In general, initial meaning of the Executive Dashboard term faintly relates to real dashboards and means special type of reports providing the most important business performance indices in real time. It is expected that Executive Dashboards as well as all other reports provide data in tabular form and more rarely as charts and diagrams. Though, powerful graphical tools that are used by developers and users of business systems boost literal interpretation of the Dashboard term.

As I am a power engineering specialist by training, I faced quite a lot of point indicators (gauges) in practice. And contrary to the widespread opinion that such devices are extremely convenient in most cases it is not true. Anyone who has ever worked with point and numeric multimeters can confirm that numeric meters are more convenient since you dont need to wait till the pointer stops, strain your eyes to match pointer reflection on the mirror strip with the pointer itself and to count divisions on the scale. And, of course, to get accurate registration you need to keep the device right before your eyes (or eyes before the device). Vibration and poor light dont contribute to getting accurate registration.

At first, the idea of using control panels (dashboards) in business applications seemed incredible to me. What? Back to lithic age? Do you really want to fill the whole screen with these archaistic point devices? Leave no pixels to display hundreds of indices that are even more important for business analysts then those in the screen?

This impression was reinforced by Executive Dashboards I have already seen, as they were eye-catching and useless. Do you think that CEO report should look exactly like car dashboard? Of course, not. This is not prestigious; it should look like PLANE dashboard! So, most of such creative solutions impress at presentations, but they are completely useless in practice.

In spite of that, as a co-owner of the company that specializes in development of components designed to emulate real dashboards, I couldnt but become interested in a new market for our products. More careful analysis discovered that along with the mentioned before masterpiece dashboards there is quite a good number of perfect samples of using gauges.

And although I still think that the use of gauges is reasonable only in some business applications, correct utilization of such components can dramatically improve application usability and even raise it to a new level.

Lets sort out what correct use means and what real advantages gauges provide.

1. GOOD METAPHOR

Almost all user interface development guides state the first main rule: Choose good metaphor. Sometimes metaphor comes from subject area. So, when you develop graphic editor it makes sense to use metaphor that includes paper, pen, rubber, i.e. the concepts the user faced with before in real life and has an idea of their behavior and functions. But very often subject area is more abstract and good metaphor is a real problem. Usability specialists state that right metaphor is a key factor that determines application success, as it can extremely reduce evaluation and training time.

What have gauges to do with it? Gauge is a natural metaphor for many things.

We use thermometer since childhood and get a clear idea that if stem of the thermometer is in the red zone, temperature is higher than it should be etc. Those who drive a car, every day watch registration of point devices.

I think these samples present a clear idea that visual elements should be designed in the way their appearance provides as much information on the type of displayed values as possible.

For example, displaying value on the point device means that all acceptable values are in the range determined on the scale. Slider gauges show that value can be changed by the user. Availability of scale segments helps define bounds of value ranges. Blinking elements warn against errors or going beyond acceptable values range.

Thus, novice user of the system will have no trouble to learn system interface. At the same time it would be better to provide more informative interface with less graphic to experienced users.

2. SPEED OF PERCEPTION

Speed of information perception is one of unquestionable merits of analog gauges. Reaction to pointer moving towards the red zone or blinking indicator can be much faster then reaction to changing numeric indicator.

That is why the supermodern fighters use out-of-date dashboards with a lot of pointers and indicators.

Stop! What have fighters to do with it? We talked about business, not about war. It is not matter of milliseconds; you can relax and have a cup of coffee before you make important decision, cant you?

Well, lets calculate.

Every manager regardless of his level regularly reviews the same reports in most cases daily and in most cases just to make sure everything is ok. As a rule it doesnt take much time only 10 minutes a day.

10 minutes a day is 10*5=50 minutes a week;

is 10*5*4= 200 minutes a month;

is 10*5*52=2600 minutes a year (ok, I know 4 week I a vacation, let it be 10*5*48=2400 minutes a year).

