Episode 5 – Marketing Your Business

This week we talk with a Service Provider and discuss various ideas for marketing a computer business.

Intro 1:21
Billboard 1:28

News and Comment segment 3:54
Starbucks reported several laptops missing from their corporate office November 3. Two of the four laptops contained social security numbers of 60,000 employees of the company.

Google inadvertently sent posts to 50,000 members of its Video Blog Group that contained the Kama Sutra virus. Google apologized and called it an incovenience.

Sony is offering movie fans a chance to own gear based on the next James Bond film including a VAIO laptop. Could be a hot item. Literally.

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 1:22
The greatest challenge in any business is how to effectively market it. It is one thing to offer a great product or service, but to get the word out, to tell everyone about it, is another matter entirely. Paul Walters of LTA Computers will discuss what it takes to get the word out and effectively market his business.

Paul Call 15:48

Wrap up and Close :51

©2006 Savoia Computer. All rights reserved.

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MonsterForce Marketplace

MonsterForce Marketplace is a service platform with four areas, Computer Repair and IT Services, Construction and Repair Services, Shipping and Moving Services and Healthcare Contracting Services. Members of OnForce and other similar platforms will find the Computer Repair and IT Services platform somewhat familiar.

Important! There is no physical address, mailing address, phone number or other contact information available for their office. The only apparent methods of communication are web forms and forums. This should be considered carefully before attempting to join.

Registration as a Buyer or Provider is free. 

 www.monsterforcemarketplace.com

Provider Registration  

Field Solutions

Field Solutions, LLC. is a national service contractor created from a merge between Technician Bureau and FieldMart. According to the company FieldMart and FieldStaff merged with Technician Bureau in December 2007. Mac Lewis was named Chairman/CEO and Marty Reader is Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing.

Let's Get To Work™
FieldSolutions, LLC
5775 Wayzata Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55416

www.FieldSolutions.com

PacketTrap Networks Announces Immediate Detection and Resolution of Software Flaws

Company Works with Digital Defense

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) February 29, 2008 — Together with Digital Defense, PacketTrap Networks (www.PacketTrap.com), a leading network management company, published an advisory today describing a minor vulnerability in its pt360 software. Digital Defense Inc. discovered the vulnerability during its testing of the free pt360 Tool Suite beta.

"We're glad we could work with Digital Defense on this issue as it helps us achieve our goal to produce the highest-quality network management solutions," said Steve Goodman. "TFTP server is an important component of our network utilities library but we take any and all technology issues seriously and are committed to addressing them expeditiously."

Within five hours that same day, PacketTrap's development team had fixed the issue (patch #3302), which caused the company's TFTP server tool to terminate at packet sizes of 203 bytes or above. None of pt360 Tool Suite's 17,000 users experienced any problems relating to this vulnerability. Customers can ensure they have the latest version of pt360 by selecting HELP | CHECK FOR UPDTES in the pt360 Tool Suite.

For more information about new feature releases to pt360, please visit http://www.packettrap.com/product/index.aspx. To read about PacketTrap's perspective on the events shaping the network management industry, please visit the Company's blog at http://blog.packettrap.com.

About PacketTrap Networks:
PacketTrap is favored among the IT community for its seamless integration of network monitoring and diagnostic tools into a centralized dashboard. PacketTrap's flagship solution, the pt360, provides IT professionals with a 360 degree view of their network and lets them discover, monitor, and manage their IT infrastructure from a single screen. The suite includes Cisco configuration tools, a TFTP server, WMI, SNMP, and Port Scans, and gadgets to monitor all flavors of operating systems and servers. PacketTrap is committed to providing affordable and robust alternatives to needlessly complex, poorly supported market offerings.

Episode 16 – Bits du Jour

This week, we will talk with the president of a company who offers a referral program – with a twist. We will find out how we can profit from advertising software – and possibly other computer related products and services on our site in a commission based format that is seamless, sticky, transparent, and doesn’t compete with our sites.

TechPodcasts Promo Tag :10
Intro 1:18
Billboard 2:36

News and Comment segment 5:11
Toshiba suspended production of HD-DVD players last week and officially announced it would end sales of the format at the end of March.

Wal-Mart plans to sell through existing HD-DVD stock and will place a greater emphasis on selling only standard DVD formats and Blu-Ray during the next 30 days.

The Force Field is conducting a Trivia Contest during the months of February and March. If you are a regular listener of The Force Field podcast, you now have the chance to take your knowledge of the show and win prizes! All you have to do is listen to the podcast, log into The Force Field web site at theforcefield.net, click on The Force Field Podcast Trivia Contest link on the right sidebar and answer the ten trivia questions. If you answer all ten questions correctly you will be entered into a drawing to win a 1GB USB flash drive or an Nvidia partnerForce T-shirt! Enter The Force Field podcast Trivia Contest today and win! Contest ends March 31, 2008.

