IT Consultant Chicago

Open Source - A Boon For Business

2010-12-29T03:32:00.000-08:00

Open source technology has received lots of accolades from developers. It is received very positively by major organizations. One widely prevailing notion that price is the only advantage open source software holds, is wrong. In the current year, we have seen four big open source stories unfold to prove the fact, which are:

The rise of Android
Rising competition amongst different internet browsers
Increasing profits of Red Hat (a die-hard open source user)
The end of public open source Rivalry (Novell and Sun Microsystems losing their independence only Red Hat is standing as a public)

Open source technologies are highly beneficial to the organizations of any size and any domain. They are as follows:

Security: The biggest advantage of open source technology is it is open to public view. Hence, if there are minor flaws or bugs in the code prepared, they can be tested upfront and fixed immediately. Whereas in case of closed source technology, it is very difficult for organizations to fix the errors in the code because the product is available worldwide and the organization has limited set of developers and testers to scrutinize and correct the flaws. A good example in this case is of Microsoft. It takes weeks if not months for the organization to discover any flaw in the product. A recent example of it is Internet Explorer zero-day flaw.
Quality: Open source technology is developed by thousands of developers. There are countless number of developers working on the same software package so, the probability of improved features and enhanced product increases. Open source technologies enable developers to create products closest to the user’s needs because the users also have a hand in developing these products. This is one of the prime reasons for organizations to select open source technology.
Customization: Developers can use the same code used for different projects since, the codes can be re-used. This helps them in completing their tasks quickly. They can even modify the codes as per their needs
Interoperability: Open source technology complies with open source standards. It does not limit users to proprietary data formats. Hence, organizations have the freedom of exchanging important details with other businesses, computers, and users without any restrictions.
Audit ability: In closed source software, vendors proclaim that they are keeping the software secure and according to standards. But there is no way to check whether they are doing the needful. But in case of open source software, the codes are visible to all and hence, the organization is at a better stage to see whether the standards are followed or not.

Open source technology has created a rampage in the software development world. Many reputed companies around the world have integrated open source technologies in their businesses. If you also wish to be a part of this revelation contact an expert open source application developer now at: info@softwebsolutions.com and learn more about our open source services.

Three Java Myths Debunked

2010-12-16T05:16:00.000-08:00

Java was first introduced in the year 1995 by Sun Microsystems. Since its inception, this programming language has opened new dimensions in the field of web development. With the help of Java, developers can take advantage of web applications like never before. Java takes web interactivity to the next level. There are three major editions of Java available in the market.

They are:
- Java 2 Standard Edition (J2SE)
- Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE)
- Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME)

Each of these editions has a specific role to pay in the respective domains. J2SE is popular amongst developers. It is also known as Java Development Kit (JDK). J2EE is specifically developed for internet enabled enterprise and e-commerce applications. J2ME Application Development is widely used for mobile devices. Java has opened new horizons for developers. But there are few people still skeptical about this technology. Let us check few of the Myths related to java and the realities related to the same.

Myth 1: Java can only run in web browsers
Reality: Although Java offers new development opportunities for web, it is not limited to it. Java can be run on desktop applications too. This can be done by installing JVM from vendors like Sun or Microsoft. It is very easy to run Java for desktop applications similar to Microsoft Word.

Myth 2: Java is too slow for serious programming
Reality: Yes, this is true to a certain extent. JVM takes a while to load but this also applies to .Net runtime or other similar libraries. This issue has been partly resolved with Java updates as some of them come with auto starter that loads JVM in login time. Please note that Java 6 is faster than Java 5 and Java on Linux is much faster than Windows.

Myth 3: Applets in Java are not reliable
Reality: Since, applets are run with different JVMs in browsers there are some differences in their performance. But there is a solution to this problem. It is very important for developers to use single JVM for optimum results which would also help them to use single JVM for different browsers. This means that users can always expect better performance irrespective of the browser being used.

Java has made the task of web designing very interesting. It is still at an infancy stage and has a lot to offer in the field of web designing. The codes written in Java language can be run using less computer resources. This is one of the prime benefits of Java. If you wish to learn more about Java programming language contact an expert Java Application Development Company at: info@softwebsolutions.com. Some of our Java Solutions include:

• Web Application Development
• Desktop Application Development
• System Programming Solutions
• Java Embedded Technology Solutions
• Java Application Development
• Java Software Development

6 Powerful Misconceptions about Agile Development

2010-12-06T20:05:00.000-08:00

Agile development is also known as adaptable software development. It is slowly but gradually becoming an organized alternative to traditional software development practices. The ultimate goal of agile development is to deliver working software in an effective manner as frequently as every two weeks during the project and offer tailored solutions to the clients as per their needs. This methodology promotes a disciplined project management process which leads to an organized process. There are three different forms of agile development:

- Extreme Programming (XP)
- Agile Development with Scum
- The Rational Unified Process Framework

Agile Development has created revolution in industrial software development practices. Despite its popularity, there is a growing apprehension about importance of agile development in companies.

