Microsoft Office Graph for Oslo Limits Bothersome Data
April 11, 2014
Just what we need—another way to shield folks from information they’d rather not see. Microsoft helps move us in that direction, this time within the enterprise. We learn about the hidden data-narrowing technology in “Social Enterprise, Machine Learning Meet in Microsoft’s Office Graph, Oslo” at eWeek. Oslo is a mobile app created to give users “an at-a-glance view of collaborative Office documents and activities.” The role of Office Graph is to narrow the data stream. Writer Pedro Hernandez tells us:
“Office Graph, while tucked ‘under the hood and never exposed to the user,’ helps users avoid information overload and focus on the task at hand by delivering ‘really personalized and relevant views of their world,’ according to Julia White, general manager of Microsoft Office. This ‘intelligence layer,’ which integrates with SharePoint, Exchange, Lync, Yammer and Office, is the basis of the company’s upcoming Oslo app. Oslo is a mobile-optimized app that ‘cuts through the noise by showing you what you need to know today, and even what’s likely to be important in the near future,’ stated Ashok Kuppusamy, a Microsoft FAST group program manager, in a blog post.”
The app should be available to users of Office 365 within the year. Some of Oslo’s features do sound helpful. For example, since many of us are better at remembering people’s names than project titles or keywords, users can search by colleague name. One can also see what content has been shared, liked, viewed, or modified. But I wonder—do people really need algorithms deciding what to include in “relevant views of their world”?
Cynthia Murrell, April 11, 2014
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Augmentext
Software: Its Dark Side and Search
September 10, 2013
I read “The Dark Side of Software Development That No One Talks About.” Well, excuuuuse me — as Steve Martin the comedian once said — my goslings and I have yammered about “bad” developers and the rise of the nerd kings for years.
A couple of the goslings are/were nerd kings until they discovered one or more of these areas of interests: People of the opposite sex or just interspecies interaction in general, money, power, clients who cannot log in to an email account, automobile racing, weapons. I think I have covered some of the interests. If I omitted some triggers, excuuuuse me.
Well, snacks are available at many high-tech firms. How about an Odwalla and some trail mix? A happy quack to Family Wings for the image: http://familywings.org/from-star-wars-to-heart-wars/come-to-the-dark-side-cookies/
The write up points out, “Software developers are jerks.” The write up explains the jerkiness reasonably well. Among the characteristics mentioned are:
Not everyone has your best interests at heart
Vileness (great word, by the way)
Bloated egos (I thought every CEO needed a jet plain and a trophy nerd)
The “cure”, quite surprisingly, is almost Jungian:
there needs to be more of us—especially those of us who’ve been in the field for awhile—who tell people why they can do it and how easy it really is.
My view is less psychy.
First, since most folks can click a mouse, this expertise immediately converts to technical expertise. Consequently the likelihood that a development project will move forward as if on Teflon is zero. Everyone has an informed opinion, and the folks with “power” dictate what happens. Just look at interfaces which are unusable or odd ball iPad apps which are almost unusable without mindless tapping for evidence.
Second, the split between those who can code and those who cannot is another type of one percent societal split. Talking about a method is different from implementing the method in software. Since it is more fun to talk than work, the process of creating an innovation effectively stops. Does the world need another wearable device like a smart watch? I suppose so, but what are the fancy watchmakers doing? Those throwbacks keep making watches some of which cost more than an Autonomy, Endeca, or SharePoint Search implementation. Nissan is doing a smart watch. Great idea.
Third, the need for software solutions is rising rapidly. I just heard a podcast which argued that Microsoft needs to focus only on apps. That’s a great idea. My wife has an iPhone and I can’t figure out which colorful icon does what. We need more apps. I think that top developers can meet this need whether I understand the solution or not.
Stepping back, let me ask a question. Does any of the enterprise software work without legions of technical experts applying bandages 24×7? Of the hundreds of thousands of apps, how many are in for the long haul? Of the thousands of open source programs, how many will survive the loss of a couple of key committers?
