Voice chat provides an effective means of online communication. This article discusses the challenges and benefits of voice communication in online games.
Online games have become rapidly popular over the last few years. In fact, it has become a multi-billion dollar industry. These massive virtual worlds provide a realistic, engaging environment in which people can play and interact. It has been a fertile ground for gamers from all walks of life to come together. As a result, these games have produced large and vibrant online communities.
In these virtual worlds, you can choose an avatar or character that represents you. The latest games offer the ability to customize these characters in unlimited ways; you can change your character’s hairstyle, facial features, size, weight, and clothing. How about the ability to change your voice to match your online personality? That is currently not a standard feature in games. But I do see technology stepping in and providing a solution.
Think of the possibilities: gamers could now change their voice to sound like a troll, giant, dwarf or dark lord. They've spent many hours making their online character to look a certain way, why not change their voice to match? It is products like MorphVOX by Screaming Bee that can fill this need. MorphVOX is voice-changing software specifically designed for online games. This tool allows gamers to role-play more effectively. Not only can they look the part, they can also have a voice to match.
Voice communication in games has been around for quite some time, but only recently has gained popularity in online games. Much of this may have to do with the increase in the number of people who now have broadband Internet connections instead of dial-up. This provides the extra precious bandwidth to cover an additional voice channel. As voice chat is becoming increasingly prevalent in online game use, companies like Xfire, TeamSpeak, and Ventrillo have emerged to meet the needs.
One company, Xfire, demonstrates the popularity of voice chat. Xfire provides a free application that can be used by gamers to easily find friends online and communicate in game. Starting in 2004, the company’s market share has rapidly grown to almost four million users.
Many gamers are finding voice chat to be a superior way to communicate as opposed to the slower process of typing messages on a keyboard. If a monster jumps out, there is no need for fumbling with the keys when you need to shout for help. Voice chat also lets gamers coordinate large groups of people effectively in large raids.
What about role-playing and voice communication? There is some reluctance to use voice communication in online role-playing games. Much of this issue stems from the lack of good voice-changing tools in the past that can work effectively with games. In addition, there is less control of good content on voice chat. External noises, such as other people talking in the same room, are very distracting and can’t be easily masked over a microphone. Also, some less helpful gamers could use voice chat to taunt or annoy other people, who may be unable to turn off an in-game voice channel. And role-playing over live voice communication poses a challenge for most people of finding the right thing to say at the right time. Most of us aren’t very good at extemporaneous acting – improvising in real-time.
However, new online games such as Dungeons & Dragons Online (DDO) provide in-game voice capabilities that are adding a new life to role-playing. Many people are now starting to adopt voice chat as an important part of their in-game experience. As games like DDO become more common, I foresee brighter days ahead for voice communication. By providing a rich auditory experience, voice chat will improve realism for gamers. This is part of the never-ending process of adding more immersion to these virtual worlds.
Monday, December 25, 2006
The Ubiquitous Cell Phone an Evolution in Telecommunications
The ubiquitous cell phone has revolutionized the way people communicate. Communication has become more efficient, and way more accessible. Gone are the days of searching for a pay phone, and then searching for those evasive quarters. Cell phones have evolved from a large, one-dimensional device to its present multi dimensional, small form. They keep millions of people in touch with business, family and friends. In addition, they are proven to be very valuable during times of emergency. Contemporary cell phones perform many functions, access to the Internet, access to streaming data, video cameras, and entertainment. They are clearly a great way to communicate, and in some cases are replacing traditional telephones.
In 1843 Michael Faraday did a series of experiments that ultimately lead to the underlining principals of today’s cell phones. By 1947, a crude mobile phone was developed, and in 1977 cell phones went public. The city of Chicago was where the first service was started with around 2000 subscribers. The term cell phone originated from the use of many base stations to divide service areas into multiple cells. These multiple cells allowed for a wider range of coverage, and a greater call volume. The 1980’s saw a genuine proliferation of cell phone use, and by the 1990s analog signals were being replaced by digital signals.
