Does Microsoft Have any Real Competition? Copyright (c) 2003 Gregory S. Diehl In a word, yes.

And I think they are about to get more.

Microsoft primarily dominates in operating systems and office productivity software.

Windows is going to be the dominant OS for some time. But I think things will get much more interesting with the Novell/SuSE merger. The giant IBM was already behind Linux. (People forget that if IBM’s software division were a separate company, it would be number two only to Microsoft.) Now, they face the challenge from a company that knows how to market to the enterprise, which Red Hat does not. SuSE gets the channels and business partners it needs worldwide; Novell can assure its survival beyond NetWare as a competitor to the hated Microsoft. (Novell feels about as strongly about the folks from the Northwest as Sun does.)

And speaking of Sun, they are aggressively pushing StarOffice as an alternative to Microsoft Office. It offers file compatibility, so anyone on a budget may want to at least consider it. Corel is also hanging in there with WordPerfect and other products, and Novell has GroupWise. So there is at least a little competition in office productivity, although admittedly not much. StarOffice is now available in the retail channel, so that may change.

With Sun and IBM pushing Java/J2EE as the platform for Web services, .NET is getting all the competition it can handle. For dynamic Web publishing (updating from a database) I seem to see at least as many pages with .jsp (Java Server Pages) or .php (Hypertext Preprocessor) as I do .asp (Active Server Pages, from Microsoft) on the file name. (If you’ve ever wondered what those strange things were that were not .htm or .html, that’s it!)

There are two areas where Microsoft is not even close to first place.

Most Web servers are Apache running under Linux, not Microsoft’s Internet Information Server on a Windows box.

In the database arena, Microsoft really faces stiff competition. IBM is still number one with DB2, and Oracle is close behind. While SQL Server 2000 is much more robust and enterprise-ready than its predecessors, it is still in third place. (Albeit a tighter third place with the scalability and other features of SQL Server 2000.) On the charts with a bullet is MySQL, the Linux of the database world that is gaining more market share in enterprises not needing the features of a DB2 or Oracle.

So, does Microsoft have competition? Yes, even in areas of near-monopoly, there is at least some competition.

About the author:
Gregory S. Diehl has almost 35 years experience in applying technology to solve business problems and expand opportunities. He has worked as a systems analyst, programmer, technical writer, Web developer and numerous other roles. A Master CIW Designer, he is currently starting a Web design and development firm in Las Vegas.
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There’s more involved in turning a profit than income alone - you need to be making money cost effectively. A simple and often forgotten asset when doing so is performance management software. It’s common knowledge that a smart business will tailor its routines to the strengths of each member of staff in order to get the best from them. Identifying and tracking this data is often where things become challenging.

Taking one facet of this — namely employee appraisal — defining progress and being able to track it is a significant hassle. First, you implement employee evaluation reviews to evaluate and track the work performed by each member of staff. Analyzing this data comes next. After all, before it’s ready to use setting goals and identifying further advancement you need to know what the pure data actually means.

With performance appraisal software, all you need to do is look at the different analyses to pinpoint the ideal objectives and then follow the member of staff’s development. Generating as it does more accurate information for less time invested, this is of course a cost saving measure before putting these findings to use. If you want to it’s possible instead to carry out your own analysis, simply using the software to create and keep up a record to work from. And making your employees more efficient is simply one improvement that can be achieved using performance management software. Both clients and suppliers can be studied using such software, providing you with still more performance appraisal tools. Identifying the suppliers that carry the better quality and best priced products can be a great boon. When it comes to clients this kind of software can help there, too, showing you just who sells the most of your products, their loss percentage and any similar troubles, and serving as a reminder of any payment issues. This information is useful in minimizing expenses and boosting profits. Who wouldn’t want to take advantage of that? As well as this, a greater awareness of your market will permit easier planning for your marketing.

