Building a Brand: Learn from These Successful Tech Businesses

For aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners today, learning from leading tech firms can help any business become more successful. By learning from those who have managed to defeat all odds, strategies for success can be developed that can be applied to any industry. This article will outline several successful tech companies that entrepreneurs can learn from.

Google

Originally started as a Stanford research project by Sergey Brin and Larry Page, Google has grown to be a massive enterprise today. In almost everything it does, it seeks to innovate and follow its slogan, "Don't be evil". From search engine technology, to online analytics, Google has proven its ability to add value to customers through outstanding innovation. After acquiring YouTube for $1 billion, Google has since turned YouTube into a cornerstone of the internet. Google has also proven its abilities to enter an existing market and be successful with Google Plus, which in just a few years has grown to almost surpass leading social networks.

Apple

Apple is the ultimate success story for entrepreneurs who start from nothing. Launched from the garage of Steve Jobs, the company grew to become one of the leading software and hardware innovators for personal computers in the 1980s. While the company declined in the 1990s, it rebounded with unprecedented success with successful offerings such as the iPod, iPad, and iPhone. Today, Apple is valued at nearly $1 trillion and is one of the most profitable companies in the world. Their secret to success is simply to never stop innovating.

Microsoft

When Apple declined, it was because Microsoft took its place. When Microsoft entered the operating system market in the late 1970s, it had the end in mind the entire time. By the 1990s, Microsoft had successfully made Windows the essential operating system for any individual or business wishing to use a personal computer. To this day, Microsoft has continued to shine by following up on its victories with operating systems that are even further improved.

In the last decade, a wide variety of companies have emerged and made it big in the digital world. Even if your company has less to do with computers than these examples, you can use their advice for innovation, constant creativity and determination to get your name out there. According to the New Jersey Institute of Technology, an MBA in management information systems online can be a useful tool for any new company. Use the skills you already possess and give yourself a boost with advertising and invention. 

Windows 9 concept rumors

You very well know that every hit movie has its sequel just to capitalize more money from the market and the operating systems are of no exception especially when you talk about the software giant – Microsoft. After embarking with an incredible operating system called Windows 8, it would be interesting to explore the upcoming version called Windows 9.  Though it may be very much early to call the Windows 8 failure or successful venture, however, it is not often too soon to pose the question of what next is going to come from Microsoft in operating system perse. Since past few months and weeks, there are certain rumors about the concepts of the upcoming Windows 9. In fact, this upcoming OS version has been first heard somewhere in the mid 2013. This time the company is smart enough to try out a balancing act in the upcoming operating system wherein it will not only make the current users happy but also would attract others to try out the Windows 9 over their computing devices. Well let’s explore some of the windows 9 concept rumors in the following paragraph:

Windows 9 – smaller and inexpensive along with good amounts of apps

If you check the statements given by the Microsoft top officials, it simply talks about bringing out some of the best and inexpensive OS version for the windows users. This version therefore would come up with certain interesting features, which can render the people a good user experience over their different hardware interfaces and that too at inexpensive prices. Another interesting concept, which is rumored about windows 9, is that it would be compatible with a number of devices including the traditional PCs to the modern and upgraded mobile devices including Windows phone and tabs. The company has one long term objective wherein it intends to bring a good amount of .Net Windows Store profile and the WinRT API surface to the phone. This in return would render the developers good opportunity to develop a number of applications for the Windows Store, which can offer Windows 9 users a wider range of opportunity in choosing different apps. You can therefore fit different size based screen to scaling apps in the upcoming windows 9 version.

The power management of Windows 9

Some sections of the media has been showing how Bruce Worthington (the technical head of Windows power management) was seen sharing certain technical details regarding the power saving in the upcoming version of Windows. As per this report, even the current versions of Windows, especially the windows 8 are backed by kernel, which helps in boosting up the power management. Windows 9 would employ the same idea in much better and smarter way in order to enhance the power management in a right way. The company is visualizing having the same power management feature unlike the way you find it in some low power Atom tablets. The power management team has been working hard on this aspect and thus would embark with something interesting in this perspective in the upcoming Windows 9 version. Though the company is finding certain challenges in giving this feature to its users but Microsoft has made this element as an important priority to be added in Windows 9 that will certainly going to give the users a very good boost forward.