Like televisions, computers, and all other electrical devices, mobile phones emit electromagnetic radiation. The fear was that these devices were being held to close to an individual’s head, and this radiation could cause some form of brain cancer. In a 1999 study, investigators at the Orebro Medical Centre in Sweden compared the past mobile phone use of 209 Swedish brain tumor patients and 425 healthy people. The study found no mobile phone/brain cancer link in virtually all respects, cancer researcher John E. Moulder, Ph.D., says. All the available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are associated with using wireless phones in adults, children, and teenagers. In spite of this, prudent precautions should be exercised. These include taking measures to move the cell phone antenna at least eight inches away from your head by using hands-free sets, remote earpieces and microphones, or installing radiation shields for hand held phones.
In spite of the unbelievable demand for cell phones, it took cellular phone service 37 years total to become commercially accessible in the US, according to the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association. Today there are more than 60 million customers with cell phones, in spite of the fact that wireless service was just developed nearly 50 years ago. The cellular business was a $3 million market 25 years ago and has grown exponentially to close to a $30 billion per year industry, and projections far exceed those numbers.
In 1843 Michael Faraday did a series of experiments that ultimately lead to the underlining principals of today’s cell phones. By 1947, a crude mobile phone was developed, and in 1977 cell phones went public. The city of Chicago was where the first service was started with around 2000 subscribers. The term cell phone originated from the use of many base stations to divide service areas into multiple cells. These multiple cells allowed for a wider range of coverage, and a greater call volume. The 1980’s saw a genuine proliferation of cell phone use, and by the 1990s analog signals were being replaced by digital signals.
Like televisions, computers, and all other electrical devices, mobile phones emit electromagnetic radiation. The fear was that these devices were being held to close to an individual’s head, and this radiation could cause some form of brain cancer. In a 1999 study, investigators at the Orebro Medical Centre in Sweden compared the past mobile phone use of 209 Swedish brain tumor patients and 425 healthy people. The study found no mobile phone/brain cancer link in virtually all respects, cancer researcher John E. Moulder, Ph.D., says. All the available scientific evidence does not show that any health problems are associated with using wireless phones in adults, children, and teenagers. In spite of this, prudent precautions should be exercised. These include taking measures to move the cell phone antenna at least eight inches away from your head by using hands-free sets, remote earpieces and microphones, or installing radiation shields for hand held phones.
In spite of the unbelievable demand for cell phones, it took cellular phone service 37 years total to become commercially accessible in the US, according to the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association. Today there are more than 60 million customers with cell phones, in spite of the fact that wireless service was just developed nearly 50 years ago. The cellular business was a $3 million market 25 years ago and has grown exponentially to close to a $30 billion per year industry, and projections far exceed those numbers.
Profile Of The Wireless Telecommunications Industry
We are also a repository of telecommunications industry reports and market research, and hosts one of the most comprehensive database of telecommunications company profiles. The model acts as a value-added tool to initiate discussions of critical issues in today's telecommunications industry. Quality Teaching staff are drawn primarily from the School of Technology and include experienced academic staff and recent recruits from the telecommunications industry. Profile of the wireless telecommunications industry and the telecommunications tower industry.
A gin pole is a device unique to the telecommunication tower industry. National Telecom Search Specializes in the hi-tech environment of the telecommunications industry, placing professionals in sales, management, marketing and technical careers. Average earnings in telecommunications greatly exceed average earnings throughout private industry. All of the major sectors of the telecommunications industry are or will increasingly use VoIP. Industry consolidation and strong price competition among telecommunications firms will decrease employment as companies try to reduce their costs.
State Legislation The telecommunications industry has recognized the potential threat of competition from public utilities and local governments in general. and NEC, TTIC is a leading company in the telecommunication industry. The FCC, consumer groups and the telecommunications industry are now discussing plans for educating the public about this cell phone/hearing aid compatibility standard. Xicom has developed solutions specifically for the telecommunications industry to complement Xicom's traditional information technology solutions. The telecommunication services industry is made up of businesses mainly providing telecommunication services to the public by wire, cable or radio.
WTC has been providing professional consulting services focused on the special needs in telecommunications, networks, and information technology since its inception in 1983. The latest telecommunication technology can be installed on your premises with the help of telecommunication consultation. This text is a part of a course-study in telecommunications technology. Programs in telecommunication management or telecom management address changing technology advances in system design and the implications this has on modern life. The course also will address telecommunications and networks, electronic commerce, decision support systems, security and ethical challenges, and global management of e-business technology.
