2011 Technology trends to take note of, plan now, save later ...

The hardest thing to do post New Year is get into the work groove.

How can we help? By bringing the top technology trends to take notice of, while you do the hard work, like plan your life and your business.

We've scrutinized the predictions provided by the following resources, then picked our top 10:

• Gartner's Technology Trends - 2011
• Gartners Top 10 Strategic Technologies - 2011
• eWeek.com's Top 10 Mobile Techology Trends
• Computerworld.com's significant trends for 2011

Our top 10 technology predictions for 2011 are:

1. Table PCs
1. With the showcase of 80 new Table PCs at the Consumer Electronics Show, most of them actually run on Windows 7 and have been reviewed to be easier to carry around than laptops and more suited to daily ops one would carry out when on the move.  
2. Mobile web
1. Mobile is exploding. We can see this. How? Even users in third world countries without access to computers have mobile phones and then there are the Generation Y's and even these users are getting younger and younger. What should we watch out? Security issues pose a HUGE threat to this booming industry.
3. Platform-Independent Mobile AD Tools
1. A common complaint by web development companies is often that they cannot develop applications that would work 100% across all platforms within project time or budget. 
2. Tools such as Flash, Silverlight and AIR, as well as multiplatform development tools such as Qt, Appcelerator and Java Micro Edition will be used more and more to deliver more stable, cross platform apps.
4. App stores
1. App stores are becoming  a vital part of the online ecosystem for users in both personal and business capacities. One of the biggest advantages I have personally used many times, is my directions map when traveling anywhere.
   (We've heard a rumour that Microsoft will launch their own app store soon, lets see how true this is.)
5. Virtualization or the "Cloud"
1.  Gone are the days where clunky hardware is require. Rated the no.1 technology (by Gartner) in 2010, the "Cloud" is here to stay. Not only does it reduce the need for actual space, it can save your company thousands annually.
6. Video
1.  Although not a new trend, Gartner believes that video will become the mainstream medium for communication with users across platforms.
7. Social Analytics
1. "Social analytics describes the process of measuring, analyzing and interpreting the results of interactions and associations among people, topics and ideas."
2. Why this would be important to your organization is post data collection, identifying relationships and evaluating the impact of managing that relationship directly affects your bottom line.
8. Social Media
1. Your audience may not frequent social media for business purposes, but it is becoming a vital tool for business. Information is distilled into bite size which users choose to consume and quick engagement with consumers is now possible.
2. Use social media to network, collaborate, publish and get feedback.
9. Touch Screens
1.  With companies like Sony and HP already in the market with touch screen desktop monitors, we see them becoming the dominant user interface on large-screen handsets as well.
10. Device-Independent Security
1. Device-independent security solutions will be developed to help to deliver web applications that run on a range of devices across multiple platforms. This will significantly reducing security risks

It pays to take notice of these trends, although nothing is set in stone. Happy planning for 2011.

Mobile phones, wireless connectivity and notebooks making this round world flat ..

In a world of wireless technology, access to .. well anyone is easy. So easy that should you live in a "third-world" country, the ability to wire funds anywhere in the globe is possible as long as you have a mobile phone.

Add to this working longer hours and anywhere, the world is (I wish I could say it was literally spinning faster since it feels that way sometimes) spinning faster.

But does technology hamper or enable?

On the plus side, we can work remotely anywhere in the world. 

On the minus side, we can work remotely from anywhere in the world. 

Ironic, isn't it?

Gone are the days where holidays meant leaving your notebook behind and even when you do, your Smart Phone beeps away as emails are received. At the end of the day, the innate need to be connected or not really lies with the holder of the Smart Phone.

To iPhone, Android or Blackberry that is the question. Oh and let's not forget Windows?

Android has overtaken iPhone in market share and although Blackberry offers best value for money in the Smart phone category, Android has managed to take the top spot.

How to know which make is best for you?

Personal preference really? Personally, I am an Apple fan, although I have to confess that the HTC gives me a slight stirring. Once you're used to touch screen, I find I assume everything is.

