Coding For Kids: Help Getting Started Learning Programming Now

Computer programming is rapidly becoming increasingly popular. In turn, more and more parents want their children to learn coding – and for good reason. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median pay for software developers is $109,020 per year, with demand expected to increase by 24% between 2016 and 2026, a growth rate which is significantly faster than that of other occupations. Computer programming also teaches a number of important life skills, like perseverance, algorithmic thinking, and logic. Teaching your kids programming from a young age can set your child up for a lifetime of success.

While programming is offered by some schools in the US, many schools don’t include regular computer science education or coding classes in their curriculum. When offered, it is usually limited to an introductory level, such as a few classes using Code.org or Scratch. This is mainly because effective education in computer programming generally depends on teachers with ample experience in computer science or engineering.

With instructors from the top computer science universities in the US, students work under the tutelage of instructors who have experience in the same advanced coding languages and tools used at companies like Facebook, Google, and Amazon. New project-based approach gives students hands-on experience with professional languages like Python, Java, and HTML. The rest of this article addresses some of the most frequently asked questions about coding for kids.

How to Help Your Kids with Computer Coding?

In this modern world, it is essential for a child to learn how to code. It helps them in their future endeavors and careers. There are many tools out there that can help you with your child’s computer coding education, such as introductory books, online tutorials, classes at school, and more.

How can I get my child interested in coding?

Tip 1: Make it Fun!

A good way to get your child excited about programming is to make it entertaining! Instead of starting with the traditional, “Hello World” approach to learning programming, intrigue your children with a curriculum that focuses on fun, engaging projects, and interactive math lesson.

Tip 2: Make it Relatable

Children are more likely to stay interested in something that they can relate to. This is easy to do with coding because so many things, from videogames like Minecraft, to movies like Coco, are created with code! Reminding students that they can learn the coding skills necessary to create video games and animation is a great motivator.

Tip 3: Make it Approachable

Introducing programming to young children through lines of syntax-heavy code can make coding seem like a large, unfriendly beast. Starting with a language like Scratch instead, which uses programming with blocks that fit together, makes it easier for kids to focus on the logic and flow of programs.

How do I teach my child to code?

There are a few approaches you can take in teaching kids how to code. Private classes with well-versed instructors are one of the most conducive ways to not only expose your kids to programming and proficiently develop your children’s coding skills, but also sustain their interest in the subject. There are a number of children’s math games that utilize programming as a foundation.

At Juni, we offer private online classes for students ages 5-18 to learn to code at their own pace and from the comfort of their own homes.

Via video conference, our students and instructors share a screen. This way, the instructor is with them every step of the way. The instructor first begins by reviewing homework from the last class and answering questions. Then, the student works on the day’s coding lesson.

The instructor can take control of the environment or annotate the screen — this means the instructor can type out examples, help students navigate to a particular tool, or highlight where in the code the student should look for errors — all without switching seats. Read more about the experience of a private coding class with Juni.

We have designed a curriculum that leans into each student’s individual needs. We chose Scratch as the first programming language in our curriculum because its drag-and-drop coding system makes it easy to get started, focusing on the fundamental concepts. In later courses, we teach Python, Java, Web Development, AP Computer Science A, and a training program for the USA Computing Olympiad. We even have Juni Jr. for students ages 5-7.

Other Options: Coding Apps and Coding Games

There are a number of coding apps and coding games that children can use to get familiar with coding material. While these don’t have the same results as learning with an instructor, they are a good place to start.

Code.org has been featured by Hour of Code, and it is used by public schools to teach introductory computer science. Code.org’s beginner modules use a visual block interface, while later modules use a text-based interface. Code.org has partnered with Minecraft and Star Wars, often yielding themed projects.

Codeacademy is aimed at older students who are interested in learning text-based languages. Coding exercises are done in the browser, and have automatic accuracy-checking. This closed platform approach prevents students from the full experience of creating their own software, but the curriculum map is well thought out.

Khan Academy is an online learning platform, designed to provide free education to anyone on the internet. Khan Academy has published a series on computer science, which teaches JavaScript basics, HTML, CSS, and more. There are video lessons on a number of topics, from web page design to 2D game design. Many of the tutorials have written instructions rather than videos, making them better suited for high school students.

What is the best age to start learning to code?

Students as young as 5 years old can start learning how to code. At this age, we focus on basic problem solving and logic, while introducing foundational concepts like loops and conditionals. It is taught using kid-friendly content that is interesting as well as projects that involve creativity and an interface that isn’t as syntax-heavy. At ages 5-10, students are typically learning how to code using visual block-based interfaces.

What are the best programming languages for kids?

With young students (and even older students), a good place to start building programming skills is a visual block-based interface, such as Scratch. This allows students to learn how to think through a program and form and code logical steps to achieve a goal without having to learn syntax (i.e. worrying about spelling, punctuation, and indentation) at the same time.

When deciding on text-based languages, allow your child’s interests to guide you. For example, if your child is interested in creating a website, a good language to learn would be HTML. If they want to code up a game, they could learn Python or Java.

What kind of computer does my child need to learn to code?

This depends on your child’s interests, your budget, and the approach you would like to take. Many online coding platforms, like repl.it, are web-based and only require a high-speed internet connection. Web-based platforms do not require computers with much processing power, which means that they can be run on nearly any computer manufactured within the last few years. Higher-level programming using professional tools requires a Mac, PC, or Linux with a recommended 4G of RAM along with a high-speed internet connection.

Why should kids learn to code?

Reason 1: Learning to code builds resilience and creativity

Coding is all about the process, not the outcome.

The process of building software involves planning, testing, debugging, and iterating. The nature of coding involves checking things, piece by piece, and making small improvements until the product matches the vision. It’s okay if coders don’t get things right on the first attempt. Even stellar software engineers don’t get things right on the first try! Coding creates a safe environment for making mistakes and trying again.

Coding also allows students to stretch their imagination and build things that they use every day. Instead of just playing someone else’s video game, what if they could build a game of their own? Coding opens the doors to endless possibilities.

Reason 2: Learning to code gives kids the skills they need to bring their ideas to life

Coding isn’t about rote memorization or simple right or wrong answers. It’s about problem-solving. The beautiful thing about learning to problem solve is, once you learn it, you’re able to apply it across any discipline, from engineering to building a business.

Obviously students who learn computer science are able to build amazing video games, apps, and websites. But many students report that learning computer science has boosted their performance in their other subjects, as well. Computer science has clear ties to math, and has interdisciplinary connections to topics ranging from music to biology to language arts.

Learning computer science helps develop computational thinking. Students learn how to break down problems into manageable parts, observe patterns in data, identify how these patterns are generated, and develop the step-by-step instructions for solving those problems.

Reason 3: Learning to code prepares kids for the economy of the future

According to WIRED magazine, by 2020 there will be 1 million more computer science-related jobs than graduating students qualified to fill them. Computer science is becoming a fundamental part of many cross-disciplinary careers, including those in medicine, art, engineering, business, and law.

Many of the most innovative and interesting new companies are tackling traditional careers with new solutions using software. Software products have revolutionized industries, from travel (Kayak, AirBnB and Uber) to law (Rocket Lawyer and LegalZoom). Computing is becoming a cornerstone of products and services around the world, and getting a head start will give your child an added advantage.

Many leading CEOs and founders have built amazing companies after studying computer science. Just take a look at the founders of Google, Facebook, and Netflix!

Career Paths

Although computer science is a rigorous and scientific subject, it is also creative and collaborative. Though many computer scientists simply hold the title of Software Engineer or Software Developer, their scope of work is very interesting. Here is a look at some of the work that they do:

  • At Facebook, engineers built the first artificial intelligence that can beat professional poker players at 6-player poker.
  • At Microsoft, computer programmers built Seeing AI, an app that helps blind people read printed text from their smartphones.

Computer scientists also work as data scientists, who clean, analyze, and visualize large datasets. With more and more of our world being encoded as data in a server, this is a very important job. For example, the IRS uncovered $10 billion worth of tax fraud using advanced data analytics and detection algorithms. Programmers also work as video game developers. They specialize in building fun interactive games that reach millions of people around the world, from Fortnite to Minecraft.

All of these career paths and projects require cross-functional collaboration among industry professionals that have a background in programming, even if they hold different titles. Some of these people may be software engineers, data scientists, or video game designers, while others could be systems analysts, hardware engineers, or database administrators. The sky is the limit!

How can you get your kids started on any of these paths? By empowering them to code! Juni can help your kids get set up for a successful career in computer science and beyond. Our founders both worked at Google and developed Juni’s curriculum with real-world applications and careers in mind.

Coding for Kids is Important

Coding for kids is growing in popularity, as more and more families recognize coding as an important tool in the future job market. There is no “one-size-fits-all” for selecting a programming course for students. At Juni, our one-on-one classes allow instructors to tailor a course to meet a student’s specific needs. By learning how to code, your kids will not only pick up a new skill that is both fun and academic, but also gain confidence and learn important life skills that will serve them well in whatever career they choose.

What are the Key Differences between 2FA and MFA?

Are you confused about the difference between 2FA and MFA? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. In this blog post, we’ll break down the key differences between these two security measures so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

2FA vs MFA: The Key Differences

While 2FA and MFA may appear to be similar, there are several key differences that set them apart. For starters, 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring two pieces of information in order to access an account, while MFA only requires one. This means that even if someone were to hack into your account, they would still need a second piece of information in order to login.

Another key difference is that 2FA typically uses a text message or phone call as the second form of authentication, while MFA can use a variety of different methods including biometrics (fingerprint or iris scan), hardware tokens, or even codes generated by an app on your phone.

Lastly, MFA is typically seen as more secure than 2FA because it is more difficult to Hack. This is because in order for someone to successfully Hack into an account using MFA, they would need to not only have the user’s password but also have physical access to their device in order to authenticate.

What is 2FA?


2FA, or two-factor authentication, is an additional layer of security used to ensure that only authorized users can access an account. 2FA requires two pieces of evidence, or “factors,” to verify the user’s identity. These factors can be something the user knows (like a password), something the user has (like a physical token or key), or something the user is (like a fingerprint).

Heading:What is MFA?

Expansion:

MFA, or multi-factor authentication, is a security system that requires more than one method of authentication from independent categories of credentials to verify the user’s identity. Like 2FA, MFA adds an additional layer of security by requiring multiple pieces of evidence to verify a single user. However, while 2FA relies on two factors from the same category (e.g., two password factors), MFA requires at least one factor from each of at least two independent categories (e.g., something you know plus something you have).

What is MFA?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an authentication method in which a user is required to provide two or more pieces of evidence (called “factors”) to verify their identity.

The most common form of MFA is a combination of something the user knows (e.g. a password or PIN), something the user has (e.g. an ATM card or smartphone), and something the user is (e.g. their fingerprint or iris scan).

MFA can also refer to the use of multiple different authentication factors within a single service (e.g. using both a password and a one-time code generated by an app)

How 2FA Works? 101

Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, is an additional layer of security used to verify your identity when logging in to an online account. In addition to your username and password, you’ll also need to enter a code that’s generated by an app on your phone or sent to you via text message. This makes it much harder for someone to log in to your account without your permission, even if they have your username and password.

MFA, or multi-factor authentication, is similar to 2FA but adds an additional layer of security by using two or more factors to verify your identity. In addition to your username and password, you may also need to enter a code from an app on your phone or a hardware token. Or, you may be asked to verify your identity using biometric factors like fingerprint or facial recognition.

MFA is often used for high-security applications like banking and military communication systems. However, it’s becoming more common for consumer-facing applications like social media and email services to offer MFA as an option.

How MFA Works?

Multifactor authentication (MFA) is an authentication method in which a user is required to present two or more pieces of evidence (or “factors”) to an authentication mechanism in order to gain access.

The most common form of MFA is two-factor authentication (2FA), which requires two of the following three factors:

• Something you know (e.g., password)
• Something you have (e.g., security token)
• Something you are (e.g., biometric identifier)

Other forms of MFA may require more than two factors. For example, 3FA adds a third factor, such as a one-time passcode generated by an application on a user’s smartphone. 4FA adds a fourth factor, such as the user’s location, which can be determined using GPS or other methods.

The Benefits of 2FA

When it comes to online security, two-factor authentication (2FA) is often heralded as the best way to protect your accounts. But what is 2FA? How does it work? And what are the benefits of using it?

2FA is an extra layer of security that requires not just a password and username, but also something that only the user has access to, such as a physical token or a biometric characteristic.

The most common form of 2FA is a one-time password (OTP), which is generated by an authentication app or sent via text message to the user’s phone. When the user enters their username and password, they are then prompted for the OTP, which they enter to complete the login process.

OTP-based 2FA is often used in conjunction with other forms of authentication, such as a hardware token or fingerprint reader. This “multi-factor” approach is known as multifactor authentication (MFA).

MFA provides an additional layer of security by requiring the user to possess two or more factorsto log in. For example, in addition to their password and OTP, the user might also need to enter a code from a hardware token or present their fingerprint.

MFA can be more secure than 2FA because it makes it more difficult for attackers to obtain all of the necessary factors needed to log in. However, MFA can also be more inconvenient for users, which can lead to lower adoption rates.

The Benefits of MFA

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an Authentication Method that Requires the Use of Two or More Types of Authentication Factors to Verify the User’s Claimed Identity.

The Three Common Types of Authentication Factors are:
-Something You Know –Password, Personal Identification Number (PIN), or a Pattern
-Something You Have –Smartcard, Hardware Token, or Biometric Device
-Something You Are –Fingerprint, Voiceprint, or Facial Recognition

MFA Adds an Additional Layer of Security beyond Traditional Username and Password by Verifying a User’s Identity Using Two or More Factors. Even if a Hacker was able to Obtain a User’s Username and Password, they would be Unable to Access the Account unless they Also Possessed the Second Factor.

Since MFA Requires More Than One Piece of Information to Verify a User’s Identity, it is Also Considered to be Stronger and More Secure Than Single-Factor Authentication Methods.

The Drawbacks of 2FA

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an extra layer of security that can be added to your online accounts. A lot of major websites and online services offer 2FA these days, but it’s not always clear what the benefits are. In this article, we’ll explain what 2FA is, how it works, and some of its advantages and disadvantages.

What is 2FA?
2FA adds an extra step to the login process by requiring you to enter a code that is sent to your phone or generated by a special app. This makes it much harder for someone to gain access to your account because they would need your password as well as physical access to your phone or the app.

How does 2FA work?
When you enable 2FA on an account, you will usually be given the option to use a code generated by an app or have a code sent to your phone via text message. If you choose the latter option, you will need to have your phone with you every time you want to log in. If you choose the former option, you will need to have the app installed on your phone and open it whenever you want to log in.

What are the advantages of 2FA?
The main advantage of 2FA is that it makes it much harder for someone to hack into your account. Even if they manage to get hold of your password, they won’t be able to log in unless they also have access to your phone or the code generating app. This makes 2FA a very effective deterrent against hackers and cyber criminals.

What are the disadvantages of 2FA?
The main disadvantage of 2FA is that it can be inconvenient if you lose your phone or don’t have it with you when you want to log in. If you forget your password as well, then you will be locked out of your account entirely unless you have a backup method set up (such as an alternate email address). There is also a small chance that the codes could be intercepted by a hacker, but this is very rare and tends only to happen if you’re using an insecure connection such as public Wi-Fi.

The Drawbacks of MFA

MFA is an important security measure, but it has its drawbacks. First, it can be expensive to implement and maintain. Second, it can be difficult to find qualified staff to administer and manage the system. Third, MFA can be disruptive to business operations, particularly if it is not implemented properly. Finally, MFA is not foolproof, and there have been several high-profile cases of theft or loss of data despite the presence of MFA.

Which is Better: 2FA or MFA?


The simplest explanation of the difference between 2FA and MFA is that 2FA adds an extra layer to the login process, while MFA replaces the login process with something more secure.

With 2FA, a user logs in with their username and password, and then they are asked for another piece of information — usually a code that is sent to their phone via text message or generated by an app. This code is required in order to log in, so even if someone has your username and password, they can’t get into your account without also having your phone.

MFA takes this a step further by not only requiring a username and password, but also something that the user has on them — usually a physical token or biometric data like a fingerprint. This makes it much harder for someone to gain access to your account, even if they have your username and password, because they would also need your physical token or biometric data.

How secure are two factor authentication?

That’s a question that’s been on a lot of people’s minds lately, especially in the wake of all the recent data breaches. Two factor authentication (2FA) is an extra layer of security that requires not only your password, but also a second factor, such as a code from your phone or an fingerprint. So, if someone were to steal your password, they would still need that second factor in order to log into your account. Sounds pretty secure, right? But is it really? Let’s take a closer look…

What is two factor authentication?

Two factor authentication (2FA) is an additional layer of security used to make sure that people trying to access a system are who they say they are. 2FA requires users to provide two different pieces of evidence (or “factors”) to verify their identity. These factors can be something that the user knows, like a password, or something that the user has, like a fingerprint.

2FA is an important security measure because it makes it much harder for someone to gain access to your account if they don’t have both pieces of evidence. Even if someone knows your password, they won’t be able to get into your account unless they also have your phone or another device with the second factor.

2FA is usually used with a username and password, but it can also be used with other authentication methods, like fingerprints or iris scans.

How does two factor authentication work?

Two factor authentication is a security measure that requires two methods of verification in order to log into an account. The first step is typically something the user knows, like a password. The second step is usually something the user has, like a smartphone.

In order to log into an account, the user must have both the password and the smartphone. Even if someone were to guess or steal the password, they would not be able to log into the account without also having the phone. This makes it much more difficult for someone to gain access to an account without permission.

Two factor authentication can also be used for other purposes beyond logging into accounts. For example, many banks now require two factor authentication for certain transactions, like wire transfers. This helps to prevent fraud and keep people’s money safe.

Overall, two factor authentication is a very effective security measure that can help to protect people’s accounts and information.

What are the benefits of two factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an additional layer of security that can be used to protect your online accounts. When 2FA is enabled, you will be required to enter an additional code after your username and password when logging in. This code can be generated by an app on your phone or a physical token.

The benefits of 2FA are that it makes it much harder for someone to gain access to your account, even if they have your password. Even if someone stole your phone or token, they would still need your password to log in.

There are a few downsides to 2FA, such as the potential for losing your phone or token and not being able to log into your account. Also, if you have 2FA set up with SMS codes, your account could still be compromised if someone is able to intercept the code. For these reasons, it’s important to choose a reputable 2FA provider and to enable other security measures like a strong password and Two-Step Verification (2SV).

What are the risks of two factor authentication?

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password when you sign in. This makes it much harder for someone to hack your account, even if they have your password.

However, two factor authentication is not foolproof. If someone has access to your phone, they can get the code needed to sign into your account. Additionally, if a hacker is able to intercept the code sent to your phone, they can gain access to your account. For these reasons, it’s important to use a strong password and keep your phone secure.

How secure is two factor authentication?

There is no golden rule when it comes to security, but two factor authentication (2FA) is generally accepted as a good way to add an extra layer of protection to your online accounts.

2FA works by requiring you to provide two pieces of information before you can log in to an account. The first is something you know, like a password, and the second is something you have, like a smartphone.

If someone manages to steal your password, they will still be unable to log in to your account unless they also have your phone. This makes it much harder for someone to hack into your account, even if they have your password.

Despite the added security that 2FA provides, it is not perfect. There are a few ways that hackers can bypass 2FA and gain access to your account.

One way is by using what is known as a “man in the middle” attack. In this type of attack, the hacker intercepts the communication between you and the website or service you are trying to log in to. They then provide their own 2FA code, which allows them to gain access to your account.

Another way hackers can bypass 2FA is by using a “fake login page”. This is where the hacker creates a clone of the login page for the website or service you are trying to log in to. They then use this fake login page to collect your username and password. Once they have this information, they can use it to log in to your account, even if you have 2FA enabled.

The best way to protect yourself from these types of attacks is to be aware of them and take steps to protect yourself. One way you can do this is by only logging in to websites and services that you trust. Another way is by using a VPN (virtual private network), which encrypts all traffic between your device and the VPN server. This makes it much harder for hackers to intercept your communication or create fake login pages.

What are the best practices for using two factor authentication?


2FA or Two-Factor Authentication adds an additional layer of security to online accounts. It does this by requiring users to provide not just a password but also a code that is sent to their mobile phone or generated by an app.

The use of 2FA is growing as businesses become more aware of the risks posed by cyber criminals and the importance of protecting customer data. However, there are still some concerns about the security of 2FA and whether it is possible for hackers to bypass it.

In order to understand how secure 2FA really is, it is important to know how it works and what the best practices are for using it.

Two-factor authentication works by combining something the user knows (a password) with something the user has (a code that is sent to their phone or generated by an app). This makes it much harder for hackers to gain access to an account because they would need to have both the password and the code.

There are a few different ways that 2FA can be implemented, but the most common is for a code to be sent to the user’s mobile phone via SMS. The code must be entered into the website or app along with the password in order to log in. This means that even if a hacker knows your password, they would also need to have your phone in order to gain access to your account.

Another way of implementing 2FA is through the use of an app such as Google Authenticator or Authy. These apps generate codes that can be used in place of an SMS code. The advantage of using an app is that it can be used even if you don’t have your phone with you. However, it is important to make sure that you keep your device safe as if a hacker gets access to your device they could also get access to any accounts that are linked to it.

2FA is a very effective way of securing online accounts but there are some best practices that should be followed in order for it to be used effectively:

  • Use 2FA on all online accounts where possible – this includes email, social media, bank accounts, and any other account where sensitive information is stored.
  • Do not use SMS as your sole method of 2FA – consider using an app such as Google Authenticator or Authy as well as SMS codes. This will ensure that you can still access your account even if you lose your phone.
  • Keep your devices safe – if you are using an app for 2FA make sure that your device is locked with a PIN or passcode and that only you have access to it.
    What are the most common two factor authentication methods?

    There are many different methods of two factor authentication, but the most common are through the use of a physical token, such as a key fob, or a mobile phone.

Physical tokens generate a one-time code that is used to log in to an account. The code is usually only valid for a short period of time, so even if someone stole your token, they would only have a limited window of opportunity to use it.

Mobile phones are often used as two factor authentication devices because they are always with you and can receive push notifications or text messages. When you try to log in to an account, you will receive a notification on your phone that you must approve before you can access the account. Even if someone stole your phone, they would not be able to log in to your account without also having your password.

Two factor authentication is an important security measure because it adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts. Even if someone knows your password, they would not be able to log in unless they also had access to your physical token or mobile phone.

What are the challenges with two factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication is one of the best ways to protect your accounts from hackers. But even this security measure has its flaws.

One of the biggest challenges with two-factor authentication is that it’s not foolproof. Hackers have become increasingly sophisticated, and they are always finding new ways to circumvent security measures.

Another challenge is that two-factor authentication can be a hassle for users. It adds an extra step to the login process, and it can be difficult to remember if you don’t use it regularly.

Finally, two-factor authentication is only as strong as the weakest link. If a user’s phone is stolen or their email account is hacked, a hacker could potentially get access to their accounts even with two-factor authentication enabled.

Despite these challenges, two-factor authentication is still one of the best ways to protect your online accounts. If you’re concerned about the security of your accounts, it’s worth considering using this measure.

What is the future of two factor authentication?

There is no doubt that two factor authentication is more secure than relying on a single factor, such as a password. However, there are concerns about the potential for misuse and abuse of this technology.

There have been a number of high-profile cases in which two factor authentication has been bypassed, leading to serious consequences. In one case, a hacker was able to gain access to a user’s email account by intercepting the code sent to their phone. In another, a phishing attack tricked users into handing over their second factor code.

There are also concerns that two factor authentication could become mandatory for all online services, which would be a burden for users. Additionally, there is the potential for companies to lose money if they are forced to implement two factor authentication but customers don’t want to use it.

At the moment, two factor authentication is often seen as the best option for securing accounts. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and downsides before using it.

How can I get started with two factor authentication?

Setting up two factor authentication (2FA) is a great way to protect your online accounts. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a second code (usually generated by an app on your phone) in addition to your password when logging in.

There are many different ways to set up 2FA, but most providers will require you to download an app like Google Authenticator or Authy. Once you have the app, you’ll need to set up an account with a 2FA provider (often the same company that provides your email or social media account) and add that account to the app.

Once everything is set up, you will be prompted for the second code whenever you try to log in to your account. This makes it much more difficult for someone who doesn’t have your phone to access your account, even if they know your password.

Of course, 2FA is not perfect. If someone gets ahold of your phone and knows your password, they can still log in to your account. For this reason, it’s important to use a strong and unique password for each of your online accounts, and enable 2FA only on accounts that contain sensitive information (like email or financial accounts).

Does two factor authentication cost money?

You might be wondering, does two factor authentication cost money? The answer is no! Two factor authentication is a free service that adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts.

Introduction


Two factor authentication is an important security measure that can help protect your online accounts. But does it come with a cost?

In most cases, two factor authentication is free to use. However, there may be some exceptions depending on the service you’re using. For example, some banks may charge a small fee for using two factor authentication.

Overall, two factor authentication is a very effective way to improve the security of your online accounts. While there may be some exceptions, in most cases it won’t cost you anything to use.

What is two factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security for your online accounts. When you set up two-factor authentication, you’ll be asked to enter a code from your phone or another device in addition to your password when you sign in. This makes it much harder for someone to break into your account because they would need both your password and access to your phone or other device.

How does two factor authentication work?


Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security for your Apple ID designed to ensure that only you can access your account, even if someone knows your password.

When you sign in with your Apple ID on a new device or browser, you’ll confirm your identity with a six-digit verification code sent to your other devices. This code is automatically displayed on your trusted devices or you can enter it yourself. Or, you can choose to trust the browser you’re using on your current device.

You can also use two-factor authentication with Apple Watch, which is especially convenient when you want to approve purchases or sign in to apps. When two-factor authentication is turned on for your Apple ID, it’s required whenever you sign in, even if it’s just to check the status of an iCloud backup or download something from the App Store.

The benefits of two factor authentication

There are many benefits to using two factor authentication, including increased security and peace of mind. While there may be a small cost associated with setting up and using two factor authentication, the benefits far outweigh the costs. Two factor authentication can protect your account from being hacked, stolen, or accessed by unauthorized users. It can also help you avoid costly fees associated with identity theft and fraud.

The costs of two factor authentication

Two factor authentication can come at a cost to both businesses and individuals. For businesses, the cost of implementing and maintaining a two factor authentication system can be significant. Individuals may also incur costs when using two factor authentication, particularly if they need to purchase a hardware token or other device. However, the costs of two factor authentication are often outweighed by the benefits in terms of security and peace of mind.

How to set up two factor authentication


Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security for your online accounts. When you set up two-factor authentication, you’ll be able to log in with something you know (like your password) and something you have (like your phone).

You might already be using two-factor authentication without realizing it. Many banks send one-time codes to your phone when you try to log in from a new device. Facebook, Google, and Twitter also offer two-factor authentication for people who want an extra layer of security.

Setting up two-factor authentication is usually pretty easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Find out if the site or service you want to use supports two-factor authentication. A lot of popular websites and services do, but not all of them.
  2. Set up a second factor. This is usually done by adding a phone number to your account.
  3. When you try to log in, you’ll be asked for something else besides your password. This is usually a code that’s sent to your phone via text message or an app like Authy or Google Authenticator.
    How to use two factor authentication

Two factor authentication (2FA) is an additional layer of security used to protect your online account. When you enable 2FA, you will be required to enter both your password and a second code when logging in. This code can be generated by an app on your phone or a physical token.

