3 Main Principles Of Responsive Web Design

Web design has always been the essence of any successful marketing campaign. Whether it is the landing page of your website or a multi-product e-commerce store, it is the design that counts. Responsive web design (RWD) companies in Tampa, Florida are, therefore, embracing the latest trends and making every effort to stay ahead of their competitors. They are giving their best shot to improve user experience and help clients get more business through good design. Your website should be viewable on all devices such as desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. No matter how high your site ranks in the search engine results pages (SERPs) or how much marketing dollars you spend, poor design will never convert. So, what does it take to create an RWD that converts? Here are three basic principles of RWD that you must follow:

1. Smooth Navigation

Your mobile visitors must easily find the information they are looking for, and this is possible when your website has super-easy navigation elements like menus, bars, and buttons. You need to understand how navigational elements differ from one device to the other. Smartphone screens are getting bigger with time, and therefore the touch screens of these phones require smooth website navigation for enhanced browsing experience. The same rule applies to a computer and a tablet.

2. The Design Flow

With a smaller device screen, your site’s content will fill more vertical space and anything below goes down. This is known as the flow. It may be a little difficult to understand initially, especially if you are familiar with points and pixels. However, it will start to make sense once you get the hang of it.

3. Min and Max Values

If the content fills the entire width of a mobile screen or tablet, it looks great. However, if the same content takes up the whole width of your laptop screen, it will neither look right nor make sense. This is where the importance of min and max values comes into play.

Be it a small business in Tampa, Florida or a big corporation that operates worldwide, embracing responsive web design should be the mantra if a company wants to enjoy improved conversions. Make your website more adaptive to device screens and design it to enhance user experience.

Healthcare On The Cloud

As compared to other sectors, the adoption of cloud computing in healthcare has been slow in Tampa. But not anymore. The recent years have seen many hospitals and small practices embracing cloud computing. This has been a boon in disguise for Tampa’s IT solution providers. Many of them now offer health-focused cloud solutions as healthcare data has entered a new era.

How Do Cloud-Based Data Management Systems Work?

With the implementation of electronic health record (EHR) system becoming compulsory, healthcare organizations need to choose between a cloud-based and a client-server-based system. In a cloud-based system, an organization’s data is stored on the external servers and can be accessed via the web.

In client-server systems, data is stored on an on-premise physical server, which necessitates physical proximity to access this data. As mentioned above, the healthcare sector has used in-house servers for a long time, but it is now increasingly switching to the cloud. One may attribute this increased interest in the cloud-based healthcare data management systems to the increased patient loads in the hospitals and the healthcare professionals' eagerness to provide faster and more flexible services to their patients. To maintain the speed and quality of their services, the healthcare industry has to depend a lot on the latest mobile technologies and use a bevy of web-based applications. The cloud facilitates an effortless and secure transfer of a huge amount of data to multiple locations so that large numbers of people can access them regardless of their location and the devices they use.

Need For the Right Cloud Partner

When it comes to using the cloud for storing and transferring sensitive patient data, healthcare facilities must comply with stringent regulatory standards. This calls for collaborating with a reliable cloud service provider. The right partnership ensures a smooth transition to the cloud, allowing healthcare organizations to focus on what matters the most –saving lives. With so many choices regarding the IT solution providers in Tampa, it can be challenging to find the right cloud partner that is perfect for your business. Choose carefully and choose the one that can best support your business strategy.

Is Responsive Design The New Mantra Of Business Success?

Responsive web design (RWD) is big in Tampa, Florida, as it is in the other parts of the US. Ever wondered, why are your competitors taking so much interest in the model? Have you ever considered giving a 'responsive' twist to your own business website? If you haven't yet, you should. And NOW. Read on to know why.

What is Responsive Web Design?

It's not that only software startups or tech firms need to invest in online presence. Whether you are a popular beach-side bistro or a startup hoping to capitalize on the Tampa Bay area's budding medical tourism industry, taking your brand online is an absolute necessity. You will need to develop a digital marketing strategy to gain that exposure. And your website is central to that strategy. It acts as a digital brochure providing an in-depth description of your services and products and other information about your business. At a timewhen more than 50 percent of users access websites through their smartphones, building a traditional website is not sufficient. Businesses, both established and start-ups, have to take on the challenge of making this information available on the go, from a plethora of connected devices. And RWD enables businessmen to provide a 'hand-held website' to their customers.

So how RWD does help? A traditional website design that looks great on a desktop may not fit into a mobile screen. Users have to constantly move the screen and zoom in and out in their attempt to navigating the site. Most of your visitors won't take this trouble and would instead hop on to the next available choice (and that would certainly be your closest competition). RWD is a design concept that offers a comfortable browsing experience to your visitors.

RWD and Your Business

RWD enables the website to 'adjust' to the device in use so that the user can comfortably browse through the pages. However, this is the primary, but not the only purpose. It also allows for changing site layout dynamically. For example, you can make the call-to-action appear on top of the site to make your visitors see your offer right after opening the page. It also helps you to leave out certain information that you do not consider important for your mobile audience. All these play a key role in boosting sales conversions.

