Blog

Google Chrome extension allows for remote computer control

Those of you that have to help friends and family with computer problems know how difficult troubleshooting over the phone can be. There are other remote desktop options out there, but Google’s BETA release of a new Chrome extension that lets a person on one computer remotely control another across the network or Internet can be a useful tool. Chrome Remote Desktop BETA is fully cross-platform, so you can connect any two computers that have a Chrome browser, including Windows, Linux, Mac, and Chromebooks.

You can get more information and downloaded the extension via http://goo.gl/sYHlF

Internet Explorer, Your Website and You.

Do you know if your site displays as it was intended to an end user who is using Internet Explorer 7 or Internet Explorer 8? What about Internet Explorer 9?

Internet Explorer (IE) is the most cumbersome browser to develop for in that it renders HTML a bit differently across all versions. As a tech company who develops websites, it is critical that we test using the most common browsers (and versions) and to insure what we develop functions and displays as intended. After all, if the site does not function or display correctly, it could give an end user a bad feeling and he/she may never return.

So how do we test in various browsers and versions? In the case of Internet Explorer, there is no easy way to install all versions on a single computer and simply review a site in each version. Microsoft does not offer any method for this. However, there are software tools out there that do. IETester is a free tool that will install almost all versions of IE (from IE 5.5 and up) in an easy to use interface. It is what we use.

If you plan to have a website developed or simply need to test various versions of IE, IETester is a great tool.

Entrepreneurs make mistakes

Some of us attended the SocialDev Camp in Chicago last weekend and we listened to Joshua Karp of The Printed Blog and Kumbuya speak to the group about his experiences starting several companies and the ups and downs of his experience. Joshua discussed the reasons why some of his companies failed and then gave some of the lessons he learned to the group. Most of them are common sense, but as most people have experienced when business starts to get crazy, common sense sometimes flies out the windows. He also discussed some techniques for help make one a successful entrepreneur.

Lessons learned through failure:

• Building relationships – whether its with investors, vendors, or your clients. Provide investors with with status reports, phone calls, and be transparent with them, so they get to know you and your company.
• Verify the important stuff such as finances, sales pipelines, and legal contracts. Do not cut corners.
• Keep your eye on the ball. Don’t let non-important things distract you or your company from the main goals.
• Use common sense.

Techniques for success:

• Make a difference in peoples lives. The reasons why startups take off, go viral, or capture attention of people is because they have a product or service people want to use everyday. Investors and clients will contact you.
• Focus on value not function. Function is driven by value and is how value is delivered. The WHY is important, not the WHAT.
• Be open and honest, especially to yourself.
• Have courage. Ask for the money.
• Listen. Seek advice from the most experienced people you can find. Take it all in and make the decision.

Why QR Codes Are Here to Stay

Whew! We just added QR codes to our business cards. Good thing they are probably here to stay at least according to Hamilton Chan of Paperlinks. http://tinyurl.com/3sybzx6

7 Reasons Why Your Business Needs to Be Online

Here are 7 reasons why businesses without an online presence are missing out on access to potential customers:

1. Years ago, a small business usually lacked the resources of their larger competitors. Now, small   businesses can access much of the same technology as the big corporations. Small businesses can use email marketing tools, social media, e-commerce, and cloud applications to operate their businesses.
2. With a professionally designed web site, a small business on the web can have the appearance and credibility of being a large corporation.
3. Web site content management systems (CMS) allow companies to manage their website content. Today’s CMSs do not have the extreme end-user learning requirements of a few years ago. Several open source CMSs (WordPress, Joomla, and DotNetNuke) make it possible to update web content without needing a web designer or developer on staff.
4. The Internet provides companies with access to an estimated 272 million users in North America and 2 billion around the world.
5. Forester Research forecast states that $250 billion in online sales by 2014.
6. Companies can be open 24/7, because a website can provide and accept information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with usually no extra staff costs.
7. Customer information or feedback can be captured and used to communicate back to them using marketing techniques such as online newsletters, email campaigns, and social media.

If you are looking to integrate an online presence for your business or already have one but would like to update your web presence or integrate SEO/SEM, mobile website or applications, contact us to see how we can help you.

Facebook Use Plateauing?

This is an interesting article that examines the current trend in Facebook usage http://tinyurl.com/3bu796y

Nology Interactive’s Office in Oak Brook, IL

Check out the pictures of our new Nology Interactive home at 2100 Clearwater Dr Suite 220  in Oak Brook,  IL.

Our phone number (312.506.0026) stays the same, but our fax number did change to 312.276.8424.

Al and Maria collaborating on a project

Todd working hard

Playtime at Nology Interactive

View of the printers (not very exciting)

Ron

Google Getting into the Hardware Business by Purchase of Motorola Mobility

Google announced Monday morning that it will acquire Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion. They are now getting into the mobile hardware business to better compete with Microsoft and Apple. Here is the link from the Google blog site http://goo.gl/UnuMH.

Case Studies for Pindropworld and Onguria web and mobile applications

We’ve recently launched two web/mobile applications for Pindropworld and Onguria.

You can read the case studies for these projects by clicking below:

• pindropworld

• Onguria

Nology 2.0 is Here!

We are excited to announce the launch of the next generation web site for Nology Interactive (Nology 2.0). The site features our web and mobile capabilities and a good selection of our work in the portfolio page.

We have been working so hard on our clients’ websites that we have neglected our own website until today. Check out our website now and if you have any questions please contact us.

We also just recently moved to a new office at 2100 Clearwater Dr in Oak Brook, IL. Stay tuned for pictures of the new office space.

Ron