Windows 7

The guys at Gizmodo recently road tested Windows 7 - the latest operating system from Microsoft.  The previous version (Vista) left a lot to be desired and Microsoft have been under intense pressure to come up with the goods in their latest product launch.  Never before, has a product undergone so much beta testing before market release.

It raises the question - could Windows 7 accomplish everything that's expected of it? Probably not, but it makes a pretty good attempt.  Here is what the guys at Gizmodo had to say.

What's Good
Windows 7 is the biggest step forward in usability since Windows 95. In fact, over half of what makes it better than Vista boils down to user interface improvements and enhancements, not so much actual new features.

The Not So Good
The biggest thing missing from Windows 7 is any sense of daring (psychedelic wallpapers aside). It's a very safe release: Take what was good about Vista, fix what people bitched about, and voila. We get it, people want a safe operating system, not an experiment in behavioral science. But even as Windows 7 restores some of the joy in using Windows, you get the sense that it could've been more, if it hadn't been saddled with the tainted legacy of Vista. I wonder what Windows 7 would have been without Vista.

The Verdict
Windows XP was a great OS in its day. Windows Vista, once it found its feet several months in, was a good OS. With Windows 7, the OS is great again. It's what people said they wanted out of Windows: Solid, more nimble and the easiest, prettiest Windows yet. There's always a chance this won't be a huge hit come October, given the economy and the state of the PC industry, but it's exactly what Microsoft needs right now. Something people can grab without fear.

Full article can be found here.

Share the Love

In our line of work, we are often asked for referrals.  Anything from accountants, lawyers, telemarketers etc!)  This section is about networking you with clients of whom we're raving fans!

Got a product idea that you want to turn into reality? Kennovations is a product design company with in-house design, workshop and prototyping facilities. 

To get connected, contact Rory Kennard (the founder and all round top guy) on 02 9966 8867; and yes, the service is available nationally!

Global Handicrafts - Fair trade goods from around the globe

Share the Love

In our line of work, we are often asked for referrals.  Anything from accountants, lawyers, telemarketers etc!)  This section is about networking you with clients of whom we're raving fans!

Been in a car accident that's not your fault and need a temporary transport solution?  How about access to a car for.... (wait for it) ....free!  Acorn Car Rental provides free cars for not-at-fault drivers.  (The invoice is charged to the at-fault drivers' insurance company). 

To get connected, contact Aaron Martin (one of the founding partners and all round nice guy) on 1300 22 67 67; and yes, the service is available nationally!

Pub 2 Pub Fun Run

The gun went off on a beautiful August morning.  About a dozen brave Cavalry crew raced off in the 17th Northern Beaches Pub 2 Pub Fun Run.

The CAV crew had great fun walking, jogging, limping, running and skipping in support of our community partner Opportunity International. 

A smashing effort by Greg who galloped across the line 25th out of 3500!  He finished the 13km in an astonishing time of 53:56.  (Next year, Greg will run with two computers strapped to his pack).

We ended the day with some exagerated stories, sore legs, sunburnt faces, big grins, a good meal and cool drinks.  Such an enjoyable way to support a good cause!  Below is a pic of us at the start line (smiles before the pain).

Cloud Computing

Solution Spotlight - CAV Endpoint Security.

The Cavalry are constantly monitoring your server network.  Alerts are sent to our management console (CAV IQ) so that we can maximise our opportunity to prevent network downtime.

Our new desktop Endpoint Security program connects with CAV IQ to report on the status of your desktop antivirus.  In clear, graphical format you can see AV patch update status, known threats and historical data at a per desktop level.

The management report is clear, concise and transparent.  Integrated with CAV IQ you have peace of mind knowing all your network vitals are being checked real time.

It's an enterprise level solution priced for small-medium business (only $4 per month per user.)  Contact Us to find out more.

Share the Love

In this new section we'll be giving you a brief of some of our clients.  We have the privilege of serving companies of varying size and industries.  We are often encouraged and inspired as we see the innovative and imaginative ways that many of our clients operate.  It got us thinking about how we could connect more of our clients together?  "Share the love" is just that - bringing forward clients of ours of whom we are raving fans (and no, we do not receive kickbacks, we just think business should be fun and is a lot about relationships).

Allow us to introduce the Sherlock Group.  We've personally known the directors for many years and have always admired their professionalism and genuine care to tailor financial management solutions for their clients.

Since 1969, The Sherlock Group help their clients meet their financial goals through specific and targeted planning.  They understand that financial independence and future quality of life are vital issues that should not be left to chance.

Read more about them here or call them on 02 9431 7000 and ask to speak to either Jonathan or Matthew Sherlock.  

Microsoft to launch Apple style stores..

The titanic battle between Google and Microsoft continues.  Last month we brought you the news that Microsoft had teamed up with Yahoo to take on Google in the internet search stakes.  (Google had already announced GMail Enterprise - it's competitor to Microsoft Outlook.  

In the latest salvo, it's been revealed that Microsoft will be launching it's own range of retail stores.  The first stores will be based in California and Arizona.  (The former already with a competing Apple store).

Whilst this announcement relates more to retail than to business, it's illustrative of the rapidly changing tech landscape in which we all find ourselves.  So what questions can help guide us through such a changing environment?

1. Go for leading edge not bleeding edge:  It's only in exceptional cases where a business will need an early adoption strategy to technology.  Technology is the least tried (and most expensive) upon release.  (Just make sure you don't let the pendulum swing too far the other way).

2. Remember that 'Strategy drives Structure':  Tech is not the tail that wags the dog.  Your business strategy needs to determine the tech structure.  Whilst it sounds common sense, you'll be surprised how often the excitement of new technology clouds sounds business judgement.

3. Look for quality:  Quality can be defined as fitness for purpose.  Overengineered solutions are more expensive to implement and maintain.  If the quality (fit) is not present then there's no way it will meet ROI benchmarks.

Obviously, there's more to it but the top line considerations give you a good indication of the style of questions that need to be asked. 

Check out the below for news on our new antivirus solution, upcoming fun run (is 13 km fun?) and project spotlight.

Bing has already taken over Yahoo in search stakes..

It's not even one month old and Microsoft's search engine 'Bing' has already overtaken Yahoo Search to be the second most used search engine across the globe (according to US web analysis firm Statcounter).

Staggering isn't it? (Even the most experienced IT professionals have raised eyebrows).
 

Bing officially went live on 3 June, although some country versions were available ahead of that date. Much of the gain was at the expense of Google, which is still the clear leader, and StatCounter said that it is too early to say whether Microsoft can sustain its position.

"It remains to be seen if Bing falls away after the initial novelty and promotion, but at first sight it looks like Microsoft is on to a winner," said Aodhan Cullen, chief executive at StatCounter.

So why 'Bing It'? Features such as popular searches, travel section, location aware features (such as 'restaurants in your area') and picture information are some of the reasons.

Only time will tell, but watch this space as the fight for your search engine partner heats up (somehow we don't expect Google will just sit and watch their market share twindle away). Read more here.