While the actual Edgerank algorithm is not public knowledge and some details are unknown, Facebook has revealed some of the core mechanics behind Edgerank. In the algorithm, posts are called objects. Objects include comments, questions, photos and links. Each object begins with one “edge” when a user posts it. An object gains edges through interactions, such as shares, likes, and click-through views. A higher number of edges increases the priority, or “Edgerank” of an object.

The Edgerank algorithm consists of three primary parameters:

Affinity: If a user frequently interacts with a friend or a fan page, objects posted by that friend or fan page will be more likely to appear in that user’s Newsfeed at the top of the page. If a user infrequently views a fan page, objects posted on that page will have a lower priority in the Newsfeed or may not appear at all. A study by The Daily Beast found that this is a one-way relationship. Frequently interacting with a friend or fan page’s Facebook posts will not increase the likelihood of the user’s objects appearing in his Newsfeed.

Weight: Facebook assigns different levels of priority, or “weight” to different types of posts. According to Dan Taylor of The Next Web, Photo and Video have the highest weight score, followed by links and then status updates. The weight of an object increases considerably when users post comments on the object. Likes and shares also increase the weight of an object. Businesses involved with social media marketing should strongly consider Weight when posting objects. One great option is asking questions when posting objects so that users will be more likely to comment.

Time Decay: Edgerank prioritizes recently posted objects. The priority of an object lessens as time goes by, so that high-weight objects eventually show up later in the Newsfeed and disappear after a few hours or days. The average life of an object is only a few hours, so it is important to continue posting objects after a post ceases to gain interactions and its life cycle ends. Scheduling some time between posts is also important in order to avoid having posts compete for attention.

When engaging in social media marketing on Facebook, every business should consider the effects of Edgerank. In order to increase the amount of users who see an object, businesses should focus on posting objects that increase the likelihood of user interaction such as questions, games, videos, or coupons. A successful Facebook strategy will aim to consistently engage users on a daily basis.

BCS CallProcessing, Inc is a leading IT service provider of network support for businesses. As your IT partner we provide integrated technology solutions for your voice, data, video and wireless communication. With BCS CallProcessing you can depend on seamless and exceptional service on time and on budget.

Sources:

http://thenextweb.com/socialmedia/2011/05/09/everything-you-need-to-know-about-facebooks-edgerank/

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-10-18/the-facebook-news-feed-how-it-works-the-10-biggest-secrets/

http://techcrunch.com/2010/04/22/facebook-edgerank/

http://socialfresh.com/facebook-edgerank-facts/

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/6-tips-to-increase-your-facebook-edgerank-and-exposure/

VoIP Telephony allows a business to place phone calls to any telephone through its network. VoIP Telephony provides the benefits of high end telephone systems including teleconferencing, call recording, caller ID, and the ability to forward calls to cell phones. Phone calls can be made with nearly any area code in the US or abroad so that businesses can operate with a more local presence in distant markets.

Compared with traditional telephone systems, VoIP Telephony enables a high level of flexibility. Phone lines (which are called SIP channels) can quickly be added or removed whenever needed, and businesses can add phone numbers when necessary. VoIP telephony additionally allows businesses to transfer calls from one site to another, even to cell phones equipped with a special SIM card.

VoIP Telephony offers many cost saving benefits. When you switch to an IP-based telephone system you can reduce your total cost of ownership and  increase productivity because you’ve combined and simplified your communication tools. Using a VoIP service you can virtually eliminate the equipment and maintenance charges that go along with owning a traditional on-site phone system. In addition, new features and technologies can be added to the system without upgrading any on-site hardware.

Overall costs are lowered with IP Telephony, both because of hardware savings and because call tariffs and SIP channels carry much lower costs than their equivalents on traditional telephone services. Businesses can use one IP Telephony provider for all locations and have only one telephone contract. Many employees can be freed to work from home on mobile devices, which reduces office space needs.

BCS Call Processing is a leading provider of VoIP Telephony solutions. Interested in learning more about how BCS Call Processing can help you with VoIP Telephony solutions and other IT needs? Visit “Our Products and Solutions” or call us at (781) 871-0700.

Sources:

http://www.telappliant.com/voip-news/801318060/sales-of-ip-telephony-solutions-are-taking-off

http://www.smeweb.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3438:benefits-of-voip-communication&catid=64:features&Itemid=102

http://www.telappliant.com/voip-news/801315979/ip-telephony-solutions-becoming-a-hit-in-australia

http://www.sbnonline.com/2012/02/how-a-hosted-voip-system-can-work-for-your-company/?full=1

http://www.sbnonline.com/2012/03/what%E2%80%99s-new-with-voice-over-internet-protocol/?full=1

Companies that contract with businesses to provide off-site IT solutions are called managed services providers (MSPs). These companies can provide a variety of services to businesses, ranging from managing websites to hosting networks on off-site servers. Many businesses contract with MSPs for data backup and recovery, IT infrastructure monitoring, and application services.

