iBusiness Magazine Fall 2019 Edition

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E D I S N I THIS : E U ISS

Omni Group red For IoT Are You Prepa mmerce? Business Reco

Clean My Mac

X ok Messenger

Facebo The Power of

ps for iOS

ge Ap Best File Stora

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Inside this edition Reviews

Articles 5 Macintosh Observation by a

Lifelong Windows Tech Stefan Kanitz

6 The Power of Facebook

4 Are You Prepared For IoT Business Recommerce? 11 August 12 Clean My Mac X

Messenger Marnï Melrose

13 Honeywell

8 GPS And Mobile Technology Are

19 Nest

Revolutionizing Senior Care Erum Ansari

9 Best File Storage Apps for iOS

John Garrett

14 Next Gen Networking

Kari Gates

33 We’ve Been Had By Spin Doctors?

17 Mailbutler 21 Omni Group 23 Petcube 24 SimpliSafe 26 OWC 28 Skybell HD 30 Wink

Ele Mansouri assistant@iBusinessmag.com Executive Assistant JC Seymour chiefeditor@iBusinessmag.com Editor-In-Chief Zoi Sotirakos production@iBusinessmag.com Production Manager

Joe Galati reviews@iBusinessmag.com Product Review Specialist

and Professionalism Kari Gates

40 The Genius Of Steve Jobs In The

Alex De Santo Editor@iBusinessmag.com Senior Editor

Jose Seymour pr@iBusinessmag.com Press Releases & Public Relations

in Apple’s Server Roadmap Jens Lodholm

38 Connect with Purpose, Passion,

Katie O’Brien katie@ibusinessmag.com Senior Editor

Giuliano Rosati graphics@iBusinessmag.com Creative Director

Jey Raj

34 DETOUR: Reading the Changes

Carmine De Santo publisher@iBusinessmag.com Publisher & Senior Editor

Dave Park, Terry Jarrell reviews@iBusinessmag.com Product Review Specialist

Apple Mobile Product Life-Cycle Rene Siegal

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In Review

Are You Prepared For IoT Business ReCommerce? By Carrie Tyner, VP Customer Experience, Mannapov LLC

The #1 reason we are all in business today is to create value for our clients. Here at Mannapov, we have created an industry-leading Internet of Things (IoT) Suite of Diagnostic Software Systems for Retail Stores and ReCommerce Distribution Centers. Our customers utilize a scalable suite of integrated applications, device diagnostic programs and product services that combines device pricing histories, specific technical information, exploded parts list, asset recovery processes, competitors and other analytics to turbocharge their business. Our business provides the tools to our clients to enable this to occur. Why? Because, like you we have learned that a business strategy without the capability to execute is futile.

• Eliminated intake of wireless devices that could not be sold due to pass word locks, had existing financial contracts, misidentifieddevices, stolen devices, water damaged, not repairable or no consumer market • Transactional advanced prescriptive/predictive dash board analytics were now available to manage the business

In the connected wireless world of smart devices, businesses require the capability to execute a business transaction that increases their customer’s value while increasing the businesses ability to execute their business strategy. Yes, there is already a market and buyer base for wireless inventory products for ReCommerce. The question is, “How does one go about gaining access to this buyer base”?

Enter the ICE suite of Products

First: Develop a mutually rewarding business relationship A pricing, clearing, and validation software all wrapped into one. Whether it be a storefront or processing facility, ICE XTM & ENTERPRISETM has you covered with a growing library of phones that can be cleared, priced and validated across IOS, Android, Windows, and Blackberry smart phone platforms and other IoT devices. For example, at a storefront our partners can price, clear and validate a phone within a few minutes for a customer. Some models in as little as 15 seconds. A record of all devices processed through ICE XTM along with user information allow you to monitor all incoming inventory including who priced, cleared, and/or validated the device. A QR Code can be assigned for tracking and printed on a label for processing and shipping. Note: See inside front cover of this magazine for additional information. These products manage the product transaction by providing transactional software guided in take processes and analytics with business decision points while minimizing business cost exposures. In addition, the ICE database consist of a library of tens of thousands of mobile devices, parts and accessories including detailed specifications and features documented. This robust dataset allows ICE to map a compatible part to phones or other devices, allowing ICE to systematically identify, and archive relationships between families of phones and shared components that may even be named differently but are essentially the same part.

• Now provided highest potential trade in price which increased existing and new customer foot traffic due to higher customer value • Transformed their device trade in program by providing a better customer experience while improving their revenue • Higher spend per customer transaction • Created access to thousands of buyers competing for the wireless inventory • Increased market penetration by supporting a website wireless device trade in business model • Identified new retail store product offerings increasing their market share • Customer spend was also increased due to longer Customer in store dwell time • Increased Customer loyalty • Acquisition of competitor Customers • Increased sales transaction margin from intake to resale of the device

In today’s wireless landscape, there can be an enigma, with returns, warranty claims, trade-ins, and damaged and obsolete device inventory. We Success of an International Customer have learned it pays to rethink whatever program you have in place for the Simply stated: processing and remarketing of wireless merchandise. There is an opportunity to adjust more simply, your business, by ditching traditional manual One of our International Customers, with thousands of business locations methods and apply the cost effective ICE Suite of Products. had a current trade in program of wireless devices. They needed to quickly transform their current business model and experience to be able to thrive By the way… in the digital Internet of Things (IoT) economy. The International Customer transformation to a new business platform is now baselined and is maturing as the IoT Industry evolves. This Customer was in taking devices that were providing low or no operating margins and up to 20 plus percent of a product could not be sold For additional information, head to UseIceNow.com or Call: 1 830 443 9998 through the ReCommerce business unit.

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Implementing a scalable following successes.

Mannapov

solution

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Macintosh Observation by a Lifelong Windows Tech Stefan Kanitz www.linkedin.com/in/ stefankanitz

First, let me start by saying that I am primarily a Windows person. I have been supporting Windows clients in SMB and education for the better part of 25 years and can still remember upgrading from DOS to my first Windows 3.0 systems. I also recall cleaning up ‘junk’ after being hired at my first full-time job and throwing away an original Windows 1.0 box, which, like my childhood hockey cards, I figured had no value so why keep? Back in those days my Apple support experience was two Macintosh computers at a copy shop in Toronto. What great machines! Not only did they look cool, they were easy to use and allowed me to learn the trendy buzz-thing of the time, desktop publishing. As time has passed, my career has taken me through many generations of Windows and Macintosh computers in both education and business, riding waves of operating system ups and downs along the way. Like most technical people, my exposure to computer platforms is based largely on market demand. Most of my career has been Windows-heavy with a sprinkling of Macs throughout. I found Macs in corners of marketing companies, in design labs on college campuses and of course in the hands of my children who all selected MacBooks when given a choice. In my experience the balance of power has traditionally been on the side of Windows, with Macs playing a minor supporting role. I am beginning to wonder if this is soon going to change. I ask myself this question based on my observations in college classrooms and I am beginning to wonder what impact it will have on those that are just starting out in the technical support field. Over the years, students in my college classrooms have often brought their own computers. Their systems mirrored what I saw in business, mostly Windows systems with a small number of Macs. Over the past few years however I have noticed a definite shift in that balance, the numbers have slowly been creeping up to the point where this year my observation is that greater than half and up to two thirds of the students are bringing Macbooks. So why does this matter? Well, for me it is an issue in my Microsoft Excel training sessions. Traditionally Excel has been taught using textbooks and lessons featuring Office for Windows. The occasional student with a Mac would have problems translating keystrokes and features into the OS X version making their learning more difficult. I have always encouraged these students to practice on a Windows system as being proficient in Windows will be needed in the workplace when they graduate. This year a flood of students has been struggling with this problem and pushing to have the Mac version better supported. While I am not yet able to completely accommodate Mac based users, my observation does beg the question - what impact will these students have on business when they graduate?

Stefan Kanitz is a Professor at Seneca College and an active IT professional with 25+ years experience in the computer and network support field with a focus on small medium business and education.

Assuming the direction of IT in business is driven by preference in addition to technology, then would one not expect the increasing number of students using Macs to have an impact? As these students graduate from higher education with Macintosh computers being their primary experience and preference, does it not follow that the entrepreneurs and future business leaders amongst them will begin to demand their preferred platform on the desktop?