2FA is a valuable security measure, but it can also be a bit of a hassle. Some people find it cumbersome to have to enter an additional code every time they log in, so they disable 2FA or don’t bother setting it up in the first place.

If you’re wondering whether 2FA is worth the hassle, note that it doesn’t have to cost anything. There are several free 2FA services available, and many major websites and online services support 2FA. So if you’re looking for an extra layer of security for your online accounts, 2FA is definitely worth considering.

The advantages of two factor authentication


Two factor authentication, also known as 2FA, is an extra layer of security that can be added to your online accounts. It works by requiring you to enter both a password and a second code, which is typically generated by an app on your smartphone, when logging in.

While 2FA does add an extra step to the login process, it can help protect your account from being hacked. Hackers who gain access to your password will not be able to login to your account unless they also have the second code. This makes it much more difficult for them to access your account and helps keep your data safe.

In addition to providing an extra layer of security, 2FA can also help you keep track of who is accessing your account. This can be helpful if you suspect that someone has gained access to your password and is trying to login to your account without your knowledge. By requiring the second code, you can be sure that only you are able to login to your account.

While 2FA does have some advantages, it is important to note that it is not foolproof. Hackers may still be able to gain access to your account if they are able to intercept the second code as it is being sent to you. For this reason, it is important to choose a 2FA provider that uses encrypted communications. Additionally, you should never use the same password for multiple accounts. If a hacker gains access to one of your accounts they will then have access to all of them. By using different passwords for each account, you can help protect yourself even if one of your accounts is compromised.

The disadvantages of two factor authentication

While two factor authentication does have its advantages, there are also some disadvantages to using this security measure. One of the biggest disadvantages is that it can be expensive to implement. If you are using a service that charges per transaction, adding an additional layer of security can increase your costs. In addition, some two factor authentication methods require special hardware or software, which can also add to the cost.

Another disadvantage of two factor authentication is that it can be inconvenient for users. Having to use a second form of authentication can add an extra step to the login process, which can be frustrating for users who are already used to a simpler process. Additionally, if a user loses their phone or token, they may not be able to access their account until they are able to get a new one, which can cause significant inconvenience.

Conclusion

There is no evidence that two-factor authentication costs anything extra for businesses or consumers. In fact, it may actually save businesses money by preventing fraud and reducing the need for customer service. For consumers, it may save money by protecting their accounts from being hacked.

What Is Two-Factor Authentication 2FA

If you’ve ever been asked to enter a verification code when logging into an account, you’ve used two-factor authentication (2FA). 2FA is an extra layer of security that requires not only your username and password, but also a code from your phone or other device.

2FA is a great way to protect your accounts from being hacked. Even if someone knows your username and password, they won’t be able to log in unless they also have your verification code. So if you’re not using 2FA yet, now is the time to start!

What is two-factor authentication (2FA)?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security measure that requires two different forms of identification in order to log in to an account. The most common form of 2FA is a combination of a password and a security code that is sent to your phone, but there are other forms, such as an application that generates codes or a physical token.

Passwords can be stolen or guessed, so adding a second form of identification makes it much harder for someone to gain access to your account. Even if they have your password, they would also need access to your phone (or whatever other form of 2FA you are using) in order to log in.

Two-factor authentication is not perfect, but it is much more secure than just using a password. It is also becoming more common, so it is worth setting up if it is an option on the accounts that you use.

How does two-factor authentication work?

When you enable 2FA, you’re asked to provide a phone number or email address. After you enter your username and password, you’ll receive a code via text message or email. This code is generated by an app on your phone or a physical hardware token. Once you enter the code, you’ll be logged in.

The codes are generated by an algorithm that’s synchronized with the clock on the device, so they can only be used once and expire after a short period of time. Even if someone manages to steal your username and password, they won’t be able to log in without also having your phone or hardware token.

What are the benefits of using two-factor authentication?

The benefits of using two-factor authentication are:

  • It helps to protect your account from unauthorized access
  • It can be used as an additional layer of security when accessing sensitive information or systems
  • It can help to prevent identity theft and fraud
  • It can make it easier to recover your account if you forget your password

What are the drawbacks of using two-factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication is an important security measure, but it’s not perfect. Here are some of the potential drawbacks of using 2FA:

– It’s an extra step that can be cumbersome for users.
– It requires users to have their phone with them, which can be a problem if they’re traveling or don’t have signal.
– If a user loses their phone, they won’t be able to access their account.
– It can be difficult to set up for some older devices.
– If the account is compromised, the attacker can still access it if they have the second factor (usually a phone).

How do I set up two-factor authentication?

You can set up two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account to add an extra layer of security. When 2FA is enabled, you’ll need your phone with you to sign in.

Here’s how to set up 2FA:

1. Go to your Security settings.
2. Under “Two-factor authentication,” click Add next to the device you want to use for verification codes.
3. Follow the steps shown on your screen to finish setting up 2FA.

Once you’ve set up 2FA, you’ll be prompted for a code when you sign in on a new device or from an unrecognized browser. If you don’t have your verification code, you can’t sign in.

What are some common two-factor authentication methods?

There are several different types of two-factor authentication, but the most common methods are:

– Physical tokens: These can be in the form of a key fob or a card that generates a one-time code. The code is then entered along with your username and password.

– SMS messages: A code is sent to your phone via text message, which you then enter along with your username and password.

– Mobile apps: There are several apps that can generate one-time codes, such as Google Authenticator and Authy. The code is then entered along with your username and password.

– Biometric authentication: This can include fingerprint scanners, iris scanners, and facial recognition.

What are some best practices for using two-factor authentication?

1. Use a unique code for each account: Many people reuse the same code for multiple accounts, which can be problematic if one of those accounts is compromised.

2. Use a code generator: A code generator is a software application that creates random, unique codes that can be used for two-factor authentication.

3. Protect your device: If you lose your phone or tablet, someone else could use it to access your account if they have your username and password. Make sure to keep your device in a safe place and set up a passcode or fingerprint lock to prevent unauthorized access.

4. Don’t share codes with others:sharing codes defeats the purpose of two-factor authentication, so make sure to keep them to yourself.

What should I do if I lose my two-factor authentication device?

If you lose your two-factor authentication device, you won’t be able to log into your account. To regained access to your account, you’ll need to contact customer support and go through an identification process. This may include providing proof of identity, such as a government-issued ID.

What are some common two-factor authentication issues?

There are many different types of two-factor authentication, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The most common types of 2FA are listed below.

SMS-based Two-Factor Authentication
SMS-based two-factor authentication is the most common type of 2FA. It’s also the least secure, as it can be susceptible to SIM card swap attacks and other forms of social engineering.

App-based Two-Factor Authentication
App-based two-factor authentication is more secure than SMS-based 2FA, as it uses an app on your phone to generate the code, rather than relying on SMS. However, it can still be susceptible to social engineering attacks.

Hardware Token Two-Factor Authentication
Hardware token two-factor authentication is the most secure type of 2FA, as it uses a physical token that you must have in order to generate the code. However, it can be more expensive and inconvenient to use than other types of 2FA.

Where can I learn more about two-factor authentication?

There are many ways to secure your online accounts, but two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the best. Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security that requires you to provide a second form of identification when logging in to an account. This second form of identification can be something like a fingerprint, an iris scan, or a one-time passcode that is generated by an app on your phone.

While two-factor authentication is not perfect, it is much more secure than simply using a username and password. That’s because even if someone knows your username and password, they will not be able to log in to your account unless they also have access to the second form of identification.

If you are interested in learning more about two-factor authentication, there are many resources available online. Here are a few that we recommend:

  • The Ultimate Guide to Two-Factor Authentication byTwo Factor Auth
  • Two-Factor Authentication: Why You Need It and How to Set It Up by Wired
  • What Is Two-Factor Authentication and Why You Should Use It by CNET

Best 5 Kodi Add-Ons (Kodi 19.4 Matrix)ďżź

Kodi released the latest 19.4 version, Matrix, in March 2022. Several builds and add-ons worked ideally on the previous version (Kodi 18) but not in Kodi 19.4. 

The main reason behind this is the change in the add-on system. The new Kodi add-on system works on Python 3. Several people complained about non-working add-ons after updating the Kodi to the 19.4 version. 

However, things are different now. There are various add-ons you can use on the latest 19.4 Matrix. You can use these Kodi add-ons on several devices like Amazon Firestick, Nvidia Shield TV, Windows, Android TV, mobiles, and Mac. 

1) The Crew add-on

The Crew add-on is one of the best all-in-one Kodi add-ons. You can use the Crew add-on to stream TV shows, movies, IPTV, live sports, etc. You can also stream content from different niches like cartoons, academy awards, and comedy. You also get the support of free and Real Debrid integration.

The crew is one of the most consistent Kodi add-ons. Several people have been using it for a long time without any complaints. You might want to try it if you need to stream content from different niches in one place.

2) Asgard add-on

You might remember Asgard from its previous name, Odin. Now, it is named Asgard. It is also one of the best all-in-one Kodi add-ons. You can find this add-on in the Narcacist Wizard Repository. It allows you to stream content from different niches like sports, documentaries, movies, etc.

Asgard add-on works with AllDebrid and Real debrid accounts. You can access content from the Non-Debrid section if you do not have a premium subscription. However, you might find an average stream quality and less content in the Non-Debrid category.

The sports category of Asgard add-on offers a variety of sports and live sports streaming. You can also watch replays if you miss a live match. 

3) Black Lightning add-on

Black Lightning add-on also works on Kodi 19.4 and Kodi 18 like the previously mentioned add-ons. If you want to stream TV shows and movies, it is one of the best add-ons. You get a one-click section with various playlists in the Black Lightning add-on.

This add-on also comes with the Narcasist’s Wizard Repository. It works equally ideal on the latest Kodi 19.4 Matrix too. You can also use a Real Debrid account with it. Black Lightning offers premium links with video quality up to 4K. You can also link your Trakt account with the Black Lightning add-on. 

4) Loonatics Empire add-on

It is one of the latest add-ons for the Kodi 19.4. It offers you to stream a variety of content types like TV shows, IPTV, movies, sports, anime, and documentaries. 

Loonatics add-on allows you to link your IMDb and Trakt accounts to it. You might want to use this add-on if you are looking for an all-rounder.

Add-ons like Black Lightning, Asgard, and 4k work on Kodi 18. You can use these add-ons if you do not want to update your Kodi to 19.4. However, if you are using Kodi on a Firestick, you might want to update it to the 19.4 version. Many famous apps are available for the latest Kodi version now. You can check this page to find the instructions about updating the Kodi to the 19.4 version on a Firestick.

5) 4k add-on

As the name suggests, this add-on offers streaming in 4k quality on the Kodi media player. You can find this add-on also on the Narcacist’s Wizard Repository like other mentioned add-ons. 

It offers you a vast library of movies you can stream. 4K add-on allows you to link your Debrid account with it. You might not get links for sports and other live events in this add-on.

Conclusion

Kodi offers many things like streaming videos and audio, using add-ons(paid and unpaid), accessing local storage, etc. That is why it is one of the most used apps, especially on streaming devices.

You might want to update it to the latest version because it offers improvements like mouse-cursor positioning, windows-specific, installing python add-ons, etc. It received an update three months ago, so several add-ons are working fine on it now. You might also want to use Kodi on android phones and Windows PC. There are some decent specific add-ons for those platforms you might not want to miss.

A Beginner’s Guide to Software as a Service

Also known as on-demand software, hosted software, and web-based software, Software as a Service (SaaS) is a considerably new phenomenon that is likely to take off in the near future. It fits perfectly with the theme of the third wave of technological advancement, alongside other inventions such as virtual and augmented reality and idenitity verification software. 

SaaS is essentially an Internet service that allows you to install and run both the software and hardware of your laptop or computer. On top of that, SaaS provides its users with reliable security and high performance. Since SaaS has only been recently launched, many Internet users are still not familiar with its functions which repel them from using the service. In this article, you’ll get to know more about what SaaS entail exactly and how you can benefit from its services. Read on to find out!

Characteristics of SaaS

It might be your first time learning about this cloud-based system. To better understand what SaaS is all about, let us take a look at some of its key characteristics. 

Multitenant Host 

What this means is that SaaS essentially acts like a one-stop application service on the Internet as all its clients use the same software infrastructure and code base. 

Being run by the same algorithm allows all users to function more holistically and in sync. This helps to save resources required to maintain and update the older codes in terms of time, manpower, and business cost.

This allows it to be so that everyone can operate in unison when they are all powered by the same algorithm. SaaS’s ability to be a Multitenant Host is one of the key characteristics of SaaS.

The Flexibility of Personal Customisation

With SaaS, users can personalise their own applications and download only those that they wish to have. Hence, every user will have his or her own unique experience when using the service. This also reduces any customer risk that the user might incur due to there being lesser applications that may induce a breach.

Highly Accessible

SaaS has a steady and reliable formulated software that allows users to gain access to their applications as long as they have Internet access. With a central core, SaaS can also operate more smoothly and makes it easier for them to track the data and codes more easily.

Progressive and Innovative

The applications that SaaS hosts are what we can call “up-to-date”. This means that they utilise the interfaces that most of us are familiar with today. Be it Amazon.com or My Yahoo!, users can make personal customisations and rearrange their software with more ease.

Benefits Of Using SaaS

SaaS is gaining popularity for good reasons which explains why more businesses are now turning to these cloud-based solutions to adapt to the third wave of technological advancement that we are now currently in the midst of. 

Now that you know a little more about what SaaS can offer, let us take a look at some of the main benefits that it offers.

Affordable

One of the first questions that many people typically raise is how much things cost and using the SaaS is no exception. Well, for the most part, creating a new account is free but there are some necessary services that you need to pay for in order for the account to be useful. The cost differs from user to user but in general, expect to pay a low price.

Convenient and Accessible

As mentioned, as long as you have internet access on your smart device, the SaaS software is ready to be launched and used any time and anywhere. This provides users who are usually travelling around with the flexibility to work in spaces outside their office. 

Versatile and Scalable 

For businesses looking to adopt SaaS, you can upgrade the system’s data and functionality to better suit your business requirements. In other words, say your business is expanding. New people are joining your team and the amount of data and files is growing. SaaS allows you to expand the storage accordingly. 

Continuous and Automatic Updates

SaaS is constantly looking to improve its software to provide its users with a better experience. Through its consistent research and development, new updates will be continuously rolled out to better suit the needs of the users. 

With automatic updates, your user experience will surely be optimised.

Strong and Reliable Security

SaaS aims to provide its users with a safe and secure experience. You need not worry too much about any information hacking or software breaching when you use the service. 

What About Packaged Software?

Prior to SaaS, a cloud-based software, businesses typically went for packaged software to keep themselves organised and on the right track. If you don’t know what packaged software is, it basically encompasses multiple application systems where each one is used for a different purpose. 

For example, a typical packaged software can include application systems for email, spreadsheets, and project management. This adds up to a handful. 

Each software would have to be individual, evaluated, installed, and maintained in order to ensure that it is working in its optimal conditions. This gives the IT department much more responsibilities and duties to fulfil. While some may argue that it is indeed the job of the IT team to perform such tasks, what if you were told that these are things that can be avoided?

Well, just treat SaaS like a one-stop software shop. With only SaaS, you’ll have access to all the necessary applications required to keep your business running. You won’t have to spend the extra time, manpower, and resources to individually maintain the systems in the packaged software. Instead, channel them into more productive things and accelerate the growth of your company.

Conclusion

And there we have it! That was a brief introduction to what SaaS entails and hopefully, you found this article to be helpful. That said, what was covered in this article barely covered the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more to SaaS. If you are intrigued and want to find out more, you should spend some time doing more thorough research. 

An In-Depth Guide to Independent Software Vendors (ISV) – What is ISV, What are ISV Partners?

What Is an Independent Software Vendor and Who are Their Partners?

An independent software vendor (ISV) is a company that makes, markets, and sells software. A software company is an ISV if they have their own product to sell, and they are not merely a reseller of someone else’s product.

A common misconception about ISVs is that they are just resellers of other companies’ products. In reality, most ISVs develop their own software and market it to customers as well.

Examples of Independent Software Vendors

What Types of Products Do Independent Software Vendors make and Sell?

The term “AI” is used to describe a variety of different software products. There are many types of AI software products, but the most common are:

  • – Business intelligence software
  • – Transportation AI
  • – Medical AI
  • – Education AI
  • – Manufacturing AI

How Do Independent Software Vendors Earn Money?

There are different ways in which independent software vendors can earn money. The most common one is through licensing and maintenance fees. In this model, the vendor charges a fee for every installation of their product. When a customer upgrades to a new version, they also pay an upgrade fee. This is the most common revenue model for independent software vendors.

Another way in which ISVs can make money is through the sale of software licenses. This is often done by bundling their products with other products or services offered by the vendor. For example, Microsoft offers its Office suite with Windows OS and Cloud Services as part of a bundle that it sells to customers

Who Should Consider Becoming an Independent Software Vendor Partner?

If you are an entrepreneur, freelancer, or independent software developer, then you might be wondering what it takes to become an Independent Software Vendor (ISV) partner.

This article will show you how to become an ISV partner and the benefits of being one.

The first step is to get your product approved by the Microsoft Partner Network team. The Microsoft Partner Network team reviews all submissions and approves them if they meet their criteria for quality and compatibility with other products in the Microsoft ecosystem.

How to become an isv partner in 3 steps! ISV Certified

You need to register your product with a computer hardware provider, operating system, and cloud service before attempting to sell any software on their marketplace.

But there are limits to what APIs can offer: API-certified industry partners will only be the ones that offer the most relevant solutions for the specific customer needs.

Conclusion – How To Grow Your Business With ISV Partnerships

The goal of this article is to provide a comprehensive guide on how to grow your business with ISV partnerships. The guide will cover the following points:

  • – What are ISVs?
  • – Why should you partner with an ISV?
  • – How do you find an ISV?
  • – What should you look for in an ISV?
  • – How do you make the most of your partnership?
  • – What are some best practices for working with an ISV?

Sources:

Ktor vs Spring vs Vertx for Kotlin on Backend

What about Ktor?

Ktor is the best web apps framework I’ve used. Website link.

Kotlin w/ Ktor is good for Smal Personal Project

What about Spring?

Spring has tons of benefits but especially on personal projects ktor is a lot easier to get off the ground.

I’ve written over a dozen spring apps and maintained them at scale and they hold up really well. But the inherit complexity of the framework is kind of it’s downfall.

Java w/ Spring is good for Large Commercial Project

And Vertx:

Kotlin w/ vertx is good for Large Personal Project

Which Country to Outsource your Next IT Project To?

As the outsourcing of software development projects becomes a common occurrence among IT companies, it’s important to know what makes a country suitable for this action. Best IT outsourcing countries are those that offer the ideal price-to-quality ratio, a rich talent pool to choose from, as well as some other important aspects that will give your project the best chance to succeed.

The following few questions will help you determine how appealing a country is, along with a couple of outsourcing recommendations at the end.

HOW MANY DEVELOPERS ARE THERE?

The more IT experts there are to choose from, the more likely it is you’re going to find a team that suits your needs. However, the quality of their knowledge is important as well. Certain problem-solving websites provide ranking lists of various countries around the world according to their programming expertise. This way, you can see a true relationship between the number of so-called developers and those that will truly know their job.

WHAT IS THEIR LEVEL OF EDUCATION?

More often than not, there is a massive difference between self-taught software engineers and those with a degree – especially if it comes from a well-known university. They have a much stronger foundation, knowing the ins and outs of systems that can help them solve problems more efficiently.

HOW IS THEIR ENGLISH?

Communication is arguably the deciding aspect of whether a project will be a success or a bust. The best developer in the world won’t be of any use if you can’t communicate to him what your end goal is. A single misunderstanding can lead to a completely different outcome, which is why it’s important that your selected country has a high percentage of fluent English speakers. Bad communication can also lead to disputes inside the team, regardless of their skill level.

WHAT IS THE TIME ZONE DIFFERENCE?

While it’s often not a crucial factor nowadays, a significantly different time zone could deepen the existing communication issues. Fortunately, this issue is one that can be easily overcome with good management. Even if the business hours for the two countries overlap for just a couple of hours, it’s more than enough to communicate all of the necessary aspects of the project – as long as it’s been planned in advance.

WHAT ARE THE AVERAGE SOFTWARE DEVELOPER SALARIES?

The lower the salaries, the more affordable outsourcing is going to be. Looking at the software engineer salary by country, it’s easily noticeable that a lot of the best locations are going to be those that are still in development. However, the low salary is not enough – it’s important that the country also has high investments in education so that you get your money’s worth.

BEST OUTSOURCING LOCATIONS

– UKRAINE

Alongside Poland, Ukraine is one of the best countries for outsourcing in Europe. Software developers earn between $13-51K yearly, which is very low compared to some of the tech giants around the world. Ukrainians are also very skilled at programming, commonly ranking among the top 10 in various programming challenges.

It’s also worth noting that Ukraine has a thriving startup ecosystem. With the financial support from venture capitals like this one here, startups can offer more enticing benefits to software developers. Thus, you may want to ready your pocket if you’re really keen in outsourcing freelance software developers in Ukraine.

– POLAND

Ranked 3rd with a score index of 98/100 among HackerRank’s programming challenges, Poland is home to the world’s best software engineers. With over 30% of the Polish population having English as a second language, communication shouldn’t be an issue. Salaries are very similar to the ones in Ukraine, making it a very affordable outsourcing location.

– ARGENTINA

One of the most educated Latin American countries, most Argentinian colleges offer free tuition. This ensures that almost all software engineers will have a strong foundation and a deep understanding of all necessary concepts.

– GEORGIA

Georgia has experienced significant growth since 2016 when foreign companies started investing in the country – especially in the IT sector. In addition, Georgia’s specialized agency has implemented an IT-based training program for thousands of students, as well as multiple universities, making it an attractive choice for outsourcing.

– THE PHILIPPINES

An English literacy rating of over 90% makes the Philippines the best English-speaking country in Asia. Their reformed education system gives rise to thousands of developers each year, and with an average yearly salary of just over $8k, you’d be hard-pressed to find a cheaper country for outsourcing.

– KAZAKHSTAN

Since it’s still a developing country and the government is stimulating the IT sector as well as startups, Kazakhstan has a lot of workforce with good potential. Ridiculously low average salaries motivate Kazakhs to search for a job outside of their country, which is what makes it a solid choice for outsourcing.

There are plenty of good locations for outsourcing your software projects – it’s just a matter of what you’re looking for the most.

Outsourcing to Romania

Romania isn’t the most cost-effective destination for outsourcing, but it does have some unique advantages. A perfect geographical location, superior technical proficiency, and outstanding soft skills are just some of the many advantages that Romania has. Multiple review boards have ranked Romania as one of the top design and software development markets. Romania has the highest number of IT professionals certified in Europe.

Outsourcing software development to Romania is a smart business move for Western companies that value quality.

Welcome to Romania!

Romania has high-quality IT talent, which is a major advantage to outsourcing software development to Romania. Romania is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, thanks to its unlimited access to a free, tuition-free education.

Romania is an excellent choice if quality is your priority. Romanian engineers are ranked 20th in the HackerRank programming test.

The IT ecosystem: The overview

Romania’s IT sector has a lot of potential and is strategically located. Romania’s economy was also among the most rapidly growing in the European Union in 2019. Romania has been able to cultivate a large pool of IT professionals over the last few years. Many countries are now interested in Romania’s tech hub.

Romania’s IT sector is an integral part of its economy. The government has several incentive programs that support the sector’s growth. Cushman & Wakefield Echinox reports that the top 50 technology companies in Romania have quadrupled the size of their teams and businesses over the past ten years (2009 to 2019). Their combined turnover was EUR 3 billion in 2019, and their employees numbered more than 50,000.

Top 5 IT Companies in Romania

These are the top IT companies in Romania (based on Clutch reviews).

  1. Neurony
    Neurony is in business since 1997. The company is a software consulting firm that specializes in building web applications and building web apps.
  2. Synergo Group
    Synergo Group, a company specializing in custom software development, is based in Timisoara . It offers services to both startups and large corporations. It not only develops software, but also offers reliable support.
  3. Lateral Inc.
    The company provides a variety of services for the tech industry. These services include design, concept, implementation, and consulting. Lateral Inc. can do business with small- and large-scale businesses.

Romania is the perfect place to outsource your software development

Outsourcing software development services to Romania is a smart move. Eurostat data shows that Romania ranks 4th in Europe for ITC value-addition. Let’s take a look at more reasons to outsource to Romania.

Software development expertise

Romania has hundreds of IT companies, and software development is at an advanced stage. Romanian software developers are capable of supporting and delivering virtually any technology. You can find a wide range of high-quality options for hiring developers in Romania that are capable of programming Java, C# or JavaScript, HTML and CSS, as well as Angular and React.

You can be sure that outsourcing mobile development services will result in a team capable of delivering your solution in any programming language you choose.

Quality vs. cost

Romanian software development services are not significantly more expensive than those in other countries. You will however have the benefit of working with the largest pool of software engineers in the area and the highest quality. Romania is the country that offers the most value for money.

Accessibility

Romania is the European Union’s easternmost country, but top tech companies from Romania are very connected to Europe. Timisoara, for example, is just two hours by air from Munich and less than three from London and Barcelona. People looking for offshore software development can travel from one place to the next in a matter of hours. This means that outsourcing web design and any other services to Romania will have minimal travel and communication barriers.

Multilingual software developers

Romanian software engineers can speak English and many other languages. This allows for easy communication. Romanian IT companies can also provide excellent customer support.

Wrapping up

CEE countries excel in outsourcing. You should not only find the best country to outsource, but also find the right partner in tech to help you connect with the best engineers.

Hard Forks vs. Airdrops: What’s the Difference?

What are Forks and Airdrops?

Hard forks and airdrops are forms of passive income strategies, which are essentially free giveaways of particular tokens to users.

If you have to deal with digital assets, to buy, sell or trade them at CEX.IO or Binance or WhiteBit, for example, you should have come across the terms hard forks and airdrops. Even if you are new to the crypto industry, studying some new terms will come in handy. 

Many compelling ways exist for earning passive income through investing in cryptocurrencies. Traditional financial methods are similar to some crypto passive income methods, but some are unique to crypto. This is the case with airdrops and forks – the free distribution of certain tokens to users.

You may have mentioned once that digital currency in your wallet has increased for no reason. However, later, you have it resulting from an airdrop.

Hard forks and airdrops can be compared on some level, which sometimes leads to ambiguity among cryptocurrency holders. Both of these operations have important differences, however.

Let’s find them out together.

Cryptocurrencies offer many compelling ways to earn passive income and make profits through investing.

Stephen Webb

Hard Fork: What is it and How to use it?

It’s not a secret that software protocols enable digital assets to function. The protocols may be changed periodically, and the modifications are getting incorporated once a consensus of the client permits them. This separation of existing users and new users is known as a “hard fork.”

A hard fork appears in blockchain when there is a constant split occurring as soon as the code changes. Thus, two paths appear: the one develops into the new blockchain, while the other remains the original blockchain.

Each block of the chain is handled differently as a result of the protocol changes. The modifications may be different, varying from the block size to updating for solving a hack or breach in the network. In other words, the fork occurs when the previous protocol diverges from the new one.

