Technology



Issue Tracking Software

March 12th, 2010

An issue tracking software comprises of software packages that maintains and manages any problems that arises in an organization. An issue tracking system contains a site that has all details concerning each of their customers. An issue tracking system also contains a file that has information on features and designs of a system, which is available on the help desk.

Issue tracking software is helpful for many reasons. When it comes to running a business and keeping track of large amounts of data, things can sometimes go wrong to the point of your not knowing how to fix them. However, with an issue tracking software, problems with your project or database will be dealt with and solved immediately.

Issue tracking software installs a help desk right into your computer so that when something happens to your system database or the information system things can be controlled. Having someone at your aide can be of immense help, especially if computer maintenance is not where your strength lies. There is the feature of reporting the issue either over e-mail or by phone. This ensures that the help you receive will be intelligible and benefits your specific problem in a timely manner.

Issue tracking software does more than helping you to solve Issues. It lets you keep track of the status of the project like how far the project has reached in the execution stage. It helps you to assess your team’s Issue tracking efforts and you will be able to assess the important project metrics, such as testing, project progress, and more. Issue tracker software also lets new team members get up to speed quickly. They can see how far the software application is developed, what issues are open and closed, and who is assigned to each issue. A good Issue tracking software application should let you arrange the issues by categories too. You can easily track who is assigned what in the team. Issue tracker software can be a great management tool.

One of the important uses of Issue tracking software is to create a knowledge base so that team members and eventually the support staff can see the procedures used to solve issues. The new issue will be similar to one that has already been fixed, so by just looking at older issues, the new ones can be solved. Issue tracking software helps in generating reports. This is an imperative management tool and saves the time that managers spend on compiling information for reports so that they can actually spend more time in managing and less time in pushing paper. It can also be used in the employee appraisal process.

Issue tracking especially for large projects is a very complex process. A planned approach to software development with a detailed and automated process for addressing those issues that come up during development and even after the development when the application is in maintenance mode. Issue tracking software helps you manage issues by increasing the productivity, reducing downtime, more satisfied customers and greater communications between all the team members and other teams.

Q3 technologies announces its participation at IndiaSoft 2010.

March 3rd, 2010

Q3 Technologies will be exhibiting at the IndiaSoft Meet to be held on 10 – 12 March 2010, at Jaipur, India.

IndiaSoft 2010 is the country’s first IT event which provides the IT companies an excellent platform to showcase their IT products and services. IndiaSoft helps the participants to understand about technology, market development and dynamics about the industry. This meet will be visited by IT buyers from Latin America, Africa, CIS, Asean, North America, Europe, Japan, Middle East region.

India Soft is covering various areas of outsourcing and globalization. At IndiaSoft conference we get to meet industry leaders, executives, and practitioners who are leveraging global services to tackle economic challenges and to strategically grow their business. The Conference will provide the opportunity to network with global speakers and panelists including top enterprise executives, global sourcing providers and industry and business analysts.

Q3 technologies is also looking forward to an active participation in the exhibition. We will be displaying our IT products & services to make useful business alliance with the customer from all over the world. This year IndiaSoft focuses on commercialization of new and emerging technologies. IndiaSoft provides an opportunity to Exhibitors as well as Buyers globally looking for outsourcing IT services & solutions including KPO, BPO, Banking, Finance, Insurance, Telecommunications, Media & Entertainment, Bio Informatics, Engineering Design, Travel, Hotel, Hospitality, Logistics, and much more…under one roof. There will be around 100 Indian IT Tier II and III companies displaying their IT services and around buyers from 70 countries for business networking. This year the exhibition will emphasize on commercialization of new and emerging technologies.

Companies gain new customers from participating in exhibitions like IndiaSoft. Q3 technologies got many new customers last year from this event and we are hoping to get many more this year too by having a successful show at the event.

Search Engine Optimization- A Booming Profession.

February 25th, 2010

Search Engine Optimization is a very crucial part in a website success. The objective of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is to achieve high natural search engine placement for relevant keywords or keyword phrases. Until some time back, SEO was not recognized as a profession in itself but now more and more people are choosing this as a career. A career in SEO can be described as a suitable blend of intelligence and dedication.  Many people have actually made a successful and satisfying career in Search Engine Optimization. There are some very good reasons for choosing SEO as a profession:

1. Increasing demand for SEO services: A large number of big and wealthy companies are constantly investing in SEO nowadays. With the increase in volume of website, it has become important to hire an SEO specialist to maintain the website. Therefore, the demand for SEO specialist is increasing day by day.

2. Good income through SEO: There is good money in SEO. It might not be consistent all the year round-it it sure to give good returns in boom days. The SEO employees receive more compensations than the designers, marketers and developers. If you have good skills and confidence in you then you can start your own business or work for the SEO job.