In my career I have worked with a few 100% Mac based businesses, mostly in print and creative fields. I currently have one client, an engineering firm, that is Mac based, but I suspect the number will grow in the coming years. With more applications moving to the SaaS model with Virtual Apps and Web based tools replacing the traditional, locally installed programs of the past, the barriers to adoption are rapidly falling. The next generation of employees, Web and mobile savvy students of today, are wizards on the Macintosh platform. While I can preach the need to be equally proficient on Windows as well, the fact is that they are not. Employers looking to maximize productivity and efficiency may be wise to accommodate the preferences of these enthusiastic, new graduates. So what does the future hold for Apple in the workplace? Perhaps Apple has been playing the long game, beginning with their early investment in primary and elementary schools and developing a Macintosh preference in children and teens. This preference, reinforced by the iPhone and Apple’s robust ecosystem of services, may have created a boom generation of Mac users to replace the aging generation of die-hard enthusiasts whose dedication and perseverance have brought us to where we stand today. Perhaps I should shine up my OS X skills to prepare.

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The Power of Facebook Messenger Marnï Melrose www.macangel.com about.me/marnimelrose

You can see why the attraction to Facebook Messenger SOURCE: ManyChat

The FaceBook Discovery Tab

Facebook Messenger is quickly becoming a new communication standard. There are over 1.6 billion people with Facebook messenger currently and with Facebook releasing their chat plugin for websites in November in 2018, you are going to see a massive landslide into Facebook Messenger as more and more people start using it to converse with businesses.

At F8 2017 David Marcus said that they want to become the yellow pages of messaging. They are investing in Discovery; they have built a discover tab that will surface your bot. Yes, I said YOUR bot.

Why would a business want to use it for their customers? 1. Persistent identity The persistent identity of the customer has always been a challenge. Often a customer will use multiple email addresses and stitching these together can be a technical nightmare. From the customer’s side, not having to identify yourself all the time makes it really seamless. It’s one of the reasons social logins have been so pervasive. People want what is fast and easy. 2. A more personal experience In the good old days, you went into a shop, and the shopkeepers knew you, they knew what you liked, and you felt special. It created strong loyalty. Those days are long gone, or so you would think. However, bots are bringing that personal experience back. Bots are more personal, they are speaking to you, It’s not the same experience as a cold website or an ad in your face. It’s a discussion about the things you like and an inquiry into if this company can provide you with what you are looking for - and it does this at scale. ‍ . Control by the user 3 Re-subscriber You might think in marketing that you don’t want the user to be in control, but you do. You’ll notice higher unsubscribes in messenger but conversely much higher engagement, and that’s what drives sales; an engaged audience.

SOURCE: Facebook

Wouldn’t you like Facebook to promote your company? Of course, you would! There are a few things you need to do to get into the Discovery Tab and a few more to get featured. “ Providing increased exposure within a dedicated tab will be a good lure for those who’ve invested in bots, and could help them get ahead in the awareness stakes - which will be particularly relevant if bots ever take off as many expect.” ~Social Media Today

Step 1 is to have a Facebook Bot

The first step is to have a bot in the first place. If you don’t have one, yet, click here and my bot will teach you how to install one on your website right now.

Step 2 Submit it for approval Submit you bot for approval. Get your bot approved

Step 3 Promote it and use it

Facebook can see if people like your bot and it is of value to them. If you respond quickly and have good interaction with your users you are more likely to get ranked in the featured tab. Facebook has filters and rankings to make sure that the only the best bots get featured.

Here are the specific things that Facebook says will make it From the customer’s perspective, no bot can start messaging more likely for you bot to be discovered. you unless you start messaging it and you are in control all of the time. You can simply stop the bot any time you like; you 1. Low block and report rates for your bot. Can be found in Page -> Insights -> Messages. can even re-engage with it when you want. (Trust me on this, the past few days this one woman comes in, uses one of my tutorial bots and unsubscribes then she’ll opt in again to use another one of my tutorials and then she opts out again.) Spam will become a thing of the past. What that means for businesses though is that a subscriber is truly a lead and not just dead weight.

is a business coach and technology trainer.

Marnï Melrose

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Novaturience, LLC the experience of powerful change.

4. A single conversation with the company Rather than having to hunt through emails, you will have a persistent single running conversation with the company. You know immediately where to go to contact the company that you want to converse with. So how do you find these companies with bots that will make your life easier? That’s where the Discovery tab comes in. 100,000 bots to be discovered

2. High responsiveness rate. Can be seen from within Messenger thread with a page. 3. Making good use of platform features, including the persistent menu and get started button. Keep your bot in good standing “The Messenger bots that appear in the featured section and in each category of the Discover tab is determined algorithmically based on a variety of factors.” ~Facebook

Next Steps

If you need help with any of this, connect with me on messenger



GPS And Mobile Technology Are Revolutionizing Senior Care Erum Ansari

According to the Population Reference Bureau, the number of Americans ages 65 and above is projected to rise from 46 million today to over 98 million by 2060. With this unprecedented increase in aging population and seniors choosing to live independently, senior care has becomes challenging.

The devices are connected to an app which can be downloaded on iOS and Android. The app does not only show the location of the wearer but also provide options such as geo-fencing.

The wearables have been designed keeping scalability, functionality, and affordability in mind. In addition to the App, To help seniors live independently, manage state resources there is also a web portal that can be used by large communimore effectively, and give caregivers the ability to constantly ty based organizations. Currently, Canada’s largest hospital stay in touch with them, LocateMotion has developed a GPS and telecom provider are in the process of piloting various wearable solution. The solution helps caregivers and medical use cases. organizations in staying connected with seniors and provide Both LocateWatch and LocateTracker are currently availassistance if needed. able in US and Canada through the company website Backed by the Canadian government, research grants and and Amazon. a leading technology university, the GPS devices have been developed to ensure that seniors, particularly those living with mental disabilities such as Dementia, can stay safe and wandering can be prevented. These devices also help reduce the response time in cases of emergencies such as falls and accidents. LocateWatch is a durable, splash-resistant wearable that helps seniors keep a track of time, set activity alarms, measure steps, and use an SOS button to call a predetermined number if needed. It also has a GPS tracker, two-way calling and a camera which gives the caregiver peace of mind. LocateTracker is GPS tracker which is a small tracker that can easily be placed in a keychain, bag or even in the pocket. In addition to features like geo-fencing, alerts, and extended battery life (80 hours standby); LocateTracker also facilitates two-way communication.

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Erum Ansari is the PR and Content Manager at Locate Motion. She has 6+ years of experience in communications strategy, content creation, and marketing across North America, Middle East and South Asia.


Best File Storage Apps for iOS John Garrett www.fmadvisors.com info@fmadvisors.com @FMAdvisors Toll: (888)-656-0740

Smartphones and tablets are great tools to help you stay productive when you’re away from the office. Yet compared to a notebook or laptop, many mobile devices often have drawbacks that hinder productivity. This includes their limited file management capabilities.

File Manager Pro ($4.99) - iOS

File Manager Pro is an all-in-one solution to all of your popular cloud services like Dropbox, Box.com, SkyDrive, Google Drive, and more. You can connect to your FTP servers with the app as well. Once connected to a cloud service, the app creates a new section where you can access all -les on the connected service. You can also upload and download -les on to your device from the cloud services. File Manager Pro includes support for a wide variety of formats and can also zip (and unzip) files. You can access all of your -les via a WiFi connection to your iPad or through iTunes -file management. File Manager Pro also lets you password protect your documents. Overall, this may be a comprehensive app but it does have a steep price tag.

On most tablets, you can’t easily duplicate or move files without the right app. Sure, iOS and Android have solid apps to enable you to create documents, spreadsheets and so forth. But compared to desktop operating systems like Windows and OSX, a mobile device can limit your ability to manage those files. On most mobile devices, you can’t easily duplicate or move files, and neither iOS nor Android offers a way to view all the files stored on your tablet’s internal memory at once. But with a dedicated file manager app, you can locate, retrieve and manipulate files much more easily. And File Hub Pro ($4.99) - iOS you can see at a glance what’s taking up space on your tablet. File Hub is a great file manager for iOS devices. The app ofCheck out these tablet apps for a better way to keep all your fers a plethora of features, su files, create blank files, or even files in check. create a new file from the clipboard. You can even as well. The sorting options in the app really make it stand out, and iStorage 2 HD ($4.99) – iOS you can sort files by share files from your iPhone to a Mac or The iStorage 2 HD app is a good file management tool for PC via WiFi transfer, or Bluetooth transfer. power users. Its core functionality lets you view, locate, move and manipulate files right on your iPhone or iPad. And it offers additional tools such as the ability to view two different folders on screen at once. That can come in handy when comparing files, or when you want to move files between two different locations. And iStorage 2 HD offers a variety of ways to view your files, including list and thumbnail views. It also lets you read documents and PDFs right within the app, and synchronize your files to a variety of cloud storage platforms, including Dropbox and SkyDrive. The app even has a built-in Web browser and bookmarks manager. But you’ll have to pay for all that functionality; the $4.99 app is pricier than other file management options for iOS.

