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Think Like a Five-Year Old

July 21, 2010 by Leave a Comment
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rose
Most children go through a phase in which everything in their surrounding environment is met with simple question: “Why?” I would contend that those of us in the social space could better help our clients if we all thought a little more like a five-year old.

Build with Purpose

This philosophy extends beyond social marketing, and into web design, user interface development, etc… As a developer, when someone came to me with a piece of code, I would always ask them: Why did you build it this way?

If their response is a blank stare, I know they won’t last very long on my team. Good developers always have a reason why they build something in a particular way, even if it isn’t the best reason (sometime it is just “easier that way”). Great developers have generally thought about several different possible scenarios, weighed the benefits of each, and made the appropriate choice for the circumstances.

With that said…let’s talk social.


Social Icons Everywhere…But not a Drop to Drink.

Everywhere I look, I am being bombarded with social media icons: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, etc…
As a social media marketer, this is a great. It shows that traditional media and large corporations are listening to what we have been shouting from the rooftops for the last several years. To use the old cliché, they are starting to “get it.”
As a consumer, nothing is more disappointing then taking precious time out of my day to check out a company’s Twitter account, only to see a single tweet: “Trying to figure out this Twitter thing”.
For anyone considering a social presence, ask yourself a simple question…why do you tweet?

Do it Small….but Right

Earlier this week we spoke with a client about a website redesign, specifically the integration of social into the website. After a brief discussion, we decided they would better off with Facebook and YouTube, but without Twitter.

I can almost guarantee this campaign will be successful, because the client has a clear sense of its audience, and we found the right platforms to reach that audience.

Next time you are planning updates to your website or social presence, be sure to ask yourself, “Why?”

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Photo Credit: hmk

Filed Under: Business, Content Management, Featured, Social Media, Web 2.0 Tagged With: , , ,

Browser Update: Microsoft Looking Toward the Future

May 17, 2010 by Leave a Comment
milk

For most web developers, the most frustrating part of their job is tweaking websites to work with non-standards-compliant browsers such as IE6. Microsoft has long been behind the browser curve due to their resistance to open standards. Two recent developments from the folks at Microsoft seem to indicate they are ready to re-engage with the web.

IE6 Just Won’t Die

Ask web designers what the most frustrating part of their job is, and most will go into a 15 minute tirade about Internet Explorer 6.

The Microsoft browser (which was last updated in 2001), is infamous for its security flaws and lack of adherence to open web standards (maintained by the W3C).

Even with these flaws, it managed to hold on to a huge share of the browser market. It was still prevalent among 55% of businesses in December 2007, over a year after the release of Internet Explorer 7.

Even with the recent release of Internet Explorer 8, IE6 still currently holds about 20% of the global browser market

The web has been trying to push IE6 out for quite some time, but it looks like Microsoft finally gets the point.

5_17_10 milk carton IE6.pngThey have even started a web campaign (see left) to educate users about the flaws inherent in IE6 and urge them to upgrade to IE8. The site is currently hosted at Microsoft Australia, but will hopefully be expanded to users around the globe.

Ever since Google (and YouTube) stopped supporting IE6, it was only a matter of time before the rest of the web followed suit.

While the elimin ation of IE6 is likely going to be a slow, tedious process, at least it’s a start.

“IE9 looks great”

At a recent conference, Microsoft announced plans for Internet Explorer 9. To the delight of the web community, everything seems to be moving in the right direction.

5_17_10 IE9 Tweet.pngEven the folks at Mozilla have kind words for their biggest browser rival. “IE9 looks great, very glad to see it. Congrats to the IE team!” said Mike Shaver, vice president of engineering at Firefox backer Mozilla, in a tweet (right).

There are many improvements planned for the latest incarnation, but the major ones are as follows:

  • HTML5 Web Standards
    This version of IE will focus on the latest in open web standard, meaning less browser-specific coding for developers. It is also focused on passing the Acid Test, which is a common measure of standards-compliance.
  • High-performance JavaScript engine
    Microsoft has built a new JavaScript engine that is focused on performance, taking advantage of the multi-core processors installed in newer machines. Their initial release is already outperforming the FF3 engine in benchmark testing.
  • Developer feedback
    Microsoft has released a “test drive” version of the browser to gain feedback from developers as it goes through the remaining stages of development.

Looking Ahead

Microsoft finally understands that to make a better web, the focus should be on open standards, not proprietary technology. With Microsoft aboard, it will keep the entire browser industry moving forward (instead of holding it back).

Now that Microsoft is back in a big way, Firefox and Chrome better step up their game.

What do you think? Will you be using Internet Explorer 9?

Filed Under: Featured, Web 2.0 Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Explaining Social Media to Non-Natives

May 12, 2010 by Leave a Comment
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While speaking at the ITEC conferences, I talk to lots of folks about social media. Interestingly enough, some STILL don’t see the value.