3. Lots of Learning: All those who think that the people who have a background in designing, developing and web administration will downgrade their skills if they move towards SEO, it is not true. By moving towards SEO, you will only boost your knowledge and upgrade your skills for a better future.

4. Increasing demand of SEO as a career: SEO has been recognized as a full time profession where you have many exams available in the market to become a certified SEO specialist. SEO professionals are fast acquiring the tag of glamorous profession. More importantly, there are more certified degrees and courses available in this field.

SEO has great promises to make to the next generation, if you are looking at a career in the near future, and with the rising trend and usage of internet as a marketing medium, it has great deal of opportunities and a whole lot of young generation is turning to this field and making their careers in Search Engine Optimization. SEO has a very bright future for you if you have great analytic and writing skills. If you have perfect writing skills, it will provide you a definite edge over others in the market. People often consider SEO as a technical or highly scientific thing, but actually, SEO is an art. It is an art of selecting right keywords for the website, also an art of researching the competitors for those keywords, and it is an art of defining right strategy for scaling dreadful competition for high rankings. To become a successful SEO specialist, you ought to be a good planner with a great marketing mind.

Dot Net Nuke – An open source application

February 17th, 2010

Dot Net Nuke is an open source application. Dot Net Nuke is a Web Application Framework which consists of its own Content Management System.  Dot Net Nuke is a free Application from Microsoft which is yet another benefit. It is written using Windows ASP.NET Framework and VB.net. It is mostly used for the Creation, Distribution and management of Websites, Intranet and Extranet and can Customized through Modules and Skins. Dot Net Nuke is made with a Motive to provide Administrators, Designers, Web developers and People of other niches with ease of management and use. User Interface provided by DNN makes it even easier for everyone to manage other things which can be really difficult at times. Every element of your Dot Net Nuke website can have specific security settings applied to allow or deny users from seeing, editing, or administering the different parts of your site. Easily keep your website up to date. Simply login from anywhere in the world and add the content you require.

Q3 Technologies at CEBIT 2010

February 10th, 2010

Q3 Technologies confirms its participation at CeBIT 2010, to be held in Hannover, Germany from 2nd – 6th March 2010.

Germany is a significant market for Q3 technologies as this will be Q3’s fourth year in a row at CeBIT. Q3 is committed to providing the German market with superior Software products and services. At CeBIT, Q3 Technologies would be showcasing its expertise across a gamut of innovative solutions built around cutting edge technologies in Microsoft .Net, Java, Cloud and other open source platforms.

CeBIT provides an opportunity for companies to come together and present their strategies and products. The key target groups are users from industry, the wholesale/retail sector, skilled trades, banks, the services sector, government agencies, science and all users interested in technology.

Ramana Rao, VP of Engineering Q3 Technologies shared his opinion on Scrum and Agile development methods used by Indian software companies. “I think Scrum and Agile development methods have started making their mark in India. As a matter of fact, many companies have started moving away from the traditional Waterfall model. The change is imminent as customers start getting unequivocal in their demand of “quickly watch things working”. Companies will be successful as long as they are able to manage shorter learning curves, impose strict quality guidelines within constantly dwindling development iteration’s and at the same time reduce rework.”

Ramana also talked about the new Project Management approaches in India that have gained popularity in recent times. He mentioned “CMMi benchmarks stipulated by Software Engineering Institute (SEI) will continue to provide a significant and solid process and management foundation and will help companies to improvise on their project planning, execution, monitoring and delivery mechanisms.  In the context, it is pertinent to note that, of recent, best practices stated by PMI (Project Management Institute) are gaining a lot of popularity in the Indian IT Industry circles. The good thing is that both of the above approaches share a lot in common and  chances of conflict are none or minimal.

Q3 Technologies will also be exhibiting at the IndiaSoft Meet to be held on 10 – 12 March 2010, at Jaipur, India. This meet will be visited by IT buyers from Latin America, Africa, CIS, Asean, North America, Europe, Japan, Middle East region.

Benefits of MS SharePoint

February 9th, 2010

MS Sharepoint is the latest technology that integrates well with Microsoft business applications and tools. Microsoft Windows Sharepoint Services enable you to share and handle information and documents in a systematic and secured way. Sharepoint has drastically changed our day-to-day communication and the way we interact with each other. One of the most popular software packages for businesses today is Microsoft SharePoint Server.

Sharepoint adds a new dimension to the way of communication. Sharepoint services include various tools for improving the productivity. Sharepoint tools can be used to help the users connect and exchange information/resources they need. Most of the Microsoft Office System programs are integrated in it. This integration makes it easier for the users to use the system quickly. Sharepoint Services can also be used for storage and retrieval of documents. Sharepoint is quite useful for its scalability. You can configure Sharepoint Services from a web browser or command line utilities. You need not to install any huge or complicated application on your desktop for connecting and configuring the Sharepoint Services.

