Month: July 2018

Advantages Of Using Online Booking Software For Travels And Tours

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Online booking software has made lives easy in terms of saving time and money. For various industries like travel, food and hotels advanced online booking software has made major strides.

Online booking software for travel agent is a key factor in deciding holiday destinations.

The ten basic advantages of using booking software are as follows-

This software helps us to keep our business well organized and handle changes in a fine manner.

A high traffic of viewers is addressed attracting more clients.

There is highly less chance of double booking.

Using software for online booking the manpower of staff required will be less.

The client can compare the ranges of prices.

The headcounts are accurate.

The chances of fraud is also less

Speed of booking is high.

Flexibility is high for both the client and the vendor.

It is not required to leave home, if we have a dedicated internet connection and a credit card at home.

The various features of travel software for the benefit of travelers are-

One day trips or the multi day tours are taken care of.

Easy phone reservations.

Easy online reservations.

Follow up is a personal attempt.

Fast online bookings are made.

A Customer Satisfaction Survey gives immediate feedback.

Digital waivers are brought about.

Reporting of document is proper.

The organization of the tour and travel uses information regarding accommodation, bus trips, flights and many more.

Online tours are published.

Payments and reservations are created.

The salesperson is an important link in delivery of the product.

We also have to concentrate on the programmers and developers of the travel software.

A firsthand knowledge about the industry is essential to develop proper software. The customer service team, as well as the scalability, reliability and the experience of implementation is important.

All the information is captured at one place and there is no barrier of language and currency in case we use travel software for online booking. The maintenance of the software should be easy on the part of the vendor agency and the programming functionalities should be programmed in such a way that the system appeals to the end user- the traveler.

The CRM (Customer Relations Management) is extremely well planned out and calls for all the major inputs for the benefit of travelers. The entire major corporate are dealing with the tours and travel software which is easily navigable, user friendly and can be updated and maintained easily.

Software encryption status quo and development trend of the industry

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Software developers usually use some kind of encryption technology to protect their software to prevent illegal use. Also need software encryption software is authorized to purchase content, in order to maximize the sales profit.

Software encryption technology is divided according to whether the use of a dedicated hardware-based encryption hardware and software-based encryption. Hardware-based encryption, encryption need to bind with a dedicated hardware device, the hardware encryption encryption locks, commonly known as a dongle. Software-based encryption, encryption does not require dedicated hardware, general binding digital license with the the terminal device hardware and software information, also known as the electronic authorization forms.

Simply think drive-based hardware encryption security than software-based encryption is not correct, because the more involved in software security, including encryption products, security, encryption policy design, application software, operating systems, , hardware, data communications, and so on, is a comprehensive technical areas, not simply by a to determine whether security.

In other countries, the market share of the electronic authorization and encryption locks are evenly matched. Habits and historical reasons, the encryption locks also occupy a certain market share. Encryption locks, however, is the network developed product of the times, is a pure client technology, lack of management and statistical functions, the presence of hardware production, logistics, driver installation inconvenience, not only the high cost, and can not be achieved network distribution and sales of the software, is gradually decline.

The development of the electronic authorization that is in the ascendant. Electronic license protection methods have become more and more integrated into the Internet technology, cloud computing and SaaS concept is not only more convenient to use and manage software electronic issue and be able to achieve, but also in line with today’s green low-carbon development concept, has replaced the encryption locks Exclusive the software encryption market trends. The more well-known companies in the world, Microsoft, IBM, Autodesk, SIEMENS, Adobe and other software are electronic authorization protection mode.

In the country, the use of encryption software developers lock higher rates, with foreign habits and historical reasons for the continuation of the following two reasons:

1 domestic manufacturers generally considered security encryption locks electronic authorization.

There are not any available electronic license products too high, the price of foreign electronic authorization.

In fact, with the growing improvement of the network environment, the network activation for most domestic users is not a problem. And also mentioned earlier, that the point of view of the security of encryption locks electronic authorization sided incorrect. From a realistic point of view, the encryption locks through hardware replication easier to crack, but completed piracy industry chain has been formed. Instead, electronic authorization because the hardware can not be copied, but also need to network activation and validation, in fact, have very good protection effect. In addition, the domestic has also appeared in some licensed products provide electronic 2-3 company must grow with the development of China’s software industry and grow up.