You can study your sources to reduce costs and stay aware of your target market to make more money employing performance management software. In addition it streamlines the employee evaluation and helps set precisely defined targets for your staff decidedly. To summarize, it’s clear that the potential benefits of this system are endless and depend solely on your own ability to use the information provided…

The internet browser market has long been dominated by Internet Explorer, but a new kid on the block — Firefox — is making strong inroads against the Microsoft product’s dominance. To date, over 75 million copies of Firefox have been downloaded by users around the world. Here are some reasons why you should replace Explorer with Firefox.

1. No Pop Ups. Unlike Explorer, Firefox has a nifty pop up blocker in place. No more garbage to fill your screen as you search the internet with Firefox. Can’t say the same for Explorer, however.

2. Your Security. Spyware, trojan horses, and ActiveX controls are stopped in their tracks. Explorer limits through unreliable third party downloads.

3. Quick Downloading. Downloading files is a snap as they are done quickly and painlessly. Once Firefox completes the download you will be prompted to clean up [remove] unneeded files.

4. Tabbed Browsing. Surfing the internet is easier as users can open up one window and set tabs for quick access to multiple web pages. Specifically, all your browser windows actually work within one window, each marked by tabs that you can click in and out of with ease.

5. Tons of extensions, themes, and plug-ins. You can customize Firefox to work the way you want it to work. Download an ad blocker, a new toolbar, a special theme, or include plug-ins such as Adobe Reader, Windows Media Player, Shockwave, Flash Player, and more.

Firefox is not perfect, but it goes a long way further than Explorer in giving users an enjoyable internet experience. For this reason alone, it is worth being downloaded by you.

Copyright 2005 — Matthew Keegan is the owner of a successful article writing, web design, and marketing business based in North Carolina, USA. He manages several sites including the Corporate Flight Attendant Community and the Aviation Employment Board. Please visit The Article Writer to review selections from his portfolio.

Atlanta Home Inspector services. When you are in the market to buy a house in Atlanta, it’s of utmost importance to choose the best Atlanta Home Inspection service to facilitate one of the most important financial investments and decisions you will make. Our ethics, experience and our friendly customer support will easilly reveal to you that you made the right decision!
Atlanta Property Inspections can assist by giving you with a comprehensive and professional Atlanta home inspector service before you buy. Featuring 16 years of Atlanta home inspection experience and our involvement and membership in some of the industry’s leading and most prestigious organizations, you can be certain that the Atlanta home inspectors from Atlanta Property Inspections will greatly help you to completely identify the condition of your new home.
We provides services to a wide spectrum of individuals and businesses from our offices in Waxahachie, Texas, Red Oak Law Firm The Hale Law Firm represent clients throughout Ellis and Dallas County, including: Ovilla, Waxahachie, Midlothian, Red Oak, Ennis, Ferris, DeSoto, Glenn Heights, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Lancaster, Dallas, Mansfield, and Grand Prairie.
Reverse Craigstlist software can produce incredible results. The power to actually draw thousands of targeted leads in as little as a few minutes by searching for info from advertisements on craigslist. Simple reverse craigslist software can offer a chance to move you business to the highest level. You just pick what market you are targeting as well as specific geographical areas, literally push a button, sit back, and watch the leads come in. You then can send an e-mail to these leads or save, export, manage them, and more. There are different versions and brands of reverse craigs list software as well as data mining software today.

There’s more involved in making money than income alone - it’s important to be bringing in money as effectively as possible given your outgoings. A simple and often forgotten aid to doing so is business performance management software.

Business optimization calls for an awareness of the strengths and weak areas of its employees; in what areas is their best work done? How can you adjust your system to emphasize their strengths and hide their weaknesses? There can be no more important question. Discovering and making this knowledge ready for use tends to be where things become tough, though. Defining and tracking progress through employee appraisal on its own can be a huge task. First of all, you use employee appraisal systems to assess and keep track of all work performed by each employee. And if you’re using traditional methods, you now have to analyze all of this information by eye just to define goalposts, and measure further development. With performance management software, you simply examine the various metrics and factors to deduce what these targets should be and subsequently track the employee’s advancement. In this way you ease a significant time commitment and probably also find yourself with more precise information into the bargain. Should you want to you can instead carry out your own analysis, simply using the software to generate and keep up a record to work from.