It’s worth adding that not every cryptocurrency wallet or exchange service supports hard forks.

Hard forks: examples

The implementation of a new blockchain protocol on an existing cryptocurrency can be complicated. Next, we’ll review airdrops, which are a common method of delivering goods.

You might find it easier to visualize these logistics with an example you are familiar with like a Windows update addressed to fix a security vulnerability. Certain users will update to the newest version of Windows as soon as it’s released, while others might opt not to upgrade for some time, leaving various versions of the operating system running on different computers.

Nevertheless, that example has two major flaws.

The software updated in newer versions is generally better. However, one of the two outcomes of crypto hard forks doesn’t necessarily mean something is better. There are often two outcomes, depending on how they are intended to be used. Users may prefer different branches of the fork depending on individual preferences. A good example of this is the Bitcoin hard fork that resulted in Bitcoin Cash (BCH) living alongside Bitcoin (BTC). Investor speculation and conversation have increased substantially when Bitcoin has forked. Several Bitcoin forks have occurred over the years, with many of them mostly going unnoticed.

The old operating system cannot be used when upgrading the computer’s operating system (OS). Conversely, a hard fork will result in both the new and the old crypto assets.

Airdrops: what does it stand for?

Cryptocurrency airdrops occur when creators of tokens grant coins to some members of the community free of charge. This involves the distribution of cryptocurrency to a specific society of investors. The creator may offer an airdrop in the form of acquisition through an ICO or a freebie. Tokens in airdrops are traditionally distributed to owners of a preexisting crypto network, like Bitcoin or Ethereum.

Therefore, an airdrop can occur either during the pre-launch stage of a token by inserting a wallet address into the airdrop form, or by keeping an entirely different coin or token. 

What’s the intention of Airdrop?

Airdrop aims to increase awareness. A buyer’s primary move in the marketing process is getting informed. The character of an airdrop is fundamentally affected by human behavior since people tend to buy commodities they are familiar with rather than ones they are unfamiliar with. An airdrop, therefore, serves the purpose of providing people with a drive of their tokens, for those in charge of issuing them. In contrast to alternative ad models (such as Google Ads), airdrops are usually a more effective way to promote cryptocurrencies.

Do the hard forks and airdrops influence the market?

A valuable new token backed by a proven protocol can be introduced to the market at every hard fork. The practice has shown that adoption is often lower than anticipated. The new token has lost a lot of value when compared to the initial coin after major hard forks have taken place in the industry.

What is more, the appearance of new altcoins on the market as well as low user adoption can make users sell new coins at a rapid pace. Therefore, the value of the stock drops sharply.

There are, however, exceptions to the rule. Thus, Decred (DCR) launched its virtual currency airdrop in 2016 and distributed about 500,000 USD. The value of the 2016 DCR token has risen from 2 euros to 170 euros today. Also, the initial cryptocurrency token sale by Squeezer (SQR) took place in 2019. Over 20,000 new users were acquired through an airdrop within an hour, which proves that airdrops can be successful in bringing on new players.

Using airdrops as a competitive tool is also possible for crypto projects. A number of airdrop campaigns have been launched by 1INCH, the maker of Uniswap’s competitor Mooniswap, to boost 1INCH’s adoption among Uniswap users.

Read also: Is it Possible to Make Money On a Mining Farm?

To sum up

Blockchain protocols undergo hard forks when they alter to generate a parallel blockchain. Bitcoin Cash, the new form of Bitcoin, was a good example of this. The coins of the new blockchain are automatically distributed to users who invested in the prior blockchain before the fork.

The process of an airdrop takes place when cryptocurrency projects deposit tokens directly into a user’s wallet. Typically it happens in exchange for social media promotions or bounties. Some campaigns are designed to encourage users to adopt the system.

One thing to remember: not every digital currency wallet or exchange supports hard forks. 

Five Main Benefits Of Big Data Analytics

Consumers are constantly bombarded with advertisements for different types of goods and services. The variety of alternatives is overwhelming. But what exactly makes customers pause and take notice of it?

World brands grow more inventive as a result of trying to find a solution to this challenge. In reality, a lot of people are exploring the advantages of big data. For instance, Starbucks began utilizing AI in 2016 to contact consumers with personalized offers. The business utilizes its loyalty programs and applications to gather and analyze clients` data, including where and when transactions are made, in addition to tailoring beverages to suit individual tastes.

Big data analytics is not a new term. Although the idea has been around for a while, the initial big data analysts utilized spreadsheets that they manually entered and then examined. You can probably guess how much time that procedure used to take.

The standards surrounding big data have altered as a result of technological innovations. Modern software solutions significantly shorten the time required for analytics, enabling businesses to make choices quickly that boost growth, save expenses, and maximize revenue. This gives brands that can respond more quickly and effectively target their customers a competitive advantage.

Here are some advantages that a brand contemplating investing in big data analytics may experience:

1. Attracting and retaining customers

Organizations need a distinctive strategy for marketing their goods if they want to stand out. Big data allows businesses to determine precisely what their consumers are looking for. From the start, they build a strong consumer base.

The tendencies of customers are being observed by new big data techniques. By gathering more information to find new trends and methods to satisfy clients, they leverage those patterns to encourage brand loyalty. For example, by offering one of the most individualized purchasing experiences available on the internet right now, Amazon has nailed this strategy. In addition to prior purchases, suggestions are based on things that other customers have purchased, browsing habits, and a variety of other characteristics.

2. Targeted campaigns

Big data may be used by businesses to give customized products and services to their target markets. Stop wasting money on unsuccessful advertising strategies! Big data assists businesses in conducting extensive analyses of consumer behavior. This study often involves tracking internet purchases and keeping an eye on point-of-sale activity. Following the development of effective, targeted campaigns using these data, businesses are able to meet and exceed client expectations while fostering increased brand loyalty.

3. Identification Of Potential Risks

Today’s high-risk settings support the growth of enterprises, but they also necessitate risk management procedures. Big data has been crucial in the creation of new risk management solutions. Big data may make tactics more intelligent and risk management models more successful.

4. More innovative products

Big data keeps assisting businesses in both improving and developing new products. Organizations are able to determine what matches their consumer the most, based only on gathering a lot of data. A corporation can no longer rely on intuition if it wants to stay in today’s highly competitive market. With so much data available, businesses may now put mechanisms in place to monitor consumer feedback, product success, and rival activity.

5. Complex networks

Businesses may provide supplier networks, also known as B2B networks, with more accuracy and insight by employing big data. By using big data analytics, suppliers may avoid the limitations they usually experience. Big data is used by companies to increase their contextual intelligence, which is crucial for their performance.

The foundation of supplier networks has changed to include high-level cooperation, and supply chain executives increasingly view data analytics as a revolutionary innovation. Through cooperation, networks can apply new techniques to issues now being faced or to different situations.

How to launch a successful big data tool

Prior to using the data you have, you must decide what business challenges you are seeking to address. For example, are you attempting to identify the frequency and causes of shopping cart abandonment?

Secondly, simply having the information does not guarantee that you can utilize it to address your issue. The majority of businesses have been gathering data for ten years or even more. But it is “dirty data,” which is unorganized and chaotic. Before you can utilize information, you must organize it by putting it in a systematic manner.

Thirdly, the company you choose to cooperate with must be capable of more than just visualizing the data if you decide to hire them. It must be a company that really can model the data to generate insights that can aid in your business problem-solving. Before moving forward, it’s crucial to have a plan and budget in place because modeling data is neither simple nor inexpensive.

Conclusion

Big data analytics are helping the largest companies to keep expanding. More businesses than ever before have access to emerging technologies. Once brands have access to data, they may use the proper analysis methods to implement and address many of their issues.

What is SecOps?

Enterprise IT organizations face a common problem in the establishment of effective communication and collaboration among departments. Cloud-based applications may have a dedicated team of developers that creates new updates and patches. An operations team manages the application’s performance. A security team maintains security and responds to cyber threats.

These teams can cause problems if they are not closely linked. This is because their objectives and activities are often kept very separate from the organization’s structure. Developers are motivated by the release of new code on a regular basis or according to a pre-determined time frame. IT operations teams are motivated for application uptime, and IT security teams are motivated for security breaches. Conflict can occur when these objectives are not aligned.

  • Developers release unstable updates and IT operations teams are left managing the performance of the update.
  • Unknown security flaws in code are released by developers, which can cause problems for IT security teams
  • IT operations teams make changes to improve application uptime, but create security vulnerabilities. IT security analysts are left to fix the problems that will inevitably arise.

IT managers have been trying to decrease friction between different working groups within IT by using new methods that encourage collaboration and process integration among departments that previously operated in isolation.

SecOps is an IT management methodology to improve communication, collaboration, and communication between IT security working teams and IT operations working groups. This helps ensure that IT organizations can achieve their application and network security goals without compromising application performance. 

SecOps is a combination of security and operations. This is the same way that DevOps, the most popular IT management methodology, derives its name. SecOps is also known as DevSecOps when the organization attempts simultaneously to eliminate information and activity silos within IT.

What are SecOps’ Goals?

SecOps’ overarching goal is to make sure that organizations don’t compromise security while they work to meet application performance, development timelines, and uptime requirements. For SecOps to be successful, it is essential that management buy-in is obtained and that a timeline for improving security within the organization is established.

IT organizations need to establish cross-department collaboration in order to bring application security features and aspects earlier in the development process. The typical software development cycle starts with requirement analysis and planning, followed by the creation of product architecture and requirements. After the product has been built, it will need to be tested thoroughly before being deployed in the production environment.

Security considerations can be overlooked in traditional models. This is a problem. SecOps solves this problem by encouraging collaboration between operations and security teams throughout development. This ensures that security features are included in the development process so that they have minimal impact on the application’s performance.

Why Java Programming is so Popular in 2022?

Any programmer will confirm to you that Java is by far the best programming language to have ever been created. Who can argue against that fact when almost all Fortune 500 companies give it thumbs up?

Java programming is both user-friendly and flexible, making it the obvious go-to programming language for web app developers and program management experts. By flexibility, in this case, we mean that an application developed in its coding system can run consistently on any operating system, regardless of the OS in which it was initially developed. Whether you need a language to help you with numerical computing, mobile computing, or desktop computing, Java has got you covered.

Is Java easy to learn?

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There are many programming languages out there, but Java beats them all in terms of popularity. There definitely must be a reason why it has gained so much popularity in the recent past, without mentioning how well it has shaken off competition for almost two and a half decades now. So, the million-dollar question remains: 

Why Java is the Most Popular Programming Language?

 1.      Its codes are easy to understand and troubleshoot

Part of why Java has grown tremendously over the years is because of being object-oriented. Simply put, an object-oriented coding language makes software design simpler by breaking the execution process down to small, easy-to-process chunks. Complex coding problems that are associated with C and C++, among other languages, are hard to encounter when programming in Java. On top of that, object-oriented languages such as Java provide programmers with greater modularity and an easy to understand pragmatic approach.

2.      JRE makes Java independent

JRE (Java Runtime Environment) is the reason why Java can run consistently across platforms. All a programmer needs to do is install JRE to a computer and all of his Java programs will be good to go, where they were developed at notwithstanding.

On top of running smoothly on computers- Macs, Linux, or even Windows, JRE is also compatible with mobile phones. That is the independence and flexibility that a programmer needs from a coding language in order to grow his/her career, especially if he/she is a newbie.

3.      It is easy to reuse common codes in Java

Everyone hates duplication and overlapping of roles, and so does Java. That is why this coding language developed a feature known as Java objects that allows a programmer to reuse common codes whenever applicable instead of rewriting the same code over and over again. The common attributes between two objects within a class are shared so that the developer can focus entirely on developing the different, uncommon attributes. This form of code inheritance makes coding simple, fast, and inexpensive.

4.      Java API makes Java versatile

Java API provides programmers with thousands of classes and about 50 keywords to work with. It also allows programmers to use coding methods that run to tens of thousands. That makes Java versatile and accommodative to as many coding ideas a programmer could have. That is not all; Java API isn’t too complex for a newbie to master and all one needs to get started is to learn a portion of it. Once you are able to comfortably work with the utility functions of Java, you can learn everything else on the job.

5.      Java allows you to run a program across servers

When coding for a huge organization that uses a network of computers, the greatest challenge is to sync all computers so that a program runs seamlessly on each of them. With Java’s PATH and CLASSPATH, however, you don’t have to worry about the distribution of a program across multiple servers.

6.      Java programming is adaptable, strong, and stable

Because you can run Java both on computers and mobile devices, it’s true to say that the language’s dialect is universally adaptable. On the other hand, you can run Java both on a large and small scale, meaning that its codes are strong and stable. And as we mentioned, there aren’t any limitations with Java; you can even develop translation software using this language. For the best results, however, it is always wise to work closely with a professional translation service provider.

7.      Powerful source code editor

Java’s source code editor is the Integrated Development Environment, which does not only enable programmers to write code faster and easier, but that also comes with an automated, in-built debugger feature.

In conclusion

If you ever need help with Java programming, there are companies that offer java outsourcing services to all types of organizations. Such companies make program and application development affordable. 

How to Create a Work Management System that Works for You?

Creating a work management system can seem daunting, but it is essential for success in the workplace. There are many ways to set up a work management system that works best for you. Here are some tips on getting started!

Determine What Tasks Need to Be Completed

The first step to setting up a work management system is determining what tasks need to be completed. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is crucial to take the time to sit down and make a list of everything that needs to be done. Once you have a complete list, you can start to prioritize and organize your work tasks.

There are a few factors to consider when determining what tasks need to be completed:

  • Urgency: Is the task time-sensitive? If so, it will need to be completed as soon as possible and given a high priority.
  • Importance: What is the significance of the task? Is it something that needs to be done to meet a goal? If so, it should be given a high priority.
  • Type of Work: What type of work is it? Is it creative work that requires a lot of thought, or is it more administrative work that can be done quickly? Depending on the type of work, you may want to give it a different priority.
  • Amount of Time Needed: How much time will it take to complete the task? If it is a time-consuming task, you may want to give it a lower priority.

Once you have considered all of these factors, you can start prioritizing your work tasks.

Prioritize and Organize Your Work Tasks

Once you have a complete list of work tasks, it is time to start prioritizing and organizing them. Consider what tasks are most important and need to be completed first. You may also consider grouping similar tasks together to work on them more efficiently.

For example, if you have several reports that need to be written, you can work on them all simultaneously instead of completing one report and then moving on to the next.

There are a few different ways that you can prioritize and organize your work tasks:

  • Create a To-Do List: This is a simple but effective way to organize your work tasks. You can use a physical to-do list or an online tool.
  • Use a Work Management Software: A professional work management software can help you organize and track your work tasks.
  • Use a Project Management Tool: If you have multiple projects that you are working on, a project management tool can be helpful. Project management tools allow you to create a timeline for each project and track the progress of each task.

Set Deadlines

Once you have organized and prioritize your work tasks, it is time to start setting deadlines. This will help you stay on track and complete your work on time. When setting deadlines, be realistic about how much time you need to complete each task. If a task will take longer than you initially thought, adjust the deadline accordingly.

There are a few different factors to consider when setting deadlines:

  • Make Sure the Deadline is Reasonable: Don’t set a deadline that is impossible to meet. If you do, you will only end up frustrated and behind on your work.
  • Set a Deadline for Each Task: Make sure you set a separate deadline for each task. This will help you stay organized and on track.
  • Take into Consideration Other Commitments: When setting deadlines, be sure to take into consideration other commitments you have. For example, if you have a meeting at 2 pm, don’t set a deadline of 1 pm for a task that will take an hour to complete.

Manage Your Time Efficiently

Once you have a work management system, you must manage your time efficiently. This means working on tasks when you are most productive and taking breaks when needed. If you are struggling to stay on track, consider setting a daily or weekly schedule to help you stay on track.

There are a few different things you can do to manage your time more efficiently:

  • Identify Your Productive Times: Take a look at your day and identify when you are most productive. This is the time when you should work on your most important tasks.
  • Schedule Time for Breaks: It is essential to take breaks throughout the day to stay refreshed and focused. Consider scheduling 10-15 minute breaks every hour or so.
  • Use a Time Tracking Tool: Many time tracking tools help you see where you are spending your time. This can help identify areas where you need to make changes.
  • Set a Daily or Weekly Schedule: If you find it difficult to stay on track, consider setting a daily or weekly schedule. This will help you stay focused and ensure you complete your work promptly.

Stay Organized and Focused

The key to a successful work management system is staying organized and focused. By setting up a system that works for you, you can ensure that you are completing your work tasks promptly and efficiently. When you have a work management system in place, you can stay on track and be successful in the workplace.

Relax and De-Stress

Remember to relax and de-stress. Working can be stressful, so taking some time for yourself is vital. Make sure to schedule some downtime so that you can relax and rejuvenate. This will help you stay focused and motivated when working on your task list. When you take the time to relax, you will be able to work more efficiently and be productive.

There are many different ways to relax and de-stress. Here are a few ideas:

  • Take a Break from Work: Take some time for yourself and step away from work. Take a walk, read a book, or watch a movie.
  • Exercise: Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and tension.
  • Talk to Someone: Talking to a friend or family can help you de-stress and feel better.
  • Meditate: Meditation can help you relax and clear your mind.
  • Take a Bath: A warm bath can help you relax your muscles and de-stress.

Seek Help from a Work Management Expert

If you are having trouble setting up a work management system, consider seeking help from a work management expert. There are many different resources available that can help you get started.

Work management experts can provide tips, advice, and resources to help create a work management system that works best for you. With their help, you can be on your way to a more organized and productive workplace.

Conclusion

A work management system is essential to success in the workplace. By taking the time to set up a system that works for you, you can stay on track and be productive. With a work management system in place, you can focus on your work tasks and be successful in your career.

An Introduction to IT Franchises: Pros, Cons and How to Choose the Best Fit for You

Introduction, Definitions, and Types of Franchises

Franchises are a popular business model that allows entrepreneurs to start their own business with the support of an established company. Franchises offer a variety of benefits, such as marketing, brand recognition, and training. There are many different types of franchises that cover all industries and sectors of the economy.

A franchise is a type of business arrangement where one company is granted the right from another company to sell its products or services in a particular geographic area under its own name and trade dress. Franchises often provide training for new owners so they can prepare for running their own business.

What is an IT franchise? What are the benefits of being part of an IT franchise?

IT franchise can be a great choice for entrepreneurs who are looking to start their own business. These franchises offer affordable and proven IT solutions with minimal upfront costs. On the other hand, software development franchises offer a more specialized experience that takes into account key aspects of software design and development such as the user interface, technical infrastructure and information architecture.

How Do IT Franchises Work?

IT franchises are a type of business model that offers the opportunity to start a business in the IT industry with little capital to very fast.

IT franchises have been around for almost 30 years and they have been growing continuously. They offer franchisers an opportunity to invest in an established company, without having to start from scratch. Franchisers will receive training and support from their franchisor which will help them succeed.

This section discusses how IT franchises work, what is an IT franchise, the benefits of starting one and how to get started with one.

What you need to know about IT Franchises?

A franchise is a type of business that allows entrepreneurs to own a part of the larger business. Franchises are usually found in retail, food, education and other industries. The franchisee or owner has the opportunity to learn from the franchisor how to run a successful business.

There are many benefits to owning an IT franchise. IT franchises offer a low-cost way for entrepreneurs to start their own businesses because they don’t need as much capital as some other franchises might require.

IT franchises also provide franchisers with the opportunity to grow their businesses by having more locations in different areas and different cities.

This can be especially helpful for franchisers who want to expand but don’t have enough capital or money themselves.

How Much Does it Cost to Open an own IT Franchise?

A study by the US National Venture Capital Association found that the average cost of a new IT franchise is $100 000. The study also found that the average age of an IT franchise owner is 47 years old and that about one-third of these owners are female.

The cost of opening an IT franchise depends on the type of IT services you want to offer, your geographical location, and your company’s size. For example, if you want to offer software development services, then the costs will be higher than if you only want to offer IT Solutions for Startups and Corporations.

What You Should Know Before You Sign a Franchise Agreement

Franchises are a great way to get into the business world. They offer a lot of benefits and can be an excellent source of income. But before you sign on the dotted line, you should know what you’re getting yourself into. Here are some things that you should know before you sign a franchise agreement:

  • The Franchise Agreement is binding for at least 10 years
  • You will have to pay royalties to the franchisor every month, usually 5% of your gross revenue
  • You might need to purchase equipment and/or supplies from them

What are the 10 biggest risks in software development?

Software development is a process that involves lots of risks. If you are not careful, you might end up with a software product that doesn’t serve the needs of the users. But there are ways to minimize these risks and make sure that you get the right product.

1) Lack of planning: You need to have a plan for your software project before you start coding it. You should also have a clear idea about what features your software will have so that you can avoid any confusion later in the process.

2) Unrealistic expectations: Software development is an iterative process and it takes time to create something new. It’s important to be realistic about what your team can do with the resources at hand and how long it will take them to complete their tasks.

3) Lack of discipline: It’s important for your team to stick to a schedule and not take too much time off when you need to go back home.

4) Lack of communication: Communication should be fluid throughout the project but it should be monitored closely so that everybody is on the same page and can convey information more clearly.

5) Lack of expertise: Your software development team needs to have the expertise to oversee the project, but you should also have a few people who can catch anything that could go wrong.

6) Lack of planning: It is difficult to plan for every contingency and it is important to be flexible throughout the process.

7) Lack of resources: Resources are needed for software development, but this shouldn’t stop you from hiring a great team.

Bottom line

When you invest in an IT franchise by Kiss.Software you are able to build strength in your business from day one.

For some people, a small start-up company is a perfect way to get their business off the ground. For others, they need a more comprehensive plan to establish their business. Our IT Franchise provides you with a turnkey solution that includes everything you need to be successful from day one: IT experts who understand your needs and goals; web design and marketing experts who will help you take your Cases.

Clone and create a private GitHub repository with these steps

What is a repository?

A repository is like a container, it stores your files. It is stored with a history of changes you’ve made. If you don’t get what a repo is storing or its purpose, you can read the repo’s README.md file.

Ever since they became a standard offering on a free tier, private GitHub repositories have become popular with developers. However, many developers become discouraged when they trigger a fatal: repository not found error message in their attempts to clone a private GitHub repository.

In this tutorial, we will demonstrate how to create a private GitHub repository, then securely clone and pull your code locally without the need to deal with fatal errors.

How to create a private GitHub repository

How to create a private GitHub repository

There aren’t any special steps required to create a private GitHub repository. They’re exactly the same as if you were to create a standard GitHub repository, albeit with one difference: You click the radio button for the Private option.

How to clone a private GitHub repository

How to successfully clone a private GitHub repository.

The first thing a developer wants to do after the creation of a GitHub repository is to clone it. For a typical repo, you would grab the repository’s URL and issue a git clonecommand. Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple on GitHub’s free tier.

If you’re lucky, when you attempt to clone your private GitHub repository, you’ll be prompted for a username, after which an OpenSSH window will then query for your password. If you provide the correct credentials, the private repository will clone.

However, if OpenSSH isn’t configured on your system, an attempt to clone the private repository will result in the fatal: repository not found GitHub error message.

The fatal ‘repository not found’ error on GitHub.

Fix repository not found errors

If you do encounter this dreaded error message, don’t fret, because there’s a simple fix. Prepend the private GitHub repository’s username and password to the URL. For example, if my username was cam and the password was 1234, the git clone command would look as follows:

git clone https://cam:1234@github.com/cameronmcnz/private-github-repo.git

Since you embedded the credentials in the GitHub URL, the clone command takes care of the authorization process, and the command will successfully create a private GitHub repository clone on your local machine. From that point on, all future git pull and git fetch commands will run successfully.

Cameron McKenzie about free private Git repo.

Key tips for Successful AWS Cloud Migration

AWS cloud migration process

Amazon Web Services is a leading cloud computing service providing services for storing and analyzing data from cloud computing systems and devices. It offers scalable cloud computing environments for businesses to deploy. Migration is no easy job. The articles present Amazon’s basic framework for migration, describing basic migration steps relevant to all AWS migration projects.

The AWS migration consulting service is part of the AWS migration Program, which assists businesses in identifying and selecting the world’s best APN Partners with proven technical expertise and client success in specialized solution areas.

Migrate your application workloads

AWS is an excellent platform for Windows applications today and in the future. The company expects to generate an average annual revenue of 444% from Windows on the Amazon Web Services platform. SAP has been providing software integration to SAP Landscapes since 2011. AWS supports most types of instances in Cloud for a variety of different applications. VMware has partnered with AWS to develop and deliver VMware cloud-based workload solutions.

AWS Cloud Migration Phases

Amazon’s cloud migration plan covers five stages. Stage 2: Migration preparation and business planning. Create business cases for Amazon migration and define your goals. How can I improve my business processes? Determine a specific application to migrate to the cloud using this strategy. Phase 1: Developing plans.

AWS migration solutions

Our migration solution focuses all aspects of the process, technology and finances to ensure that your projects achieve the desired results for the organization.

– Migration Methodology

Moving millions of data and applications into the cloud requires a progressively oriented approach which includes evaluation readiness planning, migration and operational steps with all phases extending from the previous. AWS’pre-scriptive guides provide the method and techniques for each step of your migration journey.

– AWS Managed Services

AWS managed services (AMS) provides e-commerce and business-grade infrastructure that allows migration of manufacturing workloads within days. For compliance, AMS only updates the required applications for security reasons. AMS takes charge of running the cloud environment.

– AWS Migration Competency Partners

AWS migration expertise partner can assist you with completing migration faster. Global systems integrators and regional partners demonstrate successfully completion of multiple big migrations to AWS to gain migration competency partnership status.

– AWS Migration Acceleration Program

The Accelerated Migration Program at AWS (MAP) aims to improve efficiency of the organization’s operations by leveraging a comprehensive migration platform, with the investment to reduce the cost of migration to a new location.

– AWS Training and Certification

The AWS Training Team has the knowledge and expertise needed for cloud development for organizations. Cloud adoption of new technologies will be as fast as 20% if you employ a highly skilled workforce.

Why should I migrate to AWS Cloud?

Several enterprises that have moved into Amazon Web Services have reported that their IT infrastructure is undergoing a 36% upgrade.

Faster time to business results

Automating and data-oriented guidance helps simplify migration and decreases time and complexity. So a faster migration will reduce time to realize value in cloud migration. Ebooks: Maximize business value by using cloud technology for e-commerce.

Migration to AWS: 5 challenges and solutions

Migration to AWS can be a complicated process with many challenges. Here is one of the most common problems.

Plan for security

Challenge: Cloud environment security is not as secure as in-house environment and its security characteristics are very distinct. The potential risk is that the existing technologies will no longer work in a security vacuum when application migration from the cloud to the offsite.

Solution: Identify the security requirements for the application you are moving and ensure that the application meets the corresponding security standards. Find solutions for security issues on the AWS platform similar to the one you have on-premise.

Moving On-Premise Data and Managing Storage on AWS

How can you migrate data to the cloud?

Solution: AWS Direct connect provides a solution that can support enterprise applications that can provide highly reliable and dedicated Internet connectivity from the public clouds to their virtual premise. It also allows a synchronized workflow with an e-commerce site that gives users centralised visibility. CloudWatch can be utilized to remove impact from user migration. CloudWatch detects performance problems immediately and resolves them without users being affected.

Resilience for computation and network resources

Challenge:

Your application should be highly available to users on AWS. In cloud instances the application cannot be kept forever. A secondary requirement is enabling reliable connectivity — ensuring the availability of all the resources in a cloud.

