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SiteVision Chosen to Enhance Roanoke City Mapping and Real Estate Data

26 April 2012
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Categories: Development Solutions, Geographic Information Systems, Hosting Solutions, Information, News, Technology, Uncategorized

[image source_type=”attachment_id” source_value=”4032″ align=”left” size=”Small 150 width”] Roanoke, VA April 25, 2012: The City of Roanoke, VA, has chosen SiteVision, Inc. to upgrade, redesign and to migrate its Internet Citywide Mapping and Real Estate Data applications.  The new Geographic Information System (GIS) will be designed to enhance an already robust application environment while providing important, new state-of-the-art mapping detail, reporting and printing functions.

As a seasoned veteran in the geospatial sector, SiteVision has been planning, developing and hosting GIS Internet applications since the mid 1990’s. The firm’s experience ranges from evaluating, recommending, and designing local, regional, and state GIS applications and related infrastructures, to developing national systems designed to store and access multiple petabytes of geospatial Information.

SiteVision and city officials will collaborate closely to integrate the existing system to the enhanced version. Among improvements, existing web application servers will migrate to more feature-rich ESRI ArcGIS server, Adobe Flex and Cold Fusion MX environments.  New features will include floating, pull-down menus to permit rapid switching between various base maps. The redesigned site will also include Google Map and Google Street views. SiteVision will train city development staff and end users, as well as provide the city with extended telephone and online help desk support.

Community and Incentive website portals, a useful feature previously developed in cooperation with SiteVision, will be incorporated into the enriched site.  Community information provides users with a summary of specific neighborhood information including school zones, voter precincts, trash collection, and youth athletic regions. The incentive portal provides a summary of City, State and Federal incentive programs available to a specific parcel.

As an experienced Internet application development, consulting, design and hosting firm SiteVision, Inc. (www.sitevision.com) provides solutions for a broad spectrum of markets and industries, as well as for state, federal and international entities. Expertise includes custom, back-end dynamic applications, consulting to achieve unique goals, geographic information systems (GIS), content management systems, hosting services including, map and GIS application hosting, as well as custom and dedicated hosting solutions. SiteVision, Inc. participates or is available through the following state and federal contracting vehicles:

  • Virginia VITA CAI Supplier, Managed Staff Augmentation Services Contract (VA-051123-CAI)
  • Virginia VITA Supplier, Hosting Services Contract
  • Virginia eVa Procurement as a sub-contractor to various state and federal private contractor entities
  • State and Federal Sole-source Contracting

The firm has its home office in Roanoke, VA, with sales offices in Charlottesville, VA and Miami, FL.

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Cloud Computing & SaaS – Hotter Than Ever

27 March 2012
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Categories: Development Solutions, Hosting Solutions, News, Technology

[image source_type=”attachment_id” source_value=”3956″ align=”left” size=”medium” autoHeight=”true” quality=”100″] If a clear definition of Saas and Cloud Computing is a little confusing, we liked this definition for its simplicity: “Software as a service (SaaS) is the application and the cloud is the place where you store the data from that app (and in most cases the application itself).” 1 There are more complex breakdowns, (Hybrid, Private, etc.) but not for today.

What’s The Point?

As our traditional computing methods fast-forward from hard-wired PC’s to digital, fully mobile devices, traditional unit-priced software and dedicated hardware becomes increasingly troublesome.  We need immediate and shared access to critical information, and collaborative communication on the fly. In other words, we need dynamic, rather than static information distribution.  Enter Cloud computing and Software as a Service:  each is available anywhere at any time and can be rapidly updated digitally. When properly conceived and implemented, hardware and software cost reductions can be impressive.  There are caveats, of course, but such is the case with technology in general.
 

Industry Trends

For instance, According to Forrester research data, the SaaS segment will far exceed the revenue of the other areas. The analyst firm predicts SaaS total revenues to reach $21.2 billion in 2011 and more than quadruple to $92.8 billion by 2016. This is 26% of the entire packaged software market. However, Forrester predicts SaaS will reach a saturation point in five years, and growth will slow between 2016 and 2020.2

Further, Gartner Research feels PC’s out; cloud in by 2014.3  To clarify, not out, as in permanently out, but as business and consumer users aggregate digital devices, cloud based computing will increase dramatically.  We believe these technologies will eventually mitigate some of the problems posed by incompatible operating systems.  PC’s will continue to be a part of the picture, but as only one of many options. 

