5 Tips to Choose the Right Database Management Solutions for Small Business

Every business, one-man-show, small, medium or large, must work with databases if it has to survive and thrive in the ecommerce era. Databases hold just about everything – content, blogs, email lists, inventory, customer lists, prospects’ lists, requests to customer service, and more. Databases enable transactions and help business owners better understand existing and potential customers. Without databases, there can be no ecommerce, no MIS, no data mining, and even no Web 2.0 or 3.0 or 4.0+.

So, if a small business owner has to work with databases, how should he choose from the multiple database management solutions available in the market?

Database Management Solutions

Choosing an Efficient Database Management System

1. Business Size and Scalability

A small business may have limited database needs to start with, but then it should consider that it will experience growth maybe after 6-12 months. Let’s take an example, a start-up may be able to manage its database using MS Access from its desktop. However, as it starts growing in a few months, it will feel the need for a more robust database that is hosted on a cloud server, and is accessible 24/7. At that time, database migration may eat away into precious time and energy. So, database planning must be based on the medium-long term.

Large businesses that have 1,000s of computers should work with mainframes (IBM, Oracle) while medium businesses can work with an open source or packaged solution (cloud-based or in-house server-based). The database solution depends on the size and scalability of the business.

2. Database Type

A database must be designed for the business and it must support various relations and interactions. It must be robust, flexible and speedy (for data retrieval). Databases can be flat-file (limited scope, okay for small amounts of data), relational (mostly used by small-medium businesses), object-oriented (which can handle different media formats), hierarchical (mostly used on mainframes by large companies), and network databases (also mostly used on mainframes). Every business owner must therefore engage the technical folks working for the database management system vendor, explain his business, and then choose the right database system. Else, he can always hire a database consultant.

3. Affordability

Today, it is possible to get a database system for a couple of hundred bucks. Complex systems cost more. Start-ups should buy a basic system and then upgrade it when the need arises. Many companies now offer cloud-based SQL/NoSQL database management systems at low prices, and many business owners are opting for such solutions because of their efficiency and affordability. Plus, the maintenance and updates are taken care of by the cloud vendor, and that lifts a big financial burden off business owners’ shoulders (because otherwise they would have to hire a database maintenance crew).

4. Vendor Quality

The database system developer must have a great track record along with many satisfied customers. There’s no point compromising on the developer to save a few dollars. Business owners must realise that databases must work efficiently and speedily on a 24/7 basis, and also offer tight security. Therefore, it makes sense to buy a database management system from a quality vendor. Business owners who choose a cloud vendor must ensure that the installed software is of high quality and that the vendor running the cloud is reputed and experienced.

5. Retrieval and Interaction

The database should hold complex data across different business areas and yet move smoothly, speedily and efficiently. A slow-moving database can ruin the user experience, alienate customers and drive them into the competitors’ arms. The database also must be able to filter data and present concise reports that help the management take appropriate decisions. It should also present information in a variety of formats such as PDF, doc, spreadsheet, etc.

Every small business owner must take his time and choose the right software from the plethora of database management solutions available in the market. The tips given above will help all business owners zero in on the right database system.

Custom Software Solutions to Improve Business Efficiency

In business, there are elements that are required to help our business operate efficiently. This includes a solid human resources department, qualified IT staff and the funds required to keep them all on the payroll. But what many entrepreneurs don’t realise is that business software solutions are also critical to ensure that your business runs efficiently.

With the right custom software solutions in place, your employees will be able to streamline work, ensure that tasks are being completed on time and ensure that everyone knows what is expected of them. In fact, when implemented properly, the best business software solutions will even help you to maximise your returns and ensure that the time spent by each employee is focused on the areas of their expertise.

These custom software solutions work especially well, when your business has multiple locations across the globe. You can assign company employees to the same projects and assign each task that can be completed at the same time. As these items are completed, they are recorded in the software and a new task is created for the next individual who needs to handle a portion of the project. This lets everyone know the status and where delays are in the development process.

Of course, this means communication is critical. This is where communication in the various business software solutions is important. You will want to customise the design so that individuals can note their progress and delays in the system. These can be monitored by members of your administrative team and that information can be used to help those struggling and to keep an active trail, so you

know what concerns you may run into again, in the future.

Ensure the following are part of your custom software solution:

• The ability to setup permission levels for employees
• Access to the code so that you can customise fields, deadlines and other critical areas that relate to your business.
• Receive regular updates that can be installed, without wiping out the changes you have made.

Some custom software solutions can also be designed to work for any department in your company. That increased usability helps to make it cost effective. This can include tracking for your sales department, so the team knows where customers stand, or detailed billing information to show what stage a customer is in for their billing cycles.