Therefore, the encryption software industry trends hardware, networking, and information technology. Below, we talk about, from the software encryption method specific to elaborate software encryption status quo and development trend of the industry.

First, the software encryption method

As mentioned earlier, the software encryption technology is divided into encryption hardware-based and software-based encryption.

A hardware-based encryption

Hardware-based encryption encryption locks, some important information, such as encryption keys to sensitive data, authorization documents, custom algorithms, etc. can be stored in the dongle.

The encryption lock interface form is divided into two kinds of parallel port and USB port. The parallel port is the early use of the form, because the mating inconvenient and conflict with the printer, and now has less use. Most developers use are USB interface dongle.

Encryption locks from the two types of CPU type, a microcontroller for CPU and another using a smart card chip as the CPU the microcontroller hardware itself easily crack or copy, so more and more high-end encryption locks using a smart card chip CPU, to prevent hardware crack. But more and more smart card dongle crack, first, because the chip is more and more advanced analytical techniques and instruments; smart card program to be written to the chip factory to manufacture in this session program may leak; encryption locks of the same brand the CPU procedure is the same, only different developers data and key, if these files are spread out, it is easy to copy.

Dongle has a certain degree of security strength, but there are also a number of drawbacks:

1) apply to the traditional one-time perpetual license, can not facilitate the achievement of the trial version and on-demand purchase

2) the presence of hardware production, logistics, installation and maintenance costs

3) can not be achieved the issue of Internet-based electronic upgrades, tracking and management

4) Once cracked, can be copied in large quantities, it is difficult to remedy

Two software-based encryption

Software-based encryption, electronic authorization, and specific also divided into two kinds of registration number and license file:

Registration code is also known as the serial number or authorization code, obtained by a transformation of the the software user computer hardware and software information, the available hardware and software information, including: CPU serial number, BIOS serial number, card number, hard drive serial number, computer name, etc. . Transform algorithm used a custom algorithm or standard encryption algorithm. User or first use of the software installation process, you need to enter the registration code to verify. After authentication, the software can be used normally. The approach has the advantage of the registration code protection is simple to use, the drawback is that security is not high, unable to achieve complex authorization requirements.

License file and the registration code to bind the same computer hardware and software information, just a registration code length restricts use of both hardware and software information, the license file can use multiple hardware and software information. Moreover, the license file can contain more information, so you can achieve the complex authorization requirements, and can even store some user information. The typical license file method is to use the private key of the asymmetric algorithm to sign the license file, while the public key is embedded in the software code. Asymmetric encryption and decryption process, the private key authorization server exists, it is difficult to crack through the analysis of authorization documents.

The advantages of the electronic authorization protection does not require additional hardware, and therefore does not need to install the driver and client components, electronic software issue. The drawback of the electronic license protection mode is not networked users need to manually extract the computer information, and then manually import registration codes or license, is not very convenient to use. In addition, the domestic electronic authorization few of the developers of the product, which also limits the popularization and promotion of electronic license protection technology.

Second, the software encryption industry development status

1. Encryption locks

The major foreign dongle provider SafeNet, Inc. in the United States and Germany Wibu.

Encryption locks provider deep Si Luoke and Feitian. The two companies because of the low prices, the first to introduce the smart card encryption locks localized well to occupy a certain market in the country.

2. Electronic authorization

Foreign company licensed products to provide electronic Flexera Software and SafeNet which, Flexera Software is focused on the field of electronic authorization, the product’s ease of use and functionality are doing better, but the price of the product is also very high.

The domestic electronic authorization products company the Beijing Biteansuo (BitAnswer), Shenzhen-use the (Euse) Safengine Company.

