Internet Marketing. What does this term really mean? I don't think it makes sense to answer the question at this level yet. So let's look at the broader term "marketing" first.
Marketing has many definitions and not all are the same. I like to think of marketing as "communicating with customers". So which customers? To be more specific, I like to think of marketing as communicating with current and prospective customers in your chosen markets. This introduces the term market and this is critical because it begins to draw out differences that relate to a defined group of the population that we will call our "chosen segment".
Webwings Internet Marketing goes to some lengths to understand the chosen market because it is not possible to apply effective marketing without understanding that this segment really is. With that understanding, communications can be tailored. Let me illustrate the point.
Imagine that you wish to communicate with teenagers in lower socio economic groups. These people have certain beliefs and attitudes and of course they have their own style of communicating. Imagine that you are communicating with retired people from affluent society. The language you would use to communicate with them would be quite different; wouldn't it?
I think I have summarized what I think marketing is about and the importance of clearly defining and understanding your target market segment. Now to the internet...
Internet marketing is obviously about communicating with our chosen customer segment online. This brings in the vagaries of communicating in a medium that is quite different to face-to-face, print or television. The internet is a highly interactive medium where customers can achieve their goals very quickly. Website visitors read web pages very differently to the way they read a newspaper or magazine. So the style of communications needs to be tailored to the medium.
I know that this is probably a lot to take in and to think about. At Webwings, we take our clients through rigorous strategy and design processes to reach agreement on the right way to approach the clients market. Then we can get on with what is typically regarded as internet marketing. That is, search engine optimization, online advertising, and search engine advertising.
Most businesses on the web have a website presence. Most do not deliver on the desired business goals. We often find that this is partly to do with lack of context for subsequent web site design. Typically, websites have been developed by technical people - not marketers.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Basic mobile phones just got smarter in Africa
ForgetMeNot Africa launches Message Optimiser bringing email and instant messaging to simple mobile phones without need for PC or Internet across Africa
London, 24 March 2009: ForgetMeNot Africa, a specialist in unified messaging for telecommunications operators, has announced that it is launching its Message Optimiser service throughout Africa. The service will be publically demonstrated for the first time in Africa at East Africa Com on the 1st and 2nd of April in Nairobi, Kenya.
In November 2008 LonZim plc acquired a controlling interest in FMN Africa. LonZim has established a strong presence in both the communications sector and financial services technology in the region, through its investments in Celsys, and Paynet, both of which offer strong synergies with FMNAfrica and further opportunities to enhance LonZim's portfolio of investments.
Message Optimiser (MO) allows carriers to immediately provide cost-effective comprehensive unified messaging services (email, instant messaging (IM) and SMS) without the end user requiring any Internet access, device upgrades, or application downloads.
With an implementation cycle of a matter of weeks, carriers can quickly enjoy additional revenue streams, monetizing channels previously unavailable to them, and offering a unique differentiator point; an array of value-added messaging services to their entire customer base. Since it does not require a data contract, Message Optimiser allows operators to increase ARPU and reduce churn amongst its pre-pay customers.
End-users benefit from the simplicity of ForgetMeNot's Handset Initiation technology, which turns even the most basic mobile phone into a "smarter" Internet-capable, multi-channel messaging device, instantly providing two-way email and two-way instant messaging for both pre-pay and post-pay users alike. Handset Initiation technology is becoming vital not only for developing nations where PC and Internet access is very low but also allows users globally to have access to email and instant messaging without the need for more expensive smartphones, a PC or Internet connection.
Jeremy George, Chief Operating Officer of ForgetMeNot Africa comments: "In today's maturing mobile markets, mobile operators are increasingly focused on customer retention and service differentiation. Message Optimiser meets both needs offering a new revenue stream from their existing subscriber base while offering customers a unique service"
London, 24 March 2009: ForgetMeNot Africa, a specialist in unified messaging for telecommunications operators, has announced that it is launching its Message Optimiser service throughout Africa. The service will be publically demonstrated for the first time in Africa at East Africa Com on the 1st and 2nd of April in Nairobi, Kenya.
