Software as a Service (SaaS)

Our assignment this week was to compare 3 SaaS productivity suite providers:  Microsoft 365, Zoho and Google docs.

I have been using Google docs for the past 6 years.  I don't use it all the time and haven't taken advantage of all the features but I have used it enough to really appreciate the convenience and the potential of its collaborative features.

Today, I just took a brief look at Zoho and Microsoft 365 to get a first impression.  I loved Zoho.  Lots of editing features and sharing capabilities.  Very easy to log into.  Go to http://www.zoho.com/, set up an account very quickly and start using right away.  Microsoft 365 on the other hand was a nightmare.  I am not really sure where I am in the set up process after fooling with it for almost 1 hour.  Finding the trial was difficult, then choosing which product was not easy, the registration wanted company info, etc and finally when I was able to login, I was asked to download software I really didn't understand.  I thought it was supposed to all be online......now I think I have to go to program files to launch it.  Very strange.  I think I will have to try again tomorrow.

What is a router?

One of our assignments this week was to listen to a podcast from How Stuff Works, Tech Stuff called What is a router?  It took me a while to find it.  I was looking on the How stuff works website but I ended up finding it in itunes.  It was a bit long (35min) but interesting.  I will definitely subscribe to this podcast.

Here are some bullet points of things I learned:

• Transfer of information between different layers.  7 layers of communication proposed by Honeywell: Layer 1 - a single device. Layer 2 - communication between devices, home networks don’t need routers to communicate with each other but switches - still layer 2. Layer 3 - A router is needed to get to other networks (ie. internet).
• A routing table - a guide to where packets need to go on the fastest route, not necessarily the shortest. 
• Protocols - languages that routing tables use to talk to each other. 
• Router can calculate “cost” of routing a packet = hops.  Packets can be sent to destination several times but the least number of hops will make it and the other redundant packets will be discarded. 
• Gamers would want to use wired connections because they are more reliable than wireless routers.
• N protocol tends to be best.
• Make sure devices are N compatible.
• Also look at ISP service.  The router won’t make a difference if you don’t have a broadband connection or if your ISP caps data.
• DOS - denial of service attack - someone will intentionally clog up your router.
• There is not a full proof security system but putting up a good firewall is important.

Business Model for an Infomediary Site

Business Model of Infomediary Site

Click on the above link to see a business model of my infomediary site.  I would like to create a website that is sort of a "Technology for Dummies" site.  I am a mother of two who works in a school.  Through all of my connections with other parents, teachers and friends, I realize how many people don't know or understand very simple, basic technology concepts.

Technology has moved at such a fast pace, no one can really keep up and many of us have never been "taught" how to use a computer and basic software.  In today's job market, certain skills are assumed at all level.  The custodians at our school are expected to report their hours on our online system yet many of them do not even know how to log into a computer.  I see a big need for basic computer skills.

This business model was a bit harder to create because I find it harder for me to understand costs involved with an online business and how revenues are created from online businesses.  Again, like the business previous business model of the hotel, I would like to do more research to understand how online businesses work.

Business Model for an Airport Hotel

Link to Business Model

The above link is to a business model I created in MS Word.  I have used the model outlined by
Alexander Osterwalder and Yves Pigneur from http://www.businessmodelgeneration.com/ .  I chose to create a model of an Airport Hotel because my husband's family has been in the hotel business for years therefore I am quite familiar with the business. 

As I created the model however, I realized how much I never thought about.  Looking at it again, I think I was maybe too general in my listings.  I will probably go back at some point and add more detail to it.  I would like to do some research and look at some more similar models to see the level of detail shared.

Welcome

Welcome to My Blog

My name if Farah Jetha and I am starting the Masters Program in Internet Technology from the University of Georgia this fall (Aug 2011).

I have been a School Technology Specialist for the past 10 years in private and public K12 education.

I have seen technology in schools evolve from using MS Office for papers and presentations to using web 2.0 tools like twiducate and Edmodo for communication and collaborative learning.

I am very excited about enhancing my technical skills and learning how the internet and new technologies are changing the way every industry does business.

I will spend the next 5 semesters blogging about what I am learning, my experiences and shed some light on new technologies.