Suppose we will reduce time of reviewing reports to 1 minute due to higher speed of perception. In this way we will save 9*5*48=2160 minutes a year; this constitutes 4.5 working days. Multiple this figure by your hour wages (or hour wages of your employees) to evaluate economic effect.

And this is for people who spend only 10 minutes a day for reports. And what about analysts?

3. VISUALIZATION

Very often it is difficult to make right decision based on bare data. Human brain operates by visual images and not by mathematical abstractions. Properly designed gauge allows visual evaluation of the extent the displayed value differs from the planned one, and how close it is to the critical value, etc.

But you should remember that visual indicators dont replace exact figures, but supplement them. That is why you should never forget to duplicate values as figures. You should always know exact value regardless of visual representation.

4. AESTHETICS

Applications should be attractive as well as any other things we use. As human beings we like using nice things no matter useful they are for business or not. Moreover, comfortable environment contributes to more efficient work of your personnel; people are less tired and stress-susceptible. You didnt paint walls in your office with black color only because black paint is cheaper, did you? Then why should you strain your eyes observing neat rows of figures that merge into solid mass by the end of working day to find necessary data. Make application interface more attractive and many routine operations will become less tedious.

SUMMARY

Visualizations such as gauges can be a useful supplement to standard report representation. But to use gauges in applications efficiently, you need to accurately adjust visual elements to exact applications subject to used metaphor, visualization, speed of perception and design of the developed application.

If you decide that gauges are necessary in your reports, I am the very guy who will sell the best library to create such interfaces.



By: Perpetuum Software Team

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Software development refers to creation of software that will allow the end users to carry on certain applications that may help them to gain profit in prevailing market scenario. The system of creation of different software is to create a set of rules and regulations in order to provide users to satisfy their needs and requirements and bring efficiency and effectiveness in their works and gain market share. The process of software development is really important and crucial in this emerging business environment where new business prepositions are generating every day. So, this activity of software creation has become really important and has become a major business activity in this fast changing world. In other word, software development has empowered the world to get better in each areas of development and gain profit with an increase in customer base.



The main aspect of software development is to create value for customers, existing and for potential customer too. In software development, the translation of a user requirement or marketing goal into a software application is basically done. With customized and conveniently drafted software development activities, users are allowed to attain specific tasks and works. It is used to carry all functions according to the need and requirements of users carrying beneficial results.

Software Development Company

In this cut throat competitive world, software development companies are gaining importance as they never had. As a result, software development companies are increasing day by day, attracting people to avail their services to increase their profit net. Nowadays, the concept of outsourcing software development companies has become gaining popularity. In this concept, a company based in far off country provides services to another company based in altogether different country. In this system of application development, many benefits can be availed and quality work can be generated with soaring profits for both the companies.



Software development services include many kinds of services including application development, web programming, Application software development, software maintenance, server management, database site programming, and website programming. With customized development of above mentioned services, a company can enhance its capability and hence can get improvise its market share and customer net altogether.

Offshoring Software Development

The concept of off shoring software development is not a new one. This global concept has proved a real bless for overall business community. In this arrangement of work, work can be delegated to another company based in a different company. Their contact is purely based on sources of communication. This method is really effective as it is more economical and produces quality work.



By: Editor-123

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Primary Requirement Analysis

This is the first stage where we establish primary requirements of your project and determine its goals and objectives through project specifications. After analyzing your technical, operational and financial feasibilities, we provide you a project plan and budget estimates for the future stages of development for your customized software!

Comprehensive Requirement Analysis

Once the project is accepted by Indyzen, we usually have multiple conference calls / meetings / email communications as necessary with your team to get detailed understanding of your IT requirements and its scope. Our team then prepares comprehensive requirement analysis, and with your consent, detailed requirement analysis document is signed to its effect. Subsequently, our skilled software engineers recommend suitable software and operating system choices available in the market depending on your business needs taking your employees expertise & software resources into consideration, so as to optimize your IT investment in a resourceful way. Next, we move to the application prototype phase.