Universal Examples

There are lots of handy, if not impressive, boutique cloud offerings, serving niche needs for a variety of businesses,  but we’ll just touch on a just a few of the major general offerings:

In All, Does Your Business Need The “Cloud”? 

There is no doubt, the cloud computing is going to be a part of your future, but one way to approach this technology is to leverage your existing legacy system without ditching your entire investment.  It’s probably time to explore the shift from static, difficult to manage data processes, to dynamic, virtualized resources that are available on the fly.  

If you feel, it’s time to take a look, or to better understand this technology; SiteVision offers VPS/Cloud Hosting, as well as integrating or developing SaaS solutions.  You can call us anytime for additional information.

1 http://smallbiztrends.com/2011/12/small-business-software-trends-2012.html
2 http://www.cmswire.com/cms/information-management/forrester-predicts-saas-will-own-all-other-cloud-segments-011005.php
3  http://www.gartner.com/it/page.jsp?id=1944914

Help Desk Features For Newcomers

2 March 2012
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Categories: Hosting Solutions, News, Technology

SiteVision Helpdesk ScreensOur  support desk has been up and running for a while now.  If you’re new to SiteVision, though, you may not be familiar with its nifty features, so we’ve created a reminder here, and a brief PDF tutorial on how to use the system, below.   

As a SiteVision customer you can  submit and manage support tickets through your very own online Help Desk.  Once you create your account, you can log in anytime to see your current ticket(s) and have the ability to respond directly. You also have the ability to submit tickets directly to a specific department. Likewise, SiteVision Support Staff can also respond to your help desk in the same fashion.

Each support ticked is tracked through the complete history of a request, including emails, notes and associated communications.  With Smart Track’s detailed reporting, interactive monitoring and flexible communication methods – ticket management for both you and our support staff becomes much easier, faster, more thorough and more efficient.

To help get you started, we’ve created a short visual tutorial that illustrates how to use the Help Desk.  You can view it here in PDF format.

Help Desk Tutorial Pdf

Ta-Da! A New Look. A New Site. Explore!

28 February 2012
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Categories: Development Solutions, Hosting Solutions, Information, News, Technology

[image source_type=”attachment_id” source_value=”3637″ align=”left” size=”Small 150 width” quality=”90″] After months in the works, we’ve launched our new SiteVision website!  Featuring a WordPress Content Management System, you’ll find a new visual appeal, updated Twitter and Facebook feeds, re-organized content and more. Sign up for our monthly newsletter (at the bottom of each page),  and we’ll keep you updated on industry trends, useful technology tips, do and don’ts, maintenance schedules, as well as what our hosting and development crew is up to.

 

Solutions

Browse our Solution area for ideas, and to see custom application solutions and Content Management Systems (CMS) created for a wide variety of industries and requirements. You’ll also find  innovative applications and sites for city, state and federal entities, real estate, healthcare, education, enterprise, nonprofit and so much more. In short, if you need a special solution, we’re the go-to guys (and gals)!  We also specialize in GIS mapping applications and offer ARC-Gis Servers to support those requirements.

Hosting

Click over to our Hosting area and find updated hosting options, as well as numerous helpful extras such as on-line conferencing, cloud-delivered services, remote desktop support and more!  In fact almost any option your business structure requires is right here — from shared and dedicated, to co-located and VPS solutions, as well as custom configurations to meet your specific needs.

Customer Support

Our Customer Support area features a nifty online Help Desk with registration, interactive support tickets, knowledge base articles, most popular requests,  Q&A, FAQ’s, and more.  Each support request is tracked from opening through solution with an intuitive and interactive dialogue.  You have your own portal and can log in to check request status and responses at any time.

News & Technology Tips

And don’t forget to check our News section.  We include news you can use with helpful tips, internet trends, interesting applications, what’s up in mobile technology and more. We also include these features in our monthly newsleter – News & Tips From Sitevision – plus all articles are archived here.

Though, we’re still working on the final touches, we’d really like to hear how you feel about the new site launch.  You can leave your comments here!

Was Your Password Hacked Today?

