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Dear [FIRSTNAME],
With all due apologies, I am resending the first Scratch News newsletter as it appears some subscribers were omitted from the inaugural mailing. Yes, I will admit, I also forgot to hit the proverbial "save button" on the final version. At least some needed revisions are now present in this version. In that spirit, welcome to the first ever Scratch News newsletter - the second time around!
Best regards,
--Matt D.
Vol. 1, Issue 1 - Is Your Head In The Clouds?
Feature: How to use your website for the benefits of both “cloud computing” and standalone-based applications
Cloud Computing is a model whereby shared resources, software, and information are accessed by computers and other devices over the Internet. Standalone computing is when you mostly have all your applications based on one resource like a PC. Both represent dramatic IT infrastructure commitments but the idea of cloud computing is relatively easy to implement on a personal level. Cloud computing is as much as a philosophical question as it is a physical one. Your website can help.
By Matthew J. De Reno
Over the course of the past year I tended to oscillate between being an ardent supporter of standalone computing applications, such as Outlook, or having gone gung-ho for the “cloud computing” paradigm, something I mostly achieve through the use of Google Docs.
Sometimes I used a combination of both models. For instance, I would have my Outlook copy to Gmail. In Gmail, I would create Google Docs directly from my email. It is all so very complicated and whether going fully hard drive-based or web-based (e.g., “in the cloud”) there are benefits and drawbacks to each system. A well engineered website might bridge the gap and in this posting I want to discuss how you might do that.
Cloud computing allows you access to your data wherever you might have an Internet connection. Hard-drive based applications grant you absolute control over your data and put security in your own hands. Would you really want all your sensitive customer information to be available out there in a Google Doc? What if Google was down? Then again, what good does the data do you if you are in Singapore and your computer is in Pittsburgh?
Perhaps a better strategy might be labeled “situational computing.” This could entail the tactic of employing standalone-based applications when they seem to fit the task better and then switching to Google Docs or other web-based applications as the itinerant nature of one’s projects necessitate. Sounds reasonable, but such equivocation could be merely mindless wavering and no long term solution at all. Perhaps what we need is a model that delivers both the benefits of a hard drive and cloud based applications at the same time?
A well engineered website might pull such a rabbit out of the hat. You see the beauty of a well engineered website—a website that has both the tools to deliver results backed with a comprehensive strategy on integrating and using the tools the website provides—is that it acts like a “cloud” that travels with you yet gives you the benefits of essentially a standalone-based application. After all, you are responsible for the web server and physical computer that runs it. You get all the benefits of being serenaded with the harp strings of high spinning hard drives while wafting about your business world like a feather. Viola!
A website can essentially become a standalone-based cloud that can follow you wherever you go. It is not a shared cloud, it is your cloud (unless you want to share it). How do you achieve that? Retooling your website as a project management application is one way you might achieve this model.
I now use my website as a project management tool. There are some good open-source applications on the market for doing so. Since my website is Joomla-driven, I use ProjectFork. Project Fork allows me to create project spaces for an unlimited amount of projects. I also have forums, notes, file managers, the ability to set and track project milestones; you name it. I can make this application as secure as I want to on my website. Then, when I am off to who knows where, I can access all my data knowing full well that the person solely responsible for its security is me.
Note: ProjectFork is developed by ProjectFork.net. The lead programmer and developer is a fellow by the name of Tobias Kuhn.
Now my website, ScratchWriting.com, which I very much build and administer on my home computer, has become my personal “cloud computing” solution with all the benefits of standalone computing application.
I am not advocating that everyone should suddenly rush to convert their website to a "cloud computing" solution. I am merely putting forth the notion that it is possible to rethink your website in ways you may not have considered in the past. It could be the perfect time to, eh, get your head in the clouds.
New Clients
I encourage you to visit other Scratch Writing clients for ideas, inspiration and perhaps even networking. And note, all clients are welcome to register at ScratchWriting.com to access our help forums. There you can post questions and get answers about using your Joomla-based website.
A special welcome to the City of Clarksburg, West. Virginia
Scratch Writing wishes to welcome The City of Clarksburg, West Virginia as a Scratch Web Services client. Their new site is loaded with Joomla functionality.
A special welcome to HauntedHouses.com
Scratch Writing wishes to welcome HauntedHouses.com as a creative writing client. HauntedHouses.com features original photography and articles on real haunted houses. Scratch Writing's primary focus will be on writing reviews of films featuring haunted houses.
A special welcome to Opiela & Associates, P.C.
Scratch Writing wishes to welcome Opiela & Associates, P.C. Opiela & Associates is a law firm located in the quaint Perrysville Business Community of Ross Township, Pa. Their brand new Joomla-based website went live in early Spring 2010.
Special Promotions - July 2010
10-percent discount on the ProjectFork implementation and configuration. Use our contact form or call Matt at (412) 969-1342 if interested.
New Product Offering - The "Scratch Pack For Schools"
Scratch Writing is pleased to promote a new product offering for School Districts: The "Scratch Pack For Schools" — a suite of open-source website tools and Joomla applications especially geared for running school websites.
The Scratch Pack For Schools comes preloaded and configured with many tools and features necessary for the administration of a dynamic school website:
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Calendar
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Newsletter
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Forum
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Private social networking tools
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Optional community tools for students and parents
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Document Manager
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Teacher maintained pages
Please call Matt at (412) 969-1342 or use our contact form to learn more...
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Copyright © 2010, Scratch Writing, Inc., All Rights Reserved
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