Lawrence Companies Partners With SiteVision For New Intranet

Lawrence Companies, with home offices located in Roanoke, VA, has teamed with SiteVision Inc. to launch a secure, employee only intranet to better serve their 380 plus employees. The company operates in the United States and Canada with offices throughout Virginia and North Carolina.

Lawrence CompaniesThe new site is designed to fully engage all employees by providing an important hub for employee benefits and events. The site features wellness information, employee spotlights, a calendar of upcoming events, and a blog area. It also includes classified ads, safety guides, an employee directory and is optimized for mobile devices to accommodate their many traveling employees.

The intranet utilizes a content management system (CMS) designed to allow publishing, editing and modifying content from a core interface.The new CMS eliminates complex coding and creates client control over HTML-based content, files, documents, and the like. One or multiple employees at various permission levels may change content easily within a familiar word processing environment.

According to Mark Carter, IT Manager, “We were looking for a solution to improve employee communication that had to be secure, but easy to access and maintain. Needing to reach hundreds of employees and contractors, we turned to SiteVision for assistance. Within just a couple of weeks after providing our wish list, we were live. Needless to say, we were impressed and excited. It was a joy to work with a local development and hosting company. I am sure that as our site expands, SiteVision will be there to grow it with us.”

About Lawrence Companies: Lawrence Companies is an employee owned company based out of Roanoke, VA and has been in business since 1932. With six locations in Virginia and North Carolina, Lawrence is a multifaceted company with focuses on full truckload and flatbed transportation, corporate office moving, and is a dealer for CASE Equipment. As one of the founding United Van Lines Agents in the country, Lawrence continues to focus on moving household goods and offers a variety of Relocation Services. For more information, please visit www.lawrencecompanies.com 

About SiteVision: SiteVision, Inc. (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, 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 in, or is available through, the following state and federal contracting vehicles, and is a SOC 1 SSAE 16 Type II compliant firm:

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

 

February News & Tips: Win10 Free & More

Windows 10: New. Improved. And Free to Win 7 & 8.1 users

Windows 10
Is Windows 10 what Windows 8 shouda’ coulda’ been? Early reflections say yes, maybe. Microsoft’s recent press event which introduced a Win 10 technical release, teased not only the OS, but the shifting sands of Microsoft strategics. The giant was, perhaps, humbled by the disastrous Win 8 release for all the right reasons, and it’s now aggressively revamping how it will move into the future.

The good news is that Win 10 may be what Win 8 was promised to be with some interesting new features. We’ve included links to some major industry reviews, but present here a short take. So what’s new and noteworthy?

More at CNET Win 10, CNET More On Win, Info World, TechRadar, PCWorld, Microsoft


Is Your Website A Mess?

Hopefully you have a website that’s up to date, attractive, and informative – one that reflects a cohesive corporate vision and personality. The bad news is, if it’s an outdated, clumsy, and a mish-mash – that’s pretty much how visitors remember you. They click away and move on.

As folks who have developed websites and applications for retail, government, corporate, public and professional entities for almost two decades, we’ve seen websites go from optional to an absolutely essential component of the digital age in which we now reside.

Content Mgmt SystemsUpgrading Static Websites to
Content Management Systems:

From the simple to the complex, a content management system (CMS) like WordPress provides a web structure that gives you the ability to effectively manage content and delivery. Once deployed, employees can contribute to the site at varying permission levels in a user-friendly, word-processing environment. WordPress, one of our preferred CMS platforms, can help deliver positive visual continuity with user-friendly navigation. Almost any option can include a secure area for internal communications and other matters.

SiteVision options include WordPress site development, hosting, and automatic update management. You can contact us anytime for questions, or for guidance without feeling obligated.


Gadgets & Gizmos

 

Qualcomm WiPowerQualcomm WiPower: Get rid of nasty, snaky, tangled cords. How often have we all wished to rid ourselves forever of cords? While universal cordless, no-battery charging, powering for all we do is a way off, Qualcomm’s WiPower gives us their take on charging and powering electronics wirelessly.