Modern telecommunication systems make extensive use of time synchronization, and there is a link between the development of communications and time-keeping technology. However, the increasing standardization of telecommunications technology will limit their employment. Therefore the criticism that Marx makes of industrial technology does not apply to computer managed telecommunication technology. Long Island JobsSearch or browse local jobs in information technology, telecommunications and new media, post your resume, and find career events and other resources. The programme also addresses such areas as telecommunication architecture evolution, digital communication and radio technology. The rapid evolution of telecommunications technology demands a broad educational background including today's technological breakthroughs. Communication technology and policy have increased in importance in recent years because of rapid technical progress and massive global investment in telecommunication infrastructure.
A gin pole is a device unique to the telecommunication tower industry. National Telecom Search Specializes in the hi-tech environment of the telecommunications industry, placing professionals in sales, management, marketing and technical careers. Average earnings in telecommunications greatly exceed average earnings throughout private industry. All of the major sectors of the telecommunications industry are or will increasingly use VoIP. Industry consolidation and strong price competition among telecommunications firms will decrease employment as companies try to reduce their costs.
State Legislation The telecommunications industry has recognized the potential threat of competition from public utilities and local governments in general. and NEC, TTIC is a leading company in the telecommunication industry. The FCC, consumer groups and the telecommunications industry are now discussing plans for educating the public about this cell phone/hearing aid compatibility standard. Xicom has developed solutions specifically for the telecommunications industry to complement Xicom's traditional information technology solutions. The telecommunication services industry is made up of businesses mainly providing telecommunication services to the public by wire, cable or radio.
WTC has been providing professional consulting services focused on the special needs in telecommunications, networks, and information technology since its inception in 1983. The latest telecommunication technology can be installed on your premises with the help of telecommunication consultation. This text is a part of a course-study in telecommunications technology. Programs in telecommunication management or telecom management address changing technology advances in system design and the implications this has on modern life. The course also will address telecommunications and networks, electronic commerce, decision support systems, security and ethical challenges, and global management of e-business technology.
Modern telecommunication systems make extensive use of time synchronization, and there is a link between the development of communications and time-keeping technology. However, the increasing standardization of telecommunications technology will limit their employment. Therefore the criticism that Marx makes of industrial technology does not apply to computer managed telecommunication technology. Long Island JobsSearch or browse local jobs in information technology, telecommunications and new media, post your resume, and find career events and other resources. The programme also addresses such areas as telecommunication architecture evolution, digital communication and radio technology. The rapid evolution of telecommunications technology demands a broad educational background including today's technological breakthroughs. Communication technology and policy have increased in importance in recent years because of rapid technical progress and massive global investment in telecommunication infrastructure.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
VoIP voice of the future
There are a lot of questions to be asked about VoIP, the new technology of future. VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and it represents a cost-effective way of placing calls over the Internet. The beauty of VoIP lies in the fact that it combines both voice and data communications on a single network.
VoIP is quite new on the telecommunications market and it was until only recently that consumers started to consider this technology worthy of replacing everyday phone use. The basic requirement for VoIP is a broadband connection and a speed up to 90kbps depending on the voice compression algorithm chosen by the service provider.
There are many services included with VoIP: call waiting, voice messaging and three-way calling for conferences. You can store incoming calls to voice mail if you do not want to be disturbed by the telephone. The vast array of features that VoIP has to offer allows the technology to be used in a multitude of ways.
Also, you have additional options such as travel global feature or call transfer. The first allows you to take your IP ready phone or ATA (adaptor) and plug it into your broadband connection around the world. By doing that you will have the same service and features you are accustomed to at home. Be patient and search thoroughly for internet telephony service providers that support this feature. Call transfer is a special option for businessmen and it is quite beneficial; you are able to transfer a call you have already answered to another number.
The introduction in recent years of the IP ready phone, which has the ATA built in, offers consumers a whole host of new features and applications for the VoIP technology. VoIP is expanding at an exponential rate and one of its main advantages is portability. Many internet telephony service providers also offer area code selection, stating that if you move to another city, through the use of VoIP technology you can still keep the area code if you desire and the charges are for local calls.
Another great feature of VoIP technology is the one with extra virtual numbers; allows one to add extra phone numbers to the primary line with any area code selected. A toil free number is a useful VoIP application if you decide to move and want to keep in contact with your friends and family. Internet telephony service providers charge a small amount of money for this option.