And making your employees more efficient is only one of the improvements you can make using performance appraisal software. It’s also valuable to study suppliers and clients to better reduce costs by precision buying. Knowing which suppliers carry the best quality and best priced products can reduce costs significantly.

Clients have their own measurements to be scrutinized, and once again this information can be used to benefit your bank balance. You can then adjust your ordering and move products around to increase your profits while reducing outgoings. As well as this, the better awareness of your target demographics will allow easier planning of your advertising.

Click here and surf to our awesome site for employee performance assessment pointers…

You can analyze your sources to minimize costs and keep up with your target market to make more money utilizing performance appraisal software. In addition it streamlines the process of managing employee performance and helps set clearly defined targets for your employees. All in all, what you can achieve using this software is almost unbelievable…

Converged Messaging Solutions are also offered by Mavenir Systems.The world of the messaging industry is experiencing a transition from the ever popular SMS messaging to rich, multimedia MMS and IP based instant messaging. Smart mobile providers have a need to combine their messaging core using different service domains and new devices in order to keep up with these requirements. Mavenir Systems does this with a strategy to cap investments in legacy systems and focusing on newer revenue generating offerings. IP SMSC is a very scalable IP SMSC that reduces the costs to provide legacy SMS at a savings of greater than five times that of the competition Instant Messaging and Presence offers a very highly integrated IMS Presence and Instant Messaging server which greatly reduces the cost of introduction,and speeds up enhanced service deployment.
Apartment investing is an incredible opportunity for business that can help develop a very effective passive source of income previously unimaginable. You can learn this from a rags to riches expert who’s risen to ultimate success beginning from quite literally nothing, and is has no previous experience and is not one bit different apart from us. It’s quite literally a typical rags to riches story where Carlos with very little if any resources and exxperience has achieved so much, and a very short amount of time. Apartment investing is the method which he put his trust in. With the free CD he offers, you will immediately begin to learn exactly what did Carlose do prior to when he closed the first apartment investing deal to set himself up for much bigger deals in the future - this is something no other gurus will tell you. You will also be privy to how the current recession is about to release a tidal wave of opportunity for well positioned apartment investors as well as the until now untold secrets to obtaining financing for apartment investing in the market conditions today. You will find so much more concerning apartment investing as well as most of the things most people won’t tell you. Begin apartment investing rigth away and secure your future, with the very secrets that quite a few so called guru’s won’t tell you.
Reverse Craigstlist software can produce incredible results. It gives you power to actually draw possibly up to hundreds of thousands of qualified leads in a matter of minutes by searching for data from postings on craigslist. This very simple reverse craigslist software can allow a chance to quite literally propel you company to the next higer level. You may define what industry you are aiming at as well as specific geo areas, then push a button, sit back, and watch the leads come in. Then you have the ability to make direct contact to these leads or manage them, export, save, and more. There are many companies now developing versions of reverse craigslist software and data mining software today.

A company’s contact center staff serves on the front lines of data security. When properly trained they can effectively prevent intrusion. The problem is that contact centers tend to be exposed to environments that are prone to data theft and data loss. Employees are mostly low paid and/or they have minimal benefits. Many of them are also poorly supervised, pressured to meet the company’s metrics and are subjected to great stress.

Today’s businesses and organizations thrive and rely on data for customer service, marketing and staff management. Just like anything valuable, data is also sought after by criminals for blackmail, identity theft and other crimes.
According to a 2009 Identity Fraud Survey Report released by Javelin Strategy and Reports, identity fraud victims have increase by 22 percent. About 9.9 million adults in the United States have fallen prey to fraudulent acts. Total amount of fraud annually has also increased by seven percent at $48 billion during the past year. Reasons stated on the report included safety, simplicity and profitability, says Gartner research vice president Greg Young.