In addition to freeing up on-site IT staff to focus on more vital tasks, MSPs offer a multitude of benefits for businesses. Businesses can lower hardware-related costs and free up space due to a reduced need for on-site servers. Small to medium businesses can access many of the IT functions that were once only available to large businesses. MSPs also allow small to medium businesses to benefit from the knowledge and abilities of highly skilled IT personnel who often migrate to large businesses with major on-site IT needs.

MSPs allow a business to more quickly adapt for increased IT needs. If a business suddenly has a surge in network traffic, an MSP can more quickly accommodate for the increased network requirements. As new technologies quickly develop and evolve, MSPs can allow businesses to quickly adapt without investing in large amounts of expensive on-site hardware. MSPs offer a constantly growing array of services that ensure that businesses can keep up with the increasing IT demands of the business world.

BCS Call Processing is a leading managed services provider. As your IT partner we provide integrated technology solutions for your voice, data, video and wireless communication. With BCS CallProcessing you can depend on seamless and exceptional service on time and on budget.

Sources:

http://www.itweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2399:managed-services-a-perfect-fit-for-midmarket-businesses&catid=208:outsourcing&O=E

http://www.channelinsider.com/c/a/Commentary/Managed-Services-Gain-Customer-Acceptance/

http://www.cfo.com/article.cfm/3002424/c_2984406/?f=archives

The ability to remotely access information from office computers and company servers provides several new abilities for businesses and professionals. Professionals need not worry about becoming disconnected from their work while travelling or when they simply can’t make it into the office. Remote access can also be used to grant others access to use of the same computer or server in order to share information during a meeting or when needing assistance.

Remote desktop access allows one or multiple users to use a desktop, laptop, or mobile device to connect to another computer or server from any location. Some forms of remote desktop access can additionally allow a user to connect to multiple computers in order to more quickly and easily maintain them.

Businesses can gain several benefits from the use of remote desktop access. If an employee forgets an important file stored on a work computer or server, the employee can just log in from home and access the file. Because it expands the abilities of telecommuting by providing full use of office computer resources, remote desktop access may allow more employees to telecommute, which lowers office expenses and minimizes office space requirements.

Remote desktop access allows users to access powerful computers and servers from less powerful computers and use the more powerful computers’ processing abilities. This allows remote users to use programs that may not have previously worked on their home computers, which enables them to perform more work from home.

Remote desktop access enables businesses to use terminal computers. This type of computer is inexpensive and relies on the processing power of a server for all of its computing tasks. Terminal computers cost less and have a much longer average lifespan than typical desktops. Terminal computers require powerful servers to operate, but over time they can save money for a business compared with using regular desktops.

Using remote desktop access can allow companies to save money on IT and travel expenses. IT professionals can be granted remote access to company computers and servers in order to diagnose and repair problems without having to come into the office. If an employee needs to perform work at another corporate branch, he or she may no longer need to travel to the other branch in person and instead can perform the task via remote access.

For more information about the benefits of remote desktop access as well as terminal computers, please visit our page about Remote Desktop Services and Terminal Services.

BCS CallProcessing, Inc is a leading IT service provider of network support for businesses. As your IT partner we provide integrated technology solutions for your voice, data, video and wireless communication. With BCS CallProcessing you can depend on seamless and exceptional service on time and on budget.

Sources:

http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/146588/stay_connected_with_remoteaccess_software.html

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/forrester/remote-access-and-virtualization-not-one-and-the-same/334

http://searchvirtualdesktop.techtarget.com/feature/Remote-desktop-access-vs-mobile-access-Whats-the-difference

http://www.techrepublic.com/article/the-importance-of-a-remote-access-policy/6070946

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/tech-manager/it-cost-containment-terminal-computing/445

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/24/workers-telecommute_n_1228004.html

Proximity-based social networks offer many possibilities for businesses and professionals. For example, businesses can use these networks to track in-store consumer behavior or share files containing coupons to improve the customer experience. Professionals can use proximity-based networks to find potential new clients at conferences. Proximity-based social networks are rapidly developing and may provide many new possibilities for the business world.

 What are proximity-based social networks?