There are very few companies will develop their own electronic authorization scheme, but the developers to develop their own programs usually exist the following questions:

1) the development of non-professionals, there are many loopholes in the security

2) is difficult to achieve flexible licensing control, management and statistical functions very simple or no

3) are likely to be introduced in order to solve the immediate problem of short-term program, and produce far more than expected in the future due to the security, stability and scalability issues continued to invest

4) can not meet market changes brought about by the new demands on software licensing model

Software encryption industry trends

The software encryption industry trends is closely related with the development trend of the software industry. With the popularity of cloud computing and SaaS, provider of software products is change in the direction of the network and platform. Used for the majority of software developers, SaaS products can not only save a lot of hardware and software purchase and maintenance costs, you can also purchase demand, while reducing the use of risk, forcing platform providers to continuously improve products and enhance services to retain customers.

Toward the development of network and platform development is also a software encryption technology trends. The view on the current development trend, the encryption lock technology has developed very mature market is nearing saturation, slow growth. The existence and use of the hardware habit makes encryption locks can not keep up with the pace of development of the Internet era, will be replaced by the electronic license.

Electronic authorization license from early registration code form to the feature-rich documents in the form of changes in technology is undergoing authentication method from offline manually verify the development of automatic network authentication. Authorized management thinking of in particular, the electronic license technology from a single software license certification development as an authorized certification, authorization management and statistical information, and other function of both, greatly increased the authorized level of information for software developers.

Can predict the future of electronics licensed products should have the following main characteristics:

Unified authorized management platform: provided by third-party security professional software developers, based on the Internet’s one-stop software protection and authorization management platform, without having to install and maintain, low cost, easy-to-use.

2 Flexible License: support the authorization of the client software and the cloud computing model traditional software license; authorized press time, the number of functional modules; authorized to bind the computer hardware and software information, encryption locks, or by a user name and password authentication method for authorization.

Simple and friendly user experience: based on the WEB, anywhere access; Users can buffet purchase, activate and update the software, you can buy their own software to keep abreast of information; software developers can learn about software activation information and user information can be synergies by the members of the organization to complete the design of software license, implementation, management and maintenance work.

4. Cloud licensing model: This is a cloud computing model of software licensing. Traditional software is pure client implementation, authorization is also a client. Although cloud computing is the trend, but the transition difficult for traditional software would be a good way for a certain degree of cloud computing transformation. The concrete realization of ideas, the only software authorized transfer from the client to the cloud on the authorization server, so that small changes to the software, but you can instantly enjoy the benefits of cloud computing: high security strength demand to buy cloud storage .

Speed Up Software And Web Construction With Premade Icons

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Are you a website or application developer looking for a unique navigation icon? Do you have a due date approaching, but the user interface is still poor? And, it’s not enough time to order custom graphics? Now, receive your icons in no time! Save time and funds on custom graphics, and pick stock icons as a substitute to contracting a designer.

Traditionally, small webpage and software development firms hire a third party designer or a design studio to create the necessary symbols and images for toolbars and navigation elements. While this approach is definitely appealing in that you are getting unique, made-to-order icons, it also has its disadvantages.

Time can become a leading constraint, as artists and designers need time to draw the graphics you need. Even worse, deadlines can be easily missed by the designers, and you’ll have a difficult choice between releasing a project with no graphics at all or missing your own deadline. Besides, getting exactly what you requested may be uneasy, as programmers and designers often speak different languages. Plus, if you are happy enough to find a responsible design company with good communication skills, chances are that ordering unique graphics from them will be expensive.

Using easily accessible stock icons can easily rid you of these problems. Stock icons are ready-made, which means you will immediately receive just what you require. If you purchase from a company that has a preview, you will be able to pick exactly what you want. ready-made icons typically come in collections, which means that the icons you purchase will match each other. Finally, getting premade images is a great deal cheaper than ordering the design of a custom set.

Several great libraries of premade icons sorted by appearance and topic are offered to you at www.perfect-icons.com. With available full-size preview, you will be receiving exactly what you see. Picking an image you need could not be easier thanks to the available search that lets you to search for strictly the theme you want. For example, if you want an image shpwing a locked or password-protected feature, enter “lock” in the search field and you will get, at the moment of this writing, 34 icons of just that: a lock.

Paying for a large set of graphics is a waste of funds if you only require one or two images. Unlike the competition, 777 Icons welcomes a-la-carte orders, allowing getting only one icon or receiving a discount for buying a set.

