Input/Output: Prepare to Make the Jump to Lightspeed

Written by Josh Martin, TecMarc Technology Services

Since The invention of the microchip (Source: http://www.pbs.org/transistor/background1/events/micropinv.html), It’s been established that technology will only continue to improve. Gordon Moore, a co-founder at Intel, published a paper in 1966 stating that computer processors would become twice as small, and twice as fast every 2 years. This theory is known as “Moore’s Law”, and it has been accurate. The only variation in  this “law” is that processors now double in power every 18 months.        

Now, in 2011, we are on the cusp of the next generation of microprocessors. Later this year AMD and Intel will release the newest processors to the public. These processors are state of the art, but designed to be compatible with current generation computers. This is the first time that a new processor won’t require a new board. This means consumers and businesses can upgrade at a fraction of the cost. The real question is, will AMD and Intel make it worth the cost to your business? Today we will look at these new processors, and give you some information that can help you decide if it is cost effective for your business to upgrade.

Intel

Intel was co-founded by Gordon Moore and Robert Noyce in 1966. Intel is one of two leading designers and manufactures in processor technology, and is considered the leader in these technologies. Intel is opening a new state of the art production plant in Arizona next year. Arizona will be home base for the generation of processors following the Ivy Bridge series.

	Current					Next Gen
Code Name	Sandy Bridge					Ivy Bridge
Family	I3, I5,I7					I3, I5,I7
# of cores	2, 4, 6					2, 4, 6
Top Speed	3.3ghz (per core)					3.4ghz (per core)

AMD

Advanced Micro Devices was founded in 1969. AMD had been overlooked as a real competitor to Intel until they produced the first 64-bit processor in 2003. Since then AMD has been playing catch up to Intel on processor technology. They hope their new Bulldozer series will be enough to take the number one spot from Intel.

	Current					Next Gen
Code Name	Pheonom					Bulldozer
Family	X3, X4, X6					X3, X4, X6, X8
# of cores	3, 4, 6 (8, server only)					3, 4, 6, 8, (12, server only)
Top Speed	3.4ghz (per core)					3.6ghz (per core)

 The Charts above are only a small bit of information on the new processors from these technology giants. The big question is still price. AMD stated last week that the most powerful processor, an 8-core at 3.6ghz per core, will only cost around $320. This is the same price as a current generation Intel 6-core at 3.3ghz per core. Intel’s most powerful 6-core is still upwards of $800 and is super-clocked at 3.4ghz per core. AMD is looking to cut down on consumer cost by more than half, and still have a more powerful product.

The next factor is bit-rate. Most business computers are 32-bit based. Its only with Windows 7 that most computers are going to 64-bit. The 64-bit just means more powerful computers and more RAM, up to 64 gigabytes to be exact. AMD is claiming Bulldozer is 32, 64, and 128 bit ready. This means servers and desktops can use up to 128gigabytes of RAM. Servers will most likely be able to utilize up to 256 gigabytes of RAM. That kind of RAM will really benefit your enterprise SQL, and maybe reduce the number of servers your company needs to operate. Intel has not made any comment on bit-rate of the Ivy Bridge series, but all the specs indicate it must be 128-bit.

                 

The final factor we will look at is application. Windows and Linux server software is ready for 128-bit processers. These speeds will reduce the number of required servers, and will increase the number of applications you can have on a single server. Windows 7 is only a 64-bit OS, and Microsoft has implied that Windows 8 will be 128-bit. Most desktop Linux distributions are already 128-bit ready. Since most major businesses rely on Windows as their platform, this will allow business to max out the potential of their current desktops, and be ready for Windows 8 if that upgrade is required.

                 

Intel and AMD hardly disappoint, and this being the first major new series from both manufactures since 2008, it’s hard to imagine this won’t benefit businesses and average consumers alike. Many businesses are using their current hardware for Windows 7 as opposed to buying all new hardware. These new series will allow your business to use current hardware in most cases, meaning you can upgrade without buying all new computers. This will allow you to remain cutting edge without breaking the bank.

Discuss how these new processors will benefit your business desktops and servers below.