In our hyper-connected world, the right website will quickly yield dividends for any organization, be it a big name in its niche or a fledging business. Your business in Tampa (Florida) needs responsive web design in order to appeal to its target. Believe us, the growth resulting from this change will be well worth your money spent.

Choosing The Right Technology For Your Web Application

Every day a host of new startups begin their – hopefully long – journey in Florida. Some have the backing of good venture capital, some don’t. Some boast top technological knowhow, some do not. But the majority of them share one common trait – all of them have to manage with a limited human resource. Only a few companies can afford to start their maiden venture with a big team. So what about the rest? They simply have to leverage technology to overcome this lacuna. Now there is a problem – most of the enterprise tools and applications have been developed with the big establishments in mind, and hence are not suitable for the start-ups. And therefore, these new players have no choice left but to use customized tools and apps programmed to meet their specific business needs. And with this, web application development has taken a new, interesting turn in Florida.

Developing your own tools and applications is rife with their own unique challenges, but you must undertake it. You need to choose the right technology to implement the right solution. Here is how to proceed:

Understand Your Requirements

Evaluate your ultimate business goals. Write down exactly how you expect this application to help you achieve that. Also identify your business' problem areas that you want to overcome with this solution.

Break Down Your Requirements in Small Modules

Divide your application requirements into modules based on business logic. Forget about implementation at this phase.

Identify the Solution Type That Best Suits Your Requirements

Now that you have a clear idea about your requirement, plan the core modules of your solution. This, in turn, will give you a clear idea of exactly what type of application you need. For example, if you have a predominantly market or product specific requirement, you surely need an e-commerce application. However, if your primary requirements are related to content delivery, then what you need is a good content management system (CMS) application.

Web applications can help start-ups overcome a lot of business hurdles in a competitive business space. With more and more start-ups turning to technologies to manage their day to day operations, web application development is big in Florida. Do you think a customized app can be the answer to your business management needs? Then get your own application built from the scratch. But make sure to partner with a trusted name in the market.

5 Pillars Of It Consulting Services

In the field of management, information technology (IT) consulting refers to a discipline focused on providing organizations with advice on how best to use their various IT assets to achieve their business objectives.  It's not only the big ticket companies that avail these services, even small and medium businesses hire consultants to guide them in all matters relating to IT. A good case in point is Tampa, where IT consulting firms serve both big enterprises as well as SMBs. If you are a start-up with a well-defined growth plan, and if you are keen on making the most of your IT assets, a consulting firm can help you in the following five ways:

By Providing Information

Consultants will furnish you with accurate, up-to-date information. They would typically want to know exactly what ways you are planning to utilize the information, and accordingly gather the relevant data through market and attitude surveys, cost and feasibility studies, and competitive structure analysis of an industry or a business. 

By Solving Your Problems

Every businessperson faces different types of challenges that may range from procuring a component to changing the company’s branding strategies.  IT consultants explore the context of these problems and offer the most practical solution in a way that does not interfere with the company's existing policies or affect the employee morale.

By Offering a Diagnosis for Your Existing Issues

IT consultants are expert diagnosticians. While offering their diagnosis for a problem, they consider several internal factors such as a client's financial health, the technology the client uses, the behavior of non-managerial members of the organization, and the external environment.

By Making Recommendations Based on the Diagnosis

Based on their findings, IT consultants submit a report summarizing their findings and recommending what the client should do. The report, at the core, provides a step-by-step action plan aimed at improving the diagnosed problem.

By Assisting With the Implementation of Recommended Solutions

Consultants also help to translate recommendations into actions. In coordination with the management, they help to install a recommended new system. Generally, they suggest necessary actions only for those areas where the company is willing to do things differently.

Your IT assets are expensive, so you must make the most of them. An IT consultant can tell you how. Cities like Tampa have shown how even SMBs can gain from the IT consulting services. Why not follow suit and optimize your IT infrastructure for your business growth? 

How Cloud Solutions Are Changing The Mobile Workforce

The last couple of years have witnessed Florida emerge as an important technology hub in Florida. There is little wonder that the city's IT firms are trying to reap the maximum benefits out of the situation. The IT companies in Florida are leveraging numerous tools to improve their performance. Cloud-based applications have a significant impact on a company's mobile workforce. Based on the findings of IBM, workspace hosted on the public cloud shall increase by 44 percent in the next few years. Read on to learn how cloud applications are changing the dynamics of the mobile workforce.

Mobile Security

Today, employees do not differentiate between company-owned devices or their employees’ personal mobile gadgets. This only makes digital devices more vulnerable to virus and security attacks. This is the reason many businesses are using the cloud application gateway to protect their business data, while offering their employees the liberty to work from anywhere, anytime.

Effective Teamwork and Collaboration

Cloud-based applications allow employees to log into their devices and work from any corner of the world. With the workspace housed on the cloud, staff members can work in collaboration, ensuring effective teamwork. Files are easy to download, documents are easy to share, and data can be modified no matter what device the employees are using.

