John's Technology Blog

What makes someone leave a web page?

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Source: What Makes Someone Leave A Website?

Cloud-Based Apps, One step closer.

Last week I enjoyed several energetic conversations with my tech peers at the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World 2010 conference.  Cloud computing and Software as a Service (SaaS) were popular topics.

At the same time, Google made three major announcements that make their Google Apps family more interesting and capable. 

1) The more exciting news was the purchase of DocVerse, a company that brought us collaboration from within MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.  This will be integrated into Google Apps although details are sketchy at this point.  This removes the excuse of features missing from cloud-based apps, and keeps the experience familiar for power users.

2) Another announcement was around Google offering advanced backup for the Apps Suite.  Details are still out, but it should provide disaster recovery (DR) level options on all the files.

3) The launch of the Google Apps Marketplace, where other cloud service providers can sell their integrated products.  Integration with other SaaS is often weak at this early stage, but Single Sign On (SSO) is appearing regularly.  The workflow vendors such as RunMyProcess offer great promise for this sector.The Marketplace also lists many consulting shops doing Google Apps configuration and development. 

These are the pieces we need, steadily coming together.  I only wish Microsoft were competing in a more timely manner -- just to keep Google honest.

PS: I'll be talking cloud stuff in April at Computerworld's SNW conference in Orlando with the folks from Nasuni.

Windows SteadyState

I am testing Windows SteadyState for controlling several "public" PCs.  I was reminded about this tool through a post from David Szpunar at Lakeview Church.  Looks good so far.

Link: Windows SteadyState.

Windows Sysinternals

Over time I have heard many smart IT folks rave over the Sysinternals tools -- well I finally had a perfect need, and PsExec came through!   Needing to quickly get XP firewalls configured for spiceworks, a couple of minutes of parameter testing and bam!  we have commands being executed all over the place.

Link: Microsoft TechNet: Windows Sysinternals.

The 46 Best-ever Freeware Utilities

Those who know me know that I have a soft spot in my heart for free tools.  Well, here is another site dedicated to listing just such tools.  It was more then just 46, and in reading the descriptions you will find more alternatives. 

Link: The 46 Best-ever Freeware Utilities.

Church IT Podcast episode 3: notes

For anyone working in and around IT and religious organizations, Jason Powell at Granger Community is organizing a bi-weekly group phone call.  I don't have a good name for the gene yet, TalkShoe calls them a "interactive Podcasts". 

TalkShoe space for the Church IT Discussions: http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=6983

Notes for the 3rd call: Jason Powell - Church IT and other musings: Church IT Podcast episode 3 notes.

Hurricanes and PCs don't mix well

This article covers a relevant topic as we enter the 2007 hurricane season.   Hurricane Proof Computer (Backup): "Hurricane Proof Computer"  It covers how to backup as well as what to do after a PC is damaged.