Input/Output: Making the Call

Written by Josh Martin, TecMarc Technology Services

Smart Phones are the standard these days for business. Smart phones allow employers to stay in constant contact with their employees via the traditional methods (calling or texting). As well as email, mobile calendars, video conferencing, and instant file transfers. Currently, RIM’s BlackBerry is the top business phone. BlackBerry is tested, safe, reliable, and very functional. Now RIM has some competition from Google’s Android and Apple’s IPhone. Both Apple and Google are relatively new players in the phone market, but both have years of technology experience, giving them an edge. General consumers seem to prefer IPhone and Android-based phones over the BlackBerry, and it is forcing the business world to take a deeper look at them. Today we will compare these 3 devices and help you choose which is best for your business.

BlackBerry

By RIM (Research In Motion)

BlackBerry first came to market in 1998, and had a slow rise to the top. RIM has spent the last 13 years researching the needs of its clients, and has been rewarded for its efforts as BlackBerry remains the number one business smartphone.

• BlackBerry can be controlled by your company, limiting employees ability to change phone settings and services.

• Phone supports email through Web Exchange, and through BES (BlackBerry Enterprise Server), giving your Company choices when setting up email.

• BlackBerry can be used to store data, meaning if you install a MicroSD card your employee will have a smart phone and a flash drive in one.

IPhone

By Apple

Apple has been making computers since 1976, and almost contracted Microsoft for its OS (Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uau0aIbrzkQ). Apple has a history of trying new technologies, and it has paid off for the last 10 years. Apple’s IPod changed the music industry, and now Apple wants to change the cell phone market.

• IPhone supports video conferencing, so you can have a meeting anywhere, anytime.

• Supports connection to Exchange web access, giving your employees constant to their email.

• Support for GeoTagging, allowing you to find your employees location within 3 meters.

Droid Pro

By Google

Google.com was a school project started at Stanford University by 2 grad students. Today Google.com is the most used search engine providing everything from web searches, restaurant reviews, and maps. In 2008 Google revealed there servers process 20 petabytes a day (20,000 terabytes, or 2,000,000 gigabytes) (Source: http://www.niallkennedy.com/blog/2008/01/google-mapreduce-stats.html)

• Uses rooting (password protected OS and settings) for extra security, preventing anyone from viewing private information. Security also includes a remote wipe, so you can wipe all data remotely in the event of loss or theft.

• Has the ability to view multiple exchange calendars, so your employees can setup meetings from anywhere.

• Droid Pro can connect to your company’s domain for enterprise security.

Smart phones are only getting smarter; the question is which will make your business better. The smartest phone is the one that caters to the needs of today’s fast paced business environment. Android maybe outselling its competition (source: http://www.themobileindian.com/news/1379_Android-outsells-other-devices-in-USA:-Nielsen) in the U.S., however I don’t see the big corporations going away from RIM until Google and Apple can prove their products are ready for the everyday business person. BlackBerry had a hard fight to the top of the hill, and the competitors will need to turn some heads in order to have a fighting chance.

Feel free to discuss the affects these phones will have, or do have on your company in the comments below.  

AIDS/LifeCycle: TecMarc's James Plotnik is Riding 545 Miles

Written by James Plotnik, Account Executive, TecMarc Technology Services

Wow! This Friday is when I fly to San Francisco to embark on the AIDS/LifeCycle journey… I can’t believe how fast this snuck up on me. I’m excited, nervous and anxious all at the same time. All of the support I have received has truly inspired me to succeed in completing this adventure.

I have raised $3,515 to date and am only $1,485 away from my goal of $5,000. Thank you to all of you who donated to this great cause! To be honest, I hate asking for money, but this is something I am passionate about and a cause I believe in. The fact that so many of you have shown that you care as well is very humbling for me and I am forever grateful.

As the final days of my fundraising go by, I will make just a couple more pushes to try and raise my entire goal of $5,000. Every dollar I raise will help save lives. Please visit my official donation page to make another tax deductible donation by clicking here or forward this email to anyone who may wish to contribute as well. Those in need and I will be ever so grateful.