26 January 2012
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Categories: Hosting Solutions, Information, News, Technology

[image source_type=”attachment_id” source_value=”3446″ align=”left” size=”small 150 width” autoHeight=”true” quality=”90″] Whoa! Facebook says hackers try to steal your stuff about 600,000 times daily. A more recent example: Zappos online store was hacked and hackers gained information on 24 million customers. While full customer credit card information wasn’t compromised, all customer passwords had to be deleted. We’re sure you’ve heard of other scary hacks. So if you’ve been a little lax about your passwords, it’s really time sit up and take notice.

So, what to do?

First, Avoid These Common Mistakes

Creating Your Password

Special Tip:

Use a pseudo-random phrase: A great way to create a unique password is to think of a phrase only you would know, and then use letters, numbers and symbols to create the password:

Unique Passwords for Your Important Accounts

Never use the same passwords for your important banking, stock, healthcare and personal information accounts. Hackers test stolen passwords and usernames from a particular site across many internet sites, meaning your identity and banking and stock resources could be severely compromised with single use passwords. Give each of these account types a unique password!

Keep your password reminders in a Safe Place

Most of us couldn’t possibly remember all of our passwords to all of the sites we commonly use. So, if you decide to save your passwords, don’t leave notes with your passwords lying around in plain sight.

If you save your passwords in a file, create a unique name for the file, so that people don’t know what’s inside. Avoid giving the file an obvious name, such as “my passwords”; instead use a unique file name.

Password managers are available through your security programs and elsewhere, but spend the time to check out reputable resources. If you have a difficult time remembering different passwords, a trusted password manager may be a good solution.

Need A Better Password: There are numerous password generators, but make sure you use a reputable one! As an example, here is a quick PC Tools online version: http://www.pctools.com/guides/password

By following some simple, but important rules, you can substantially reduce or eliminate your chances of having critical information such as your banking, credit card and identity stolen!

SiteVision To Host Universal RX

15 December 2011
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Categories: Hosting Solutions, News, Technology

Universal RX Roanoke, VA December 15, 2011:   Universal Rx ( http://www.universalrx.com ), a nationwide, fully integrated prescription drug service, has chosen SiteVision to host its parent site, as well as numerous client and business partner sites. The firm offers fully customizable comprehensive prescription benefit management programs to employers, third party administrators (TPAs), group insurance consultants and group insurance brokers.

The hosting site will take full advantage of SiteVision’s dedicated business solutions and will enable Universal RX to port their custom ftp management interface, without issues, so that clients can continue to manage their users and facilitate content access for maintenance and uploading. SiteVision will also work with Universal RX to modernize and enhance their client-branded sites to better take advantage of “Web 2.0″feature, function and interface options.

SiteVision, Inc. (http://www.sitevision.com/) is an Internet application development, consulting, design and hosting firm providing solutions for a broad spectrum of markets and industries, as well as for state, federal and international entities. Expertise includes custom, back-end dynamic applications, consulting to achieve unique goals, Mapping Application Development (GIS), content management systems, hosting services including, map and GIS application hosting, as well as custom and dedicated hosting solutions. The firm has its home office in Roanoke, VA, with sales offices in Charlottesville, VA and Miami, FL.

Is It Time To Check Your Website’s IQ?

30 August 2011
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Categories: Hosting Solutions, Information, News, Technology

[image source_type=”attachment_id” source_value=”3740″ size=”small” align=”left” autoHeight=”true” quality=”90″]

Helpful Sites To Maximize Your Search Engine Optimization

It goes without saying Search Engine Optimization(SEO) is an essential web business tool. Want to check out how your website fares?  Here are some free tools and tutorials to get you started, or to evaluate your current status.  Be aware that while some are entirely free, generally the goal is to upgrade your status. Nevertheless, there are some really useful links to help you assess your website’s level of optimization.

As an overview, Google’s PDF called Search Engine Optimization is a very handy treatment of SEO Basics. You’ll find it here in the right hand column under Help Resources.  There is also a half-hour or so video tutorial should you be so inclined.