My coolest find for 2011? Touch screen monitors. 

For health reasons, it may take off sooner than later. Why? Although most users now have notebooks, we still use a mouse and extended mouse use has been shown to cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. 

If we've learned anything about technology though is that it enables and makes life more efficient. The trick is to know when not to react to every beep that comes along.




Oops, have to go (☆◑‿◐).

(◠‿◠) Your top 5 highlights, a year in review, the eNetworks way ✩

What a year it has been! Sex, drugs and rock and roll? And then there was 2010. As we wind down and bid farewell to 2010, we look back and reflect on the top highlights.

Our top 5 highlights of 2010 includes:

1. World Cup Soccer
1. The "gees" was electric, everyone got along, and although there were disruptions in standard working days, it was a pleasure to be part of the World Cup placing South Africa as a World Class destination. We laughed, we cried and we had a blast. Memories will remain forever.
2. New / bigger premises
1. After 11 years, we finally moved / expanded into 592 sqm. Starting from a humble 13 sqm,  we have grown from strength to strength and plan to continue.
3. Company growth
1.  SCS - Staff, clients and space. 2010 has been a year of growth in all areas. We added our eDSL product to the existing range and focus exclusively in providing the best ADSL service we can. Thank you to the team for all the efforts throughout the year.
4. World Cup Soccer
1. I have mentioned it already, but ....... World Cup 2010, worth mentioning twice ✩*•
   
5. 11 years and still counting
1. Congratulations to eNetworks and our team working tirelessly to ensure that our clients' are happy and that the service delivery we have always provided remains of top priority. We celebrated our 11th Anniversary in 2010. Something we are very proud of.

There were many highlights, such as all the events we attended, (Google SA event and iWeek), but those are the TOP 5 we felt we needed to highlight. We would add to this list a BIG thank you to the eNetworks team and to end off the year, we hosted our year-end function on a boat in true Cape Town style.

Last, but not least, we would like to thank you, our client who without, we would not be here today.

We wish a happy ¸.•* ✩ festive season ¸.•* ✩ and an easy entry into 2011.

Moustache Mafia strikes again - a mu'ving way to end Movember ..

They're back! The "Moustache Mafia" strikes again and this time, they mean business.

As "Movember" draws to a close, the business of making sure everyone remembers the month throughout the year is their top priority.

They're serious about "Movember" and about showing their support.

What they do leave us with looking at the photo above reminds me of a scene in the Godfather where Al Pacino, (who plays Michael Corleone) meets with his "family" because something "big" is going on.

But in true "Moustache Mafia-boss-style", "Corleone" calmly stares into space and leaves us with these famous last words as we end of the month, "I'll make him an offer he can't refuse".

Let "Movember" be on your mind all year and remember, the "Moustache Mafia" is watching .... dah dah dahm..... (cue cheesy mafia movie music).

Moustache Mafia Mu-ving through Movember ..

I love the "gees" the team at eNetworks sprouts throughout the year. From Valentines Day, to Halloween, the team spirit is always visible. BUT, we have to compliment the guys for their "Movember" spirit.

The team has officially been named "Moustache Mafia", sprouting their "Movember" 'taches and matching outfits, one has to commend their support for the month of mo's.

But what IS "Movember" and why all the fuss surrounding facial hair? Movember (formerly known as November), is a month long moustache growing charity event held each year to help raise funds and awareness for men’s health.

Having started in Australia seven years ago, Movember has grown to be an international event, taking place in six countries. This global expansion looks set to continue with demand from Mo Bros and Sistas around the world wanting to grow moustaches and celebrate Movember in their own countries. As a direct result, six new countries have been added to this year’s campaign, of which South Africa is one!

Nice "growing" team eNetworks. We love that your spirit is fun and cause all rolled into one.

Happy Movember!

What IS the excitement of checking into a hotel room? You guess it, FREE WIFI

You're a regular traveler, whether locally or internationally. As you sit at the airport waiting for your flight to board, your notebook is whipped out and away we go. Most airports have wireless access providing a multitude of service providers to choose from, wonderful!
 