Follow me along the ride! I will be updating Twitter (@jamesplotnik) and Facebook with my experiences so you can track where I am and what is happening. Participants will not have access to electricity, but thanks to Better Energy Systems Inc. I can keep my phone charged. They gave me a Solio Classic solar charger for free! In exchange, I will share my experience using their solar charger on the ride through Twitter and at the conclusion of the ride I will review the product on my blog. Check them out at www.solio.com! They’re a great company.

Thank you again and have a wonderful day! Live and thrive!

Input/Output: The Tablet Revolution

Written by Josh Martin, TecMarc Technology Services

I think we have all seen the new tablets on TV commercials, and now your employees are requesting them. Ipad, Xoom, EEE Slate, the list goes on. All of them have touch screens, office suites, custom features and apps. Can these cool new portable workstations help your business, or hurt it? Let’s look at the pros and cons of these tech toys.

First a little history; tablets are not a new concept. Gene Roddenberry first imagined tablets when he wrote Star Trek: the Next Generation in the late 1980s. Commander Geordi LaForge and other members of the Enterprise crew are commonly seen walking around with touch screen devices that assist them with their day to day tasks. In the early 1990s, Intel made a black and white tablet called the Intel Pad, or “IPad” for short. It wasn’t until Apple’s Ipad that the idea caught on with the market.

So now the Tablet Revolution is in full swing, and big businesses are looking into buying them. Today we will look at 3 and how they compare for your businesses functionality.

Apple’s Ipad

Apple’s Ipad came to market in April of 2010. Since then the system has gone through many software versions, and the release of Apple’s Ipad 2.

Pros:

• Apple has had 14 months to work out the bugs.

• Ipad can sync with Windows, Mac, and Linux.

• You can get Ipads on contract with Verizon and other wireless carriers, and have mobile internet built in.

Cons:

•The Microsoft exchange connector is web based. Not all businesses have the Microsoft Exchange Web Access available.

•Apple’s App Store has more games than useful business applications. The link below is a graph and pie chart breaking down the different app catagories:

http://www.buzzingup.com/2010/12/apple-app-store-statistics-for-2010-infographic/

•High cost, the Ipad 2 starts at $499.00. That model ships without mobile internet.

Motorola Xoom

Xoom just recently hit the market this year, first premiering exclusively to Verizon.

Pros:

•All units come with ability for mobile internet.

•Xoom can sync with Windows, Mac, and Linux.

•Xoom can be “rooted” (root is the android term for locking out admin functions with a password) so only administrators can install apps.

Cons:

• Limited Microsoft Exchange connector. Just like the Ipad, Xoom has a web based Exchange connection.

•High Cost, Xoom costs $899.00

•Marketing seems to be geared towards media apps, not business.

Asus EEE Slate

Asus is a veteran in computer hardware, winning best motherboard for the last 3 years. Asus teamed up with Microsoft to develop this Windows 7 based tablet.

Pros:

• Windows based tablets make it easier for employees to adjust to. Windows based workstations and Windows based tablets create uniformity.

• Microsoft office suite on the tablet, including Outlook with an exchange connector.

• Can pair to a Windows 7 desktop, so all the files your employees  create on their desktop will sync with their EEE Slate.

Cons:

• No built in solution for mobile internet.

• Will only sync to Windows PCs.

• High Cost, EEE Slates start out at $899.00.

So now that we have looked at the top 3 contenders, let’s look at how Tablets can help or hinder your business model. The first thing we should look at is the “App store”. Android and Apple both have an app store. Statics show that Android has more than double the apps of Apple, and more than double the number of productivity apps (http://phandroid.com/2008/10/23/android-market-most-downloaded-apps-stats/). Xoom relies on the Android App Store, and IPad relies on the Apple App Store. The EEE Slate is Windows 7-based, and runs computer programs vs apps. The productivity apps from both stores include office suites, .pdf readers, and a slew of appointment and meeting organizers. The Slate uses the same programs that most businesses use, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Reader, and Microsoft Communicator. The app stores have decent productivity solutions, however having Microsoft office on a Tablet is the obvious winner. Having a tablet without a compatible office suite defeats the purpose.

