Category: Uncategorized

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First of all, a boutique is a small shop where clients can find dedicated merchandise and unique items, or products which are produced in small quantities. The advantage of entering in such a shop, compared to big supermarkets, is that here you'll also find staff ready to assist you and to give you guidance step by step. Indeed, one may say that a boutique charges higher prices, also in comparison to chain stores, which is definitely true. However, once you bought something from a boutique you'll have the feeling that you own a unique item, which will differentiate you from the rest, and is not this what we all want – to be unique?

Software boutiques are a new way of defining petite software companies which are focused on a certain niche, and which are able to offer specialized support to their customers. Even more, such a firm is able to offer a unique product, tailored on the client's needs and requirements. But, let's see what advantages does a customer have when collaborating with a software boutique company:

Tailored product
A software boutique takes the client's specifications and transforms them into a customized piece of software. Practically, if you are not satisfied by the mass-produced software programs which you can find, then a boutique company will tailor a product according to each and everyone of your requirements. The outcome will be a software product which is able to fit perfectly your company's needs.

Niche focus
Generally, a boutique company is focused on a certain niche, for example developing applications and software products using Microsoft technologies. The advantage of having such a partner, is that you'll have the confidence that he has the knowledge and proven experience to offer you the best advices regarding that specific area, and that he's always updated with the latest technologies.

Crystal clear communication and dedicated support
Having a smaller amount of projects, a boutique software company can offer its clients dedicated support, according to every client's need through a direct communication flow. This means that the information will not need to travel through several departments until it reaches you, so that you'll always be updated with the status and the quality of the work.

A good communication, not only that can save time, but also can make the development process more efficient. For example if you want a specific functionality for your application, collaborating with a boutique firm, you'll able to keep track of the development process and promptly interfere in the development process if the work is not going in the desired direction, or if you want to change the approach. Also, fewer the clients, better the support. Practically, a software boutique will offer you their entire attention and expertise, whenever this is required.

Every client is important
For a boutique company every client is important, and because they can not afford to lose a client, they can not really afford to do a bad job. Every development project is treated with care, and you'll know for sure that your project will be handled by the best men.

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Source by Brad Larson

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Advanced web application and software comprise an efficient bi-product of the continuously evolving technology innovations. A bulk of credit for the effective functioning of these modern day applications should go to rigorous software testing and quality assurance. Taking this fact seriously, businesses in today's competitive world prefer conducting software testing to ensure that their application is capable of meeting the business requirement. Every time I come across any crucial software program, my sole intent to conduct testing and quality assurance is to find software bugs. Both the processes combine together to ensure a perfect software program.

Importance of software testing

Software testing is an inevitable part of the software development life cycle. This is the reason that certain branded companies as well as SMBs prefer having dedicated in-house or outsourced resources for testing software at their end. As an experienced software tester, I believe that it essentially validates and verifies the application to work according to your specific expectations. At the same time, apt testing measures ensure that the software meets the intended purpose flawlessly. In my point of view, five major reasons necessitate the essential requirement of software testing and quality assurance, these include:

• To ascertain that the software does everything according to your specified intentions.
• To ensure that the software works efficiently for hundreds of users and not only for one person.
• To ensure regression testing for instantly catching the problems before they reach to the users.
• To ensure that the software operates appropriately on all types of operating systems and browsers.
• To ensure uninterrupted and superior quality of experience for the end users.

Different aspects of software testing

While performing software testing, I broadly divide it into different segments, which is in fact the right way of testing an application. Different steps hence include:

• Static testing: Static testing takes place during the process of verification that involves reviewing of documents.
• Dynamic testing: The next segment is dynamic testing, which takes place during the process of validation to demonstrate the running test results effectively.
• Planning: The planning process essentially involves control of test activities, reporting the test progress, and software status.
• Preparation: This includes adhering to the ideal way of selecting the test cases and conditions for effective conduction of the test.
• Evaluation: Finally, the evaluation process unveils the successful passing of the software through the entire testing process.

Importance of quality assurance

Software quality assurance is yet another crucial part of effective software development. It particularly encompasses those activities that ensure superior quality of the software products. As a software tester, it is our responsibility to ensure the quality of the software. It comprises three distinctive activities such as the definition of the process and its implementation, auditing, and training. To brush my software testing skills to the hilt, I have undergone specified training. It helps me define different types of processes and their implementation, which include:

• Methodology of software development
• Project management
• Management of requirements
• Configuration management
• Software designing
• Estimation
• Testing

However, our responsibility does not end here. As a software tester, it is our duty to identify and rectify the weaknesses existing in the defined process.