Solution:

In calculation you can select reserved instances that will help you maintain your machine instance. Replications or using services managing deployment or availability such as Elastic Beanstalk are available for download on the web.

How do I manage my costs?

Several organizations have been moving to a cloud environment without identifying specific KPIs for how much money the cloud can cost. At the same time, the question can be answered whether the move was successful in the economic sense.

A cloud environment is very dynamic – the cost may change rapidly as you adopt services or scale your application. Solution Before moving, create an objective business plan and understand the value of your cloud migration to another cloud service.

Log Analysis and Metric Collection

Challenge: After migrating to AWS you can have an extremely responsive and dynamic system. Earlier methods for logging your software may not be applicable. The centralization of data would be essential to analyze log files on computers that were shut down yesterday.

Problem: Ensure the data is stored in a central place in the system to allow a central view of a log file. Utilize Amazon CloudWatch for centralized logging with Amazon CloudWatch Lambdas & Cognito.

What are the three phases of AWS cloud migration?

AWS tries to manage large migration processes by assessing, mobilizing, and deploying migration. Each phase builds upon previous phases. This prescriptive guidance plan covers the assessment phase as well as the mobilization phase.

What is If this app

IFTTT: Everything works better together

IFTTT (If This Then That) is a mobile device application that allows users to construct conditional instructions by combining two existing apps. It has over 14 million registered users as of 2018. IFTTT is a simple-to-use tool that lets developers create and publish conditional statements using its technology. Popularly known as applets, conditional statements are triggered by changes that take place within other web services, such as Facebook, Gmail, Instagram, or Pinterest. Earlier, these apps were known as channels. IFTTT was launched in 2010 as a project by two co-founders Jesse Tane and Linden Tibbets.

The users and developers from across the globe had published 75 million applets and more than 5,000 active developers are responsible for building services on this platform. Talking about smart devices, IFTTT enables the connection between more than 600 apps and smart devices.

Link: (Web, iOS and Android)

How IFTTT work?

A user needs to get acquainted with the creation of applets to use this app. An applet refers to a trigger-to-action relationship responsible for performing a particular task. A user can also create an applet to receive personalized notifications when specific conditions are met. After activating an applet, the user need not remember the commands, as IFTTT handles everything. The user also can also turn an applet on or off and edit the settings. A simple example of an applet is, if it is 1:00 PM, then turn off the bedroom lights.

In 2017, IFTTT started offering a free option for developers to publish their apps. Earlier, the users were allowed to develop applets only for their personal use. After this significant announcement, the developers have been able to publish the applets that others can use. The individuals can also develop applets that can work on connected devices. It doesn’t matter if they own those devices.

The team at IFTTT reviews a service internally before it can be published. The developers can perform minor updates directly after the app has been published. The team repeats the review process if some significant changes are made, such as new actions or triggers or cloning of the service. The authentication mechanism supported by the app is OAuth2. As per the company’s official website, it might have other authentication methods in the future.

Delivering XaaS with IFTTT

Everything as a Service or XaaS is a business model that involves combining products with services. With this approach, the brands expect to connect with their consumers at a deeper model. IFTTT is considered one of the most effective platforms to do so. By connecting their products with IFTTT, the brands can generate useful insights and data. This will help in delivering proactive customer support.

Personalization of content offered through a particular product will also become more efficient if the companies use this platform strategically. The co-founder of IFTTT, Linden Tibbets, also mentioned that this app aids in connecting products with services while talking about how everything in the future will be a service.


Using IFTTT for business

IFTTT can help a firm improve its procedures in a variety of ways. A widely used applet allows a professional to keep track of his or her working hours. Employers can use it to keep track of their employees’ monthly performance.

The usability of project management software like Asana could be further expanded through the applets. For example, it’s possible to create a new task using a mobile widget. A project manager or an employee can also include finished tasks to a weekly email digest. Various marketers use multiple applets to:

  • Sync different social media platforms
  • Automatically respond to the new followers or someone who has tagged them
  • Save tweets with a particular type of content
  • Post RSS feeds to Twitter and Facebook automatically

There are plenty of other applets for small and medium businesses. Businesses can also create their own versions to meet a particular requirement of a department or process. By using paid services of IFTTT, the companies can connect their own technology with this app, something already achieved by brands like Domino’s Pizza, Facebook, and 550 other firms.

Machine Learning and other technologies used in IFTTT

Machine Learning: To enhance the experience of users, IFTTT offers complex Machine Learning techniques. The team depends on Apache Spark that runs of EC2 and uses S3 to detect abuses and recommend recipes. Now that we have learned how the company uses machine learning, let’s put our focus on whether users can utilize this technology through IFTTT.

The users who want to integrate a Machine Learning model with IFTTT can do using a platform by MateLabs called MateVerse. Using this integration, users can use tools that can respond to online tools like Facebook, Google Drive, Slack, and Twitter. The users can train their own models for particular use cases after uploading their data.

Monitoring and alerting: The company depends on Elasticsearch to store API events for real-time monitoring and alerting. The performance of partner APIs and worker processes is visualized using Kibana. When the API of IFTTT partners is facing issues, a particular channel is triggered known as the Developer Channel. Using this channel, it is possible to create recipes that notify them using Email, Slack, SMS, or other preferred action channels.

Behavior performance: The engineering team currently uses three sources of data to understand user behavior and app performance.

MySQL Cluster: MySQL cluster on AWS RDS (Relational Database Service) is responsible for maintaining the current state of channels, recipes, users, and other primary application entities. The company’s official website and mobile applications run on a Rails application. By utilizing the AWS Data Pipeline, the company exports the data to S3 and ingests into Redshift daily.

The team feeds event data using users’ interactions with IFTTT products. The data is fed into its Kafka cluster from Rails application. The information related to the API requests made the workers are also collected regularly. The aim is to track the behavior of myriad partner APIs that the app connects to.

Why IFTTT become so successful?

Numerous factors contribute to the success of this revolutionary app. Some of these include:

Early mover advantage: The developers behind this app had an early mover advantage related to this technology. Before this app, there was hardly any startup or renowned organization that had designed something that connects two already existing apps.

Expansion of the ecosystem: One of the top-secret sauces behind its success is that it didn’t focus on competing with countless other apps on the app stores. Instead, it improved the usability of already existing apps, thereby making it a symbiotic technology.

Simplified the users’ lives: The automation that lies at the core of this app made the lives of the users simpler. While some apps aid in enhancing the users’ knowledge, others made them more accountable for schedules.

Investments: Strategic investments from renowned players have also been instrumental in its global success. During its Series C funding round in 2017, it raised 24 million dollars from Salesforce. In the past, investors like Greylock, Betaworks, SV Angels, Norwest, and NEA have helped it achieve its potential.

Simple user interface: The company has kept the interface clean and straightforward. When a user opens up the app, he/she is welcomed by an animation showing connected devices and other features. There are two main options through which the users can register or sign in through Google and Facebook.

There is also ‘Sign in with email’ option. Due to its minimalist design, even the non-techie individuals can use this app seamlessly. There is also a search option that helps in discovering services that this app supports.

What’s next for IFTTT?

As the Internet of Things (IoT) will become a mainstream thing in the future, IFTTT will penetrate in more regions across the globe. It is also expected to associate with more apps to ease up the lives of the users. The company needs to keep enhancing their technology to compete with other players, especially Flow by Microsoft.

Recently, IFTTT and iRobot partnered for smart home integrations at CES 2020.

Competitors of IFTTT

One of the prominent competitors of IFTTT is Zapier. IFTTT supports around 630 apps, whereas the number is 1000 in the case of Zapier. IFTTT is inclined towards home (smart appliance support), but Zapier revolves around business and software development.

In terms of usage, both services are comparable in terms of ease of use. Various beginners consider IFTTT more accessible. Talking about Zapier, it offers more options to build application relationships, due to which advanced users prefer it. IFTTT is a preferred option if we are talking in terms of pricing. Other popular alternatives include Make.com (ex. Integromat), Anypoint Platform, and Mule ESB.

Summary

IFTTT is Really amazing App! 

Tabular Data: What is and How Preparing

What is tabular data

The term “tabular” refers to data that is displayed in columns or tables, which can be created by most BI tools. These tools find relationships between data entries in one or more database, then use those relationships to display the information in a table.

How Data Can Be Displayed in a Table

Data can be summarized in a tabular format in various ways for different use cases.

The most basic form of a table is one that just displays all the rows of a data set. This can be done without any BI tools, and often does not reveal much information. However, it is helpful when looking at specific data entries. In this type of table, there are multiple columns, and each row correlates to one data entry. For example, if a table has a column called “NAME” and a column called “GENDER,” then each of the rows would contain the name of a person and their gender.

Tables can become more intricate and detailed when BI tools get involved. In this case, data can be aggregated to show average, sum, count, max, or min, then displayed in a table with correlating variables. For example, without a BI tool you could have a simple table with columns called “NAME,” “GENDER,” and “SALARY,” but you would only be able to see the individual genders and salaries for each person. With data aggregation from using a BI tool, you would be able to see the average salary for each gender, the total salary for each gender, and even the total number of employees by gender. This allows the tables to become more versatile and display more useful information.

Preparing tabular data for description and archiving

These are general guidelines for preparing tabular data for inclusion in a repository or for sharing it with other researchers, in order to maximize the likelihood of long-term preservation and potential for reuse. Individual repositories may have different or more specific guidelines than those presented here.

General guidelines

  • Only include data in a data file; do not include figures or analyses.
  • Consider aggregating data into fewer, larger files, rather than many small ones. It is more difficult and time consuming to manage many small files and easier to maintain consistency across data sets with fewer, larger files. It is also more convenient for other users to select a subset from a larger data file than it is to combine and process several smaller files. Very large files, however, may exceed the capacity of some software packages. Some examples of ways to aggregate files include by data type, site, time period, measurement platform, investigator, method, or instrument.
  • It is sometimes desirable to aggregate or compress individual files to a single file using a compression utility, although the advisability of this practice varies depending on the intended destination repository.
  • Individual repositories may have specific requirements regarding file formats. If a repository has no file format requirements, we recommend tab- or comma-delimited text (*.txt or *.csv) for tabular data. This maximizes the potential for use across different software packages, as well as prospects for long-term preservation.

Data organization and formatting

Organize tabular data into rows and columns. Each row represents a single record or data point, while columns contain information pertaining to that record. Each record or row in the data set should be uniquely identified by one or more columns in combination. 

Tabular data should be “rectangular” with each row having the same number of columns and each column the same number of rows. Fill every cell that could contain data; this is less important for cells used for comments. For missing data, use the conventions described below.

Column headings

Column headings should be meaningful, but not overly long. Do not duplicate column headings within a file. Assume case-insensitivity when creating column headings. Use only alphanumeric characters, underscores, or hyphens in column headings. Some programs expect the first character to be a letter, so it is good practice to have column headings start with a letter. If possible, indicate units of measurement in the column headings and also specify measurement units in the metadata.

Use only the first row to identify a column heading. Data import utilities may not properly parse column headings that span more than one row.

Examples of good column headings:

max_temp_celsius – not max temp celsius (includes spaces)
airport_faa_code – not airport/faa code (includes special characters)

Data values and formatting

  • Use standard codes or names when possible. Examples include using Federal Information Processing (FIPS) codes for geographic entities and the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) for authoritative species names.
  • When using non-standard codes, an alternative to defining the codes in the metadata is to create a supplemental table with code definitions.
  • Avoid using special characters, such as commas, semicolons, or tabs, in the data itself if the data file is in (or will be exported to) a delimited format.
  • Do not rely on special formatting that is available in spreadsheet programs, such as Excel. These programs may automatically format any data entered into a cell, which can include removing leading zeros or reformatting date and time cells; in some cases, this may alter the meaning of the data. Some of these changes revert the cell back to its original value when changing the cell type to a literal ‘text’ value and some do not. Changing cell types from “General” to “Text” before initial data input can prevent unintended reformatting issues.

Special types of data – Date/Time

  • Indicate date information in an appropriate machine-readable format, such as yyyymmdd or yyyy-mm-dd (yyyy: four-digit year; mm: two-digit month; dd: two-digit date). Indicate time zone (including daylight savings, if relevant) and use of 12-hour or 24-hour notation in the metadata.
  • Alternatively, use the ISO standard for formatting date and time strings. The standard accommodates time zone information and uses 24-hour notation:yyyymmdd or yyyy-mm-dd for date; hh:mmTZD for time (hh: two-digit hour, in number of hours since midnight; mm: two-digit minutes; ss: two-digit seconds; TZD: time zone designator, in the form +hh:mm or -hh:mm, or Z to designate UTC, Coordinated Universal Time).

Special types of data – Missing data

  • Use a standard method to identify missing data.
    • Do not use zeroes to represent missing data, and be cautious and consistent when leaving cells blank as this can easily be misinterpreted or cause processing errors.
    • Depending on the analysis software used, one alternative is to select a code to identify missing data; using -999 or -9999 is a common convention.
  • Indicate the code(s) for missing data in the metadata.
  • When exporting data to another format, check to ensure that the missing data convention that you chose to use was consistently translated to the resulting file (e.g. be certain that blank cells were not inadvertently filled).

Data quality assurance

Consider performing basic data quality assurance to detect errors or inconsistencies in data. Here are some common techniques:

  • Spot check some values in the data to ensure accuracy.
  • If practical, consider entering data twice and comparing both versions to catch errors.
  • Sort data by different fields to easily spot outliers and empty cells.
  • Calculate summary statistics, or plot data to catch erroneous or extreme values.

Providing summary information about the data and including it in the metadata helps users verify they have an uncorrupted version of the data. This information might include number of columns; max, min, or mean of parameters in data; number of missing values; or total file size.

Tools to help clean up tabular data

OpenRefine (formerly GoogleRefine) is a very useful tool for exploring, cleaning, editing, and transforming data. Advanced operations can be performed on data using GREL (OpenRefine Expression Language).

References

The preceding guidelines have been adapted from several sources, including:

How to choose a programming language for a Project: Main Tips

How often do you come across a situation where the clients don’t have a clear understanding of what exactly they want? The situation where they describe only the main concept of the future product and its basic functionality? 

Well, let’s be honest, this is a common scenario. While some clients prefer to conduct their own independent research on which language and framework are better for the product, most of them leave it to the software company to choose.

Still, the language for a new project should be chosen only after a series of negotiations with the client. There are a lot of factors that will affect your final choice — the platform, budget, deadlines, etc. To make the right decision when building a development strategy, you must also consider the expert opinion of the developers, technicians, engineers — all those involved in the process.

This is not as simple as it seems. There is a large number of different languages ​​created for various tasks, and it is hardly possible to choose the only right option. How not to make a mistake and pick the tool that fits both the development company and the client?

Choosing the right Platform

The choice of a platform depends on the customer needs — the client may need a cross-platform application or a native mobile version, a website or a desktop app. In some cases the choice is obvious. For example, a taxi service provider may not need its own website and, especially, a desktop application. Instead, an easy-to-use mobile app may be the best option for them. However, less specific products usually require both a mobile and a web application. And this is where the client should make a decision based on the budget.

For mobile development

For mobile development, it is recommended to consider Java for Android apps, and Objective-C or Swift — for iOS apps. However, a rare mobile app is designed exclusively for a single segment of the mobile market. 

Most businesses aim to cover both operating systems when developing the app. If the company has a limited budget, but still wants their product to be available to both Android and iOS users, Facebook’s React Native might be a good choice. React Native will allow you to create a product for both operating systems, significantly reducing the costs and engineering efforts.

For website development

As for website development, the list of languages isn’t just huge, it is almost endless. You should, therefore, focus on the specifics of the project and the market that it will cover. You should clearly understand the vastness of the product’s functionality, capabilities, and complexity. 

Obviously, you will need WordPress to develop a regular content-based site. But today, it is no longer a popular request. Magento and PHP-based OpenCart are suitable for e-commerce products. If you need to develop a large, responsive, agile website that will include a lot of features and data to store, then it is better to pick popular solutions like JavaScript. The tech stack is very extensive here, so you will definitely find the perfect solution.

Development deadlines 

This point is very important, and for a reason. Both the client and the development company must understand when the product will be ready for release, and when the product’s maintenance stage will start off. The faster you start the project, the more time you will have for further improvements. 

The choice of a programming language here is absolutely not obvious since everything depends on the essence of the project. However, you can use pre-built applications to reduce development time. You can conduct a code review and make the necessary changes.

Community support

You might think that this is a less significant aspect when choosing a programming language for the project. But this is not true. In fact, a large community can provide you with support at all stages of the project development. They can introduce you to a huge number of solutions and problems that you will definitely encounter in the future. So you won’t need to spend a lot of time searching for a single resolution to your problem.

Speaking of a vast community, Java, JavaScript, and C# immediately come to mind. These languages ​​are the most popular and demanded today, they have a huge number of fans on GitHub and Stack Overflow.

Conclusion

To summarize, we can say that the choice of a programming language for your next project is always an extremely individual case. So, the main selection criteria are the specifics of a particular product and available resources. Nevertheless, you can always distinguish the leaders that, in most cases, meet all of today’s necessary standards — Java, JavaScript, Python, C++. 

Mind, however, that the choice isn’t always about the features, it is also about the social aspect. In addition to the tech ecosystem of the language, elements like community vastness and the developers’ accessibility are worth your notice. 

Heroku vs. AWS: What to choose in 2022?

Do more with less.

Which PaaS Hosting to Choose?

In the process of elaborating a web project be it a pure API or a thoroughgoing web app, a product manager eventually comes to the point of choosing a hosting service.

Once the tech stack (Python vs. Ruby vs. Node.js vs. anything else) is defined, the software product needs a platform to be deployed and become available to the web world. Fortunately, the present day does not fall short of hosting providers, and everyone can pick the most applicable solution based on particular requirements.

At the same time, the abundance of digital server options is often a large stumbling block many startups can trip on. The first question that arises is what type of web hosting is needed. In this article, we decided to skip such shallow options as shared hosting and virtual private server, and also excluded the dedicated server availability. Our focus is cloud hosting which can serve as a proper project foundation and a tool for deploying, monitoring, and scaling the pipeline. Therefore, it’s worthwhile to review the two most famous representatives of cloud services namely Heroku vs. Amazon.

So let’s talk about popular arguments we can read about everywhere, the same arguments I’m hearing from my colleagues at work ?

Cloud hosting

Dedicated and shared hosting services are two extremes, from which cloud hosting is distinct. Its principal hallmark is the provision of digital resources on demand. It means you are not limited to capabilities of your physical server. If more processing power, RAM, memory, and so on are necessary, they can be scaled fast manually with a few clicks of a button, and even automatically (e.g., Heroku automatic scaling) depending on traffic spikes.

Meanwhile, the number of services and a type of virtual server architecture generate another classification of the host providing options depending on what users get – function, software, platform or an entire infrastructure. Serverless architecture, where the server is abstracted away, also falls under this category and has good chances of establishing itself in the industry over the next few years, as we suggested in our recent blog post. The options we’re going to review here are considered hosting platforms.

Platform as a service

This a cloud computing model features a platform for speedy and accurate app creation. You are released from tasks related to servers, virtualization, storage, and networking – the provider is responsible for them. Therefore, an app creator doesn’t have any worries related to operating systems, middleware, software updates, etc. PaaS is like a playground for web engineers who can enjoy a bunch of services out-of-the-box. Digital resources including CPU, RAM, and others are manageable via a visual administrative panel. The following short intro to the advantages and disadvantages of PaaS will be a good explanation of why this cloud hosting option has been popular lately.

Advantages

The following reasons make PaaS attractive to companies regardless of their size:

  • Cost-efficiency (you are charged only for the amount of resources you use)
  • Provides plenty of assistance services
  • Dynamic scaling
  • Rapid testing and implementation of apps
  • Agile deployment
  • Emphasis on app development instead of supplementary tasks (maintain, upgrade, or support infrastructure)
  • Allows easy migration to the hybrid model
  • Integrated web services and databases

Disadvantages

These items might cause you to doubt whether this is the option for you:

  • Information is stored off-site, which is not appropriate for certain types of businesses
  • Though the model is cost-efficient, do not expect a low budget solution. A good set of services may be quite pricey.
  • Reaction to security vulnerabilities is not particularly fast. For example, patches for Google Kubernetes clusters take 2-4 weeks to be applied. Some companies may deem this timeline unacceptable.

As a rule, the hosting providers reviewed herein stand out amid other PaaS options. The broad picture would be like Heroku vs. AWS vs. Google App Engine vs. Microsoft Azure, and so on. We took a look at this in our blog post on the best Node.js hosting services. Here we go.

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Judging from the article’s title, the Heroku platform should have been the opener of our comparison. Nevertheless, we cannot neglect the standing and reputation of AWS. This provider can not boast an unlimited number of products, but they do have around one hundred. You can calculate the actual number on their product page if needed. However, the point is that AWS is holding not only the PaaS niche. The user’s capability to choose solutions for storage, analytics, migration, application integration and others lets us consider this provider as an infrastructure as a service. Meanwhile, the AWS’ opponent within this comparison cannot boast the same set of services. Therefore, it would only be fair to select the same weight class of competitor and reshape our comparison into Elastic Beanstalk vs. Heroku, since the former is the PaaS provided by Amazon. So, in the context of this article, AWS will be represented by Beanstalk.

Elastic Beanstalk

You can find this product in the ‘Compute’ tab on the AWS home page. Officially, Elastic Beanstalk is a product which allows to deploy web apps. It is appropriate for apps built in RoR, Python, Java, PHP, and other tech stacks. The deployment procedure is agile and automatized. The service carries out auto-scaling, capacity provisioning and other essential tasks for you. The infrastructure management can also be automated. Nevertheless, users are in control of resources leveraged to power the app.

Among the companies that chose this AWS product to host their products, you can encounter BMW, Speed 3D, Ebury, etc. Let’s see what features like Elastic Beanstalk pricing or manageability attract and repel users.

Pros & Cons

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Easy to deploy an appImproved developer productivityA bunch of automated functionalities including the scaling, configuration, setup, and othersFull control over the resourcesManageable pricing – you manage your costs depending on the resources you leverageEasy integration with other AWS productsMedium learning curveDeployment speed may stretch up to 15 minutes per appLack of transparency (zero information on version upgrades, old app versions archiving, lack of documentation around stack)DevOps skills are required

In addition to this PaaS product, Amazon can boast an IaaS solution called Elastic Compute Cloud or EC2. It involves detailed delving into the configuration of server infrastructure, adding database instances, and other activities related to app deployment. At some point in your activities, you might be want to migrate to it from Beanstalk. It is important to mention that such migration can be done seamlessly, which is great!

Heroku

In 2007, when this hosting provider just began its activities, Ruby on Rails was the only supported tech stack. After the lapse of over 10 years, Heroku has enhanced its scope and is now available for dealing with the apps built with Node.js, Python, Perl, and others. Meanwhile, it is a pure PaaS product which makes inappropriate to compare Heroku vs. EC2.

It’s a generally known fact that this provider rests on AWS servers. In this regard, do we really need to compare AWS vs. Heroku? We do, because this cloud-based solution differs from the products we mentioned above and has its own quirks to offer. These include over 180 add-ons – tools and services for developing, monitoring, testing, image processing, and cover other operations with your app, an ocean of buttons and buildpacks. The latter is especially useful for automation of the build processes for tech stacks. As for the big names that leverage Heroku, there are Toyota, Facebook, and GitHub.

Traditionally, we need to learn what benefits of Heroku you can experience and why you may dislike this hosting provider.

Pros & Cons

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Easy to deploy an appImproved developer productivityFree tier is available (not only the service itself but also a bunch of add-ons are available for free)Auto-scaling is supportedA bunch of supportive toolsEasy setupBeginner and startup-friendlyShort learning curveRather expensive for large and high-traffic appsSlow deployment for larger appsLimited in types of instancesNot applicable for heavy-computing projects

Which is more popular – Heroku or AWS?

Heroku has been in the market four years longer than Elastic Beanstalk and has never lost in terms of popularity to this Amazon PaaS.

Meanwhile, the range of services provided by AWS has been growing in high gear. Its customers have more freedom of choice and flexibility to handle their needs. That resulted in a rapid increase in search interest starting from 2013 until today.

Heroku vs. AWS pricing through the Mailtrap example

Talking about pricing, it’s essential to note that Elastic Beanstalk does not require any additional charge. So, is it no charge? The answer is yes – the service itself is free. Nevertheless, the budget will be spent on the resources required for deploying and hosting your app. These include the EC2 instances that comprise different combinations of CPU, memory, storage, and networking capacity, S3 storage, and so on. As a trial version, all new users can opt for a free usage tier to deploy a low-traffic app.

With Heroku, there is no need to gather different services and set up your hosting plan as LEGO. You have to select a Heroku dyno (a lightweight Linux container prepacked with particular resources), database-as-a-service and support to scale resources depending on your app’s requirements. A free tier is also available, but you will be quite limited in resources with this option. Despite its simplicity of use, this cloud service provider is far from being cheap.

We haven’t mentioned any figures here because both services follow a customized approach to pricing. That means you pay for what you use and avoid wasting your money on unnecessary resources. On that account, costs will differ depending on the project. Nevertheless, Heroku is a great solution to start, but Amazon AWS pricing seems cheaper. Is it so in practice?

We decided to show you the probable difference in pricing for one of Railsware’s most famous products – Mailtrap. Our engineers agreed to disclose a bit of information regarding what AWS services are leveraged and how much they cost the company per month. Unfortunately, Heroku services are not as versatile as AWS, and some products like EC2 instances have no equivalent alternatives on the Heroku side. Nevertheless, we tried to find the most relevant options to make the comparison as precise as possible.

Cloud computing

At Mailtrap, we use a set of the on-demand Linux instances including m4.large, c5.xlarge, r4.2xlarge, and others. They differ in memory and CPU characteristics as well as prices. For example, c5.xlarge provides 8GiB of memory and 4 vCPU for $0.17 per hour. As for Heroku, there are only six dyno types with the most powerful one offering 14GB of memory. Therefore, we decided to pick the more or less identical instances and calculate their costs per month.

AWSHeroku
Cloud computingEC2 On-Demand Linux instances:t3.micro (1GiB) – $0.0104 per hour
$7.48 per montht3.small (2GiB) – $0.0208 per hour
$14.98 per monthc5.2xlarge (16GiB) – $0.34 per hour
$244.8 per month
Dyno:standard-2x (1024MB)
$50.00 per month performance-m (2.5GB)
$250.00 per month performance-l (14GB)
$500.00 per month

The computing cloud costs for Mailtrap per month are almost $2,000 based on eight different AWS instances with the memory characteristics from 4GiB to 122 GiB, the costs for Elastic Load Balancing, and Data Transfer. Even if we chose the largest Heroku dyno, Performance-l, the costs would amount to $4,000 per month! It is important also to mention that Heroku cannot satisfy the need for heavy-computing capacity because the largest dyno is limited to 14GB of RAM.

Database

For the database-related purposes, both hosting providers offer powerful suite of tools – Relational Database Service (RDS) for PostgreSQL and Heroku Postgres correspondingly. We picked two almost equal instances to show you the price difference.

