Video conferencing takes next leap to connect colleagues in the cloud

Video and Web conferencing have been around for decades, but the quality of the video and audio has proved disappointing and frustrating due to technology glitches and overall poor performance.



However, a new cloud-based system, OmniJoin, recently launched to change all of that. The OmniJoin cloud infrastructure provides a number of benefits to video and Web conferencing such as reduced costs from less hardware and IT; more scalability and increased response time compared to systems based on standard servers.



This video and Web conferencing technology provides the following unique advantages:



* Users can enjoy crystal-clear video images (up to HD quality) and seamlessly-synched audio



* It allows for enhanced collaboration and integration: During meetings, teams can view and edit documents in real time, and can then save the marked-up files for future reference. Users can also transfer files, and access presentations and videos, without having to exit the meeting



* Secure video meeting recording lets hosts concentrate on the discussions, knowing they can replay the meeting again later



Despite its advanced features, OmniJoin Web conferencing is surprisingly simple to use," says Bill Henderson, vice president of Brother International Corporation. "We designed its user controls - like on all Brother products - to be clear and intuitive. This ease of use, combined with free customer support for the life of your license, makes OmniJoin service a smart, worry-free choice for any business."



In addition to its cutting-edge product features, the conferencing tool helps small, medium and large businesses maintain the bottom line by eliminating airfare and other travel expenses - not to mention removing the added stress of going through airport security and potential flight delays. According to numbers provided by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, round trip domestic airfares in the past year are up 10 percent overall across the country. As companies search for new ways to do more with less, OmniJoin provides one solution without sacrificing quality and collaboration.



For example, Secure Telehealth, a Web-based platform for telepsychiatry, needed a video conferencing system to serve as a virtual meeting room between patients and health care professionals across different regions. It was important that the system provided superb audio and video quality to meet the demands of independent practices for sudden consultations. Secure Telehealth implemented the OmniJoin system to address these challenges via the cloud, thus eliminating hardware costs and travel expenses.

Easy tips for a manicured lawn

(BPT) - The days are getting longer, the grass is growing and yard work season has begun. Many homeowners strive to have the best lawn in the neighborhood, but the task ahead can often feel daunting and time-consuming.



Although yard work can be overwhelming at times, the steps to a great-looking lawn are easier than you think. To get started, here are a few tips for giving your yard that finished look:



* Keep grass approximately 2 inches in length and only take off 1/3 inch of new growth.



* Alternate the direction you mow each session. If you mow in the same direction every time, the wheels will create a rut in the grass.



* Plant flowers around the yard for a pop of color. Using mulch in flower beds will also add detail to your landscape.



* Use string trimmers around trees, rocks, fences and other obstacles to give your lawn a polished look.



* Use a broom to clean grass clippings and soil from pavement and walkways.



Yard work can feel easier and even enjoyable when using the right lawn care tools for the job. According to Troy-Bilt, a leading manufacturer of outdoor power equipment, one of the quickest ways to give your lawn a manicured look is using a string trimmer. It can handle everything from cutting down weeds to trimming around trees to cleaning up grass under decks. String trimmers are the most versatile tool every homeowner should have in their shed.



"Lawn mowers can maneuver around obstacles and larger plants, but it's usually hard to get into tight spaces," says Heidi Ketvertis, director of marketing communications for Troy-Bilt. "A string trimmer can get into places a lawn mower can't reach and really give your lawn that polished look."



Troy-Bilt's TB675 EC 4-cycle gas string trimmer can help make life in the yard that much easier. There's no need to mix oil and gas, and it can quickly convert into multiple tools with Troy-Bilt's TrimmerPlus attachments.



Making your lawn stand out as the beauty of the block will take some work, but the end result will be worth the effort. Visit www.troybilt.com to learn more about lawn care products to help make time in the yard more enjoyable.

It's high time to upgrade your faucets and toilets

When considering your home's plumbing, you might be thinking of that old adage "why fix something if it ain't broke?" But did you know that old and inefficient plumbing might actually mean that you are literally pouring your money down the drain every month? A call to your plumber might really save you money in the end if you upgrade the plumbing in your home.



When were your current plumbing fixtures installed? Did they come with the house when you bought it? Old toilets use up a lot of water with each flush, which is bad for both the environment and for your wallet. Are you putting off having that leaky faucet repaired because you just don't want to spend the money right now? The average faucet leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water per year. If it's a hot water faucet that's leaking, you are losing money both with the wasted water and with the wasted electricity or gas that is heating that water.



