Custom Software Development a viable new business opportunity?
There are TONS of custom software development shops out there and almost none of them seem to be doing very well. The ones that are are big. In other words, the owners seem to have day jobs.
Am I missing something? What’s the deal?
By Curtis Gray
Peter’s answer:
If you look at the client business community today you will find that the majority of developments today are simply customisations of out-of-the-box software.
The marketplace for customised software development is definitely declining, although there are still a few business areas (or industries) that packaged software does adequately resolve the challenges faced. Although these are becoming more on the margins of the business world.
Today’s IT challenge is mainly buy-and-mould rather than build.
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