| Technology Resources |
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Technology Resources aren't important to everyone. Some companies manage just fine using pen and paper. The use of white boards would amaze many. Some could not survive without post-it notes.
For those of you that can operate like this, that's great. For all the others, technology solutions are a part of doing business just like sales and marketing, It is an integral component in servicing your customer, managing your costs or controlling your operation.
Transportation Resources has an uncanny ability to find affordable technology solutions for a wide variety of situations. Our capabilities bridge database design and development, Internet web- based programs, hosting and co-location services, network and computer sales and support, document imaging, bar code scanning, corporate communications, fax and email cooperation, mobile applications, cloud computing and help desk services. Interested in taking a forward step with technology? Looking to take advantage of the latest advances? Just want to take advantage of your new computer?
Small or large, simple or complex, give us a call to discuss where you want to go. The first consultation is always without charge.
Call us at 978-422-7770 or email rmj@trif.com to discuss your opportunities.
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Greetings!
First time readers, welcome! Returning readers, welcome back! Our newsletter is all about technology resources. This month we also highlight some regulatory changes in Massachusetts that will affect most of us. You will also note we have scheduled another Microsoft Access Workshop. We do not want to waste your time. Artilcles will contain generally less than 250 words. Please have a look and give us your feedback.
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The Apple iPhone, Technology at it's Best! |
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A few months ago, I fell in love - with the Apple iTouch. It was recommended to me by my brother and I took a close look at it. I ordered one and in less than 24 hours, I was sold on this little device. The iTouch (iPod Touch) is an iPhone without the phone and without the camera. I fell so hard that a month later I converted all the mobile phones for TRI to the Apple iPhone. Yes, that meant that I needed to change from Verizon Wireless to AT&T, but the switchover was well worth it.
Our phones synch to Microsoft Outlook for our calendars and contacts and we duplicate all emails to the iPhone's. They are wireless ready and always aware of available networks. Plus iPhone owners are also provided free wireless at all Starbucks locations. They have 8 gigabytes of solid state memory so they easily handle all email, contacts and calendar entries, but also most of our music, some of our videos and many of our favorite photos. It doesn't stop there. The iPhone can also playback podcasts which are short videos produced on an endless number of subjects and subscribed to using iTunes. Pictures taken with the iPhone camera can be saved and emailed instantly.
The iPhone understands where it is in time and space. It knows at what angle it is being held, it knows when it is on a level surface and it has GPS, maps and current traffic conditions. It admirably handles YouTube, Web browsing, Google, Pandora Radio, and the Weather Channel.
And if that weren't enough, there are thousands of applications available for the iPhone and iTouch. These applications download directly from the 'AppStore' to the iPhone over a wireless connection. You can play Scrabble, Yahtzee, Sudoku, SimCity or hundreds of card games. You can even read a book or 260,000 of them.
Do I recommend the iPhone? Absolutely.
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New Regulations For The Protection of Personal Information |
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Are you aware of the changes to the law effective May 1, 2009. Massachusetts 201 CMR 17.00, familiar? The regulations cover any employer / business who maintains a person's name and associated to that name:
- Social Security number,
- Driver's License number or state issued ID and
- Financial account number or credit/debit card where such numbers would permit access to the person's financial account
Companies maintaining this information must have in place a comprehensive written security program to protect the confidentiality of such information. The program must contain administrative, technical and physical safeguards.
The Regulations also mandate that any business that electronically stores or transmits personal information must maintain a security system for its computers and any wireless system. There are eight established elements that must be included in any computer security system.
In the words of the State of Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation, "Businesses that store or maintain electronic records, and do not have in-house IT resources or regular access to providers of IT services, will probably need to hire someone to provide these services/resources, even if only on a one-time or part-time basis". If you would like further information, please email rmj@trif.com. |
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Do you have a To-Do list? |
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Are you looking for a good tool to keep track of everything you need to do in your life? There are a thousand different to-do list programs  available. We have written our own for our technology projects, but what do you do with your other tasks? Where do you keep track of things like paying the water bill, calling your Mom or taking out the recycling? What do you do if you want to see your task list anytime and anywhere? Outlook? You can only see your to-do list in Outlook or on a Windows Mobile device. What if you want to see your task list on the Web? What if you want to see it on your non-Windows mobile device, like your iPhone or Palm device.
This has been troubling me for some time. The best way I have found to manage a variety of task lists is a program called Toodledo. It will synch with Outlook, it will display on your Google Calendar and it will synch to your iPhone or your iPod Touch.
It isn't perfect, but it is very powerful. It will let you set up folders, subtasks, manage priorities, tags, life goals and time estimates. You can also collaborate with others by allowing specific people to view specific tasks. Combining the power of Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendar, and the iPhone is not an easy task, but Toodledo makes it work. Go to www.toodledo.com for more information. | |
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If any of the information here is of interest to you, please drop us a note. If you would like to see specific information on technology issues that affect you and your business, please drop us a note.
Sincerely,
Robert McKay Jones
Transportation Resources, Inc.
50 Leominster Road, Suite #13 Sterling, Massachusetts 01564
rmj@trif.com |
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Microsoft Access Workshop Our next Microsoft Access Workshop will be a late afternoon - weekday workshop. It will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 from 3:p.m. to 7:p.m. Space is limited, please register early.
Interested in answering these questions?
- What is Microsoft Access?
- Why is Access better than Excel in many cases?
- What is a relational database?
- Can I set up a database myself?
- Can I set up my own custom reports?
- Can I still do graphs and charts?
- Can other people use my database with me? At the same time?
Click http://transportationresources.eventbrite.com/
to register.
Price: $100.00 | |
Transportation Resources, Inc.