Sharepoint services also helps to manage the documents quite effectively and even control the user level access for documents. You can define which documents can be accessed by which user. Users can access one version of the file and make changes in it. You have the ability to view the revisions and restore it to previous versions. One of the important things is that SharePoint is specifically designed to handle the documents and version control. SharePoint handles this with comprehensive version control and a check in/out system to maintain document integrity. Template based solutions are also available with Sharepoint services. You can use application templates to customize. It also provides advanced business controls. Using this advanced control, you can secure your information. It allows you to set permissions even down to the document or item level.

One of the main benefits of using Microsoft SharePoint Server is the ability to manage and control the content that is entering or leaving your business. The platform can also be used to access documents and workspaces that need to be shared among a number of individuals, such as databases and commonly used forms. Microsoft SharePoint Server is a very popular program for businesses, because it helps to improve business processes without the requirement of extensive training. Many different types of users would be able to use Microsoft SharePoint Server effectively and the platform allows for easier control of many business processes. Microsoft SharePoint Server also gives users the ability to organize and edit their documents quickly and easily. Documents can be organized using any number of different criteria. The collaborative editing is also possible using the applications available with the software. Microsoft SharePoint Server also includes updated navigation features and the ability to search documents using a number of different methods. Many companies are using SharePoint as a content management system to host an Internet site. There is no limit to the layout or functionality of a SharePoint site.

Software Testing

February 4th, 2010

In simple words, Software Testing can be defined as the process of validating and verifying that a software application meets the stated requirements. Software Testing is a method of identifying faults in the product before it is released. This includes defects in the software code and its execution, as well as any potential gap between what the code is supposed to do and what it actually does. Software Testing can be implemented at any time in the development process. However, most of the test effort occurs after the requirements have been defined and the coding process has been completed.

Software testing is a process that ensures that the new software that will be released will work. Software testing helps the developers to find out whether there are technical problems in particular software before it is released. Software testing also ensures that the software that is being released by its manufacturer has passed standard quality tests. Software testing helps to avoid the hassles and cost that may be caused by faulty software’s that have been released in the market. When software that has not gone through software testing is sold in the market, it is likely to have technical issues that can arise from the software usage. This may have costly result particularly when software is used in applications that are crucial in the operation of business organizations.

There are mainly two types of software testing used by all software testing companies in India and across the globe, Manual testing and Automated testing. Manual software testing generally involves manual interaction with application, and observing the outcomes very carefully. In addition to this, a manual testing allows the tester to execute random testing in comparison to automated testing. However, automated testing is different from manual testing. Automated testing provides you with the facility to run automation against code that changes regularly to identify regressions in a sensible manner. Automated testing provides you the ability to run automation in mainstream scenarios. The latest techniques in software testing increase the quality of software products in a number of ways:

1) reduces the cost of software development and testing.

2) reduces the time spent on the development of new software products.

3) Improves the software performance. The benefits of using software testing tools directs to increase in team motivation and decrease in the time of testing the application.

Web Conferencing

January 29th, 2010

Web conferencing is basically a web meeting which is interactive not only in terms of audio and video but also by allowing the sharing of documents and files and viewing them online. It is a means that brings people together from multiple locations to share information in an interactive environment with other users over the Internet. Web conferencing increases productivity by having decision makers located in a single place to discuss strategic topics pertaining to business.

Web technology has replaced face-to-face meetings among sales teams and executive boards because it saves travel costs and increases productivity. Web conferencing is a technology that places crucial information in a visually appealing way at the fingertips of professionals. How you choose to use web conferencing will very much depend upon your line of work. Web conferencing is relatively a new communications phenomenon that offers numerous benefits and advantages.

Efficiency – Nowadays, it is very essential to get your view across in a clear way. Quality communication can help to move your business forward and boost its success. By using web conferencing to connect with peers and clients, you will be able to deliver messages effectively and efficiently.

Builds Relationships – Web conferencing helps you to create strong bonds with others by allowing you to communicate with them in a personal way, even when you are sitting at different locations. It can also help meeting participants residing in different locations to work together in an interactive and dynamic way.

Eliminates Geographical Distances – Web conferencing can bridges the geographical distances by allowing for virtual meeting experiences that are same as face-to-face meeting. No matter where the meeting participants may be located, this type of conferencing brings everyone together into a single working environment, allowing for more fulfilling and productive discussions.

Saves Time and Money – Web conferencing helps you to streamline your work, which leads to significantly reducing your travel time allowing you to conduct productive and engaging meetings without ever leaving your office. Online conferencing makes collaborating with colleagues and clients highly convenient by reducing the need to travel. Web conferencing also allows you to save money.