Some of the powerful misconceptions about Agile Development include:

- Planning is not required for Agile Projects: Planning is one of the most important components of Agile Development. In fact, without planning it is very difficult for organizations to co-ordinate work with different departments. Different Agile tools help the organization in tracking their progress and provide estimates on the left out work.
- Business Analysts are not required in Agile Development: On the contrary, it is very important for the organizations to hire business analysts for agile development. In fact, business analysts are considered as product owners or supporting product owners in agile development. They ensure that the team meets the business needs. They help explain business needs to the development team and advice them on business details.
- Agile is easier for the clients: Clients have specific requirements for a project. In agile development, the client has to be actively involved in developing requirements. If the benefit of the project is not properly explained by the client it leads to irate customers.
- It is very difficult to track progress through Agile Development: Agile Development is completely transparent. With the help of its “feature driven” approach, the organization can track the progress of the project using Parking Lot Diagrams. Agile Feature Driven Development helps the organization to know the work status of each developer through daily Scrums and charts.
- Agile projects deliver soon: The main aim of Agile Development is to deliver projects sooner than traditional method. But it also requires constant client feedback which is a time-consuming process. Hence, it is very important for organizations to understand that Agile does not provide quick-fix solutions and it takes time to complete the project.
- Agile Development is always the best alternative: This is not true. For large corporate and government organizations there is a need to follow rigid life cycle this is where Waterfall really pays off. Agile Development is useful when there is short-term project duration and there is a need to phase in the project. Agile Software development helps in segregating the big project into smaller waterfall projects.

Agile Development helps organizations in getting maximum value for minimum time, be able to build something extraordinary, be able to steer the project and be able to be responsive to changing business requirements. It prevents poor coding practices and enhances the performance in a short span. Thus, it helps the developers to deliver highly reliable software applications. By selecting an IT consultant you can create virtual teams and hold a daily “scrum” team meeting which helps you to identify any issues with the developers thereby, enhancing the overall efficiency of the organization. If you wish to know about our Agile Development processes contact us now at: info@softwebsolutions.com.

5 Interesting Reasons for Businesses to Use Social Media Marketing

2010-12-03T23:04:00.000-08:00

Social Media Marketing has changed the outlook of the business world. It is a clever way of spreading your message across mass audience. Social media tools like Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, and Twitter are very popular amongst people of all ages and demographics. They not only allow businesses to stay in touch with their customers but they also allow two-way communication process. People have now become tech-savvy. They use internet to reach out to companies for research, complaints, feedback, and enquiry. Thus, it is imperative for businesses to learn the art of social media marketing.

There are five interesting reasons for businesses to use Social Media Marketing (SMM):

Entry cost is minimal: Social media is cost-effective compared to traditional marketing channels like print media, TV, radio, and so on. One can begin engaging in Social Media Marketing just by setting up a blog which needs minimal spending. Blogging is a cost effective way to promote the brand and earn brand value in the competitive market. In fact blogging is just one aspect of Social Media along with which companies also use different marketing platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Flickr and many more to promote their brands. Many companies do recruit a social media consultant or a PR agency to promote their brands. But it also adds the cost to the company. Hence, many companies are now using their in-built staff to promote their brands.

Two-way communication channel: Social media tools like Twitter and Facebook are great vehicles to have conversation with the customers. Customers can respond, complain, react, and give feedback to the companies for their products and services. Using different social media sites, companies can quickly access the number of times their company, products or services are mentioned on the websites. Thus, companies can immediately respond to any comment posted on the networking sites, enhancing their brand visibility on global basis.

Brand Monitoring: Social media presence helps the organizations in understanding what current and potential customers are saying about their brands. A positive comment enhances the brand reputation of the organization. Hence, it is very important for the organizations to respond with gratefulness for positive comments. On the other hand, if a negative comment is posted on the dashboard, it gives a chance to the organization to address the concern and correct the inaccurate information about the brand. Please note that dissatisfied customers will share their experience with 13-20 people whereas satisfied customers will share their experience with 4-5 people.

Brand Recognition: Social media marketing enhances the brand reputation of the organization. It helps organizations reach the highest number of potential clients. It takes at least seven times for the potential customers to remember the brand name and gain trust in the brand. And social media plays a crucial role in it.

Social Media Marketing is omnipresent: With the advent of technology, it is now possible to be in touch with the customers through a single click. You can post interesting comments about your brand on Facebook or Twitter via single text message with the help of Smartphones like iPhone, BlackBerry, or Windows Mobile Device. Using these devices you can capture images and upload them on your blog giving a richer media experience to the customers.