Or what if your problem is slow drains? You might decide to take the easy step of pouring liquid corrosives down the drain to clear out the blockage. This is actually a bad idea. The corrosive chemicals in drain cleaner will harm your sewer pipes, perhaps necessitating an extremely expensive repair in the future. In addition, the environmental impact of pouring such chemicals down the drain and into the water supply can have serious ramifications for the future of our planet.



If you've been putting off plumbing repairs or upgrades, you really might want to consider having a professional technician visit your home. Plumbers can let you know if repairs are needed or if there are upgrades available to your current plumbing that can actually save you money. There are many options, such as low flow or dual flush toilets that can help you stop wasting water and upgrade your home.



Having your new toilet installed by a plumber will ensure that your system is up to code and works efficiently and properly. A plumber can also help you to repair your leaky faucets, or assist you by installing water saving devices such as low flow faucets or aerators on your sinks. They can also help by providing professional sewer cleaning that will fix your slow drains without causing serious corrosion to the pipes in your home and damage to the environment.



These days, everyone is looking to save money where they can. By having a professional plumber inspect your pipes and see what upgrades and repairs can be done in your home, you can save yourself money on wasted water and utility bills. In addition you'll be adding to the value of one of your most important investments, your home.



by: Nick Messe

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_6553.shtml

Creating curb appeal on a budget

The arrival of summer has many homeowners outside planting, preparing the patio for cookouts, and taking evening strolls through the neighborhood. Often, this extended outdoor time brings on a desire to improve a home's curb appeal.

But home improvement projects can be expensive, and many homeowners are still wary about spending money on renovations, despite the improving real estate market. So what's the best way to spruce up the appearance of your house without breaking the bank?

There are many budget-friendly exterior changes that will make a big difference in curb appeal. A fresh coat of paint can work wonders, whether it's applied to the entire house or just on the front door. If your house is painted a neutral color like white or cream, be adventurous and try an energizing red or soothing aqua on your front door; the pop of color will add appealing interest.

While a landscaping overhaul can be very expensive, window boxes or planters are an easy and cost-effective way to add natural beauty to your home's facade. Learn how to build a container garden that will provide extra dimension and color to a front porch or patio.

Take a look at your house from the street. Do your windows look bare? Try adding shutters, but make sure they are appropriately sized. Buying shutters that are smaller than the windows they flank is an all-too-common mistake homeowners make, which leads to the windows looking disproportionately small.

And if you have a garage, don't overlook the importance of a good-looking garage door. A garage door can account for up to 30 percent of a home's exterior that is seen from the street, so having an attractive one is vital to good curb appeal. But, like shutters to a window, a garage door should be appropriately matched to its house's architectural style. Not sure which door fits your home the best? Try out the handy Door Designer tool at www.amarr.com, which lets you choose from six different home styles and then matches an appropriate garage door based on that style.

Of all these budget-friendly improvement projects, a new garage door will give you the best return on your investment and provide the most value for your home. Over the last few years, surveys conducted by the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report indicate that installing new garage doors has been the project moving up the most in the rankings.

Most people, to some degree, factor in resale when making their home improvement decisions. Both structural and decorative curb appeal is important when it comes time to sell a home, bringing in a larger number of prospective buyers and making it more likely that they will make the purchase.

According to principals at Smykal Renovations, a contracting firm in suburban Chicago, curb appeal projects "may not have the 'wow' factor of a major kitchen remodel, but [they] pay off more in the end."

So don't let budget constraints keep you from improving the appearance of your home's exterior. There are many low-cost changes that can be made that have a big impact on how your home looks. Whether you're making these changes to enjoy for yourself, or to make your home more marketable, the summer is a great time to get outside and focus on curb appeal.

Courtesy of BPT

Mix and match trend revolutionizing deck design

When it comes to fashion faux pas, the only thing worse than clashing patterns is overly matching every item. Mixing and matching creates exciting contrast - and not just when you dress yourself, but also when you "dress up" your home. The trend toward mixing colors and materials has made its way outdoors, with enterprising homeowners getting creative with their decks.



When it comes to building a deck, or refurbishing an existing one, options abound. Design choices beyond simple considerations such as wood or composite, square or rectangular, open the door to creative outdoor environments that are truly unique and reflect your personal style.



