The next version of Windows for the desktop called “Windows 7” may be available as early as January, 2010. While the current release of Windows Vista does include some of the technologies in Windows 7, this latest “not yet released” operating system does fill in the gaps for some of the problem areas in Vista. In addition, Windows 7 includes additional features and functionality that users have been asking for.

You can find the latest Windows 7 information and screen shots online at Microsoft Windows 7.

We will continue to keep you updated on the progress of Windows 7 throughout the year.

As per a definition from Wikipedia, Cloud Computing is Internet based development and use of computer technology. It is a style of computing in which dynamically scalable and often virtualized resources are provided as a service over the Internet. Users need not have knowledge of, expertise in, or control over the technology infrastructure "in the cloud" that supports them.

“Box” (www.box.net) is an excellent example of cloud computing and fills a large void in our world today. Working together or collaborating on the same file or files when you are not on the same network is nearly impossible. Traditionally, the problems with working on common files with more than 1 person include:

• Multiple copies of the same content – which copy is the master?
• Transferring these files via email - files may be too large for email systems, email’s may wind up in spam folders, or undelivered for unknown reasons.
• Transferring files via FTP – FTP is no longer secure, you need to have an FTP Server somewhere, and you need to manage access credentials to the FTP Server.

“Box” solves these problems by storing shared documents in a secured “cloud”. Your files being in the “cloud” means you and other team members can access these files easily and from anywhere you have an Internet connection.

In essence, “Box” simplifies file-sharing and collaboration between partners, clients and teams. No more attachments or FTP.

You can learn more about “Box” by taking a few minutes and watching the following videos:

• The Business Case for using “Box”: http://www.box.net/shared/06o47drrk4
• The User Case for using “Box”: http://www.box.net/shared/z0vk5g4mpo

Go to “Box” at www.box.net to learn more about how working in teams is implemented in our world today. Any questions or want to try it out – let us know and we can hook you up.

• Java updates – sometimes the latest Java update no longer allows an application to function. You can remove the latest Java update in the Control Panel – Add/Remove programs. You can also turn “off “ auto-updating of Java in the Control Panel – typically under the Java heading.

• The files on your desktop, in most cases, are not backed up. Do not let the latest hardware make you think that disk drives never fail – they do.  Either get your critical files to the server, or implement some type of backup local to your machine.

• Messaging to a mobile device is the latest craze. Alerts from your business system directly to a mobile device are also becoming more popular. The whole goal of email or text alerts to a desktop or a mobile device is to let you know of some event or concern in your business BEFORE it becomes a big problem. Consider making use of this technology in your organization.

• Have an Iphone, a Blackberry Storm, Windows-based phone or a Palm-based phone? If you have a DATA plan on your cell phone, you can use your phone as a modem for your notebook PC. You can use this configuration to access the Internet from anywhere. PdaNet is such a product that allows for this and is available at www.junefabrics.com .

• Did you know that mobile internet use in the US has undergone a huge surge in interest, and over a third of users are now surfing from a mobile device every day. US mobile internet users more than doubled to 63.2 million in the 12 months to January 2009, and now represent over a fifth of the domestic population. Over a third of these users, or 22.4 million people, use their mobile phones to get online on a daily basis. This means that you may know need to start thinking about getting your products and services available on the web that can easily be accessible by a mobile phone.

• Copeland Data Systems has been selected as a finalist for the Buffalo Niagara Business Ethics Award. Hats off to all businesses who recognize ethics as a strong foundation in their work.

• Social Networking is becoming mainstream and not just for the younger folks anymore. Social networking is all about connecting up and building on relationships. From the business and professional side of things, Linked-In is very popular. On the home front, Facebook is also a great way to stay connected up with friends, family, associates – current and old. A variation of this is a site called Twitter, which just focuses on the single question “What are you doing?”. Check some of these out.

We have seen some interesting technology over the past 30 years. We have mentioned only a few of these technologies. The changes are almost unbelievable. The next 30 years, however, will make the period 1979-2009 pale in comparison in terms of what technology we will see and use in our offices. Stay tuned.