Small Business Computing.com released announced the winners of the 2008 Small Business Computing Excellence in Technology Awards this month. In the collaboration category, the winner was GoToMeeting. Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.gotomeeting.com/techpodcasts.

Microsoft released a list of applications that will not work with Windows Vista Service Pack 1, due for release in March. In an article published on its web site February 22, Microsoft listed a dozen applications that had what it termed “compatibility problems” and would be blocked for “reliability reasons”.

Commercial Break 1:00
Totally Cool Tech Podcast Promo :30

Caffination Podcast promo :30

Intro to Interview 2:08
If you own and operate your own web site as part of your business you are likely searching for a way to maximize the valuable real estate on your site to monetize or otherwise profit from it. One of the most universally accepted practices of generating revenue from your web site is the lease or rent of that space on your pages to advertisers and commission based banner or link referral programs.

Nico Westerdale, president of a company called Iconico, Inc. offers a referral program that is different from all others. It is sticky, transparent and offers generous commissions for every item sold.

This week we’re going to talk to Nico and find out what his referral program is, how it works and how we can use it to both sell software from other vendors – and possibly our own services in a new referral program called Bits du Jour.

Nico Westerdale Interview 13:55

Wrap up and Close :46

©2008 Savoia Computer. All rights reserved.

Microsoft Lists Applications That Do Not Work With Vista SP1

(TheForceField.Net ) February 24, 2008 — Microsoft released a list of applications that will not work with Windows Vista Service Pack 1, due for release in March. In an article published on its web site February 22, Microsoft listed a dozen applications that had what it termed “compatibility problems” and would be blocked for “reliability reasons”.

The list was part of Microsoft KB article 935796 titled  "Information about programs that are known to experience a loss of functionality when they run on a Windows Vista Service Pack 1-based computer".

Among the applications on the list are BitDefender Version 10, Trend Micro Internet Security 2008 and ZoneAlarm Security Suite 7.1.078. According to Microsoft updated versions of most applications on the list that are supported by Service Pack 1 are now available from their vendors.

Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista is an important update for Windows Vista. Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) contains many security, reliability, and feature updates for Windows Vista.,” the article states.

Most of the applications on the list are antivirus, firewall and security programs. 

Fusu: Bringing Premium Domain Names To Everyone

For the first time, Fusu, the Domain Stock Exchange, makes it possible for anyone to invest in premium, high value domain names. Investors can participate in an industry that has been called the "real estate of the 21st century".

(PRWEB) February 23, 2008 — Generic domain names have become very much in demand to corporations and investors due to their extraordinary marketing ability to generate revenue and attract clients. Generic names such as Movies.com (owned by Disney), Toothpaste.com (Proctor & Gamble) or Books.com (Barnes & Noble) are extremely easy for the public to remember. More and more companies are beginning to employ a more comprehensive generic domain marketing strategy in advertising.

Contrary to current economic conditions, the domain name market is experiencing unparalleled growth. Hundreds of millions of dollars change hands annually in the domain name aftermarket.

Until now, if investors wanted to participate in the growth of this exciting industry, they had to purchase domains on the domain name aftermarket. However, unless someone was prepared to spend hundreds of thousands, or millions, of dollars on a single premium domain, they were locked out.

Fusu, the Domain Stock Exchange, launched at the Traffic conference in Las Vegas on February 19th, now brings the concept of the traditional stock exchange to the domain name industry. Fusu provides an innovative trading platform for owners, shareholders and investors.

Investors can buy right now into such premium names as eel.com, owned by David and Michael Castello, who possess one of the best domain portfolios in the world and were recently awarded the 2008 Domainers Choice Award for Domain Ambassadors. Valued at $250,000, the Initial Domain Offering, which is available only until the 26th of February, is already 80% subscribed.

A more speculative investment is Flowers.mobi, owned by Rick "Domain King" Schwartz. Always ahead of his time, Rick's purchase of this domain created some stir in the domainers' community. This is the chance for investors to follow Rick's lead and buy in during the Initial Domain Offering (IDO). Recently, Rick sold iReport.com to CNN for $750,000 — if he repeats a similar sale with Flowers.mobi, investors will participate in the sales revenue according to the percentage they acquire.

Also up for investment are Warning.com (initial value $200,000) and Rvx.com (priced very low at $5,000) with more to be announced in the next weeks.

Here is how to participate in the Fusu Initial Domain Offerings:
1.   Sign up at www.fusu.com.
2.   Prefund your Fusu account with the amount you would like to invest in domains.
3.   In the Fusu IDO Auction select the domain you wish to invest in and simply enter your bid for shares.

A tutorial on the IDO process can be found on the Fusu website at https://www.fusu.com/node/172.

About Fusu:
Fusu is the world's first Domain Stock Exchange. Founded in 2007, its mission is to bring fractional ownership to the Domain Name industry through a liquid, professionally run financial Exchange.