Versatility and Flexibility – Web conferencing provides you the benefit from its high level of versatility and flexibility. From team collaborations to providing training and orientation to new employees, web conferences have multiple uses and can meet numerous communications requirements.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Solutions

January 22nd, 2010

ERP or Enterprise resource planning is a term used in conjunction with Enterprise Resource Planning software which is used to manage and coordinate all functions, resources and information of a business, available on a shared data source. ERP is a strategic tool, which helps the company to gain a competitive edge by integrating all business processes and optimizing the resources available so as to manage the enterprise as a whole.

ERP has many advantages which can benefit the company in the long run.  ERP helps in faster processing of information and reduces the burden of paperwork. It gives customer satisfaction in terms of prompt responses and follow ups. It helps in having a say over your competitor and adapting to the ups and downs of the market and business fluctuations. ERP is suitable for global operations as it encompasses all the domestic jargons, currency conversions, diverse accounting standards, and multilingual facilities. ERP helps to control the data and facilitates the necessary contacts to acquire the same. It helps in streamlining of financial and administrative systems.

One of the greatest benefits of incorporating ERP as a key business strategy is its ability to fundamentally eliminate multiple systems with no more redundancy. Individual agencies can hereby share important information in a standardized way, proving for a reduction in time spent doing this and a resulting improvement in productivity. All-in-all costs are reduced by implementing ERP for discovering only the best practices for all the business processes needed to be carried out.

ERP is a technology formed with the fusion of small, separate segments of an enterprise to form a larger, interactive unit. The atmosphere of ERP is inevitable and the architecture is robust. You can analyze data across all departments and interpret most important information. Information flow across boundaries experiences least viscosity, providing customized business solutions.

Modern businesses run systems, IT networks and corporate applications and manage business processes that often become unwieldy, complex and difficult to manage. An ERP solution with its business process transformation capabilities is generally favored by enterprise IT managers, chief information officers and chief technology officers to integrate and better manage business operations and ever-increasing business applications and network systems. The solution in its early deployment stages integrates key business processes and functions such as finance, manufacturing, purchase, production planning, human resources, sales and marketing.

A successful implementation of ERP software can result in medium-term business benefits. Top management are able to get real-time insight into business activities and operations across locations and can adjust short-term strategic objectives and goals. Employees can access and manage enterprise applications on demand. Over time, businesses learn to be more quick, competitive and productive.

Agile Development

January 6th, 2010

Agile methodology is an approach to project management. It helps team respond to the unpredictability of building software through incremental, iterative work cadences, known as sprints. Agile software development is a framework utilized for software development projects. It was born out of frustration within traditional project management activities. An Agile methodology minimizes risk in software development.

Some of the principles behind the Agile manifesto are:

• Customer satisfaction by rapid, continuous delivery of useful software.

• Working software is delivered frequently.

• Working software is the principal measure of progress.

• Close, daily cooperation between business people and developers.

• Simplicity.

• Self-organizing teams.

• Regular adaptation to changing circumstances.

Agile software development is a framework for software engineering that promotes development processes throughout the life-cycle of the project. Agile allows your team to identify the most critical features of the software that can be completed within a short time frame and it delivers a complete build with this set of limited features as the first iteration. Once that is done, you can move those features to production or continue on to the next iteration. Agile projects are released to production months where Waterfall projects normally span a year or more before they are released to production.

Agile methods emphasize real time communication, preferably face-to-face, over written documents. Most agile teams are located in a bullpen and include all the people necessary to finish the software. At a minimum, this includes programmers and the people who define the product such as product managers, business analysts, or actual customers. The bullpen may also include testers, interface designers, technical writers, and management. Agile software development focuses on keeping code simple, testing often, and delivering functional bits of the application as soon as they’re ready. The goal of agile software development is to build upon small client-approved parts as the project progresses, as opposed to delivering one large application at the end of the project.

Advantages of Agile

• Agile methodology has an adaptive team which is able to respond to the changing requirements.

• The team does not have to invest time and effort in delivering the product.

• Face to face communication and continuous inputs from customer representative.

• The documentation is the crisp and to the point to save time.

• The end result is the high quality software in least possible time duration and satisfied customer.

 
Customer Speaks
 
 
Our Team Lead from Q3 was in Chicago with AMB this week. We have been involved in many demonstrations and meetings with customers and partners including Microsoft. We have been asking a lot of the Q3 AMB Team and they have surpassed my expectations on deliverables and efforts to deliver new features and functions, such as the new Address Correction, Cross Database, the e-commerce website, new data sources, testing - this product is near impossible to break, and more. These have been important for all of our prospects, customers and business partnerships.

I truly thank the team for their professionalism, efforts beyond most others and retaining a great and excited attitude and work ethic. Though I must say they have worked with these ethics and strength from their first days on this project.

For these reasons AMB has very long plans for utilizing Q3 and this team for years to come. Thank you, Q3 AMB Team !!
Steven Meister
CEO, AMB Dataminers Inc.
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