In November 2008 LonZim plc acquired a controlling interest in FMN Africa. LonZim has established a strong presence in both the communications sector and financial services technology in the region, through its investments in Celsys, and Paynet, both of which offer strong synergies with FMNAfrica and further opportunities to enhance LonZim's portfolio of investments.
Message Optimiser (MO) allows carriers to immediately provide cost-effective comprehensive unified messaging services (email, instant messaging (IM) and SMS) without the end user requiring any Internet access, device upgrades, or application downloads.
With an implementation cycle of a matter of weeks, carriers can quickly enjoy additional revenue streams, monetizing channels previously unavailable to them, and offering a unique differentiator point; an array of value-added messaging services to their entire customer base. Since it does not require a data contract, Message Optimiser allows operators to increase ARPU and reduce churn amongst its pre-pay customers.
End-users benefit from the simplicity of ForgetMeNot's Handset Initiation technology, which turns even the most basic mobile phone into a "smarter" Internet-capable, multi-channel messaging device, instantly providing two-way email and two-way instant messaging for both pre-pay and post-pay users alike. Handset Initiation technology is becoming vital not only for developing nations where PC and Internet access is very low but also allows users globally to have access to email and instant messaging without the need for more expensive smartphones, a PC or Internet connection.
Jeremy George, Chief Operating Officer of ForgetMeNot Africa comments: "In today's maturing mobile markets, mobile operators are increasingly focused on customer retention and service differentiation. Message Optimiser meets both needs offering a new revenue stream from their existing subscriber base while offering customers a unique service"
China's Internet World
China with an Internet user base of 218 million has surpassed United States as the world's largest Internet population, generating much hype about a promising e-commerce scene with increased entrepreneurial opportunities. It is estimated by the end of 2008, China's internet population will hit 280 million.
For the past few years, the popularity of online shopping has grown tremendously and it has steadily becoming another source for ordering goods and services online. The increased adoption of credit cards provides e-commerce companies new cooperation opportunities with established banks to work on credit card loyalty and rewards program. Furthermore, consumers are exposed to both objective and biased opinions coming from the online forums and advertising mediums, resulting in greater information symmetry.
China's online gaming sector is another upcoming sector which will contribute to the global online gaming industry worth an estimate of US15 billion dollars. For instance, Electronic Arts, the world's leading video game publisher is set to enter China's online gaming market, a testimonial to the potential of the Chinese Internet market. Furthermore with the increased popularity of the online casual games for Chinese women, you see an increased consumer base for online gaming.
With the increased labour mobility, the Chinese people are often seeking the most economical form of communication with family, friends and colleagues. Therefore the internet provides a good source of stable and cheap means of communication. With the increased adoption of broadband Internet, Internet telephony could be the next big thing in China.
Though the market looks promising, but there are some challenges to tackle before the potential of this market can be fully realized. Firstly, many e-commerce site's payment is still based on cash on delivery due to a lack of established pool of credit card users and trust related issues. Furthermore, depending on the distribution network of your products, you may find delivery of your product to your client in another city a challenge due to the inefficiencies of China's delivery system. However this can be solved with the sourcing of the right distribution partners who can aid your firm in delivering your product safely and on time to your customers. China is looking at devising better technological and legal tools to govern their next biggest market - the virtual world.
Last but not least, it will be beneficial for your firm to engage a good Chinese market research firm to assist you to perform the necessary market research to reaffirm your thought process, source for appropriate distribution partners and lastly market entry in to China's virtual world.
For the past few years, the popularity of online shopping has grown tremendously and it has steadily becoming another source for ordering goods and services online. The increased adoption of credit cards provides e-commerce companies new cooperation opportunities with established banks to work on credit card loyalty and rewards program. Furthermore, consumers are exposed to both objective and biased opinions coming from the online forums and advertising mediums, resulting in greater information symmetry.