Email Management

With the incorporation of cloud to an office suite email, all authorized employees can stay in constant touch through emails. They can share calendars, plan subsequent meetings, and even manage their corporate emails with cloud-based solutions. No longer do businesses need to perform boring and tedious tasks such as upgrading or installing add-ons because all such aspects will be managed by the service provider. Employees can spend more time on strategic actions and do away with routine jobs.

The integration of cloud applications is a digital boon for the IT companies in Florida. Businesses should seize the opportunity and make their mobile workforce more productive and efficient to gain a competitive advantage over others.

What Value Does Managed It Services Have For Businesses In Florida?

Managed IT services have grown exponentially in terms of value for Florida-based businesses. Traditional monitoring and support services form the main functions of these managed IT service providers in Tampa and other places comprising the Florida Tech Corridor. Most of the managed service firms have an efficient consulting team in place that enables companies to simplify the way technology is purchased. These firms can also customize the process to meet the unique business needs of their clients.

What Is the Scope of Managed IT Services?

Managed IT services excel at providing businesses with comprehensive coverage as well as continuous delivery. They provide efficient support services and monitoring. This includes infrastructure support, application services, advisory services, and cloud design and development.

How Do Industries Benefit?

With the aid of managed services, companies based out of Florida can expect to reduce the cost of their operation by almost 40 percent. When a business employs managed services, they experience improvements in the handling of their surge capacity; the process becomes smoother and the possibility of glitches in their operations deceases. Business risks are also reduced considerably. It is the job of the managed IT services to ensure that there remains a flexible resource pool that excels at providing exact skill-sets which the business requires to control expenses related to development and research.

Progressive managed IT service providers in Tampa and other parts of Florida tend to make innovation a reality with excellent speed, and drive revenue. They ensure that users enjoy unlimited access to hard-to-get, professional quality resources, which may be customized as per the needs of the business. Every company that hires managed IT service providers also receives a service level guarantee with amazing customer support.

Be Careful Of 3 Mistakes Of Mobile App Development

Businesses have rightly realised that if they want to reach out to their customers in this competitive market, development of a mobile application is the ideal way. According to Google, mobile traffic is now surpassing the desktop traffic in the USA. So, if you want to target customers of New York, Chicago, Detroit or Tampa, then the custom application development process should meet the required necessities. Usually, developers follow a long development cycle as well as testing stages before launching the mobile app. But in spite of those checks, some of the applications fail. Here are some of the reasons behind the failures :

Wrong Platform Selection

Of course, there are quite a large number of mobile platforms available in the market, but the most popular of them are iOS and Android. As a developer, you need to understand the value of each one keeping in mind the market you are targeting. For instance, if you are using iOS, you can generate greater revenue in the USA because iPhone apps are very popular. But if you are targeting the global market, then Android should be the selected platform. Unfortunately, many developers fail to comprehend this difference and end up selecting the wrong platform, which affects the success rate of the apps.

Ignoring Mobile UX

Many developers tend to forget that functionalities of a mobile app are very different from a website, whether it is in term of scope or size. This is a mistake that you must avoid because an app store like Apple disapproves of such designs. So, developers should always create an app which is easy to understand and is highly customizable. If you want to create a mobile version of the desktop app, do not copy the desktop design because that decreases the chances of the app getting accepted.

No Market Strategy

Unless you market the app, there are lesser chances of getting recognised, no matter how awesome, unique and well designed it is. There are thousands of apps being released every day. If you want to find a place for yours then a strategic market plan for targeting the audience is significant.

If you are looking for a company to develop such custom application development in Tampa, Philadelphia, Denver or anywhere else in the USA, make sure you consult with the team on these factors before hiring. Mobile app development mistakes can cost your business dearly. So, craft the right road-map for the success of your app. 

On The Lookout For A Managed Security Service Provider? Consider These Attributes

Of course, your corporate data is your biggest asset. It consists of customer details, financial information, sales figures, and more. You must, therefore, go the whole hog to protect your online systems that store these data. There are many start-ups or mid-sized firms in Tampa that don't have the resources to create a foolproof security system in-house. Tying up with a managed service provider (MSP) and outsourcing your data protection tasks to this strategic technology partner may be the answer. Your MSP partner will be responsible for keeping your data protected from unauthorised access. But how do you choose the right managed service provider in Tampa, which is an emerging IT hub and have no dearth of technology firms? Find out by reading our tips. 

Bank on Referrals

As with any personal investment decision, referrals tend to be the best way to find an ideal tech-partner in your city. Customers who have availed a company's services and are happy with it would generally recommend the service to others. 

Look For Global Experiences

As far as managed data security services are concerned, global experience carries significant weight. A powerful global exposure provides a company the knowledge of best practices.

Check Track Record

Firms that have a proven track record always have positive testimonials from happy customers. These reviews are therefore a great way to judge a firm's past performances. So while researching the market, visit the recommended company's sites to check what their previous customers have to say about them.  

