VerusNova

Technology for Small Business Success

March 30th, 2007

Freebase - it’s not what you think

Freebase is an audacious venture that is
“…collecting data from all over the internet to build a massive, collaboratively-edited database of cross-linked data.”

How is Freebase different than the Wikipedia?
It’s an apple versus an orange: each is deliciously different. Wikipedia is an encyclopedia with information arranged in the form of articles. Freebase is more of an […]

March 29th, 2007

Why J-O-B-S suck.

Steve pavlina has a great post for those who are considering (or currently run) a small business: “ 10 Reasons You Should Never Get a Job.”

March 27th, 2007

Document authorization without FAX or FedEx

Online SignOff is an way to get those important documents authorized without tedious faxing or expensive overnight couriers.
You can also get important information about when a document was first looked at, and which are still pending approval.

Tired of faxing contracts? Clogging up your clients email boxes with design mock-ups? Never sure if a […]

March 26th, 2007

Where to buy the next great idea

LegalForce is a place to collaborate and buy/sell intellectual property (IP).

According to this site: “…intellectual property is expected to generate over $100 billion annually”

On this site’s marketplace you can buy, sell and license patents in a secure marketplace. You may even find a great idea to jumpstart a new business. You can network […]

March 23rd, 2007

Biz Tech Links Week of 3/23

Microsoft enters the CRM fray with MS Dynamics Live CRM which leverages the familiarity of Outlook user interface. The CRM server is available as a hosted or local install application.

PlanHQ reminds me an awful lot of Basecamp (which has a URL of BasecampHQ.com), so I’m sure it is somewhat intentional. It is focused primarily on […]

March 22nd, 2007

10 Easy Steps to Awesome Local Internet Traffic

On a recent consulting job, I had to look into promoting a local business that was interested in using the internet to expand its customer base. This company was not likely to attract mass interest since it was a very niche market; also, their business model was only interested in customers within the state (New […]

March 20th, 2007

AutoResponder for your cell phone

Textmarks could easily be described as an autoresponder for your cell phone. You register for a keyword that is unique to you — for example, if you sell T-shirts, may use ‘cheaptees’ — and when someone sends a text message to 41411 with that keyword, you can respond in one of three ways:
[…]

March 19th, 2007

Optimize your network with Paessler

Paessler has two great pieces of software for monitoring your network and help optimize it: IPCheck Server Monitor; and PRTG Traffic Grapher. Both of these applications have freeware editions.

IPCheck Server:
IPCheck Server Monitor: “This Windows-based software makes it easy and affordable to detect network and website failures early…”

You can monitor individual resources, or create groups […]

March 16th, 2007

Free Cash Flow Management Software

If QuickBooks overwhelms you then take a look at Cashflow Online. You won’t have to install any software, and having all your data online allows you to share your financial data with your business partners, bookkeeper or accountant. It uses 128 bit secure socket layer encryption, so your data is safe. It is free […]

March 14th, 2007

Rachota - Time tracking in 3 simple steps

If you are a multi-tasker supreme (like me), or do outsource or consulting work on multiple projects, and need to bill your clients seperately then check out Rachota Timetracker.
Rachota is a java-based open source time tracking application to track the hours worked on multiple projects.

They have a simple online tutorial to set up […]

March 13th, 2007

Skype Prime - Overdue, but has some drawbacks

In a previous post here at VerusNova I described a service called Ether that lets you use VoIP software to charge people for advice or assistance. Well, now Skype has gotten into the act with Skype Prime (Beta). This new service enables paid Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls. You can charge other people for calling […]

March 12th, 2007

CRM on your Google Homepage

Etelos has created CRMforGoogle which lets you take advantage of the power of CRM and the flexibility of your Google homepage.

Features include:

Customizable modules
Contact management
Content management
Task management
Appointment setting
[…]

March 9th, 2007

Biz Tech Links Week of 3/9

Here are some interesting sites for this week:

Thinkature - Web 2.0 collaborative whiteboarding — now with voice chat!
Doodleboard is another web-based collaborative whiteboard (in Beta).

Developing any SNMP-based management tools?
SNMP4J is the Object-Oriented SNMP API for Java Managers and Agents.
NCOMTECH has a list of SNMP trap generation and processing tools.

March 8th, 2007

Spotplex - a better (slower) Digg?

Spotplex is a Web2.0 tag-based categorized social linking site - much like Digg. It integrates easily with your blogs via an easy to paste code snippet. It also has that brand new AJAX smell! The problem I have is that it is S-L-O-W!!

I guess they are overwhelmed by interest right now - but it was […]

March 7th, 2007

Get your Mojo for your Business

MojoPages claims to be the evolution of the Yellow Pages. It is a local business directory - but includes reviews from actual customers.

Whether you´re searching for a good restaurant, car mechanic, dentist or other local businesses the video, pictures and written reviews from members of MojoPages can help guide you to the best. […]

March 6th, 2007

Store your files on ElephantDrive

ElephantDrive provides an unlimited amount of online storage for your photos, music, video, documents, etc.
Share selected files with friends and colleagues while keeping other files private.
Strong encryption keeps your files safe from prying eyes.
After creating a free account - you need to download the desktop client. It has a drag and drop interface, or […]

March 6th, 2007

OpenDNS for faster and more secure web browsing

OpenDNS is a free DNS server network that you can use instead of the servers provided by your ISP. While this is something most of us don’t think about much - you may want to consider this simple change to your router…

OpenDNS intercepts phishing attempts. OpenDNS customers will be warned if they attempt to visit […]

March 5th, 2007

5 Ways to Dice and Slice RSS Data

RSS is an extremely handy technology for many Intenret niches, including marketing, collaboration and information dissemination, ecommerce, and application integration. Well, if you are a big fan of RSS like me, here are 5 more ways to re-use or enhance data from RSS feeds.

If you are relatively new to RSS then check out NetTimeChannel. This […]

March 2nd, 2007

Free Geolocation data for ecommerce and targeted ads

ezPublish is an Open Source Enterprise Content Management (ECM) System and framework. There are many extensions available written by third parties, also distributed under an Open Source license. There are also fee-based products called eZ Publish Now and eZ Publish Premium. You can compare the free versus the professional plans at the site.

Do you […]

March 1st, 2007

4 More Open Source Help Desk Apps

Zentrack is a help desk and project support software with a great list of features including:
User Interface that is simple and fully customizable
Workflow and Data Management including custom fields, behaviors, and approval flow
Workforce Management to track hours, deadlines, and start dates
[…]

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