China's online gaming sector is another upcoming sector which will contribute to the global online gaming industry worth an estimate of US15 billion dollars. For instance, Electronic Arts, the world's leading video game publisher is set to enter China's online gaming market, a testimonial to the potential of the Chinese Internet market. Furthermore with the increased popularity of the online casual games for Chinese women, you see an increased consumer base for online gaming.
With the increased labour mobility, the Chinese people are often seeking the most economical form of communication with family, friends and colleagues. Therefore the internet provides a good source of stable and cheap means of communication. With the increased adoption of broadband Internet, Internet telephony could be the next big thing in China.
Though the market looks promising, but there are some challenges to tackle before the potential of this market can be fully realized. Firstly, many e-commerce site's payment is still based on cash on delivery due to a lack of established pool of credit card users and trust related issues. Furthermore, depending on the distribution network of your products, you may find delivery of your product to your client in another city a challenge due to the inefficiencies of China's delivery system. However this can be solved with the sourcing of the right distribution partners who can aid your firm in delivering your product safely and on time to your customers. China is looking at devising better technological and legal tools to govern their next biggest market - the virtual world.
Last but not least, it will be beneficial for your firm to engage a good Chinese market research firm to assist you to perform the necessary market research to reaffirm your thought process, source for appropriate distribution partners and lastly market entry in to China's virtual world.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
5 Steps to Online Video
Develop your message
Decide your target audience and cater your message to speak directly to them. When the camera starts recording, even the best speakers stumble and get nervous. So prepare your message as if you were giving an oral presentation to an audience. Remember, with a video message, you're selling yourself along with your product or service. You want your message to be an extension of your personality.
Choose your recording device
With today's technology, recording quality video is widely available. The trick is recording quality audio. Most digital cameras have a video feature that records good quality video and audio when placed several feet away from the individual being recorded. Other devices such as the Flip video camera provided High Definition quality video that easily uploads directly to your computer.
Choose your location
A good background can enhance your video message or distract your audience. Choose a location and background that best represents your business. At the very least, choose something neutral such as a wall or plant. Most importantly, choose a location that is QUIET!
Edit and Upload
With a Flip video camera, you can upload your footage directly to Youtube. I If you would like to edit your video and add transitions and titles, there are several video editing software programs available such as Windows Movie Maker (free download), Power Director and iMovie (for MAC only). Once finished, export your video into a file format so it can be uploaded to a third party video hosting website such as Youtube.com, Vimeo, or Metacafe. Youtube is the second largest search engine on the World Wide Web, so uploading your video to Youtube makes it extremely available to thousands of viewers.
Promote
Once your video is uploaded to a video hosting site, you can email your friends, family, and clients the video link, share it on Facebook, embed the video to your website, and even pay to have your video featured first in search results.
Decide your target audience and cater your message to speak directly to them. When the camera starts recording, even the best speakers stumble and get nervous. So prepare your message as if you were giving an oral presentation to an audience. Remember, with a video message, you're selling yourself along with your product or service. You want your message to be an extension of your personality.
Choose your recording device
With today's technology, recording quality video is widely available. The trick is recording quality audio. Most digital cameras have a video feature that records good quality video and audio when placed several feet away from the individual being recorded. Other devices such as the Flip video camera provided High Definition quality video that easily uploads directly to your computer.
Choose your location
A good background can enhance your video message or distract your audience. Choose a location and background that best represents your business. At the very least, choose something neutral such as a wall or plant. Most importantly, choose a location that is QUIET!
Edit and Upload
With a Flip video camera, you can upload your footage directly to Youtube. I If you would like to edit your video and add transitions and titles, there are several video editing software programs available such as Windows Movie Maker (free download), Power Director and iMovie (for MAC only). Once finished, export your video into a file format so it can be uploaded to a third party video hosting website such as Youtube.com, Vimeo, or Metacafe. Youtube is the second largest search engine on the World Wide Web, so uploading your video to Youtube makes it extremely available to thousands of viewers.