Check Their Internal Performance Metrics

A well-defined service performance metrics in place indicates that the firm in question aspires to exceed expectations in delivering their services. This means they believe in forging a long-lasting partnership. Such firms typically assume the full ownership of the project and work with utmost dedication.

Given the competitive nature of Tampa's business landscape and the sophisticated nature of cyber-threats, it has become crucial for businesses to opt for managed service partnership for the safe storage of their mission-critical data assets. As long as they choose a managed service provider wisely, Tampa businesses can keep their IT infrastructure safe and sound, and keep on thriving. A mistake in the choice may mean just the opposite. So remember our tips and choose right.

Florida on the Fast Track to Becoming the Next IT Hub

The status quo of the IT industry in America has undergone some major changes over the past few years. The United States has long considered California to be the big IT hub, but new statistics indicate that Florida is poised to become the next big thing. IT companies in Florida, Manatee and Sarasota counties are leading the charge, and they all form the Florida High Tech Corridor, a combination of 23 different counties.

Rising to the Top

The number of openings is rising on a regular basis and the Florida High Tech Corridor is now ranked fourth in terms of the biggest tech hubs, based on the number of technology and IT-focused jobs posted on various web pages. According to The Herald Tribune, the region ranks just after the primary three tech hubs in America viz. Silicon Valley in California, Silicon Alley in the state of New York, and finally, the Dulles Technology Corridor in the Northeastern part of Virginia State.

Steady Rate of Growth

Most candidates who wish to become a part of the tech industry have all become aware of the various opportunities present in the Sunshine State. They have also played a key role in intimating the corporate-site professionals, who are tasked with helping the big technology organisations with location-based solutions.

Current Status

The tech sector in these areas although comparatively small is growing at an admirable rate. Though the number of employees at a single tech-based business tends to be decent, the extent of innovation and diversity packed into these organisations is impressive and bodes well for growth and development in the future.

The tech industry in Florida shows no sign of slowing down, and this is conducive to the expansion of the job market in the different counties. The best IT companies in Florida and other parts of Florida are all eager to prove themselves, and in today’s competitive industry, this sort of go-getter attitude is exactly what's required to reach the top.

3 Benefits of IT Outsourcing

Tampa in Florida is one of the most flourishing IT hubs in the United States. Whether it's software, web application or mobile app development, it is common for businesses to operate from a remote location. The major challenge is hiring a knowledgeable and experienced IT team for their business needs. So, if you have IT staffing requirements, Tampa is the place to explore. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) outsource for cost cutting purposes. However, this is not the only advantage of outsourcing. Here are three of the most important benefits of IT staffing:

1. Leads to More Efficiency

When your organization outsources the work to an outsourced team, they bring you several years of expertise in the process to deliver even the most complex projects. They have the right skill-sets to execute the task better as they have profound domain knowledge and experience. This results in increased efficiency and productivity, thus adding to the bottom-line of an organization. 

2. Keeps a Check on Your Capital Costs

Although cost-cutting is not the primary reason to outsource, it's definitely a key factor. When you outsource your business needs, it helps in converting fixed costs into variable costs. It will help you use the funds elsewhere in the business. You can also steer clear of huge capital expenditure at the initial stages of your business. Outsourcing your IT needs will attract more investors. This means that you can use more of the capital in revenue generating activities. 

3. Helps You Start New Projects Right Away

You can start new projects quickly as an outsourced team has the right amount of resources and expertise to start the project without procrastinating. Managing a similar project by an in-house team may take up several weeks to recruit the right staff, train them or provide any additional support they may require.

You enjoy manifold benefits with IT staffing in Tampa, and there is no need to invest heavily on infrastructure. Your outsourcing partner assumes the responsibility of your business processes, and also builds the right infrastructure for the same. Choose the right outsourcing partner for all your IT staffing needs.

Essential Qualities of a True Twenty First Century Enterprise

From a traditional tourist destination to an emerging IT hub – Tampa has come a long way since the beginning of the new millennium. The IT companies in Tampa have played a big role in this transformation. They did not only enable these organizations to survive and thrive in a rapidly changing business landscape, but also helped these businesses to remodel themselves as true-blue 21-st century enterprises. So how do these 21CE look like? Let's find out:

Experience-focused

Today's consumers demand a consistently satisfactory experience over multiple platforms. In response, enterprises are trying to provide a unified experience to their customers. 

Result-oriented

Today's organizations place a lot of emphasis on the use of the right technology to deliver services to their clients. Their service delivery model cuts across value chains and they tend to measure their success in terms of outcome-based targets. 

Agile and Size-optimized

Today, big corporate entities are compared with 'white elephants'. In order to survive in today's competitive environment, organizations are trying to be lean and agile. Only those companies, which have size-optimized structures, can cope with the volatility of a fast-paced market. Thus, many large organizations are quite out of step with the market, and closely-knit organizations are doing brisk business. 

Service-driven

In a dynamic market landscape, 21st century enterprises bank on high customer satisfaction. To accomplish a big score in this area, the organizations keep on changing their service delivery models, and embrace technology-agnostic platforms to meet customer expectations. 