The deck design experts at Deckorators point to several popular looks emerging in the mix-and-match trend:



Mixed materials



Retire that old rule that says all the materials you use for your deck must match. Your railing no longer needs to be made from the same material as your decking. Pairing wooden deck planks stained in a natural hue with a metallic railing and decorative balusters creates a fresh, exciting look. Dress up basic wood and vinyl deck posts with fiber-reinforced concrete postcovers that provide the look and feel of real stacked stone.



An inset of deck stones in the floor creates contrast and interest - as well as a functional, durable spot for outdoor kitchens, grilling areas and raised fire pits.-



Pairing metal or glass balusters with a wood or composite railing is another striking way to add personality to a deck. The combination is the perfect marriage of rustic and modern, incorporating the classic natural appeal of wood with the modern flair of metal and glass.



Playing with color



Metal balusters also allow you to experiment with color. Available in finishes that mimic popular metals such as bronze, copper and stainless steel, as well as basic black or white, metal balusters also resist insect damage and rot - making them practical as well as pretty.



There's also no rule that says all your balusters have to match. For even more personality, try mixing balusters: alternate different styles of glass or metal, or mix regular metal or glass balusters with lighted balusters. Using energy-efficient LED technology, lighted balusters connect to a standard 12-volt power source to create a soft glow.



Exploring accessories



Accessories like post caps and planters are great ways to enhance a deck's visual appeal and usability. While metal and glass post caps are traditionally thought of as great complements for metal and glass balusters, they can also add pops of color to a monochrome deck. Available in a variety of colors such as copper, pewter, black and white, metal post caps also coordinate well with wood and composite deck materials.



Or, for an even more colorful accent, consider glass post caps. Deckorators offers a line of glass post caps that mimic timeless Tiffany styles. They are also available in basic colors and styles, as well as illuminated versions that coordinate well with regular or lighted balusters.



While you're experimenting with accessories, don't overlook the opportunity to mix things up with a variety of sizes, shapes, colors and materials for built-in planters and seating.



Need help visualizing how your deck might look all dolled up using the mix-and-match trend? Deckorators offers a simple online tool, the Deck Visualizer, which allows you to mix different decking, balusters and post caps and see in advance how your personalized outdoor space might look. Log on to www.deckorators.com to learn more.



Courtesy of BPT

Veterans growing as entrepreneurs

Veterans returning home face many challenges that weren't present when they were serving in the armed forces. Between adapting to civilian life, reacquainting with family and friends, and finding employment, the adjustment can be a difficult process.



Unemployment numbers for veterans are dropping, but returning solders often struggle to compete for jobs due to lack of education, lack of experience or in some cases, the stigma of returning from overseas with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).



This is why programs like Sprigster's Boost a Hero crowdfunding for military veterans and spouses are developed to help alleviate some of these career obstacles, like raising funds for entrepreneurial dreams. Crowdfunding provides an opportunity where friends, family and strangers can donate funds to support a cause online. The need is great. Nearly one in 10 small businesses are veteran-owned, the U.S. Small Business Administration reports.



Tom Perez used Boost a Hero to raise money to open a Meineke Car Care Center in Pensacola, Fla. He is a 10-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, where he served as a police officer and also earned a business degree. He currently employs four veterans in his shop and will be looking to hire more as his business grows.



Perez decided to pursue owning his own business after he had applied, and been rejected for 100 jobs - even with his 10 years of experience in the Navy. Then, he approached Meineke Car Care Centers. Meineke's Franchise Development team worked closely with him to get his business established. Between a discounted franchise fee and a low interest rate loan, Perez was close to having the money needed to start his business. Boost a Hero helped him raise the additional $10,000 he needed, and his shop opened in May. Now Perez works closely with his customers and employees in finding the right service for them, their car, and their budget. His shop was named one of the top five finalists in the national "Hiring Our Heroes" Award for Small Business Veteran and Military Spouse Employment by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The award cited Perez for addressing the challenges faced by veterans in finding employment and transitioning from military to civilian life.



"Veterans like Tom have served our country - giving so much of themselves in the process," says John Vitagliano, vice president of marketing for Meineke Car Care Centers. "Offering career opportunities to veterans interested in entrepreneurship is a way of giving back - and crowdfunding opportunities like Boost a Hero provide veterans with the financial means to help make their entrepreneurial dreams come true."



Courtesy of BPT