Promote
Once your video is uploaded to a video hosting site, you can email your friends, family, and clients the video link, share it on Facebook, embed the video to your website, and even pay to have your video featured first in search results.
When Did the Internet Start ?
Everyone knows the importance and the convenience of Internet but little do we know the history of Internet itself. Knowing the history and the inventors of Internet is important for us to appreciate their effort for bringing Internet to us. This article will explain the evolvement of Internet and when did the Internet start.
It began in 1950s where the US military team created Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA). In 1965, they custom made Massachusetts in Institute in Technology (MIT) to create a huge network to fight against the Cold War. Then, we obtained ARPANET; a small network includes UCLA, NASA and Stamford. With a detailed research, the system went global together with London University to start the idea of Internet. In mid 1970, Internet was created and people are able to send out emails as a way of communication. After that, the team has invented USENET in 1979.
After the main idea and concept of Internet has been created, people started to think of protocols. The invention to describe the protocols network is called Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). This TCP/IP is used to host sites. The first site registered is symbolics.com. After that, a lot of companies and parties started to create their own sites by using their own unique address. The success continues by introducing malware software in 1988.
In early 1990s, the interface of Internet changed to what we can see today. In 1991, we have Tim Berners Lee who came out with his invention called World Wide Web (WWW). This had given us the convenience and flexibility in finding for information and details via Internet. All the sites are accessible via links. This is the moment where all giant companies developed their own software and sites to be incorporated in the Internet. We have Internet Explorer and Netscape as the web browsers and search engines for information. There are lots of software have been developed to give the ease of using Internet.
Internet websites are only utilized by big companies and as Internet evolves drastically, all companies see Internet as a potential place to spread out their businesses. Everyone from all around the world is accessible to Internet. The technology has been evolving until today; Internet is the most wanted source of entertainment for everyone. One can simply watch news online, search for information online, watch movies online and everything with just a simple mouse click.
It began in 1950s where the US military team created Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA). In 1965, they custom made Massachusetts in Institute in Technology (MIT) to create a huge network to fight against the Cold War. Then, we obtained ARPANET; a small network includes UCLA, NASA and Stamford. With a detailed research, the system went global together with London University to start the idea of Internet. In mid 1970, Internet was created and people are able to send out emails as a way of communication. After that, the team has invented USENET in 1979.
After the main idea and concept of Internet has been created, people started to think of protocols. The invention to describe the protocols network is called Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). This TCP/IP is used to host sites. The first site registered is symbolics.com. After that, a lot of companies and parties started to create their own sites by using their own unique address. The success continues by introducing malware software in 1988.
In early 1990s, the interface of Internet changed to what we can see today. In 1991, we have Tim Berners Lee who came out with his invention called World Wide Web (WWW). This had given us the convenience and flexibility in finding for information and details via Internet. All the sites are accessible via links. This is the moment where all giant companies developed their own software and sites to be incorporated in the Internet. We have Internet Explorer and Netscape as the web browsers and search engines for information. There are lots of software have been developed to give the ease of using Internet.
Internet websites are only utilized by big companies and as Internet evolves drastically, all companies see Internet as a potential place to spread out their businesses. Everyone from all around the world is accessible to Internet. The technology has been evolving until today; Internet is the most wanted source of entertainment for everyone. One can simply watch news online, search for information online, watch movies online and everything with just a simple mouse click.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Go far with TV radio software
There are many possibilities to get radio or TV on your computer. Sometimes you have to adapt your computer to receive radio or satellite TV , why not convert radio and TV for your computer ? For example you can get kits which come with some cables , remotes and ac adapters. All of this could get very expensive and we all know how that can be a little problem. But if you don't like tripping over adapters and other unnecessary hardware there is a simpler easier solution.
TV radio software can be found freely on the internet most of the times in pirated cracked versions . But these types of pirated software often disappoint because they can carry viruses and they do not work properly. Best TV radio software can be downloaded of the internet for a on time measly fee . The advantage is that these programs are virus free and they also com with a warranty that guaranties the functionality of the software.