Computing Technology Industry Association Names New Members to CompTIA RFID+ Advisory Committee

Technology experts from Alien Technology and SYMX join certification advisory group.

Oakbrook Terrace, IL (Vocus/PRWEB ) February 23, 2008 — The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), the leading provider of vendor-neutral certifications for information technology (IT) workers around the world, today announced the appointment of two new members to its CompTIA RFID+™ certification advisory committee.

News Image

Joining the advisory committee is Robert Zielinski, director of education and services marketing for Alien Technology Corporation's RFID Solutions Center, an advanced facility in Dayton, Ohio devoted entirely to the application of RFID technology. The 23,000-square-foot RFID Solutions Center includes educational, research and development and real-world implementation resources.

Also joining the committee is Michael Mancuso, chief technology officer for SYMX Corporation of Miami Lakes, Fla., a global provider of medical equipment services and products. Mancuso has a strong background in active RFID technology and has been a devoted evangelist for the value of real time locating systems (RTLS) solutions in healthcare.

"The number of RFID deployments continues to grow across many industries, including heath care, manufacturing and retail; and in many different applications, such as supply chain, 'closed-loop' deployments and asset tracking," said Neill Hopkins, vice president, skills development, CompTIA. "The guidance and expertise provided by our new advisory committee members assures that CompTIA RFID+ is equipping RFID technicians with the skills necessary to address this growth."

CompTIA RFID+ is a professional certification of skills in radio frequency identification (RFID) technology that addresses the needs of RFID hardware and software manufacturers, value added resellers, training developers, and end-users of the technology. The certification was introduced in 2006 and is the result of the collaboration and support of more than 20 organizations with leadership positions in the global RFID industry.

Skills that CompTIA RFID+ validates include the ability to install, configure and maintain RFID hardware and device software; perform site surveys and site analysis; and tag selection, placement and testing. The certification is intended for technology professionals with a minimum of six to twenty-four months of experience in RFID or related data collection technologies. For more information on CompTIA RFID+, visit http://certification.comptia.org/rfid.

United States military veterans and their eligible dependents may now use their G.I. Bill benefits to cover the full cost of the CompTIA RFID+ certification exam. For more information on this G.I. Bill benefit, visit http://www.gibill.va.gov/.

About CompTIA:
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is the voice of the world's $3 trillion information technology industry. CompTIA membership extends into more than 100 countries and includes companies at the forefront of innovation; the channel partners and solution providers they rely on to bring their products to market; and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their technology investments. For more information, visit www.comptia.org.

Contact:
Steven Ostrowski
CompTIA
630-678-8468
sostrowski @ comptia.org

Consumer Class Action Filed Against DirecTV Over Satellite Receiver Leases

Wexler Toriseva Wallace LLP files nationwide class action for purchasers of DirecTV satellite receivers.

(PRWEB) February 22, 2008 — The law firm of Wexler Toriseva Wallace LLP, with co-counsel Green Welling LLP, filed a class action complaint against DirecTV and Best Buy, alleging that the companies fail to adequately disclose that a purchase of a DirecTV satellite receiver is considered by DirecTV to be a "lease", for which it charges consumers monthly lease fees. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of consumers nationwide, further alleging that consumers instead believe that they own the receivers they purchase from DirecTV or its retailers, like Best Buy and Circuit City. Only later, according to the suit, do they discover that they must pay lease fees, and return their receivers if they cancel their DirecTV subscription. The lawsuit seeks recovery of all lease fees paid, and a judgment declaring that DirecTV's purported lease is invalid. The class action complaint was filed in Los Angeles federal court (Case No. CV08-00906 ABC (PJWx).

According to Mark J. Tamblyn, a partner in Wexler Toriseva Wallace's Sacramento office, "consumers should be fully advised that their purchases of DirecTV receivers come with strings. They should not have to discover after paying hundreds of dollars for a receiver that their purchase is more like a rental, requiring continuous payments."

Wexler Toriseva Wallace LLP (http://www.wtwlaw.com) is a national leader in prosecuting class actions and other complex litigation on behalf of consumer and business clients in state and federal courts throughout the United States. The firm is based in Chicago, Illinois and maintains additional offices in California and West Virginia. Contact: Mark J. Tamblyn (916) 568-1100.

Additional Contacts:
Green Welling LLP (http://www.classcounsel.com) represents a wide range of individuals and businesses in class actions and other complex litigation in state and federal courts across the nation. This firm is based in San Francisco, California. Contact: Robert S. Green (415) 477-6700.

Kershaw Cutter & Ratinoff LLP (http://www.kcrlegal.com) prosecutes complex wage and hour, consumer and mass tort litigation, and has obtained combined recoveries for plaintiffs of over a billion dollars. The firm is based in Sacramento, California. Contact: Stuart C. Talley (916) 448-9800.