From a customer service standpoint, you will even find that this software can prove to be invaluable. When they call your business, their calls can be tracked from start to finish. In individualised profiles you can take notes about what the interaction was about and what the customer was looking for. This can give you some insight into what the needs of your customers are, while helping to create the best possible experience for the customer. This is achieved by noting their preferences and ensuring they don’t have to verify information several times during a call.

The bottom line is: A custom software solution can meet the unique way your business operates. It is designed to be simple, yet a powerful tool to bring most all the business components under the one platform for greater efficiency.

Custom Software Solutions to Streamline Your Business Operations

Working with a software services provider, you can begin to come up with some custom software development solutions for everyday applications that you use. Since technology is used to help you to meet all of your objectives and to give you the edge when you are attempting to corner the market, it is important that these software provider solutions are helping you to achieve that.

This begins by ensuring that you have a web portal that will help to enhance your business. Often, these will include services like Microsoft SharePoint, with the goal being a full service solution for your employees, so they can ensure that projects are completed promptly as a team. This centralised portal can include documents to be shared, a system that maintains records and can contain any other essential features your business needs. Of course, you need to ensure that everyone has the appropriate permission levels for this to be successful.

Because of the advancements in technology, cloud computing is also becoming incredibly important. Having a software services provider create a cloud system for you can be a good idea. Not only does this improve the experience users in the office will have, but employees across the globe can also login to the shared cloud drive and update and create documents and work on shared documents with others in the company, even if they are located in a different country. That makes this an invaluable tool.

In social networking, having technology there to better communicate with your customers and to provide them with the optimum experience is important. With innovative solutions in place, you can enhance communication between you and your customers and give them a place where they can further explore your products and services, from the comfort of their home or office. Keep in mind that user experience on Facebook will be different from the ones that they will have on LinkedIn or Twitter.

With mobile applications increasing in power and efficiency, utilising this platform can be important. Through the use of Apps, you can create an interactive experience for customers, or offer a productivity tool for employees on the go that can help them to be successful. It is important that when you do take this approach, you ensure that the most popular platforms in android and iOS devices are included. The reason is that some devices will require that you create a unique version of the application that is specifically designed for them.

The opportunities don’t end there. You will find additional technology can be utilised through:

• Customer relationship applications
• Geospatial information systems
• Business process modelling
• Workflow solutions

Additionally, you can have any form of branded software solution designed for you. With a professional developer on hand who has expertise in the area of custom software solutions, you can count on them to use the latest technology and graphic tools to ensure that the software developed is highly effective and functions as needed, to give users the best overall experience possible. After all, your brand’s name will be attached to the software and you want to have something that presents you in a positive light. 

5 Challenges to Build a Responsive Web Application

Responsive web design is all about ensuring that a website or application looks attractive and usable and delivers the full web experience on all known screen sizes of different devices such as smartphones, computers, tablets, mobile gaming devices, television, eBook readers, etc. Responsive design uses fluid grids and CSS queries to build designs that automatically adjust based on the device used.

This sounds nice and easy on paper but the numbers of devices that can connect to the Internet is increasing by the day, and let’s face it, every device has its own unique uses. Therefore, there are many challenges to overcome for mobile website design and development.

5 Factors to Consider While Building Responsive Web Applications:

TIME

It takes time and resources to create a responsive design. Programmers also need the latest software that can build responsive sites/applications, and buying many software licenses can eat into the company’s bank balance. Plus, many companies ask programmers to make their existing website responsive without realising that converting sites takes longer than building a site from scratch.

The extra time required can delay the product launch and the company’s plans/goals and therefore every project manager must discuss the likely delays with the management.

DEVICE DIFFERENCES

Viewing and interacting with a website or application on different devices requires a different thought process. A person viewing a website on his computer sees a whole lot of data at once, but when he views the same site on his mobile, he sees very little. Let’s assume he usually views the middle-centre of a particular site on his computer and then opens different links in new tabs. Now, doing the same tasks on his smartphone may inconvenience him.

Another example: browsing and booking an airline ticket on a home PC is miles apart from booking the same ticket on a smartphone while on a crowded train. A change in the situation, or in the circumstances, changes the browsing experience and this is something that responsive web design programmers cannot foresee.

There’s another factor to consider – once, companies made different website versions for mobiles and tablets because users interaction is different per device. A viewer can use his mouse pointer, shortcut keys, and even place his arms comfortably on a table while browsing. But, while checking websites on a mobile or tablet, all he has are his fingers. This is why mobile sites were designed separately, and while implementing responsive designing, the website retains the same structure.

CSS MEDIA QUERIES

CSS media queries optimise user experience by delivering different styles to different devices, and when programmers work with media queries for responsive web applications, they make certain assumptions. They can assume that a small screen is a mobile device – but then a mobile device can be more than 1280 pixels wide. If they assume that the user’s screen is lesser than 960 pixels wide, then they also must assume that he will have to scroll sideways to view the content. They also find it difficult to figure out what to do with portions of the site that can be hidden on mobile or eBook reader screens.