Software and the type of experts described in the article have helped make modern life brittle. With expertise concentrated and the constructs on the edge of functionality, will the software infrastructure support an increasingly complex future?
And what about search? Findability is not making much progress. I am not sure the developers are to blame. Computational boundaries, the complexity of language, and the “needs” of the busy worker contribute to systems which are increasingly alike. The enterprise search systems are equally useful and equally disappointing. Good business for consultants and technical wellness staff comes from the present situation.
Stephen E Arnold, September 10, 2013
At the Top of the BI Stack
June 28, 2013
Business intelligence tools are becoming a big priority for even small businesses. TopCultured supplies some guidance for those considering their options in, “The 4 Biggest Business Intelligence Companies.” We were a little surprised that writer Drew Hendricks included Microsoft on this list.
The write-up begins:
“Finding the meaning behind mountains of raw data can be a difficult task, especially for companies that have not been monitoring their processes on a regular basis. Keeping an eye on business intelligence can tell stories of new opportunities, potential verticals for growth, and identify dangerous problems, allowing companies to enact a solution.
“As business intelligence becomes more accessible to smaller companies and startups, with app developers driving mobile solutions, the need for BI-trained workers and software solutions goes up. Take a look at the four top business intelligence companies out there now.”
With that, the list begins. Roambi is lauded for being easy to use and interpret. YellowFin boasts a bird’s-eye-view of a company’s strengths and weaknesses. In at number three, Domo is flexible enough to be used throughout an organization. Microsoft‘s SharePoint—well, I suppose being “considered the industry standard” does give the veteran platform some standing.
See the article for more on each of these companies. Organizations would do well to carefully consider their needs and investigate all options before choosing a BI platform.
Cynthia Murrell, June 28, 2013
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Augmentext
HP, Autonomy, and a Context Free Expert Output about Search: The Bet on a Horse Approach to Market Analysis
May 4, 2013
I don’t think too much about:
- Azure chip consultants. You know, these are the firms which make a living from rah rahs, buzzwording, and pontification to sell reports. (I know. I labored at a non-azure chip outfit for what seems like decades. Experience is a good instructor. Oh, if you are a consultant, please, complain about my opinion using the comments section of this free blog.)
- Hewlett Packard. I recall that the company used to make lab equipment which was cool. Now I think the firm is in some other businesses but as quickly as I latch on to one like the Treo and mobile, HP exits the business. The venerable firm confuses my 69 year old mind.
- Autonomy. I think I did some work for the outfit but I cannot recall. Age and the lifestyle in rural Kentucky takes a toll on the memory I admit.
Nevertheless, I read “HP’s Autonomy Could Face Uphill Battle In Data Market.” There were some gems in the write up which I found amusing and illustrative of the problems which azure chip consulting firms and their experts have when tackling certain business issues.
The main idea of the write up for “investors” is that HP faces “challenges.” Okay. That’s a blinding insight. As you may recall, HP bought Autonomy for $11 billion and then a few months later roiled the “investors” by writing off billions on the deal. That was the mobile phone model, wasn’t it?
The write up then pointed out:
HP wanted Autonomy to jump-start its move into software and cloud-based computing. Autonomy is the No. 1 provider of search and retrieval software that companies use to find and share files and other information on their websites and document management systems.
Okay. But that too seems obvious.
Now here comes the kicker. The expert outfit providing inputs to the reporter doing the bull dog grip on this worn out bone is quoted as saying:
“Software license revenue (in this market) isn’t growing at the same rate as before, and we are beginning to see the rise of some new technologies, specifically content analytics and unified information access,” Schubmehl said. These new types of software can be used with types of business analytics software, business intelligence software and other software to help enterprises do a better job of locating specific information, he says, which is the job of search retrieval software.
I don’t know much about IDC but what strikes me from this passage is that there are some assertions in this snippet which may warrant a tiny bit of evaluation.