SEO Tools

  • Google Webmaster Central.  This is a jumping off point for Webmaster Tools.  For starters, improve your site’s visibility by adding it to be indexed.  The tools assist you in diagnosing issues, rankings and website speeds to name a few.  Very handy and very useful!  A video on the home page illustrates in a simple, straightforward manner how the tools work.
  • Google Analytics.  This is an enterprise-class web analytics solution that lets you monitor your website traffic and marketing effectiveness. According to Google, its “Powerful, flexible and easy-to-use features now let you see and analyze your traffic data in an entirely new way.”  Features include segmentation analysis, flexible customization, e-commerce tracking, sales to goal and conversion tracking, mobile tracking and much more.   
  • Google Insights.  See what’s popular in searching patterns by categories, seasonality, geographic distribution and much more!
  • Google Trends  This tool provides the most popular topics and searched queries . This tool could be a great help for bloggers who are confused about what topic they should write on .
  • Mozbar Toolbar A SEO toolbar available to download for Firefox and Chrome with powerful SEO tools that let you analyze metrics while you surf, create custom searches, compare metrics for Google, Yahoo and Bing – plus much more. Download is free.  Upgrades and other options are not.
  • Microsoft Bing Webmaster Tools While most of us think Google (and for good reason) Bing and Yahoo still command about a 30% market share.  With the Bing Webmaster Tools you can view crawl activity, index coverage, traffic stats, optimize and validate your website and more.
  • Yahoo Web Analytics Yahoo Web Analytics is a highly customizable web analytic tool, with the caveat that to use it you either have to be an advertiser, or know someone who is a member of the Yahoo Consultant Network.

We Can Help

If you find SEO overwhelming, or simply don’t have the time to deal with it, please call or contact us about our fee-based SEO Services.

SiteVision Partners With Salem City, VA To Enhance Real Estate Mapping

11 July 2011
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Categories: Development Solutions, Hosting Solutions, News, Technology

The City of Salem will soon have an enhanced tax map application developed by Sitevision, Inc.  The new system will maintain the current functionality developed by SiteVision, but will feature the latest ArcGIS technologies – an authoring system that permits sophisticated mapping display and analysis functions.

Salem Map AppAmong the features of the new system is improved browser compatibility as well as improved performance and map scalability.  Users will notice a more user friendly environment, an updated design and layout, and new selection tools. The new system will also allow users to view, understand, question, interpret, and visualize data in many ways.  By integrating hardware, software, and data for capturing, managing, and analyzing, the GIS system can display a rich array of geographically referenced information.

SiteVision, Inc. (www.sitevision.com) specializes in internet application development, consulting, design and hosting and provides solutions for a broad spectrum of markets and industries, as well as for state, federal and international entities. Expertise includes custom, back-end dynamic applications, consulting to achieve unique goals, Mapping Application Development (GIS), content management systems, hosting services including, map and GIS application hosting, as well as custom and dedicated hosting solutions. The firm has its home office in Roanoke, VA, with sales offices in Charlottesville, VA and Miami, FL.

Smarter Track Help Desk Coming In July

3 June 2011
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Categories: Hosting Solutions, News

More Help Faster Is On The Way!

svsn-portal

 Smarter Track Help Desk Portal

Our new Smarter-Track Help Desk is designed to do just one thing: improve our ability to answer your questions quickly, efficiently and more completely via an online ticket system that incorporates email, and easy-to-access knowledge base tutorials.

As a SiteVision customer you will be able to submit and manage support tickets through your own online Help Desk. Once you create your account, you can log in anytime to see your current ticket(s) and have the ability to respond directly. You will also have the ability to submit tickets directly to a specific department. SiteVision Support Staff can also respond to your help desk in the same fashion. The ability to respond to tickets through multiple means ensures that you receive timely and convenient responses-greatly expanding functionality beyond simple support ticket systems.
With the new Help Desk, when you submit tickets through the portal, and there are relevant knowledge base articles and resources, they are automatically displayed as possible solutions to your inquiry. Often these self-service resources can provide you with immediate answers.

Each support ticked is tracked through the complete history of a request, including emails, notes and associated communications. With Smart Track’s detailed reporting, interactive monitoring and flexible communication methods – ticket management for both you and our support staff becomes much easier, faster, more thorough and more efficient.

In all, our new Smarter Track Help Desk will integrate many customer service solutions, such as ticketing, knowledge bases, and email into a single application. as a world class ticket solution.

Why SiteVision?

We’re your advocate. SiteVision has been providing web development and hosting services to government agencies and non-profit organizations for over 20 years. We understand how overwhelming it can be to seek out a reliable solution for you website, custom application, and hosting needs.

At SiteVision we are passionate about creating solutions for customers that make their life better. We excel at understanding your business process and developing an application that is easy to learn and operate. We will always be fair, knowledgeable, honest, and professional.

Work With Us