More and more specialists try to implement soft dialer technology with VoIP. A soft dialer is installed to improve productivity when compared with manual dialing environments. For a long time, researchers looked for new and better ways to integrate the soft dialer with the software collection. They successfully connected the soft dialer with Voice over Internet Protocol technology in order to complement the automation and permit one to do more with fewer resources.
Many people wonder what a soft dialer really is. Well, a soft dialer is when the algorithms interface via a CTI port on a switch that does the calling. There are a few requirements for a soft dialer: up-to-date software, good operating system, hardware with a sound card and microphone/speakers. Also a soft dialer needs a processor with multimedia capacity, a sound card with speakers and headphone. Keep in mind that a high speed Internet connection is a must.
A soft dialer is capable of functioning at its best capacity in power dialer mode and it is perfect capable of Voice over Internet Protocol interface. Besides the obvious cost benefit in saving another reason for using a soft dialer is the answering machine detection.
VoIP is quite new on the telecommunications market and it was until only recently that consumers started to consider this technology worthy of replacing everyday phone use. The basic requirement for VoIP is a broadband connection and a speed up to 90kbps depending on the voice compression algorithm chosen by the service provider.
There are many services included with VoIP: call waiting, voice messaging and three-way calling for conferences. You can store incoming calls to voice mail if you do not want to be disturbed by the telephone. The vast array of features that VoIP has to offer allows the technology to be used in a multitude of ways.
Also, you have additional options such as travel global feature or call transfer. The first allows you to take your IP ready phone or ATA (adaptor) and plug it into your broadband connection around the world. By doing that you will have the same service and features you are accustomed to at home. Be patient and search thoroughly for internet telephony service providers that support this feature. Call transfer is a special option for businessmen and it is quite beneficial; you are able to transfer a call you have already answered to another number.
The introduction in recent years of the IP ready phone, which has the ATA built in, offers consumers a whole host of new features and applications for the VoIP technology. VoIP is expanding at an exponential rate and one of its main advantages is portability. Many internet telephony service providers also offer area code selection, stating that if you move to another city, through the use of VoIP technology you can still keep the area code if you desire and the charges are for local calls.
Another great feature of VoIP technology is the one with extra virtual numbers; allows one to add extra phone numbers to the primary line with any area code selected. A toil free number is a useful VoIP application if you decide to move and want to keep in contact with your friends and family. Internet telephony service providers charge a small amount of money for this option.
More and more specialists try to implement soft dialer technology with VoIP. A soft dialer is installed to improve productivity when compared with manual dialing environments. For a long time, researchers looked for new and better ways to integrate the soft dialer with the software collection. They successfully connected the soft dialer with Voice over Internet Protocol technology in order to complement the automation and permit one to do more with fewer resources.
Many people wonder what a soft dialer really is. Well, a soft dialer is when the algorithms interface via a CTI port on a switch that does the calling. There are a few requirements for a soft dialer: up-to-date software, good operating system, hardware with a sound card and microphone/speakers. Also a soft dialer needs a processor with multimedia capacity, a sound card with speakers and headphone. Keep in mind that a high speed Internet connection is a must.
A soft dialer is capable of functioning at its best capacity in power dialer mode and it is perfect capable of Voice over Internet Protocol interface. Besides the obvious cost benefit in saving another reason for using a soft dialer is the answering machine detection.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Network Centric Warfare a newly emerging military doctrine
Aeronautics is closely involved in the development of Network Centric Warfare (NCW), or Network Centric Operations (NCO), a newly emerging military doctrine that aims to exploit technical advances in information technology and telecommunications to improve situational awareness and the speed of decision-making.
The vision for Network Centric Warfare is to provide seamless access to timely information to all war fighters and decision-makers at every echelon in the military hierarchy. This enables all elements, including individual infantry soldiers, ground vehicles, command centers, aircraft and naval vessels, to share the information collected to be combined into a coherent, accurate picture of the battlefield.
Having rapid access to reliable situational awareness and a relevant common operational picture results in faster strategic planning and more effective tactical decisions. Targets can be more rapidly detected and intercepted, and tragic "friendly fire" events can be more successfully avoided.
Aeronautics develops and supplies many of the advanced systems and communications setups, which form key elements for achieving the Network Centric Warfare goal, including:
Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) sensors, mounted on manned or unmanned airborne, ground or seagoing platforms. These ISR sensors may operate in the visible, infrared or radar spectra.
