Are Your Downloads Killing Your PC?

Having proper knowledge and routine maintenance for your computers will extend the life of a PC. Installing regular updates for windows or keeping your antivirus up to date are a few helpful downloads that need to be done in order to stay secure. However, there are several harmful downloads that you could be installing in the background without even being fully aware of it occurring. In the article published by fox news, some of the common downloads that can be harmful are discussed more in detail. Often, many users will try to “clean up” their own PCs by downloading freeware that promises be helpful by speeding it up, enhancing online experience, or make certain tasks more simple but unfortunately, it will typically make things a much larger mess than it was in the beginning and can install malware/ viruses and other unwanted programs that will take up hard drive space and actually slow down the PC not speed it up. In life, we typically get what we pay for and should be very conscious of what the word “Free” is really entailing. If you need a professional computer clean up or repair, the technicians at CPS are available to always be of help and offer their technical expertise. Give us a call today!

Which Platform is Better? PHP or Java?

The web development industry is constantly changing it is important for web programmers to understand and learn and multitude of different programming tools and languages to continue to create unique and custom websites that are both mobile friendly and responsive to users. Two of the larger coding languages that are well known are PHP and Java which are equally popular and do many of the same functions. A question that is often wondered by business owners is what type of website will be best to use? In the article, a list of pros and cons such as cost, compatibility, speed, ease of learning and other general differences between these two languages to help you better understand which code will be best for your site. Still uncertain which type of website you are looking for? CPS specializes in custom website programming that our team of experts can sure to answer all of your questions.

AI Technology Is Changing the Digital Marketing World

When thinking of future technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one that we believe is coming soon. Wrong, AI technology is already here, and it is already changing how many businesses perform and this is now including the digital marketing industry as well. AI-based tools are designed to optimize campaign planning, predictive analysis, automation services, and other decision making. These tools can be very helpful and can increase productivity while reducing time spent researching what AI- based tools can provide. In the article, is further discusses how AI technology is impacting digital marketing and how to utilize their platforms to start using AI tools for your own business needs. Digital marketing is rapidly changing, and it is important to stay up to date with new strategies to implement for your business to continue to thrive and grow.

Digital Marketing Trends Not to Be Ignored In 2019

Marketing trends have changed more in the last 5 years than any other prior period of time and don’t show any signs of letting up anytime soon.  No longer can marketers rely solely on a campaign of generic paid advertisement or perform basic website optimization; in 2019 the digital marketing landscape has expanded to encompass detailed SEO, Social Media Integration, Content Marketing, detailed Paid Advertising, and more.  No longer can we dismiss the reality of artificial intelligence; it is an important part of the future of advertising online.  In this installment on the future of digital marketing, we will discuss key trends you will want to implement into your strategic plans.

Search Engine Optimization A/B Split Testing

One of the most important trends you will want to implement is the use of A/B split testing.  This allows you to isolate variables that increase traffic volumes to your website in an effort to target your approach to changes in website content.  Different online tools can be utilized to point out areas of potential, examples where page impressions are high but the CTR is low, to improve in order to increase clicks and traffic. 

Artificial Intelligence

It is estimated that by the year 2020, AI technology will penetrate almost every new software products and services.  AI is effective in analyzing different consumer behaviors and search patterns.  Data is pulled from various social media platforms, blog posts, and such in a manner that helps companies understand how customers are finding their products and services. 

Programmatic Advertising

This type of advertising allows AI to automate the buying of ad products in order to target more specific audiences.  Real-time bidding opportunities, as with most all real-time strategies, allow more efficient, quicker use of data relating in higher conversions and lower costs to acquire them.

Chatbots

Chatbots are computer programs that are designed to simulate conversations with human users via the internet, text, or phone.  This would allow your company to be in constant contact with customers, no matter what time or day it is.  Chatbots allow for 24/7 responsiveness. 

Personalization

In order to stand out above your competitors it is crucial that you personalize your marketing approach including content, emails, products, services, and more. Generic ads are annoying whereas personalized ads are appealing.  When emails are sent based on personal behaviors they are at least 3 times more effective in boosting sales than mass e-mail blasts.

Video Marketing

Another important trend to prepare for has to do with video marketing which doesn’t just involve YouTube.  It is proven that video marketing on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn causes higher engagement with a wider audience. 