Will context free analyses deliver a winner? Will there be a Gamblers Anonymous for those who bet on what journalists and mid tier (second string) consultancies promulgate? For more about Gamblers Anonymous navigate to http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/
Here goes:
Google Dominance May Be Waning
April 11, 2013
Google is the reigning king of search, but some say that may be changing. After all-time highs in March, Google stock has slipped in early April. Chris Crum, in his article, “Will Google Ever Stop Dominating Search?” addresses some of the reasons for the subtle decline.
He says:
“Forbes, for example, has a piece out today called ‘Four Reasons Google’s Stock Is Slowing Down.’ The first two reasons listed in this article are directly related to this issue: 1. Losing search market share and 2. Shift to mobile search. The author references a New York Times article making the rounds today, in which the case is made that people, particularly on mobile, are choosing other services first, based on the type of information they’re looking for.”
Some predict that a combination of smaller specialized services will eventually take Google’s place, particularly on mobile. And while Google is not going anywhere anytime soon, it is a sign that the landscape of search is changing. One of the areas where a specialized service makes sense is enterprise search. A solution like LucidWorks is much better suited to the subtleties of the enterprise than a generic mega-solution like Google Analytics or SharePoint.
Emily Rae Aldridge, April 11, 2013
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Beyond Search
JackBe Releases Presto 3.5 BI Solution
March 4, 2013
The Best Analytics Blog presents us with quite the string of buzzwords in, “JackBe Brings Metric-Driven Real-Time Operational Intelligence to Front-Line. . . .” The press release tells us that the business intelligence outfit JackBe has released the newest version of its flagship product, Presto. This version is said to improve the accessibility of the software’s operational measures. The write-up states:
“Presto 3.5 extends its user-friendly interface to include new options to create dashboards through drag-and-drop, to add custom visualizations as easily as plugging in the view, and to customize Presto with a customer’s own logo and colors. Once created, all Presto dashboards are portable with HTML5 apps that run anywhere, including SharePoint, portals, websites, tablets and mobile phones with the same look-and-feel of the native device. Presto 3.5 has enhanced security for mobile devices and a more secure single-sign-on experience for social media sites.”
JackBe emphasizes real-time intelligence tools and easy-to-use dashboards while promising tight security features. They also offer their own add-ons for use with mobile devices, portals, and SharePoint. The company is headquartered in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with offices in Mexico City and Fremont, California.
Cynthia Murrell, March 04, 2013
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Augmentext
Microsoft Signs Up For The US Military
January 16, 2013
Uncle Sam wants every capable and willing young man or woman to serve their country, but this time the US military picked something else to join the team. Slashdot reported that the “US Military Signs Modernization Deal With Microsoft.” Three branches of the US military: the air force, army, and the Defense Information Systems Agency signed an agreement with Microsoft for updates to the software among all three.
“According to Microsoft, the deal will cover 75% of all Department of Defense personnel, and bring to them the latest versions of SharePoint, Office, and Windows. The deal awards Microsoft $617 million, which is after discounts to the software totaling in the tens of millions. Interestingly, DISA’s senior procurement executive said, ‘[The agreement] recognizes the shift to mobility. Microsoft is committed to making sure that the technology within the agreement has a mobile-first focus, and we expect to begin to take advantage of Microsoft’s mobile offerings as part of our enterprise mobility ecosystem.’”
It is only an enterprise and mobile upgrade and not an installation of powerful, new weapons grade software. The military probably does use SharePoint, Windows, and Office to discuss confidential information and if they were using old software it cuts down on productivity and accuracy. Microsoft keeps an important client with the agreement. We wonder how the military will like Windows 8.
Whitney Grace, January 16, 2013
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Beyond Search
FirstRain Performinator Delivers Data Directly to CRM Systems
December 14, 2012
We were steered toward a handy product review recently of news aggregator FirstRain and were impressed with the product details and abilities we learned about. In the feature article titled “FirstRain Launches the Performinator” on FreePint, we are informed of the product’s ability to find, filter, and deliver business-relevant Web content. The latest version includes FirstTweets, which is a selection and delivery of relevant and timely Tweets to your organization.