Unique to www.prefect-icons.com, the company offers you not only an icon, but a neatly crafted masterpiece. If you buy even a single icon from www.perfect-icons.com, you will get the image in BMP, PNG, GIF and ICO formats. You will get the graphic in all commonly used sizes, including 16×16, 24×24, 32×32, and 48×48 pixels. If you require a larger size element to use in your design, www.perfect-icons.com holds a huge 256×256 pixel graphics with your order for no additional fee! Images are available in a 256-color version for using with older versions of Windows, and in full-color with transparent alpha-channel for using with current Windows XP and Vista.

Pick from several sets of readily available icons at www.perfect-icons.com and save time and funds on custom icons!

The benefits of an employee monitoring software

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As the economic and business environments change with every passing day, it becomes harder and harder for companies and businesses to hire or to retain new talent, not to speak of trustworthy and reliable employees. To that extent, many companies are changing their employment structure and are opened to hiring freelancers or allowing employees to work from home. Many businesses even draft contracts by the hour, as opposed to having employees on a fixed, monthly salary. But each of these scenarios comes with a downside, that of managers having a hard time evaluating employees work and acknowledging whether a certain time was spent exactly on a project or not. This is where remote employee monitoring software comes in. we live in the technological era and many applications and software have been developed as to help and support our daily activities, regardless of the field of work or operation. As more and more managers and companies saw themselves in one of the situations mentioned above, remote employee monitoring became an impetuous need and so the software was developed to answer that need.

One of the main benefits of the remote employee monitoring software is, as already said, the fact that managers can actually follow the exact time that employees spend on a particular project. This helps evaluate the efficiency of your workers, but also the amount of time that different projects require for completion, which eventually helps managers design and implement better practices. Another great advantage of the software is that it allows companies to check the activity of their workers by monitoring application usage, as well as any other activity. This is especially helpful to managers that pay their workers at an hourly rate and want to make sure that all hours paid went into the completion of work projects. In addition, there are certain features of certain software that enable supervisors to observe the screens of the workers as frequently as they wish, making sure that everyone is focusing on work tasks and duties.

Another high benefit of the remote employee monitoring software is that it provides managers and companies with fully customizable reports, whether on a daily basis, on a weekly or monthly one. It can generate both time reports and activity reports, which help managers accurately assess the activity of the workers, the effectiveness of certain tasks and practices, as well as the times required for the completion of certain projects, all of which help with the better management of employees and company. The bottom line is that, in a constantly changing work environment, companies and managers need to be flexible as well, which most of the times means being flexible when it comes to hiring people and accommodating outside workers, but this also requires close monitoring and such software is an outstanding solution, allowing employers to monitor employees and make sure that work duties and tasks are not being neglected.

The Software Awards Scam

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I put out a new product a couple of weeks ago. This new product has so far won 16 different awards and recommendations from software download sites. Some of them even emailed me messages of encouragement such as “Great job, we’re really impressed!”. I should be delighted at this recognition of the quality of my software, except that the ‘software’ doesn’t even run. This is hardly surprising when you consider that it is just a text file with the words “this program does nothing at all” repeated a few times and then renamed as an .exe. The PAD file that described the software contains the description “This program does nothing at all”. The screenshot I submitted (below) was similarly blunt and to the point:

Even the name of the software, “awardmestars”, was a bit of a giveaway. And yet it still won 16 ‘awards’. Here they are:

Some of them look quite impressive, but none of them are worth the electrons it takes to display them.
The obvious explanation is that some download sites give an award to every piece of software submitted to them. In return they hope that the author will display the award with a link back to them. The back link then potentially increases traffic to their site directly (through clicks on the award link) and indirectly (through improved page rank from the incoming links). The author gets some awards to impress their potential clients and the download site gets additional traffic.
This practise is blatantly misleading and dishonest. It makes no distinction between high quality software and any old rubbish that someone was prepared to submit to a download site. The download sites that practise this deceit should be ashamed of themselves. Similarly, any author or company, that displays one of these ‘awards’ is either being naive (at best) or knowingly colluding in the scam (at worst).