AWSHeroku
DatabaseRDS for PostgreSQL:
db.r4.xlarge (30.5 GiB) – $0.48 per hour
$345.6 per month
+
EBS Provisioned IOPS SSD (io1) volumes – $0.125 per GB 
$439.35 per month (at the rate of 750GB storage)
Heroku Postgres:
Standard 4 (30 GB RAM, 750 GB storage)
$750.00 per month

In-memory data store

Both providers offer managed solutions to seamlessly deploy, run, and scale in-memory data stores. Everything is simple to compare. We took an ElastiCache instance used at Mailtrap and set it against the most relevant solution by Heroku Redis. Here is what we’ve got.

AWSHeroku
In-memory storage (i.e., cache)ElastiCache:
cache.r4.large (12.3 GiB) – $0.228 per hour
$164.16 per month
Heroku Redis:
Premium-9 (10GB)
$1,450.00 per month

In addition to RDS instance, you will have to choose an Elastic Block Store (EBS) option, which refers to HDD or SSD volume. At Mailtrap, the EBS costs are almost $600 per month.

Main storage

As the main storage for files, backups, etc., Heroku has nothing to offer, and they recommend using Amazon S3. You can make the integration between S3 and Heroku seamless thanks to using an add-on like Bucketeer. In this case, the main storage costs will be equal for both PaaS (except for the fact that you’ll have to pay for the chosen add-on on Heroku). At Mailtrap, we use a Standard Storage instance “First 50 TB / Month – $0.023 per GB”, as well as instances “PUT, COPY, POST, or LIST Requests – $0.005 per 1,000” and “GET, SELECT and all other Requests – $0.0004 per 1,000”. All in all, the costs are a bit more than $800 per month.

Data streaming

Though this point has no relation to Mailtrap hosting, we decided to show the options provided by AWS and Heroku in terms of real-time data streaming. Amazon can boast of Kinesis Data Streams (KDS), and Heroku has Apache Kafka. The latter is simple to calculate since you need to choose one of the options available (basic, standard or extended) depending on the required capacity. With KDS, you’ll have to either rack your brains or leverage Simple Monthly Calculator. That’s what we’ve got for 4MB/sec data input.

AWSHeroku
Data streaming servicesKDS:
4 shard hours – $0.015 per hour
527.04 million PUT Payload Units – $0.014 per 1,000,000 units
$50.58 per month
Apache Kafka:
Basic-2
$175 per month

Support

Heroku offers three support options – Standard, Premium, and Enterprise. The former is free, while the price for the latter two starts from $1,000. As for AWS, there are four support plans – Basic, Developer, Business, and Enterprise. The Basic one is provided to all customers, while the price for the others is calculated according to AWS usage for a particular amount of costs. For example, if you spend $5,000 on Amazon products, the price for support will be $500.

Total Cost

Now, let’s sum up all the expenses and see how much we would have paid if Mailtrap was hosted on Heroku.

AWSHeroku
Cloud computing
Database
In-memory data store
Main storage
____________________
Total
$2,000.00
$600.00
$164.16
$800
_____________
$3,564.16
$4,000.00
$750.00
$1,450.00
$800
_____________
$7,000.00

These figures are rough, but they fairly present the idea that less haste with infrastructure management is rather pricey. Heroku gives you more time to focus on app creation but drains purse. AWS offers a variety of options and solutions to manage your hosting infrastructure and definitely saves the budget.

Comparison table

Below we compared the most relevant points of the two cloud hosting providers.

PaaSAWS Elastic BeanstalkHeroku
Service-ownerAmazonSalesforce
ServersProprietaryAWS servers
Programming language supportRuby
Java
PHP
Python
Node.js
.NET
Go
Docker
Ruby
Java
PHP
Python
Node.js
Go
Scala
Clojure
Key featuresAWS Service Integration
Customization
Capacity Provisioning
Load Balancing
Auto-scaling
App Health Dashboard
Automatic update
App metrics
Heroku runtime
Heroku PostgreSQL
Add-ons
Data clips
Heroku Redis
App metrics
Code and data rollback
Extensibility
Smart containers (dynos)
Continuous delivery
Auto-scaling
Full GitHub Integration
Management & monitoring toolsManagement Console
Command Line Interface (AWS CLI)
Visual Studio
Eclipse
CloudWatch
X-Ray
Command Line
Application Metrics
Connect
Status
Featured customersBMW, Samsung Business, GeoNetToyota, Thinking Capital, Zenrez

Why use Heroku web hosting

In practice, this hosting provider offers a lot of benefits like a lightning-fast server set up (using the command line, you can make it within 10 sec), easy deployment with Git Push, a plethora of add-ons to optimize the work, and versatile auxiliary tools like Redis and Docker. A free tier is also a good option for those who want to try or experiment with cloud computing. Moreover, since January 2017, auto-scaling has been available for web dynos.

It’s undisputed that Heroku cloud is great for beginners. Moreover, it may be good for low-budget projects due to the lack of DevOps costs needed to set up the infrastructure (and potentially hire someone to do this). However, many startups choose this provider as a launching pad due to its supreme simplicity in operation.

Why choose Amazon Web Services

This solution is more attractive in terms of cost-efficiency. At the same time, it loses out as for usability. Users can enjoy a tremendous amount of features and products for web hosting provided by Amazon. It’s easy to set up and deploy, and definitely provides everything that Heroku does but for less money. However, Elastic Beanstalk is not as easy-to-use as its direct competitor.

Numerous supplementary products like AWS Lightsail, which was described in our blog post dedicated to Ruby on Rails hosting providers, Lambda, EC2, and others let you enhance your app hosting options and control your cloud infrastructure. At the same time, they usually require DevOps skills to use them.

The Verdict

So, which provider is worth your while – Heroku servers that are attractive in terms of usability and beginner-friendliness or AWS products that are cheaper but more intricate in use?

Heroku is the option for:AWS is the option for:
– startups those who prioritize time over money;
– those who prefer dealing with creating an app rather than devoting yourself to infrastructure mundane tasks;
– those whose goal is to deploy and test an MVP;
– products needed to be constantly updated;
– those who do not plan to spend money on hiring DevOps engineers.
– those who have already worked with Amazon web products;
– those who want to avoid numerous tasks related to app deployment;
– those whose goal is to build a flexible infrastructure;
– those who have strong DevOps skills or ready to hire the corresponding professionals;
– projects requiring huge computing power.

2022 Programming Trend Predictions

2022 is almost here, as crazy as that sounds. The year 2022 sounds like it’s derived from science fiction, yet here we are — about to knock on its front door.

If you’re curious about what the future might bring to the programming world, you’re in the right place. I might be completely wrong — don’t quote me on this— but here’s what I think will happen. I can’t predict the future, but I can make educated guesses.

The best way to predict your future is to create it.

Abraham Lincoln

Rust Will Become Mainstream

Rust- https://www.rust-lang.org/

Rust is a multi-paradigm system programming language focused on safety — especially safe concurrency. Rust is syntactically similar to C++, but it’s designed to provide better memory safety while maintaining high performance.

Source: Leftover Salad

We’ve seen four years of strong growth of the Rust programming language. I believe 2020 is the year Rust will officially become mainstream. What is mainstream is up for self-interpretation, but I believe schools will start introducing Rust to their curriculum. This will create a new wave of Rust engineers.

Most loved programming languages from the 2019 StackOverflow Survey.

Rust has proven itself to be a great language with a vibrant and active community. With Facebook building Libra on Rust — its the biggest project ever — we’re about to see what Rust is really made off.

If you’re looking to learn a new language, I would strongly recommend learning Rust. If you’re curious to learn more, I’d start learning Rust from this book. Go Rust!


GraphQL Adoption Will Continue to Grow

GraphQL Google Trends

As our applications grow in complexity, so do our data consumption needs. I’m a big fan of GraphQL, and I’ve used it many times. I think it’s a far superior solution to fetching data compared with a traditional REST API.

While typical REST APIs require loading from multiple URLs, GraphQL APIs get all the data your app needs in a single request.

GraphQL is used by teams of all sizes in many different environments and languages to power mobile apps, websites, and APIs.

Who’s using GraphQL

If you’re interested in learning GraphQL, check out this tutorial I wrote.


Progressive Web Apps Are a Force to Reckon With

Progressive Web Apps (PWA) is a new approach to building applications by combining the best features of the web with the top qualities of mobile apps.

Photo by Rami Al-zayat on Unsplash

There are way more web developers in the wild than native platform-specific developers. Once big companies realize that they can repurpose their web devs to make progressive web applications, I suspect that we’ll be seeing a huge wave of PWAs.

It will take a while for bigger companies to adapt, though, which is pretty normal for technology. The progressive part would generally fall towards the front end development since it’s mostly all about interacting with the Web Workers API (Native Browser API).

Web apps aren’t going anywhere. More people are catching onto the idea that writing a single cross-compatible PWA is less work and more money for your time.

PWA Google Trends

Today is a perfect day to start learning more about PWAs, start here.


Web Assembly Will See More Light

Web Assembly

WebAssembly (abbreviated Wasm) is a binary instruction format for a stack-based virtual machine. Wasm is designed as a portable target for compilation of high-level languages like C, C++, and Rust. Wasm also enables deployment on the web for client and server applications. PWAs can use wasm too.

In other words, Web Assembly is a way to bridge JavaScript technologies with more level technologies. Think of using a Rust image processing library in your React app. Web assembly allows you to do that.

Performance is key, and as the amount of data grows, it will be even harder to keep a good performance. That’s when low-level libraries from C++ or Rust come into play. We’ll see bigger companies adopting Web Assembly and snowball from there.


React Will Continue to Reign

Frontend JavaScript frontend libraries

React is by far the most popular JavaScript library for front end development, and for a good reason too. It’s fun and easy to build React apps. The React team and community have done a splendid job as far as the experience goes for building applications.

React — https://reactjs.org

I’ve worked with Vue, Angular, and React, and I think they’re all fantastic frameworks to work with. Remember, the goal of a library is to get stuff done, so focus less on the flavor, and more on the getting stuff done. It’s utterly unproductive to argue about what framework is the “best.” Pick a framework and channel all your energy into building stuff instead.


Always Bet on JavaScript

We can say with confidence that 2010s was the decade of JavaScript. We’ve seen a massive spike of JavaScript growth, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down.

Keep Betting On JavaScript By Kyle Simpson

JavaScript developers have been taking some abuse by being called “not real developers.” JavaScript is the heart of any big tech company, such as Netflix, Facebook, Google, and many more. Therefore, JavaScript as a language is as legitimate as any other programming language. Take pride in being a JavaScript developer. After all, some of the coolest and most innovative stuff has been built by the JavaScript community.

Almost all websites are leveraging JavaScript to some degree. How many websites are out there? Millions! New Upcoming JavaScript Features — 2019, 2020 and Beyond A peek into the future on what’s coming to the JavaScript languagemedium.com

It has never been a better time to be a JavaScript developer. Salaries are on the rise, the community is as alive as ever, and the job market is huge. If you’re curious to learn JavaScript, the “You Don’t Know JS” book series was a fantastic read.

Top languages over time

I wrote earlier on the subject of what makes JavaScript popular — you should probably read that too.

Top open source projects

AWS Systems Manager: All you need to know

https://aws.amazon.com/systems-manager/

What is AWS SSM?

AWS Systems Manager is an agent-based platform for managing servers across any infrastructure, including AWS, on-premises and other clouds. You can now deploy applications and application configurations with a single command to AWS. The EC2 Run Command is still available, but there’s also a new service that offers this functionality called AWS OpsWorks (OpsWorks for short). Previously, there was no single solution that could be used to manage all servers. This resulted in ASM coming into existence and filling the gap.

Features of SSM (AWS Systems Manager)

Run command

Being a remote command, this enables us to go into your servers and do ad-hoc things easily. Previously, we would utilise Ansible, Bastion Hosts and other similar services to run ad-hoc commands to our remote servers. There are many different solutions, but they all take time to set up & it can be difficult to determine precisely who is doing what. By integrating with AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM), SSM provides significantly better control over controlling remote command executions. It saves remote administration records to audit usage. Security documentation may also be produced for often used commands.

State Manager

New vulnerabilities are discovered every day, so there’s no way to keep your network safe. State Manager makes it extremely simple to maintain the proper state for our application environment by allowing us to run a collection of commands utilising SSM documents on a regular basis. If we want to disable SSH temporarily on all servers, a strategy could be to use an Systems Manager document that schedules a shutdown of the SSH demon on each of our servers every half hour (30 min).

Automation

With this upgrade to the Run Command feature, we’re now able to remotely run commands on various instances. This isn’t all that automation has to offer; we can use AWS API’s as part of these executions. We may combine many stages to complete complicated tasks by using an Systems Manager automation type document. Please keep in mind that Automation documents are run on SSM Service and have a maximum execution time of 1,000,000 seconds per AWS account per region.

Inventory

It’s easy to track what applications are running on our servers and services we use from Systems Manager Inventories. This is done by linking an SSM document to a managed instance, which then collects inventory data about these items at regular intervals and makes them available for examination afterwards.

Patch Manager

Even the environment needs to be updated with new patches. Using SSM Patch Manager, we can define patch baselines and apply them to managed instances during Maintenance Windows. This is done automatically whenever the Maintenance Window time arrives, reducing the possibility of a manual oversight.

Maintenance Windows

Amazon offers a way to schedule tasks to execute on AWS infrastructure at certain intervals, called recurring tasks. You can count on us to perform patch fixes, install software, and upgrade the OS while your computer is in the shop. We may utilise SSM Run commands and Automation features during maintenance windows.

Compliance

This is an SSM reporting method that tells us if our instances are patch baseline or States Manager association compliant. This capability may be used to drill deeper into issues and resolve them using SSM Run commands or Automation.

Parameter Store

By leveraging the AWS KMS service, this functionality eliminates the possibility of exposing database passwords and other sensitive parameters we’d like to include in our SSM Documents. This is a minor component of SSM, but it is necessary for the service to function properly.

Documents

SSM comes with a number of pre-made documents that may be used with Run Commands, Automation, and States Manager. We can also create our own unique documents. SSM Document permissions are connected with AWS IAM, allowing us to use AWS IAM policies to manage who has execution privileges on which documents.

Concurrency

With AWS, you can run commands and automation documents in parallel by specifying a percentage or a count of target instances. We may also halt operations if the number of target instances throwing errors reaches a certain threshold.

Security

Security is a complicated concept and the Systems Manager Agent implements it by running as root on the servers. This better affords visibility into the security of our work environment.

  • The SSM agent retrieves pending orders from the SSM service and executes them on the instance via a pull mechanism.
  • Communication between the SSM agent and the service takes place through a secure channel that employs the HTTPS protocol.
  • Because the SSM agent code is open source, we know exactly what it does.
  • To log all API calls, the SSM service may be linked with AWS CloudTrail.

Cost?

Start using AWS Systems Manager for free – Try the 13 free features available with the AWS Free Tier.

Pay nothing to try Âť

Conclusion

AWS Systems Manager is a cloud-based service for managing, monitoring, and maintaining the health of your IT infrastructure.

AWS Systems Manager is a cloud-based service for managing, monitoring, and maintaining the health of your IT infrastructure. It provides a centralized console to view the state of all your AWS resources, as well as one-click actions to fix common issues.

Overall, AWS Systems Manager is an impressive production-ready tool that lets you manage your servers and other AWS resources remotely.

Links

Renting a VPS Server in Europe or USA

A VPS server is a virtual private server that allows you to share the resources of a physical machine with other users. This type of hosting is more affordable than renting a dedicated server and it also offers more flexibility.

Why You Should Consider VPS Server and How to Make the Most Out of This Decision?

If you are interested in renting a VPS server, then you should know that there are many providers on the market and it can be hard to find the best one for your needs.

A VPS server is a virtual machine that is hosted in a data center and shared with other virtual servers. A VPS server can be used to run an operating system, application, or website.

This article will teach you how to rent vds server from a provider. You will learn what you need to know about the process and the pros and cons of renting one.

The article will also provide you with some tips for choosing the best provider for your needs.

This article will help you make an informed decision on which provider to choose and how to make the most out of your new VPS server.

Why You Should Rent a VPS Server

Renting a VPS server is an ideal solution for startups and small businesses with limited budget. A Virtual Private Server (VPS) is a virtual machine that has its own operating system, storage, and memory. It offers full control of the host machine as well as its own software. You are also able to run your own applications on the VPS server.

A VPS server is not just a hosting solution for websites; it can be used for any kind of business application such as databases or email servers. In addition, you are able to manage your VPS server from anywhere in the world which means you don’t have to worry about hiring someone else to maintain it.

How to Rent the Best VPS for You

A VPS is a virtual private server that can be rented by anyone. A VPS can be seen as a self-contained mini-server that runs its own operating system, but shares the resources of the larger machine it is running on.

The most important thing to note about renting your own VPS is that you are in complete control of your data. This means you have total control over the applications and services you run on your VPS, and if anything goes wrong, it’s your responsibility to fix it.

Dedicated servers in USA & Europe

Dedicated servers are a type of hosting service that offers the full resources of a physical server to a single customer.

Dedicated servers are not as expensive as they used to be and they also offer better performance than shared hosting.

What are the Advantages of Renting a VPS Server?

A VPS Server is a virtual private server. This means that it is not a physical server and instead it is a software-based server.

In this article, we will look at the advantages of renting a VPS Server. The advantages include:

1) low cost

2) high availability

3) security

What are the Disadvantages of Renting a VPS Server?

The main disadvantage of renting a VPS server is that it can only be used by one customer. It cannot be shared with anyone else.

Another disadvantage of renting a VPS server is that the customer will not have full control over the server. The customer will have to rely on the provider to maintain and update their servers.

Choosing a Cheap VDS Provider? 5 Questions To Ask First!

Choosing a cheap reliable VPS hosting company is not always easy. There are a lot of options to choose from and not all providers can be trusted.

In this article, we will talk about the six things you should ask before choosing a VPS provider.

Choosing a Virtual Private Server Provider can be a daunting task. There are many providers to choose from, each with their own features and limitations. You need to figure out what you need the server to do, which operating system you want to run on it, whether or not it should have one or more cores, what memory it should have and how much space.

  1. The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Managed Hosting Provider
  2. Managed vs. Unmanaged Hosting
  1. Do you know the right questions to ask your managed hosting provider?
  2. Beware of these Red Flags when shopping for Managed Hosting!
  3. How Much Should Quality Managed Hosting Actually Cost You?

Most customers do not know what questions to ask and can be easily tempted by the promise of guarantees. They often make decisions based on a feeling from one sales pitch without doing any research beforehand, or they do inadequate research.

Luckily, we’re here to help you out.

Conclusion – Why You Should Consider Renting a VPS Server

The conclusion section is the last part of the article. It should summarize the main points discussed in the article and provide a final call to action.

In this section, I will explain why you should consider renting a VPS server for your business.

Tips for creating an A-worthy Python assignment

Python is a computer programming language. We would not say it is a complex language to learn, but we know that it is not a language you can learn in a day or two. To be well-versed with the language, you need to be regular, and dedicate time and effort. However, a college student who is new at it will have a different kind of struggle. They are probably learning the language for the first time, and while they are getting acquainted with this new language, they are constantly challenged with the assignments they get from the professors. So, what should you do to ensure that you receive an A in your Python assignment? Below, we will address a few tips that can surely come in handy for you. So, let us get started and look at them one by one. 

Tip 1 – Be consistent

When you study a Python-related concept in class, always ensure that you go back home and practice questions around it. Do not wait for your professor to finish a lengthy concept; assign you some questions, and then go all clammy. Instead, be proactive and consistent. You can always find abundant python homework questions with their solutions online. These can help you with practice. They are questions from previous year’s papers, sample questions around the concepts, and many practice questions. Also, when you do these questions in advance, you will see how quick it gets for you to solve the assignment. Many of the questions in the assignment will be similar to the ones you have already solved. Thus, there will be no extra trouble. 

Tip 2 – Be very attentive in class

This is imperative and cannot be done without. While learning a subject in class, your heart, mind, body, ears, and soul should be all present in the classroom. You should be attentive and listen carefully to every word that comes out of your professor’s mouth. Further, try to understand what’s been said and register it in your memory. If you have doubts, clarify them. 

Tip 3 – Make notes

Regardless of how attentive you may be in the classroom, as the subject intensifies and you learn newer concepts, the older ones start eliminating from your memory. Thus, it is essential that while you are being taught a concept in class, you also make notes simultaneously. Of course, as you are already doing two tasks (listening and understanding), you will not have the time to create detailed notes. So, what you can do is, prepare short, crisp notes. However, do ensure that they are legible, and then, when you go back home, read through these notes and try to recall everything that was taught around it. Then, based on your memory and the brief notes, prepare detailed, full-length notes. These notes will come in handy when you get to the questions. Also, you can use them while preparing for the exam. 

Tip 4 – Read through the questions carefully.

Often students are in haste to finish the homework that they barely pay attention to the question. As a result, they will quickly read through and miss multiple aspects of the question. Consequently, they will make silly mistakes, which could have been easily avoided. So, once you receive the paper, read through every question at least thrice. 

  1. In your first reading, understand the question, see what is given, and what you are supposed to find. 
  2. In your second reading, write down what’s been given and what you are supposed to find. 
  3. Try to compare the two in your final reading and see if you have missed out on anything. If not, you can get started with the solution. 

While you read the question, mainly in your first reading itself, you will know whether you can solve it on your own or would require Python homework help. You can act accordingly and save some time. 

Tip 5 – Read the instructions well

Only reading the questions will not suffice; you also must read through the given instructions at least once. These instructions are necessary because their adherence is mandatory, and upon failure, your marks will be deducted. Typically, the instructions are the structural and formatting guidelines, which add to the standardization of the paper. Hence, it should be kept in mind. 

Tip 6 – Sit in a clean, quiet room

There are two key things here – clean and quiet. Firstly, when you sit down with your assignment, ensure that your desk and table are clean and well-organized. It would be best if you only kept around the stuff you need for this assignment, and anything beyond that should be eliminated immediately—the more things you have on your table, the greater the chance of distraction. Hence, avoid it. This also includes your phone. You can temporarily switch it off or keep it in a different room. Concentration and focus apps, such as Forest, can help you with the same. 

Secondly, the room or the corner where you sit should be quiet, away from the entry and exit. This can help you concentrate better and dedicate your attention solely to the paper. 

Tip 7 – Seek help, if required

Lastly, if you think that the current knowledge that you possess might not be enough to help you score a top grade in the subject, it is best to get help. 

There are several mediums/sources of help: 

  1. Your parents or siblings – If they have studied the same subject in their time, they can surely help you with the homework. 
  2. Your classmates – As they are solving the same paper as you, it is easier for you to get help from them. But, do not indulge in any malpractices and copy-paste their homework. This will be tagged as plagiarism and will never be appreciated by any professor.  
  3. Enroll in an online course – If you find it difficult to ask your doubts in class, you can always enroll yourself in an online course from a reputed professor. There are both group and one-on-one sessions available. You can pick whatever works best for you. 
  4. Get your paper solved by an expert – Some online professionals can help solve your paper. All you have to do is approach them, share your requirements, and they will take over from there. These are knowledgeable professionals who have been working in the industry for several years and will be in a position to prepare a top-class A-worthy paper for you. 

So, these are a few essential tips that you must bear in mind to create an excellent Python paper for your college or university. It is an inclusive list, and more tips can be added to it. Do share them with us in the comment box below if you have some. 

What is DRG grouper software?

The grouper is a computer software system that classifies a patient’s hospital stay into an established DRG based on the diagnosis and procedures provided to the patient.

Background

Section 1886(d) of the Act specifies that the Secretary shall establish a classification system (referred to as DRGs) for inpatient discharges and adjust payments under the IPPS based on appropriate weighting factors assigned to each DRG.  Therefore, under the IPPS, we pay for inpatient hospital services on a rate per discharge basis that varies according to the DRG to which a beneficiary’s stay is assigned. The formula used to calculate payment for a specific case multiplies an individual hospital’s payment rate per case by the weight of the DRG to which the case is assigned.  Each DRG weight represents the average resources required to care for cases in that particular DRG, relative to the average resources used to treat cases in all DRGs.

Currently, cases are classified into Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Groups (MS-DRGs) for payment under the IPPS based on the following information reported by the hospital: the principal diagnosis, up to 24 additional diagnoses, and up to 25 procedures performed during the stay.

What is the difference between DRG and MS-DRG?

DRG stands for diagnosis-related group. Medicare’s DRG system is called the Medicare severity diagnosis-related group, or MS-DRG, which is used to determine hospital payments under the inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS).

What are the pros and cons of DRG?

The advantages of the DRG payment system are reflected in the increased efficiency and transparency and reduced average length of stay. The disadvantage of DRG is creating financial incentives toward earlier hospital discharges. Occasionally, such polices are not in full accordance with the clinical benefit priorities.

Ethical aspects of using employee monitoring software and its smooth introduction to the team

The decision to implement employee monitoring software seems like a smart way for employers to stay on top of everything and to prevent any delicate situations. At the same time, employees aren’t as eager to embrace such changes. Today we’ve decided to help you formulate the right approach to employee monitoring keeping in mind its ethical aspects and the goal to boost employee productivity without violating anyone’s privacy.

The global pandemic has made employers realize that their teams can in fact work remotely and complete their tasks from the comfort of their own homes. However, most companies don’t have any experience with monitoring remote employees and keeping track of them using automated solutions. At the end of the day it doesn’t really matter if your team works at the office or from home, the challenge of ensuring high employee productivity and keeping track of their activity during working hours is universal for every supervisor.

In the recent years employee monitoring software has proven its tremendous value for employers, yet it still raises ethical concerns, especially among employees. Your job as a supervisor is to make sure employee monitoring in your company is implemented in an ethical way and is accepted by the team.

Basics of ethical employee monitoring

Employees mainly feel uncomfortable about the possibility of them being monitored because they consider it almost like a privacy invasion. Tracking employees without their consent not only presents a serious legal issue in most countries, but also tremendously weakens overall trust in the workplace. There’s a difference between monitoring and intrusion. Checking your employees’ personal accounts or reading their private messages isn’t the way to go about ensuring they aren’t doing anything illegal.

Generally, employees are fine with the kind of monitoring that is:

  • Open and transparent. Monitoring employees without their knowledge is the number one practice that’s universally considered unethical. Of course, if you suspect that someone from your team is committing a fraud and you want to get concrete evidence of that, you have legal grounds for more in-depth monitoring. However, if you simply want to keep an eye on your employees and decide not to tell them about it, you could face serious consequences. To avoid this, we strongly recommend that you notify your employees about the implementation of monitoring software and encourage them to keep private matters to their home PCs and personal smartphones.
  • Within working hours. Nowadays, when most teams have switched to a WFH mode, after-hours monitoring poses quite a problem. It’s not uncommon for the employees to use company-provided laptops for personal matters after they’re done for the day. And when it comes to any type of monitoring software, there’s always the risk of recording sensitive personal data. Our advice is to either ban your employees from using company-owned laptops for personal affairs or to allow them to turn off monitoring when they stop working for the day.

For example, Kickidler employee monitoring software allows specialists themselves to turn off monitoring once they’re done with work for the day. This option will make your employees more relaxed about the monitoring since they’ll have more control over it.