The article tells us more about FirstRain’s flexible deployment options:
“Instead of handing out yet another login on another website, FirstRain delivers content via portal integration. For example, the FirstRain Performinator makes it possible for users to add FirstRain dynamically-updated company profiles and news directly into their CRM systems. Alternatively, users can display the latest breaking market or sector intelligence in their shared enterprise workspaces, such as SharePoint. Finally, FirstRain is optimised for delivery over iPad, iPhone and Android devices, and easily enables users to share this content across their numerous portals and mobile devices.”
We believe this product may potentially help users reduce information overload and increase productivity in the onslaught of data in the business world. This type of targeted, actionable customer intelligence should be a model for others in the industry.
Andrea Hayden, December 14, 2012
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Augmentext
Tips for Boosting Information Security in the Farm
October 1, 2012
As information storage and access extends to the Cloud and mobile devices, security concerns are an increasing priority for organizations. Rob Rachwald shares five tips to boost information security in his ComputerWeekly.com post, “How to Secure a SharePoint Environment.” Access rights, protecting Web applications, and controlling data migration are just some of the challenges discussed. Addressing compliance mandates is also on the list:
’60% of organizations have yet to bring SharePoint into line with existing data compliance policies. – AIIM 2011.’ Native SharePoint activity monitoring lacks an intuitive, easy-to-use interface for reporting and analytics. Without a third-party solution, businesses must first decode SharePoint’s internal representation of log data before they can access meaningful information. Use enterprise-class technology that combines permissions and activity details to automate compliance reporting.
Rachwald also suggests using a policy framework to build rules across SharePoint’s components to be able to respond in real time to suspicious activity. Investing in the tools to organize, manage, and protect valuable business information assets is part of improving business security. One solution worth a second look is Fabasoft Mindbreeze. Fabasoft is certified and tested according to relevant standards, including ISO 27001, ISO 200000, ISO 9001, and ISAE 3402, for security and reliability. And compliance is checked in regular external audits.
Philip West, October 01, 2012
Sponsored by ArnoldIT.com, developer of Augmentext.
Another Award for Fabasoft Mindbreeze
June 12, 2012
One of the greatest strengths of the Fabasoft suite of solutions is their interoperability. Fabasoft Mindbreeze Enterprise is a wonderful compliment and/or alternative to SharePoint. But the flagship product is not the only product getting attention. “Fabasoft Wins EuroCloud Austria Award 2012,” tells us that Folio Cloud is the best Cloud service product in Austria. We would argue that the product can hold its own internationally.
The article reports:
Karl Mayrhofer, Managing Director at Fabasoft Distribution GmbH accepted the award together with Fabasoft Folio Cloud Product Owner Mag. Harald Pfoser: ‘We are pleased to receive this award as the best Cloud service product in Austria. The expert jury showed a clear focus on more security in the Cloud and particularly highlighted the Cloud access with Digital ID, state-proofed identities. In Austria Folio Cloud supports this with mobile signature, in Germany with the digital ID card and in Switzerland with the SuisseID. Because business partners want absolute clarity concerning whom they are collaborating with online in Europe.’
More information about the Folio Cloud product can be found on the Fabasoft web site:
Folio Cloud stands for security and agility. Folio Cloud is the optimal online tool for efficient data management on all devices and secure online storage. Whether at home on your PC or on the move with your smartphone. Folio Cloud has established itself as the best solution for your mobile, secure data exchange. Agile data management and secure online collaboration are hereby guaranteed. Folio Cloud stands for a secure alternative to FTP Server.
So for SharePoint users who are struggling with Cloud service and mobile accessibility features, an implementation of Fabasoft Mindbreeze Enterprise, teamed up with Folio Cloud may just offer the needed solution. The award-winning combo is definitely worth a second look.
Emily Rae Aldridge, June 12, 2012
Sponsored by Pandia.com
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