Ecosystem-centric

In a fiercely competitive business landscape, 'forge partnership or perish' is the mantra of the companies. Companies no longer operate within the periphery of closed offices. Instead, they strive to weave out complex ecosystems comprising employees, vendors, freelancers and even customers in which every participant works toward a common goal. 

In a fiercely competitive business landscape, enterprises must embrace the right business model to survive and thrive. And that necessitates investment in the right technologies. Reliable IT companies in Tampa are providing these companies the technological support they need, and are helping them to become 21st-century ready. Want to join the elite 21CE club? Just select your IT partner wisely. 

3 Tech Challenges That Small Businesses Commonly Face

Technology and business are now intertwined. As predicted by Gartner, the American research and advisory firm, in the next five years, the CIOs can expect digital revenue growth from 16 percent to 37 percent. Companies will increase their investments and dependencies on IT resources. However, technological challenges in the industry will still continue to grow, especially for the smaller ones. With the growing number of providers of IT solutions in Tampa, New York, Washington, Boston, and elsewhere in the USA, attempts are being taken to minimize these challenges. But if the smaller companies keep themselves away from the technological advancement, difficulties of IT can never be solved. So here are three challenges they face and how the right IT solution providers can help such small enterprises.

Data Loss

When compared to large organization, the amount of data these small organizations deal with are small. But that does not mean there can be no issue of data loss. Rather a research conducted by Price Waterhouse Coopers found that 70 percent of small businesses experience data loss, which can give them a major setback. Even if these companies cannot allocate a huge budget for data storage, backup and protection, there are IT solution providers that can help them overcome this major problem of data loss, at an affordable rate.

Information Management

Even if the sizes of the companies are small, but it can still generate large amount of data like sales numbers, financial reports, website analytics, and so on. It is important to update the information regularly because the data keep on changing.

To overcome this challenge, there are IT tools like dashboard that can help to update the information and monitor key performance indicators.

Upgrade Technology

Even after a business has installed the latest technology to simplify work, the challenge still remains because if these solutions are not updated, it fails to get the optimum output. This means, companies have to invest in getting updated services. Thankfully, managed service providers are here to help. There are even vendors that offer these tools on rent. So the small companies do not have to worry about the updates, because the service providers would already be updating the IT solutions to offer them the latest services.

If you are looking for such IT solutions in Tampa, Miami and other parts of Florida’s technology hub, discuss the services that the providers offer in details. It is better to look for providers that specialize in offering IT solutions to small and mid-sized organizations. They would be better equipped to understand your needs and offer the most appropriate solutions.  

An Introduction To Managed Services In The Cloud

Have you implemented a cloud-based application for your business lately? We are sure, by now you have understood that this deployment is not an end in itself – it's really just the beginning. The changes that come along with such investments – induction of new vendors, new productivity target, new usage patterns and above all a sudden surge in the demand for resources to manage these newly acquired applications – often compel many companies to deploy their limited numbers of IT guys across roles in which they may have little experience. And the result? Mistakes and slowing down of operations. If you don't want your IT team to get bogged down with the burden of managing a host of applications, cloud management may be an ideal solution for you. Wondering whom to turn to for help? Firms that provide managed IT services – you can find them in any big US cities such as Tampa. However, before tying up with a managed service provider (MSP) partner, first get a better understanding of the term cloud management. That will give you a fair idea about the scope of these services. 

What is Cloud Management?

To begin with, you will need this service if you have your applications running on public cloud. Your managed service provider (MSP) will manage your mission-critical applications, so that your team can carry on with their projects in an uninterrupted manner.  

These services are generally delivered under an annual contract. With your MSP taking care of the cloud environment and applications residing therein, you don’t have to worry about their day-to-day maintenance. Simply keep on building new apps, and hand them over to the MSP when they are ready to go live. Going forward, when you need to add some critical features or enhancements to the application, your cloud partner would help you with that process as well. This is an important progress over traditional premise-based system.

How much value you can reap from your newly implemented cloud applications depends on how well you maintain and enhance them over time. If you are a mid-sized business that cannot afford a highly skilled IT team, opt for cloud management services. It is not difficult to find a competent managed IT service provider in emerging IT hubs like Tampa. However, before hiring just about any company, research the market to learn about the important role that MSPs can play in a public cloud dominated IT landscape.

Why If-It-Ain't-Broke-Don't-Fix-It Attitude Is Not Safe In Maintaining It Setup

Leveraging technology in business is not just a wise move anymore, it is the only move to survive and thrive in the online trading arcade. Although establishing and operating an IT setup is not exactly puzzling, maintaining it does require expert help. But, companies often avoid keeping a watchful eye on IT setups until the problems threaten their business processes. While this may save a few bucks, it also makes your vulnerable to costly and time-consuming IT repairs in the long-run. In the online market, round the clock presence and quality of services are everything. So, downtime in your business for critical repairs will cost you both clients and money. Only preventive IT maintenance can solve this problem. Let us discuss how opting for effective IT consulting in Tampa and other IT hubs in the U.S. can benefit your business.

