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Friday, August 17, 2007
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Star Office in Google Pack
My RSS reader has been burning over the last few days about Google's decision to bundle Sun's Star Office into the streamlined Google Pack. For many people tapped into the open source community & Google watching, this is a momentous event. After all, Star Office is at its core, OpenOffice.org the most popular and widely deployed open source office software.
At the same time, however, StarOffice itself isn't opensource; it's a closed product that normally retails for $69.95. I'm sure that Google pays very little to include the software, but this means that some type of deal had to take place between Google & Sun. Since OpenOffice wouldn't have required nearly as much negotiation it would have been significantly cheaper in terms of total cost. It also appears in conflict with Google Docs: Google's web based office suite.
Trying to figure out exactly why they would have come to this conclusion left me a bit confused at first, but I've since come to some pretty compelling arguments as to why Star Office & why now.
So Why StarOffice?
At the same time, however, StarOffice itself isn't opensource; it's a closed product that normally retails for $69.95. I'm sure that Google pays very little to include the software, but this means that some type of deal had to take place between Google & Sun. Since OpenOffice wouldn't have required nearly as much negotiation it would have been significantly cheaper in terms of total cost. It also appears in conflict with Google Docs: Google's web based office suite.
Trying to figure out exactly why they would have come to this conclusion left me a bit confused at first, but I've since come to some pretty compelling arguments as to why Star Office & why now.
So Why StarOffice?
- More Polish: Star Office has a bit more fit and finish to it than OpenOffice.org. In Retail software, every little bit helps.
- Slower Release Cycle: This is a big one. OpenOffice can release 2 or 3 major updates a year. Update cycles this rapid can greatly impinge upon Google's ability to test & integrate the software.
- Enhanced Scripting: Star Office's scripting engine exceeds that of OpenOffice.org. Most notably is the addition of development tools for scripting in Javascript. This makes it much easier to integrate into an online service than OpenOffice.org.
- Name Brand: There is a power that comes with software tied to a name brand. While Google could have easily rebranded OpenOffice.org. Riding the coat tails of a major brand (Sun: the makers of Java) & the decade plus of Star Office can't hurt.
- Migration Tools: Star Office goes to great lengths to simplify the migration away from Microsoft Office. While Open Office handles this well. Star Office adds another layer of support & streamlining.
- Presently: Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons to release now would be an impending release of "Presently." Presently is the codename for a Web Based presentation (PowerPoint) program that has been one of Google's worst kept secrets for the past several months. Despite acquiring companies already in position of a web based presentation platform. The web browser is still not a robust enough platform to create & deliver presentations at the level of polish most users require.
- Web Integration: Google has been opening developers access to the docs & spreadsheets system systematically over the past few months. While it's yet robust enough for full integration, the tools are increasingly powerful and already quite capable.
- Established Base: Star Office is a whopping huge download. If it had been included in the initial Google Pack offering, I doubt the software would have had nearly enough appeal to catch on. Now, since most users have already downloaded the Pack, it's merely a large additional update and not doubling the size of the initial download.
- Established Brand: Google pack has established itself by this time as a convenient way to download and install software. While people mostly use it for Google products, the free spyware & virus tools along with the Firefox browser have likely provided useful brand extension. Similarly the addition of Picasa & Google Earth acclimated users to powerful desktop tools that integrate into Google's advanced web services.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Endowments & Non-Profits
I admit it, I'm no expert in non-profit business strategy. I know how to use information technology to improve communication and productivity, and I'm reasonably skilled at designing and managing marketing efforts. I don't claim to know how a non-profit should manage it's endowment.
My impression is that most non-profit board members fit this description generally match the rest of the population. Strong endowment management skills are relatively rare and therefore lacking on the majority of NP boards & volunteer bases. That is why I was so impressed with the presentation that the Rochester Community Foundation gave at a local np board meeting last week.
What they provide is an invaluable service to non-profits. Think about it, how many small organizations can benefit from professional management for their endowment. How many NP boards killed their own organizations by spending an endowment into the ground because it wasn't protected. Working with The Rochester Community Foundation provides solutions to both of these problems.