It is quite possible that TV radio software will finally dethrone stereos and televisions and other gadgets that depend on bandwidth , so that your computer can do multitasks. Paid TV radio software comes with customer support customer friendly websites and from the time you become a member you have a life time membership. Payments are under a hundred dollars which will be necessary only once and after you processed the product everything else is free all at your disposal updates, video programs, radio stations and much more.
With TV radio software you can be sure that you get more than what you played for and you can say goodbye to the classic gadgets in your home. The TV radio software's usually user friendly and in case you find some difficult maneuvers this software comes with a user's manual .Browsing for radio stations all over the world has never been more fun. You can have these comforts in your own computer with out other antennas adapters or tubes . You too can turn your computer into a multifunctional station. But just to be on the safe side and avoid complications go for paid software, it is much better, safer an reliable.
Have all the comforts of home transferred into your computer, be sure that you will get more than what you paid for. More radio stations, more TV programs and much more all of which can be found in TV radio software. A accessible affordable solution for all bandwidth dependable hardware.
TV radio software can be found freely on the internet most of the times in pirated cracked versions . But these types of pirated software often disappoint because they can carry viruses and they do not work properly. Best TV radio software can be downloaded of the internet for a on time measly fee . The advantage is that these programs are virus free and they also com with a warranty that guaranties the functionality of the software.
It is quite possible that TV radio software will finally dethrone stereos and televisions and other gadgets that depend on bandwidth , so that your computer can do multitasks. Paid TV radio software comes with customer support customer friendly websites and from the time you become a member you have a life time membership. Payments are under a hundred dollars which will be necessary only once and after you processed the product everything else is free all at your disposal updates, video programs, radio stations and much more.
With TV radio software you can be sure that you get more than what you played for and you can say goodbye to the classic gadgets in your home. The TV radio software's usually user friendly and in case you find some difficult maneuvers this software comes with a user's manual .Browsing for radio stations all over the world has never been more fun. You can have these comforts in your own computer with out other antennas adapters or tubes . You too can turn your computer into a multifunctional station. But just to be on the safe side and avoid complications go for paid software, it is much better, safer an reliable.
Have all the comforts of home transferred into your computer, be sure that you will get more than what you paid for. More radio stations, more TV programs and much more all of which can be found in TV radio software. A accessible affordable solution for all bandwidth dependable hardware.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Growing Popularity of Mobile Softwares
The accessibility of a mobile phone is based on the software installed in that. Any mobile phone can not perform beyond the limit of this software. Generally these softwares are designed particularly for the specific model. But luckily the latest mobile phones whose functional systems are quite critical can support the third party softwares. This is the reason for increasing demand for mobile softwares.
It is like the systems which can perform some basic functions but in order to enjoy some extra functionality, other third-party softwares are installed. Generally, the software designed for one model of a mobile phone does not work on the other but the developers who develops these softwares put some small changes in the software so that they can run on the other models too. Some companies may have their mobile phones based on different technology and software, therefore one particular software has to be developed to fulfill various requirements of the user. Suppose one model of mobile phone can run java software on it,. Suppose a particular mobile supports java software and other one is based on Symbian technology, then the manufacturing company will have to develop a software that can run both the software in the respective model. There is a format available in the market which provides the user to access all the functionalities of the handset, this is called BREW format. As this format provides full access to the functionalities of the handset therefore its development process is modified mainly by the software vendors. It is freely available but to run the software on the mobile hardware a digital signature is needed which can be obtained by tools issued only to mobile phone manufacturer. This kit is known as BREW SDK (Software Development Kits). To download this software (even after one gets the digital signature) on regular phone the software has to go through a testing process by the Qualcomm (developers of BREW) with the help of their TRUE BREW testing software.
