Blog
7 Notable Uses of the Internet of Things (IoT)
Thursday, 04 April 2019 14:51 Written by Janalynne RogersThe term "Internet of Things" (IoT) is not new. In fact, it has quietly become a part of our everyday lives at home and work. The Internet of Things is a network of connected devices that connect via the internet and exchange data.
Cars, phones, watches, washing machines, thermostats, household electricity meters, and just about any gadgets you can think of can be a part of the IoT. In 1990, there were only 300,000 devices in the world connected, including pioneering technologies like automated teller machines, which is a far cry from the estimated 17.6 billion connected devices in 2018.
Almost every day, there are new companies announcing IoT-enabled technologies. Here you will find an overview of some of the most popular applications of the Internet of Things destined to make your life easier.
8 Landing Page Refinements That Supercharge Search Marketing Conversions
Friday, 22 February 2019 20:28 Written by Janalynne RogersFinding high-volume, low-cost keywords is an excellent foundation for profitable search marketing. But it's only half of the story. Your landing pages need to convert, and the conversion rate they achieve will make or break a campaign's bottom line. Surprisingly small changes can make a huge difference to conversion rates. Here are eight tweaks and tactics that are proven to give online marketing campaigns a generous boost.
5 Types of Data That Google Might Be Collecting from You
Friday, 08 February 2019 14:29 Written by Janalynne RogersIf you use Google, chances are the technology giant is collecting personal data from you. However, many people don't realize that Google is far more than just a search engine. For example, Google offers digital services (like email) and technology products (like tablets and smartphones) that all collect data from users. In short, depending on how many Google products you use, the company could be collecting several types of personal data from you.
Microsoft Announces a Sandbox Environment for Windows 10
Friday, 08 February 2019 14:26 Written by Janalynne RogersNamed "InPrivate Desktop," Microsoft accidentally let it slip that one of the near future releases of Windows 10 will include a sandboxed virtual machine where end users can run untrusted applications. Sandbox environments have long been a tradition for developers and cybersecurity experts when they need to run applications that could harm the underlying operating system. Although this environment has been a tradition for testing applications, this new Windows 10 feature will now be included with the operating system providing a safe testing environment rather than requiring developers to set up a new one.
Why We’re Introducing A Mascot as Part of Our STEP Brand
Thursday, 07 February 2019 19:28 Written by Janalynne RogersWhich animal is known for its ingenuity and agility, and would be worthy of building your brand around? Can you guess?
Traditionally, a mascot is an animal or object used to represent a group with a common identity. This includes schools, sports teams, organizations, charities, and brands. The choice of mascot often embodies an organization’s most desirable qualities and characteristics, aligned with the brand’s spirit, and is reflected in its daily operations.
Let’s continue the mascot guessing game, shall we? Here’s another hint: STEP Software serves our clients with solutions that are nimble, agile, and resourceful. And we pride ourselves on hiring team members who aren’t only skillful, they’re clever.
Figure it out? For those of you playing along at home, we’ll give you a clue:
5 Tips for Creating a Great UX
Tuesday, 15 January 2019 16:04 Written by Janalynne RogersUser experience is possibly the most important aspect of any design project. The end goal of any developer or designer should be to create the slickest, most professional, and easy-to-use product they possibly can. Great UX has a proven impact on conversion rates, retention rates and ROI so getting it right is hugely beneficial to your project. Here are five tips for creating an unforgettable user experience.
Understanding How to Protect Your Online Identity
Monday, 14 January 2019 20:09 Written by Janalynne RogersIdentity theft is becoming increasingly popular, and it is critical to keep your information out of the hands of cybercriminals. Of course, protecting your online identity for an individual or business is not always an easy task, as new cyber threats continue to emerge on a daily basis. However, choosing to use an IT provider can keep your personal information out of the hands of unauthorized users and is a worthy investment for small- to medium-sized businesses in today's connected work environment.
Here are just three ways that a managed IT service provider can protect your online identity in the workplace.
Our STEP Holiday Message
Wednesday, 19 December 2018 13:57 Written by Janalynne RogersThe holidays are upon us, and with them comes a chance to reach out in a meaningful way to all of you who have helped shape STEP Software into what it is today.
We’d like to take a brief time out from the festivities to let you know we’re thinking of you and wishing you all the best as we head into 2019. May you and yours enjoy the spoils of success arising out of opportunities born in the blank slate that is another new year!
4 Easy to Understand Machine Learning Methods
Friday, 09 November 2018 19:56 Written by Janalynne RogersData analysis in the 21st century increasingly relies upon the field of "machine learning." It has had incredible success in a wide range of applications, especially in business and finance.
The field is also an area of computer science that is full of mathematics and hard-to-decipher lingo. If you're not sure what those machine learning gurus are talking about, the following is an excellent place to start.
3 Key Factors that Will Influence Your SEO Results
Friday, 09 November 2018 19:53 Written by Janalynne RogersSearch engine optimization is a constant struggle for individuals and small businesses operating on a limited budget. Even large companies are fearful of using strategies that could potentially lead to a damaging penalty. This unease can sometimes lead to inaction, with people being overly cautious about committing to a clear strategy.
While a variety of techniques have been shown to produce results in the search engines, there is no single method that will guarantee results. Therefore, it is important to work with a number of key factors that consistently produce results, while also being willing to adapt to new situations. The following factors make up some of the fundamentals you can be confident in applying, allowing you to build a solid base for your website.
Our exceptional talented developers and supportive team, combined with our highly effective, well-developed methodology has provided custom applications to Fortune 500 corporations and entrepreneurial companies.