Influencer Marketing

Influencers are well-known celebrities from Instagram and YouTube with a large number of followers. Similar to word of mouth promotion, we are more likely to take recommendations from people we trust. Influencer marketing has been proven to be more effective than corporate advertising. 

Micro-Moments

These are the times when we turn to devices like smartphones to take immediate action.  Moments where we want information right away and do not what to wait for it.  Marketers need to take advantage of the moments when people are searching for products, services, or information.

Digital marketing, just like SEO, is ever changing.  No two strategies are the same and therefor there isn’t a one size fits all approach that can be taken when providing comprehensive digital marketing strategies for clients.  It is important to keep an eye out and be observant to up and coming trends that are occurring around you. 

Creative Programs and Systems is an all-inclusive tech company that specializes in Custom DevelopmentManaged IT Services, and Digital Marketing.  All work is done in-house, we never outsource services from custom server builds and workstations, custom software programming and phone app development, to search engine optimization and paid advertising, our professionals provide results.  For more information on CPS check out our website at https://www.cpsmi.com.



The Era Of Digital Marketing

There is no denying that the constant change in technology has largely impacted how marketing for businesses continues to grow and change as well. This new era is now controlled mainly by digital marketing to allow a business to grow and thrive in today’s world. In the article, it discusses that working with AI software (Artificial intelligence), using automation, big data analytics, and personalization as tools for digital marketing campaigns for the best success. Even more importantly, these tools need to be applied to your business in ways that work best for your company. Knowing the latest trends will not benefit a marketing team without acting to target the right audience. Another key element to digital marketing is continued analysis with constant adjustments to improve your marketing strategy. Technology is a wonderful tool that if used properly, can increase your audience and efficiently save more time in ways that were never possible before. If digital marketing is something your company is lacking, CPS has a team of professionals that are ready to get started on a plan for your company.

Digital Marketing Provided By Professionals

No matter the size of your business whether your company is a multimillion-dollar empire or a smaller mom and pop shop in your local area an important question to answer for your business is how you plan to handle your digital marketing needs. Digital marketing has to do with all online related marketing tools such as social media, reputation management, email/video marketing, SEO, and more. People are constantly connected to the web through tablets, PCs, and phones every moment of the day making digital marketing ever more important.  Marketing in today’s world is much different than it was 20 years ago or even 10 years ago for that matter. One big problem business’s run into is they lack the time and knowledge to run their own digital marketing system. There are several reasons to outsource this service as seen in, “3 Reasons You Should Outsource Your Digital Marketing”. Ultimately by allowing a professional in the digital marketing field to focus on the marketing needs of your company it will in turn allow you the ability to focus more intently on running your actual business.

Digital Marketing Seen Through the Eyes Of Each Generation

The year 2019 has continued to change many aspects of the digital world, one large category being media advertising. Traditional methods have rapidly declined and new research has shown that 54.2% of the U.S is now focusing on digital marketing. No matter your type of business or industry, a digital presence is an absolute must in order to stay active in your target audience’s eyes. The article, “Generational digital marketing” provides guidelines to follow for ages seven to 91. This information is beneficial to any business when looking at creative ways to reach each category of people you’re looking to target in your business.  If looking for new and fresh ideas for your own business through digital marketing, contact Creative Program and Systems to meet with our specialist who understand exactly how to reach your marketing goals.

2019 is Seeing an Increase in Cyber Threats from Malware

The most dangerous aspect of malware is knowing that everyday more and more variations are created, and that the anti-virus software protection doesn’t yet know how to recognize and defend against is.  In 2018, CPS saw many companies seized by computer hackers and the ransomware known as Cryptolocker.  Without proper data backups and procedures in place for security breaches, companies are at a standstill when computers and data can no longer be accessed.  Both residential and commercial IT users should know the warning signs of a computer virus and that their systems has been infected as well as what computer viruses are currently being seen.

A Mobile CRM Benefits Your Business

The term CRM, Customer Relationship Management, is a newly coined term used to describe a system that allows companies to access and manage key elements of their business.  A mobile CRM is one that delivers the experience to users of smartphones, tablets, and other mobile internet-enabled devices.  Right away you can see the benefits a mobile CRM would have in the growth and development of any business big or small.  A custom CRM system, designed specifically for your business, employees and customers, will take you to the next level.