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Source by Luke Harper

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Personal productivity software is an application that no business should be without. This is because of the simple fact that this piece of software makes a great contribution when it comes to ensuring productivity in the workplace. But if you are not too convinced about the importance of purchasing personal productivity software just yet, well, this is actually normal. A lot of business men do become wary when presented with the notion of purchasing such software because computer software is a bit pricey in the market right now. However, when presented with the many benefits businesses enjoy with these software applications, the activity of convincing businessmen becomes very, very easy to do.

So, why exactly do you need personal productivity software in running your business? First of all, this piece of software can give any type and size business the professional touch it needs. The software comes with applications and programs that make it very easy for you to produce professional looking letterheads, marketing reports, brochures, mailing campaigns, and the like. Even the simple act of developing professional looking paychecks is easily done with the use of such software as well. And this is just one of the minor benefits that come with such software!

When you get the basic package, you actually get a word processor, a spreadsheet application, presentation software, and the like. For a more cost-efficient option, you could consider getting one of those suites that contain a number of these tools. This way, you are sure to get more value for your money. Some examples of these suites include Microsoft Office, Sun Staroffice 8, Microsoft Works, or Corel WordPerfect Office. An interesting fact about Microsoft Works is that it actually comes free with personal computers. Aside from these suites, you can also choose to get supplementary software packages that can make your whole life easier.

One of the popular software packages includes QuickBooks. This choice is popular because it is known to be very efficient in handling and managing inventory and business finances, such as payroll and benefits packages. Now, with all these abilities, you have to be sure to allot a hefty budget for your suite of tool and the additional applications and programs you would be getting. The typical price for suites and the individual applications range from a hundred to five hundred dollars. So, if your PC is meant for more than just doing the regular email and the basics on word processing, then you should consider this option thoroughly.

You may also be worried about the hidden and recurring fees that might come with having personal productivity software installed in your system. Yes, they do come with long term costs, but these are just minimal when you compare them to the benefits you would come to enjoy with the software. An upgrade would occasionally be needed, especially after a few years or so with your own application suite. Plus, your business should be growing in a few years, right? Thus, it would make much sense to avail of this upgrade, to foster improvement for your company in the business setting. Do not worry too much about upgrade expenses because they would definitely be lower than that of the original purchase.

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Source by Sam Miller

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Business is any activity undertaken by an individual or a group of person with an intention to make profits. A business engages in various activities like planning of resource, scheduling of activities, coordinating and other managerial activities. All these have to be completed in time in order to generate maximum profit in the production. Prospective entrepreneurs should adhere to these objectives.

Much of business time is put waste when it handles its tasks through the use manual system. This necessitates to the use of the software, an automated means which is efficient-oriented. Examples of the software in business application include the Decision Support System, Transaction Processing system and Management Information System. They can be largely used in resource planning where an enterprise defines way to achievement.

Collaborative resource planning software provides the business people with adequate and reliable information. Marketing information and bureaucracy of the enterprise is unambiguous. Previous methods that contributed to the failures can be fully noted. This enables the enterprise to opt to use other successful means in use elsewhere. An efficient resource planning software helps you to generate and retrieve information about resource allocation in form of detailed niche reports. As a result, time as a resource is much conserved and can be used in other productive areas.

Boundaries are clearing defined by the software. The business is expected to work towards the laid limits by the legal authority, operational, technical, economic and social feasibility. Beyond the predetermined extents, no productive operation can be encountered.

Scheduling of activities is best in practice via use of the software. The order and the way in which operation is accurately developed by use of the program, this results into application of qualitative business techniques, where there is matching of skills and jobs to done. The enterprise standards of performance are maintained. Cases of underemployment or over employment are eradicated. In turn, employees' are encouraged to exercise creativity and innovation in right of their propelling positions, and hence works towards achievement of objectives of the business.

Planning software makes efficient forecasting of resources. Unknown future is determined prior. Situations like inflation, competition increases government provision of subsidies and technological changes can be adequately known. The fallout is to relay strategies to deal with upcoming challenging matters.

Top echelons (management) benefits significantly in software application. Executives' unstructured decisions are accurately established. They rapidly derive information from the software. For example, decisions on where to establish a new firm or a branch, whether there is funds to finance multiple projects.