Social Media Marketing has a proven track-record in e-marketing, especially for small businesses. Effective social media marketing strategy pay off maximum to the companies compared to any other media or communication channels. If you are yet to benefit from this latest cost-effective trend, Softweb Solutions can make you earn maximum profit at minimal rates. Being an early-adopter, we can provide Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM) and Social Media Marketing (SMM) services to our clients. In addition to this, we are also into web development, application development, and many other services.

Some of the Social Media Marketing Services provided by Softweb Solutions include:

· Blogging

· Consulting, Statistics and Web Analytics

· Social media optimization

· Community building and monitoring

· Brand management using social media monitoring

· Viral Marketing

· Facebook Advertisement

· LinkedIn Direct Ads

We can assure you:

· Higher rankings in all search engines

· Greater promotions

· Better internet traffic

· Well-established brand image

· Excellent content and reviews

· Business blog creation/enhancement of existing blog

We provide customized Social Media Optimization (SMO) packages as per the requirements of the clients. So, if you want to outrank your competitor and enhance your online visibility contact us now at: info@softwebsolutions.com.

Dot Net Nuke: A Popular CMS Program

2010-11-23T00:50:00.000-08:00

Dot Net nuke is a very powerful and a quite popular Content Management System (CMS) built on Microsoft ASP.NET. The special API (application programming interface) used in Dot Net Nuke (DNN) helps to change the functionality of any website by accumulating, changing, or removing the irregular pluggable applications. This in particular helps many web developing companies to get a platform to develop highly engaging and interactive websites. Hence, economically you can make the necessary changes. Beside this Dot Net Nuke is available in different editions, namely – community, professional and enterprise edition. These versions are basically made depending on purpose of the website. For your information, community edition is available at free of cost and different versions of Business Editions are available at economical prices.

Features of Dot Net Nuke:

• Various free core applications are available with the standard package. Hence, you can change the appearance and functionality of the website as per the needs of end users. So any community site can be developed at economical prices here.
• Dot Net Nuke doesn’t require any professional service but still it is recommended to take the help of good designers or web development firms. They can help you to make optimal use of this open source program.
• Whether you are new in the domain of web development services or an experienced developer, you would definitely require some help or guidance. So for you only, DNN provides an easy to use guide and training module. This detailed tutorial helps to easily change the complete layout of different pages, add interactive features, or even add new pages to the existing site, without any problem. Therefore, not much of the training is required.
• Till now it was a common feature to see website growing and with this their content management system also changing. But lately with the introduction of DNN, this scenario has changed completely. DNN has the ability to support website with its growth. It can support ‘n number’ of pages on a website.
• Another notable characteristic of Dot Net Nuke is that it has a special and much needed built-in web farm support. It helps your website to migrate to a secured distributed server infrastructure when traffic on the site is growing.
• Security for any business house is very important. So DNN provides your website complete security by timely rendering you with the critical website administration information within the admin window. You will get a quick notification for the same.
• Last but not the least, Dot Net Nuke, gives complete technical support to all the Business edition users. The users are free to call or send an email for any query or doubt.

For developing a website using Dot Duke Net, call us today.

Four Myths Associated With Open Source And Their Reality

2010-11-16T01:06:00.000-08:00

Open source technology has been a driving force for the developers. It is created as a collaborative effort through which programmers can improve the codes and share the changes within the community. Besides being free, it is more powerful than most commercially available products. In spite of being one of the most popular technologies, there are certain myths associated with open source.

Some of the myths and their reality have been mentioned below:

Price is the major attraction of acquiring open source: The major benefit of open source technology is its price. Majority of people think that you download software from the net and do not pay a penny and that lures companies to use open source technology. But majority of the companies using open source technologies have a different opinion. They feel that it is not about the cost associated with the software that makes them use open source technology but the effectiveness with which the software can serve their purpose. Many companies feel that if open source technology was an inferior solution, they would not have opted for it and would like to go for other viable commercial options.

Open source is unregulated and not reliable: If open source is not reliable then internet is also a non-reliable option. Some people have the perception that since, open source code can be accessed and changed by anyone it makes it unsecure and unreliable. But that is not true. Remember, just because the source code of given software is available freely does not necessarily mean that anybody can actually review it. Moreover, all source code changes are made through rigorous peer review before acceptance. Once the review is done, there is a thorough check on any deviations and necessary steps are taken to enhance the security of the code.

Open source means open standards: Open source is just a licensing model and it does not necessarily mean that good developmental practices would be followed. However, it is very important for organizations to use good development practices for open sources because even proven commercial software have had the same problems as proven open source software. Remember, not all software in open source are created evenly. Please note that bad software development practices are more prevalent in open source technology.

Open source does not follow intellectual property rights: This is a misconception. Open Source software is subject to the same copyright laws as closed source software. But the only difference is open source software suppliers share their IP addresses with others. As a consequence, products are available in the market quickly. There is no possibility of monopoly and hence, prices cannot be controlled by a single organization. Moreover, there is competition amongst various software development companies to provide services at an affordable rate to the customers. Many reputed companies like Netscape, IBM and Apple have created licenses for intellectual property rights for the creators of software, while opening up a source code to encourage developers to use open source.