In order to limit ID fraud, the US Federal Trade Commission now requires creditors and financial institutions to comply with new Red Flags. Implementation begins on November 1 of this year. According to the regulations, these firms have to implement programs for identifying, detecting and responding to the said warning signs that manifest identity theft. Unfortunately, many companies are implementing new data-using processes even when they don’t have the right tools to sufficiently protect themselves, their hosting services and their users.

Companies are also erring in favour of keeping their customers happy in lieu of security protocols such as authentication requests through answers to challenge questions and passwords. The methods have grown more difficult as secret answers and passwords for authenticating clients are easily available. The matter becomes even more complicated as contact center agents are faced with annoyed buyers and the challenge of keeping handle times as short as possible.

The solution is to properly train contact center staff as they are on the data security front lines. They have to be properly compensated and carefully screened in order to ensure that they are well qualified for the task. this is one good way of keeping data secure.

For the first time in a web browser’s era, we are witnessing real action behind a browser other than Internet Explorer. The most browser history we can remember, major and widely accepted internet browser was Internet Explorer.

In late 90s, there was a time when Netscape was trying to claim superiority in that browser market share, but Internet Explorer walk away winning a lions share. However at present, for the first time Microsoft is facing tough competition. The new contender of Internet Explorer is “Firefox”, which is likely to take advantage of the security concerns that is counted as loop holes in Internet Explorer structure.

A browser from the producers of Mozilla, Firefox is drawing massive attention. Firefox is a browser that focuses on opening websites rapidly while keeping malicious pop-ups and spyware a side.

While, at final stages Firefox luckily was picked for the upcoming browser two federal agencies that recommended Internet users to select browser other than Internet Explorer for the first time, because of security concerns.

Internet users began switching over Firefox after facing numerous security issues with Internet Explorer. Users believe that Internet Explorer has not actually been upgraded since beginning of 20s. Users have to download the patch known as Service Pack 2 as well as upgrade their system up to windows XP for more secured Internet Explorer.

Internet Explorer use to hold around 95 percent of market share for web browsers but slide down to nearly 92 percent in just the few months. This might seem a few percentage points, but these few percentages depict millions of people who have switched over to Firefox from Internet Explorer.

It shows that Firefox is becoming widely accepted by millions of its fans, for its excellent features such as download speed, outstanding user interface along with its pop-up blocker.

But the biggest advantage for Internet Explorer is that most websites are still built to work best with Microsoft’s browsers. It may result that some sites may not sees right or not be accessible at all through internet browser other than IE.

So, who will win this race Internet Explorer or Firefox? If Firefox sustains getting market share as it has at current phase than future is bright for Firefox. But, if Internet Explorer comes out with the solutions for its security issues, it can hold onto its over 90 percent lions share in the browser market.

Whatever, but the fact is that both browsers have had advantages along with security problems and loop-holes. So only the time will show the right answer, just wait and watch.

Allen Brown is a freelance writer for www.1888SoftwareDownloads.com<www.1888SoftwareDownloads.com/>, the premier website to find Free Software Downloads including free anti-virus software, free spyware detection software, free toolbars, free chat software and more. He also freelances forwww.1888FreeOnlineGames.com<www.1888FreeOnlineGames.com/>.

Online Reservation Software can make the difference in travel agency growth or decline. Travel companies work on small margins and efficient online reservation software is the lifeblood of travel companies. While tourists have visions of up, up and away, travel agencies have their eyes on the bottom line and how online reservation software can increase profits.