Control stations for the operation of unmanned platforms and distribution of tactical data.
Reliable communications links.
Sophisticated control software interface, enabling all tactical elements to be located on continuously updated digital map.
Integration of surveillance video, from manned or unmanned ISR platforms, with digital map.
Man-portable or vehicle installed Remote Video Terminals (RVT), for direct reception of ISR video and telemetry by mobile ground forces
Airborne Radio Frequency (RF) relay systems for range extension.
Central to the Network Centric Warfare concept is system compatibility and interoperability. The different elements in a Network Centric Warfare system must be able to interface and 'talk' to each other if the system is to be effective. Aeronautics achieves this through unified systems architecture, based on the outstanding UMAS�, a universal unit that combines all full flight control, navigation, payload control and communications functions on one 32-bit processor. The UMAS� is featured in all Aeronautics' ISR platforms and control stations.
Network Centric Warfare is a major tactical and strategic concept that requires careful, detailed planning, integration and training. Aeronautics' personnel include experienced engineers and expert Israeli Defense Forces' Reserve Officers who use their unique knowledge to build the optimal solutions to customer requirements.
It should be noted that the principles and systems of Network Centered Warfare are applicable to all levels of conflict, from Full Scale Land Battles through to Low Intensity Conflict, and also to civilian scenarios, including such situations as Border Security, Pursuit of Suspects, Traffic Control and Search and Rescue.
One example a Network Centered Warfare systems is the Tactical UAV.
Aeronautics Defense Systems was recently awarded a contract by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems for provision of a UAV Control System and operation of the Aerostar Tactical UAV. The system will be deployed at Las Cruces, New Mexico, as part of the NMSU UAV Technology Analysis and Applications Center (TAAC). The Aerostar will support UAV Operations, Training/Certification, and Sensor Technology Development. Aeronautics Defense Systems has a strategic alliance with General Dynamics in ST. PETERSBURG, Fla, USA for unmanned systems
The vision for Network Centric Warfare is to provide seamless access to timely information to all war fighters and decision-makers at every echelon in the military hierarchy. This enables all elements, including individual infantry soldiers, ground vehicles, command centers, aircraft and naval vessels, to share the information collected to be combined into a coherent, accurate picture of the battlefield.
Having rapid access to reliable situational awareness and a relevant common operational picture results in faster strategic planning and more effective tactical decisions. Targets can be more rapidly detected and intercepted, and tragic "friendly fire" events can be more successfully avoided.
Aeronautics develops and supplies many of the advanced systems and communications setups, which form key elements for achieving the Network Centric Warfare goal, including:
Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) sensors, mounted on manned or unmanned airborne, ground or seagoing platforms. These ISR sensors may operate in the visible, infrared or radar spectra.
Control stations for the operation of unmanned platforms and distribution of tactical data.
Reliable communications links.
Sophisticated control software interface, enabling all tactical elements to be located on continuously updated digital map.
Integration of surveillance video, from manned or unmanned ISR platforms, with digital map.
Man-portable or vehicle installed Remote Video Terminals (RVT), for direct reception of ISR video and telemetry by mobile ground forces
Airborne Radio Frequency (RF) relay systems for range extension.
Central to the Network Centric Warfare concept is system compatibility and interoperability. The different elements in a Network Centric Warfare system must be able to interface and 'talk' to each other if the system is to be effective. Aeronautics achieves this through unified systems architecture, based on the outstanding UMAS�, a universal unit that combines all full flight control, navigation, payload control and communications functions on one 32-bit processor. The UMAS� is featured in all Aeronautics' ISR platforms and control stations.
Network Centric Warfare is a major tactical and strategic concept that requires careful, detailed planning, integration and training. Aeronautics' personnel include experienced engineers and expert Israeli Defense Forces' Reserve Officers who use their unique knowledge to build the optimal solutions to customer requirements.
It should be noted that the principles and systems of Network Centered Warfare are applicable to all levels of conflict, from Full Scale Land Battles through to Low Intensity Conflict, and also to civilian scenarios, including such situations as Border Security, Pursuit of Suspects, Traffic Control and Search and Rescue.
One example a Network Centered Warfare systems is the Tactical UAV.