Open Source market has become a driving force for the developers. The major advantage of open source software is that, it is managed by individual developers and not companies. It is also very important to note that one single software licensing model is not going to fulfill everybody’s needs. Hence, open source technology is here to stay. It has already created a major impact but there is more to come. If you wish to utilize open source technology for IT outsourcing, consulting services, and enterprise solutions contact an experienced open source developer. Softweb Solutions is an experienced software development company.

Our Open Source developers can help clients in:

Resolving problems faced by organizations through open source technology.

Building customized solutions for the business.

Getting exceptional cost advantage by reusing and customizing open source technology.

To learn more about our open source services and solutions, contact us now at info@softwebsolutions.com.

Five Business Benefits of Cloud Computing

2010-10-28T03:49:00.000-07:00

Five Reasons for Businesses to Use Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing has brought about a paradigm shift in the way information is stored and applications are run. Cloud Computing has become an instant attraction since its launch. Cloud Computing can be used to create clouds for software like: customer service management, human resources, book-keeping and other tailor-made software.

The users can access applications through their browsers, while the applications are installed and stored in server. Once an organization uses Cloud Computing or SaaS, the responsibility of IT maintenance, software upgradation and any system issue resolution falls onto the service provider. Thus, cloud computing is very useful for small and mid scale businesses.

There are five business benefits of Cloud Computing:

Once data is stored in the cloud, multiple copies are distributed on multiple servers. In case of data theft or damage to the PC, users do not lose valuable information.

Cloud Computing gives a distinct advantage to the employees. It is possible for the employees to remain mobile and use the same technology and data they use in office at home.

Businesses can save money by moving to Cloud Computing. Cloud computing helps the organization in cutting down costs on different levels i.e. IT, Hardware and software expenditure.

Cloud computing providers offer 24x7 services to businesses. They ensure that the data is reliable and is not redundant. They also make sure that the data always remains available to use.

With the help of Cloud Computing, employees can work together accessing the same documents at real time. This enhances knowledge sharing and leads to better communication which encourages creativity and productivity amongst the employees.

Cloud Computing makes the tasks of the organizations simpler. It gives mutual environment for the businesses to access various resources and applications from any location. Hence, it is important to hire an expert Cloud Computing provider who can provide customized solutions to the clients.

If you are looking for more information on Cloud Computing contact us at info@softwebsolutions.com

Image Source : http://www.briankeithmay.com

Google, pushing cloud computing in mainstream with full force

2010-09-21T03:32:00.000-07:00

Google, one of the most popular search engines and public cloud services provider has just announced two more cloud-powered capabilities in one of its events. Google will be launching two-step verification to help enhance security, and facility of mobile editing in Google Docs on Android and the iPad.

With the announcement of two-step verification which requires two levels of password protection, Google has opened new doors for Cloud Computing. Till now, security of the information remained the main concern of the IT departments while adopting cloud computing largely which blocked its acceptance. But, Google’s two-step verification will enhance security across Google Apps accounts and ensure their customers their information is safe. Google's two-step verification feature will be available this week to customers of its paid Google Apps Premier suite, as well as education and government users.

It also has declared about providing the facility of editing in Google docs on the iPad and Android. Due to this, the users will also be able to collaborate and co-edit documents and files from a range of devices.

With these two announcements, Google has evidenced it will go ahead in cloud computing bandwagon and offer their users more in less. Read more and get more information about Google’s cloud services or contact us at info@softwebsolutions.com.

Application Development Strategy : A Closer Look

2010-09-09T05:41:00.000-07:00

The market for Mobile Application Development is going strong with increasing number of people realizing its value proposition. As path-breaking applications enter the market, creating application development strategies has become all the more important to sustain in competition. Organizations are weighing the relevancy of application development for their own markets, and coming up with innovative application development strategies to reach their target audience. In this blog post, we have discussed the elements essential for your application to be successful.

Align Applications with Business Goals

Business goals are different for different organizations. For some, it may mean increasing brand value whereas for other, it may mean accruing financial gains. If brand building is your reason for developing applications, you have to offer them for free and encourage the people to interact. On the other hand, if you are selling applications in the apps marketplace, you need to ensure that it is interactive, engaging and worth the price.

Moreover, organizations can plan ahead by collecting and analyzing crucial information, and assessing buying patterns closely. Keeping an eye on customer interests and their mood for the season is a definite success factor. For instance, the Vuvuzela application became popular and sold like hot cakes before and during the soccer season.

Select the Right Platform

Depending on the time, budget, and the efforts you are willing to spend on the application, you can decide whether to introduce it on a single marketplace or multiple. You can test the performance of your application in one marketplace (App Store recommended) and then launch it on other marketplaces. You have various options ranging from Apple’s App Store, Google Android to Blackberry and Nokia’s Ovi Store. Each platform will have different specifications and different user groups. For instance, productivity apps are more likely to sell on Blackberry.