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Documents 6 (Free) – iOS

John Garrett serves as CEO of Facilities Management Advisors, LLC. Prior to founding FMA, Garrett maintained over 18 years of experience within the Facility Management, Corporate Real Estate, and Facility Services Industries. www.fmadvisors.com info@fmadvisors.com @FMAdvisors Toll: (888)-656-0740

The Documents 6 file management app for iOS includes tons of additional functionality. As a file manager, it offers most of the tools you need, including the ability to move, duplicate and delete files from the internal memory of your iPhone or iPad. The app also lets you copy documents to and from your desktop Mac or PC, and sync files with cloud storage platforms including iCloud, Dropbox and Google Drive. The Documents 6 app also offers password protection to help keep private business data secure. Additionally, the app lets you read documents and PDF files, and view photos and video files. You can even annotate and edit documents right within the app. Documents 6 also serves as a bookmarks manager for Web pages you want to view later.

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iFiles 2 ($4.99) - iOS

The iFiles 2 app offers an expansive feature set to help make up for its premium price. Extra features include a handy document viewer, text editor and audio recorder baked right into the app. It also provides excellent wireless file sharing capabilities, so you can use your iPhone as a file server when it’s connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. Solid integration with Google Drive and Dropbox is icing on the cake.

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In Review

August is a maker of smart door locks. Their products are interoperable The Doorbell Cam Pro includes a live HD video feed, so you can tune in with both the Wink and SimpliSafe systems mentioned in other articles in to your front door anytime from anywhere you have internet. It includes free 24 hour recording. A system called Hindsight, records and stores video this issue. leading up to a motion alert. Also included is HD color night vision recordAugust door locks consists of a deadbolt version, the Smart Lock Pro, con- ing. It also has adjustable motion alerts allowing you to adjust the sensitivnects to your existing deadbolt. It allows you to continue to use your same ity and only record only what you want. key to open the door manually. Also included with the system is a Wi-FI bridge, that lets you control the lock from your smart phone, or even ver- The doorbell came works with your current mechanical doorbell, and inbally using HomeKit or Amazon Alexa or Google Home. The system also cludes a USB port to facilitate easy setup before mounting. uses the Z-wave plus wireless technology standard. This gives it interoperThe locks also integrate with Airbnb making them perfect for renting out ability with a large number of home automation systems. your property on a temporary basis. They also integrate with HomeAway, The Smart Lock Pro will also automatically unlock your home as you ap- another renting service. This eliminates the need for lock boxes, hidden proach, saving you from fumbling for your keys. Especially handy when keys, or key handover meetings. coming home with arms full of groceries or other awkward items. An optional accessory is a Smart Keypad, which allows you to unlock using All signals are of course encrypted with bank grade security to ensure there a code rather than key or phone. It is meant for outdoor mounting and works with any August Smartlock. is no unauthorized access. Other products include the Smart Lock and Doorbell Cam Pro. The devices You can read more about August door locks on their website at: can be setup to automatically lock the door when you leave the house, and unlock when you arrive. As well with the connect wifi bridge, you can give www.august.com visitors and trusted friends guest access to the lock.


In Review

Clean My MAC X is utility software from MacPaw to keep your MAC running like new. It automatically detects and removes unnecessary files. I downloaded the free trial and ran the System Junk option, in a very short time I was told I had over 3 GB in Cache files, Language files and more that was just taking up space on my already small hard drive. The scan was quick and cleanup was quick too. Mind you the trial did prompt me to purchase the full version to completely remove al the excess. Also included are tools to clean your photos, mail attachments, iTunes and Trash bins. Clean My MAX X also removes Malware, the scan for this was also quick and simple. My MAC did not show any infections, however I do already run an Antivirus and Anti Malware on my MAC. A privacy tool lets you remove Skype and Messages history as well as browsing data. It also removes autofill data your browser may be saving.

time and frees up RAM. When I ran this tool I was unaware the TeamViewer (an application I use when accessing a friends computer), was loading every time I started my MAC even though I was not normally using it. An uninstaller is used to remove old APPS and an Updater is included to keep all versions current and running smoothly. There is also a large and old files finding tool. It found some older movies I had saved on my MAC, including a video from 2012 of my kids trying out their new scooters for Christmas. Not something I wanted to part with, but the software was intelligent enough to see this was a file I had not accessed in a very long time, that was taking up a fair amount of space. Clean My MAC X is available as a free trial with limited capability. The full version is available in either a yearly subscription or one time purchase. A two MAC version is also available. To learn more visit Macpaw’s Clean my MAC X website at:

An optimization tool allows you to view and deselect Login Items, Launch www.cleanmymac.com agents, Hung Applications and heavy consumers. This speeds up launch

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In Review

Honeywell has been making products for over 130 years, from humble beginnings credited with creating the predecessor to the home thermostat. Now Honeywell is offering a home security product line called Honeywell Home. The base station includes a camera, with voice control and built in Amazon Alexa. A feature I had not seen in other systems, is facial recognition. The system will actually recognize people and inform you of events such as the kids coming home from school. If the kids come home from school with an unrecognized person the system will be aware of this and can send you a video clip. Rest assured that you know exactly who is in your home when you are not.

From this APP you can do the following: • Arm or disarm the security system • Lock or unlock doors • Turns lights on or off • Set the temperature by adjusting the thermostat • View either a live feed from the cameras, or recorded clips • Check the Wi-FI signal strength to your cameras

The base station also includes three microphones and a 90 dB alarm. Its • Create automations for ease of use and to save energy camera is full 1080p and includes night vision and motion detection. It has • Setup text alerts and emails based on a variety of rules including a wide 147 degree field of view so you can see a full view. temperature motion in restricted areas, or even the movement of Aside from the base station there are optional accessories including an out- valuable items. door camera and speaker. When motion is detected in the yard, the speaker can be setup to automatically play the sound of a dog barking to deter On the Honeywell home website besides finding a retailer in your area you would be thieves. Other accessories include window and door sensors that can also connect with a Honeywell trained service provider for advice and can alert you on opening. Batteries in these devices are designed to last for setup. up to four years. They are wireless and sensitive enough to detect that a Honeywell also mentions on their website that besides the current capawindow or door is only slightly open. bilities of the system they are working on improvements such as music Also available are indoor and outdoor motion sensors and a key fob to con- playback. trol the system remotely. The key fob had preset functions for when you are at home, away and night time. Quickly and easily access the most common To learn more about this system please visit them on the web at: functions. The battery in the key fob will last up to five years, so you do not www.smarthomesecurity.honeywellhome.com have to worry about it failing when you need it. The key fob makes both audible and led light responses to your commands. If family or friends need access to the house, the key fob gives them temporary access to the system without having full access to the system. The system is also employs the Z-wave standard allowing it to connect to other Z-wave devices. All information passing through the system is encrypted. Unlike many other systems it utilizes ac WiFI and can operate at 5 GHz speeds. It is bluetooth enabled, and also uses Honeywell’s own Wiselink Security Protocol. The system can be accessed from your iOS or Android device through the Total Connect APP.

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Next Gen Networking Kari Gates bit.ly/KariGates

As a marketing consultant, I speak with new professionals on topics of brand management, content development, and professional growth. Many of my clients are just getting started, either new to business in general, or new an industry or position. I’m often asked what they can do on a personal level to build a strong network. The holidays can be a particularly challenging time of year for new professionals—or even those who’ve been in business a while—to maintain their connections while not losing momentum. Whether you’re just getting started, starting over, or simply looking to enhance an already stellar network, consider these tips to make the most of your relationship efforts.

your competition, the formula is simple. Do what you say you’ll do when you said you’d do it. I recommend starting each week with an overview of the week before. Don’t rely on memory alone; instead, get in the habit of creating tasks or reminders for yourself to follow through. Whether you use an app, spreadsheets, or sticky notes, put your system to work for you! Organize contacts by location, interest, etc. Communicate regularly and with a personal touch. Schedule activities with reminders, so you don’t miss deadlines.