Here’s my advice for how to respond to the common argument against social media:

  1. “We block Facebook at our company”
    Yes, I understand your company blocks Facebook.  They block it because employees would spend a lot of time there, yes?  Well, if your employees (and other workers) are active on Facebook, then your customers are likely active on Facebook as well. They may even be having conversations about your products or services. Isn’t that worth investigating?
  2. “Twitter is for my kids”
    Actually, your kids are probably on Facebook or MySpace, not Twitter. The average age for Twitter users is around 30 years old, making Twitter the “oldest” platform other than LinkedIn.  Also, for all the “noise” on Twitter, it has consistently been the first source of information for organizations ranging from Boston Police to the NFL Draft.
  3. “We have a website, we have no need for a blog”
    Well…not exactly. Your website probably serves as a good source of information about your products, company, etc…, but, chances are, it isn’t very engaging. Take a look at your homepage. What has changed this week? This month? If your website isn’t changing, there isn’t any reason to come back. Using a blog to provide frequently updated content keeps users engaged, brings them back to your site and builds you up as a trusted industry resource.

Interestingly enough, these are the people I enjoy speaking to the most. There’s something really great about seeing someone’s eyes light up when they finally “get it”.

So, the next time you encounter someone who isn’t convinced about social media, take a minute to explain it to them. You may be surprised.

Photo Credit: Webtreats

Filed Under: Business, Featured, Social Media, Web 2.0 Tagged With: , , ,

How HTML5 is Changing the Game

April 28, 2010 by Leave a Comment
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04_28_10 box html.jpgWith the recent release of the iPad, there has been a lot of conversation about HTML5 and what it means for the future of video. This post will serve as a brief introduction to HTML, and discuss how it is changing video delivery.

What is HTML5?
HTML5 is the next major revision of the HTML markup language that aims to reduce our reliance on third-party plug-ins (Flash, Silverlight, etc…) by enhancing the core features with rich-internet application capabilities such as: vector graphics and embedded video. For now, let’s focus on the video.

HTML5 Video
Traditionally, websites have delivered video through a third-party technology such as Quicktime, Windows Media Player, or Adobe Flash. The widespread availability and adoption of these tools made this a viable solution for many years, but there is now a better option. HTML5 includes built-in support for video through the use of a <video> tag. This will allow users to add video to their site just as easily as they add text or links.

So…what’s the catch?

The Codec Problem
HTML5 is designed to be the new standard in online video, but there is a heated debate between the major browsers over which format(s) should be supported. Take a look at the following chart (which is an abbreviated version of this chart:

htm5chart.png
As you can see, Chrome is the only one that supports both formats, with Firefox and Safari on opposing sides of the coin, and Internet Explorer providing little support for either.  I won’t get into the driving factors behind the debate (mainly patent issues), but you can see that this is no way for a “standard” to move forward.

iPad Launches Using H.264, Internet Follows Suit
With the release of the iPad this month, several high-profile websites created HTML5-ready version of their content to ensure their video could be delivered to the estimated 1 million units already in use. Since iPad uses Safari, these sites are all encoding their video in H.264 format.

Looking Ahead
HTML5 is still in development, and the debate on video codecs will need to be resolved for it to become an “official” standard. The success of H.264 on the iPad may help that conversation along, since so many sites are already serving video in this format.

Regardless of what codes is chosen, the advent of HTML5 will likely bring about a major decline in use of Flash / Silverlight for both embedded video players and rich-internet applications, along with an increase in standards-based sites that use the new built-in features of HTML5.

Stay tuned for the next few posts, as I will be expanding on the topic of video delivery on the web.

Photo credit: bioxid

Filed Under: Business, Featured, Web 2.0 Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Importance of Delivery

April 21, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Macbook.jpgI’ve been thinking a lot about the phrase “Content is King”. I agree that one of the keys to a successful online strategy is creating content actually worth reading. However, isn’t it important that people actually SEE your content?

In other words: it’s all about delivery.

Print / Newspaper
Over the last decade, we have seen a decline in traditional newspaper sales and a spike in readership of online blog sites. Is this because of poor content? No. It is mainly a function of delivery and cost. Why would I trudge down to the newsstand when I can get all the news I need delivered to my laptop?  Or, why even open my laptop if I can just get it delivered directly to my iPhone? The same concept applies to the new e-book readers such as the Kindle, Nook, and the much anticipated iPad. These small devices make the concept of lugging around a bag full of heavy books seem absurd in comparison.

Television / Video
Over the next ten years, I think we will see a major decline in traditional cable/satellite devices, as the major networks move toward delivery via the internet and mobile devices. As of right now, I can watch most of the shows on-demand, or have them delivered to me via iTunes, essentially making my cable box useless. Soon we will begin to see proprietary set-top boxes replaced with small inexpensive computers running Boxee or a similar program.

On-Demand
Netflix understands the concept of multiple delivery platforms, and has embraced it fully. Netflix Watch-It-Now allows Netflix subscribers to view on-demand movies and TV shows, some of which are currently running in primetime (Netflix picks up the NBC show Heroes the day after it is broadcast). As of today, Netflix will deliver this on-demand content via a slew of devices, including web browser, game consoles (XBox, PS3, Wii), Roku (a proprietary streaming player), Blu-Ray players, and internet connected TVs.

Content is King? Sure.

But a king without subjects isn’t very powerful, don’t you agree?