Proximity-based social networks allow users to interact and share information with nearby people and businesses, usually through the use of smartphone applications. These networks use GPS technology that is built into many smartphones to track the locations of users. Many of these networks are designed to help users develop new relationships with people and businesses.

Which proximity-based social networks are useful for businesses and professionals?

CardFlick – This network allows nearby users to share contact information with one another. Using this network, a person can quickly send digital business cards to individuals or groups.

LocalMind and Crowdbeacon – These networks enable people or businesses to conduct opinion surveys for people located in a specific area.

Karizma and Sonar – A user can video chat with other nearby users through these services. A person can use these services to communicate both with people they know and with new contacts.

LoKast – This network primarily focuses on file sharing and additionally offers a local chat service. Businesses can use this network to share relevant media with their customers such as music and videos.

magnetU – This service uses a small, inexpensive dedicated device to store users’ information and share it with nearby users. A user can set and adjust preferences for the types of people the user is seeking and the device will alert the user through a smartphone application or instant message when a relevant person is nearby. This could assist a user who is seeking like-minded people at a trade conference or new hires at a career fair.

Proximity-based social networks are quickly evolving. They are becoming increasingly common and gaining more and more users because of smartphone industry growth and advances in wireless technology. Some of these networks may become increasingly essential in aiding businesses and professionals with various tasks.

What are some other potential uses for businesses?

• Developing stronger connections between employees, especially for larger businesses
• Expanding a company’s presence through contacts between its employees and potential customers
• Learning more about a company’s customers by gathering information about interests, demographics, and shopping habits

Whichever proximity-based network you decide to utilize,  you will be able to take advantage of the distinct benefit of  being able to access real data, in real time,  that can ultimately build your business.

Sources: 

 http://mashable.com/2011/12/05/magnetu/

http://thenextweb.com/socialmedia/2011/04/06/proximity-based-social-networking-tips-for-businesses/

http://techcrunch.com/2011/09/16/the-new-social-network-whos-nearby-not-who-you-know/

http://gigaom.com/2011/05/25/proximity-based-social-networks-enable-spontaneous-connections/

Cloud Computing is especially advantageous for small to medium sized businesses because it provides a high level of computing power available on-demand that would normally only be available using costly high-end on-site servers. With Cloud Computing, a company pays by usage, so companies do not have to pay for a high level of computing power when they are not using it.

What is Cloud Computing? – Cloud Computing allows a company to use the internet to store and access data and programs, instead of using on-site servers.

What are the advantages of Cloud Computing?

• Convenience - Cloud Computing allows users to access data or programs on a secure website from any location with internet service and from a variety of devices such as personal computers, tablet computers, and smartphones.

• Flexibility – Cloud technology allows a company to quickly adjust for changes in usage and online traffic. If a company suddenly has a surge in traffic that could lead to a crash with on-site servers, Cloud technology will allow the company to quickly accommodate for the increased data usage. This is especially important for small to medium sized businesses, because Cloud technology offers data usage capacity that would be very expensive to replicate with on-site servers.

• Security - Cloud providers use a high level of data encryption to ensure that every client’s data is secure. Because a company’s data is stored in off-site servers, it is secure in cases of disaster.

• Affordability – Traditionally, a company would have to pay flat-rate licensing fees for computer applications and may only be able to use them on a handful of computers.  A company pays for cloud services by usage, meaning that a company only has to pay for applications when it is using them. All users have the ability to access any programs that are stored on the Cloud.

• Reduced Need for On-Site IT – Because all Cloud data and programs are housed off-site, a company will be able to use less on-site servers, which are expensive to purchase and operate. Cloud providers have their own dedicated IT staff, so a company will have less need to pay for expensive on-site IT staff.

• Efficiency – A company can improve its space and energy efficiency using Cloud technology. Because data is stored off-site, a company will not have to use as much on-site space to house servers or directly pay for energy costs of running and ventilating them. Cloud providers optimize their servers for the greatest energy efficiency, which allows them to provide their services at a lower cost. This increased efficiency can improve a company’s reputation for sustainability.

Interested in learning more about how BCS Call Processing can help you with Cloud services and other IT needs? Visit “Our Products and Solutions” or call us at (781) 871-0700.

SOURCES:
http://mashable.com/2011/12/11/cloud-computing-business-infographic/
http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2011/12/02/4-myths-cloud-computing-and-business?page=0%2C1
http://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/how-to/technology/2012/01/how-to-approach-cloud-computing.html?page=all
http://articles.businessinsider.com/2011-03-29/tech/30011157_1_rackspace-cloud-servers
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hinchcliffe/eight-ways-that-cloud-computing-will-change-business/488

Increase in Demand for Data Storage and Secure Back-Up of Information: Businesses are adopting the use of IT to aid with more and more tasks every year. As data usage increases at a rapid rate, growth in the space to store data often cannot keep pace, and backing up data has never been more important. Off-site and cloud-based storage will allow for greater data storage capacity. Additionally, data will become more secure, especially during disasters, with the use of remote back-up.