Nowadays there is a huge variety of softwares available for any given mobile phones. Some of the softwares can be obtained free of cost. Other softwares can be bought. For every type of mobile users, there are softwares readily available. For people who want to stay in touch with internet there are instant messenger and browsers available. With the help of these softwares various games can be enjoyed. Which keeps you stress free and away from boredom.
For business professionals and students there are document viewers and editors which allows you to use documents created in Adobe Acrobat and MS office For the artists and designers there are image viewers and editors. And some softwares are developed for the purpose of fun.
Mobile softwares have made these devices really interesting as well as useful for its users. This facility has also lead to the popularity of the latest handsets.
It is like the systems which can perform some basic functions but in order to enjoy some extra functionality, other third-party softwares are installed. Generally, the software designed for one model of a mobile phone does not work on the other but the developers who develops these softwares put some small changes in the software so that they can run on the other models too. Some companies may have their mobile phones based on different technology and software, therefore one particular software has to be developed to fulfill various requirements of the user. Suppose one model of mobile phone can run java software on it,. Suppose a particular mobile supports java software and other one is based on Symbian technology, then the manufacturing company will have to develop a software that can run both the software in the respective model. There is a format available in the market which provides the user to access all the functionalities of the handset, this is called BREW format. As this format provides full access to the functionalities of the handset therefore its development process is modified mainly by the software vendors. It is freely available but to run the software on the mobile hardware a digital signature is needed which can be obtained by tools issued only to mobile phone manufacturer. This kit is known as BREW SDK (Software Development Kits). To download this software (even after one gets the digital signature) on regular phone the software has to go through a testing process by the Qualcomm (developers of BREW) with the help of their TRUE BREW testing software.
Nowadays there is a huge variety of softwares available for any given mobile phones. Some of the softwares can be obtained free of cost. Other softwares can be bought. For every type of mobile users, there are softwares readily available. For people who want to stay in touch with internet there are instant messenger and browsers available. With the help of these softwares various games can be enjoyed. Which keeps you stress free and away from boredom.
For business professionals and students there are document viewers and editors which allows you to use documents created in Adobe Acrobat and MS office For the artists and designers there are image viewers and editors. And some softwares are developed for the purpose of fun.
Mobile softwares have made these devices really interesting as well as useful for its users. This facility has also lead to the popularity of the latest handsets.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Piracy in Software industry in Asia
Software Piracy and Copyright Infringement has long been a plague eating up valuable revenue for the developers in the developing countries. Countries like Pakistan, India, China, Malaysia, Bangladesh etc have always been center of attention when it came to Piracy. Despite having big population numbers, Software developers have not concentrated on these potential markets, which can be a source of great revenue for them if the markets are utilized properly, and some efforts are invested in eroding software piracy.
THE cost of the licensed versions of WindowsXP Professional and OfficeXP Professional combined is higher than what an average Pakistani earns in a whole year which means the software, so crucial for today’s computing, is unaffordable to a typical Pakistani computer user.
The obvious choice, hence, is to use pirated software available on a CD that can be bought anywhere for a mere 25 to 30 rupees. Almost all the home users, and most of the commercial users too, indulge in this crime without giving a thought to the rights of Microsoft, the owner of the intellectual property known as Microsoft Windows, Office and other software.
Microsoft though has just started to focus on the Pakistani market, and as such they had jointly organized training session for Federal Investigation Agency to increase the awareness of Copy Right Infringement. It’s a good initiative but unless and until copyright infringement is not given serious consideration on the Legal front, not much is going to change.
Country Manager Microsoft Pakistan, Kamal Ahmed, shed light on Microsoft’s commitment to safeguarding interests of the consumers and said, ‘The ability of the government and IT eco-system to create new jobs and a better quality of life through information technology is strongly affected by how they handle piracy.
In Pakistan, about twenty software houses are already our certified partners. A “certified partner” is globally recognized and some of them are selling us technologies. This is to ensure that these people are solution developers.
Microsoft has much to offer to software house in Pakistan. They have some great solutions and all they need is someone to market them. However, since these people are not using legal software, they get afraid of Microsoft. We are also trying to solve that issue. We have a very attractive offer for the software houses in Pakistan. We will make them Microsoft certified partners, which is a world-recognized status.