Named one of the best gadgets of CES 2015, this handy device charges and powers mulitple devices at a time. Devices don’t have to be in direct contact with a charging pad; just within the charge area. The concept can also be incorporated into furniture and other surfaces. You can see a video and read more at Qualcomm

theeggEggCyte – the mini webserver that goes where you go and runs all day! Put this clever little device in your pocket and just go. It’s a pocket-size web-server, network storage and touchscreen computer roughly half the size of a smartphone. The Egg is a personal webserver (no cloud with the emphasis on personal) in various configurations of up to 256GB that’s self configuring and easily accessible from any browser. It’s also a Wi-Fi access point, so you and others can view content even with no Wi-Fi available. The Egg also features a personal website to store your stuff. It’s expected to ship this year. You can read more at ZDNET and EggCyte


check_mark_greenQuick Takes

 

Google Fiber Coming To Town

Office 2016 Coming Soon

Office for Android Live Now

Will AI Take Over the Human Race? Some Pretty Heavy Thinkers Are Worried

Critical Java Update

Security News Weekly Update

All the Best Knuckleheads Writing the Worst Passwords

Gmail users can now save files and attachments directly to Google Drive – without leaving their inbox.


 

The Virginia Society for Respiratory Care Launches Updated Website by SiteVision

Roanoke, VA July 21, 2014: The Virginia Society for Respiratory Care (VSRC) has launched a newly designed wVSRC Website Launchebsite, implemented to enhance both usability and administration.  VSRC partnered with SiteVision, Inc  for its development.

The organization’s (http://www.vsrc.org)  updated presence utilizes a content management system (CMS) designed to allow publishing, editing and modifying content from a core interface. The new CMS eliminates complex coding and creates client control over HTML-based content, files, documents, and the like. One or multiple employees at various permission levels may change content easily within a familiar word processing environment.

Honey Pezzimenti, Education Coordinator, Respiratory Care Services for the Children’s National Health System, who worked with SiteVision to complete the project had this to say:

“Since the launch of the new VSRC website, I’ve gotten an overwhelming response from board members and respiratory therapists throughout the state of Virginia. They love the professional look of the new site and aren’t ashamed to refer peers to the new site. “

“Working with SiteVision on the updating and re-launch of our professional society website has been a dream. Christina went above and beyond all expectations I had and was absolutely incredible to work with. I would gladly recommend this company to anyone and everyone.”

Creating an easy-to-use environment was especially important because VSRC volunteers maintain the new website. Since those volunteers change over time, online video tutorials were created so new members will have a jump start on learning the system.

Other site features include an event calendar, document library, specialized employment listings, and an advertising module.  The site is mobile friendly.  There is also a password protection section for board members.

SiteVision, Inc. (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, 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 in, 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.

 

 

 

February 2014 News & Tip

Securing Your Content Management Website

CMS GreenImportant Tips & A SiteVision Option

Websites are generally built to display information in the form of content, and in the last decade managing that content has become much easier due to the widespread use of a Content Management System often abbreviated as “CMS”.
The most popular CMS by far is WordPress with an impressive 60.1% of the CMS market share. With widespread popularity comes vulnerability, and many WordPress  sites are susceptible to attack due to running outdated, unsupported versions of the WordPress software. It’s also worth noting the 50 most downloaded plugins for WordPress in 2013 were also vulnerable to attacks such as SQL injections and Cross-site scripting (XSS).
These issues are not unique to WordPress.  All CMSs are susceptible to security risks, and it’s equally important to maintain updates no matter what your platform.  We’ve prepared an article for you about this important topic.  Read More Here.
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When Something Good Gets Better, We Call It Great.

Red HatRed Hat And CentOS Join Forces

We’re happy to say that is the case with the announcement of Red Hat adopting The CentOS Project. Here at SiteVision, CentOS is our Linux distribution of choice, and we’ve relied on its stability and security to provide the excellent hosting solutions you’ve become accustomed to. Now with CentOS having access to all of resources Red Hat has to offer, we can anticipate an Operating System that offers unparalleled results.

So who benefits from this added value?  You, our customers, and we’re happy to say that’s just great! Read more at Red Hat. 

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Apple LogoTwo Birthdays Worth Celebrating

30 Years ago Steve Jobs introduced the Macintosh 128K to the Chariots of Fire theme song.  The computing world has never been quite the same since.  And now Time has published that groundbreaking video.  Check out Steve’s blazer.

 

TED logo30 Years ago TED was formed – an innovative nonprofit  think tank devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading in the worlds of Technology, Entertainment and Design (TED)  –  Apple included.  Today, TED conferences bring together the world’s most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives, which TED then publishes for free, everywhere.

[divider]

Microsoft’s SkyDrive Becomes OneDrive

One Drive LogoAfter losing a trademark battle, Microsoft is relaunching its cloud drive from SkyDrive to OneDrive. For any anxious users, everything is the same except for the name, according to Microsoft.  They do, however, promise more at a preview page here, where you can sign up for the news when it arrives.