My impression is that most non-profit board members fit this description generally match the rest of the population. Strong endowment management skills are relatively rare and therefore lacking on the majority of NP boards & volunteer bases. That is why I was so impressed with the presentation that the Rochester Community Foundation gave at a local np board meeting last week.
What they provide is an invaluable service to non-profits. Think about it, how many small organizations can benefit from professional management for their endowment. How many NP boards killed their own organizations by spending an endowment into the ground because it wasn't protected. Working with The Rochester Community Foundation provides solutions to both of these problems.
Monday, March 5, 2007
A Portrait of Non-Profit Web Success: The Georgia Aquarium
Alright, so superficially the Georgia Aquarium may not have that much in common with your typical non-profit. It's huge, sells a product and was bankrolled by a billionaire. It may seem a universe away from your typical non-profit but the goals are actually the same.
The aquarium wants to build and establish relationships with high end donors, reduce staff overhead and waste, and streamline business processes all with a pretty close eye on the bottom line and providing as much funding for programming as possible.
Computer world just ran an excellent breakdown of the effectiveness of the Georgia Aquariums website and market presence that I think would be of interest for all non-profit professionals. The web isn't something to be scared of, it is a powerful tool to be embraced.
A few key points:
Web Link:
Computer World Article
The aquarium wants to build and establish relationships with high end donors, reduce staff overhead and waste, and streamline business processes all with a pretty close eye on the bottom line and providing as much funding for programming as possible.
Computer world just ran an excellent breakdown of the effectiveness of the Georgia Aquariums website and market presence that I think would be of interest for all non-profit professionals. The web isn't something to be scared of, it is a powerful tool to be embraced.
A few key points:
- The level of customization was quite minimal requiring the creation of 2 custom xml interfaces to integrate items.
- The use of the website has tapered off after the aquarium opening. This is due to the frequent sellout dates when the aquarium first opened that are much less frequent now.
- There is a clear and distinct plan for growth through the website
- The business philosophy prioritizes "The Web site is a very big priority for us, everything we do, we want to put on the Web site first.” Jeff Swanagan CIO Georgia Aquarium
Web Link:
Computer World Article
Concerns about CiviReport
In light of the recent blog entry about CiviCRM and BIRT integration I suddenly have severe reservations regarding the new CiviReport integration.
Don't get me wrong, I fully believe in the power and usefulness of BIRT and used it in a recent project. I'm deeply concerned however about the j2ee server side requirements involved in this strategy. The vast majority of non-profits I support and work with do not have the dedicated server / server infrastructure to deploy such a reporting tool. J2EE applications don't generally do well in shared hosting deployment scenarios.
While I do see a clear deployment route that would involve mysql data dumps and some type of server appliance that could be easily automated. This will seem rather cumbersome to my typical client. I'll continue to play with and explore this option as I have time but right now, am quite concerned about its viability.
Weblink:
BIRT integration with CiviCRM
Don't get me wrong, I fully believe in the power and usefulness of BIRT and used it in a recent project. I'm deeply concerned however about the j2ee server side requirements involved in this strategy. The vast majority of non-profits I support and work with do not have the dedicated server / server infrastructure to deploy such a reporting tool. J2EE applications don't generally do well in shared hosting deployment scenarios.
While I do see a clear deployment route that would involve mysql data dumps and some type of server appliance that could be easily automated. This will seem rather cumbersome to my typical client. I'll continue to play with and explore this option as I have time but right now, am quite concerned about its viability.
Weblink:
BIRT integration with CiviCRM
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Protect Your Network / An Excellent use for an Old PC
We've all been there, that seedy underbelly of the net. Sites rife with warez and other content of both questionable legality and generally inappropriate for the pg - pg13 rating of most workplaces.
The nasty viruses and spyware that frolic and play in this habitat can wreak havoc on your network, devastate worker productivity and can create legal headaches if they jeopardize any confidential or client data you may have.
A simple solution is configuring a proxy server to screen out as many of these sites as possible. While no solution will be 100% effective, squidGuard is a free and relatively simple alternative that should be more than adequate for most home & office networks.