Application Prototype

This is the early stage of the software development cycle where we develop your project application prototype considering both the primary and comprehensive requirement analyses. Once finished, we submit your custom made software for approval and if you want us to make any changes or suggestions, we modify your prototype accordingly. For your convenience, two revisions are included at no extra cost. A significant amount of the User Interface Design takes a bare-bone shape here.

Design

Design starts in the prototype stage, and is an elemental part of any software application. Taking into consideration your requirements, we break up your entire task into modules and make sure our system analysts outline user interfaces to each module to ensure proper overall dataflow through representation of dataflow diagrams or use cases depending on your requirement analysis. Later, our database designer architects backend databases using constraints and make sure that your data maintains integrity.

Coding Development

Our software developers write the actual software programs / code at this stage. Our experienced software programmers follow strict coding standards and modularize the code to make debugging and future feature expandability an easy job. Error handling tops the priority as our experts put significant effort to optimize memory usage, speed and functionality.

Integration and Testing

In this phase, we integrate different modules created by different developers together into a special testing environment, and then check for integration errors, bugs and interoperability with YOUR systems.

Documentation

Documentation of your application is taken up from the design phase itself. Comprehensive, yet user-friendly documentation is prepared by our technical writers under in-depth consultation with our software development team.



Application deployment

This is the concluding stage of your application development where the software is installed on to your servers by our deployment team. We offer you assistance to deploy software through remote administration. Optionally you can even hire us for physical in-house installation and training at reasonable prices.

www.karzansoft.com



By: surendra

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Web-design software is a core device that allows users to establish a website. Any web-page design software application comprises of:

• Image editors.

• Web animation applications.

• Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML).

Image editors:

Image editors or image editing software devices assist a web designer to generate quality website graphics. Well-known image editing software devices embrace Macromedia Fireworks and Adobe Photoshop. The important factor to consider here is that these software appliances require thorough understanding and efficient training before they can be actually implemented for web-design purpose.

Web animation applications:

With web animation applications, the user can effectively create website animations for internet hosting. Macromedia Flash is immensely popular in this software category, and produces animations that are simple and quick to load. However, they require exclusive use of an installed browser plug-in, before the animations can be viewed.

Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML):

HTML editing software applications are useful for designing web page codes, even without knowing the functions of HTML. Few of these software devices employ wizards, which also support the beginners to create websites on their own. Macromedia DreamWeaver and Microsoft FrontPage are amongst the most recognized HTML editors that execute efficiently on a consistent basis. However, you can also make use of free HTML editors to design your website.

When you opt for any web-design software application, it is essential to keep the following key points in mind:

• The software should be compatible with your operating system.

• Test the quality of other web-pages that have already employed these software applications.

• Ensure using those software devices which check spellings and fix broken web-page links automatically.

• There are also a few software appliances, which assist internet publishing of the finished web-design.

Web-design software is a blessing in disguise for those who desire to design the website on their own. With user-friendly features and excellent functioning, they are preferred by several users throughout the world.



By: Angela Rogers

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If you are spending most of your time in entering bills, invoices, purchase orders and various other recurring financial data, then it is time to switch on to Invoicera.

Invoicera integrates an effective Invoicing/Billing software application with professional looking output - accurate billing reports, all in just clicks away.

It features several easy to use tools and attributes, factoring the payment-tracking/billing and other requirements of small/medium business entities. You certainly do not need to be a computer expert to use Invoicera, in fact anybody can use it.

Worrying about the security? Invoicera is password protected, hence you won’t have to worry about your personal details getting misused.

Following are the power-packed features that comes along with Invoicera :

Instant Invoice billing

Interactive and user friendly interface

Regular billing through automatic invoicing

Fully integrated, fast and easy to use

Create, manage and print professional looking invoices

Run Time Preview print or preview your report any time

Multiple browser compatibility runs on windows 98, NT 4.0, 200, ME & XP

Payment Tracking

Time Tracking and Recording

Your business logo is added over the generated invoice

Easy export of invoice billing software documents in MS-Excel and PDF format

It’s Benefits :

Saves you time creates all business invoices in minutes

Gives you accuracy and helps you manage your invoices easily

Your Invoices just got better and much professional with Invoicera billings

Invoicera saves you from creating cashbooks and maintaining ledgers through automatic invoicing for regular billing

View and print reports of invoice billing totals over a particular period including tax breakdown

Create full purchasing and selling modules easily

Anyone can use it, easily and effectively.