My suspicions were first aroused by the number of five star awards I received for my PerfectTablePlan software. When I went to these sites all the other programs on them seemed to have five star awards as well. I also noticed that some of my weaker competitors were proudly displaying pages full of five star awards. I saw very few three or four star awards. Something smelled fishy. Being a scientist by original training, I decided to run a little experiment to see if a completely worthless piece of software would win any awards.
Having seen various recommendations for the rundenko.com submit-everywhere.com submission service on the ASP forums I emailed the owner, Mykola Rudenko, to ask if he could help with my little experiment. To my surprise, he generously agreed to help by submitting “awardmestars” to all 1033 sites on their database, free of charge.
According to the report I received 2 weeks after submissions began “awardmestars” is now listed on 218 sites, pending on 394 sites and has been rejected by 421 sites. Approximately 7% of the sites that listed the software emailed me that it had won an award (I don’t know how many have displayed it with an award, without informing me). With 394 pending sites it might win quite a few more awards yet. Many of the rejections were on the grounds of “The site does not accept products of this genre” (it was listed as a utility) rather than quality grounds.

The truth is that many download sites are just electronic dung heaps, using fake awards, dubious SEO and content misappropriated from PAD files in a pathetic attempt to make a few dollars from Google Adwords. Hopefully these bottom-feeders will be put out of business by the continually improving search engines, leaving only the better sites. I think there is still a role for good quality download sites. But there needs to be more emphasis on quality, classification, and additional content (e.g. reviews). Whether it is possible for such a business to be profitable, I don’t know. However, it seems to work in the MacOSX world where the download sites are much fewer in number, but with much higher quality and more user interaction.
Some download site owners did email me to say either “very funny” or “stop wasting my time”. Kudos to them for taking the time to check every submission. I recommend you put their sites high on your list next time you are looking for software:
www.filecart.com
www.freshmeat.net
www.download-tipp.de (German)

This is the response I got from Lothar Jung of download-tipp.de when I showed him a draft of this article:
“The other side for me as a website publisher is that if you do not give each software 5 stars, you don’t get so many back links and some authors are not very pleased with this and your website. When I started download-tipp.de, I wanted to create a site where users can find good software. So I decided the visitor is important, and not the number of backlinks. Only 10% of all programs submitted get the 5 Suns Award.”
Another important issue for download sites is trust. I want to know that the software I am downloading doesn’t contain spyware, trojans or other malware. Some of the download sites have cunningly exploited this by awarding “100% clean” logos. I currently use the Softpedia one on the PerfectTablePlan download page. It shouldn’t be too difficult in principal to scan software for known malware. But now I am beginning to wonder if these 100% clean logos have any more substance than the “five star”awards. The only way to find out for sure would be to submit a download with malware, which would be unethical. If anyone has any information about whether these sites really check for malware, I would be interested to know.

My thanks to submit-everywhere.com for making this experiment possible. I was favourably impressed by the thoroughness of their service. At only $70 I think it is excellent value compared to the time and hassle of trying to do it yourself. I expect to be a paying customer in future.

** Addendum **

This little experiment has been featured on reddit.com, digg.com, slashdot.com, stumbleupon.com and a number of other popular sites and blogs. Consequently there have been hundreds of comments on this blog and on other sites. I am very flattered by the interest. But I also feel like Dr Frankenstein, looking on as my experiment gains a life of its own. If I had known the article was going to be read by so many people I would have taken a bit more time to clarify the following points:

I have no commercial interest in, or prior relationship with, the three download sites mentioned. I singled them out because I infer from emails received that they have a human-in-the-loop, checking all submissions (or a script that passes the Turing test, which is even more praiseworthy). I offered all three a chance to be quoted in the article. Today I received a similar email from tucows.com, but they were too late to make the article. I don’t know if they read the article before they emailed me.

I have no commercial interest in, or prior relationship with, the automatic submission service mentioned. I approached them for help, which they generously provided, free of charge.

The only business mentioned in which I have a commercial interest is my own table planning software, PerfectTablePlan.