Maintenance Can Avoid Accidents

Your IT setup takes care of your business operations and serves as a bridge between different business sectors. When working appropriately, IT setup can maintain the flow of information while automating multi-module business operations. However, any glitch in this automated system can cause your whole process to falter. Only preventive maintenance can identify glitches in operation and rectify them before they turn into serious issues.

Maintenance Can Protect Information

Since IT channels are tasked with receiving, storing, and sending information, glitches can expose your sensitive data. Losing control over your company's valuable records or client-based data, can damage your business reputation. However, with maintenance experts fixing or updating your system remotely (as quickly as they appear), your information database will always be secure.

Modern Business is All about Automation

Automating repetitive business tasks gives you more time to work on business creativity. The same principle applies in automating the IT setup maintenance that will help you avoid calling in experts to handle things manually after a system failure. Instead, you will get an army of professionals working remotely on your IT setup to keep everything running smoothly.

There is also an issue of impaired communication (with clients and resources) every time your system suffers a seizure without maintenance. This is often the reason for losing clients and making bad business decisions. Preventive IT maintenance can remedy these situations. Maintenance is an extension of smart business strategy that progressive companies are embracing. Your business too can benefit from IT consulting services in Tampa and other booming technology hubs in the US. Switch to an outsourced IT management and see how simple it is to retain clients, strengthen business and save money.

Mobile App Onboarding: 3 Best Tips To Improve User Retention

Tampa, Florida has a promising future when it comes to the development of feature-rich and user-friendly mobile apps. Of late, the IT companies in the Bay area are focusing on mobile app on-boarding to improve user retention. Now, what is mobile app on-boarding? It's a series of activities that help you convert first-time visitors into active and loyal users. This is a continuous process, and not any feature that you integrate into the app. So, if a mobile application development is already on your list, you must consult with an IT solutions provider in Tampa to make the on-boarding process simple and effective. Here are three best tips that hold the key to success:

1. Use Less Log-in or Sign-up Fields

Less is more. Lengthy forms are a big 'NO' on the mobile platform due to smaller screen size. Allow the users to log-in or sign-up in a single step, using their social networking account. However, some apps may require more data, like service-oriented apps. Make sure that you ask only for the essential information.

2. Provide Prompt Feedback

Feedback is beneficial with regard to mobile app on-boarding, especially to identify errors or to achieve a successful authentication process. For instance, you can provide feedback when a user's password criteria fail. A quick feedback helps users to figure out why their password didn't match the criteria. Be clear and contextual while offering feedback. It will reduce errors and ensure smooth app navigation.

3. Focus on Accurate and Focused Information

Mobile app users digest information quickly if it is correct and focused. On-boarding screens must provide information via a single screen to prevent information overload. This is useful if you are using benefit or function-oriented apps where your goal is to communicate value or display important app functionalities.

The future of Tampa’s application development is bright. According to a 2011 data published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 4,130 professional app developers that Tampa corporations support. Needless to say, if you are planning a mobile app on-boarding, a Tampa-based IT company can easily make the process a seamless one. Choose wisely to give your user an enriching experience and your business the exposure it deserves. Tampa corporations steadily support about 4,130 professional app developers.

How To Select Your Remote Support Team

With the emergence of renowned companies, Florida has evolved as one of the innovative IT sectors in the USA. In 2014 Dice, a career website for IT and engineering professionals, found that the Sunshine State experienced 5.64 percent increase in tech jobs and has ranked second in the nation. Over the years, the providers of IT solutions in Tampa, Miami, Orlando and other parts of Florida have greatly improved upon the quality and range of services on offer so that now they provide a number of utilities, including remote support. In case you want to hire such a service provider from Florida, here are a few things you need to remember.

Go for a Comprehensive Feature

The software used for assisting the organizations enables the operators to control remote computers and devices securely from anywhere. There are no chances of firewall leakages or any requirement of additional settings. The users are offered various managerial tools, tech support tools and collaboration tools that are compatible with multiple operating systems.

Choose the Better Option

Big enterprises usually look for a remote support that can ensure more security and a good comprehensive service that can assure of better functionalities. Moreover, you get more features that can help you to work in an uninterrupted manner.

Be Careful with your Pick

There are a large number of remote access providers in Florida, but only a few high-end vendors can meet all the criteria required by the enterprises. Make sure you are always updated and the IT team assisting you do not use only the free version of the essential remote support software. They must have a full license for the software, otherwise, you will be missing out some features.

When you are depending on a provider for remote computer repair or any other IT solutions in Tampa, Orlando or anywhere in Florida, do not take any hasty decision. Interact with the IT team, explain your expectations, take a look at their services and portfolio, and if you find them credible, only then go ahead with their solutions.

3 Impacts Of Slow IT Service

With Tampa being the major IT hub of Florida, it's not uncommon for companies to conduct their operations from the city. But there is a problem. Clients demand round-the-clock technical support for their varied IT issues. They need quick and effective services that help them carry on their daily operations seamlessly. If you are looking for IT services in Tampa, you need to look for a service provider who has a quick response time. But before you choose one, learn what problems you may face if you don't hire the right IT firm.