Improved Productivity - Online Reservation Software
Improved productivity is the key benefit online reservation software offers travel agencies. The airlines, hotels and tour operators set prices and the agency commission is fixed. How can a travel agency earn more money? By streamlining the booking process to increase sales per agent per day with industry leading online reservation software

Enhanced Client Management - Online Reservation Software Online
Reservation software cuts operating costs by automating the travel booking process. A key feature of online reservation software is the creation of a unique passenger record that ties the passenger the travel agency. When an agent knows the client’s travel history, preferences, spending habits and more, it’s a powerful incentive for the client to book future travel with his or her agent.

Online Availability - Online Reservation Software
A sharp agent using online reservation software which offers online availability can close a client’s travel bookings in minutes. Referrals are the life blood of the travel industry. Travel agents using online reservation software offering immediate confirmation have become the standard by which all travel agents are judged. Combined with the growing travel destinations and packages, an agency’s online reservation software provides agents every possible travel service that might interest the customer at a glance.

Back Office Issues - Online Reservation Software
Do you know anyone that enjoys paper work? The client, on the other hand, is keenly interested in a convenient record of travel outlays for tax purposes. An agency’s online reservation software automates the tedious process of creating receipts, invoices, confirmations, vouchers and more. The same goes for tracking the many wholesalers, airlines, and tour operators a travel agency deals with each year.

Travel Agency Expansion - Online Reservation Software
While generating more revenue is the goal of expansion - online reservation software is the vehicle. Today, every travel agency owner asks “How can I survive today and grow in the future?” While the answer varies from agency to agency, those without fast, efficient and cost cutting online reservation software won’t have to worry for long, they will be “Up, up and Away” and out of the travel business for good.

Galor is a leading provider of online reservation software for travel companies in the highly competitive travel market. For more information about online reservation software, please visit Galor Systems & Software Development.

Whew! According to Computer Gaming World, there are 80 gazillion free Flash games sites in the cyber world.

Popular sites are:

• www.games.yahoo.com — this has card games, word games, arcade games, as well as puzzles. The number of violent games is limited so the site appeals to the “old-young” -those who are young at heart.
• www.shockwave.com — a popular site with original games as well as PopCap ones. One can do a jigsaw here everyday.
• www.addictinggames.com - has free games that are updated every weekFriday. The site has action, arcade, puzzle, as well as sports games.
• www.arcadetown.com — has Flash games, java games, downloads and more.

Since Flash offers many advantages to developers as well as players, many games are designed using Macromedia Flash. It is by far the best game platform and has incredible features.

In an industry that’s evincing exponential growth, Flash has become the universal and popular choice for multimedia intensive web sites. Flash, singly crosses most barriers

• It supports complicated and wonderful graphics.
• Allows download of files via the Internet.
• And is compatible with playback devices.

In the world of Flash enabled games the hosting system is the web server itself. Flash enables web sites to host animated as well as interactive movies and games. There is no paraphernalia required. All that is needed is to download the game itself. The costs are minimal and not recurring.

To play on the web all that is required is: a web browser, a Flash player, and the Internet. Flash is the universal plug in needed to play games. It is installed on every PC with Windows XP and Mac.

Playing online can be fun and most games can now be played by many players from all round the world. Just keep in mind:

• That there are players who cheat at games. Look for PunkBuster software on the server, this detects cheats who try and gain unfair advantages.
• Play with others who have credibility and are accountable for their actions. Many online sites need verified log ins, they are actively managed gaming environments. This is a better choice for safe gaming.
• Create a select group of friends and use the broadband server to host a private gaming server.
• Do your research thoroughly. Seek safe and high quality gaming sites.

Gaming is in its golden phase and is set to reach new heights. Innovation, new business models, and unprecedented growth is expected to open new avenues in gaming.

Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for www.1888FreeOnlineGames.com<www.1888FreeOnlineGames.com/>, the premier website to play thousands of free online games including arcade games, action games, card games, flash games, strategy games, puzzle games and more. He also freelances for www.1888SoftwareDownloads.com<www.1888SoftwareDownloads.com/>.