Linux.com is running a pretty straightforward step by step tutorial on deploying squidGuard. If you need any advice, I'd be more than happy to provide guidance in deploying squidGuard for your organization.
Linux.com | Using squidGuard for content filtering
The nasty viruses and spyware that frolic and play in this habitat can wreak havoc on your network, devastate worker productivity and can create legal headaches if they jeopardize any confidential or client data you may have.
A simple solution is configuring a proxy server to screen out as many of these sites as possible. While no solution will be 100% effective, squidGuard is a free and relatively simple alternative that should be more than adequate for most home & office networks.
Linux.com is running a pretty straightforward step by step tutorial on deploying squidGuard. If you need any advice, I'd be more than happy to provide guidance in deploying squidGuard for your organization.
Linux.com | Using squidGuard for content filtering
Excellent Inkscape Tutorial
Redhat Magazine just ran an excellent Inkscape tutorial by Nico Buculei. For those of you who don't know, Inkscape is an excellent OpenSource Vector Illustration tool similar to Freehand, Xara & Adobe Illustrator. It is easy to use, quite powerful and free.
You can download the windows version of the software here:
http://www.inkscape.org/ Just follow the download now link.
The Tutorial is available here:
redhat.com | Red Hat Magazine
You can download the windows version of the software here:
http://www.inkscape.org/ Just follow the download now link.
The Tutorial is available here:
redhat.com | Red Hat Magazine
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Wow. Inkscape Rocks
As many of you may know, I've been an advocate for Inkscape for several years now. I do tend to oscillate between Inkscape and Xara LX when I'm in linux world, but I've been finding myself oscillating a whole heck of a lot less now that .45 is out. The new gaussian blur and diagramming tools make it a much more comfortable environment for me to work in.
Between Inkscape and Scribus I've been pretty happy with my GPL graphics options. If 0nly someone would develop a solid photoshop alternative to complete the stack. Krita makes a valiant effort, as does Paint.net but both are too tied to their respective platforms (kde & windows) for them to be truly compelling options.
You can view some amazing Inkscape art here:
Inkscape Brasil :: Xicara de Chá (Fotorrealismo)
-Don
Between Inkscape and Scribus I've been pretty happy with my GPL graphics options. If 0nly someone would develop a solid photoshop alternative to complete the stack. Krita makes a valiant effort, as does Paint.net but both are too tied to their respective platforms (kde & windows) for them to be truly compelling options.
You can view some amazing Inkscape art here:
Inkscape Brasil :: Xicara de Chá (Fotorrealismo)
-Don
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Enhance1.com launches
I'm proud to announce the successful completion and launch of Enhance1.com a Joomla based site I developed for Enhance Health Experts a Health Coaching and Executive Health training firm located in Charlottesville VA.
The site is still in its infancy, but I'm hoping the clients will populate it robustly over the coming months. There seems to be a small problem with the hosting provider and Search Engine Friendly links; otherwise, I'm quite proud of my work and am looking forward to future business with the Enhance.
Key Deliverables:
- Custom Template
- Navigation Design
- Amazon Marketplace integration for commission based selling of recommended products,
- Fluid 3 column layout.
- Comprehensive staff training.
- Custom Module Development
Introducing JSpread
A little over a week ago I began work with the assistance of Prakalp Phadnis on development of a spreadsheet component for Joomla. The software is based on the Spreadsheet Dojo Widget developed by Tremend Software Consulting.
Our initial goals are both ambitious and quite simple: to develop a spreadsheet component for joomla that allows for the import, editing and export of excel and open office spreadsheet files.
Initially I am focusing on the creation of a component housing the Tremend widget. Later I will be implementing the storage & file import / export components.
And for those of you concerned. The goal is to release for both Joomla 1.0.X & 1.5.
Our initial goals are both ambitious and quite simple: to develop a spreadsheet component for joomla that allows for the import, editing and export of excel and open office spreadsheet files.
Initially I am focusing on the creation of a component housing the Tremend widget. Later I will be implementing the storage & file import / export components.
And for those of you concerned. The goal is to release for both Joomla 1.0.X & 1.5.
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