By: vishal saxena

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Content for WordPress

Application service providers (commonly referred to as ASP’s) have quickly sprouted onto the web hosting scene in effort to provide businesses with new and innovative services. The term ASP should not be confused with Microsoft Corporations software application.

The number of applications provided through the ASP model is growing. Accordingly, there is a growing business of companies developing software for the ASP marketplace. What sorts of applications are being developed? As remotely-hosted applications can provide cost-effective access for businesses to unique software, many of the applications are designed to be of occasional use in terms of use. Others are geared towards using group connectivity provided by through the Internet to provide an application that is flexible.

ASP’s have created software programs to handle various business functions as materials management, human resources, financial management, and e-commerce transaction services.

The variety of solutions provided by ASP’s is vast. Many ASP’s are doing great business in meeting operational needs of companies across different industries and business functions. There are a number of technical and business issues currently addressed by ASP’s to develop and enhance system applications.

A major advantage for businesses in seeking ASP services is that they provide an opportunity to reduce costs and increase efficiencies. Companies can have access to a wider-range of software products with the possibility of paying less than an outright purchase through usage charges. This allows businesses to access applications that can service particular business needs so companies can focus on their core operations. Furthermore, ASP’s are developing new software that can provide business solutions to operating issues not previously addressed through PC-based software. ASP’s also remove many of the technical administrative and maintenance issues associated with software by providing real-time upgrades, remote hosting, remote dial in customer support and overall software management.

Web hosting companies are involved in the development of applications however, many of the hosting companies serve to provide network management and serve the application remotely to users. In providing ASP-related services, these companies are essentially AIP’s (application infrastructure providers.)

For mainframe web hosting applications, ASP service providers are pioneering a new way to host and maintain business applications.



By: John Ugoshowa

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Content

A lot of people are making jewelry at home now and many of those people are trying their hand at selling the jewelry they make. And while I’ve seen people spend thousands of dollars setting up a jewelry workshop or room in their home, I rarely see them spend a tenth of that on a few basic business software applications which could make their jewelry business a whole lot easier to run. And if your jewelry business is easier to run that means you can have more time doing what you love best: making jewelry!

Here are a few pieces of software I think every beading business or jewelry making business owner should consider buying:

Bookkeeping Software - I’ve seen entire bead stores that kept track of their accounting in giant black leather ledger books, but I’ve also seen those same people spend hours trying to balance the books and often giving up. This is where a basic piece of bookkeeping software will make your life a whole lot easier. Most basic software will allow you to keep track of income from a variety of sources (selling jewelry, selling jewelry repair services, etc.) and allow you track just about every type of expense imaginable. As long as you take the time to enter everything the right way you’ll be able to press a button and immediately see where you stand. Depending upon your banking situation you may even be able to have your bookkeeping software automatically synchronize with your bank statement to avoid errors. You can expect to spend $200 - $400 for bookkeeping software, depending upon how much sophistication you need.

Office Software - You will probably need a basic word processing program as well as a basic spreadsheet program. Even if you don’t have an immediate need for them right away you may find yourself needing to produce simple letters to vendors or working out a list of supplies with this software very quickly. There are some free versions of office software available and they work pretty well if you’re computer savvy enough to install them. If you want to go with name brand software then you might want to budget $200 - $300 to get the latest and greatest versions.

Inventory Software - You might not think this is important at first, but you’ll soon be swamped with jewelry pieces, beads and findings of every type and about a million other items that are difficult to keep track of. You may at first only need software to keep track of the jewelry you’re creating, but if your business gets large enough you’ll probably also want software that keeps track of all the pieces and beads you may be using. There are lots of different options to choose from with some of the more sophisticated bead jewelry being able to tell you exactly how much each piece cost you to make. Depending upon your needs you may want to consider setting aside about $500 for inventory software.