1. Delayed Response

It's difficult to resolve your internal issues during peak times no matter how hard you try. Certain projects take more time to deliver. The moment you start working on a crucial client project, another irate customer calls to say that he has waited for too long, and needs immediate attention. Outsource your IT needs to a reliable service provider to provide you with advanced tools, processes and infrastructure for seamless communication.

2. Answering Routine Questions

Your internal IT team resolves a number of issues daily, but you end up answering the same questions and explaining the same issues to them. The problem is, often an internal IT team is not equipped with the knowledge or software required to resolve all the issues. Instead of answering the routine questions repeatedly, opt for IT services in the bay area to handle the common IT issues. Explain the problem once and for all and enjoy faster solutions.

3. Losing Business

You were dealing with a prospective client for some time, and all of a sudden, you learn that the customer chose your nearest competitor. When you follow up, you come to know that the client rejected you for your poor response time. And who was to blame? Hours of downtime that catapulted from unresolved IT issues. What to do? Hire a reputed IT provider in Florida who has been in business for several years, and avoid losing another client.

Look for IT services in Tampa that offer state-of-the-art IT infrastructure and solutions to improve your company's response time. That's the way you can realize your business goals. 

3 Reasons Why Mobile App Deep Linking Is Important

Small to medium businesses in the US are switching to mobile app development to boost their brand image. The conversions via mobile applications are more than those resulting from mobile internet traffic. Florida, for example, like some of the other US states, has a promising future when it comes to the app development process. So, if you are looking for mobile application development services in Tampa, make sure that you get the most in terms of app performance. These apps are packed with rich features, and deep linking is one such attribute that uses a uniform resource identifier (URI) to link to distinct locations or pages within the application. Here are three reasons why deep linking is so crucial during the app development process.

1. More User Engagement and Retention

People who used the deep linking feature showed more usage and retention rate compared to those who were not deep linked. The customers also used the app more often than the ones that did not use deep linking.

2. Better User Experience

Mobile users can easily access a lot of useful content through deep links sans any navigation. Deep linking will guide users to specific pages or screens of their app instead of directing them to the home screen. The navigation is super easy, simple and seamless.

3. Re-engage Users to Use the App Again

Even when you're not using the app for some time, deep linking will direct you to some distinct content of your interest. Deep links help in re-engaging users through push button notifications that link to a new offer, a special deal, or anything that will motivate them to use the mobile app again.

Mobile application development in Tampa helps to promote your brand, driver user engagement and improve conversions. Develop user-friendly apps to reach out to a wider audience. 

Why Should You Include Video Into Your Marketing Mix Right Now

What is that one question that drives every entrepreneur crazy? It has to be, “How to leave a lasting impression on customers' minds?” But why are so many of them turning to IT firms – what does information technology have to do with wooing customers? Well, in the Internet era, marketing has become a digital process that necessitates heavy involvement of web and mobile technologies. This digitization of marketing is a global phenomenon, and how can Tampa be untouched by its influence? Many of the city's IT companies have jumped into the digital marketing foray. Besides providing conventional IT support, Tampa's technology firms are also lending their clients the 'voice' they need to reinforce their presence in the cyberspace. And once again catching on the global trend, the city's digital marketers are emphasizing on the increased use of video content to enhance their clients' web visibility.

Why Does Your Business Need Video Contents?

Video is undeniably the missing piece of your marketing jigsaw puzzle.

Any doubt?

Consider YouTube – the site reportedly gets over one billion unique viewers every month. According to the networking-tech giant Cisco, video will account for 69 percent of all consumer Internet traffic by 2017.

You can share videos on multiple social channels including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and your company blog. Your audience can watch them on multiple mobile devices on the go.

Videos add credibility to whatever you have to communicate to your customers. For business owners, it's the perfect way to familiarize people with your face, make them hear your voice, and even see your products and services in action. It is this comforting familiarity that ultimately convinces people to give a try to your product or service.

Need more reasons to include video into your marketing mix? Well, with videos embedded on your web pages, you are likely to attain higher page-rank than those without them.

Videos make you visitors stay on your site for a longer time and help cut down bounce rates.

Videos provide a boost to your email marketing campaign, as video-embedded or video-linked emails have better chances of being opened.

And the net result? More leads for your site.

Without a proper digital marketing plan in place, your otherwise brilliant business strategy may fall flat. No wonder, in addition to regular IT support in Tampa and other flourishing US cities, business owners leverage topnotch digital marketing plans to grow and expand in the competitive business landscape. Whether you are a start-up or own a mid-sized establishment, a multi-channel, video-aided content strategy can go a long way to enhance your brand-presence. However, be sure to hire a reputed name in the industry to do it the right way.

IT CONSULTING: A SUPPORT FUNCTION OR KEY TO BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION

Although IT consulting solutions arrived in the market as technological support, with time it has grown into much more than that. Now online business success of an enterprise is intertwined with its capability to run a properly maintained and upgraded IT set up. Once known as a support function for business entities, IT consulting in Tampa, Orlando and other online hubs in the U.S can now initiate business transformation, giving a competitive edge in staying ahead. Let us discuss about how IT solutions can build a better business foundation.