Select the Right Developer

Once the application is selected, you can either develop the application on your own or select specialized mobile application developers. Developing applications on your own will consume significant time and resource, which could affect the overall productivity of the organization. You could end up spending more than you initially anticipated. However, specialized mobile application developers have the expertise and experience in developing applications for various customers. You can easily assess their creativity and leverage their experience to develop customized applications.

At Softweb Solutions, we can help you actualize the benefits of Mobile Application Development by creating engaging and interactive applications. We have the right processes and skill sets available to deliver customized applications for all mobile platforms. In addition, we provide our clients with directions to submit their applications and get them approved. Our goal is to provide the best solutions with intense customer orientation to enable our clients to earn maximum Return on Investment.

Adoption of Agile Development Surges

2010-07-07T05:02:00.000-07:00

As green shoots sprout in the economy, companies are begun investing in application development projects. According to the latest research conducted by the Requirements.net Consortium, companies that have adopted Agile methodologies are seeing significant improvements in terms of application quality and time-to-market.

A broader research report termed as ‘the 2010-11 World Quality Report’, leveraged results from the above survey. It claimed that more than three-fifths of the companies have either already adopted Agile methods or they are planning to do so in the future. The report was compiled by Capgemini Group and HP Software & Solutions; it gathered data centered on quality assurance and testing from over 30,000 IT and development-related workers across the globe.

The research also revealed that majority companies are experimenting with Agile methodology by implementing it on specific projects. This helps them become aware of development and testing best practices and acclimatize to the Agile environment before migrating everything. Furthermore, the report stated that the companies that had to reduce spending in 2009 are now focusing their resources on new application development that ensures a good return on investment.

We’ve listed the key takeaways from both reports and listed them below.

The Requirements.net report

• Agile development tools to be adopted by 88 percent companies
• Over 50 percent plan to combine offshore development with Agile
• Just over 55 percent agreed that active involvement of the business was needed to achieve Agile success
• About 45 percent stated that product owner and Scrum master Agile roles could better work when united together

2010-11 The World Quality Report

• Over 80 percent stated that the Agile methodologies were mainly applied to new development. Others categories that followed were large projects, web technologies, client/server technologies and maintenance.
• Over one third of the respondents agreed that time-to-market was the main area where Agile showed improvement. This was followed by others such as quality of application and cost savings
• When third party providers were used for Agile deliver, 43 percent highlighted communication issues

As with all other processes, there are challenges associated with adopting Agile development. One of the biggest challenges is good collaboration among teams followed by others such as domain complexity, technical complexity, global geographic distribution, team sizes, etc. However, the report asserts that Agile will sustain and grow despite all the challenges. It is extending to other areas apart from application development.

At Softweb Solutions, we use Agile Software Development methodology for application development processes. We have rich experience in crafting applications using Agile best practices. To know more, visit our website.

Why iPad Application Development is Sizzling?

2010-06-22T23:49:00.000-07:00

Despite initial criticism and talks on the ‘real use’ of the iPad, the sales numbers are soaring without any signs of stopping anytime soon. What is it that makes the device so catchy? Is it the look, style or usability or all three packed into one? While features play a key role in the popularity of the device, the applications are giving it a boost.

Apple announced the latest statistics on June 7, 2010 at the World Wide Developers Conference in San Francisco, California. According to the latest numbers, 200,000 iPhone applications are available in the App store with five billion downloaded so far and $1 billion already paid to application developers. Steve Jobs says that the iPhone has 28 percent market share which is still significantly higher when compared to Android with 9%. The iPad stats show an equally assuring picture with 2 million units already sold since the launch in April. In a little over two months, the iPad has over 5000 native applications with five million books already downloaded on the device.

Why the gold rush?

iPad and iPhone devices are the most ‘happening’ means for reaching the tech savvy gadget crazy customers of today. Businesses are looking forward to iPad application development to tap the large pool of iPad users and increase their brand value. On one side there are companies seeing significant benefits in terms of brand value by investing in iPad applications while on the other, individual developers are targeting the high paying market. A third group of iPad and iPhone users are providing innovative ideas for companies to design new applications.

Furthermore, new applications are being added to the Appstore everyday making it richer and more appealing for the consumers. They have already become a part of daily lifestyle and the desire is likely to catch up with others as time progresses. As the customer base multiplies, so will the companies investing in iPhone and iPad application development and parallelly the applications themselves.

With the statistics revealed by Apple and other strong factors, deciding on application development should be a no brainer. Your time is now. Don’t wait for others to dive into application development and come up with pearls only to see yourself play catch up in the end. At Softweb Solutions, we have experienced iPhone application developers striving to deliver customized applications. We have developed gaming, business, utility and applications in various other genres for reputed clientele. Visit our website to know more about iPhone/iPad Application Development.