What you know or your level of expertise in your field or industry will only determine a portion of your success. ComGet Started: Initiate, Interact, Invite For the up-and-coming professional just starting to build municating that expertise to others can open doors, not only their network, I have this advice: Take the initiative. If you to making the sale, but to becoming an ongoing resource to make a meaningful new connection, be diligent about fol- others in a way that sets you apart from your competition. low-through. Reach out and let them know the interaction Building a valuable network takes time, energy, and diliwas meaningful to you. Don’t hesitate to invite a second en- gence, but the potential is limitless! counter—if you can tie in a common interest or preference from your first meeting, even better. You’ll demonstrate your Take advantage of any lulls in your normal workweek to plan professionalism in that you remembered them mentioning a out strategic and effective communication to your entire database. From the casual greetings sent to most, the personal penchant for French press coffee or single malt Scotch. greetings sent to some, and the face-to-face (in person or by My only word of caution is to leave plenty of room for au- screen) to the select few, reach out with purpose and you’ll be thentic reciprocation. Valuable relationships are permis- surprised by the return! sion-based and pursuing a professional relationship is much like a personal one—it’s possible to come on too strong. Be intentional, not pushy. Don’t make the mistake of waiting for the other person to reach out to you. When you’re starting out, it’s also important to ask for introductions from those with whom you’ve already built a good reputation. Don’t be too proud to ask for recommendations or referrals. Ask and offer to do the same for them.

Start Again: Re-energize Existing Relationships

Whether you’ve made a career move, a physical one, or have just let things lull down, reactivating your networks can seem more daunting than it actually is. Organization makes information usable. Start with a scroll. Reading through names, or looking through profile pictures is a good starting point, but don’t stop there. Sort those contacts into groups based on priority. For example, you can organize by High, Medium, and Low Priority, or numerically, such as Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3. Once you’ve done this, you can begin to reach out. Craft messages and determine how you’ll communicate based on the priority. Balance the importance of the desired results with the level of effort required to achieve them. Sure, the people in your database may reach out to you, but when your success or failure is determined by the quality of your networks, why wait for a call that may never come? Relationships, after all, are investments. Some are penny stocks with little ventured, little gained. Others require significant time and attention to see really big payoffs.

14

Kari Gates is the Marketing Director for eTekhnos Benefits Technology and a marketing consultant for new brands. bit.ly/KariGates

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In Review

Mailbulter is a tool that adds added functionality to both the Mail APP that comes with all MAC’s as well as the commonly used Gmail, provided by Google. It works with both computers and mobile devices.

was discussed with the customer via email without leaving the CRM software. This feature would also work well with teams, especially when more than one sales specialist such as a sales engineer and salesperson are working on the same account together. Stop wasting time comparing notes on what was Mailbutler lets you create message templates, so you can automate tasks you emailed, it is all tied together within the CRM. do regularly. Also included is the option to “snooze” incoming mail, and have it reappear at a later date, so you can ensure you deal with it at a convenient Besides automated basic tasks, Mailbutler also pulls information about your time. Other functions include being able to Undo a Send, recalling an email contacts from the internet including scraping information from social media, you did not mean to send. A follow-up function can be setup to remind you if information about their company and personal links. It creates a full profile your recipient has not responded. This can be especially useful in a business about everyone you email. environment when you are gathering information or assigning tasks, and need Mailbutler is available in a free essentials version, as well as professional and to ensure the recipient is acting on your instructions. business versions. Subscriptions are available both in monthly or yearly verEmail tracking lets you see when a recipient has opened your email as well as sions. When purchasing yearly a 2 month savings is realized over monthly. For if they have clicked an enclosed link. Perfect for reaching out to clients and more information or to subscribe today, visit the Mailbutler website at: finding out if they are acting on your emails or not. www.mailbutler.io Mailbulter also has a send later option. Allowing you to compose and schedule an email, and have it appear in your recipients inbox at the optimal time for their time zone. Or compose on the weekend and have email arrive during the work week. Signatures are another feature, fully responsive across devices you can engage with your recipients no matter what they view email with. As well you can share your composed signature with your team, giving your company a polished professional look. The built in tool easily lets you create professional signatures without having to utilize professional skills. Templates are quick and easy to create, with the added feature of being able to share them across your team of Mailbutler users. For sales teams instead of the dreaded copying and pasting of material, templates make for efficient campaigns across the team. Mailbutler also includes reminders that synch with your favourite tools. It includes compatibility with commonly used software such as: • Wunderlist • ToDoist • Evernote • Dropbox • box • Google+ • OneDrive • OneNote • Asana • Gravatar • Google Drive Another feature that sales teams will love is the ability to BCC your emails to your CRM software. Instead of making separate notes within the CRM software attach email exchanges to customer files. Know at a glance exactly what

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In Review

You may have heard of Nest, at one time they were just a thermostat The Nest system of products offers interoperability with other companies manufacturer.Since then they have branched out to cameras, video door- products. These manufactures will place a “Works with Nest”, logo on bells, smoke and CO alarms, as well as something called “Nest Aware”. their packaging. Nest Aware is the APP software for use with Nest cameras. It offers full video recording with 30 days of history 24 / 7. Included with the APP is the ability to set alerts. Alerts can even be setup specific to zones. Say you always want to be alerted when someone enters a specific room, or goes near the babies crib. The APP will alert you based on the rules you set.

Current compatible products include items such as: • Google Home • Yale Lock • Wemo

The system is intelligent and can recognize faces, alerting you to strang- • iHome ers. The system is also sophisticated enough to know the difference be- • LIFX tween a barking dog and a person talking. • Fitbit Any clip created by the system can be shared with friends or family or • Store Cam for Shopify even the police right from inside the APP. You can share video or a time lapse. Police are much more likely to secure a conviction with video foot- • Home Connect age, rather than just an alarm that frightens intruders away. The Nest • Smart Garden Hub Aware APP is a subscription and adds features to the other Nest devices • Logitech Harmony such as the video doorbell, giving it facial recognition capability. • Levtron The subscription is available with varying amounts of history, there are • Legrand 5 day, 10 day and 30 day versions. Saving 24 / 7 video for the period of your subscription. These can be paid on a monthly basis, or savings can For even more products or to purchase Nest for yourself visit the Nest be realized for paying yearly all at once. website at: www.nest.com


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In Review

OmniFocus is a task management app for Mac, iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. It uses “contexts” to help the user keep one’s life organized, separating work from personal, allowing the user to stay focus and, in the process, accomplish more. OmniFocus is one of the many productivity apps available from the Omni Group which includes OmniGraffle, OmniOutliner, OmniPlan and OmniPresence. As an OmniPlan user since my Apple Newton days, I was very excited to see what OmniFocus offers.

Omnifocus is available in Standard ($39.99 per year iOS and Mac) and Pro ($59.99 per year iOS and $79.99 for Mac) options; each has a 14 day free trial and OmniFocus for each platform is sold separately. Educational and business pricing are also available. Unlike most apps, OmniFocus comes with a 30 day return policy. The Omni Group website details bundled pricing and pricing details. The Pro version offers workflow automation using AppleScript for workflow additions like creating a new project from a template or integrating OmniFocus with another app; Focus allows the user to OmniFocus provides many ways to view ones life, whether at work or play, focus on one item whether a project, a file, it moves the focus front home to using perspectives for specific tasks such as planning, action and checking work and back again. New views can be created including custom sorting, what’s on tap for the upcoming day. It offers reminders for a variety of filtering and grouping. IOS allows sidebar and home screen customization. tasks and actions such as the reminder to pick up an item at a store in the user’s reminders the user is alerted when walking past the store. Location Concentrate on what matters at the moment whether it’s personal tasks or awareness and notifications facilitates this process. Use Siri to check a lo- work projects. OmniFocus provides a way to concentrate full attention on cation and add it to the list of things to do or places to go on a specific day one area, one set of tasks or one task at a time, automates the process and makes the entries available across all Apple platforms. and receive alerts when near the given location,