THE cost of the licensed versions of WindowsXP Professional and OfficeXP Professional combined is higher than what an average Pakistani earns in a whole year which means the software, so crucial for today’s computing, is unaffordable to a typical Pakistani computer user.
The obvious choice, hence, is to use pirated software available on a CD that can be bought anywhere for a mere 25 to 30 rupees. Almost all the home users, and most of the commercial users too, indulge in this crime without giving a thought to the rights of Microsoft, the owner of the intellectual property known as Microsoft Windows, Office and other software.
Microsoft though has just started to focus on the Pakistani market, and as such they had jointly organized training session for Federal Investigation Agency to increase the awareness of Copy Right Infringement. It’s a good initiative but unless and until copyright infringement is not given serious consideration on the Legal front, not much is going to change.
Country Manager Microsoft Pakistan, Kamal Ahmed, shed light on Microsoft’s commitment to safeguarding interests of the consumers and said, ‘The ability of the government and IT eco-system to create new jobs and a better quality of life through information technology is strongly affected by how they handle piracy.
In Pakistan, about twenty software houses are already our certified partners. A “certified partner” is globally recognized and some of them are selling us technologies. This is to ensure that these people are solution developers.
Microsoft has much to offer to software house in Pakistan. They have some great solutions and all they need is someone to market them. However, since these people are not using legal software, they get afraid of Microsoft. We are also trying to solve that issue. We have a very attractive offer for the software houses in Pakistan. We will make them Microsoft certified partners, which is a world-recognized status.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Protect Your Data through Software Mirroring
* If one drive fails, the redundant drive will continue to store the data and provide access to it. The failed drive can then be replaced and the drive set can be re-mirrored.
* This is quick HOW-TO setup your mirroring with two exactly the same hard disks. It assumes you're building a new system from scratch, and setup mirroring at install time. But let's get something straight first: Software mirroring does not mirror the disks - it mirrors partitions. Thanks to Ed Wilts from Redhat General Newsgroups for this remark. So in this guide I'll show you how to setup your partitions on one disk and mirror them to another. After that, we will learn how to rebuild our mirrored partitions after one disk dies.
Why Software Mirroring is Required?
Mirroring is an easy way of protecting the data, from beeing lost from disk crash. For example, If you keep your private stuff on one partition you can mirror this partition to another on the second drive, and if one disk fails, you will not lose your data, since you have the exact same copy of your files on the second disk. The same goes for the whole filesystem. If you setup mirroring correct, you might never have to reinstall your system again.
Software Mirroring vs. Hardware Mirroring
* Disk mirroring can be implemented entirely in software. Software mirroring can be less expensive, but it is also slower. Software mirroring requires the host computer to write the mirrored data twice.
* Disk mirroring can be implemented in hardware on the host I/O controller. The burden of writing each bit of data twice is placed upon the I/O controller, which is specifically designed for it.
* Disk mirroring can also be implemented in hardware on an external storage device, such as a RAID array. In this case, mirroring is completely removed from the hosts responsibility
Benefits of Software Mirroring
* Data is backed up as changes are made keeping the backup copy current.
* Immediate access of an up-to-date remote data backup in case of local server failure.
* Rapid disk to disk data recovery from the central server to remote server.
* When data is restored, data loss is reduced to a minimum.
* Continuous real-time disk to disk backup operation minimizes impact on network performance.
* Backup windows all but eliminated.
* Provides 24X7 data availability and disaster recovery.
Why Do We Call Software, Software?
The word "software" has actually been in use for decades before the invention of the computer - it was actually coined in 1851 in the cotton and wool mills of North West England to describe clothing and cloth which had a superior finish - it was quite literally soft wear.
The modern source of the term, "software", dates back to 1960 and was used to describe the programs which were run on a computer, itself termed "hardware".