What Everybody Ought to Know about iAds

2010-05-04T05:54:00.000-07:00

Earlier in April, Apple introduced iAd, a system that allows other companies to publish their ads on the applications available in the App Store. Industry sources suggest that iPhone and iPod touch will begin displaying ads in June this year with iPad soon to follow. Apple stated that it intends to charge about $1 million for ads on idevices and even up to $10 million for marketers willing to promote their ads at the launch. Apple says the revenue generated through these advertisements will be divided 3:2 with developers receiving the bigger chunk. Other ad executives, pointing at Apple’s hefty price tag, stated that they usually paid around $100,000 to $200,000 for such ad campaigns.

Initial Reactions:
• A senior executive of a leading mobile ad firm stated that iAds may inspire other mobile Ads start ups to transfer their focus to other mobile systems such as Google Android.
• Some agencies from major cities including Boston, New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles have shown interest in iAds. They are flocking in Apple’s offices to know more about marketing through iAds and its potential benefits.
• While deals are yet being discussed, many Ad executives are stating that they have started thinking on creating ideas for their marketing campaigns.

How iAds work
One of the Ads shown by Apple for Nike's Air Jordan basketball shoe clearly explains how the system of iAds works. While interacting in an application, the users notice a banner ad pop up on the border of the screen with an iAd logo. When the user taps on the ad, a full display of the ad appears on the screen. The ad engages users through a video, an interactive store locator and exclusive offers at local stores along with other related features.

Considering pricing, Apple plans to charge advertisers a penny once the user views the banner ad. If the users taps the banner ad and it opens up, Apple will charge $2. If the companies buy a larger package, the costs would stack up to $1 million with all the views and taps.

Why iAds will work despite high costs involved
Apple has a sizable fanbase. Until now, it has sold about 85 million iPhone and iPod Touches and industry estimates reveal that users spend 30 minutes on an average per day playing with their applications. Secondly, it enables marketers to target groups of users depending on the applications they download from the iTunes store. Advertising executives will have the flexibility to choose from the group of audience from various interests including music, movies, finances, etc. Furthermore, marketers will be able to target ads to local audience to attract attention.

Now, with iAds, iPhone Application Developers will have a dual advantage. Along with apps download revenue, they will also profit from revenues generated through ads. At Softweb Solutions, we have an experienced team of iPhone application developers ready to design engaging applications. Join the iphone application development goldrush and see your profits soar!

What’s New in Visual Studio 2010 and .NET 4.0

2010-04-21T01:40:00.001-07:00

With the launch of Visual Studio 2010 and .NET 4, Microsoft has implemented an upgrade needed since a long time. The key features that have won the hearts of developers are – IntelliTrace that allows users to ‘rewind’ application to debug, multiple monitor support, and improved support for XAML. In addition, the new technology offers improved support jQuery, inbuilt F#, local TFS installations, and parallel extensions library.

Six other features in Visual Studio 2010 and .NET 4 that give them a distinct advantage are:

· Visual Studio 2010 allows rich internet application developers write code against former versions of the .NET Framework and CLR. For example, if a developer wants to work on .NET 3.X or 2.0 code, they can still do the upgrade and take the advantage of Visual Studio 2010.

· Working with ASP.NET in Visual Studio 2010 is a much smoother experience than earlier versions. ASP.NET 4 allows users to control the IDs that WebControls get and web config files are smaller and easily managed.

· WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation) and Silverlight have undergone significant changes which minimizes the need for Blend. Besides, for applications that use the basics of XAML, developers can eliminate the use of Blend entirely.

· Visual Studio 2010 includes Metro theme incorporated in Windows 7. This prepares users in advance for application development with the launch of Windows 7 around the corner. It has become easier to work with WCF (Windows Communication Foundation).

· Visual Studio 2010 eliminates the need for a separate SharePoint development tool. The integration makes it easier for SharePoint developers to work better with SharePoint.

· Visual Studio supports ASP.NET MVC, ADO.NET Data Services (aka OData), Silverlight, and a whole host of other technologies. Earlier versions such as Windows Vista, .NET 3.X, and Visual Studio 2008 had flaws with the support, implementation, and documentation. The new technologies have all the capabilities organized in a better way.

Microsoft has worked hard with Visual Studio 2010 and .NET 4.0 to make the transition from earlier versions as smooth and easier as possible. In addition, the familiar interface provides a well deserved advantage.

Softweb Solutions, a leading IT Consulting company in Chicago, offers technology services that meet your specific requirements. Our team of proficient software application developers provides you with Microsoft technologies that are well suited to your needs.

Please feel free to share your views on the article in the comments section below.

Waterfall vs Agile Development Model

2010-03-22T22:15:00.000-07:00

Software Development, like all other projects, has specific goals requiring consistent efforts for achieving them. The process is as important as the end result. Over a period of time software development process has evolved and two software development models have emerged: ‘Waterfall Model' and the 'Agile Model'.

