Rick, Author at The Force Field Podcast

Episode 35 – Partner With Your Vendors

August 4, 2009 by Rick

Today we are going to discover an association that can help you build relationships with vendors, learn how these relationships can help your business grow and find out how you can do it – free.

TechPodcasts Promo Tag :10
Intro 1:20
Billboard 3:20

News and Comment segment 4:35
OnForce released their Services Market Index for the second quarter of 2009 July 13. The OSMI can be downloaded free at http://www.onforce.com/OSMI/Q209

CompTia Breakaway 2009 will be held August 3 through 6, 2009 the The Mirage in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Sponsor: Try GotoAssist Express free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.GotoAssist.com/techpodcast.

The Summer of Podcasts contest is underway. To enter go to www.podcastmadness.com, read the rules and regulations, listen to the podcasts listed for the week and enter the code that you hear in each podcast in the form on the page. Listen to this episode of The Force Field for the code and your chance to win..

Laptop prices have dipped below $300.

Commercial Break 1:00
Get Great Web Hosting at GoDaddy.com and save 10%! Listen for the discount code in the show. GoDaddy.com 1:00

Intro to Topic 1:37
Today we’re going to talk with Frank Raimondi, Executive Director of NASBA and learn how vendor programs and other incentives can make our businesses more profitable.
Join NASBA FREE at http://www.nasba.com/members/become.php.

Interview with Frank Raimondi 23:52

Wrap up and Close :46

Comments, questions or suggestions? Send them in to comments@theforcefield.net. Feedback on this topic will be read by the host and included in future episodes of the show.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (33.7MB) | Embed

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Episode 35 – Partner With Your Vendors

August 3, 2009 by Rick

Today we are going to discover an association that can help you build relationships with vendors, learn how these relationships can help your business grow and find out how you can do it – free.

TechPodcasts Promo Tag :10
Intro 1:20
Billboard 3:20

News and Comment segment 4:35
OnForce released their Services Market Index for the second quarter of 2009 July 13. The OSMI can be downloaded free at http://www.onforce.com/OSMI/Q209

CompTia Breakaway 2009 will be held August 3 through 6, 2009 the The Mirage in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Sponsor: Try GotoAssist Express free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.GotoAssist.com/techpodcast.

Laptop prices have dipped below $300.

Commercial Break 1:00
Get Great Web Hosting at GoDaddy.com and save 10%! Listen for the discount code in the show. GoDaddy.com 1:00

Intro to Topic 1:37
Today we're going to talk with Frank Raimondi, Executive Director of NASBA and learn how vendor programs and other incentives can make our businesses more profitable. Join NASBA FREE at http://www.nasba.com/members/become.php.

Interview with Frank Raimondi 23:52

Wrap up and Close :46

Comments, questions or suggestions? Send them in to comments@theforcefield.net. Feedback on this topic will be read by the host and included in future episodes of the show.

http://media.techpodcasts.com/theforcefield/media.libsyn.com/media/theforcefield/The_Force_Field_35.mp3

OnForce releases Second Quarter 2009 Services Market Index Report

July 14, 2009 by Rick

For the fourth consecutive quarter PC Desktop Repair sees highest volume of work orders;
Enterprises are using OnForce in creative ways to optimize efficiencies

BOSTON – July 13, 2009 – OnForce, the trusted online marketplace and national network of thousands of technology service technicians, today released the OnForce Services Marketplace Index (OSMI) for the second quarter of 2009. Based on more than 70,000 service events this quarter across North America, the OSMI provides a comprehensive analysis of key spending trends in information technology (IT) and consumer electronic (CE) services. Key findings this quarter show that spending in the "break-fix" sector from diagnose and repair to parts swap – remained at a consistent high with Q1 2009, accounting for 63 percent of all work orders. In addition, OnForce saw enterprises utilize the platform more extensively to handle longer term projects in order to maximize efficiency.

In terms of highest volume categories, PC Desktop ranked first for highest work order volume for the fourth straight quarter in a row (accounting for nearly one third of all jobs.) Of this, three quarters were break-fix related work. Other high volume work categories for the quarter included TV/Video and Network, which accounted for 19 percent and 13 percent of all work orders respectively.

"As evidenced by the overall drop in PC shipments this year, it is clear that businesses and consumers are still opting to repair and retain, rather than purchase new equipment for the time being," said Peter Cannone, CEO of OnForce. "Although we are seeing cautious behavior in a challenging economy, there are signs of a turnaround including the stabilization of work order pricing in our Marketplace."