Graphic or Digital Photo Software - If you’re going to sell your jewelry online then you’ll most likely need to post digital photos on your website for everyone to see. Most digital cameras come with some basic software and there are plenty of free versions of software for graphics editing available. You may want to hold off buying any digital photo editing software at first and trying what you can find for free. If that doesn’t work then plan on spending about $100 on software to edit digital photos and make computer graphics.

As your business grows you may find your jewelry business has even more needs beyond these. Most software can be upgraded for a price that is lower than buying new, so once you make the initial investment you may be able to keep up with the current versions for less than you think. The amount of time many of these software applications can save will make them worthwhile.



By: JT Miller

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There are several document version control software that are available online. However, before proceeding to purchase one, it is helpful to have a better understanding of the concept of version control or revision control.

Version control, or revision control, or source control is a feature that allows computer users to keep track of their files over time. This is important so that a user can get back to his previous working version in case he messes up. In more technical terms, revision control is the management of revisions done on the same information unit. This is frequently used by engineering and software development companies to keep track of the ongoing development of their digital documents. Document changes are identified through a “revision number” or “revision level” which is an increment in the associated number or letter code of a document. Moreover, the name of the person who is responsible for a revision is also reflected in the revision control code. For example, a digital document is assigned a revision code number “1.” When changes are made to this document, its revision code number is incremented to “2″. Revision control features are integrated into various software types like spreadsheets, word processors like MSWord and Koffice and various content management systems. With this feature, a computer user can revert or go back to a previous revision or page in order to correct any mistake committed.

Revision control is a crucial tool especially for computer software engineers and software developers. It allows the former to keep track and control changes made on source codes. Developers of software applications also use it to maintain documentation, source codes and configuration files. Most developers create multiple copies of different program versions while working on updates and software issues like bugs. These bugs are present only in some versions so when locating them, all versions of the software would have to be run. The practice of retaining multiple copies of programs is often done in large software companies. However, this practice is heavily criticized for its inefficiency.

A centralized model is traditionally used by software developers wherein all revision control functions are made on a shared server. In this set-up, two developers who make changes on the same file at the same time may end up overwriting the work of the other. In order to prevent this occurrence, file locking is implemented. Files are locked to allow only one user to access it in any given time. Other version control systems have a version merging capability which allows multiple developers to work at the same time on the same file.

When choosing which among different document version control software to purchase, make sure to select one that can provide the needed version control benefits. This software is beneficial even for those who are not developing software applications as it can be used to keep backup files especially concerning ongoing tasks or projects. What is important is that the concept, lingo and philosophy of version control should be clearly understood so that the most appropriate software is chosen.



By: Sam Miller

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Content

The future is now with autokitchen 8 by Microcad Software! Powered by the AutoCAD OEM 2008 engine, autokitchen 8 raises photorealistic renderings to unprecedented heights. Loaded with an extensive array of advanced features, autokitchen 8 brings your kitchen designs to life!

autokitchen 8 is highly sophisticated, yet simple to use, and offers an amazingly realistic 3D environment. Whether your design is contemporary, traditional or country-themed, you can easily create crisp architectural plans and perspectives that will impress even the most discriminating clientele.

A true design workhorse, autokitchen 8 has all the bells and whistles that a professional of your caliber demands. Customize existing templates or create your own designs from scratch. Tweak the smallest design details until each element is just right. The end result is a superb, picture-perfect presentation that will excite your customers and

capture the true spirit of your vision.

utokitchen 8 frees you from proprietary file formats to join the mainstream: DWG. DWG files are intelligent, flexible and accessible for free. Chances are many of the professionals you deal with in your business already work with DWG files.

