Tech Talk in association with virtualDCS:
Tech Talk in association with virtualDCS
CLOUD computing hosting company virtualDCS is predicting a major increase in the demand for software delivered over the internet as Microsoft and Google leading the way for businesses to securely access data online with new online desktop services.
By accessing familiar software online such as Microsoft Word or Sage accounting tools, businesses are able to glean a number of competitive advantages over traditional licenced software approaches.
Richard May, director at Leeds-based virtualDCS, said: “The model of delivering applications online is often referred to as software as a service (SaaS). The key word here is ‘service’ because of the benefits it provides to a business.
“These include giving the company the opportunity to ‘pay as you go’ for the use of certain software and there being zero infrastructure costs to ensure that you always run the latest versions.
“SaaS providers utilise ‘cloud computing’, which is to say the software is run on servers located in data centres which are then accessed over the internet. This also means employees can use the software wherever they are based, at any time, which provides the ultimate in flexibility.”
“We have seen a sharp rise in the number of independent software providers approaching us for cloud hosting as it is imperative for them to migrate to the SaaS model and ensure they have as robust a platform as possible.”
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YOUTH marketing and research agency, Dubit, has launched Vue Cinemas’ official presence on Facebook with an innovative page that allows fans to book tickets from within the social network.
Using Vue Cinemas’ API the tailor-made app allows fans to book tickets, view trailers, and organise events from within the page. Payments are taken through Vue’s own website with information populated by the user’s choices on Facebook.
The Leeds-based agency created and will maintain the page which also includes bespoke tabs for the cinema chain’s events, offers and trailers.
Paula Cubley, head of marketing at Dubit, said: “This isn’t just a page and application build, we recognised that a presence on social media is about communication which is why Dubit is providing a monitoring service which involves replying to fans and posting news regarding the latest movies and Vue promotions. More in depth customer service enquiries will be handled in coordination with Vue’s own customer services department.”
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HARROGATE-based Vital Online Studio has helped bring a 130-year-old school uniform manufacturer firmly into the digital age after building a new website for the company.
Vital has completely redesigned the site for School Colours, to replicate its new branding and has built in a tool to allow schools and colleges to design their own uniforms.
Six years ago School Colours, which has its headquarters in Knaresborough, began making the world’s first waterproof blazer and in 2008 it started selling completely recycled jackets and trousers.
Andy Topps, sales director of Vital Online Studio, said: “School Colours has been a client for around seven years when our sister company Vital Network Solutions took on the hosting for the website.
“The company has recently rebranded to propel a fresh modern feel and part of that process was a new website which was awarded to us.
“We have greatly expanded the content, added a blog section to help with organic search, worked on the search engine optimisation but the main addition is the Virtual School Shop where schools and colleges can design their own clothing and this added interactive functionality really enhances the user experience.”
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YORKSHIRE Building Society has launched a mobile website designed specifically to access product information and services through smartphone devices.
Nigel York, of the Yorkshire’s e-commerce team, said: “The website has been designed in response to the rapid growth in smartphone internet browsing offering us the opportunity to develop a new means of customer engagement.
We realise that lives are getting more hectic and many individuals rely on online facilities to search for products or banking provision. This new website will allow our customers to do this while additionally showing new customers the types of deals we have on offer.”
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YORKSHIRE technology company Digital Media Projects has launched a green product which is set to take the commercial and domestic markets by storm.
The Harrogate-based company has launched E-CO Power Control, which enables discrete wireless control of a virtually unlimited number of standard mains appliances over multiple distances.
E-CO Power Control strips are controlled by PC, laptop or smartphone using a single transmitter contained in a USB key.
Nicholas Fearnley, chief executive of DMP, said: “As a bespoke technology company, we have invested heavily in ensuring we have the expertise in house to create ground-breaking products. From talking to clients and potential clients, we immediately saw the need for this technology, which will not only benefit the commercial sector, but homeowners as well.
“In this tough economic climate, the ability to cut back on energy costs is an enormous benefit. Unsurprisingly, this device has been so well received that our first consignment is already accounted for, and there is a waiting list for the second.”