[divider]

svsn003The Internet Of Things Can Be A Very Scary Place!

When your embedded software in a new PC (or other computing device) is crawling with  vulnerabilities before you ever boot it up, it’s time to sit up and take notice.

So says Wired online in a thought-provoking article about embedded  software and operating systems that – when added to the Internet of things –  might just present a future security disaster.

 

Securing Your Content Management Website

Important Tips and a SiteVision Option

[image source_type=”attachment_id” source_value=”5602″ align=”left” size=”small”]Websites are generally built to display information in the form of content, and in the last decade managing that content has become much easier due to the widespread use of a Content Management System often abbreviated as “CMS”.

The most popular CMS by far is WordPress, with an impressive 60.1% of the CMS market share. With widespread popularity comes vulnerability, and many WordPress sites are susceptible to attack due to running outdated, unsupported versions of the WordPress software. It’s also worth noting the 50 most downloaded plugins for WordPress in 2013 were also vulnerable to attacks such as SQL injections and Cross-site scripting (XSS).

These issues are not unique to WordPress.  All CMSs are susceptible to security risks, and it’s equally important to maintain updates no matter what your platform

The purpose of this article, however, is not to persuade you to abandon WordPress or other CMS Systems.  In fact, we use WordPress every day, and chances are you’re reading this on a WordPress-based website.  Our intent is to point out security risks, but more importantly to discuss solutions – updates!

Your operating system, software, smartphone, and maybe even your car need updates in order to function at their highest capacity. Software and firmware are often made up of a constantly evolving library of code, and developers are constantly improving those libraries by fixing bugs and vulnerabilities.  Updating the WordPress software just once monthly can greatly reduce your site’s chances of falling prey to malicious hackers.

5-Point Plan for Successful, Secure CMS Hosting

  •  Solid, secure hosting.
  •  Monthly audits of all sites to confirm software is current
  •  Monthly updates for sites running on outdated software.
  •  Research all plugins for security issues.
  •  Check all plugins during monthly audits and update all that are outdated, along with CMS software.

As mentioned earlier, plugins, and even themes can be a security risk mostly due to insecure coding practices opening up vulnerabilities in even the most up- to-date WordPress installation.  This makes it equally important to vet each before installation and to maintain updates regularly. Unfortunately many themes and plugins can be quite buggy after updating the WordPress software,  which leads many to use outdated software.

A SiteVison CMS Update Management Option:

Here at SiteVision, we host and maintain sites based on a variety of CMS platforms – Mura, Joomla, Drupal, WordPress and many more.  Some of our users feel uncomfortable updating their CMS software, patches and updates internally. Additionally, some simply don’t have the resources or time.

SiteVision is proud to offer a CMS Management Option.  We perform monthly audits, updates on all CMS software, plugins and themes, to ensure that the hosting solution we’re offering is custom tailored to your specific needs. Again, this is not WordPress specific, there are many CMS options that have unique features for your unique needs.  Just email us, or give us a call for additional information.

 

VSFA To Deploy New Content Management System By SiteVision

VSFA logoRoanoke, VA November 13, 2013:  The Virginia State Firefighters Association (VSFA) has chosen SiteVision, Inc., to develop a new content management system (CMS) and added functionality to its existing web presence. The new effort is designed to facilitate day-to-day website management and enhance user experience.  

VSFA has included plans to make the site more information centric for its members’ annual convention information with a convention reminder and count-down feature. In addition, the site will have membership registration allowing members to view member only content. 

SiteVision will also implement customized modules that include classified ad capability, an event calendar, social media connections, a photo library and a “News” section. Users will be able register for email and newsletter content.

responsive_designResponsive design will accommodate viewing on mobile and tablets. A new document management feature will allow VSFA to manage files in various formats by region, state, and other specifics, permitting users to find pertinent information based on their location or interest. SiteVision will provide user training. 

In total, the CMS will eliminate complex coding and create client control over HTML-based content, files, documents, and the like. One or multiple employees at various permission levels may change content easily within a familiar word processing environment.

SiteVision, Inc. (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, 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 in, or is available through, the following state and federal contracting vehicles:

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

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New CVWMA Website by SiteVision Goes Live

Roanoke, VA September 15, 2013: The Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA) has launched its new website.  The Authority, which serves CVWMA Home Pagethirteen Virginia localities, saw the need to redesign and update their online presence with a total reorganization that features a new content management system and numerous enhanced user options.   The new site was designed and implemented by SiteVision, Inc.

