Music in the "cloud"

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On Monday, we mentioned that Apple plans to lauch its iCloud service this fall.  Best Buy has recently expanded its UK based "cloud" based music service to the US which will compete with Apple's service.  Cloud-based music services such as Best Buy's Music Cloud, Amazon's Cloud Player and Apple's iCloud allow users to buy and store digital music content in the "cloud" eliminating the need for users to download music to their music players; users can then stream content on the web or via an app on their mobile phone or tablet.

What is the "cloud?"

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Have you been hearing the term "cloud" being tossed around over the past few years and wondered what exactly is this "cloud?!"  Here's a description from Wikipedia:

Cloud computing refers to the use and access of multiple server-based computational resources via a digital network (WAN, Internet connection using the World Wide Web, etc.). Cloud users may access the server resources using a computer, netbook, pad computer, smart phone, or other device. In cloud computing, applications are provided and managed by the cloud server and data is also stored remotely in the cloud configuration. Users do not download and install applications on their own device or computer; all processing and storage is maintained by the cloud server. The on-line services may be offered from a cloud provider or by a private organization.

See more about the "cloud" from:

• Microsoft
• Siemens
• Cisco
• Google
• HP
• Dell
• IBM
• Coming this fall - Apple's iCloud for iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Productivity tips and tools for telecommuters, freelancers and businesstravelers

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Telecommuters, freelancers and business travelers, we found some great tips from Fast Company and Work Awesome to help you maintain productivity while away from your office.

Some of the recommendations include:

• A laptop loaded with all the appropriate software for your business needs.
• Internet access using your home's internet service provider (be sure you have adequate bandwidth for up/downloading files), Wi-fi (if you are working in an airport or maybe a local Starbuck's) or an aircard/wireless modem device (some cell phones can provide this type of internet access).
• Secure your laptop and your web browser with different passwords - particularly if you are working in public places.
• A smartphone - for quick access to emails, calendars and your address book.  You can also download apps to help you track your time and productivity.
• Store documents in the "cloud" by saving to Google Docs.  Google Docs also allows for collaborative editing with co-workers/clients.
• USB drive - for sharing files directly with clients/co-workers or for those times when you don't have web access.
• For teleconferencing, you might want to consider setting up a Skype account (your company may already have a teleconferencing service provider).  You might also want to invest in a microphone and possibly a webcam.

Follow the links to read the Fast Company and Work Awesome articles in full.  Here are some other great tips we found:

• Microsoft at work - Telecommuting tools: Tips for working from home
• Microsoft Tracks Telework Trends, Ranks Top Cities for Home Workers
• 5 Productivity Tools for the Busy Freelancer
• Work from a Coworking Center for an Affordable Office Environment
• Work Smart: Must-Have Mobile Apps for the Road Warrior
• Working from Home? How to Stay Sane
• Visit the Telecommute News website for more tips, resources and suggestions on productive telecommuting.

WORD Tip: Create a "World's Best Dad" certificate to celebrate your father

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For a quick and easy (read: last minute) way to celebrate your Dad today, print up a "World's Best Dad" certificate using a free MS Word template from Microsoft. Templates are available for different versions of Word and we even saw a PowerPoint template. Here's the link: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/results.aspx?qu=fathers+day+card&ck=1&av=all#ai:TC101885779|

Happy 100th birthday IBM!

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IBM has been around for 100 years!!!  Check out some great photo chronicling of IBM's history on the Wall Street Journal's Digits blog, here.  IBM also has a great sitelet called "Icons of Progess" which they will be updating throughout this year with stories of IBM's contributions to the world of technology.
IBM's Watson computer won Jeopardy earlier this year, watch the video below to learn more about how Watson's technology could be used to answer more than just trivia questions on Jeopardy!

TIP: Use free and easy Excel templates to manage your budget

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For those interested in managing their budgets but not sure where to start, try downloading these Microsoft Excel templates (PC, Mac) to give you a quick head start.