How Did IT Services Become So Important?

Did IT solutions adopted the latest tech trends? Well, of course, but the primary source of their ascent is the continuously changing demand cycles of clients. The necessity of a faster service delivery and round-the-clock presence in the market has made IT consulting an important part of any business, regardless of size and pursuit.

Creating Strategies for Better IT Usage

IT consulting can help you in forming strategies to use the tools you have in a better manner. The right plans can align your IT with business targets increasing productivity and getting faster results. Plans can help you avoid rework and omit the extra expenses that you could have wasted on re-inventing the wheel.

Perks from IT Consulting

IT consulting is not just about professionals at your disposal to resolve IT problems. These services now revolve around infrastructure management, operation model development, governance and many other services that are positively changing business perspective and opening up new opportunities for good.

For example, an operation model designed by IT professionals that is intricate yet easy to relate with your business ideas can serve as the quickest way to execute operations with minimum risk exposure.

IT Simplification

It is still a complex job for many, but thankfully not for you. Users (business entities) can now utilize the full potential of modern IT technology without bringing professionals on-site. The main goal of modern IT services is to blend IT and business through technology, leaving behind the complex procedures to sync hardware and software for business improvement.

It's a fact that without IT solutions, your business would not be able to survive or thrive in this fast paced business environment. However, while looking for IT consulting inTampa, Orlando and other IT hubs only trust the experienced professionals with a long line of satisfied clients vouching for them.

Backup Plan For Business Continuity

It takes hours to build, but just a second to break. 

Uncertainty is a part of every business, no matter how large is the concern and IT industry understands how costly such issues can prove. A simple power problem at the office can bring down years of hard work. Hence, it is important to protect the data you are working on without compromising on anything. Providers of IT services in Tampa, New York, San Francisco and many other parts of the USA press on the growing value of data backup system. This is basically a business continuity plan that keeps your services moving even after there is a serious calamity.

This strategy counts on a two-pronged approach. These are:

Automated Backup 

Automation of backup has spearheaded the recovery structure and for this, we must thank the advent of cloud solutions. This technology has helped to schedule backup frequency and ensure that every critical system and file is updated. With automated backup system, you can even keep copies of data off-site, which can be accessed from anywhere and at any time. The cloud-based BDR has built-in monitoring feature, which helps you to keep an eye on all the data and make sure everything is working seamlessly.

Recovery Plan
Even if there is a power failure or a disaster, backup technology can save. So, your client can rely on you and can relax even if the business experiences downtime due to technical glitch or natural calamity. However, you need a plan to recover all the data in a structured manner. This should be properly documented, prioritizing which system should be recovered first. Instructions must be clear and thorough, so that the existing IT staff can restore lost data from backups without any confusion.

Experts believe that by 2017, each one of us will be having more than three devices and in cases of an IT organization, these electronic devices will be more. Sudden disasters can almost bring down a company and that makes backup an obligation. So, if you are looking for IT services in Tampa, Colorado, Oregan and anywhere in the USA, make sure they give you an excellent recovery plan to keep your company stable during critical hours.

How Can It Help You Establish Single Customer View?

With marketing becoming increasingly digital, data-driven, and real-time, IT departments are playing a more decisive role in the organizations' advertising and branding efforts. Technology-aided marketing means the difference between winning and losing customers, especially if you are operating in a highly competitive market such as Tampa. Regardless of the products or services they provide, hundreds of companies here are purchasing IT solutions from the Tampa-based tech-firms. Feeling inspired? Here is how IT can help you establish a platform-agnostic customer view:

In the digital era, brands engage with customers via multiple channels – both online and offline. They strive to provide a consistent customer experience across multiple channels. This is why it becomes important for them to invest in a system that allows for a single customer view.

A system of single customer view ensures that your staff has all the relevant customer data at their fingertips. Besides customer profile, the data must include all interactions between a brand and a customer – live chats, social media interactions, phone calls and more. The system should also include shipping and past purchase information. Thus, single customer view may provide you a strong foundation for proactive customer communication. Your knowledge about your customers help you to deliver better services. This in turn helps enhance your brand image, subsequently giving a boost to your sales volume.

The right technology can enable you to achieve this single customer view. No wonder more and more businesses are investing in an all-in-one marketing platform like HubSpot. These types of comprehensive solutions can make it easier for the organizations to achieve a single view of a customer. These platforms even allow you to integrate additional business applications to facilitate data sharing across the organization. It allows everyone within an organization to get a glimpse of each customer's information. And this ease of access to customer data can have a huge positive impact on their marketing strategies. The system simply eliminates the chaos and confusion that employees typically encounter when they have to work from disparate systems to access different types of customer data.

However, if your business calls for a customized IT solution, Tampa-based firms can provide that too. A tailor made solution is likely to give you a quick pay-off by enhancing your brand presence across the channels. As you can see, having a single view of a customer is important – embrace one today.