Photo credit: Tom Raftery

Filed Under: Business, Featured, Mobile, Web 2.0 Tagged With: , , , ,

How Cloud Computing is Changing The Enterprise

January 13, 2010 by Leave a Comment

In 2009, many companies began to integrate cloud computing into their daily operations (whether they know it or not). Theclouds.jpg main concept behind cloud computing is the delivery of computing resources over the Internet, as opposed to a physical machine.

Several aspects of the cloud are extremely appealing to the enterprise, especially smaller companies who can be more adaptable in their choice of technology.

We Don’t Need No Stinking Hardware

Software as a Service (SaaS) is the use of a system (generally a web application) within a managed environment, rather than installed on local servers. This allows you to get up and running immediately without having to worry about the underlying technology.

Last year, while working for CrossTech Partners, we developed a SaaS-based content management system called ExgenexCMS. Using the SaaS approach, we were able to get the client database provisioned and the basic website up and running within hours.

For clients that do not have a server environment or internal IT resources, this is an ideal situation.

The Way of the Google

Over the last few years Google Apps has evolved to mimic the functionality of the Microsoft Office suite. We use several of their tools for collaboration, including the Docs and Spreadsheets. (If you haven’t edited a Google Spreadsheet at the same time as someone else and seen their changes in real time, it is pretty cool). Since we are often traveling, it is important that we have tools that all users can interact with, regardless of location or platform.

Interestingly enough, this week Google made an announcement this week that they will working with several partners to straddle the desktop-cloud divide. While I’m sure Google developed these applications to compete with (read “replace”) Microsoft Office, they are smart enough to realize that large companies aren’t going to ditch their legacy systems…unless they bridge the gap.

It will be interesting to see which how long it takes for companies to stop straddling and to dive headfirst into the cloud.

Let’s Get Virtual

For me, one of the best parts of the entire cloud movement has been virtual machines. A virtual machine is exactly like a normal computer (with processor, memory, storage, and operating system), but is doesn’t live in a physical box. Several virtual machines can live within a single box, or could spread across a server farm.

We have been using virtual machines in our server room for a few years now, and I cannot praise it enough. Before virtualization, it would take us hours to get a new server ready for production. Now, we can simply clone one of our existing machines and have a fully functional web or database server up and running within minutes.

Whether it is building a web-based application or virtualizing your server room, there are many ways in which you can use cloud computing to improve and supplement your existing technology environment.

Photo Credit: ancawonka

Filed Under: Business, Content Management, Web 2.0 Tagged With: , , ,

Browser Check: Firefox 3.5 Is King as IE6 Hangs On

December 24, 2009 by Leave a Comment

According to StatCounter, Firefox 3.5 is now the world’s most popular web browser, with a global market share of 22%.

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Source: StatCounter Global Stats – Browser Version Market Share

Internet Explorer 7 started out 2009 with 41%, but has since dropped to 21%, getting edged out by its open source competitor.

So what does this change for designers and developers?

Well…nothing

IE6 Just Won’t Die

To the dismay of just about every CSS developer, IE6 (a browser that launched in 2001), is still hanging on with a market share of 14%. This wouldn’t be such a bad thing, were it not for the fact that IE6 doesn’t abide by some of the most common web standards, such as transparent PNG Images and other CSS rules (see the box model bug).

ie6nomore.com

Despite continuing campaigns to end the browser once and for all (including ie6nomore.com, ie6update.com, and others), it still remains an active part of the internet population, and a thorn in the side of CSS developers.

Some would argue that most of this IE6 retention comes from the corporate world, where users aren’t allowed to install new applications or upgrade existing ones. I have seen lots of web architects defending the continued use of IE6 because they are running applications that rely on integration with SharePoint or some other Microsoft system.

Like these developers, I come from the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” school of thought, but isn’t there a happy medium here?

Can’t large corporations continue use of IE6, but also install a more standards compliant browser like Safari?

Can YOU Pass The Acid Test?

Acid3 Test

Over the last few years, web standards have become an important player in the battle for browser dominance. A set of web-based compliance tests known as the Acid Tests have been developed to assist software developers in creating standards compliant browsers.

Acid3, the latest version of the test, expands on the mainly CSS-based Acid2 to include tests for HTML5 and other JavaScript functionality that will play a big role in the next generation of web applications.

Interestingly enough, the only browser that completely passes the test is Safari, which only holds a 3% market share. Firefox 3.5 scores a commendable (but still “failing”) 93/100, while Internet Explorer 9.0 scored a 32/100. This is to be expected, given the fact the tests were purposefully written so that every browser failed initially, and they are based on draft W3C standards that are not yet “official”.

The Future Is Now

As we head into 2010, we will see the next generation of browsers work towards standards compliance, which will help designers and developers focus on the user experience instead of messing around with CSS hacks for a certain browser version.

I understand that most users could care less about standards-compliance, but whether they know it or not, their choice of browser is helping to nudge other companies (read Microsoft) towards standards compliance and a consistent web experience for everyone.

Now, if only we could get rid of IE6….

Photo credit: Preston Kemp.

Filed Under: Business, Web 2.0 Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,