We have compared both the models to help you select the one that fits your organization.

In order to understand the implications of both the models, let us have an apple to apple comparison of the underlying concepts in both models. In a Waterfall model, software is developed in a sequence analogous to a waterfall where water flows progressively from a higher altitude to the lower. The Waterfall model is divided into phases such as defining requirements, conceptualization, analysis, design, coding, testing and debugging, installation and maintenance. Unless the first phase is complete, the second does not start. This means that the Software development team has to perfect one stage and address all the doubts before it progresses into the next one. Considerable time spent in the early phases of development allows lesser time for fixing bugs in future. After the completion of the design phase, the coding stage is deployed without any further changes. Every stage is documented and teams are segregated into small parts depending on the work they do.

Agile Software Development, unlike the Waterfall development model, offers more rooms for flexibility and focuses on adaptability. The model comprises of multiple iterative development schedules that evolve with every iteration. Each iteration is made up of sub steps including design, coding, and testing. The team organizes itself and the members therein are responsible for their own tasks. The design is subject to last minute changes and flexible enough to incorporate ideas with each release. Priority is given to quicker implementation of a working program rather than documenting every step.

Practically, the Agile development methodology outperforms Waterfall development methodology. However, each of them has their own industry specific uses. In terms of efficiency, the Agile model is superior than the Waterfall model because of its adaptability to the real world. The frozen stages in Waterfall methodology disallow last minute changes making it difficult to incorporate client requirements. Agile methodology, on the other hand, has more room for adopting last minute change making it more practically usable.

Furthermore, Waterfall model relies on expert programmers who oversee the perfection of various stages of development. Designers accurately predict all the bugs and fixes which saves the time for a major makeover. This also means that any change observed in the final stage is difficult to accommodate. Contrarily, the Agile development model is dependent on the team efforts of all programmers where its iterative nature allows changes wherever needed.

Both models have their own applications. Waterfall models are used for programs that are already stable while Agile model befits the development of web applications. Selection of the right model depends on the program as well as your requirements.

For more information about these methodologies and our services, contact us at info@softwebsolutions.com

Windows Azure – Sky is the limit

2010-02-15T21:38:00.000-08:00

Windows Azure, a part of the broader Windows Azure platform, is a cloud services operating system. It is the first step taken by Microsoft to introduce Platform as a Service (PaaS) functionality. It acts as a development, service hosting and service management environment providing developers on demand compute and storage on the cloud. It helps developers host, scale, and manage web applications on the internet backed by Microsoft data centers.

The platform offers seamless flexibility that supports various languages and combines easily with existing applications. Windows Azure allows developers to create applications and services using their existing Microsoft Visual Studio capabilities. Moreover, the platform adheres to popular standards and protocols such as XML, REST, SOAP, and PHP. The three main components of Windows Azure are; Windows Azure itself, Microsoft SQL Azure and Windows Azure platform AppFabric.

Uses of Windows Azure:
o    With Windows Azure, users need minimal on-premise resources to develop, modify, and distribute scalable applications
o    It helps clients store large volumes of data, supports batch processing, and facilitates intense or large volume computations
o    It helps clients run commodity processes on the internet
o    It makes the process of building, testing, debugging, and distributing Web services faster and more cost effective

Advantages of using Windows Azure:
With Windows Azure clients can enjoy all the benefits of PaaS functionality. The platform allows the clients to:
o    Reduce time to market for their products and services
o    Slash the costs of on-premise resources
o    Make IT management easier and more cost effective
o    Contract the time to make decisions giving them the ability to adapt quickly to customer requirements
o    Increase or decrease IT resources based on requirements
o    Need lesser efforts in managing operational resources
o    Minimize time and resources required to manage hardware
o    Develop cloud applications based on existing skill set which saves the time and costs associated with learning new skills
o    Develop and manage the applications consistently on premises as well as on the internet

For more information about how Windows Azure can be useful to you, please contact us at info@softwebsolutions.com

Softweb Solutions earned Certificate for Microsoft SOA and Business Process Solutions

2009-12-02T04:12:00.000-08:00

Softweb Solutions - Distinguishes itself by earning competency certificate for Microsoft SOA and Business Process Solutions

Chicago, Illinois, November 30, 2009 - Softweb Solutions, a leader in IT consulting services, has just announced that it has earned Microsoft SOA and Business Process Competency. Being a Microsoft Gold Certified Company, Softweb offers solutions that maximize the IT budgets of its clients. Softweb also has competencies in Microsoft Business Solutions, Business Intelligence, Mobility Solutions, Microsoft Infrastructure Solutions, Information Worker Solution and Security Solutions which demonstrate its expertise in Microsoft technologies.

“We are extremely happy to have attained Microsoft SOA and Business Process Competency. This allows us to show our expertise in the specific area of SOA and Business Process Management and to deliver the de facto solutions,” said Mr. Ripal Vyas, President of Softweb.