Management need to store information in reliable source (in software). This is used for swift evaluation of business performance. They can decide to reward the best performing employees based on the results retrieved from the software. This motivates employees to work zeal and confidence. Their individuals objectives are harmonized to entire business objectives.

Managers use software to control the progress of activities. Those deviating from the predetermined plans can be precisely noted. Management can also rely on software for marketing of its products. Research on business competition like advertisement and efficient market penetration means is done in detail.

In conclusion, software suitable for effective planning of the business operations, scheduling of activities and other managerial activities. Without use of software, a business is considered to be running behind technology and operating at obsolete level.

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Source by David Hog

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Training tracking software applications have gained popularity in the recent years, and have led to organizations thinking about polishing their employee skills through an effective process that will assure a trained workforce in every aspect of the business.

Such software can be implemented by organizations to ensure that their new and existing employees are well aware of the organization's policies and procedures, as well as the training requirements before they are officially settled in the organization.

The software is a complete online learning system that will consist of the employee's personal information, the modules needed to complete training, and a progress ladder to show how the employee is performing in his / her training sessions or at the job. The tracking software is also designed as a database that will act as a medium between the managerial level and the employees to supply them with online training guidelines, handouts, scenario based videos and other images to help them understand their work environment better.

Whether the need of the hour is unique and smarter products or exceptional customer service, competitive edge is becoming increasingly important for every business with the rising competition. Where products and services can not be amended or shut down on a short notice whenever competition grows fierce, companies can improve their employee performance through effective training practices to tackle the challenges of rising costs.

With trained employees in every department of the company, the managers / directors can ensure the smooth running of their company without having to worry about employees not being aware of what job to do, what targets to reach, what guidelines to follow etc.

A tracking software application helps companies fulfill the requirements of various governmental regulations that call for educated and skilled employees. With such software, companies can assign, organize and track every minor event occurring in an employee-training program. They can also review cumulative performance through employee reports that can be generated through a click. Such online learning and training management software can be used in any commercial setting like corporations, hospitals, universities, municipalities and smaller organizations.

To sum up the benefits of a training tracking software, it:

· Allows easy access to staff progress and other information

· Is an integrated software that helps enroll students, schedule courses and assign tests

· Records employee data like attendance, test scores etc.

· Helps create and execute customized training programs

· Helps track training progress, certifications, licensures and qualifications

· Provides custom filtering and a plethora of reporting options

Training tracking software in the e-learning industry has helped businesses keep a keen eye out for learning and capable individuals to flourish in a corporate setting.

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Source by Sarah Morgan

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In workplaces where employees work on computers, it is convenient to monitor attendance with software that includes login / logout monitoring functions. Consider the following advantages of running attendance monitoring software:

1. Attendance monitoring software keeps track of which members were present or absent, and of course, any nonmembers or intruders seeking access to the workplace will also be quickly identified.

2. The number of hours worked can be automatically computed by comparing the times of arrival and departure for each member. The attendance monitoring software will compute the total number of hours worked for a given period of time.

3. Attendance monitoring software aids in calculating the payroll since workers are paid according to the hours that were worked. The bookkeeper no longer needs to calculate for each worker how many hours were worked. The attendance monitoring software will do this automatically. This is maybe, but I would not go in describing any features so deep if not sure. This is not our feature.

4. The availability of any particular worker may be ascertained by a glance at the monitoring screen. The supervisor will not need to ask other employees or take the time to make telephone calls to know if a particular employee is on duty.

5. It is possible to be more flexible with work hours, even to keep track of traveling and remote workers. Whether workers work earlier hours or later hours does not create an inconvenience, since the attendance is monitored automatically.

6. Attendance monitoring reports may summarize the attendance record of any employee over a given period of time.

Login / Logout monitoring is included in attendance monitoring, while it also serves some additional purposes, such as the following:

1. It lets you know how many people are accessing a directory in the computer at a given moment and who they are, provided the directory has a login screen.

2. Access may be restricted to certain directories by a password or a code. Any attempts to hack into the directory by an outsider or intruder will be noticed immediately, since a couple of failed attempts to log in will trigger a warning signal.

3. Reports will show who last logged into a high-security directory. The whole history of the user's activities may be disclosed, including the frequency of logins and for how long he was logged in.

The greatest benefit of attendance monitoring and login / logout monitoring software in the workplace is that time consuming, manual attendance reporting is no longer necessary. Also, employees can not cheat the system by logging in and leaving the computer, since the system will notice an idle computer. The software works unobtrusively to record the login and logout automatically. Workers may begin work immediately without any preliminaries. Managers have access to reports at any time that is convenient to them. They do not need to interrupt the flow of work just to get answers to their questions about the attendance of their employees.