CVWMA  (www.cvwma.com) online challenges included the ability to serve each of its thirteen localities separately with up to twelve waste and recycling programs.  Among its programs are Curbside Recycling, Drop-off Recycling, Residential Trash Collection and Electronic Recycling. To meet this goal, the new content management system (CMS) features enhanced content organization, and an improved sitemap to make finding specific locality information easier and more logical.

CVWMA Home Page2Data streaming reduces previously duplicated content.  A new calendar, new recycling wizard, and easy to use forms help users move through the site more efficiently to meet their specific needs.  The recycling wizard lets users find locality specific information on waste disposal from appliances, to clothing, to solvent and paints.   Quick links are also included on each page to further enhance user navigation. Customers can report a missed collection; see Holiday collection schedules; find accepted items; Recycling Wizardpurchase a bin or cart; find guidelines and much more. The CVWMA newsletter has also been redesigned for a fresh new look.

Website content may now be accessed responsively by both mobile phones and tablets.  In addition to the numerous online user features, CVWMA personnel can easily make changes and updates within a familiar word processing environment at specified permission levels.

SiteVision, Inc. (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, 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 in, or is available through, the following state and federal contracting vehicles:

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

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Teen Challenge Partners With SiteVision To Create New Website

TeenChallengeRoanoke, VA August 22, 2013: Eastern Appalachian Teen Challenge, a crisis counseling and outreach center located in Roanoke, VA, has launched its new website developed by SiteVision, Inc.  

The newly developed site (www.teenchallenge4u.com) features a customized content management system (CMS) designed to allow publishing, editing and modifying content from a core interface. The new CMS eliminates complex coding and creates client control over HTML-based content, files, documents and other content. One or multiple users at various permission levels may change content easily within a familiar word processing environment. Users will find an attractive, easy-to-navigate experience utilizing the site.  SiteVision’s role was to provide the enhanced design, coding and implementation. Included in the project was an automated email solution to better communicate with donors and other important supporters of and contributors to the Center.   

SiteVision, Inc. (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, 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 in, or is available through, the following state and federal contracting vehicles:

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

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SiteVision Partners With Salem Rotary Club For New Website

Rotary Club of Salem

Roanoke, VA May 17, 2013: The Rotary Club of Salem, Virginia has a new web presence. (www.rotaryclubofsalem.org/).  The firm’s updated presence implements a content management system (CMS) designed to allow publishing, editing and modifying content from a core interface. Users will find an attractive, more interactive experience utilizing the site.

The new CMS eliminates complex coding and creates client control over HTML-based content, files, documents, and the like. One or multiple users at various permission levels may change content easily within a familiar word processing environment.  SiteVision’s role was to provide the design structure, tools and training to get the site up and running with the Club providing content.  The new site is also responsive, meaning it is automatically optimized for the device being used such as mobile phones and tablets. A handy “Events” feature lets members see upcoming meetings at a glance and get a recap of any they missed.

The Rotary Club of Salem is a civic organization of over 130 active individuals located in the Roanoke Valley of southwest Virginia. Its members include community leaders such as business professionals, non-profit administrators, entrepreneurs, and government officials all of whom share a dedication to the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self.  Through its fundraising the Club makes substantial contributions to charitable and community enhancements in the City of Salem, the Roanoke Valley and around the world.

SiteVision, Inc. (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, 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 in, or is available through, the following state and federal contracting vehicles:

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

 

SiteVision Develops New CMS For Shenandoah Framing

Shenandoah Framing Roanoke, VA April 18, 2013:  Shenandoah Framing, Inc., a wholesale framing manufacturer of Lexington, VA, partnered with Sitevision, Inc. to create its new website.  The firm’s updated presence implements a content management system (CMS) designed to allow publishing, editing and modifying content from a core interface.

The new CMS eliminates complex coding and creates client control over HTML-based content, files, documents, and the like. One or multiple employees at various permission levels may change content easily within a familiar word processing environment.  In addition to core website features, SiteVision developed a searchable, sortable database of its some 3500 mouldings.  Customers may search by a number of variables including specific color, sku and width to quickly see matching items.

Shenandoah Framing provides framing products and services to customers throughout the continental United States, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and Canada. The company itself is nearing its thirty-fourth year of serving the industry. In addition to serving as a distributor for major moulding manufacturers, the firm also designs and manufacturers its own exclusive moulding line.  The firm’s entire inventory is available in length, chop, joined and ready-made frames.

SiteVision, Inc. (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, 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 in, or is available through, the following state and federal contracting vehicles:

 

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

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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.