Greater Focus on Internet Security:  More and more frequently we hear stories about government cyber attacks. This threat will increasingly target businesses and their valuable information. Because cyber-attacks are becoming a greater threat, the IT industry will develop enhanced protections against them. Businesses will have to quickly adopt the best security tools in order to protect their data and IT systems from intrusion.

IT Development to Have Broader Focus: Cloud, mobile, information, and social technologies will increasingly fuse together. Businesses will have to take all of these technologies into consideration during the majority of IT planning in order to deliver the most competitive products and services to their customers. Businesses will have to determine how they will approach the use and integration of these key technologies.

Businesses to Integrate Concepts from Gaming: Certain aspects of gaming will increasingly be used to increase workplace performance and enhance social media presence. Tools such as performance-based rankings and frequent and consistent rewards for achievements will encourage healthy competition and enhanced performance assessment within businesses. Social media and other websites will increasingly use tools that reward users for interacting with media platforms and other users. They will use devices such as high scores for frequent users and rewards for high social activity. Organizations will need to evaluate the benefits of using game-based rewards systems to enhance productivity and consumer interaction.

Increased Mobilization of Operations: Now more than ever technologies are allowing users the freedom to perform IT-related tasks on a more mobile basis. Cloud-based computing, advanced wireless technology and enhanced communication technologies such as video chat and conferencing allow users to be able to perform more tasks from a greater number of locations. More businesses will take advantage of increased mobilization capabilities to save costs on travel and hire more staff to work remotely.

BCS CallProcessing, Inc is a leading IT service provider of network support for businesses. As your IT partner we provide integrated technology solutions for your voice, data, video and wireless communication. With BCS CallProcessing you can depend on seamless and exceptional service on time and on budget.

According to a recent comScore report, social media now accounts for 19 percent of total time spent online. What does this mean for today’s business owner? A social media presence is a must in reaching people where they live online.

While many business owners have already bought into the social media trend with fan pages and social media management software, here are a few new trends we will be watching in 2012:

1. Social Television and Traditional Television converging:  Think Hulu, Netflix and Youtube.  All three allow for on-demand viewing of your favorite shows. 2012 may be the year smartphones, laptops, tablets and television collide to allow unlimited viewing and sharing across multiple platforms making television viewing a community affair. Also, be on the lookout for sites like Get Glue which allows viewers to check-in to a TV show and share conversations with others from around the world.

2. Move Toward Relationship Marketing: A shift in the way company’s approach social media from an advertising platform to a communication source with clients will continue to grow in 2012. More and more companies use social media as a customer service platform rather than just an advertising channel. Offering customers information, resources and customer service right where they live online creates a relationship with a customer, not just a one way sales pitch.

3. Social Media and Politics: 2012 political campaigns will take on social media components like never before. From Twitter Town Hall Meetings, Facebook polling to Youtube channels, social media will be taking on a whole new role in this year’s presidential election.

4. Decrease in QR Code Use: The jury is still out on this one, but the rise of the QR code in 2011 seems to have all but subsided as we enter 2012.  Between the lack of understanding by consumers about QR codes to the fear of viruses being embedded within the codes, QR codes never reached the full potential many believed they had at the start of 2011.

While we have done our best to “crystal ball”  our predictions for social media in 2012, only time will tell what truly will become the greatest trends of the coming year.

BCS CallProcessing, Inc is a leading IT service provider of network support for businesses. As your IT partner we provide integrated technology solutions for your voice, data, video and wireless communication. With BCS CallProcessing you can depend on seamless and exceptional service on time and on budget.

Traditionally, this meant sending teams out into the field either by car or plane costing businesses time and money. Today, video conferencing is changing that landscape. Important decisions can be made faster within an organization, sales teams can meet with more clients in less time, carbon footprints can be reduced and overall productivity can increase with the ability to be in several places at once without leaving the comfort of your office.

While video conferencing has been in use for many years, new product innovations have taken it to an entirely new level with the creation of a fully integrated suite of collaboration applications brought together in an integrated open standards based network solution. TelePresence, for example, offers life-size, high definition video and CD-quality audio as well as collaborative tools such as presentation sharing and high-definition document cameras. These innovations not only allow for greater use of inter-personal communication, but also improve the ability to share information without the expense of travel or loss of time.