Let’s face the facts; we are not a generation filled with patience.  No longer is using a desktop to gain information good enough for us, we want information at the touch of a button anytime we want it.  Mobile device use went from .7% in 2009 to just under 53% in 2017, with numbers that will only continue to grow. Your business must have software to match.  Users of mobile CRM systems are able to access important business data no matter when they want it or where they are. 

Mobile CRM systems are important to employees as they are no longer tied to a desk to work.  Employees are literally able to work no matter where they are when using a mobile CRM.  They can access vital information when meeting with prospects, allowing immediate decision to be made.  We all know how important an immediate decision is when closing a deal.  Custom CRM systems allow this to occur. 

Jobs that were once considered “office jobs” where employees physical presence was thought to be required have since gone remote because of systems such as a CRM, leading to higher overall productivity.  With access via mobile technology, employers actually gain higher results from their employees. A recent study boosts that most mobile employees work an extra 240 hours annually. 

Mobile smart devices give employees a freedom that is not experienced when tied to a desk.  Employees and employers alike benefit from having access whether they are in the same building or half way across the world.  Tying a workforce together with real-time, shared information allows data to be shared regardless of software compatibility, which leads to a more collective work atmosphere.

If you have questions on how a CRM platform can help you grow your company and improve the efficiency of your workforce, it is important to schedule an appointment today with a developer who is versed in both iPhone and Android app development.  They can assist in developing the right CRM system that will continue to develop and adapt to your ever growing company climate and personalized needs.

Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, is an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a variety of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming, website design, iphone & android app development, and more.  More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.

Software Development For iPhones and Android Using Cordova

One of the greatest challenges of a software development company working with iPhone and Android apps is time to develop on both platforms. While native programming these devices has its positives, rapid deployment of software is crucial in maintaining a profitable business model.  Using Cordova (PhoneGap) to achieve this, we have realized 200-300% reductions in time to market. Several of our apps run on Cordova and are available in the Apple Store, Google Play and Amazon.

Cordova allows you to keep one set of source code for both platforms, utilizing HTML and JavaScript.  This means you can simply develop your software one time for both devices and deploy.  Cordova comes with a breath of plugins from camera management, screen rotation, keyboard pop up, uploading file and more.  You install Cordova, add required plug-ins and develop.

Cordova is available here http://cordova.apache.org/

If you really want to speed up design time, you can actually develop your phone or tablet app on a website, using Chrome, FireFox or Edge.  Utilizing the CSS and HTML power of real time editing, you will see many apps can be produced in 1-2 days.  This allows for greater profit margins, less stress, and an ease on deadlines.

We have developed a technique to do just that.  By using the code below, you will disable Cordova (PhoneGap) in the browser view.  Then you upload the www project files to a website you have control of and can edit it right there.

var isApp = document.URL.indexOf( ‘http://’ ) === -1 && document.URL.indexOf( ‘https://’ ) === -1;

if(isApp){

                loadScript(‘cordova.js’, function(){  })

}

This code works by checking the URL of the device.  When running in app mode (on a device) the system does not use http protocol.  When in the browser we do.  This code simply checks to see if we are on a browser or not, then includes the cordova.js file.

This will allow you to program your app without the errors in the console on a website.  To continue to speed up development, we utilize jQuery.  If you are not familiar with jQuery, it’s a library of incredible useful shortcuts and tools for JavaScript.

jQuery may be downloaded here http://jquery.com/.

I highly suggest you rip out much of the default code that comes as a new project in Cordova.  The only thing you really need to include is the cordova.js file.  Using simple document ready function for the JavaScript replaces the cumbersome device ready code provided in the project.  Using jQuery $(document).ready() will fire when the page is loaded.

Using a combination of the process above, one should be able to rapidly deploy apps for home or business use, in a stable and reliable environment.  One of our big concerns when we first started this process was how Apple would react to an app not “natively” programmed in XCode.  The team at Apple will not reject your code because you used Cordova.  We have multiple apps in the Apple Store programmed using Cordova.  Give it a try, you will not be disappointed.

Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, is an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a variety of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming, website design, iphone & android app development, and more.  More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.