Time to board (wishing all airlines had on board Internet access), we may or may not whip our our notebook again to work (it all depends on the flight schedule) and sooner than later, arrive safely at our destination. Either a driver from the hotel collects us from the airport, or we hire a car and voila, we arrive at our hotel.

My first question to the con-siege, "Is there WiFi in this hotel?", one of three responses occur which affect the mood of my entire day:

1. yes, it is included with your package, free access, enjoy! (I hear my favorite rock tune start playing in my head, head banging, the works, feels great!)
2. yes, it is accessible via a voucher, which only costs Rxx (may as well be a million dollars, since it is always a rip off)
3. no, sorry, but we do have an Internet cafe, just around the corner (doh!)

As you can see, the price for convenience when traveling is priceless.  If I have a 3G card around, no worries, but if I made the mistake of a) not having one or b) leaving it at home, the sound of inconvenience makes me cranky.

Hotels should realise (by now) how important reliable, consistent internet access in a hotel and especially the rooms are. Business people who travel frequently play catchup after the working day is over and not having connectivity in a hotel room adds strain to the day, since we cannot proceed with a daily catchup.

Today's tip: when booking a hotel, check if there is connectivity / WiFi access. Even if not used, the benefit of quick, easy, free access is definitely worth paying an extra buck for. Here are a list of hotels in SA, offering (or including WiFi, caveat, we cannot vouch for any of these hotels and always check their websites before you book, includes WiFi does not mean FREE ;))

• Cape Town - WiFi friendly
• Johannesburg - WiFi friendly
• Durban WiFi friendly
• Port Elizabeth WiFi friendly

Happy traveling and remember to check before you travel to avoid disappointment. However, if your favorite hotel does not have WiFi access in the room, how about suggesting they start offering it to guests. After all, a happy guest is one who returns.

Why not add some Fiber to your Broadband diet?

Fiber (not the kind you have for breakfast) and Broadband, (not the kind used in the gym) makes headline news on a daily basis. "Uncapped" (although really"Capped" in disguise) is all the rage. But the question we often hear is, what is it or why would you need it?

Let's examine the term "Broadband". Now we could go into the fancy explanation mentioning frequencies, channels, carriers and signals, but we won't. Simply put it is "the ability to access the Internet and Be on the Phone, At the same time. ... "

 

Simple process with some efficient and cost-effective benefits:

• "always on"
• Fast loading of web pages and e-mail
• Equally fast downloading of files, programs, and computer updates
• It does not affect the phone line
• Unlimited access and you won't be charged based on the connection duration
• Provides cheap phone services via VoIP technology.
• Connection sharing

Makes sense to go this route if your business is starting off and there is a high demand for voice and data transmission.

Next up, Fiber-optic cable. Again, we could use words like transmission, digitized pulses or wavelengths. Instead consider it to be "technology used for transmitting data, voice, and images through very fine, flexible glass or plastic fibers (a bundle of optical fibers)".

Apart from the "space-age" look it displays, it has many advantages and have revolutionized the way the telecommunication industry operates, here's why:

• Less expensive 
• Thinner - Optical fibers can be drawn to smaller diameters than copper wire
• Higher carrying capacity - Because optical fibers are thinner than copper wires, more fibers can be bundled into a given-diameter cable than copper wires. This allows more phone lines to go over the same cable or more channels to come through the cable into your cable TV box
• Less interference - light signals from one fiber do not interfere with those of other fibers in the same cable. This means clearer phone conversations or TV reception
• Digital signals - Optical fibers are ideally suited for carrying digital information, which is especially useful in computer networks 

Well there you have it. If you are starting a business, going Broadband is a given. How you access the Internet all depends on the type of business you have. Given the advantages listed for the Fiber-optic option makes sense for growing businesses to consider, even at an early stage for the long-term benefits are clear.

Happy surfing and remember, if its not always on, what is it? And if your feeling slow and clogged up, perhaps it's time you added more fiber to that broadband diet of yours.

eNetworks