Other key findings include:

· While high in terms of overall completed work orders, TV/Video experienced the largest decline
in volume this quarter. The category saw a four percent loss, from 23% in Q1 to 19% in Q2.
This can be partially attributed to businesses and consumers opting to repair or install converter
boxes for the Digital TV transition, rather than install new television sets.

· Hourly rates for Home Theater onsite service continued to be priced higher than all other CE
categories.

· The "Other" category accounted for nearly 8% of all work order volume this quarter due to an
increase in micro staffing and project related work among enterprises.

· Average work order value for both VoIP/Telephony and PC Desktop dropped significantly over Q1 2009.

o Work order values declined from $359 to $271 in the VoIP/Telephony category
o Work order values declined from $114 to $101 in the PC Desktop category

· Houston, Chicago, and New York saw the most onsite service volume for the third quarter in a
row.

· Kentucky, West Virginia, and Maryland were the least expensive states for onsite service in Q2, a shift from Q1 when Ohio, Indiana, and Massachusetts were the least expensive states.

o Massachusetts saw a marked uptick in pricing for onsite services, jumping to #16.

"Due to economic conditions, we are seeing enterprises using the OnForce platform for more nontraditional service events," noted Cannone. "With companies looking to maximize efficiencies across the board in a down economy, we expect this to be an increasing trend over the next year."

The OSMI Q2 2009 report is available for download at http://www.onforce.com/OSMI/Q209 .

About OnForce

OnForce is service made simple. The company provides access to a trusted national network of over 13,000 onsite service technicians connecting service demand with local supply through an online marketplace – easily, efficiently, and profitably. Nearing one million completed service orders, OnForce is a proven leader in helping service buyers increase profits, gain a competitive advantage, and contain service costs. The OnForce community is made up 5,000+ IT and CE service buyers and more than 13,000 service technicians who work in a number of technology categories, including computers, printers, networking, VoIP, point of sale, and consumer electronics. For more information, visit
www.onforce.com .

Episode 34 – The Trade Publication Review

July 7, 2009 by Rick

Today we are going to learn how you can use free trade publications as a resource to help start and manage your business.

TechPodcasts Promo Tag :10
Intro 1:17
Billboard 3:46

News and Comment segment 4:19
Firefox 3.5 was released June 30th, one year after the launch of Firefox 3. Firefox 3.5 is available for Windows, Linux and Max OS X in over 70 languages and can be downloaded free at http://www.mozilla.com

Sponsor: Try GotoAssist Express free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.GotoAssist.com/techpodcast.

Microsoft got the jump on Google last month when it launched a Twitter search capability in its new search engine called Bing.

Symantec says that reliance on free antivirus software to protect your PC is dangerous. You can read the article at http://tech.blorge.com.

Commercial Break 1:00
Get Great Web Hosting at GoDaddy.com and save 10%! Listen for the discount code in the show. GoDaddy.com 1:00

Intro to Topic 1:10
Today I am going to introduce you to a valuable resource used by industry professionals to stay on top of their trade, give you a few tips on how to use this resource effectively and tell you how to do it all FREE at http://theforcefield.tradepub.com.

The Trade Publication Review 11:52

Wrap up and Close :46

Comments, questions or suggestions? Send them in to comments@theforcefield.net. Feedback on this topic will be read by the host and included in future episodes of the show.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (22.4MB) | Embed

Subscribe! Apple Podcasts | Email | RSS | More

Episode 34 – The Trade Publication Review

July 6, 2009 by Rick

Today we are going to learn how you can use free trade publications as a resource to help start and manage your business.

TechPodcasts Promo Tag :10
Intro 1:17
Billboard 3:46

Sponsor: Try GotoAssist Express free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.GotoAssist.com/techpodcast.

Microsoft got the jump on Google last month when it launched a Twitter search capability in its new search engine called Bing.

Symantec says that reliance on free antivirus software to protect your PC is dangerous. You can read the article at http://tech.blorge.com.

Commercial Break 1:00
Get Great Web Hosting at GoDaddy.com and save 10%! Listen for the discount code in the show. GoDaddy.com 1:00

The Trade Publication Review 11:52

Wrap up and Close :46

Comments, questions or suggestions? Send them in to comments@theforcefield.net. Feedback on this topic will be read by the host and included in future episodes of the show.

http://media.techpodcasts.com/theforcefield/media.libsyn.com/media/theforcefield/The_Force_Field_34.mp3

Mozilla Advances the Web with Firefox 3.5

June 30, 2009 by Rick

Major update to browser delivers significant performance improvements, privacy enhancements, support for new Web standards, and greater customization options

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIF. – June 30, 2009 – Mozilla, a public-benefit organization dedicated to promoting choice and innovation on the Internet, today released Firefox® 3.5, a major update to its popular, free and open source Web browser. Coming one year after the launch of the critically acclaimed Firefox 3, Firefox 3.5 introduces cutting-edge features, as well as new support for a wide variety of Web standards.

