Next Technology

1) Open Source Software

Open source software can be defined as software distributed under a licensing agreement which allows the source code (computer code) to be shared, viewed and modified by other users and organisations.

Cost

Open source software is free. This is a huge draw card, and if your in-house capabilities are such that you are able to implement, train and support at little cost to your organization it may be an attractive option. Having said that, open source software requires a certain level of technical expertise in order to manage content. It is therefore important to take into consideration the costs incurred once the software is obtained may be substantial unless the resources are already in place to manage it. Long term costs include the cost of implementation, innovation, the opportunity cost incurred battling with service/support issues, and the costs associated with investment in infrastructure due to a general inability to scale (assuming the organisation will grow and develop and will therefore have evolving requirements). Notably, open source software providers are increasingly charging for add- ons, additional services and integration. The total cost of ownership for open source software may roughly equal some closed source options as a result.

Service and Support

Service is one of the key issues regarding open source software. Open source software relies on its online community network to deliver support via forums and blogs. While there are massive, loyal and engaged online communities that users can turn to, time-poor consumers of today are familiar with the immediate service and support that enables issues to be resolved in a timely manner, and these communities cannot guarantee the high level of responsive service and support proprietary software can offer.

Innovation

Open source software enables innovation by providing users with the freedom and flexibility to adapt the software to suit, without restriction. However, innovation may or may not be passed on to all users of the software. It is a user’s prerogative whether they wish to share their innovation with any online communities, and users must be actively participating in these communities to become aware of such innovations. It has been debated whether customized changes to the original source code limit the future support and growth of the software, as these can potentially result in a limited ability to apply future updates, fixes or modules aimed at improving the software, leaving the user with a version that may have irresolvable issues. It is relevant to note that open source software providers generally struggle to attract large scale R&D

Usability

Open source software has been highly criticized for its lack of usability, as generally, the technology is not reviewed by usability experts and does not cater to the vast majority of computer users. Open source software is generally developer-centric, and without system administration experience or the knowledge required to manipulate programming language, use of the software and ability to fix errors as they arise is often limited to those with technical expertise. Furthermore, open source software does not legally require documentation such as user manuals or guides, hindering the creation of such tools. When documentation is provided, it is often general, containing implicit jargon, inhibiting learning. Without adequate documentation users must rely on alternative means such as online communities, assuming they are capable of finding them and the problem is one others have encountered or are willing to help resolve.

Security

Open source software is often viewed as having security issues. New data from Forrester Research has shown that 58% of IT Executives and technology decision makers in large companies are concerned about the security of open source software. Open source software is not necessarily developed in a controlled environment. While big players often have a concentrated development team, oftentimes the software is being developed by individuals all over the world who may not work on the software for the duration of its developing lifetime. This lack of continuity and common direction can lead to barriers to effective communication surrounding the software. Furthermore, open source software is not always peer reviewed or validated for use. While users are free to examine and verify source code, the level of expertise required means that it is entirely possible for a programmer to embed back door Trojans to capture private and confidential information without the user ever knowing. Adopting a reputable brand with a concentrated development team supported by a strong online community will reduce the potential risk.

2) Closed Source Software

Closed source software can be defined as proprietary software distributed under a licensing agreement to authorized users with private modification, copying and republishing restrictions.

Cost

The cost of proprietary software will vary from a few thousand to a few hundred thousand dollars, depending on the complexity of the system required. This cost is made up of a base fee for software, integration and services and annual licensin g/support fees. This cost may be prohibitive for some; however what the user is paying for is a more customized product from a trusted brand that includes higher levels of security and functionality, continuous innovation, a greater ability to scale, ongoing training and support and a lower requirement for technical skills. In order to support these elements and maintain high availability websites, a mechanism must be in place to recoup the costs. As mentioned previously, increasingly open source software providers are also charging for add-ons, additional services, and integration, reducing the gap in cost between the two options.

