Awaiting Google I/O 2013
The world’s leading name in the field of technology will have its annual developer-focused conference this week and a lot of techy-savvy individuals are looking forward for whatever surprise they are preparing.
It was during Google I/O 2008 when Android and Chrome was introduced and now they became one of the most popular among its competitors. Rumors showed that Google would be introducing a lot of new games and a more comprehensive detail on Google Now. Developers are pretty much excited on the latter and how it will improve everyone else’s techy life. It is rumored to be one of the major components of Google Glass which was already revealed few months ago.
The combination of Android and Chrome is also being hushed but realizing it is very unlikely. It is possible but maybe not during this year’s I/O. Chrome already reached the iOS platform and is currently gaining more users in the desktop category.
For the thousands of gamers, there would be a lot of exciting games in Google+ as well as in the Android operating system. More and more people are surely going to spend most of their time online to enjoy all these things coming out.
Google already proved to their billions of subscribers that they’ve got what it takes to rule the tech world and that they can provide the demands of their clients and even exceeded their expectations.
Even though they are facing a lot of copyright infringement cases from their competitors, they remained strong and continue to introduce something different that their clients would truly appreciate.
They were able to win the masses with their cheap operating system powering affordable devices brought by leading gadget manufacturers. They invaded almost all aspect from video streaming, browsing, gaming and social networking. Time will come that everything will be under their roof connecting everyone else’s accounts.
Image credit: droid-life.com
Understanding SSL certificates
Consider this question: would you put your banking details or personal information on the back of a postcard and send it for the world to see?
The answer is definitely no. You would put that information in a sealed envelope, as they are details you want to keep that private, only to be seen by the person the information is intended for, keeping your details and your money safe.
That seems like common sense and most people are happy to adhere to basic privacy protection, but many people don’t apply the same rules when it comes to transactions made online. Every transaction made involves sending your private information across to a business who will then use that information, but not all businesses take measures to ensure that your information doesn’t run the risk of being intercepted by malicious groups or software along the way. There are several easy security measures, like checking that the website you are using has invested in SSL Certificates that can keep your information safe and reduce your chances of fraud.
What is an SSL Certificate?
SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer. It is technology that establishes a secure link between the visitor’s web browser and your website. All communications going through the link like emails, bank details and personal information are encrypted – turned into an unreadable code – that can only be read by the recipient, creating a private channel to communicate on.
Even if someone like a hacker does intercept your channel, the encryption means that the information is “scrambled”, so they won’t be able to read it or access any of your private reserves. It’s the digital version of sending your letter by registered post – only the intended recipient can get hold of it.
How will it help my business?
If you own an online business, then your customers are putting you in a position of trust when they make a purchase with you, so it’s important that you do everything you can to ensure that you are keeping them safe. When you invest in a reputable SSL Certificate your customers will be able to see the logo on your website, which will help build their trust in your business and could even help grow your company. The customer may not understand the complexities of internet security, but more often than not, they have been made aware of potential online threats and will be reassured that you are doing everything you can to protect them.
On the reverse side, if potential customers and clients can’t see this logo, they may be reluctant to do business with you as they may fear that using your website could make them vulnerable to viruses and hackers.
These days, internet browsers are starting to make it even more clear for web users when it encounters a website that it does not determine to be secure. In Internet Explorer version 7 and above, the address bar will turn green if the browser has assessed that the website is up to date with security settings, including an SSL Certificate. In Firefox a small lock symbol will appear in the status bar. As consumers become more educated and wary about issues around online security threats, they will begin to look at these symbols more and more.
When you purchase a certificate you will be given a site seal logo which you can display prominently on any pages that require people to hand over private information. This seal provides great peace of mind and reassurance for your valued customers.
Where can I find out more?
Of course, it’s not easy to understand just how SSL technology can help you and how to work out which certificate is best for your business, which is why Symantec have created a useful SSL certificates interactive guide to explain more about what the certificates entail.
The infographic offers links to articles and videos that demystify every area of SSL Certificates, from their history to how they can benefit your business (small or large). You can also find information on where to find the right SSL certificate for your organisation and how to install it as well as a guide to best practice and getting the most from your certificate.
So, no excuses for running your company with a postcard mentality now!
Reaching Out to the World with Technology
Technology has expanded the world into one global village. People can communicate in real time wherever they are in the world. For marketers, this considerably broadens their market base. Those who have deeper pockets are able to successfully tap into these markets in expanding their distribution. Small marketers can also benefit from technology even without the capital and resources to service demand from far off areas. Since there are metrics and data available on online audiences, it will be easier for these small marketers to zoom into their target markets with SEO initiatives, mobile marketing technology, and social media marketing.
Your prospective customers can now easily find you online. With a few simple SEO tips, you can optimize your website for search engine results pages. There are different ways through which you can do this. The first is through the use of keywords both in the content and in the html codes. You can also distribute your links all over the internet through acceptable SEO practices. Note that there are some SEO practices that can get you flagged by the search engines. You want to be safe in doing your SEO if you do not want to be blocked by the search engine spiders.
Another technological advancement that can put you right in the lives of your customers is mobile marketing. You can now have apps that your customers can run in their mobile devices anywhere they are. Plenty of these apps are available for customization to your own business. Or, you can have your own IT personnel develop a unique mobile app for your business. Your customer can then download these apps on their devices and get instant access to you whenever, wherever. The same mobile route is taken by social media. Nowadays, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are available on mobile devices. Get in your customers’ social networks, share news to them like a friend telling another about the latest buzz, get personal, and soon, you will find that technology has helped you successfully reach out to the people you want to serve.
Image credit: Salvatore Vuono/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
