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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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Windows 8 Consumer Preview: Pats and Pans

27 March 2012
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Categories: Information, News, Technology

Several reviewers have grabbed the new Consumer Preview for Windows 8, loaded it up, and took a look.  Here’s the gist of it so far!

What’s Good?

The Not So Good, Yet:

Reviewers Say: 

Here’s the link to a one minute Microsoft video Preview, but note it’s a promotional piece. Other links found there go into a little more detail: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/consumer-preview

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 Accepted Into The Homeland Security Information Network

24 January 2012
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Categories: Information, News, Technology

[image source_type=”attachment_id” source_value=”3391″ title=”SiteVision, INC – Accepted into the Dept. of Homeland Security Information Network” align=”left” size=”Small 150 width” autoHeight=”true” quality=”90″] SiteVision has been accepted into the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN). The HSIN is a national, secure, web-based portal for information sharing and collaboration between federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, private sector, and international partners engaged in the Homeland Security Mission.  SiteVision has been involved for many years in the mission of supporting clients at the state, regional and federal level with web-based health incident and emergency management solutions. To become a member, an organization must first be nominated by an existing member entity.  Once nominated, SiteVision applied, went through a vetting process, and was accepted.

HSIN provides secure, real-time collaboration tools, including a virtual meeting space, instant messaging and document sharing. The Network allows partners to work together instantly, regardless of their location, to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate. The HSIN also offers many additional dynamic capabilities including 24/7 availability, document libraries, instant messaging, web conferencing, incident reporting, discussion boards, RSS feeds and online training materials.  The supporting entities provide mission oriented focus in such areas as Critical Sectors, Defense, Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Intelligence, Law Enforcement, Multi-Mission and International.

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. SiteVision, Inc. participates in, or is available through the following state and federal contracting vehicles: Virginia VITA CAI Supplier Managed Staff Augmentation Services Contract; Virginia eVa Procurement as a sub-contractor to various state and federal private contract vehicles; and State and Federal Sole-source Contracting. The firm has its home office in Roanoke, VA, with sales offices in Charlottesville, VA and Miami, FL.

Top Tech Trends for 2012

6 January 2012
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Categories: Information, News, Technology

[image source_type=”attachment_id” source_value=”3146″ align=”left” size=”Small 150 width” quality=”90″]Will 2012 be the year of exciting breakthroughs? As hardware gets smaller, faster, thinner and cheaper, this may be the year of flexible Smartphones and tablet devices. Samsung’s exciting prototype suggests just that (see below and video.  Business users will likely see Software as a service (SAAS) and cloud technologies expand dramatically.  Today, we’re discussing the most likely contenders, and, no surprise, you’ll likely see much of this emerging technology implemented in home electronics as well.

 

Tablets, Ultrabooks And . . .

It’s probably no revelation that, thanks in large part to Steve Jobs, tablets will continue to proliferate. In one study, Apple had an approximate 62% worldwide market share as of December 2011, so game-on for CES (Consumer Electronic Show 2012), no doubt.   Prices should drop and competition ramp up.  In fact, one tech guru feels they will eventually become standard fare as traditional PC’s continue to lose market share.

Importantly, the convergence-divergence of the phone-tablet-laptop market continues to be a mixed signal as the marketplace attempts to sort out just what is what – to whom – and why. For the serious business user, and, in particular, for graphic and game enthusiasts, tablets have yet to fully replace competent laptops and traditional PC’s. PC Ultrabooks, born of, yes, Steve Jobs, or imitative of MacBook Air- will be smooth, fast,  very sleek and light-weight.

Cloud Proliferation

The clouds seems to be many things to many folks, so to use Wikipedia’s definition the cloud is, “the delivery of computing as a service rather than a product, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and other devices as a metered service over a network, (typically the Internet).

As we’ve seen each year of the last few, more and more applications and storage solutions are being pushed through the “cloud.”   While the cloud may be seen as simply anything beyond your “machine,” i.e., your email, is one example, the real innovations are being seen in sophisticated business applications, content delivery and data storage.

Until recently software and hardware was nearly always purchased, installed and soon outdated, requiring frequent IT resources for troubleshooting, upgrades, installations, additional hardware, etc – not to mention unintelligible operating systems for all but a select few.  For any business (or personal user) the concept of an efficient, completely remote operating, software, and networking system is an immensely appealing alternative to traditional computing. Agility, cost reductions, device independence, scalability and maintenance are among the prime attractions of cloud-based computing.

While the current delivery of cloud-based systems and software is exciting and expanding in offerings and complexities, the future of cloud-based computing is even more so as the nature of computation and its delivery (think mobile) will undoubtedly be irrevocably altered – a true game changer for all players at all levels of enterprise up and down the line!

As a subtext, cloud security as a critical component of cloud delivery means the security, reliability, and network infrastructure and integrity will be undeniably key to the success and safety of cloud computing as we continue down this path.