Firefox 3.5 is the best performing browser Mozilla has ever released and delivers radically improved JavaScript performance, a new Private Browsing mode, native support for open video and audio, and Location Aware Browsing. The newest version of Firefox is more than two times faster than Firefox 3 and ten times faster than Firefox 2 on complex websites. With extensive under-the-hood work to support new technologies, Firefox 3.5 is the most powerful and complete modern browser and helps upgrade the Web experience.

Firefox 3.5 was built through Mozilla’s global, open source development process. The Mozilla community comprises thousands of passionate contributors, including experienced developers, security experts, localization and support communities in more than 60 countries, and tens of thousands of active testers. With more than 300 million active users, Firefox is the only popular Web browser created by a non-profit organization.

“So much is happening on the Web right now, it’s a great time for browsers. Firefox 3.5 brings together the most innovative Web technologies and delivers them in the most complete and powerful modern browser,” said John Lilly, CEO, Mozilla.

What’s New in Firefox 3.5:

Firefox 3.5 makes surfing the Web easier and more enjoyable with exciting new features and platform updates that allow Web developers to create the next generation of Web content. Native support for open video and audio, private browsing, and support for the newest Web technologies will enable richer, more interactive online experiences.

Performance. Firefox 3.5 includes the powerful new TraceMonkey JavaScript engine, which delivers unprecedented performance with today’s complex Web applications. Firefox 3.5 is more than two times faster than Firefox 3 and ten times faster than Firefox 2.

Open Video and Audio. Enjoy video and audio content from within your browser, without the need for plugins. Video is a vital part of the modern Web, whether it’s used to communicate, educate, or entertain. Firefox 3.5 delivers the first native integration of audio and video directly into the browser. Now everyone can easily watch open format Ogg Theora videos.

Web developers can use these technologies to design pages that interact with video content in new and exciting ways, offering richer interactive experiences beyond controlling playback and volume.

Privacy Controls. Firefox 3.5 includes features designed to protect your privacy online and provide greater control over your personal data.

While using the new Private Browsing mode in Firefox 3.5, nothing you encounter on the Web will be stored from that moment on during your browsing session. Unique to Firefox 3.5, the new Forget this Site feature can remove every trace of a site from your browser. If you want to remove all private data or activity from the past few hours, Clear Recent History, another Firefox-only feature, gives you full control over what stays and what goes.

Location Aware Browsing. Location Aware Browsing saves you time by allowing websites to ask you where you are located. If you choose to share your location with a website, it can use that information to find nearby points of interest and return additional, useful data like maps of your area. It’s all optional – Firefox doesn’t share your location without your permission.

How to get Mozilla Firefox 3.5:

Mozilla Firefox 3.5 is available now for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X operating systems as a free download from http://www.getfirefox.com. It is also available in more than 70 languages at: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all.html.

EDITOR’S NOTE: For screenshots and videos, visit http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/press/images.html.

For more information about Mozilla Firefox 3.5 and how it provides a better and faster online experience, visit http://www.getfirefox.com.

About Mozilla

Mozilla is a global community dedicated to building free, open source products and technologies that improve the online experience for people everywhere. We work in the open with a highly disciplined, transparent and cooperative development process, under the umbrella of the non-profit Mozilla Foundation. As a wholly owned subsidiary, the Mozilla Corporation organizes the development and marketing of Mozilla products. This unique structure has enabled Mozilla to financially support and cultivate competitive, viable community innovation. For more information, visit www.mozilla.com.

Press Contact:
press at mozilla dot com

First All-Women Los Angeles Computer Repair Firm Launches

June 29, 2009 by Rick

Digital Duchess is the first all-female Los Angeles computer repair and technology consulting firm offering services such as network support, repairs, on-premise computer training, hardware and software installation, system upgrades, security – including spyware removal, virus removal, SPAM filtering, firewall software and hardware, data backup and more to home users, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and Enterprise-level corporations. Individuals and companies in Southern California now have access to expert, customized, and affordable computer consulting services performed by highly experienced female IT professionals.

Santa Monica, CA (PRWEB) June 29, 2009 — Digital Duchess is the first Los Angeles computer consulting company staffed exclusively by highly experienced top female IT professionals. The Los Angeles computer services firm offers expert and affordable on-premise IT services to individual home computer users, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) as well as Enterprise-level corporations in Southern California.