This competency enables Softweb to deliver solutions that cover Enterprise Application Integration, B2B Application Integration and BPM Solutions. As a result, Softweb has additional Microsoft licenses for internal use and training purposes, which enables it to deliver better solutions to its clients. Read more news...

Rich Internet Application Productivity

2009-07-14T02:38:00.000-07:00

Microsoft has just announced the availability of silverlight v3, which has few more attractive features. The main benefit of it is it allows websites to display video and other interactive applications.

Microsoft's Silverlight 3 is a cross-browser, cross-platform, and cross-device plug-in for delivering media experiences and interactive applications for the Web. Along with Silverlight 3, the company launched a companion development tool, Expression 3, which enables programming teams to easily build rich Internet apps for the platform.

New features in Silverlight 3 include:

• Support for Higher Quality Video & Audio
• Empower Richer Experiences
• Improve Rich Internet Application Productivity
• Enhance Data Support
• Improve performance
• Out of Browser Capabilities

Scott Guthrie a corporate vice president of the .NET Developer Platform at Microsoft says “Silverlight and Expression fill a clear need in the marketplace for a complete end-to-end solution that makes it easy for development teams to work together effectively, from concept to deployment, to create the types of rich interactive experiences today's users expect.”

Softweb Solutions Overview

2009-07-10T22:06:00.000-07:00

Softweb Solutions is a prominent name in providing exclusive software development services for SMEs, specializing in custom application development, website development, system integration and software testing and quality assurance, with industry-specific software expertise in High-Technology, Software, Automotive, Financial Services and Entertainment sectors.

We, at Softweb Solutions, provide you business solutions leveraging our business expertise with absolute range of services. With our experience, we can offer many of the services that are inevitable for the success of your business like Custom Application Development, Web Development, MOSS 2007, Quality Assurance and Testing, EAI, ERP implementation, Supply Chain Management, CMS, SEO/SEM, Mobile Application Development and more. We offer robust and cost-effective services maximizing your profitability.

Contact IT Consulting Company at the address given below. We will respond to your query or request within 24 hours. Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks!

Softweb Solutions Inc.
CHICAGO (US)
5707 Breezeland Road,
Carpentersville,
IL 60110
Toll-Free Number: 1-866-345-7638
Fax: 866-345-7638
www.softwebsolutions.com | Contact Us

Brand Marketing With iPhone Applications

2009-05-13T01:21:00.000-07:00

The most trendy and cost effective way to create brand awareness

While the reputed companies are incorporating iPhone Applications in their product list, it has become important to think over the importance of it. iPhone Applications can be one of the best and cost effective means for your Brand marketing. iPhone Applications can give potentially massive opportunity to monetize and publicize the brand and create a huge group of fans.

iPhone, a four-in-one device—cell phone, MP3 player, digital camera and Web browser—has emerged as furor in youngsters and corporate groups. And so by developing an Application, you can trace everyone’s attention towards your brand. iPhone Applications can also work to a great extent for your brand’s Viral Marketing.

Let’s check the benefits of it:

Brand Promotion:

The iPhone Applications give end-consumers amplified opportunities to interact with your products. It increases the brand awareness among the big mass, making your brand well discussed.

Viral Marketing:

As iPhone is the most discussed gadget, you can take benefits of viral marketing through iPhone Application Development.

Large target audience: With the increasing popularity of iPhone not only in US but in the whole world, the users of iPhone are also increasing and so as the Application installers. Thus, by iPhone Application, your brand name can easily spread in the market.

Ebay the epitome of online shopping and Facebook, the social networking site; have also started offering easy to use applications for iPhone. Facebook application gives the chance to interact with the profiles, pictures, messages etc from anywhere with the internet connectivity. And Ebay offers the scope for online shopping and auction to its users.

iPhone and iPhone Applications have shown enormous potential and its success in a short time span makes us sure about its utility.

IT Consultants of Chicago

2009-05-09T02:49:00.000-07:00

IT Consultant focuses on advising businesses on how best to use information technology to meet their business objectives. IT Consultants not only advice but also implements, deploys and maintains the systems and software. With the development of information technology, the support of an adept IT Consultant has become essential for developing as well as developed companies, doesn’t matter which industry it belongs to.

Softweb Solutions is one of the most reputed IT Consultants of Chicago that provides quality IT Services and IT Solutions for you. We keep pace with the outgrowth of technologies and deliver the de facto solutions using it. We have extensive experience of technologies like .NET, PHP, JAVA, ROR, Magento, Joomla, Drupal, MOSS 2007 and many more. As an IT consultant we also offer Website Design and Development with SEO service. We have devoted employees having in-depth technical knowledge working for software development as well as software solutions to serve you industry best IT services. We offer complete solutions that can drive our clients towards expected growth.

If you are looking for an IT Consultant who works with you being you partner and understanding your business, contact us at info@softwebsolutions.com