21


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Your Orthopedic Clinical Solution Leveraging 3D4Medical’s award-winning expertise in 3D anatomical education, Complete Ortho was launched for use by physicians during patient clinic visits to reinvent and revolutionize Patient Education, Engagement and Empowerment; when patients clearly understand their care options as provided by their doctor, the results are better healthcare and ultimately better outcomes. Delivered via iPad, Complete Ortho illustrates, explains and personalizes patient anatomy, pathology and procedure/treatment options through interactive 3D technology and animations. The combination of 3D anatomical model plus animations is buttressed with eLiterature, thereby delivering the most thorough, streamlined and simple educational platform for patients. All content from the Careplan is then shared directly with the patient via email through a HIPAA secure portal. Put simply, patients take the pointof-care consult home to share and review with family, eliminating much

of the anxiety and fear commonly associated with simply not knowing while simultaneously advancing their understanding of their healthcare options. Additionally, physicians and staff are able to effectively manage each patient’s Careplan through a personalized Dashboard that tracks patient utilization. At present, Complete Ortho is available to all Orthopedic, Spine and Sports Medicine physicians. Additional platforms for Cardiology, Physical Therapy, OBGYN, Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Urology will launch in 2017/18, with still more to come. 3D4Medical has also made a Patient-Only version of Complete Ortho available for FREE on the App Store. Engage directly with the anatomical models, pain-specific pathologies and related treatment options to be the most educated patient possible. Empower yourself to engage with your healthcare. The future of patient-first healthcare is now with Complete Ortho: Education, Engagement and Empowerment; Simple, Shared and Secure.

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In Review

Our pets are really members of our family, and we want them to be happy Petcube Bites is an interactive treat Cam, allowing you to give your pet a and healthy. Petcube is an internet connected appliance that allows us to treat remotely. The refillable treat container holds up to 200 treats. Treats connect, play and even give our pet a treat from an internet connected APP. can be launched at different angles up to six feet away. One of my early memories as a child was giving my Aunt’s dog treats. It took great delight Petcube comes in a Petcube Play version, that includes a completely safe in running after a milk bone thrown across the kitchen. Imagine taking a laser play toy. You can move the laser spot from your phone, or even set it break at the office or while stuck in traffic while carpooling home. You could up to autoplay and entertain your pet. Video can be recorded of any motion, spend some time with your pet. The device works for both cats and dogs and adding a security feature to your home. Not only can you play with your includes an interactive voice camera. pet, but the system can you send you motion activated alerts. Let you know when your pet is active. The camera is also able to see in the dark. Two way To read more about the devices and see video, see the Petcube website at: audio is also included so you can communicate and both talk and listen in www.petcube.com to your pet.

23


In Review

SimpliSafe is a complete home monitoring and alarm system, it is designed to give home owners peace of mind.

• 1 105 dB siren

Sensors consist of either smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, water leak and burst pipe sensors, a freeze sensor to monitor your homes temperature and warn for the potential for burst pipes, cameras, glass break detectors, door and window open sensors, and motion sensors.

• 1 Water Sensor

• 1 Panic Button The system consists of a base station that is monitored 24/7 as well as sen • 1 Freeze Sensor sors that can be setup around the home.

• 1 Smoke Detector

Note the options include letting you select either “Cloud” or “Obsidian” The system is sold in a variety of kits, meant to be rightsized to your usage for the base station and keypad, or simply put black or white coloration case. It ranges from a custom Build my System option, that allows you to options. mix and match, as well as a package called The Haven, which fits most stanThe Knox, sells for $449 and includes the following: dard sized homes. As well there is The Knox a larger package for homes that need more coverage. • 1 Base Station The Build my System option of course varies in price depending on the • 1 Keypad optional items you choose. • 1 Key Fob The Haven, sells for $489 and includes the following: • 6 Entry Sensors • 1 Base Staion • 2 Motion Sensors • 1 Keypad • 1 105 dB Siren • 1 Key Fob • 1 Smoke Detector • 4 Entry Sensors Color options are the same as the Haven, however this package is made for • 2 Motion Sensors homes with multiple bedrooms


More packages and pricing are available on the SimpleSafe website at www. simplesafe.com, including the Foundation, a straight forward package for owners of small homes or apartment dwellers. Also mentioned is a 60 day money back guarantee on the system as well as free shipping for customers. SimpliSafe offers conveniences that add up compared to other alarm systems. For example the keypad lights up when in use, making using it easier. It has the added functionality of having the alarm still function even if the keypad were to be damaged. Motion sensors are based on the heat signature of people, that intelligent design means that pets do not set the

interrupted. The company maintains a total of six monitoring centres to assure your alarm is always monitored. Alerts to the monitoring centre are also confirmed by the the system, this two communication means alerts are sure to be processed. When communicating it utilizes encryption to keep not just your home secure, but your security system as well. The systems cameras can be monitored in real time from your smart phone. As well they provide a visual record for law enforcement. Confirmation of an intruder is much more secure than just a “dumb” style alarm that just sounds a warning. Police can not just respond, but have a visual record of exactly why the alarm sounded. This means criminals are not just frightened away, they can also stand to be convicted. The glass break sensors are extremely accurate and as the manufacturer states “know” the difference between a plate breaking and broken glass. All the accessory sensors for the device are small and unobtrusive. They have been engineered to fit small powerful antennas into small packages. They can communicate with the system without being bulky and taking away from the aesthetic of your home. The system can be controlled by either an iOS APP, an Android APP or a WEB APP, allowing the owner to connect to the system anywhere. Most alarm companies operated on a subscription model, where the equipment is rented as part of the monitoring fee. With SimpliSafe, you buy the equipment outright, and as you can add to the system over time you can customize it to your exact needs. As you own the equipment monitoring fees are less expensive than most other subscription for equipment based services. Setup is an easy matter of just locating your devices and letting the base station wirelessly access them. If you do have difficulty phone support is available 7 days a week until midnight, or there is an online forum for customers.

alarm off. This feature in my opinion is a game changer, so often the alarm that constantly alerts false detections ends up being turned off when it becomes an annoyance.

The solution is straight forward and easy to use, the manufacturer has created a system with multiple failsafes and intelligent design.

To learn more or order yours visit them on the web at: Other features include backup power, so when power is disrupted the system continues to function for a full 24 hours on battery backup. The system https://simplisafe.com also works on both cellular and your home wifi, so service is almost never


In Review

Become a Modern Digital Warrior by Connecting Your Laptop with a Dock The State of Today’s Laptop/Notebook Design

In many respects, it seems as though recent trends in laptop and tablet design are a race to the bottom. Not aesthetics or performance, as most newer models are sleek, beautiful and fast, but in terms of functionality and usability. Apparently the smaller, lighter and thinner the better, and screen sizes and overall portability are literally starting to rival smartphones. As a natural outcome of these trends, current models offer fewer and fewer ports for robust connectivity or to accommodate the cardboard boxes of accessories that many of us have accumulated over the last decade or two.

Versatility and Functionality Fall off the Cliff

Don’t get me wrong; laptops are awesome. They have revolutionized the way all of us work, go to meetings, play, relax and vacation. But when was the last time one of your friends told you they were psyched about the new desktop PC they just bought? It just doesn’t happen. Sure, there are still pockets of business users who use one for one reason or another, but even that is becoming rarer with each passing year. About 4 or 5 years ago, the laptop neutering movement reached a crescendo when most OEMs decided, collectively, to stop including here-to-fore mandatory things like CD-ROM drives, HDMI ports, SD card readers and Ethernet ports in their sleek new designs, rendering more and more of your cardboard boxes’ contents useless. That tide has continued (albeit more slowly) since then, to the point where many current models today offer something like a USB-C port, an audio jack and a charging port, and that’s about it.

certain to come with TB3. Literally plug it in - no configuration required. And if you buy a dock with dual TB3 ports, you gain the huge advantage of daisy-chaining up to 5 more TB3 devices to your setup, in addition to the array of ports included with your dock.

Determine Your Needs with Room for Expansion

Now take a look at your current port requirements, with an eye towards the things you should be doing better...and the future. Assess your current needs for things like USB ports, external monitor support, printers, SD card readers, speakers, data storage, and more. To my point about things you should be doing better, many business workers at small to mid-size firms are doing a woefully inadequate job with data storage and backups. Sure, some are using a cloud storage service like OneDrive or Dropbox for document backups, but you’ll sleep a lot better if you maintain a local copy of your files as well, plus a mirrored copy of your entire system in case your laptop crashes. Today’s Solid State Drives (SSDs) are blazing fast and affordable, so just about any dock configuration should reserve a port for an external 500GB or 1TB SSD for a little extra peace-of-mind.