The gestures and experiences of Windows 9

Though the company often talks about different features while bringing out their operating systems with few appearing while others coming the next time, but this time with Windows 9 Microsoft seems to be serious in giving everything it talked. As per experts, this time the company would include Kinect based 3D gestures especially when you have certain notebooks coming up with the 3D cameras. By employing two inexpensive web cams instead of high end costly 3D cameras can make the gesture recognition hardware simpler and inexpensive for the computers (laptops), which will then help you in waving over the screen from any distance. As per the rumors this element called Direct Experience would be seen Windows 9, which will help the users to play a number of media files that can only be run in any specially designed OS. With a number of improvements in things like Hyper-V for the Windows Server 8 that the company is going to employ the same very easily over the Window 9, the users would have good time while moving their virtual machines from one place to the other.

Final word

As there is always a room for improvement, the current operating system from Microsoft is no exception. Hence the upcoming Windows 9 version would certainly have some of the best features and few of its rumored concepts are discussed above.

Kelly Marsh is a freelance journalist who has been writing about mobile technology, customer relationship management and women’s health for more than a decade. These days she is busy to contributes on getamplify

Quick Glance at the Features of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013

In this social era, where everyone is always connected online, it is necessary to focus on delivering compelling customer experiences. To complete this need, Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 plays a critical role. That’s why for powerful business solutions, Microsoft is always launching something new. Let us discuss some of the powerful updates and features in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013. 

• No more extensionbase tables

For the older version Microsoft Dynamics CRM 201i, Microsoft changed the underlying table structure where each entity was split across two tables. One was base table to store system attributes and other was extensionbase table to store custom attributes. The main objective of this modification was to allow more custom attributes than usual. This was a significant change that offers better extensibility. It means SQL transactions may be extended for longer that may results into deadlocks.

With Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013, deadlocks can be prevented significantly. The reason is – there is only one entity table that reduces overall transaction time and improves the performance considerably.

• Platform Enhancements

Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 allows powerful tools to meet your unique business requirements. The platform assures on time delivery with agile methodologies tailored to individual needs and budget. Here are some updates for extensible, open and customized online services.

• Customer driven updates – With Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013, administrator will receive email notification of their update schedule and instructions are also available to reschedule the update, if required.

• Business rules – The tool is significant for implementing fast changing business rules applicable to CRM forms for tablets and web apps. Here you can configure field values, without writing a single line of Java Script code.

• Real-time workflows – The tool allows quick execution of requests in response to a message. Real time workflows can be managed by non developer also, if required. These are synchronous workflows that are not queued like asynchronous workflows.

• Testing SSIS integration with Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013

When developing CRM integration using SSIS, it is necessary to add a “data viewer” before data is actually written to CRM. The process is suitable for small integrations. Complex integrations become difficult to manage with “Data Viewer” option. Here we have to use different approach to accomplish the same task. 

• The first step is to create a Boolean variable “UpdateCRM” and set its value to False. 

• Now create “conditional split” before writing any data to CRM.

• Now connect CRM data with conditional split’s controlled output.

Once you are ready, change the value of Boolean variable “UpdateCRM” to true and start writing data to CRM. It is possible to expand the technique according to needs and complexity of integrations. 

Stay engaged with powerful Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 features for quality business solutions at different levels. Microsoft will stay in touch with innovative modifications that Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 will deliver in present and future also.

About Author: The above article is written by Sandeep, who has worked extensively in Microsoft Dynamics CRM. He works as a technical architect in Aegisisc, an organization specializing in customized software and mobility solutions.

Windows 8 Keyboard Shortcuts

Complete Microsoft's new edition OS Window 8 keyboard shortcut keys with description of each key.