So, using CSS media queries to deliver an optimal screen may not work out well. However, programmers need to keep up with their good work without making too many assumptions. One more issue with media queries is that older browsers (IE 8, and before) cannot support them.

NAVIGATION

One of the most important parts of a website is its navigation. Navigation gets complex on dense and content-heavy sites and when such sites are viewed on small devices, it becomes challenging. Some content-heavy sites hide the navigation menu for small devices to counter the complexity, but then that compromises the user’s access to information. So, the programmers and their project manager have to meet the website owner and discuss the issues with him, suggest ideas, and arrive at an acceptable solution.

The challenge is that thinking through this takes additional time and effort, which the client will not compensate for. The client also may not agree to the suggestions.

TESTING

The time, skill and efforts taken for testing a responsive web application are humongous. There are multiple devices with multiple display screens and resolutions, and therefore testing responsive designs is repetitive and exacting. Touch screens, regular screens, different resolutions, etc., can take excessive testing time, and the website may still not display correctly on some devices after the testing is over.

These are the top 5 challenges that responsive web application design faces. Other minor issues include image scalability, devices loading CSS behind media queries that are not used thereby impacting site performance, element queries, and a couple more – but these can be tackled. The main challenges still continue to haunt programmers and publishers.

Do You Have a Mobile Website for the Growing Mobile User Market?

Before I begin to discuss the importance of creating a mobile website and how to market it, let me show you something.

The above are numbers which will change by the time I complete this article. The point I am making is that it is time to act NOW and create a mobile website for your business.

Creating a mobile website is slightly different from creating a traditional website. One thing that developers forget is who they are building the website for. It is important to understand the mobile user and how they will be viewing your website. For most mobile users, the key elements they are looking for include the following:

• Directions to your office
• Directions to your warehouse
• Click to call button
• Your phone number
• Map of your store location

If you know what the frequent searches are, then it makes It easier to create a specific mobile website design which is what the user is really after and not load it with lengthy PDF’s or company philosophy or even press releases.

There are some best practices to keep in mind as you develop your mobile website presence. This will ensure that you are creating a mobile website which is adaptable to what the user actually is searching for.

• Content Reigns Supreme

The very first step is to list down the most important content to include in the mobile website design. Do note that there is screen constraints. (Yes, even the large smartphones will not fill in all the information you hope to fill in)

Find out what your customers or potential customers would look for. Do you have many stores? How about a store locater? How about a map? Have you considered including the phone number for each store? These are some likely questions you will ask yourself.

Just think, if you were on a dental website, how fast can you go from Point A to Point B to book your appointment?

• Site Layout

Do note that mobile web pages do take a longer time to load than traditional websites. Therefore, I would recommend to keep the number of pages to a minimum. For my clients, I normally recommend no more than 10 pages. I tell them that no one will browse more than 2 or 3 pages so it is best to keep the pages tight but make it content rich. This will allow for the site to be streamlined.

The bottom line is: The mobile website MUST LOOK – Simple and Uncluttered.

• Do not forget branding

I am often asked by clients if we can create a funky, jazzy, out there mobile website design. I always say to them that keeping their brand image intact is imperative. Yes, you can have a streamlined mobile website, but you must also keep the brand in mind.

Your mobile website is an extension of your traditional website, therefor the brand value which has been created for the traditional one, must continue to be extended to the mobile presence. Plus if your current user is using your website, that sense of familiarity using the mobile version will create the perfect symbiosis.

I strongly recommend to keep the brand image and colour palette standard to that of your traditional website.

• White Space Is Good

Like some traditional websites, please do not attempt to try to fill every white space! Remember that white space is good because it gives your mobile website a classier look plus makes it look cleaner. Let me add a secret. If you have more white space, it is easier for the user to click on important buttons like – Buy Now, Try Now, Book Appointment etc…

• Try to Avoid Java and Flash

The main reason for this that some smartphones do not support Flash or Java. Considering that mobile usage is increasing, the last thing you want is to lose a large chunk of potential new clients.

• Type Less

It is a fact that many of us have trouble typing on tiny keyboards. However, there are times that we have to enter important information to proceed towards the completion of booking an appointment or making a purchase.

So, what is the solution?

Well, where possible, use drop down menus. This will help minimise time-consuming typing and the possibility of someone leaving your site as it becomes too cumbersome to fill in so much information by typing.

• Pop-Up Windows - NO

Pop-up windows can slow navigation considerably. If the user is supposed to open a new window, ensure there is an alert in place so that they navigate back to the original page.