OWC makes a 14-port Thunderbolt 3 Dock that is arguably the new gold standard in docks for SMB and enterprise users, and it’s certified for both Macs and PCs, so if you are still a little uncertain about the type and number of ports you need, you really can’t go wrong with this loaded model. It features a potent 85-watts of charging power, a dedicated 10 Gbps USB-C port, dual TB3 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, 5 USB-A 3.1 ports, support for dual 4K displays or a single 5K display, audio jacks, and more. In addition, it’s among the only It’s Not About Convenience…it’s Productivity & Ergonomics TB3 docking I like accessories and honestly, I can’t really function without them. And stations on the it’s not just fading eyesight or fat fingers; it’s the indisputable fact that I am market with both orders of magnitude more productive and professional when I have them, microSD and SD and many office workers across many industries are just like me. I like dual Card slots external monitors, a wired headset and an external keyboard and mouse. For many newer laptops, that’s all your ports...and I’m just getting start- And speaking of ed. Graphic designers and professional creators in the design, music, video docks and SSD OWC or gaming industries are even much more demanding on their equipment storage, than me, with some needing connections to a dozen or more accessory de- just released such a dock called the vices or networks. Mercury Elite Pro Pick Your Interface of Choice Dock, which is a Most modern docks offer a simple 1-port plug-and-play interface using ei- fully integrated ther USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 (TB3). Since TB3 is compatible with USB-C, 7-port Thunderchoosing a TB3 dock is the way to go, especially since your next laptop is bolt 3 dock and


dual-drive RAID storage solution, that I think will take the SMB market by storm – especially firms with little or no IT support.

faction and my data would all be severely compromised.

OWC has been designing and producing docking solutions for over 10 years and most of their designs are tailored to a fairly specific user or workflow because the connectivity needs of a traveling business executive are very different from a Hollywood production house, which are very different from a software developer or a stock market trader. Once you get used to the perfect docking solution for your particular needs, I think you’ll think like I do. Docks are much more than an optional accessory that makes your life a bit more convenient. They are an investment in productivity, security, ergonomics, professionalism and job satisfaction.

ery industry and skill level, and their customers are among the most loyal in the industry. They have thousands of customers across all industries, and many of them are among the most demanding users on the planet with digital workflows and extreme data demands that would make most of us weak in the knees. They build all their products with state-of-the-art materials and components, brilliant engineering, industry-leading warranties and award-winning technical support baked in, so check out their entire lineup of docking solutions, SSDs and storage systems when you’re ready to step up your game and become a true digital warrior.

I’m pretty sure if I had to work on a 13-inch notebook with no accessories and a public WiFi connection all day every day, my back, eyesight, job satis-

For more information on the OWC 14-port dock, go to www.owc.com/ibiz.

OWC – A Pioneer in Docks & Storage Solutions for the Like Most Things, Choose Quality, Reputation & Reli- Enterprise ability Over Lowest Price OWC is a world leader in docking solutions with solutions for virtually ev-


In Review

At one time, a video doorbell was something only companies could afford. SkyBell offers a solution for the home, that allows for video, voice and internet connectivity. It turns your front door into a video portal accessible from anywhere you have an internet connection.

Android APP. Family members can all utilize the device, and receive alerts at the same time. When you do answer the door, besides high quality video there is also two way audio. You can speak directly to the person at the door.

The SkyBell is designed to either replace your existing doorbell and utilize the existing wiring, (there is a compatibility checklist on the SkyBell website), or be powered from a power supply.

SkyBell has your front door covered at night as well, featuring full color night vision in HD.

It is available in two models, the SkyBell HD and SkyBell Trim Plus.

Another feature is quiet mode, allowing you to turn off the doorbell when you do not want interruptions.

The SkyBell HD is disc shaped, that unobtrusively mounts beside your You can snap a picture with the APP from the doorbell at any time. As well door, it has a stylish modern look. There is also an optional angle mount with an operating temperature of between - 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit it is rugged enough for any climate. that increases the viewing area. The SkyBell Trim Plus is a larger thin rectangle shape with a decorative SkyBell also offers a theft guarantee, if your device is stolen, they will replace it, free of charge. metallic finish. Internet connectivity means the video is available anywhere. For example you can use the voice feature to tell a stranger you are unavailable to answer the door, no matter where you are.

The SkyBell HD model sells through major retailers such as Amazon, Bestbuy and HomeDepot.

A history is recorded including missed visitors, video calls that were answered and motion near the device as well.

Please see the SkyBell website for complete instructions on installation and compatibility at:

SkyBell has setup integration partnerships with companies like Nest, IFThe device features a 1080p HD picture and up to 5x zoom, for an accurate TTT (If this than that), Amazon (to be used with their echo device), Honpicture of what is happening outside your door. Motion sensing means you eywell, Samsung and more. are alerted even if someone in the vicinity does not ring the doorbell. From the App you can view live video at any time, from anywhere you have an internet connection. On the SkyBell website it is mentioned that at this time, their device will SkyBell also offers free cloud based video recording, you can download your not unlock your door. They do state however that if they do partner with videos when you want to and store them. Note the cloud based video stor- a manufacturer they will ensure there is a secure connection between the devices. age is free and videos are deleted after seven days.

More than one user can answer the door, there is both an iOS APP and www.skybell.com

28


Shark Tank™ name and logo used with permission. © 2017 Sony Pictures Television Inc. All rights reserved. No endorsement by the producers/broadcaster of Shark Tank™ is implied.


In Review

Wink is a combination of both an APP, for both iOS and Android, that lets you communicate with all your connected devices from one location. As well as hardware specific to the system. The big draw is that Wink is also compatible with many other connected devices. As home owners we often purchase technology to automate our lives, but we do not necessary plan the entire layout at once. We buy devices piecemeal from different manufacturers. Each device it seems has it own proprietary software and controls. So soon as a homeowner you are juggling APPs and devices to control your entire home. This is where Wink comes in. In the IT field often systems are marketed as being able to be controlled from “a single pane of glass”. The Wink APP is the “single pane of glass” system for al the devices in your home. IT Mangers would want to control and automate the functions of business equipment to make the task of managing and maintaining a business system simpler and faster.

Wink also can monitor and report your electricity usage. Allowing you to see your usage in real time, and save money. The Wink APP integrates with both Wink branded accessories and those from other manufacturers. The heart of the system is the Hub, available in Wink Hub and Wink Hub 2 models. Wink devices include an alarm system, with no monthly fees. Window and door alarms, leak sensing alarms, and more. Also available is a lighting kit, with controllable light bulbs. As Internet of Things (IOT), becomes more popular, some home builders offer complete systems that can be built in at construction time. However as this technology is fairly new most homes do not offer a built in system. As well a modular system like Wink allows you to upgrade to newer versions as well as add devices as needed.

Wink allows you to automate and integrate actions and communication between multiple manufacturers devices. Wink lets you create actions like going to bed at night, an event that would have you turning off lights, and Continued on page 32 locking doors, and performing all those tasks with just one swipe.

30


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In Review Continued from page 30 Some manufacturers products that work with Wink include:

• Kiddie

• Amazon

• Leaksmart

• August (an article about this product appears in this same issue)

• Schilage

• Arlo

• Nest

• Bali

• Phillips

• Carrier

• Emerson

• Commercial Electric

• Kwikset

• Dome

• Leviton

• Ecobee

As well as many more manufacturers. Item that work with Wink include door locks, garage door openers, smart locks, thermostats, window coverings and much more. It also integrates with all purpose systems, such as Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home.

• GE • Google • Hampton Bay • Honeywell (also appearing in the issue)

To Learn more about Wink, visit them on the web at: www.wink.com


We’ve Been Had By Spin Doctors? Jey Raj jmsinc1572@gmail.com ca.linkedin.com/in/ jdharmaraj

whether to buy a product or join a business or vote for someone. Go beyond the spin and the forwards. Move beyond social media and slick videos. Beyond just one news media channel There’s a story told by Nicky Gumbel about, “a successful or government source. Go into the track record of an organizabusinessman, well known to be a man of integrity and how he tion, business, charity, government actions and election promapplies the ‘rocking chair test’ to all his decisions. He pictures ises. Ask questions. Why are they doing it? Is it from a “what’s himself one day, in retirement, sitting in his rocking chair and in it for me” or “what can I do for you” belief system? looking back on the decisions he made. What will he decide; was a good decision or a bad decision? He wants to ensure that the decisions he makes now he will not regret later.” We make all sorts of decisions daily, estimated to be about 35,000 decisions each day. We know deep down that honesty and integrity are key to a life lived without regret. However, since the beginning of time, we have been prone to errors and flaws and sometimes get off kilter for the urgent or what we can see, touch, hear, smell or taste. “The problem with money, it makes you do things you don’t want to do.” —Wall Street, Movie.