Hardware was a term borrowed from the tools, plant and machinery vendors who referred to their goods as "hardware", as in the hardware store - a popular term used widely in society those perhaps less today. In the pre-computer era, hardware was more likely to be used to refer to a hammer or circular saw than an electronic gadget.
The first use of hardware as it applies to computers and peripherals is thought to have originated from the NASA rocket development teams who designed, built and tested the rockets and systems which would one day take men to the moon. Software was used a natural distinguishing term to separate the essential differences between the tangible, physical electronics and the programs and applications designed to operate upon them.
The term "software engineer" was instituted at NASA as well, and this designation spread throughout the military and scientific community in North America and from there to the rest of the world. The term software was also used to impose a feeling of inferiority upon programmers - it was not a badge of honor or respect when it was initially used. At this time in the fast but very new development of the computer, the hardware was considered to be much more important and far more valuable than the programs which would run on them.
Companies such as IBM built themselves into huge conglomerates based solely on the value they saw in the hardware they were manufacturing. It took a visionary geek, who had dropped out of Harvard. to see the error in this way of thinking, and he along with some of his close friends managed the deal of the millennium - his name is Bill Gates.
Microsoft was founded as a software house and the big break for the company came when IBM negotiated to use Microsoft's Disk Operating System (DOS) on its machines. During the meeting which sealed the deal, Gates asked if his company could retain ownership of the software, and IBM readily agreed - they saw no value in it, indeed, at this time you couldn't even obtain a patent for software of any description (the US Supreme Court did not rule that software could be patented until 1981).
Microsoft went on to market DOS worldwide, including to IBM clone manufacturers who undercut "Big Blue" with cheaper, but equally well performing machines. Possessing ownership of the operating system gave Microsoft a worldwide advantage over any other software application developer because to run well on a machine powered by DOS; if the application software would not run well with DOS, it didn't sell.
Today, Microsoft is larger than IBM - software has triumphed over hardware.
The modern source of the term, "software", dates back to 1960 and was used to describe the programs which were run on a computer, itself termed "hardware".
Hardware was a term borrowed from the tools, plant and machinery vendors who referred to their goods as "hardware", as in the hardware store - a popular term used widely in society those perhaps less today. In the pre-computer era, hardware was more likely to be used to refer to a hammer or circular saw than an electronic gadget.
The first use of hardware as it applies to computers and peripherals is thought to have originated from the NASA rocket development teams who designed, built and tested the rockets and systems which would one day take men to the moon. Software was used a natural distinguishing term to separate the essential differences between the tangible, physical electronics and the programs and applications designed to operate upon them.
The term "software engineer" was instituted at NASA as well, and this designation spread throughout the military and scientific community in North America and from there to the rest of the world. The term software was also used to impose a feeling of inferiority upon programmers - it was not a badge of honor or respect when it was initially used. At this time in the fast but very new development of the computer, the hardware was considered to be much more important and far more valuable than the programs which would run on them.
Companies such as IBM built themselves into huge conglomerates based solely on the value they saw in the hardware they were manufacturing. It took a visionary geek, who had dropped out of Harvard. to see the error in this way of thinking, and he along with some of his close friends managed the deal of the millennium - his name is Bill Gates.
Microsoft was founded as a software house and the big break for the company came when IBM negotiated to use Microsoft's Disk Operating System (DOS) on its machines. During the meeting which sealed the deal, Gates asked if his company could retain ownership of the software, and IBM readily agreed - they saw no value in it, indeed, at this time you couldn't even obtain a patent for software of any description (the US Supreme Court did not rule that software could be patented until 1981).
Microsoft went on to market DOS worldwide, including to IBM clone manufacturers who undercut "Big Blue" with cheaper, but equally well performing machines. Possessing ownership of the operating system gave Microsoft a worldwide advantage over any other software application developer because to run well on a machine powered by DOS; if the application software would not run well with DOS, it didn't sell.
Today, Microsoft is larger than IBM - software has triumphed over hardware.
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