Digital Duchess

"We started Digital Duchess after seeing so many individuals and companies in the greater Los Angeles area struggling to keep up with IT advancements, upgrade misinformation, outdated systems, and a fear of high installation costs," said Digital Duchess CEO and founder, Kerry Grimes. "Our staff of expert all-female IT professionals provide high quality, affordable and reliable technical assistance – we strive for world-class customer service and fast resolution to any technology problem. Digital Duchess specializes in the areas of mobile office, remote user, exchange server, wireless integration, Microsoft server maintenance and support, hardware and software installation, Blackberry enterprise server, virus removal and spyware removal, data back-up implementation, advanced system security – including network security, Internet security and firewalls, as well as computer repair."

Additional features and affordable services provided by Digital Duchess include:

Same-day personal response.
Customized strategies – each client's needs are individually evaluated and personalized.
Highly educated, expertly trained IT professionals.
Preventative maintenance.
On-premise computer training of a company's internal staff – both SMB and Enterprise.
Network set-up or upgrade of existing network.
Computer repairs including problem diagnosis, virus removal, spyware removal, system malfunctions, operating problems, replacing or updating hardware or software.
Cost-effective network security and Internet security, including customized antivirus recommendation and installation, SPAM filtering, firewall software and hardware.
Customized automated data back-up solutions.

"Whether you are an individual having laptop or desktop computer problems at home or an SMB or large corporation that needs to cost-effectively outsource IT or back-up an existing IT department – the educated, experienced, professional and highly trained staff of Digital Duchess will not only meet, but exceed your expectations," concluded Grimes.

For more information on Digital Duchess call 310-395-6884 or visit http://www.digitalduchess.com or email: info (at) digitalduchess (dot ) com.

Media Contact:
RPR Public Relations, Inc.
Tel. 786-290-6413

Jobs Report: Hourly Rates for U.S. Freelance Software Developers Up 35% in 2009

June 10, 2009 by Rick

Jobs Report Hourly rates for U.S.-based freelance software development jobs grew by 35% in the last year, according to a study by oDesk.

Menlo Park, CA (PRWEB) June 5, 2009 — A study of freelance software developers reveals a sharp increase in hourly rates for US-based talent, up 35% from 2008. Findings are based on analysis of over 1,800 software development assignments over the last 12 months. The study was conducted by oDesk, the marketplace for online workteams. Analysis also reveals increased rates in the Ukraine (21%), Pakistan (10%), and Russia (3%). Developers in Canada, Philippines, U.K., and Bolivia saw hourly rates dip by 10% or more.

Hourly Rates for U.S. Freelance Software Developers Up 35% in 2009

Freelance software jobs include programming and development using skills such as PHP, MySQL, Java, and XHTML. oDesk data is drawn from thousands of small to medium-sized businesses that use its platform to hire, manage, and pay software development professionals around the world. There are nearly 64,000 freelance software developers registered on oDesk.

http://www.odesk.com/blog/2009/05/freelance-software-developer-rates-up-35-in-the-united-states/

"This rate increase showcases both the quality of providers in the U.S. and the interest of buyers worldwide to hire top talent," said oDesk CEO, Gary Swart. "Even in today's economic climate, oDesk is seeing providers with top skills command competitive rates. This is in large part because of oDesk's transparency, which allows providers to build up online reputations with work histories showing strong feedback from their buyers."

About oDesk
oDesk (www.oDesk.com) is the leading marketplace for online workteams, with the best model for both buyers and providers:

For buyers: Guaranteed work — every hour billed is an hour worked. Screen captures of each provider's desktop taken at random intervals enable buyers to audit the hours and work completed so they have confidence every hour billed by a remote team member is an hour worked. This capability also enables the buyer to collaborate more closely and redirect the provider if necessary, much like you do when you manage by walking around the office.

For providers: Guaranteed payment — every hour worked is an hour paid without the hassle of invoicing or slow-paying clients, making oDesk the preferred marketplace for more than 260,000 professional contractors, including software engineers, web developers, graphic designers, writers, researchers, admins and customer service agents.

TestOut Launches First Online Labs for Windows 2008 MCITP Certification Training

June 10, 2009 by Rick

TestOut Corporation announced the availability of the first complete Server and Enterprise Administrator Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) certification courses with online labs. The online labs provide hands-on experience to help pass certification exams and put their skills to use in their careers.

Pleasant Grove, UT (PRWEB) June 10, 2009 — TestOut Corporation–provider of online labs for IT certification training–today announced the availability of the first complete Server and Enterprise Administrator Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) certification courses with online labs. Whether purchased individually or taken through academic courses, TestOut's LabSim software enhances learning with a cost-effective, virtual environment that enables students to experience all of the functionality of the technology they are learning from their own computer. This gives them the experience and knowledge required as they prepare to pass their IT certifications exams, and ultimately, to put their new skills to use.