Next, let’s look at communications. The IPad and Xoom have built in solutions to connect to mobile internet through wireless providers like Verizon and AT&T. This is a field advantage, being able to connect to the internet from almost anywhere. The EEE Slate does not currently have any announced plans for adding mobile internet. The Slate is confined to WiFi for the time being. All 3 devices support services like Skype and Aim, and email applications, so talking to your employees while their mobile is no issue, but the lack of mobile internet is holding back the potential of the EEE Slate. IPad and Xoom are equal winners in this category.

The Last category that we will examine today is functionality. For the term functionality, I am referring to the amount of work your employee can functionally complete on a Tablet. The Xoom and IPad have available office suites compatible with Microsoft office; unfortunately these suites are made only for quick edits and adjustments. EEE Slate supports Microsoft office and OpenOffice, making mobile productivity fairly familiar, simple, and streamline. If your employee is trained on Microsoft Office, then the employee can transition right from a workstation to an EEE Slate with ease. EEE Slate wins the functionality category.

While only time will tell how the business world accepts and uses tablets, it is already clear that popularity will force businesses to look into them. At this point it appears the Windows Tablets may have an advantage in the business market, however Apple’s sales number may give them an advantage.

I hope this information assists in deciding if your company is ready for tablets, and which one.

In the comments below discuss your questions, comments and concerns about tablets and tablet technology. Also feel free to discuss the applications you want to see on tablets.

 

Earth Day 2011: Ways to Green Your Organization

Written by James Plotnik, Account Executive, TecMarc Technology Services

Happy Earth Day Everyone! Today is set aside as a special day to respect and do something to help our planet, however, this is something we should all embrace on a daily basis. It is our duty to respect our environment and keep it in balance so that future generations can enjoy experiencing the many things that we do today.

Every organization has an impact on the environment, regardless of size. The good news is that there are ways you can increase the sustainability of your organization and make it greener. Here are some suggestions:

1. Hit that power button. Cut down on your energy usage and costs by turning off your technology items at the end of the day, every day, especially the weekends. Even if your computer and monitors enter standby mode, they are consuming some energy. So go ahead, click “shut down” and hit the power buttons on those monitors, scanners, projectors, printers, etc…
2. Print on recycled paper. As much as we all strive for paperless environments, there are some things that we just have to print. Make sure that you are using recycled paper.
3. Promote telecommuting. Burning one gallon of gasoline produces 19.4 pounds of carbon dioxide. Some of your employees may burn two gallons of gasoline each day commuting to the office to work. That’s nearly 40 pounds of carbon dioxide! Allow them to work from home even one day a week and you save 160 pounds of carbon dioxide from being pumped into our atmosphere every month.

In Tough Economic Times, Non-Profits Get Creative with Funding

Written by James Plotnik, Account Executive, TecMarc Technology Services

Tough economic times don’t only affect corporations and consumers, but also non-profits that work so hard to help others and improve our local communities. Marc Center of Mesa takes a creative approach to overcoming this problem by offering internal operations to others as a service; at a profit.

Funding sources for non-profits include the government, corporations and private donors. When these sources struggle in a difficult economy, the affects often filter through to the non-profits that receive funding from them. If non-profits can’t receive the funding they need to operate it puts them at risk of not being able to carry out their mission. These organizations work hard to better our lives and are often dear to many of our hearts.

In order to mitigate the ebbs and flows in funding created by ups and downs in the economy the Marc Center has created for profit organizations to provide income back to the Marc Center. Our goal is to improve our ability to be self-sustaining. One of these for profit business models is TecMarc Technology Services. This business focuses on providing IT and technology solutions to other non-profits at rates that often beat the competition. Being born from a non-profit we understand the pain that non-profits go through in developing and managing their technology. Therefore, our goal is to make it easier for them while generating revenue for the Marc Center. Of course we will offer our technology services to for profit organizations at a competitive rate as well.

Purchasing products and services from a business owned by a non-profit provides a creative way for individuals, businesses and corporations to support their communities and build their social responsibility efforts.

Spring Nonprofit Technology Forum

Written by James Plotnik, Account Executive, TecMarc Technology Services

Our Spring Nonprofit Technology Forum today was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who attended & our speakers & our helpers!