• Please visit the whole site

Creating the mobile website is only part of your marketing strategy. As explained, you will only be creating some important pages for your mobile version. However, ensure that you include links back to your main website on multiple pages.

Once you have your mobile website using the best practices above, there will be no looking back. Do remember that your brand image is important so whatever decisions you make in creation of the website must include this fact.

Once your mobile web design is complete and your mobile website is ready to go, there is another important thing you must do. You need to get people to search for your products and services online.


So, what can you do?

• Use mobile advertising to get people to search for your service/product via a mobile device.
• Optimise your Google+ Place Listings
• Be active in social medias
• Constantly track your mobile site traffic on Google Analytics

For me, a great mobile website is one which is simple, elegant and very easy to navigate and always keeping the brand image intact.

Shivam – A Leading Software Development Company in Australia

In Australia, the custom software development industry is as strong as ever, thanks largely to the overall growth of business for both start-ups and existing businesses. In fact, the nation has recorded the third highest number of start-ups among the G8 economies for 2011 despite the global financial crisis.

 Shivam, a leading software development company based in Melbourne and with offices in India and Singapore, has matched and continues to match the growth of the industry. This comes as little to no surprise to its lengthy clients list because Shivam delivers on its products and services – and in an excellent manner, to boot.

Humble Beginnings, Present Leader

Of course, Shivam started from relatively humble beginnings considering the heavyweights in the industry then. It started as an IT consultancy company over a decade ago – 2001 – but it has evolved into one of the leading custom software development companies Down Under. Yes, its clients can attest to its leadership in the highly specialised field.

Indeed, the notable software development company attributes its success to the ability to speak its clients’ language. The professionals involved with Shivam will develop strong partnerships with their clients, which will then become the foundation for the development of effective, efficient and responsive custom software.

We cannot overemphasise that our portfolio of software, websites and online solutions are based on the good professional relationships we have developed with our clients. Ultimately, these projects are created to serve a single purpose – to address the needs and wants of their users, the clients.

We have worked with a wide range of clients in several industries for just about every type of custom software development project. Still, we do not rest on our laurels especially since the industry is highly competitive considering the quality and quantity of competitors, not to mention the fast obsolescence rate of software, business solutions, and websites.
Our list of clients includes for-profit and non-profit organisations in the industries of insurance, education, and business, among others. We have created hundreds of websites, customised in-house systems, and delivered on the expected products and services in our niche.

Name It, We Can Make It Work

Indeed, name it and we can create, develop and customise applications, solutions and websites to your satisfaction. Our products and services include but are not limited to:

• IT consultancy

• Website design and development

• Custom software development
• Onsite/offsite services
• Testing
• Communication and network management
• Enterprise architecture

• Online marketing with sub-specializations in link building, article marketing, and pay per click advertising

Shivam uses Microsoft.net technologies, which have been proven time and time again to be the most effective, efficient and responsive in its category. We believe in using only the best techniques, tools and technologies whether it is in custom software development or in enterprise architecture.

Software Development Company – Choosing an Australian Business

If you are looking for an Australian software development company, simply searching through Google can give you hundreds of results. However, browsing through every result could take weeks. How can you find the right company for your specific software development needs? To help you choose the best Australian business for your software needs, here are a few tips to follow for the best results.

Tip #1 – Start by Knowing What You Need

The first tip to follow as you search for a quality software development company is to start out by knowing what you need. Knowing the skills you are searching for can help you to know the requirements you have for a good company. Decide on the role for the new software you need and even figure out the market for the software you desire. Even figuring out your budget can be a big help. When you know what you need, searching for the perfect software development company becomes much easier.

Tip #2 – Get Referrals From Others

Simply looking through a list of Google results will not give you the information you need when trying to choose your Australian software development company. Getting referrals from others can help. Talk to other business owners, friends, and even family members to find out if they have used a company for software development in the past. Check with those you are connected with on social media sites like LinkedIn and Facebook too.

Tip #3 – Do Your Research

Next, once you have a few names to consider, do your research on each software development company you are considering. Evaluate each company carefully. You can do your evaluating by looking at their portfolio, experience, technology, and fees. Start by getting a good look at their portfolio to see how they have helped others. Find out if they have offered software options to other companies within your specific industry.

Researching to find out about the experience of the software development company is imperative as well. Make sure they have at least a few years of experience offering good software development to other professionals. Ensure that the company is technologically advanced enough to provide the solutions you need. Last, research the fees that they charge, making sure they offer good value for the money you will spend.

Tip #4 – Customer Service

Last, make sure you check out the customer service before deciding on a software development company. Make sure they respond promptly to queries and find out about the post-sale support that is offered to customers as well. You want a company that will offer you the customer support needed once you use their software development services.

Shivam Technologies is a leading website development and Software Solutions in Australia. Find out why it is critical to create business websites from this Melbourne based company.