Aeronautics Defense Systems was recently awarded a contract by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems for provision of a UAV Control System and operation of the Aerostar Tactical UAV. The system will be deployed at Las Cruces, New Mexico, as part of the NMSU UAV Technology Analysis and Applications Center (TAAC). The Aerostar will support UAV Operations, Training/Certification, and Sensor Technology Development. Aeronautics Defense Systems has a strategic alliance with General Dynamics in ST. PETERSBURG, Fla, USA for unmanned systems
Satellite Telephones Saving the World
Communication is the way of man's expressing thoughts and opinions. It involves sharing the message that you want to impart to other people. It is the tool for understanding each other.
What would be the world be like if human beings were unable to communicate with one another? A world of chaos.
People used to communicate simply by talking at each other, but they found it difficult if the message had to be transmitted to far places.
But as time went by, through the utilization of the modern day technology, things become easy. Started from the telephones at home, down to the cellular phones and the recent invention, the satellite phones.
How do these satellite phones work?
Satellite phones are invented in case of emergency and unexpected circumstances. They allow you to have voice and data communication for instances that the local landline and the cellular systems are disrupted. This will serve as your ultimate resort for communication in the event that the telephone infrastructure cannot manage to handle the volume of calls or there is a disruption that occurred to the network.
Satellite phones are very different from cellular phones. Unlike the latter, it does not make use of the call towers. Rather, they use Low Earth Orbiting Satellites. The moment that you turn on the satellite phone, it will already connect to the any number of satellites that shows compatibility to yours.
When you make a call the signal of the phone goes to a satellite that is directed down to a ground station or a gateway that is also directed to your call destination. The gateway processes will take care of the switching of the phone rather than the cellular network. This is the solution for those who worry about places that do not have network. The gateway allows you to use your phone even if when you are in an area that is far from any cell tower.
See how convenient satellite phones are. In event of an emergency a satellite phone is a valuable asset and could mean the difference between life and death where communication is critical. It will be an instrument towards saving the world, because despite the odds you can still communicate with others.
Nicola Kennedy publishes articles and reports and provides news, views and information about communications and Satellite Phones at Satellite Telephones Information.
This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. All rights reserved. Copyright Satellite-Telephones.info
What would be the world be like if human beings were unable to communicate with one another? A world of chaos.
People used to communicate simply by talking at each other, but they found it difficult if the message had to be transmitted to far places.
But as time went by, through the utilization of the modern day technology, things become easy. Started from the telephones at home, down to the cellular phones and the recent invention, the satellite phones.
How do these satellite phones work?
Satellite phones are invented in case of emergency and unexpected circumstances. They allow you to have voice and data communication for instances that the local landline and the cellular systems are disrupted. This will serve as your ultimate resort for communication in the event that the telephone infrastructure cannot manage to handle the volume of calls or there is a disruption that occurred to the network.
Satellite phones are very different from cellular phones. Unlike the latter, it does not make use of the call towers. Rather, they use Low Earth Orbiting Satellites. The moment that you turn on the satellite phone, it will already connect to the any number of satellites that shows compatibility to yours.
When you make a call the signal of the phone goes to a satellite that is directed down to a ground station or a gateway that is also directed to your call destination. The gateway processes will take care of the switching of the phone rather than the cellular network. This is the solution for those who worry about places that do not have network. The gateway allows you to use your phone even if when you are in an area that is far from any cell tower.
See how convenient satellite phones are. In event of an emergency a satellite phone is a valuable asset and could mean the difference between life and death where communication is critical. It will be an instrument towards saving the world, because despite the odds you can still communicate with others.
Nicola Kennedy publishes articles and reports and provides news, views and information about communications and Satellite Phones at Satellite Telephones Information.
This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. All rights reserved. Copyright Satellite-Telephones.info
Data Backup Do you have a backup and recovery plan
Data backup is rarely a part of a home computer user's or business IT administrator's plans, �we all say it will never happen to me or my company, but in reality we are just mentally preparing for the time we lose our data.� Its like trying to stop smoking, we all know we should do it but will find every excuse not to.� So be honest with yourself and ask yourself the question, do you have a backup plan for your data, or more importantly, do you have a restore plan which will protect your business should something go wrong? All business leaders and owners will now tell you that computers are way past being a useful part of our lives, but now they are an absolute necessity.�� We acknowledge the data which resides on our computer infrastructure is the most important asset of any organization.� I ask again, what would happen if you lost your data and what are you doing to protect it?The reasons for data loss are endless, human intervention, hardware failure,software failure, natural disaster, loss, theft, we can go on, but we can besure of one thing, as time goes by the list will get longer and longer.
