July 2010 - The Cloud
Experts are predicting that the next technology wave will be the acceptance by the business community of 'cloud computing.' But what does this mean?
In simple terms, "the cloud" is another name for the internet. "Cloud Computing" refers to the delivery of products and services via the internet. Also known as 'software-as-a-service,' this type of product has been offerred for years. However, with recent innovations by Google, Microsoft, and others, it is becoming practical and economical to outsource more and more business office functions to 'the cloud.'
One example that we can all get our heads around is email. For people that live in an Outlook world and want all of the bells and whistles like shared calendars and PDA synchronization, server hardware and Microsoft Exchange Server software are required. Setting this up will cost several thousand dollars. A relatively new option is to outsource your Exchange Server functionality to 'the cloud.' Vendors charge a low monthy expense per user to rent you space on their servers and provide the bells and whistles. For $15-$50 per month per user, they maintain the servers and backup your data.
Does this sound too good to be true?
Studies have shown that, on average, the break-even point is about 3 years. In other words, after 3 years you would have spent the same amount of money outsourceing that you would have spent setting up and maintaining your own server.
While most of our clients are still setting up and maintaining their own servers, some clients are outsourcing services to vendors like Google and Microsoft. The choice of whether or not to outsource business functions or keep in-house will depend on each unique situation and would require a detailed analysis of your entire business operation. So, look before you leap into 'the cloud.'
** Matrix Solutions is a leading provider of business networking services, on-site service and support, network monitoring, computer repair, and basic technology consulting to businesses in Central Mississippi. We cover Jackson, Madison, Ridgeland, Richland, Brandon, Canton, Clinton and surrounding cities. Visit our website at matrixsolutions.com**
June 2010 Attention! Domain Names EXPIRE!
Yes, that’s right. Domain names have an expiration date! There also several other key pieces of information about your domain name that you need to know. Here’s a brief tutorial:
At some point you may decide to purchase your own domain name for yourself or for your business ( For example, I own matrixsolutions.com, michaellenoir.com, and a couple of others.) Twelve years ago, there were very few companies responsible for selling or ‘registering’ domain names. Now there are dozens of registrars that can help you – godaddy.com, tucows.com, and network solutions are a few of the popular ones. After choosing a registrar you register your domain name – but only for a specified period of time. You, the registrant, must also provide contact information for a technical contact and an administrative contact.
When your domain is about to expire, the registrar will usually send notification emails the technical contact and the administrative contact. If the domain name is not renewed, it will expire and be available for purchase by anyone else. Domain vultures buy expired domains in bulk in hopes that they can extort money from people who accidentally let their names expire.
Where do things go wrong? Often times, bad, old or defunct email addresses are used for the domain contact addresses, so you never get your renewal notices. It is also common to have a ‘computer guy’ or website development company listed as the ONLY contacts for a domain name. If they mess up and forget to renew, it could be trouble for you.
Here are 3 steps that you can take to help secure your domain name:
1) Determine when your domain name will expire. The function to look for is called ‘whois’ and will be available on the home page of your isp. Go to godaddy.com, tucows.com, or netsol.com and search for the word ‘whois.’ This link will take you to a screen where you enter your domain name to retrieve the registration information, which will include the expiration date.
2) Make sure valid email addresses are used for the administrative and technical contacts listed on the domain. If not, contact the registrar and change them.
3) Renew your domain now for a long period – maybe even 20 years. With increased competition in the registrar business, the cost has come down significantly. Network Solutions will register your domain name for 20 years for $279. ( or 100 Years for only $1,000!)
Follow these simple steps and you can be king of your own domain!
** Matrix Solutions is a leading provider of business networking services, on-site service and support, network monitoring, computer repair, and basic technology consulting to businesses in Central Mississippi. We cover Jackson, Madison, Ridgeland, Richland, Brandon, Canton, Clinton and surrounding cities. Visit our website at matrixsolutions.com**
May 2010 - Are you ready for a Home Network?
So, there we were, ready for the maiden voyage of our new million-dollar home entertainment system. The popcorn was popped, the drinks were poured, everyone was lined up and comfy, eyes glued to the huge flat-screen TV. I inserted AVATAR into the Blu-Ray player and we all held our breath waiting for the first brilliant image. Then, sighs and groans of disappointment erupted. The message on the screen read "This disk uses the latest Blu-Ray format. In order to play this disk, you must connect your Blu-Ray player to the internet and download the latest firmware updates." Bummer!
I just HAPPENED TO HAVE a 50' network cable, which I stretched from the Blu-Ray player to my wireless router. I configured the player to get on the internet, downloaded the firmware update, and thirty minutes later we were back in business!
Like many people, I have a wired PC in a 'fixed' location as well as a wireless router for 'roaming' laptops. Now, my TV, DirecTV box, and my Blu-Ray player all can make use of internet connections. I am also planning a PC in my 'music room,' and I would much rather have a wired connection than wireless. For those of us who have been putting off the 'home network,' now may be the time to invest in some infrastructure.
What that means is procuring some more equipment and having some wires run. Equipment-wise, I have added a small 8-port switch ( $40 ) in my audio-visual closet along with short network wires ($5 each) to connect to each device. SInce I have a huge attic, I am able to run a 100ft network cable ($40) through my attic to connect the switch to my wireless router. (This would probably cost around $200 if I had to get someone to do it for me.)
The end result? I can now enjoy using all of the bells and whistles of my new equipment - FaceBook on my TV, Pay-Per-View through my satellite box, NetFlix directly to my TV, and of cource Blu-Ray udpates as I need them.
If you need some help planning your home network, then give us a call!
** Matrix Solutions is a leading provider of business networking services, on-site service and support, network monitoring, computer repair, and basic technology consulting to businesses in Central Mississippi. We cover Jackson, Madison, Ridgeland, Richland, Brandon, Canton, Clinton and surrounding cities. Visit our website at matrixsolutions.com**
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