  • Reasonable. Ethical employee monitoring isn’t just about collecting the data, it’s also about having purpose for such supervision. If you decide to use employee monitoring software purely for the sake of using it or, even worse, for spying on your personnel, it’s not going to end well. If you actually want to get the most out of employee monitoring, you need to have clear understanding of the reasons behind it, the type of data you’ll be collecting and the performance targets you want your employees to achieve. For example, if you’re using employee monitoring software to increase your team productivity, you can start by tracking how productive they are on a daily basis (by the way, Kickidler calculates this metric automatically. Once you have that information, analyze what causes the productivity to go down. Do your employees spend too much time in various meetings? Or perhaps they spend too much time on social media? Pinpoint the exact issues that cause bottlenecks and deal with them by talking to your employees and minimizing the distractions.

Importance of conveying the need for employee monitoring

If you decide to introduce employee monitoring in your company, you should also help your employees understand why you’ve made this decision. We suggest you inform your team that you’ll be monitoring them for professional purposes only and strictly during working hours. We also strongly advise you to be as transparent as possible about the monitoring from the very beginning.

Besides, an Accenture survey found that 92% of employees are actually willing to have their data collected as long as it’s used to boost their own well-being and performance. One way to get your team on board with the monitoring is to share with them how the accumulated data will be used and how it will actually be beneficial for everybody in the long run – for example, in balancing workloads, avoiding burnout or improving your performance (e.g., Kickidler’s Autokick enables employees to view their personal statistics and compare them with previous reports).  

Overall, it is possible to monitor your employees ethically – everything is in your hands. And with the help of Kickidler employee monitoring software this process won’t be just automated, it’ll also bring great value to the company.

10 Best Deepfake Apps and Websites [Updated List]

What is a Deepfake?

Deepfake is a video or image manipulated with artificial intelligence to trick you into believing something that isn’t real. It is most commonly used as a meme, but there are bad actors who use it to make misinformation go viral.

Some examples of the use of deepfakes are to make people who don’t exist and show real people doing or saying things they didn’t really do. Deepfakes can be used to create highly deceptive content, which is why they can be dangerous.

Here are the top 10 deepfake apps you can try for fun and understand the technology

The acceleration of digital transformation and technology adoption have benefited many industries. It has given rise to many innovative technologies and deepfakes are one of them. We all saw how Barack Obama called Donald Trump a ‘complete dipshit’. This is an example of deepfake videos. Deepfake technology uses AI, Deep Learning, and a Generative Adversarial Network or GAN to build videos or images that seem real but are actually fake. Here are the top 10 deepfake apps and websites to experiment with for fun and to further understand the technology.

1. Reface

It is an AI-powered app that allows users to swap faces in videos and GIFs. Reface was formerly known as Doublicat, which had gone viral soon after its launch. With Reface, you can swap faces with celebrities, memes, and create funny videos. The app intelligently uses face embeddings to perform the swaps. The technology is called Reface AI and relies on a Generative Adversarial Network.

ProsCons
High ratings on Apple and Android app storesMiss out on key features with free version
Easy to useLots of ads

The latest addition is a new feature by Reface that enables users to upload their own content other than selfies. The new feature is called Swap Animation and it lets users add content other than selfies like photos of any humanoid entity, animate it, and do face swap.

2. MyHeritage

My Heritage is a genealogy website that has an app with a deepfake feature. The startup uses a technology called Deep Nostalgia, which lets the users animate old photos. MyHeritage nostalgia feature took the internet by storm and social media was flooded with different experimental photos. This deepfake technology animates the photos uploaded by making the eyes, face, and mouth displaying slight movements.

3. Zao

Zao, a Chinese deepfake technology app, rose to popularity and went viral in the country. Zao’s deep fake technology allows users to swap their faces onto movie characters, it lets the users upload any piece of video and in minutes you get a deepfake generated. The app is only released in China and it efficiently creates amazingly real-looking videos in just minutes. The app enables users to choose from a wide library of videos and images. Zao’s algorithm is mostly trained on Chinese faces and hence, might look a bit unnatural on others.

Install: Android / iOS – Free

4. FaceApp

This editing application recently went viral due to its unique features that enable users to apply aging effects. Social media was flooded with people trying different filters from FaceApp in recent times. This is a free app, and this makes it even more viral among the audience. FaceApp leverages artificial intelligence, advanced machine learning, deep learning technology, along with an image recognition system.

ProsCons
Many photo-editing features are availableLimited features with free version
Easy to useLots of ads

5. Deepfakes Web

It is an online deepfake software that works in the cloud. Deepfakes Web allows the users to create deepfake videos on the web and unlike the other apps, it takes almost 5 hours to curate a deep fake video. It learns and trains from the videos and images uploaded, using its deepfake AI-based algorithm and deep learning technology. This platform is a good choice if you want to know the technology behind deepfakes better and understand the nuances of computer vision. It allows the users to reuse the trained models so that they can further improve on the video and create deepfakes without using a trained model. The platform is priced at USD3 per hour and promises complete privacy by not sharing the data with a 3rd party.

6. Deep Art Effects

As the name suggests, it is not a deepfake video app, but DeepArt creates deepfake images by turning them into artistic. The app uses a Neural Style Transfer algorithm and AI to convert the uploaded photos into famous fine arts paintings, and recreate artistic images. DeepArt is a free app and has more than 50 art styles and filters. The app offers standard, HD, and Ultra HD features, in which the latter two are priced versions. The app allows its users to download and share the images created.

7. Wombo

Wombo is an AI-powered lip-sync app, wherein users can transform any face into a singing face. There is a list of songs to choose from and users can select one and make the chosen character in an image to sing it. The app creates singing videos that have a Photoshop quality to them and hence, it seems animated and not realistic. Wombo uses AI technology to enable the deepfake scenario.

8. DeepFace Lab – Best Deepfake Software in General

It is a windows program that lets users create deepfake videos. Rather than taking deepfake technology as a fun element, this software program allows its users to learn and understand the technology better. It uses deep learning, machine learning, and human image synthesis. Primarily built for researchers in the field of deep learning and computer vision, DeepFace Lab is not a user-friendly platform. The user needs to learn the documentation and also needs a powerful PC with a high-end GPU to use the program.

9. Face Swap Live

Face Swap Live is a mobile application that lets users swap faces with another person in real-time. The app also allows its users to create videos and apply different filters to them and directly share them on social media. Unlike most of the other deepfake apps, Face Swap Live does not use static images and instead enables to perform of live face swaps with the phone camera. Face Swap Live is not a fully deepfake app, but if you are looking to use deepfakes for fun, this should be the right one. The app effectively uses computer vision and machine learning.

10. AvengeThem

AvengeThem is a website that lets users select a GIF and swap their images onto the faces of the characters from the Avengers movie series. Although it is not a completely deepfake website as it uses a 3D model to replace the faces and animate them. The website has about 18 GIFs available and it does not take more than 30 seconds to create this effect, which does not look very realistic.

Are There Any Benefits of Deepfakes?

There are a lot of applications for DeepFake technology, and it can really have some hugely positive effects. For example, it could be used in films where the actors couldn’t be there for any legitimate reason.

Deepfakes are so persuasive that they show characters at a young age or replace those who have passed away. They haven’t proven to replace CGI in the film industry just yet, but it’s still too early to tell.

The fashion industry could also be a potential customer of this technology and it is looking for ways to fulfill its clients. Deepfakes would allow for customers to see what a particular piece of clothing will look like on them before committing to the purchase.

Is deepfake AI?

Yes, deepfake apps and websites use AI, ML, and machine vision to create deepfakes.

What Risks Do Deepfake Apps & Websites Pose?

Deepfakes have positive uses, but they are often used for bad purposes and manipulation. In the film industry, they can help to create better content while in the fashion industry they can provide a level of authenticity to the clothes being sold. The problem is that deepfakes are often used for nefarious purposes, such as disinformation attacks and fake celebrity videos.

Deepfakes can be used in social engineering scams and financial fraud, as well. In 2019, a voice deepfake was used to commit CEO fraud after stealing $243,000 from an unnamed UK company.

Deepfakes could lead to serious consequences for society. They might make cybersecurity measures pointless, undermine political stability and affect the finances of corporations or individuals.

AI in Dating: How Smart Technologies Are Used in the Online Dating World

Everybody knows that artificial intelligence has found its way to most industries. It makes complex processes easier and never gets tired. It can predict behavioral patterns and even helps with reading emotions. The list of ways in which AI helps is long, let’s try to group the most important points. We’ll focus on one of the first industries that started using artificial intelligence. The two most important factors of online dating are safety and efficiency. AI improved both. Let’s see how.

AI on Guard for Relevant Matches

We’ll start with how AI makes dating sites more efficient. Online dating has come a long way since its beginning. That means singles now can choose platforms that fit them the best. Nowadays, along with general dating sites, there are many niche online platforms that target specific groups of people looking for a specific type of relationship. So, straight people join sites for straight people while gay men meet each other on gay dating sites. In turn, lesbian women have a bunch of platforms, but most still pick the best of all lesbian dating sites available today. They do so because they know that joining a platform only for lesbians makes their chances of getting dates much better. Lesbian women are sure that every other member on the site is their potential partner. That alone was a breakthrough in the online dating industry. Niche sites are much more effective than general sites despite having smaller communities. It’s easier to connect people who have something in common than those who don’t. That was the whole purpose of specialized sites.

And then AI took that one step further. Niche and general sites started using artificial intelligence to become even more effective. Because AI matchmaking is faster than the human brain since it can process more data in less time. Users no longer have to spend a lot of time manually searching for relevant matches (of course, this possibility is still present on dating sites). After filling in your details and indicating your desired preferences, the matchmaking algorithm will offer you a variety of suitable potential matches. And you no longer need to choose among all site users, but only among those who contain a set of qualities that you are looking for in a partner, and who may like you based on their request and your profile. But there is something even more. Not only does artificial intelligence connect better matches based on the provided data, but it also learns what each member prefers.

Example

For example, when a single woman joins a lesbian dating site to find her perfect girlfriend, she browses profiles, stops to read interesting descriptions, zooms to check out profile photos, sends messages to some girls, etc. All that time, AI notices (and remembers) what members made this single woman stop browsing. It usually turns out that all the lesbian users who grab one’s attention have much in common. Smart intelligence technology collects this data to make offers more relevant to each user, thus improving the dating experience on the site.

How AI Improves User Experience

Artificial intelligence makes dating sites more effective because it improves user experience. It’s easier to explain how that’s possible on the example of Facebook and its other companies. Do you know how you always see more content related to that one post you checked out? Thank AI for that. Stop to check out comments on a post related to COVID. You’ll start getting a lot more posts like that in your feed. It’s like that on every social media. AI thinks that people stop to read things they’re interested in. On most dating sites that manifest in presenting better matches in less time. 

That is, if a single woman is looking for a woman on a lesbian dating site, for example, browsing ladies from her local area, then the site will offer her exactly the local lesbians in whom she is interested. Yes, users still have to spend time on the site to give AI enough info. However, if a woman spends a couple of hours looking for her potential lesbian girlfriend nearby, the AI on the site will pick that up. At the same time, if another woman spends her time looking for someone like our first woman, the AI will remember that too. Then, those two lesbian women will be more likely to see each other on the site’s features. You can look at AI on dating sites as some sort of cupid. It watches over you, learns who you are, and tries to help you reach your goal.

How AI Secures Users

We explained how AI makes online dating sites more efficient. Now let us tell you something about safety. We won’t touch any technology that’s still not in use on dating sites, such as AI emotion detectors. We’ll mention how AI currently helps people stay safe while looking for dates.

As you know, AI processes a tremendous amount of information every second and never gets tired. In other words, it watches over the whole site to prevent issues before they happen. If some attacker wants to steal the personal data of one of the users, he will not be able to do so. Because AI will see errors in the code before he does and fix them. 

Also, based on AI, anti-spam and anti-fraud systems are being developed and implemented. These systems filter users for “suspicious activity” or block users for trigger words and images contained in posts, profiles, and the like. This reduces the risk of users facing insults, racism, sexism and other negative factors of online communication platforms. Therefore, the positive experience on dating sites for black dating or lesbian dating will only grow every year. Aren’t we living in the best era for being single?

Things to consider before starting a retail software development

There are three aspects to consider when developing the right retail software: the operational aspect (Is customer relationship management effective?), the collaboration aspect (Does communication between employees, customers, suppliers, and partners improve?), and the analytical aspect (Does data analysis become easier?). Among the retail software development services on the market, how to select the one that will help increase the productivity and commercial efficiency of your company?

What tasks will your business solve using retail software?

  • Gathering sales data in a shared database, in a single view
  • Segmenting the target audience and building customer portraits
  • Providing immediate response to customer inquiries
  • Generating personalized recommendations and offers for the buyers
  • Making sales forecasts

All these functions of retail software, in most cases, are aimed at customers. For example, such retail software as CRM works within the company: integrated with financial tools, it accelerates preparing reports, automates staff work, and improves communication between departments through a common information field.

All retail software can be divided into two large groups: boxed products (ready-made solutions) and custom software. And it is clear that to choose a custom retail software, you must find a quality supplier of retail software development services and have clear goals. Just the choice depends on the objectives of your business and the requirements which software must meet. Below, we have prepared some tips about software development.

Customizable and flexible retail software: does it really matter?

It all depends on the needs of the company and employees. Indeed, the customization needs are not the same if the retail software is used by one department (e.g., sales representatives only) or several departments with different modes of operation, which may need to be adapted. In any case, simple, ergonomic, and intuitive software is preferred.

In addition, to ensure that your retail software is open to other tools, it is interesting to see if it has an application programming interface (API). The IT department should be able to measure API needs and interoperability or technical barriers with the chosen retail software solution. For example, APIs allow interoperability with ERP, other software, or a website.

Compare the features offered by custom retail software

It is important to select its features according to the needs and use of each. By grouping the different features by topic, it allows you to put a rating of importance for each criterion and make a complete comparison to see more clearly. The main groups of software features most often are:

  • Database of contacts and companies: multi-criteria search, history of exchanges and changes, import/export of Excel tables, synchronization with another database, sorting, adding favorites, a tool for merging companies or duplicating contacts, etc.;
  • Commercial pipe management: monitoring the evolution of opportunities, creating personalized quotes, etc.;
  • Marketing campaigns: the creation of personalized campaigns, interface with mailing tools, automation of actions, etc.;
  • Sales cycle automation: automatic email/phone reminders, document storage (sales proposals, letters, etc.), overdue action reminders, signature probabilities calculation, etc.;
  • Data analysis: dashboards, data summaries with graphs, commercial reporting, custom queries, ROI analysis, etc.;
  • Workforce planning and management: general scheduling and general agenda, managing employee absence and expense reports, requesting and confirming leave / RTT, managing roles and access rights, hierarchy, etc.;
  • Additional options: interface with social networks, API call, links to Google Maps;

Custom retail software options that matter

Simple options or parameterization options are useful for increasing the productivity of your team. That’s why you need to learn about some features that can make a difference. If we talk about CRM, for example, social media interface, available on all types of support (mobile CRM, laptop, desktop, etc.), link to email software, synchronization with employee calendars (Office 365, Google Calendar…), related mobile apps, etc.

You’ll find that usage of custom CRM software is a detail that facilitates appropriation and long-term use. And let’s dive deeper into the retail software development topic on the example of these systems by Fideware.

CRM software: security, data storage, and backup

Depending on how the CRM software is obtained, it is important to question the security of the stored data. In the case of purchasing CRM software in SaaS mode, the publisher will take care of the location of all the data contained in the software. Therefore, it is preferable to check the level of technical skills and experience of the publisher, the location of data centers, the frequency of data backup, the technological partners of the CRM software publisher (vendors, training, support…). This step should not be overlooked. A data leak or loss can be an actual blow to the company.

If you’re still hesitant, test them out

It can be helpful to try the CRM software before you buy it and mobilize all its employees. Having different departments that will use the CRM software to do the test allows you to have feedback and comments and take comfort in your decision.

Why choose a custom solution from Fideware

  1. Easy-to-use retail software: With the advent of new technologies, your employees will have the perfect ease-of-use interface that you customize yourself to meet your needs.
  2. Comprehensive dashboards: you will be able to track, analyze and understand your customers’ journey.
  3. All your services will be connected: the CRM will be able to connect all your business processes to initiate the perfect collaboration of your services and increase efficiency.
  4. Smart tool: by creating lists that you will customize, you will be able to monitor your opportunities or consider new marketing campaigns by planning them.

Custom CRM systems are easily integrated with the IT infrastructure of the business, contain a package of options necessary for a particular business, and protect customer data. Many business owners appreciate the benefits of CRM.

By following all of these tips to choose your custom retail software, know that the more the solution is considered, the more effective and flexible the implementation will be. Measuring your goals and determining your needs lets you know which features are necessary and which are not. However, some steps in the custom retail software selection process are not negligible: checking the vendor’s reliability and experience, testing before buying, etc.

The Complete Guide to Real Estate Appraisal Software and the Role it Plays in Commercial Real Estate

The commercial real estate industry is a booming one with a high demand for real estate appraisers. The importance of the appraisal process cannot be underestimated. It is not only pivotal in determining the value of a property but also in its financing, sale, and leasing.

In order to meet this high demand, developers have started developing specialized software that can automate parts of the process. With these apps, appraisers can focus more on the most important aspects of their job and spend less time on tedious tasks such as data entry or repetitive calculations.

Introduction: What tools does a real estate appraiser use?

Real estate appraisers use a variety of tools to do their jobs.

The most common commercial real estate appraisal tools are the following:

– Real Estate Appraiser’s Calculator

– Real Estate Appraiser’s Report Form

– Real Estate Appraiser’s Checklist

– Real Estate Appraiser’s Boundary Map

– Real Estate Appraiser’s Property Information Form

– Real Estate Appraiser’s Market Analysis Methodology

What is REA Appraisal Software and its Role in the Commercial Real Estate Industry?

REA Appraisal Software is a software that helps appraisers to carry out their work more efficiently and accurately. It is a commercial real estate appraisal software that provides automated valuation for commercial property.

Appraisal Software is an automated tool that helps appraisers to carry out their work more efficiently and accurately. It provides automated valuation for commercial property and calculates the market value of the property based on its comparable sales data.

Commercial Land & Building Value Assessment: The Key to Successful Commercial Real Estate Investment

Commercial real estate is one of the most profitable investments in the world. Understanding how to assess commercial property values is crucial for successful investment in this industry.

Commercial land and building value assessment are key elements for success when investing in commercial real estate. This article will explore these two elements and provide key insights on how to assess them correctly.

Commercial land and building value assessment are important factors when it comes to investing in commercial property. This article will explore these two factors, provide insights on how to assess them correctly, and discuss what you need to consider before making an investment decision.

What is the Best Property Appraisals Software on the Market?

Property Appraisers are required to appraise real estate for a variety of purposes. The appraisal is used to determine the value of the property for insurance, taxation, financing, or other purposes.

There are many different types of property appraisers software on the market today. Some are more suited for mortgage lending while others are more suitable for assessing property values.

This article will break down some of the most popular appraisal software on the market and discuss their features and benefits in detail.

Top 5 Best Real Estate Appraisal Software Reviews

  • 1. HouseCanary
  • 2. ValueLink
  • 3. SFREP
  • 4. A la mode
  • 5. ACI Analytics

Conclusion: Why You Should Invest in a Professional Property Appraisal Service To Protect Your Investment

An appraisal is a professional opinion of value, and it can be vital to protecting your investment.

You may be wondering why you should invest in a professional property appraiser service. The answer is simple: protection. An appraisal can provide you with the assurance that your property is valued correctly and that you are not overpaying for the property.

How does CIAM Protect Customer Data?

Companies are gathering more data about their consumers than ever before. With this in mind, companies are looking for ways to keep their customers’ information safe. Customer Identity and Access Management (CIAM) can help protect consumer data by allowing one username and password to be used across all the services they use, while maintaining confidentiality of passwords and other sensitive information that might be needed at login.

The right CIAM solution can help reduce the risks of customer data being compromised by hackers or lost because of system failures.

CIAM helps reduce the risk of loss of confidentiality for one’s customers, which may lead to more customers trusting your company with their business. Think about how even one security breach could affect that relationship if they are not allowed to use a single login for all their needs?

For this reason, CIAM (customer identity and access management) is becoming a critical part of cloud infrastructure.

Being easy to use and adaptable enough to work with any service, the best CIAM solutions allow your customers to login using one username and password that will then enable them to access all of their other accounts and programs.

CIAM and the GDPR

The two are not directly related, but they are both aimed at protecting your customers’ data. The GDPR is a European Union regulation that came into effect on the 25th of May, 2018, and it protects EU citizens’ personally identifiable information (PII).

The GDPR causes companies to rethink how they store customer personal data, and this is why a company’s CIAM solution should be able to provide enough security and transparency to allow them to comply with the GDPR, which can mean that changes need to be made.

Enabling Customers to Take Control of Their Data

The GDPR also gives customers more control over what information they share with companies. Customers can now easily view what information a company holds about them, and they also have the right to be forgotten. This means that companies must ensure that they protect both their own and their customers’ data by encrypting it on their own servers and any third-party vendors who might have access.

How customer data is used by businesses

This has always been a concern, and although many people may feel uncomfortable about exposing their data to businesses, it is often necessary for them to do so in order to be able to fully enjoy the services that they want.

CIAM can make customers’ lives easier by allowing them to use single sign-on (SSO) when accessing different websites and apps. It allows businesses to provide users with a convenient way to log onto different platforms using one set of login details, rather than requiring them to use the same password every time.

Customers are still in control

Even though CIAM helps make customers’ lives easier by allowing them to browse the internet more securely, it also makes sure that their personal details are kept safe by allowing them to choose exactly how much they want to share with a business.

This means that, even if a customer has signed up for an account on a service which uses CIAM, there will be no risk of their data being stolen if the business’ servers are hacked. This does not mean that they should not take care when entering their details on such sites.

The benefits of using a CIAM platform to protect customer data

On one hand, customers feel as though they are finally in control of their own data and how it is handled by businesses using CIAM platforms. This means that those companies which do not yet use CIAM will be forced to change their practices if they want to keep attracting new customers and keeping old ones.

On the other hand, those companies who already use CIAM will benefit from a boost in customer trust and security. This means that they can build a more solid relationship with their customers and be able to establish themselves as one of the most trustworthy internet entities around.

How to choose a CIAM provider that meets your needs?

A key factor to consider when looking for a CIAM provider is whether they can provide you with access to an API. APIs are how websites allow your chosen tools and applications to connect with them.

This means that if you already use another company’s proprietary software, chances are there will be an API for it so that the data can be sent to your CIAM tool. It’s important that you find a CIAM company that provides such an API as it gives you greater control over your data and how it is presented, enabling you to create the report exactly how you want it rather than having them do all the hard work for you.

How to work Nude Filters and Porn Detector Software?

The following instructions might be helpful for those of you who have never worked with the program:

  1. Download the software (either by clicking the link below or on the right side of this page).
  2. Install it to a folder.
  3. Open the folder and run the executable file to start the program.
  4. Enter your email address, then click “Register.”
  5. Enter your password and click “Create Password.”
  6. Click

How to Develop an Online Platform for Healthcare Training

Regarding the pandemic situation, stationary education became difficult in any educational facility and any industry. Medical education differs from other faculties by its lack of opportunities to miss classes or skip the topic. The healthcare industry demands the highest quality of teaching and knowledge for future or current doctors. That’s why most medical facilities turned to online learning for their workers or students. There is a wide range of ready-made platforms that can be customized according to a particular course or establishment’s needs. However, many establishments are used by these platforms, and they can not cover all the required issues. The common problems that appear during online learning are:

  • absence of a single database for students documents and all courses;
  • there is no opportunity to gather students for practical pieces of training or lectures in the classroom, and it makes the studying process harder;
  • poor knowledge verification;
  • ready-made solutions are expensive for a vast number of medical workers or students.

Main features of Learning Management Systems

Learning management systems (LMS) have a basic range of features that are necessary for each e-learning platform. These platforms should be accessible for all members, simple to use, and suit the latest tech updates. Looking at the Capterra statistics below, you can see which healthcare facilities implement custom LMSs.

Learning Path

Medical, educational platforms differ a lot from simple educational services for schools or universities. Healthcare training is more complicated and has a comprehensive structure containing a lot of diverse modules and tests. Usually, the entire course is divided into several parts for qualifying the information. The topics’ logical organization creates a learning path that can contain learning videos and compendiums, a combination of several courses, quizzes, and tests to check the knowledge. Each module also has deadlines and specific criteria for marks. After finishing the learning path, students usually get certificates to prove their qualifications.

Webinars

Due to the pandemic situation worldwide, webinars have become the most popular way of e-learning for many industries, and healthcare is not an exception. Even before the quarantine, the practice of hosting webinars for studying medical workers was successful. This type of e-learning is flexible and available to everyone. Students can listen and share videos, pictures, or presentations in real-time, interact with a tutor, and ask questions if something is unclear. If the future doctors can not attend a particular lecture, they can watch it on the record. ?E-LEARNINGCheck more articles about e-learning and the digital era of education on our blog.

Reporting and analytics

E-learning platforms not only provide online courses for employees but also track their attendance and progress. It is essential to know the level of competencies of the medical workers. LMS provides custom reports and analysis for each course participant. Usually, reports contain valuable information like:

  • activities of all participants – their performance, grades, and tests completions; it also tracks time spent on learning and doing tests, the level of qualification, and the deadlines for finishing the course;
  • availability of certificates and tracking compliance requirements;
  • satisfaction with course – this option helps to improve or change the course or the learning system in case of need.

Mobile accessibility

Flexibility in the learning process is not a wish but a noticeable feature. Medical students have the most complex and stressful studying program among all other faculties. Due to e-learning systems, the educational process can be flexible and available for everyone. Each student or employee can independently choose the time for learning and create their schedules. It is also an excellent option to synchronize the course with the web platform and accessible from any devices like tablets or smartphones. Moreover, such a feature can attract and involve students more as it is flexible and convenient to do some tests anywhere. 

Cloud deployment

As the number of students for one system can be vast, a cloud-based solution is the best choice for developing a healthcare e-learning platform. It makes access more effortless as all users have to do is type the address in the browser. Cloud deployment also simplifies the process of system improvements and maintenance.

Standards compatibility

Healthcare e-learning is not just a simple language course. Medical learning platforms have to be highly qualified and professional systems that give the same knowledge level as a class studying. To make all these systems unified, there is a range of standards that should be considered during the development and implementation of such a platform.

  • SCORM or Sharable Content Object Reference Model includes the range of technical requirement for e-learning platforms; it is a guide for developers on how to integrate a new system with the existing ones;
  • xAPI – it helps to unite all information that will be available on the course and make it accessible for all users; it also provides sharing the data between different systems;
  • LTI or Learning Tools Interoperability is an educational technology developed by the IMS Global Learning Consortium; it lets users host the course tools and content from external systems or websites.

Blended learning 

Medical education is impossible without practice, so it means that online platforms for the healthcare industry are not enough. Some courses need offline learning, and Learning management systems has to support blended learning.Performance Management

The main aim of online continuing medical education is to keep a high level of studying performance and knowledge. The rank of management is beneficial for tutors and professionals who teach medical students or employees. LMS provides a set of needed features for the entire medical facility like:

  • insert data for documentation for state officials;
  • assigning additional training for employees with low qualification;
  • automatic tracking the assessments.

Gamification

Game elements are implemented to increase the motivation of students. It can be virtual awards and badges for completing the tests or course. Gamification shows the positive results in LMS as it involves the students more, and the learning process can bring more enjoyment as students have to complete the task to get a reward. 

Why do you need to implement custom LMS?