Ever had anything stolen or lost anything before?
I have been in the IT industry for some 25 years now, and as you can imagine, I have heard some bizarre stories of how computers and servers have been stolen.�
Laptops stolen from back seats of cars (data lost), a colleague forgot he left his laptop on the roof of his car; problem is he realized when he was 160 miles down the road (lost data).� My friend's office was broken in twice in two nights, first time resulted in loss of desktop computers and totally trashed alarm system (some data loss), and second night was to take the servers along with the backup device and media!� Apparently the heavy stuff was stolen the second night as the thief's had more time due to the alarm not being repaired quickly enough (total data loss and company ceased trading within 8 months). �Save yourself money; prevent data loss in the first place by implementing a data backup plan.
If you have managed to never lose your laptop or have you whole IT infrastructure stolen then well done, so now let's prepare ourselves for hardware failure.� There are mainly only three mechanical parts within a laptop, computer or server; 1) hard drive, 2) backup drive 3) CD or DVD.�� Hard drives do fail and if it has not happen yet it will.� Don't get me wrong, if you take a failed drive to an expert, they will probably get most of your data back (phew) but expect to pay in excess of �5000 for the pleasure (not phew).� Save yourself money; prevent data loss in the first place by implementing a data backup plan.
Fire or Disaster (natural or not).I live in the UK, it's a lovely place as we don't have issues with forest fires, earth quakes, and hurricanes etc. so there will never be any large natural disaster which will wipe out the majority of a city.�� This is what I thought until the Bunsfield oil refinery blew up and flattened everything within a 3 mile radius.�� There are a million and one reasons and scenarios I can give you illustrating why you should backup your business data.� We all know the practice of data backup is nothing more than good common sense. Mission critical or sensitive data you don't want or can not afford to lose should be secured.� PROTECT YOUR DATA! �If you honestly think you do not need to backup your data because you will never lose it, please stop reading this article now and go and do something less boring.
Let's talk about the various ways of securing your data and other backup services.� If you take the following on board you will be able to find the solution which will best suit you or your company.Backup to CD solution.
To backup your file data to CD is easy, it may be time consuming to do every night and you will have to be disciplined to put up to an hour aside to carry out this task every night. To backup data to a CD drive is not anautomated process and we all know people get busy.�� Once you havebacked your data to CD please always verify that the data is actually on the CD and then take it home with you.� There is no point leaving it to be stolenor destroyed by fire along with your hardware.Please do not us a CD to archive data (safe documents for a long time) as I would not expect this form of media to remain stable for more than 2 years.�
Backing up to CD has many limitations but it is certainly better than not backing up your data at all.�
RAID � Not backup but will protect your server disks.All servers should be given every opportunity to stay alive, running a RAID configuration will help prevent data loss due to hard drive failure.� Ifyou have 3 drives running in a RAID 5 configuration, your server will tolerate asingle drive failure.� RAID will not protect you from fire, flood, theft orany other disaster waiting to happen, but does offer business continuity.This solution doesn't usually protect you from theft as the extra hard drives for RAID storage are usually installed in your computer or in other equipment on site. It usually won't protect you from fire either so this method does have its limitations.
Secure Offsite Data Backup and Recovery via a third party organization.Offsite Backup or Backing up via the Internet methods are usually associated with larger enterprise companies.� In the past the high cost of high speed connectivity has been prohibitive to smaller companies.
This method of data backup is now become totally accepted and is gaining momentum around the globe.� The main reason for such grown is because the price of high speed internet connections has greatly reduced, virtually every business and home is connected to the internet via a minimum 2MB pipe as a result it is now possible to backup high volumes of data to a secure offsite data centre.�
For me, the best element of an offsite backup solution is not the high encryption security levels in place, the price or the purpose designedreplicated infrastructure where your data is stored, but it is the fact that anoffsite backup solution is a totally automated process.� Set and forget,once you have set the software to backup your data at a certain time of everyday you can just forget it and let it get on with its job of protecting your data.If I controlled your backup process, I would implement all three of the options mentioned.� A RAID system for business continuity, offsite backup to securely protect all my business data, and to enable a quick restore, a CD backup of just my mission critical data which will keep my business running.
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