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Source by Carl Gearheart

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Computer-Aided Design (CAD) has long been a tool that various professionals have used to help them produce their best work. Replacing traditional hand drawn methods of drafting, 3D and 2D drafting software has made the process of putting new ideas and designs down in physical form a lot quicker and easier.

There are also other major benefits in that this means that editing is a lot easier than ever before, not to mention the ease of sharing of drafts with clients and colleagues around the world. For these reasons, CAD software remains widely used and very popular among engineers, architects, interior designers and many other professionals.

There are many premium CAD programs, but also many free and low-cost ones too. Although the premium software options are rightfully very valuable as they contain a vast variety of top features and functions, there are many excellent lower cost and free software options available too for those who need fewer features and are on a smaller budget.

Although there are several great free options of 3D and 2D drafting software on the market – most of them available to download online via a simple sign up form – there are several reasons why you might want to upgrade to a paid version of the product, which many of these free versions do have. Although you still will not be paying premium prices, there are often many great benefits to enjoy.

Firstly, one of the main advantages of upgrading your free software package is that you generally get a lot more tools to use in your drafting, ranging from creating your own dimension styles to being able to use pens with multiple thickness settings. All these enhanced drawing and editing tools can make a huge difference when it comes to completing your work to a high standard.

Many professionals will find that although tools included in a free software package are excellent and perfectly adequate, having more enhanced or advanced tools on hand can make the process of drafting and editing a great deal quicker. For this reason, upgrading your package could be an excellent idea.

Another reason many people decide to upgrade – and this is often an excellent reason for doing so – is that upgraded packages can often be more tailored to certain professions. This can include packages for architects, interior designers or civil engineers, and many more.

As with all 3D and 2D drafting software, certain tools, effects and editing options are designed to be more useful for certain professionals completing certain types of task. Although the basic software may be very similar, there are certain ways that it can be tailored to be more suited to each profession.

You will often find that CAD software developers will offer upgrades that are industry-specific versions of their free versions, which offers professionals the chance to invest in something more tailored to them. Furthermore, there is still no need to invest in a costly premium one-size-fits-all package by buying lower cost specialised software instead.

Finally, another advantage of many software upgrades is not only do you get to enjoy more enhanced features, but you also get to help from improved support. This can range from more detailed tutorials on how to use the product right through to a dedicated technical hotline, which can make the drafting process a whole lot easier.

These are just a few of the main reasons why upgrading your free 3D or 2D drafting software to a paid – and more advanced – package could be a great thing for you. From enhanced tools and options through to specialised versions of the product that suit your specific needs and profession, upgrading can be a very good idea indeed.

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Source by Phil R

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When your business requires a software solution, you have several directions in which you can go. A credible custom programming firm can help you decide by completing a detailed needs analysis so that they can provide you with the information needed for you to make the best business decision for your company.

It's not always easy to decide which application is right for your business. Below are a few pros and cons that may help you decide.

Customized Software – PROs:

# 1. Customized software can provide exactly what you need. The actual users are very good at describing the work flow and as a result, the software can be more effectively designed to increase user efficiency.

# 2. You own the software and the code behind it which affords you more control over future enhancements so the software can change as your business changes.

# 3. Custom software allows for the creation of meaningful reports that are used to make intelligent business decisions.

# 4. Once the software is developed the programmer will be familiar with your work process and will be better suited to provide the best technical support understanding common issues, traps, and work arounds and provide continuous improvements to your software. Unlike an off the shelf software technical support person who usually deals with generic issues.

# 5. Since the users will have input into the design, employees will be more readily accepting of the new system. They will also require less training because they were involved in the development.

# 6. Your improvement dollars are wisely spent on the functions you actually need to improve your process.

Customized Software – CONs:

# 1. Custom Software is customized to fit your needs; therefore you should expect to pay more. How much more depends upon the scope of the software's capabilities. Keep in mind the money you will save in the long run from duplicated work.

# 2. Custom software is not readily available like an off the shelf software. The time frame will depend upon the scope of the project. The time to develop the software could be reduced by using experienced developers with proven software development practices.

Off the Shelf Software – PROs:

# 1. Off the shelf software is readily available for use upon purchase.

# 2. The initial cost will almost always be less than a custom software, however you may have licensing fees where you must pay a fee for each user of the software.