Examine the message,” Borrow to get ahead” and 90 % Off Sale?

Jey Dharmaraj is a, business and marketing professional with global and local experience. Helps in providing innovation and ideas in marketing to tap into new markets and generate fresh revenue streams.He offers consulting and mobile marketing tools for anyone who wants to engage with their marketplace more effectively and cost efficiently. Website is being re-engineered.

Over the last several decades, our world, society and culture have changed tremendously. The once dependable foundations that built us with values and a moral compass that guided us have been thrown away for the material. It is a way of seeing life which controls and stifles us into a construct or Weltanschauung that accords reality to the five senses. We have seen that change is a constant, but according to Rabbi Lupin, “the more that things change, the more we need to depend upon those things that do not change. And timeless truths never change”. I have at times, in this business of living, been influenced by what I see and am thankful for my parents, teachers and mentors who instilled values that have helped me in sifting decisions through the morass of the good and not so good around us! American Association of Marketing (AMA) studies show that we get up to 10,000 messages daily and growing, and our attention span is just 8 seconds. Attention is the scarcest resource, probably because we have to filter out so much to stay sane. So while we are blasted at very corner and opportunity by messages that might stretch the truth it is really up to us to dig and wade through to find truth. We need to slow down first and stop running, and if we do that a lot, ask ourselves what we are running from? Invest time in discovering what the message is really saying. For it is “from the recesses of the heart that the mouth speaks.” Filter messages through a value system that is more enduring. Research what is being said before any decision;

Unwind with a hobby or your pet, look at your shells

Life is more than the material outlook – but we seem to have sacrificed the spiritual for the material. What happened to hope, desire, loyalty, honesty, truth, principles, philosophy, ideals and faith? It’s relevant to look at the long term, particularly with the elections looming. What legacy are we leaving? What is the qualitative impact factor and what are the politicians and corporate leaders telling us. We are a sum total of our choices and we get what we deserve. Hence, it is in our interest to think through our choices and learn from our mistakes and make right choices moving forward. We are not called to be passive onlookers but persons with unique talents, gifts and abilities to make a difference in our individual areas. When you see things that devalue the dignity of a person speak up, write and be counted. And, finally stand up for integrity in all walks of life. Integrity cannot be compartmentalized with one in public life and another one in private life. Look at history before you decide lest you repeat it! If overwhelmed try de-cluttering your mind before you make that big decision and relax as this too will pass.

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DETOUR: Reading the Changes in Apple’s Server Roadmap Jens Lodholm @doctor_mac

There you are, rocking out to your favorite tunes on the drive to work, when stopped cars ahead force you to slam on the brakes. Your usual route is blocked—maybe because of an accident, construction, or weather. When Apple announced its removal of major services from MacOS Server 5.7.1, it felt like this for many. “How am I supposed to do my job now?” Relax. There’s an answer to a closed road. MacOS Server is changing, but here’s your map.

• Calendar & Contacts - In converting to open source Calendar Server (based on CalDAV and CardDav), some features may no longer be available under the new configuration. You may also export to other collaboration systems. • DNS* - Migrate to its BIND roots with the help of XCode. • DHCP* - Convert to the core bootpd daemon using Terminal.

Route Unchanged (Still Included in MacOS • Firewall* - Use the pf service built into MacOS. Server): Some roads remain open. These services reflect Apple’s strategic focus on managing devices and network storage.

• NetInstall - Migrate to BOOTP, TFTP, and HTTP/NFS. On MacOS Server this may require disabling Profile Manager.

• Open Directory - The LDAP-based directory service will • RADIUS* - Switch to open source FreeRADIUS in place remain in MacOS Server, for now. of the original service. • Profile Manager - Profile Manager’s place seems assured • VPN* - Convert to the vpnd daemon built into MacOS. in MacOS Server. • Xsan - As a storage management service, this one still • Websites - Migrate to Apache httpd, which forms the foundation for several other services as well. Expect fits Apple’s model for the Server app. changes to functionality.

Slight Detour (Moved to MacOS Client):

A few simple turns put you back on course with minimal de- • Wiki - Decide among alternatives, including WordPress, lay. Despite their relocation, several services still use a GUI JSON, or read-only web pages. (graphical user interface). Growing popularity, or a long hisRoad Closed to Through Traffic (Discontintory, compelled Apple to leave them in the main MacOS.

ued without Replacement):

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Jens, the owner of a corporate Macintosh consulting business in Colorado Springs, CO, has carved out a niche corralling Apple products into playing nicely with others in enterprise environments. This has been his livelihood and area of expertise for years, whereas writing is his hobby and passion.

• Airport Management - Although Apple no longer And then there are those routes that look like the end. Ap manufactures wireless routers, Airport Utility will ple’s Migration Guide (above) makes little or no provision for these services, but the enterprising administrator still manage legacy products. has viable solutions. • Caching - Look for Content Caching under the Sharing • Mail - This may be the toughest service to replace. The preference pane. underlying postfix/dovecot services are viable • File Server - File Sharing remains under Sharing successors, but documentation is sparse. One good settings, though it may be inadequate for resource for migrating is <http://krypted.com/mac-os x-server/migrating-mail-service-macos-server/>. larger-scale implementations. RoundCube <https://roundcube.net/about/> is an • FTP - Configure its secure version, SFTP, alongside SSH open source option, and Kerio Connect < as part of Remote Login under Sharing system preferences. http://www.kerio.com/products/kerio-connect/ features> is a full-featured commercial alternative for • Time Machine Server - Located under File Sharing by not just mail, but many other collaboration services. right-clicking on a shared folder and choosing • Messages - Based on XMPP and the jabberd daemon, its “Advanced Options…”. open source alternatives reside at <https://xmpp.org/ Rerouted (Moved to Underlying or Substi- software/servers.html>. Kerio Connect (above) can also tute Services): fill this need. Hidden in each city lie streets little-known to most. The savvy can navigate them effectively, understanding their chal- • Software Update - Content Caching is available under lenges without getting lost. Many MacOS Server services MacOS, but cannot manage specific updates. rely on open source projects built into or easily installed within MacOS. Since most require the use of Terminal, Alternative Transportation (Other SoluXCode (free from the Mac App Store), and other tools, expe- tions) rienced system administrators have a distinct advantage. Re- Maybe it’s not the route but the form of transportation that’s fer to Apple’s MacOS Server Migration Guide v1.2 <https:// the problem. A setback may be just the motivation you need developer.apple.com/support/macos-server/macOS-Serv- to seek a creative solution. er-Service-Migration-Guide.pdf> for technical details. In addition, network appliances can replace certain services, as indicated (*):


• Hold onto the Past - When your car’s in the shop, consider a bicycle. It’s good exercise and saves on gas! Refusing to upgrade a server may be the short- or long term answer. • Virtualize - As common as buses, virtual machines might meet your need. Just as riding your bike to the bus stop gains the benefits of both, virtualizing an older version of MacOS Server mixes the convenience of an expired service protected within the support of a newer OS. • Cloud Services - Light rails, maglevs, and other solutions continue to evolve. Instead of reinventing the wheel on high-maintenance services, consider Office365, Google Apps, or something else that meets your service needs without the effort. Who knows? You might be glad for the change once it’s done.

Detailed Maps (Resources):

When you can’t foresee every future, it’s nice to have good all-purpose tools. Obviously this article can’t cover all the possible alternative services, nor every difficulty you might face during your migration. But here are some links you may find useful in your travels: • Prepare for changes to macOS Server 5.7.1 <https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208312> - This is a good summary from Apple. • MacOS Server Migration Guide v1.2 <https://developer.apple.com/support/macos-server/ macOS-Server-Service-Migration-Guide.pdf> - The nuts and bolts of converting your deprecated MacOS Server services are here. • MacPorts <https://www.macports.org> - This tool takes complexity out of compiling and installing open source packages. Unless you’re a wizard at it, I highly recommend MacPorts. • XCode - This free developer tool from Apple helps with formatting of coding and other functions. Don’t anything for granted - any road can close on short notice. Apple may decide one day that server itself has no place. Or it may introduce services as its focus changes. Be prepared for the worst by educating yourself whenever possible. Those who understand the technologies under MacOS services have an advantage when change comes.