Smartphones get Smarter 

Smartphones will get smarter, faster and more agile as the operating systems and underlying hardware improve. Dual core processors seen in 2011 will expand, and expect quad core to be a part of the 2012 picture. Higher definition screens and cameras will be on-scene. Mobile payment options and chips that let you basically swipe and pay are among hot technologies. For instance, NFC (near field communication) chips are destined to let your Smartphones act like a credit card.  Just touch your phone or get it close to an NFC reader, and “whoosh” it acts just like your conventional credit or debit card.

Voice Recognition Gets Real

Why type with your fingers what your mouth can so easily say!

At last, we’re beginning to get the real thing!  Should we once again thank Steve?  Oh yeah. Voice recognition has been out there, but Siri got our attention, because it begins to normalize the conversation and provide context.   The new Android Ice Cream Sandwich software also promises to provide enhanced voice recognition.  Ziggy, Microsoft’s answer has preliminarily received promising reviews.  It seems that finally conversational and pertinent voice recognition will begin to inhabit our lives.  Talk to your TV, your phone, your appliances and your car, etc. I’m all in!

Flexible, bendable and foldable Interfaces (Want, Want!)

It seems certain that we’ll see a hint of these devices in 2012.  But the excitement is yet to come.  We think it’s a natural, future extension of our current technologies, and oh, so very exciting.  Aren’t we really looking for one do-all device (instead of an iPad, a notebook, a cellphone) to carry effortlessly around in a coat pocket or purse?  Smartphones sort of do the job, but aren’t really that exciting for watching a movie, say or really surfing Facebook and the Internet.  Sure you can do it, and pinch and zoom, but let’s face it, the experience is not ideal.  Even the beloved iPad or Android tablets don’t quite fit the bill in this respect.  Samsung, Nokia and undoubtedly others are seriously pursuing futuristic interpretations of our current technologies.

Samsung Prototype

BUT, for sure, take a look at this video of the Samsung prototype we showed in the intro photo of a transparent, bendable, flexible tablet!    Wow!  Seriously, it is likely symbolic of the future. Hopefully it will come to a store near you sooner, rather than later. http://bcove.me/zkx8js5q

[divider_line] 
Sourcing-various:
http://www.jpost.com/Health/Article.aspx?ID=251261&R=R1 http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2398218,00.asphttp://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/editorial-apples-officially-over-the-optical-drive-for-better/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/engadgets-2012-ces-preview/#continued
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inductive_charging
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud_computing
http://www.pcworld.com/article/246491/tech_trends_youll_see_in_2012.html
http://blog.laptopmag.com/tech-to-watch-2012-voice-recognition-gets-siri-ous http://mashable.com/2011/10/26/nokia-flexible-device/#32349Bending-the-Nokia-Screen
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2070741/Samsungs-transparent-flexible-screen-3D-real-looks-like-touch-it.html

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.

Over The Top Gifts for Your Top Techie!

1 December 2011
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Categories: Information, News, Technology

 

There are wonderful options out there as tech gets smaller, smarter and cheaper. But, hey, you already know about those. So why not explore the far side. Datamanser’s Steampunk Laptop may look, oh a little apocalyptic, but it supposedly sizzles with state-of-the-art components. Choose your favorite design for the cover – perhaps, clockworks, or gold foil maps. And how about a key-shaped flash drive! It’s PC only for now, but the inventor thinks MAC OS is no biggie. A pre-order can be yours for $5,500, but retail is expected to be $7,500. If nothing else getting a peek inside Mr. Nagy’s fertile mind is worth your time. http://www.datamancer.net/.

A Garden Pod Worth Working For!

The UK Based OfficePod installs in hours, is beautiful to look at, and goes where you go. Sweet! Designed to substantially enhance the work-at-home experience, it gets you out of the daily household melee and into a zen-like work environment for greatly improved productivity. Or so say the creators. It’s not yet available in the US, but we suspect it’s only a matter of time. It can currently be purchased for about 14K (UK) or it’s said, leased by the year for about 5,500K (UK). The current numbers are a little hard to come by. Best part, your boss can lease it for you (thus reducing capital expenditures). Gotta’ love that. We also loved one of the reader comments that went something like this: “For a lot less than 14K, I can afford a fully trained Doberman to stand at guard and keep my loved ones at bay while I work.” Other folks suggested getting a garden shed at Lowe’s for far fewer bucks. But, hey, none of these are even half as “kool.” http://www.officepod.co.uk/consumers/gallery/#../../images/content/gallery/11.jpg

Put This In Your Cart . . .

Drum-roll, really, for about 25M (that’s million, folks) you can have this amazing concept boat with five double en-suite staterooms, garage, bar and lounge areas. It’s also equipped with all the sound and visual equipment you’d ever want, a hidden Jacuzzi deck and, uh, a V-8, 620-horsepower supercar. Yep, you heard it right; a supercar comes with the package. You can also substitute your own Lamborghini, should you so choose. Designed by Eduard Gray of Gray Design, you might not (make that won’t) be able to afford it, but there’s no doubt, it’s an extraordinary and beautiful piece of work! Here’s the link, and would you believe it, there’s a convenient shopping cart! http://graydesign.se/en/index.php/products/luxury-yachts/strand-craft-166

Oh, and before we forget: even if Santa doesn’t bring you one of these – we wish you all the best from all of us to each of you!

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.

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