Enjoy the versatility of flexible reports. Create lists of all the items you placed in a design automatically. Export them to Excel and manipulate them as needed. autokitchen 8 reports are also readily available in XML format. This format makes the interchange of data with your manufacturer easy and convenient.

Take your client on a virtual walkthrough of their kitchen, showing them the cabinets and accessories with different colors and finishes. Use the new compass feature to fix your point of view, and use the keyboard to zoom in and out and turn. Youll discover a host of new architectural, cabinetry and accessory finishes, including additional tiles and pavers in a broad range of sizes.

autokitchen 8 comes with extensive, universal and customizable catalogs of parametric objects and blocks, including the latest cabinet shapes and cabinet door styles, modern appliances, and up-to-date accessories the details that make the difference and add a personal touch to each design. Cabinet modifications and door style changes are applied instantly and renderings in high-quality color can be achieved in a matter of minutes.

Benefits of autokitchen 8 are immediately obvious to both user and client:

True 3D Environment brings projects to life High degree of customization Speed

Powered by AutoCAD Personable support Work with DWG files Flexible reports

Crisp, architectural looking plans and perspective Design with universal catalogs

Your designs can be what you want them to be. Make your designs stand out with autokitchen 8.

Microcad Software is a subsidiary of Microcad Informatica. The company was created in 1987 to develop and market CAD software applications. Today, its autokitchen program is the leading stand-alone kitchen design software built on an AutoCAD engine. Since its introduction in 1998, autokitchen has put the power and flexibility of AutoCAD into the hands of thousands of designers, architects, builders, cabinetmakers and remodelers.

Microcad Software is a privately held company with offices in the US, London and Spain.

For more information about autokitchen, visit www.autokitchen.com or call 201-503-0435.



By: autokitchen

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Before you can take the exam, it goes without saying that you have to apply to take the exam first. You can do this via the Project Management Institute’s website, which requires electronic encoding of your application information. There is absolutely no need for pens and papers.

But before you purchase PMP Exam Training Software in full anticipation of being accepted to take the examination itself, be very mindful of these things.

Honesty Is the Best Policy

Although the PMI does not release data on its applications audit, it is estimated that 25% of all applications are audited. As such, you should always assume that your application will be audited, if not extensively scrutinized.

Even the number of contact hours on your PMP Exam Training Software will be validated. You should look for a PMI Registered Education Provider for your software needs lest you find yourself hoodwinked. And make sure it offers at least 35 hours of training as well as a certification of completion.

Also, you need to have at least 35 hours of formal project management training. Your PMP Exam Training Software is one source of these contact hours. However, there lies the catch. PMI will only accept your application when you have finished training with your PMP Exam Training Software, not before then. You must decide early on if you are willing to take the risk of purchasing the PMP Exam Training Software and then having your application rejected for other reasons.

Get in Touch

The PMI does not accept applications that it cannot substantiate. You have to get in touch with your former employers and teammates regarding the projects you have worked on. You are required to provide contact information to PMI for all your projects listed, which means that you have to find your contacts even before you actually file your application.

Also, remember that PMI will accept work experience related to the five process groups even on a project contributor capacity. Thus, co-workers and supervisors stand on equal footing when it comes to listing them as your contacts.

The importance of getting in touch with former supervisors and co-workers cannot be overstressed in times of random audit. The PMI will contact them in the event your application is audited.

Be Ready with Papers

Your application might be electronic but your credentials are not. If you have files for performance appraisals and status reports in the past eight years, you should take them out and review them. You can glean important information from these old files, number of hours worked in the five process areas chief among them, which you can use in your list of projects.

Also, if your PMP Exam Training Software certificate of completion is somehow missing, you have to secure another copy. Again, the PMI will not accept unsubstantiated information.

Your diligence in gathering your documentary proof will pay off when an audit is conducted on your application. Remember that submitting incomplete documents can lead to automatic rejection of your application. Although you can renegotiate depending on what happened, that will take some time.

Indeed, if you apply yourself to complying with the application requirements, there is no rational reason why you should not be accepted to take the examination.



By: Jessica Parklanes

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