Service and Support

If the internet is an important channel for an organisation, software is often a secondary concern, with service level and support structure requirements taking precedent in favour of maximising uptime and minimising downtime. Service is probably the greatest advantage of using proprietary software. Proprietary software providers offer ongoing support to users, a key selling point for users without technical expertise.If the user manual or guide is not enough, or if a user experiences a problem with the software, there is an immediate point of call to turn to for assistance. There is a certain reduction in the risk undertaken with proprietary software because users are working with companies that are viable, and people with intimate knowledge of the products and services being used should any questions arise. Because service is one of the main reasons users choose proprietary over open source software, many proprietary software providers compete on service, increasing the bargaining power of buyers and thereby increasing customer service levels among providers.

Innovation

Proprietary software providers do not allow users to view or alter the source code. While this may be viewed as a disadvantage to some, it ensures the security and reliability of the software. Furthermore, many proprietary software providers customize software for specific users to provide more flexibility while investing in R&D in order to regularly offer new products and upgrades. Moreover, proprietary software providers have online user communities that create value by sharing ideas, strategies and best practices through feedback mechanisms such as forums and surveys, which also foster innovation and allow the product to adapt with changing needs. This innovation comes fully tested, and is available to all users of the software. It does not require investment in R&D or the technical understanding of source code, and assistance with implementation is generally part of the package. Because vendors must ensure their software does not become redundant, users also benefit from the type of targeted innovation undertaken- continuous investment in R&D rather than “innovation for innovation’s sake”, business focused rather than technology focused.

Usability

Proprietary software generally employs expert usability testing, and as the software is normally aimed at a more targeted audience, and therefore more tailored, usability is generally ranked quite high. In addition, detailed user manuals and guides are provided. This enables faster training and provides an immediate reference, allowing users to move along the learning curve more quickly. Supporting services include seminars, targeted training courses and extensive support to help maximise use of the software. It is also important to note that while many people see proprietary software as “closed”, today’s proprietary software offers a vast array of mechanisms for enhancement by third party systems and developers.

Security

Proprietary software is viewed as more secure because it is developed in a controlled environment by a concentrated team with a common direction. Moreover, the source code may be viewed and edited by this team alone, and is heavily audited, eliminating the risk of back door Trojans and reducing the risk of any bugs or issues with the software.

The Samsung Tocco and the Samsung F490 are similar phones, but they each have a different concentration. The Tocco is focused more on better touch quality and user interface. The Tocco is actually a more advanced phone than the F490, which seems odd because it has a lower number assigned to it. The F490 is focused more on phone power and screen quality and size, which it accomplishes very well. The tocco has a smaller screen, but has other features such as a better camera.

The Samsung F490 has very good phone quality. It is Bluetooth compatible, and the sound quality is excellent. The basic shape of the F490 is set up very similarly to the iPhone, but the Samsung F490 is not necessarily an iPhone knock off. For one thing, all of the features not relating to the Internet are better designed on the F490. The screen is 3.2 inches and it is run off of a touch screen. However, there are still some buttons left over from more traditional phone designs. The main issue with this screen seems to be that it gets dirty quickly, but it is also easy to clean. The main drawback is the fact that the camera lens is inverted, so that dust falls into it easily, making pictures smudge and the lens hard to clean. The screen is also hard to read in sunlight. The phone uses the Samsung Croix interface, which is their new interface design. The main issue with the Internet on this phone is the lack of java capabilities. Still, overall the Samsung F490 is pretty cool except for one main issue. Whenever calls come in, the screen automatically locks. This makes it impossible to answer or hang up when people call without putting in the unlock sequence.

The Samsung Tocco is basically a redesigned version of the Samsung F490. It looks a lot like the Samsung Armani, and is black, small, and flat like most other similar phones right now. The screen is 2.8 inches, making it smaller than the F490. The phone interface is completely different, using widgets similar to Windows Vista. The touch interface for the Samsung Tocco is much faster and more responsive. It uses a regular phone pad rather than a QWERTY set up. It comes with a good music player, FM radio, sound effects, and Bluetooth recognition. The camera that comes with this phone is a 5 megapixal with anti-shake and other features. This phone also is hard to read in sunlight. This phone is a great all around phone, with competent features in every category. If you are looking for a phone that does a little bit of everything, then this phone is a good option for you.