Shortcut	Description
Win + B	Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and select the tray notification area
Win + C	Brings up the Charms menu, where you can search, share, and change settings
Win + D	Brings up the old Windows desktop
Win + E	Launch Windows Explorer with Computer view displayed
Win + F	Brings up the Metro File search screen
Win + H	Opens the Metro Share panel
Win + I	Opens the Settings panel, where you can change settings for the current app, change volume, wireless networks, shut down, or adjust the brightness
Win + J	Switches focus between snapped Metro applications
Win + K	Opens the Devices panel (for connecting to a projector or some other device)
Win + L	Lock PC and return to Lock screen
Win + M	Minimize all Windows on the desktop
Win + O	Locks device orientation
Win + P	Choose between available displays
Win + Q	Brings up the Metro App Search screen
Win + R	Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and display the Run box
Win + U	Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and launch the Ease of Access Center
Win + V	Cycles through toasts
Win + W	Brings up the Metro Settings search screen
Win + X	Launch Start Menu
Win + Y	Temporarily peek at the desktop
Win + Z	Opens the App Bar for the current Metro application
Win + Page Up / Down	Moves tiles to the left / right
Win + Tab	Opens the Metro application switcher menu, switches between applications
Win + , (comma)	Aero Peek at the desktop
Win + . (period)	Snaps the current Metro application to one side of the screen (Right side)
Win + Shift + . (period)	Snaps the current Metro application to the other side of the screen (Left side)
Win + Space	Switch input language and keyboard layout
Win + Shift + V	Cycles through toasts in reverse order
Win + Enter	Launches Narrator
Win + Arrow Keys	Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and enable Aero Snap

Windows Seven features

Ever since Windows 7 was officially released back in October of 2009, the question on everyone’s mind has been: Will it be significantly better than its predecessors, Windows XP and Vista? The answer is a resounding yes! Here’s a brief rundown of the top 7 reasons.

1. Automatic Desktop Wallpaper Shuffling: Not everyone is a fan of desktops wallpapers that shuffle, but even some of the critics have been won over by this slick, built-in feature of Windows 7. There are tons of themes to choose from, thus offering something to suit virtually everyone‘s taste. Don’t like the current image? Not to worry. Just right-click on the desktop, and it quickly shifts to the next image.
2. Blu-Ray Support: As you probably realize by now, Blu-Ray won the hi-def DVD war. Although it will no doubt take many years for this format to become mainstream in all households, it is fully supported now in Windows 7. The operating system includes native functionality to read and write Blu-Ray discs.
3. Media Streaming: Not only does Windows 7 include many new codecs to support more file types, but it also allows you to stream media files from within Windows Media Player. You can stream files both from your network and from the Internet.
4. Multiple Instances of the Same Program: Have you ever wished you could easily open two, three, or even four instances of the same program? For instance, maybe you want to check your e-mail in one Internet Explorer window, manage your stock portfolio in a second window, and take over the Second Life world in a third. Well, Windows 7 lets you do just that. Simply hold down the SHIFT key while left-clicking on the first instance of the program in the Windows taskbar, and presto! A second instance is opened.
5. Windows XP Mode: Although most applications run just fine on Windows 7, there are a few that aren’t compatible yet. Microsoft seems to have anticipated this delay, so they’ve included a handy little feature called Windows XP mode. This feature allows you to run a fully functional version of XP from within Windows 7. It operates by means of a tool called Virtual PC.
6. DirectAccess: Experts are saying that DirectAccess may be one of the more compelling reasons that businesses will consider upgrading to Windows 7. This feature gives you a bi-directional link among your internal network and traveling machines, such as laptops, as long as they are connected to the Internet. Such direct connection allows users to access the network remotely, and gives IT personnel the ability to manage the remote machine as if it were running on the internal network. DirectAccess may thus provide a free alternative to expensive and complicated VPN systems. To make use of this feature, your network must be running Windows Server 2008 R2.
7. Faster Boot Time: While this point may not seem as glamorous as some of the other features, the fact is that Windows 7 may boot a stunning 20% faster than Vista! In one published test, the Windows 7 login prompt appeared 27 seconds after booting up, as compared to the 34 seconds it took Vista to load the same screen. While that difference may seem relatively negligible, in today’s fast-paced business world, decisions are made and customers are won or lost in a matter of seconds. Besides, an operating system that boots quickly shows that it is well-designed and cleanly written.