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In Review

BC BlueTM is a smart utility approach to efficiently manage and operate water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities. Harnessing the power of emerging technologies, including Internet of Things and sensors, to collect and exchange data, BC Blue enables a broader understanding of operations and systems data and identifies organizational efficiency improvements. The approach equips staff with powerful sets of tools, user-friendly interfaces, improved data quality, and artificial intelligence-enhanced analytics for heightened utility performance. Harnessing the power of emerging technologies, including Internet of Things and sensors, to collect and exchange data, BC Blue enables a broader understanding of operations and systems data and identifies organizational efficiency improvements. The approach equips staff with powerful sets of tools, user-friendly interfaces, improved data quality, and artificial intelligence-enhanced analytics for heightened utility performance. A product of BC Blue, business intelligence visualizations collect system-wide data, transforming it into a singular view of enhanced analytical information and foresight to help staff make informed decisions faster. Bringing engineering, operations, water quality, and management together, the visualizations integrate systems including supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), asset management, customer service, and geographic information systems.

frastructure and equipment replacement, predictive emergency response, improved customer service, and resource conservation. “BC Blue helps utilities efficiently align operations and systems to better collect and understand data for long-term capital investment and innovation planning while reducing operator training time,” said Kevin Stively, smart utility services leader, Brown and Caldwell. Early adopters, the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District is using BC Blue in the implementation of its $2 million SCADA human-machine interface replacement project to support the District over the next 25 years. Connecting the District’s three water treatment plants, multiple pump stations, reservoirs, and wells, BC Blue is combining AMI and SCADA data to reduce water loss and consumption as well as aiding overall effective utility management. SUEZ, one of the nation’s largest investor-owned utility organizations, is partnering with Brown and Caldwell to develop a state-of-the-art smart SCADA process throughout its award-winning 1,000 square mile SCADA network. The BC Blue-inspired method will establish an integrated, intuitive SCADA system harnessing data and analytics for increased utility performance and security while reducing operator training time.

Powered with this approach, SUEZ will implement smart SCADA upgrades By embracing the BC Blue approach, utilities can discover and utilize and renewals throughout its 15 North American utility operations, enuntapped potential to create a smart utility path forward for efficient, suring alignment with the firm’s overarching smart utility vision. A first high-value outcomes. Subsequent benefits include real-time contaminant for an investor-owned utility, the large-scale integration of SUEZ’ SCADA detection and improved water quality, enhanced asset monitoring for in- systems encompasses more than two dozen systems, each operated independently from one another.

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Connect with Purpose, Passion, and Professionalism Kari Gates bit.ly/KariGates

A connection is much more than an introduction. In fact, a connection can be defined as the linking of one to another. In today’s culture of online and social media connections, it can seem like there are so many connections with so little follow through. We’ve all gotten used to seeing connection requests flood our inboxes. Making new connections expands our networks in valuable ways, whether the contacts are social, professional, or somewhere in between.

to those in their networks. You don’t have to wear a nametag everywhere you go, but if you conduct yourself in such a manner that when your career does come up in conversation, others would take you seriously as a professional.

There is no limit to the possibilities of a strong connection. The individuals in your network are often untapped resources. By creating connections with purpose, passion, and professionalism, you’ll be able to identify and achieve the hidden So how do you take a connection from introduction to the potential of each one. manifestation of a meaningful relationship? While there isn’t one single method, there are components that lend themselves to fostering this type of progress. Whether you’re connecting with new friends, fellow soccer team parents, or even potential clients, incorporating purpose, passion, and professionalism can help form true and lasting connections.

Purpose

The lines of work and home are more blurred than ever, and they are constantly evolving. When you make a new connection, it’s difficult to determine how to proceed without establishing a primary purpose. The best way to accomplish this is to learn enough about them to assess what resources you have that might be most valuable to them. Just because you meet them in a social setting doesn’t mean they aren’t interested in your product or service. Or vice versa. Perhaps that next sales call could become your new BFF. Your purpose may shift over time, but you’ll miss the mark if you have none at all.

Passion

Connections built on shared passions can be the most mutually rewarding. Why? Because they are mutually motivating. Give-and-take, or reciprocity, is an important component of strong connections, but give-and-give can be even more invigorating. Picture the painted faced fans of any college football team for a “colorful” mental image illustrating this point. Shared passions unite us as we engage in a more emotionally intense way. Volunteering in the community, or serving at your local house of worship give us a sense of working toward a greater good. Rather than finding things you share in common with existing connections, try making new connections with those who are already involved with a cause about which you are passionate. Like paying bills or grocery shopping, some tasks and even some relationships are required. Making the most of those connections built on our passions can instill the kind of enthusiasm that helps get us through the lackluster ones.

Professionalism

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Kari Gates is the Marketing Director for eTekhnos Benefits Technology and a marketing consultant for new brands. bit.ly/KariGates

Treat every new connection with a basic level of professionalism and you’ll be amazed at the opportunities that can open up to you. Not every soccer team parent carries a business card to the game, but it’s not about having or even exchanging a card that matters. It’s what you do with the information once it’s exchanged. A professional pays attention to details. A professional follows up. And most importantly, a professional follows through on their promises. If you say you’ll email information, do it. If you say you’ll get together for coffee, show up. Demonstrate professionalism to every new connection to earn the kind of respect and confidence that takes your relationship to the next level…introduction

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The Genius Of Steve Jobs In The Apple Mobile Product Life-Cycle Rene Siegal siegelrj@mac.com

I recently watched the movie “Steve Jobs” based on the biography by Walter Isaacson. My iPad was on my lap, as usual, snapped into its keyboard case ready for action at a second’s notice. Watching the movie, I thought about the Apple Newton 2100 on my home office desk, while glancing down at my iPad and appreciating the irony. Although the Apple Newton failed for a variety of reasons, it was unarguably the first true PDA available for the mass market. Apple’s Newton sparked the imagination and finally left its mark indelibly in the iPad. The Newton packed a lot more power and potential than was understood at the time even though it had no more than 8Mg of memory, expandable by PCMCIA memory cards up to 4Mg. It was capable of running apps on cards and a surprising number internal apps owing to the efficiency of its operating system and the apps themselves. Full “office” suites occupied no more than 1Mg! The Internet could be accessed by WiFi card or modem and Newton was eventually given an external keyboard. This was a product ahead of its time and ahead of technological implementation. It portended the product we didn’t know we need it until it came to market: The iPad. In a sense the iPad was an evolutionary product when one considers the iPod, then the iPhone as the products that came in between but took users in different directions. The business case for the iPhone was clear, paving the way for the obvious acceptance of the iPad by business and its integration in the Enterprise setting. Like many, I waited for the Newton successor which would certainly come. When the iPhone was launched, an Apple tablet became a real possibility. Even in 1993 there was the recognition that a less sophisticated Apple product still produced the “wow factor” that its competitors simply could not match. That was the magic of Apple right from the start, and continues to be. It was also what some would eventually call “the Zen of Apple”. In hindsight, the iPod and the iPhone and foretold the iPad. The iPad is, in my opinion, the best mobile product available for personal, business and Enterprise use. “Mobile” is the operative word. The iPad was also Steve Jobs’ finest moment. It was the moment where he realized life lived truly untethered—life lived where we go and what we do. The iPad allows mobile professionals to work on their own terms, given employer flexibility. Just as the Newton untethered many of us in the 1990s, the iPads untethered millions more from 2010 on like no other product in between. Jobs was right about the touch screen. It provides the immediacy that a stylus cannot match, that a Mac or PC cannot match.

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Rene Siegel is a research administrator at a major hospital where she is responsible for the day to day operations of two clinical imaging research programs. She has been using mobile technology since 1994, and has contributed to FoxPop. com (a UK-based user oriented website).

Taken as a cohesive whole, Steve Jobs’ vision for untethered connectivity comprises the magic of Apple and are his ongoing legacy. As long as Apple holds true to its end-to-end product and service ecosystem and continues to bring innovative technology to the end user, it should continue to “wow” us for decades to come.

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