In comparing the Samsung Tocco and the F490, the Samsung Tocco is definitely the better phone. It has improved features on nearly all counts. Still, there are some drawbacks to it as well, such as the inability to support QWERTY functions, and only average sound quality. If you are looking for great all around phones, either one of these would be good options, although the Tocco is a little better.

The software world is very interesting and exciting. In today’s world, where we have a lot of software applications available, to complete a task has become fairly easy and handy. We can do long calculations in a blink of eye all because of special software applications developed to make calculations fast and accurate. We can do what we want to do all because of the latest development in the software applications field. Publishing is not an exception from it. There are many software applications which are developed solely to make publishing a new experience. With unlimited features and tools, various software packages are available to enhance the publishing with rich digital media experience.

Digital media, which is a primary requirement for many entertainment industries, is also the one which has incorporated new possibilities for the further improvement. The demand of the digital media has increased in the recent years and it has also opened doors for the new developments in the technology field. Everyday new software applications have been launched in the market to make digital media more interesting and interacting. As digital media has become a crucial need for the businesses to grow, the developments are seen as a growth in industrial sector. Virtual Catalog to online magazines with page flip facilities are used as a mean for business promotion.

In today’s world where development in one field has become a cause of development in another field, the latest development in the digital publishing software has influenced business growth. The new inventions in the digital publishing have also made it an attractive mean to generate business sales. There is a lot of page flip software available nowadays which can be used to make digital newspaper, digital magazine or the most exciting digital products for your business promotion. Various Page Turning Software applications are developed to make digital magazines where the pages can be turned just like as we turned in a printed magazine.

As the possibilities have been increased very fast in digital publishing world, we can do much more now which was once seemed to be impossible. With the help of flip book software we can make a digital publication that is able to give readers a sense of familiarity. Digital publishing has opened the door to new vistas for you and your business and digital publishing software applications are a great factor to expand its reach.

Today, people are always after the latest technologies. Of the most popular gadgets on the market today, mobile phones are one of the many options a techie can have. That is why we often hear phone manufacturers introducing their latest products with new and very versatile functions. The Nokia 6300 is one of today’s mobile phone models that music lovers drool to have.

The Nokia 6300 is one of the best mobile phone deals. This is very suitable for people who love music so much that they can’t allow themselves not to hear music everyday. Considered as one Perfect Music Device, this phone features a built-in player that can play audio both in MP3 and AAC formats. Through the music player, the user can filter his list according to the artist, the album, the style, plus a track list of the most popular and latest songs on your phone. Despite its very small size, this phone has seven equalizers that users can control through the sound quality control option. Users can actually leave the player on a background level while simultaneously doing something on the phone.

When the standby screen is on, users of the Nokia 6300 can see the title of the song that is playing in the phone. Its loudspeaker is quite strong. It fact, anyone can still hear the ring tone even in a very noisy environment. To listen to music privately, its headphone set also provides the user with a clear audio. However, if you have higher requirements, you can just simply replace the headphones with better ones that normally require you to have a 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm adapter. The phone also has a built in FM radio that can store up to twenty different radio stations.

Based on the Series 40, the Nokia 6300 is considered a non-smart phone. But it is undeniably very popular because of its being faster and its useful features. It provides users with very good signal receptions and outstanding sound quality. It also has very good speaker phones that are usable. However, because the phone speaker is located on the back side, you can not clearly hear the audio once you put the phone on the table. But other than that, this phone is really impressive when it comes to audio qualities. The camera of this phone is 2 Mega pixels. It also has a built-in web browser, but only WAP and not HTML as expected. For pre-set applications and voice dialing contact, there are speaker-independent voice features.

The Nokia 6300 is stylishly slim, and thinner by half an inch than most of the other leading mobile phone brands or models. The phone is a tri-band GSM/EDGE phone that has a large QVGA color display and a really small and compact body. In general, this Nokia phone is simply stylish, classical, and high-quality. Although not ideal for the grown up age group because of its somewhat uninteresting features, the phone is ideally better for the more matured age group. But if you are looking for a lightweight, durable, and strong phone, this Nokia phone brand is for you.