# 3. Technical support is usually free.

Off the Shelf Software – CONs:

# 1. The software may not be able to expand to create other functions that you may need therefore many companies use two different software applications to complete their task resulting in redundant data entry.

# 2. You will have to adjust your current workflow instead of the software meeting your process needs resulting in "work arounds" and you not getting the reporting results you want.

# 3. If you are experiencing a specific issue with the software, the manufacturer of the software will address the fix or upgrade at their time schedule not yours.

# 4. Since the users have no input in how the software would function they may be more reluctant to the change and will require training which can be costly depending upon how many users you have.

# 5. Some software manufactures charge annual license or subscription renewal fees.

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Source by Neel Sus

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In today's world, businesses can be different in a lot of ways and being unique is one key to success. However, if you're the one running the business, the uniqueness can also be a disadvantage for you when looking for tools to manage it better.

That's where software can help you achieve success faster, by providing help tailored to your needs.

What is Custom Software Development?

Custom Software Development is a process if designing a tool (software) to assist you with your specific needs for your business or organization. This is designed to precisely provide you the service you need instead of making off the shelf or pre-made software work for you, with little or no flexibility.

Why Should I Use Custom Software?

Having software designed to give you the exact solutions your company needs can enhance productivity. You can get a lot more things done in less time with high accuracy. With technology, you do not need to adjust yourself to it, it adjusts to you. You will not have to continuously modify it (which is not always available with off the shelf software, anyway) to make it work exactly how you want it.

How to Get the Best Out of It ?

Your Custom Software is only as good as your chosen developer. Even if your specifications are discussed thoroughly, without expertise, everything can go wrong. That said, it's wise to get to know your developer thoroughly. Discuss their experience, their skills, and ask for their portfolio. Also, do not forget to ask for references. But that's just the basics.

With all these technology around us, people are expecting us to provide a more efficient service, faster booking, and delivery, and be able to do so faster. With a custom software for your company, cause or product functions, you can run your daily operations more efficiently and accurate while being organized.

Running your business might be costing you way too much compared to using a custom software program. While technology may seem like bigger initial investment, this software can save you more in the long run helping you avoid excessive use of papers, unjustifiable labor expenses for employee tasks that can be done by a custom software, and even lost customers due to failure to meet their needs.

Growing your business is all you want, but it would be hard to achieve it without investing on valuable items that can help us through the goal. Use technology as a tool to move you closer to your dreams, and technology will also guide you in achieving success.

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Source by Evaz Fanaian

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People may not know what the silo effect actually means. But everything is simple. The silo is the situation when somebody's opinion, idea and plan are limited by the existing prejudices and experience of other people.

The employees of software testing company, as well as the specialists of other companies not connected with IT sphere, perform their duties in silos. This is rather complicated notion, and it should be regarded more precisely.

What Are the Silo Types?

• A formal silo. In every company, there are the groups of specialists which perform particular tasks and solve the defined problems. There are developers, testers, product managers, sales managers, administrators, etc.
• An informal silo. This type concerns the same ideas, standards and concepts shared by the particular groups or schools. Moreover, the silo effect may also be regarded in terms of applying of definite testing principles and approaches, for example, the session approach or the automation principle.

The silo effect has both advantages and disadvantages. Hereafter, the benefits of the silo effect in software testing field will be regarded.

What Are the Advantages of Silos?

• It is the basis of building the team of specialists which share the common view. It is easier to form the team of like-minded specialists.
• Silos provide the consolidation of efforts of every member of the test team.
• The support networks are established with the help of silos.
• Silos encourage the effective communication within the test group.
• The credibility for every member of the group is established due to silos.

All mentioned aspects of silos have the positive influence on the testing process and the team spirit. Unfortunately, despite regarded pluses, the silo effect has some minuses. It is very important to prevent the negative effects of silos.

What Are the Disadvantages of the Silo?

• The silo may limit the expert's imagination. Tunnel vision of The the checking process does not Provide the Effective functional testing or performance testing .
• The silo causes the tribalism. The enmity to developers or another test team prevents the well-timed production of the bug free application or system.
• Miscommunication, misconceptions, troubles and difficulties may be arisen by the silo.
• The rejection of every idea or conception which differs from your own thoughts leads to less productive automated testing or any other checking type. The valid propositions should be reviewed and taken into account.
• The specialists may become blind to risks because of the silo effect.

There is a fine line between the silos benefits and disadvantages. One should always control the degree of silo influence on every team member and the whole test group.

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Source by Nataliia Vasylyna