The most compelling variant of implementing e-learning service is developing custom Learning Management Systems considering particular medical facilities’ needs. LMS or Learning Management System makes all learning, testing, and grading processes easier, accessible, and productive. It replaces the real-time educational process and provides the same level of quality of studying. 

Custom LMS contains the range of functions that are obvious for your medical facility and fit its rank. All medical courses have to follow the standards of studying that we have counted above, but the content and information interpretation methods can differ. For example, each part of the information can be provided in diverse interactive ways to make it easier to learn and remember:

  • text, video, and audio-based seminars;
  • learning games;
  • availability of online discussion and forums;
  • different types of final tests or quizzes;
  • availability of sharing the info between students and tutors.

Many medical centers want to turn their offline training online. The custom solution accurately matches all requirements with no excess functions for an e-learning platform. It also easily can be synchronized with other internal systems in a less expensive way and include as many users as it is needed.

Victoria – Sales manager

Basic functionality for custom LMS

When you come up with the development of a custom Learning Management Systems, it is vital to reveal the weak sides of the existing learning system or accurately define the main objectives for a new solution for your medical facility. Each LMS contains a standard set of critical features. However, along with the required options, you can add any function you think is needed for your custom solution.

We want to bring to your attention the basic functionality for the development of LMS.

Admin panel

This function lets you set the responsible persons for definite courses or organizational tasks. Administrators usually have full access to all data and can add course information, change or delete it. They also create and add quizzes for each course, set hours and deadlines, upload required video, audio, or text documents for the learning process.

Range of courses

Each LMS provides a full cycle of education for different groups of medical workers or medical students. It consists of a fundamental and obligator program that has to be completed by each student. The programs usually contain several main courses with a final test for every course. You can also put additional courses that all workers or students should complete during the year. 

Reports

As admins are responsible for the flow of the educational process, they have to provide reports for the headers of each student’s medical facilities and certificates for governmental establishment. The number of medical workers can reach several thousand. Is it possible to handle all the data manually? The answer is clear – no. The probability of mistakes and mix-ups is huge, but admins have no right to errors in documents and certificates.

Learning Management Systems generates custom reports and certificates automatically and accurately for each course or student. 

Absence of skipping

This function is critical for healthcare e-learning systems. The students have to go through all learning stages, watch all videos, read all documents, and listen to all lectures or seminars. There should be no availability to skip any part of the course, including tests or quizzes in the end. 

Multi-language

Healthcare educational programs contain a lot of specific terms and titles. It is essential to make e-learning available for all students and workers and the process as simple as possible. The multi-language function is required to make the learning process highly qualified and clear for all participants.

Notifications

All medical students and workers who complete a definite course need to be notified about any updates or changes like test results, grades, upcoming lectures, or quizzes. Due to many people, the notifications should be set and sent automatically via email or internal system between medical workers. 

How to develop a custom LMS?

The development of custom solutions has a stable workflow and main stages. Among them, we would like to define:

  • building a business plan considering customer`s need and aims
  • writing specifications of the project
  • creating the design
  • writing the code
  • testing the systems
  • release and maintenance

For building own Learning Management Systems from scratch, you need to find and hire a dedicated team of developers with experience in developing and implementing LMSs. Each phase of development involves a particular specialist. Each stage’s time and cost depend on the set of functions required for your custom LMS, including the number of potential students, various courses, grade system, etc. 

For starting developing a custom LMS, you will need a full team of DevOps to build and successfully implement the new system to the medical facility:

  • Business Analyst – a key person who helps to reveal the objections that will be resolved with the solution thanks to marketing research in the industry and build the strategy of reaching the goals to boost the productivity of healthcare e-learning;
  • Scrum master – a specialist, is responsible for constant communication with customers to keep them up to date on the progress of development and organization of the workflow of DevOps;
  • Designer – this specialist aims to make your system interface user-friendly, creative and recognizable simultaneously;
  • HTML\CSS, PHP backend – these developers are responsible for writing clean code for the solution;
  • Manual QA – testing is a crucial part before the releases, as QA specialists make stress tests for the solution to reveal any error or bug during the usage.

We want to bring to your attention an MVP estimation of developing an LMS system with basic functionality mane by our team of developers. The total cost and hours for each developer can vary depending on your custom solution’s specifications and aims. The approximate total cost of development of an LMS is $53730.

DevOpsHoursCost
Business Analyst238$7616
Scrum master414$9936
Admin39$897
HTML\CSS172$2752
PHP backend993$24825
Design83$1909
Manual QA305$5795

We also would like to say a few words about the importance of your system maintenance. 

Once you have decided to build and integrate your internal system with a custom solution, the development process doesn’t stop at the phase of release. A custom system needs constant support from developers if needed for updates, changes, or widening the platform. Our developers’ team is also available for maintaining your project after the release stage and usually picks the suitable package with different conditions for your needs.

The price depends on the number of specialists involved in your solution:

Basic – It involves a Business Analyst, a Scrum master, Backend developers, and QA. The cost is $1740 and can vary depending on the required hours of work.

Optimal – This package engages Business Analyst, Scrum master, Frontend developer and tech lead, QA specialist. The average price is $3232, and it is not fixed as it depends on the duration of work.

Advanced – This maintenance package involves the same specialists as the optimal, but it provides more hours spent on your solution and more options as a support team. The price is about $14400.

?Why is custom LMS better than ready-made system?

Learning Management Systems should respond to all needs of your medical facility and be synched with the existing internal systems accurately. There is a huge risk that ready-made would not fit all your requirements. Moreover, custom LMS is less expensive as you invest in the development and maintenance despite the number of workers and amount of data. Ready-made solutions are not scalable and very expensive for a vast number of students.

?How much does custom LMS cost?

We provided a detailed MVP estimation of custom LMS for medical training in our article. The average price of the development process is $53730.

?Does the level of students` engagement stay the same?

Medical e-learning is more complicated than studying in other faculties. The educational system should convenient and accessible to all students. That’s why each medical student should have access to courses from any device and any place. there is also a need for adding game elements to studying courses to make it more involving and attractive.

All in all

The need for custom educational internal systems is urgent for most medical facilities and faculties. All of them want to achieve the same online education level as it was at the stationary variant. Ready-made healthcare e-learning can not cover all specifications of this type of education as Learning Management Systems must be accessible for each medical worker.

Supporting many users and huge amounts of data and information is a complicated and expensive task. Usually, ready-made LMSs provide learning for a small group of people and demand a month or year subscription paying for each member of a system. Instead of coping with these complexities, we recommend building and integrating your own custom LMS considering the medical facility’s specifics, its audience, directions of learning, and methods on how to reach the qualification goals with online education.

Healthcare Benefits Management Platform Trends

Collective Health, founded in 2013, offers employers a way to knit together various health benefits – medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and other specialized offerings — on a single technology platform. Among its new investors is Health Care Service Corporation, a major seller of Blue Cross Blue Shield health plans, as an investor and business partner. HCSC’S self-insured employer clients will be able to opt-in to use Collective Health’s systems, giving them a complete view into what they pay for health care.

Collective Health Raises $280M in Funding

According to researcher CB Insights, globally, investors put $31.6 billion into healthcare ventures in the first quarter, a record high. The average size of digital-health deals jumped 45% from last year to about $46 million in the quarter, data from investment firm Rock Health show. Collective Health’s recent investments bring its total fundraising to about $720 million.

Health care “needs to become like anything else that you buy for the enterprise: a primary data driven-decision,” Ali Diab, Collective Health’s co-founder and chief executive officer, said in an interview. “Benefit leaders, finance leaders, and executives have not had the ability to make truly data-driven decisions in terms of what kind of health care they procure for their populations, and they need to be able to do that.”

Employers using Collective Health still rely on insurance carriers to contract with networks of medical providers. But the company takes over some functions that traditional health plan administrators perform, like claims processing and customer service. Collective Health also analyzes claims data to recommend treatment options to members.

The San Francisco-based company has more than 500 employees and serves about 300,000 members across more than 55 companies, Diab said. Customers typically have at least 1,000 employees and are self-insured. They pay the medical costs for their health plans directly and rely on insurance carriers only for administrative functions like contracting with doctors. Collective charges clients a per-employee-per-month fee for its service. Customers include Live Nation, Pinterest, and Red Bull.

HCSC, a 16 million-member insurer that operates Blue Cross Blue Shield health plans in Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, was searching for technology that would improve the experience of both clients and their plan members.

“Health care is rather fragmented today, so we were looking to eliminate the fragmentation and really try to make giant steps in terms of technological improvement in the minds of our members and employers,” said Kevin Cassidy, HCSC’s chief growth officer.

The deal with the insurer will accelerate Collective Health’s reach with large employers, said Mohamad Makhzoumi, who leads the Global Healthcare Investing practice at venture firm New Enterprise Associates, Inc.

NEA first invested in Collective in 2014. Diab had no customers or even a beta product at the time – simply “a really nice slide deck,” Makhzoumi said. Even with hundreds of thousands of members now, Makhzoumi said the challenge ahead for Collective Health is whether it can reach a scale needed to get the attention of the largest companies in the market.

Digital health startups can have trouble gaining traction with larger companies in the $4.2 trillion U.S. healthcare industry, he said. “It’s kind of like, wake me up when you have a million lives,” he said, adding that he believes Collective Health will get there. Today one company can use up to 20-30 digital solutions, and even this number is not always able to satisfy all the company’s needs and employees. We will not talk about the loss of time between switching applications and searching for information there. We support Collective Health’s approach that all data should be available from a single source. This approach allows you to save resources significantly, plus users are more willing to use such solutions since they do not need to remember a bunch of passwords and constantly log into different systems. The one-stop-shop solution is the most popular digital solution among enterprises. A multifunctional service unites all tools and resources in one place and provides access to workflow programs, task scheduler, video conferencing platform, staff training, and many other possibilities depending on the company’s needs. One of the main advantages of such a resource is user access to internal resources and tools from any device or anywhere globally, necessary for modern realities.

If your company already uses a dozen applications, think of a comprehensive tool like a custom OMNI portal. The solutions will take your business to the next level and open doors to new opportunities.

Untitled Kingdom development company [Review]

We had a chance to interview the executives of Untitled Kingdom.

The company CEO, Matthew Luzia, shared his thoughts on how they made their big decision to go for an IPO.

Luzia said: “It was a strategic and calculated decision. The board and investors felt we had the best prospects and the strength to be competitive in this global market.”

The company president and chief technology officer, Jamal

Untitled Kingdom is a software development company that specializes in creating social networks. The company’s latest project is called “Hello, My Name is” where you can name your identity so it shows up on social networks. The company has 4-years of experience in building custom software for social media businesses.

⁣⁣Digital Product Design & Development

Can you put into words how it feels to have a fulfilling life?

Untitled Kingdom can help.

⁣At Untitled Kingdom, we are committed to your success by providing an environment for you to thrive.

⁣We know that sometimes the pressures of this career are too much to handle on our own, so we created a program of activities that will increase your mental and physical well-being.

10 Social Networks for Developers [+1 Bonus]

Though the stereotipical developer might be a socially awkward geek, developers are among the most active users of social networks. They usually prefer sites that are community-driven and focus on quality content. Social networks are a great place for developers to learn from colleages, contact clients, find solution to problems and resources, and improve their own skills.

In this post we compiled 10 of the most used and useful social networks for developers. There are other lots of other great ones out there, so feel free to share your favorites in the comment section.

HTML5 Rocks

HTML5 Rocks is an open source project from Google. It is a site for developers dedicated to HTML5 where they can find resources, tutorials and demonstrations of the technology. Anyone can become a contributor of the community. 

HTML5 Rocks

GitHub

GitHub is a web-based hosting service for software development projects. Originally born as a project to simplify sharing code, GitHub has grown into the largest code host in the world. GitHub offers both commercial plans and free accounts for open source projects. 

Here is GitHub

Geeklist

Geekli.st is an achievement-based social portfolio builder for developers where they can communicate with colleagues and employers and build credibility in the workplace. 

Go to Geeklist 

Snipplr

Snipplr was designed to solve the problem of having too many random bits of code and HTML scattered all over computers. Basically it’s a place to keep code snippets stored in one place for a better organization and access to them. Also, user’s can access each others’ code librarys. It allows its users to make their code accessible from any aomputer and easier to share. 

Snipplr 

Masterbranch

Masterbranch is a site for developers and employers. Developers can create their coding profile, and employers who are looking for great developers can find candidates for available positions. 

Masterbranch 

Stackoverflow

Stack Overflow is a free programming Q & A site. Stack Overflow is collaboratively built and maintained by its members. 

Stackoverflow 

… and one bonus

DEV Community

DEV Community – A constructive and inclusive social network for software developers. With you every step of your journey.

DEV Community

How to Boost Your Productivity Using AI

What is AI?

Technology has had a huge impact on our society and the way we do things. It has also improved how machines work and the services they offer through Artificial Intelligence (AI). Generally, AI describes a task that is performed by a machine that would previously require human intelligence. 

AI is defined as machines that respond to stimulation that is consistent with traditional responses from humans. AI makes it possible for machines to learn from experience and adjust to new inputs. That is possible since it uses technology that uses a large amount of data and recognizes data patterns.

Give A.I. Long Boring Jobs

Though some believe AI will take over their jobs, some are happy with this technology in the workplace. The reason being AI helps in creating a more diverse work environment, and it will do long, boring, and dangerous jobs. Thus, this will give humans ample time to continue being humans.

The use of AI has a huge impact in various sectors from healthcare, education, manufacturing, politics, and many more. Since AI can infiltrate almost any industry, it should be trained to handle boring tasks. By doing this, humans will be in a position to handle higher-level tasks.

Tools for Better Productivity on an AI Basis

AI machines are known to offer efficiency and can be used by businesses to improve efficiency. But for the tools to work, people need to learn how to make use of the AI Learning tools to improve performance. Learn about the tools that can save time and help to increase productivity.

  • Neptune: This is a lightweight but powerful metadata store for MLOps. The tools give you a centralized location you can use to display your metadata. By doing so, you can easily track the learning experience and results of your machine. The tool is flexible, and it is easy for you to integrate it with other machine learning frameworks.
  • Scikit-Learn: This is an open library source with a wide collection of tools to build machine learning models and solve statistical modeling problems. Using this tool will be easy for you to train your database on any desired algorithm. Thus, this will save you from the frustration of building your model from scratch.
  • Tensor flow: With this tool, you can build, train, and deploy models fast and easily. It comes with a comprehensive collection of tools and resources that can build ML-powered addition, their applications. This tool will be easy for you to build and deploy deep learning models in different environments.

Audio To Text Converter That Will Help You Work Faster

Transcribing audios can be a tedious task in your workplace. But with AI, that does not have to be the case. As long as you select the right tools, they will convert your audio to text and save you the time you used to do it manually. Here is a look at some tools you can use.

Audext.com: This is web software that you can use to transcribe your videos automatically. Audext is affordable and fast. Some features you will get when you use this software are:

  • Speaker Identification
  • Built-in editor
  • Various audio formats
  • Timestamps
  • Voice recognition

Descript.com: The software will offer you accuracy as well as perfect transcription each time. The system will keep your data safe and private. Some features you will get when you use this software are:

  • Sync files stored in the cloud
  • Can add speaker labels and timestamp
  • Import already done transcription for no charges 

Otter.ai: With this software, you can record audio from your phone or browser and then get it to convert it then and there. With otter, you will get automatic transcription, and it is easy for you to group and add members to it. Some features you will get from this software are:

  • Searching and jumping to the keywords within the transcript
  • Can speed up, slow down, or jump the audio
  • Can train the software to recognize certain voices for fast referencing in the feature

Future of AI

AI is working all around us by impacting how we live our lives, search engines, and dating prospects. It is hard to imagine AI getting any better. According to research, Ai will continue to drive massive innovation that will help in fueling many industries. In addition, it will have the potential to create many new sectors for growth. Thus, this will lead to the creation of more jobs.

Conclusion

Whether we fight it or not, AI is here to stay. For that reason, companies and industries should stop fighting this technology and start embracing it. The best way of doing this is by being aware of it and adapting it to the new technology.

How good is Elixir Performance?

Elixir is a functional, concurrent, general-purpose programming language, which is particularly well suited for concurrent programming and concurrency-intensive applications such as distributed systems, multi-threading, and web server applications.

What is Elixir?

Elixir is a functional, concurrent, general-purpose programming language that runs on the BEAM virtual machine used to implement the Erlang programming language. Elixir builds on top of Erlang and shares the same abstractions for building distributed, fault-tolerant applications. 

Wikipedia

Since then, it’s been gaining popularity because it’s highly scalable, reliable, and great for Microservices and Cloud Computing.

Official links:

Pros and Cons of Elixir Programming

Elixir has proven to be extremely fast, scalable, fault-tolerant, and maintainable.

Pros:

Elixir is one of the best programming languages for high-performance applications. With Elixir developers will get higher productivity with less code. They can write code that is easy to test and also easy to maintain. Elixir is also very scalable and has a built in fault tolerance system for natural disasters or other unforeseen events.

Cons:

Elixir is still a relatively new programming language compared to other popular programming languages like Java or JavaScript. It may be harder to find someone with experience in Elixir who can help you with your project if you are not self-taught or have not worked extensively on an Elixir project before.

What is the advantage of elixir?

Concurrency

When creating an app that will be used by millions of people worldwide, the capability to run several processes at the same time is crucial. Multiple requests from multiple users have to be handled simultaneously in real-time without any negative effects or slowing down of the application. Because Elixir was created with this type of concurrency in mind, it’s the development language of choice for companies like Pinterest and Moz.

Scalability

Since Elixir runs on Erlang VM, it is able to run applications on multiple communicating nodes. This makes it easy to create larger web and IoT applications that can be scaled over several different servers. Having multiple virtualized servers over a distributed system also leads to better app performance.

Fault tolerance

One of the features that developers love most about Elixir is its fault tolerance. It provides built-in safety mechanisms that allow the product to work even when something goes wrong. Processes alert a failure to dependent processes, even on other servers, so they can fix the problem immediately.

Ease of use

Elixir is a functional programming language that is easy to read and easy to use. It utilizes simple expressions to transform data in a safe and efficient manner. This is yet another reason that so many developers are currently choosing Elixir and why many programmers are learning the language.

Phoenix framework

Phoenix is the most popular framework for Elixir. It is similar to the way Ruby operates with Rails. The Elixir/Phoenix combination makes it easy for developers who have previously used Rails to learn and use Elixir. Phoenix with Elixir allows real-time processing on the server side with JavaScript on the client side. This helps increase the efficiency and speed of the product and leads to a better overall user experience.

Strong developer community

Although Elixir is quite a young language, it has the time to develop an active user community where even highly qualified engineering are willing to help and share their knowledge. Moreover, there is a lot of help or tutorials easily available for developers working with Elixir.

Elixir vs Competitors

Is Elixir faster than go?

As such, Go produces applications that run much faster than Elixir. As a rule, Go applications will run comparative to Java applications, but with a tiny memory footprint. Elixir, on the other hand, will typically run faster than platforms such as Ruby and Python, but cannot compete with the sheer speed of Go.

Is Elixir better than Python?

Python is much numerically faster than Elixir and Erlang. It is faster as python is using libraries written in native code.

Is Elixir better than Java?

Elixir has two main advantages over Java: You can make highly-concurrent code work in Java, but the code will be a lot nicer in Elixir. Error handling. It’s fairly easy to have a poorly-handled exception cause problems in a much wider area in Java than in Elixir.

Examples: TOP Repositories on Github

  • https://github.com/elixir-lang

To learn more about Elixir, check our getting started guide. We also have online documentation available and a Crash Course for Erlang developers.

How does a Crypto Trading Bot Work?

In the cryptocurrency market, just like in traditional financial markets, bots – automated trading systems – are actively used. How they work, what are their pros and cons, and why you shouldn’t leave a bot unattended – this is what representatives of 3Commas automated crypto trading platform told us specifically.

People vs bots

According to Bloomberg, more than 80% of trades in traditional financial markets are made with the help of automated trading systems – trading robots or, simply put, bots. Traders set up bots, and they execute trades in accordance with the specified conditions.

Similar data is emerging in the cryptocurrency market. Automated trading eliminates the need to track the right moment for a deal, but also requires human attention.

Pros of trading bots:

No emotions

Traders, like all humans, may find it difficult to control their emotions. The bot follows a given strategy without panic or hesitation.

Saves time

With bots there is no need to constantly check the situation on the market – automatic programs do it on their own.

Fast decision-making

Bots can instantly react to market fluctuations and execute trades according to their settings. It is practically impossible for a human to place hundreds or thousands of orders in a second.

Bots do not sleep

Unlike the traditional stock market, the crypto market operates 24/7. This requires traders to be in front of the trading screen at all times. Using a bot doesn’t sacrifice sleep.

However, there is a significant “but”. Bots are able to relieve traders of many routine actions. However, you should not take them as an independent, passive source of income. Trading bots work solely on settings set by a trader. These settings require constant checking and, if necessary, adjustment.

Basic rules when trading with bots

Watch your bot.

To trade successfully using a bot, you need to control it. You should regularly check its activity: how well it operates in a particular market situation. Watch your trading pairs, analyze charts and check the news from the cryptocurrency world in order not to lose your investment.

Beware of fraudsters.

Never trust bots that promise you income after depositing cryptocurrency into their “smart contract. Real bots should only work through your account at a well-known cryptocurrency exchange. You must see all of your bot’s trades and bids. The bot cannot withdraw money from your account on its own. Permission to make transactions must always come from you – through your chosen trading strategy.

Best Bot for cryptocurrency trading

As the cryptocurrency market develops, there are more and more platforms that give you the opportunity to use trading bots. We have divided them into several types based on their key functions.

3Commas

This bot track trends in the cryptocurrency market and make trades based on this information. Bots react to events and predict the movement of the asset’s value. Often, such bots provide an opportunity to set limits, upon reaching which the trade will be closed. It allows to fix profits and avoid large losses when the trend reverses. Access to the platform features depends on the plan.

  • Manual trading
    • Take Profit and Stop Loss
    • Smart Cover
  • Automated trading
    • Long&Short algorithms
  • Price Charts
  • Notifications
  • Marketplace
  • API Access

Alternative: Cryptohopper, TradeSanta.

Bottom line

Trading bots can save time, speed up trading activity, and help make profits. However, a bot should not be left unattended – it should be used consciously. Remember that the bot is not a trader. Only a person decides which strategy to use, as well as what and how to trade.

Which one is the future of Machine Learning?

JavaScript is the most common coding language in use today around the world. This is for a good reason: most web browsers utilize it, and it’s one of the easiest languages to learn. JavaScript requires almost no prior coding knowledge — once you start learning, you can practice and play with it immediately. 

Python, as one of the more easy-to-learn and -use languages, is ideal for beginners and experienced coders alike. The language comes with an extensive library that supports common commands and tasks. Its interactive qualities allow programmers to test code as they go, reducing the amount of time wasted on creating and testing long sections of code.  

GoLang is a top-tier programming language. What makes Go really shine is its efficiency; it is capable of executing several processes concurrently. Though it uses a similar syntax to C, Go is a standout language that provides top-notch memory safety and management features. Additionally, the language’s structural typing capabilities allow for a great deal of functionality and dynamism.

Low/ No-code platforms: A lot of elements can be simply dragged and dropped from the library. They can be used by different people who need AI in their work but don’t want to dive deep into programming and computer science. In practice, the border between no-code and low-code platforms is pretty thin. Both still, usually leave some space for customization.

R is a strong contender, just missed this poll by a slight margin.

How to make Own Discord Bot?

5 Steps How to Create a Discord Bot Account

  1. Make sure you’re logged on to the Discord website.
  2. Navigate to the application page.
  3. Click on the “New Application” button.
  4. Give the application a name and click “Create”.
  5. Go to the “Bot” tab and then click “Add Bot”. You will have to confirm by clicking “Yes, do it!”

How to Create a Discord Bot for Free with Python – Full Tutorial

We are going to use a number of tools, including the Discord API, Python libraries, and a cloud computing platform called Repl.it.

How to Set Up Uptime Robot

Now we need to set up Uptime Robot to ping the webserver every five minutes. This will cause the bot to run continuously.

Create a free account on https://uptimerobot.com/.

Once you are logged in to your account, click “Add New Monitor”.

For the new monitor, select “HTTP(s)” as the Monitor Type and name it whatever you like. Then, paste in the URL of your web server from repl.it. Finally, click “Create Monitor”.

We’re done! Now the bot will run continuously so people can always interact with it on Repl.it.

Conclusion

You now know how to create a Discord bot with Python, and run it continuously in the cloud.

There are a lot of other things that the discord.py library can do. So if you want to give a Discord bot even more features, your next step is to check out the docs for discord.py.

10 Most In-Demand Programming Languages to Learn

In this article, you will discover the top 10 programming languages ​​you must follow to boost your resume in 2021. The growing demand in the industry can be confusing, and finding the most promising programming language can be challenging. In addition to technical knowledge, working as a freelancer or for a specific company, you always need to have a good resume, because communication skills are just as important. Special services will help here, you can just write “Hello, do my java assignment” and you’re done. Let’s get straight to the point and start this list at number 10.

10. Kotlin is a general-purpose programming language. Originally developed by JetBrains and then developed by Google engineers, Kotlin is so instinctive and concise that you can write code with one hand. Kotlin is widely used for Android development, web development, desktop applications, and server-side development. Kotlin was better built than Java, and people using that language believe that most Google applications are based on Kotlin.

9. Swift is an open-source general-purpose programming language developed by Apple. It is heavily influenced by Python, so it is fast and easy to learn. Swift is mainly used to develop native iOS and Mac OS apps. Apple encourages the use of Swift throughout the development process. More than half of the apps in the app store are built using the Swift programming language.

8. Objective-C was introduced by the Apple developers and was the first iOS programming language between 1983 and 2014. Objective C is being gradually replaced by Swift. Resources for learning to code on macOS and iOS today mainly focus on Swift. Even if Swift replaces Objective-C, this programming language will remain popular in 2021. One of the main reasons is that many iOS apps were written in this language, and many companies need developers to maintain and improve those apps.

7. R was developed by Robert Gentleman and Ross Ihaka in 1992. R is a complex statistical analysis language that encourages developers to implement new ideas. R works best on Linux, Microsoft, or GNU. Based on my experience, I started writing code with R at university a few years ago on a Macbook Air.

6. C ++ is one of the most efficient and flexible programming languages ​​out there, although it is relatively old compared to others on this list. It has maintained its demand due to its high performance and reliability. C ++ was created to support object-oriented programming and has rich libraries. C ++ is used in the tech industry for a variety of purposes such as desktop applications, web development, mobile solutions, game development, and embedded systems.

5. PHP programming languages ​​were created to support a personal website. However, today it is ranked over 24% of websites worldwide. The PHP language is commonly used for building static and dynamic websites. Some popular web frameworks like Laravel are built with PHP. PHP makes dynamic changes to the website and makes web applications more interactive.

4. C #. We have C # in the fourth position. C # is an object-oriented and easy-to-learn programming language. It is fast and supports many libraries for rich functionality, making it the next best choice after Python, Java, and Javascript. The C # programming language is widely known for developing windows and its applications, and now it is even used to develop virtual reality games.

3. Javascript is the most popular language for web development today. Highly interactive websites and web applications are powered by Javascript. Javascript was the primary language for front-end development. It still exists, but it is now also used for server-side or back-end development to implement frameworks such as node.js. Opportunities are expanding rapidly in game development and the Internet of Things.