According to one recent reviewer, "The future for Windows Server 2008 could hardly be rosier." As a result, an increasing number of IT professionals are seeking–and achieving–MCITP certifications. As of April 2009, Microsoft says 13,441 people worldwide have achieved MCITP Enterprise Administrator certification (focused on day-to-day operations and management) with 7,986 receiving Server certification (focused on Windows infrastructure design).

"Students preparing to compete for IT jobs, especially related to Windows Server 2008, can differentiate themselves with both industry certifications and hands-on experience," said Noel Vallejo, CEO, TestOut. "LabSim's online lab simulations enable this experience so students complete their training prepared for more than just a paper certificate, but with a true understanding of what they've been learning."

The LabSim MCITP courses for Server 2008 include:

172 lab simulations that let students work hands-on in a simulated environment to practice the skills required to become MCITP certified.

160 instructor-led MCITP training videos and more than 173 demonstrations

265 study guides and fact sheets that students can read to gain a further understanding of the concepts covered in all of the training videos, demonstrations, and lab exercises.

Fully integrated section quizzes and practice certification exams with more than 800 sample questions. The integrated software immediately directs students struggling with certain topics in the exams to the location of the material so they can increase their study in the deficient topic.

About TestOut:
TestOut provides IT certification training for individuals and academic institutions worldwide, focusing on enabling practical, hands-on experience with the LabSim online labs. Since its founding in 1991, the company has helped thousands of individuals achieve the skills and professional IT certifications necessary to progress in their careers. Major institutions using LabSim include DeVry University, ITT Tech and University of Phoenix. For more information, visit TestOut.

Microsoft Launches Bing At SMX Advanced

June 10, 2009 by Rick

SMX Advanced keynote conversation between Qi Lu of Microsoft and Danny Sullivan of Search Engine Land covered Bing, Microsoft's new search engine

Redding, CT (PRWEB) June 5, 2009 — Speaking in front of a packed audience at the Search Marketing Expo – SMX Advanced conference Wednesday, Dr. Qi Lu officially announced the launch of Bing, Microsoft's newly branded search engine. "The best way to predict the future is to create it," said Lu, President, Online Services Division at Microsoft. "Bing is the first step in a long journey."

SMX Advanced

Danny Sullivan, editor in chief of Search Engine Land, asked Lu more about the rollout, Microsoft's decision to re-brand its search products, and how Bing will differentiate itself from other search engines.

"It's very important that we have a brand that only represents search," said Lu. When looking at key success factors at other search engines, "companies in the search space that do well tend to have a strong brand that represents just search," said Lu. "It's very important that we have a search brand."

The name itself came after an extensive process that focused on coming up with something that would be short, easy to pronounce, and easy to come up with the correct url. The Chinese translation, he said, means "very certain to respond."

Lu went on to say that Bing will differentiate itself by its ability "to fulfill user intent faster," he said. Search results will no longer be delivered as 10 links per page, but will be offered in web groups based on presumed user intent. A search on Seattle, for example, would deliver results in groups such as weather, restaurants, attractions, etc.

According to Lu, the rollout of Bing, which has been followed carefully by search marketers, is going well. "So far, so good," he said, noting that there are already 20,000 friends Facebook and 16,000 followers on Twitter. The search experience in the next few years can be a lot more competitive," he added. "More competition and more choices is a good thing for everybody."

Search Marketing Expo – SMX Advanced is programmed by Search Engine Land, the leading news site for search and online marketers. The conference, which sold out for the third year in a row, runs for two days in Seattle in early June. More than 1300 marketers attended this year.

About Search Marketing Expo and Third Door Media

The Search Marketing Expo – SMX conference series is produced by Third Door Media, Inc. Third Door Media's mission is to empower internet and search marketing professionals by providing trusted content and community services they need to be successful. Search Marketing Expo conferences are held around the world and include: SMX West (Santa Clara, CA), SMX East (New York City) SMX Advanced (Seattle, WA), SMX London, SMX Munich, SMX Stockholm, SMX Sydney, SMX Singapore, SMX Madrid, SMX Sao Paolo, and SMX China.

Third Door Media publishes Search Engine Land, the leading search marketing news and analysis site. The company also produces Search Marketing Now, a lead-generation marketing solution for suppliers of SEM-related products and services, and operates Sphinn.com, a social news site that allows search and internet marketers to share news stories, participate in subject-specific discussion forums, and build their professional networks.