2. Java. James Gosling created Java in 1991; it is the most popular programming language around the world. Java is known for providing the largest number of jobs in the IT industry. Java has a large-scale application from scientific applications to financial and banking services through web development and mobile development, while not forgetting desktop applications.

1. Python is the fastest growing and one of the most popular programming languages. Built on robust and well-thought-out frameworks, it is open source and easy to learn. Python is used in many areas of the industry. If you’re using Python, you can work in a different field, from finance to healthcare, through engineering companies and AI companies. For example, today, even if you are looking for a job as a Wall Street trader, you will need to know how to program in Python. One of the key competitors of JavaScript, despite its different purposes. Most commonly, Python is used to create 2D images, 3D animations, and video games. With its help, services such as Quora, YouTube, Instagram, and Reddit were created.

What Is ‘Cloud Native’ (and Why Does It Matter)?

Cloud computing adoption has accelerated rapidly as technology leaders look to achieve the right mix of on-premise and managed cloud services for various applications and workloads. And this adoption is only expected to increase further; according to IDC, public cloud spending is forecasted to nearly double from $229 billion in 2019 to almost $500 billion in 2023.

As cloud computing adoption has increased across IT, a new application classification has also emerged: “cloud native.” As the “cloud native” descriptor appears more and more often in developer conversations and in articles such as, “The challenges of truly embracing cloud native” and “Six steps for making a successful transition to a cloud native architecture,” it’s become such a buzzword that the important distinctions for successful systems and applications are often lost. By designing cloud native solutions from the beginning, businesses can maximize the full potential of the cloud instead of struggling to adapt existing architectures.

What Does Cloud Native Mean?

The Linux Foundation offers the following definition: “Cloud native computing uses an open-source software stack to deploy applications as microservices, packaging each part into its own container and dynamically orchestrating those containers to optimize resource utilization.”

Analyst Janakiram MSV provided a slightly different description to The New Stack: “Cloud native is a term used to describe container-based environments. Cloud native technologies are used to develop applications built with services packaged in containers, deployed as microservices and managed on elastic infrastructure through agile DevOps processes and continuous delivery workflows.”

While those technical definitions might be accurate, they also somewhat obscure the forest for the trees. At Streamlio, we believe it’s useful to take a step back from the technical definitions to set the broader context: to be cloud native as a solution is to embody the distinguishing characteristics of the cloud. It’s no longer enough for developers to design systems and applications that simply operate “in the cloud.” Instead, the cloud needs to be a key part of the design process so solutions are optimized from the ground up to leverage that environment.

For example, the practice of “lift and shift” to move on-premise IT infrastructure to the cloud in no way results in a cloud native solution. Deploying a solution in the cloud that was originally designed to run in a traditional data center is possible, but generally of limited merit, as you’re simply redeploying the same application and architecture on different infrastructure and likely making it more complicated in the process.

The Easy Way to Tell if a Solution Is Cloud Native

Cloud native solutions allow you to deploy, iterate and redeploy quickly and easily, wherever needed and only for as long as necessary. That flexibility is what makes it easy to experiment and to implement in the cloud. Cloud native solutions are also able to elastically scale up and down on the fly (without disruption) to deliver the appropriate cost-performance mix and keep up with growing or changing demands. This means you only have to pay for and use what you need.

Cloud native solutions also streamline costs and operations. They make it easy to automate a number of deployment and operational tasks, and — because they are accessible and manageable anywhere — make it possible for operations teams to standardize software deployment and management. They are also easy to integrate with a variety of cloud tools, enabling extensive monitoring and faster remediation of issues.

Finally, to make disruption virtually unnoticeable, cloud native solutions must be robust and always on, which is inherently expensive. For use cases where this level of resiliency is needed, it’s worth every penny. But for use cases where less rigorous guarantees make sense, the level of resiliency in a true cloud native architecture should be easily tunable to deliver the appropriate cost-reliability balance for the needs at hand.

Best Practices for Becoming Cloud Native

Organizations looking to become more cloud native should carefully examine how closely new technology meets the above criteria. Key areas of focus should be on how (not just where) data is stored and, perhaps more importantly, how it is moved into and out of the production environment. Some questions you can ask to determine how “cloud native” a solution includes:

  • How is resiliency handled? How are scaling and security implemented?
  • Rather than asking if it’s implemented as an open-source software stack that deploys as a series of microservices, ask can you scale up and down without disrupting users or applications?
  • Can the solution not only easily be deployed, but also be rapidly (re)configured?

Asking questions like these helps you to uncover the underlying architecture of the solution. Fundamentally, it’s either cloud native or it’s not. You can’t just add cloud native fairy dust into an architecture not designed for it and be successful. For enterprises and vendors, building in the cloud is an opportunity to refresh applications and architectures in ways that make them more flexible, scalable and resilient, changing the way organizations can and must think about things like capacity planning, security and more.

Organizations should also carefully avoid designing solutions that are either too narrow or too broad. Designing for too narrow a scenario can make it difficult to accommodate new uses and applications that emerge rapidly in cloud environments, while designing for too many possible needs at the start can lead to over-engineering that delays projects and adds paralyzing and fragile complexity.

When choosing a cloud solution, don’t just assume that because a solution comes from a cloud provider it’s the most cloud native option available. Instead, carefully evaluate each application to ensure it meets both your needs and your expectations.

Private Clouds vs Virtual Private Clouds (VPC)?

To understand why Virtual Private Clouds (VPC) have become very useful for companies, it’s important to see how cloud computing has evolved. When the modern cloud computing industry began, the benefits with cloud computing were immediately clear; everyone loved its on-demand nature, the optimization of resource utilization, auto-scaling, and so forth. As more companies adopted cloud, a number of organizations asked themselves, “how do we adopt the cloud while keeping all these applications behind our firewall?” Therefore, a number of vendors built private clouds to satisfy those needs.

In order to run a private cloud as though it were on-premises and get similar benefits to having a public cloud, you need a multi-tenant architecture. It helps to be a big company with many departments and divisions that all use the private cloud’s resources. Private clouds work when there are enough tenants and resource requirements are ebb and flow so that a multi-tenant architecture works to the advantage of the organization.

In a private cloud model, the IT department acts as a service provider and the individual business units act as tenants. In a virtual private cloud model, a public cloud provider acts as the service provider and the cloud’s subscribers are the tenants.

Moving away from traditional virtual infrastructures

A private cloud is a large initial capital investment to set up but, in the long run, it can bring savings––especially for large companies. If the alternative is every division gets its own mainframe, and those machines are over-engineered to accommodate peak utilization, the company ends up with a lot of expensive idle cycles. Once a private cloud is in place, it can reduce the overall resources and costs required to run the IT of the whole company because the resources are available on-demand rather than static.

But not every company has the size and the number of tenants to justify a multi-tenant private cloud architecture. It sounds good in principle, but for companies at a particular scale, it just doesn’t work. The alternative was the best of both worlds; have VPC vendors handle the resources and the servers but keep the data and applications behind the company’s firewall. The solution was a Virtual Private Cloud; it is behind the firewall and is private to your organization, but housed on a remote cloud server. Users of VPCs get all the benefits of the cloud, but without the cost drawbacks.

Today, about a third of organizations rely on private clouds, and many companies embarking on the cloud journey want to know whether a private cloud is the right move for them; they also want to ensure that there are no security concerns. Without going too far into those debates, there are certainly advantages to moving to a private cloud. But there are disadvantages as well; again, it is capital and resource intensive to set up. However, running a private cloud can lead to significant resource savings, but some organizations do not have enough tenants to make hosting their own cloud worth it.

VPCs give you the best of both worlds in that you’re still running your applications behind your firewall, but the resources are still owned, operated, and maintained by a VPC vendor. You don’t need to acquire and run all the hardware and server space to set up a private cloud; a multi-tenant cloud provider will do all of that for you––but you will still have the security benefits of a private cloud.

How Anypoint Virtual Private Cloud provides flexibility

Anypoint Platform provides a Virtual Private Cloud that allows you to securely connect your corporate data centers and on-premises applications to the cloud, as if they were all part of a single, private network. You can create logically separated subnets within Anypoint Platform’s iPaaS, and create the same level of security as your own corporate data centers.

More and more companies require hybrid integration for for their on-premises, cloud, and hybrid cloud systems; Anypoint VPC seamlessly integrates with on-premises systems as well as other private clouds.

Migrate to typescript – the advance guide

About a year ago I wrote a guide on how to migrate to typescript from javascript on node.js and it got more than 7k views. I did not have much knowledge on javascript nor typescript at the time and might have been focusing too much on certain tools instead of the big picture. And the biggest problem is that I didn’t provide a solution to migrating large projects where you obviously not going to rewrite everything in a short time, thus I feel the urge to share the greatest and latest of what I learned on how to migrate to typescript.

The entire process of migrating your mighty thousand-file mono-repo project to typescript is easier than you think. Here’s 3 main steps on how to do it.

NOTE: This article assumes you know the basics of typescript and use Visual Studio Code, if not, some details might not apply.

Relevant code for this guide: https://github.com/llldar/migrate-to-typescript-the-advance-guide

Typing Begins

After 10 hours of debugging using console.log, you finally fixed that Cannot read property 'x' of undefined error and turns out it’s due to calling some method that might be undefined: what a surprise! You swear to yourself that you are going to migrate the entire project to typescript. But when looking at the lib, util and components folder and those tens of thousands of javascript files in them, you say to yourself: ‘Maybe later, maybe when I have time’. Of course that day never come since you always have “cool new features” to add to the app and customers are not going to pay more for typescript anyway.

Now what if I told you that you can migrate to typescript incrementally and start benefiting from it immediately?

Add the magic d.ts

d.ts files are type declaration files from typescript, all they do is declaring various types of objects and functions used in your code and does not contain any actual logic.

Now considering you are writing a messaging app:

Assuming you have a constant named user and some arrays of it inside user.js

const user = {
  id: 1234,
  firstname: 'Bruce',
  lastname: 'Wayne',
  status: 'online',
};

const users = [user];

const onlineUsers = users.filter((u) => u.status === 'online');

console.log(
  onlineUsers.map((ou) => `${ou.firstname} ${ou.lastname} is ${ou.status}`)
);

Corresponding user.d.ts would be

export interface User {
  id: number;
  firstname: string;
  lastname: string;
  status: 'online' | 'offline';
}

Then you have this function named sendMessage inside message.js

function sendMessage(from, to, message)

The corresponding interface in message.d.ts should look like:

type sendMessage = (from: string, to: string, message: string) => boolean

However, our sendMessage might not be that simple, maybe we could have used some more complex types as parameter, or it could be an async function

For complex types you can use import to help things out, keep types clean and avoid duplicates.

import { User } from './models/user';
type Message = {
  content: string;
  createAt: Date;
  likes: number;
}
interface MessageResult {
  ok: boolean;
  statusCode: number;
  json: () => Promise<any>;
  text: () => Promise<string>;
}
type sendMessage = (from: User, to: User, message: Message) => Promise<MessageResult>

NOTE: I used both type and interface here to show you how to use them, you should stick to one of them in your project.

Connecting the types

Now that you have the types, how does them work with your js files?

There are generally 2 approaches:

Jsdoc typedef import

assuming user.d.ts are in the same folder, you add the following comments in your user.js:

/**
 * @typedef {import('./user').User} User
 */

/**
 * @type {User}
 */
const user = {
  id: 1234,
  firstname: 'Bruce',
  lastname: 'Wayne',
  status: 'online',
};

/**
 * @type {User[]}
 */
const users = [];

// onlineUser would automatically infer its type to be User[]
const onlineUsers = users.filter((u) => u.status === 'online');

console.log(
  onlineUsers.map((ou) => `${ou.firstname} ${ou.lastname} is ${ou.status}`)
);

To use this approach correctly, you need to keep the import and export inside your d.ts files. Otherwise you would end up getting any type, which is definitely not what you want.

Triple slash directive

Triple slash directive is the “good ol’way” of import in typescript when you are not able to use import in certain situations.

NOTE: you might need to add the following to your eslint config file when deal with triple slash directive to avoid eslint errors.

{
  "rules": {
    "spaced-comment": [
      "error",
      "always",
      {
        "line": {
          "markers": ["/"]
        }
      }
    ]
  }
}

For message function, add the following to your message.js file, assuming message.js and message.d.ts are in the same folder

/// <reference path="./models/user.d.ts" /> (add this only if you use user type)
/// <reference path="./message.d.ts" />

and them add jsDoc comment above sendMessage function

/**
* @type {sendMessage}
*/
function sendMessage(from, to, message)

You would then find out that sendMessage is now correctly typed and you can get auto completion from your IDE when using from , to and message as well as the function return type.

Alternative, you can write them as follows

/**
* @param {User} from
* @param {User} to
* @param {Message} message
* @returns {MessageResult}
*/
function sendMessage(from, to, message)

It’s a more of a convention to writing jsDoc function signatures. But definitely more verbose.

When using triple slash directive , you should remove import and export from your d.ts files, otherwise triple slash directive will not work , if you must import something from another file use it like:

type sendMessage = (
  from: import("./models/user").User,
  to: import("./models/user").User,
  message: Message
) => Promise<MessageResult>;

The reason behind all these is that typescript treat d.ts files as ambient module declarations if they don’t have any imports or exports. If they do have import or export, they will be treated as a normal module file, not the global one, so using them in triple slash directive or augmenting module definitions will not work.

NOTE: In your actual project, stick to one of import and export or triple slash directive , do not use them both.

Automatically generate d.ts

If you already had a lot of jsDoc comments in your javascript code, well you are in luck, with a simple line of

npx typescript src/**/*.js --declaration --allowJs --emitDeclarationOnly --outDir types

Assuming all your js files are inside src folder, your output d.ts files would be in types folder

Babel configuration(optional)

If you have babel setup in your project, you might need to add this to your babelrc

{
  "exclude": ["**/*.d.ts"]
}

To avoid compiling the *.d.ts files into *.d.js , which doesn’t make any sense.

Now you should be able to benefit from typescript (autocompletion) with zero configuration and zero logic change in your js code.

The type check

After at least more than 70% of your code base is covered by the aforementioned steps, you now might begin considering switch on the type check, which helps your further eliminate minor errors and bugs inside your code base. Don’t worry, you are still going to use javascript for a while, which means no changes in build process nor in library.

The main thing you need to do is add jsconfig.json to your project.

Basically it’s a file that define the scope of your project and defines the lib and the tools you are going to work with.

Example jsonconfig.json file:

{
  "compilerOptions": {
    "module": "commonjs",
    "target": "es5",
    "checkJs": true,
    "lib": ["es2015", "dom"]
  },
  "baseUrl": ".",
  "include": ["src/**/*"],
  "exclude": ["node_modules"]
}

The main point here is that we need checkJs to be true, this way we enable type check for all our js files.

Once it’s enabled, expect a large amount of errors, be sure fix them one by one.

Incremental typecheck

// @ts-nocheck

In a file, if you have some js file you would rather fix later , you can // @ts-nocheck at the head of the page and typescript complier would just ignore this file.

// @ts-ignore

What if you just want you ignore 1 line instead of the entire file? Use // @ts-ignore. It will just ignore the line below it.

These two tags combined should allow you fix type check errors in your codebase in a steady manner.

External libraries

Well maintained library

If you are using a popular library, chances are there are already typing for it at DefinitelyTyped , in this case, just run:

yarn add @types/your_lib_name --dev

or

npm i @types/your_lib_name --save-dev

NOTE: if you are installing a type declaration for an organisational library whose name contains @ and / like @babel/core you should change its name to add __ in the middle and remove the @ and /, resulting in something like babel__core.

Pure Js Library

What if you used a js library that the author archived 10 years ago and did not provide any typescript typing? It’s very likely to happen since the majority of the npm models still use javascript. Adding @ts-ignroe doesn’t seem like a good idea since you want your type safety as much as possible.

Now you need to augmenting module definitions by creating a d.ts file, preferably in types folder, and add your own type definitions to it. Then you can enjoy the safe type check for your code.

declare module 'some-js-lib' {
  export const sendMessage: (
    from: number,
    to: number,
    message: string
  ) => Promise<MessageResult>;
}

After all these you should a have pretty good way to type check your codebase and avoid minor bugs.

The type check rises

Now after you fixed more than 95% of the type check errors and is sure that every library have corresponding type definitions. You may process to the final move: Officially changing your code base to typescript.

NOTE: I will not cover the details here since they were already covered in my earlier post

Change all files into .ts files

Now it’s time to merge the d.ts files with you js files. With almost all type check errors fixed and type cover for all your modules. What you do is essentially changing require syntax to import and putting everything into one ts file. The process should be rather easy with all the work you’ve done prior.

Change jsconfig to tsconfig

Now you need a tsconfig.json instead of jsconfig.json

Example tsconfig.json

Frontend projects

{
  "compilerOptions": {
    "target": "es2015",
    "allowJs": false,
    "esModuleInterop": true,
    "allowSyntheticDefaultImports": true,
    "noImplicitThis": true,
    "strict": true,
    "forceConsistentCasingInFileNames": true,
    "module": "esnext",
    "moduleResolution": "node",
    "resolveJsonModule": true,
    "isolatedModules": true,
    "noEmit": true,
    "jsx": "preserve",
    "lib": ["es2020", "dom"],
    "skipLibCheck": true,
    "typeRoots": ["node_modules/@types", "src/types"],
    "baseUrl": ".",
  },
  "include": ["src"],
  "exclude": ["node_modules"]
}

Backend projects

{
  "compilerOptions": {
      "sourceMap": false,
      "esModuleInterop": true,
      "allowJs": false,
      "noImplicitAny": true,
      "skipLibCheck": true,
      "allowSyntheticDefaultImports": true,
      "preserveConstEnums": true,
      "strictNullChecks": true,
      "resolveJsonModule": true,
      "moduleResolution": "node",
      "lib": ["es2018"],
      "module": "commonjs",
      "target": "es2018",
      "baseUrl": ".",
      "paths": {
          "*": ["node_modules/*", "src/types/*"]
      },
      "typeRoots": ["node_modules/@types", "src/types"],
      "outDir": "./built",
  },
  "include": ["src/**/*"],
  "exclude": ["node_modules"]
}

Fix any addition type check errors after this change since the type check got even stricter.

Change CI/CD pipeline and build process

Your code now requires a build process to generate to runnable code, usually adding this to your package.json is enough:

{
  "scripts":{
    "build": "tsc"
  }
}

However, for frontend projects you often would need babel and you would setup your project like this:

{
  "scripts": {
    "build": "rimraf dist && tsc --emitDeclarationOnly && babel src --out-dir dist --extensions .ts,.tsx && copyfiles package.json LICENSE.md README.md ./dist"
  }
}

Now make sure your change your entry point in your file like this:

{
  "main": "dist/index.js",
  "module": "dist/index.js",
  "types": "dist/index.d.ts",
}

Then you are all set.

NOTE: change dist to the folder you actually use.

The End

Congratulations, your codebase is now written in typescript and strictly type checked. Now you can enjoy all typescript’s benefits like autocomplete, static typing, esnext grammar, great scalability. DX is going sky high while the maintenance cost is minimum. Working on the project is no longer a painful process and you never had that Cannot read property 'x' of undefined error ever again.

Alternative method:

If you want to migrate to typescript with a more “all in” approach, here’s a cool guide for that by airbnb team

ESX vs. ESXi: Main Differences and Peculiarities

According to the latest statistics, VMware holds more than 75% of the global server virtualization market, which makes the company the undisputed leader in the field, with its competitors lagging far behind. VMware hypervisor provides you with a way to virtualize even the most resource-intensive applications while still staying within your budget. If you are just getting started with VMware software, you may have come across the seemingly unending ESX vs. ESXi discussion. These are two types of VMware hypervisor architecture, designed for “bare-metal” installation, which is directly on top of the physical server (without running an operating system). The aim of our article is to explain the difference between them.

If you are talking about a vSphere host, you may see or hear people refer to them as ESXi, or sometimes ESX.  No, someone didn’t just drop the i, there was a previous version of the vSphere Hypervisor called ESX.  You may also hear ESX referred to as ESX classic or ESX full form.  Today I want to take a look at ESX vs ESXi and see what the difference is between them.  More importantly, I want to look at some of the reasons VMware changed the vSphere hypervisor architecture beginning in 2009.

What Does ESXi Stand for and How Did It All Begin?

If you are already somewhat familiar with the VMware product line, you may have heard that ESXi, unlike ESX, is available free of cost. This has led to the common misconception that ESX servers provide a more efficient and feature-rich solution, compared to ESXi servers. This notion, however, is not entirely accurate.

ESX is the predecessor of ESXi. The last VMware release to include both ESX and ESXi hypervisor architectures is vSphere 4.1 (“vSphere”). Upon its release in August 2010, ESXi became the replacement for ESX. VMware announced the transition away from ESX, its classic hypervisor architecture, to ESXi, a more lightweight solution.

The primary difference between ESX and ESXi is that ESX is based on a Linux-based console OS, while ESXi offers a menu for server configuration and operates independently from any general-purpose OS. For your reference, the name ESX is an abbreviation of Elastic Sky X, while the newly-added letter “i” in ESXi stands for “integrated.” As an aside, you may be interested to know that at the early development stage in 2004, ESXi was internally known as “VMvisor” (“VMware Hypervisor”), and became “ESXi” only three years later. Since version 5, released in July 2011, only ESXi has continued.

ESX vs. ESXi: Key Differences

Overall, the functionality of ESX and ESXi hypervisors is effectively the same. The key difference lies in architecture and operations management. If only to shorten the VMware version comparison to a few words, ESXi architecture is superior in terms of security, reliability, and management. Additionally, as mentioned above, ESXi is not dependent on an operating system. VMware strongly recommends their users currently running the classic ESX architecture to migrate to ESXi. According to VMware documentation, this migration is required for users to upgrade beyond the 4.1 version and maximize the benefits from their hypervisor.

Console OS in ESX

As previously noted, ESX architecture relies on a Linux-based Console Operating System (COS). This is the key difference between ESX and ESXi, as the latter operates without the COS. In ESX, the function of the console OS is to boot the server and then load the vSphere hypervisor into the memory. After that, however, there is no further need for the COS as these are its only functions. Apart from the fact that the role of the console OS is quite limited, it poses certain challenges to both VMware and their users. COS is rather demanding in terms of the time and effort required to keep it secure and maintained. Some of its limitations are as follows:

  • Most security issues associated with ESX-based environment are caused by vulnerabilities in the COS;
  • Enabling third-party agents or tools may pose security risks and should thus be strictly monitored;
  • If enabled to run in the COS, third-party agents or tools compete with the hypervisor for the system’s resources.

In ESXi, initially introduced in the 3.5 VMware release, the hypervisor no longer relies on an external OS. It is loaded from the boot device directly into memory. The fact that the COS has been eliminated is beneficial in many ways:

  • The decreased number of components allows you to develop a secure and tightly locked-down architecture;
  • The size of the boot image is reduced;
  • The deployment model becomes more flexible and agile, which is beneficial for infrastructures with a large amount of ESXi hosts.

This way, the key point in the ESX vs. ESXi discussion is that the introduction of ESXi architecture resolved some of the challenges associated with ESX, thus enhancing security, performance, and reliability of the platform.Data Protection with NAKIVO Backup & Replication

ESX vs. ESXi: Basic Features of the Latter

For today, ESXi remains a “bare-metal” hypervisor that sets up a virtualization layer between the hardware and the machine’s OS. One of the key advantages of ESXi is that it creates a balance between the ever-growing demand for the resource capacity and affordability. By enabling effective partitioning of the available hardware, ESXi provides a smarter way for the hardware use. Simply put, ESXi lets you consolidate multiple servers onto fewer physical machines. This allows you to reduce both the IT administration effort and resource requirements, especially in terms of space and power consumption, thus helping you save on total costs in return.

Here are some of the key features of ESXi at a glance:

Smaller footprint 

ESXi may be regarded as a smaller-footprint version of ESX. For quick reference, “footprint” refers to the amount of memory the software (or hypervisor, in this context) occupies. In the case of ESXi 6.7, this is only about 130 MB, while the size of an ESXi 6.7 ISO Image is 325 MB. For comparison, the footprint of ESXi 6 is about 155 MB.

Flexible configuration models

VMware provides its users with a tool to figure out the recommended configuration limits for a particular product. To properly deploy, configure, and operate either physical or virtual equipment, it is advisable that you do not go beyond the limits that the product supports. With that, VMware creates the means for accommodating applications of basically any size. In ESXi 6.7, each of your VMs can have up to 256 virtual CPUs, 6 TB of RAM, 2 GB of video memory, etc. The size of the virtual disk is 62 TB.

Security

The reason it was so easy to develop and install agents on the service console was because the service console was basically a linux VM sitting on your ESX host with access to the VMkernel.

This means the service console had to be patched just like any other Linux OS, and was susceptible to anything a Linux server was.

See a problem with that and running mission critical workloads?  Absolutely.

Rich ecosystem

VMware ecosystem supports a wide range of third-party hardware, products, guest operating systems, and services. As an example, you can use third-party management applications in conjunction with your ESXi host, thus making infrastructure management a far less complex endeavor. One VMware tool, Global Support Services (GSS), allows you to find out whether or not a given tech problem is related to the third-party hardware or software.

User-friendly experience

Since the 6.5 release, the vSphere Client is available in an HTML5 version, which greatly improves the user experience. With that release, there is also the vSphere Command-Line Interface (vSphere CLI), allowing you to initiate basic administration commands from any machine that has access to the given network and system. For development purposes, you can use the REST-based APIs, thus optimizing application provisioning, conditional access controls, self-service catalog, etc.

Conclusion

Coming back to VMware ESX vs. ESXi comparison, the two hypervisors are quite similar in terms of functionality and performance, at least when comparing the 4.1 release versions, though they are entirely different when it comes to architecture and operational management. Since ESXi does not rely on a general-purpose OS, unlike ESX, this provides you with the opportunity to resolve a number of security and reliability issues. VMware encourages migration to ESXi architecture; according to their documentation, migration can be performed with no VM downtime, although the process does require careful preparation.

To help you protect your VMware-based infrastructure, NAKIVO Backup & Replication offers a rich set of advanced features that allow for automatization, near-instant recovery, and resource saving. Below are outlined some of our product’s basic features that can be especially helpful in a VMware environment:

VMware Backup – Back up live VMs and application data, and keep the backup archive for as long as you need. With NAKIVO Backup & Replication, backups have the following characteristics:

  • Image-based – the entire VM is captured, including its disks and configuration files;
  • Incremental – after the initial full backup is complete, only the changed blocks of data are copied;
  • Application-aware – application data in MS Exchange, Active Directory, SQL, etc. is copied in a transactionally-consistent state.

VMware Replication – Create identical copies, aka replicas, of your VMs. Until needed, they remain in a powered-off state and don’t consume resources.

If a disaster strikes and renders your VM unavailable, you can fail over to this VM’s replica and have it running in basically no time.

Policy-Based Data Protection – Free up your time by automating the basic VM protection jobs. Create rules based on a VM’s name, size, tag, configuration, etc. to have the machine added to a specific job scope automatically. With policy rules in place, you no longer need to chase newly-added or changed VMs yourself.

NAKIVO Backup & Replication was created with the understanding of how important it is to achieve the lowest possible RPO and RTO. With backups and replicas of your workloads in place, you can near-instantly resume operations after a disaster, with little to no downtime or data loss.

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