As we close out another year, I reflect on the year gone by and dream of the year ahead. Optimism is returning and business is improving and that bodes well for the year to come. And it is those dreams that prompted this months photo. This was taken at a showing of Fantasmic in Disney's Hollywood Studios when our hero, Mickey Mouse, recovered from his nightmares to find nearly 7,000 people, young and old alike, routing and cheering for him.
It is a show I look forward to seeing again and again. See you all when I get back!
Captcha
The Cloud
Happy Holidays
Welcome to News from trif.com! First time readers, I am glad you're here! Returning readers, welcome back!
Greetings. Welcome to our Newsletter! We wanted to share the many photos we have taken of places, people and things throughout the country and beyond. Each month, our headline photo will be something new and different. The caption will present a small explanation. We hope you enjoy. We do not want to waste your time. Articles will contain generally less than 250 words. Please have a look and give us your feedback. By all means, forward to a friend using the link at the bottom of the Newsletter. Thanks. Questions? Send me an email!
TRIF.COM
Technology Resources
Technology solutions are a part of doing business just like sales and marketing, It is an important component in servicing customers, managing costs and controlling operations. TRI has an uncanny ability to find affordable technology solutions for a wide variety of situations. Our capabilities bridge database design and development, Internet web-based programs, hosting and co-location services, network and computer sales and support, document imaging, bar code scanning, corporate communications, fax and email programs, mobile applications, cloud computing and help desk services. Interested in taking a step forward with technology? Looking to take advantage of the latest advances? Or just want to take advantage of your new computer?
Give us a call to discuss where you want to go - 877-253-2379 or email rmj@trif.com to discuss your opportunities. The first consultation is always without charge.
The Last Captcha
One can only hope. A CAPTCHA is a type of challenge-response test used in computing as an attempt to ensure that the response is generated by 
a human being. I don't know about you, but Captcha's make me angry. I am expected to type something I can't really make out. Ridiculous. I vehemently despise it.
A company called Minteye may be putting an end to all that hostility. They have developed a product that puts an end to my anger. They have created a graphic way of preventing automation, or verifying you are a human. Have a try here to see what it is like. If you have a web site that requires validation through a captcha, I strongly urge you to change your ways.
According to the company, a conversion rate of 94% vs 76% can be achieved. That's a 24% gain. A huge improvement. 
Why? Because it is actually a game. Slide the slider on the bottom of the image until the image becomes clear. It's easy, it's fun and it works! That is just the start.
You can also use the technology to advertise. Like Google Adwords, you say how much you are willing to pay each day and with each click and you provide your own graphic and your graphic becomes the image that is behind the slider. The company says it insures your consumer's mind and eyes are on your mark, it is a clickable, measured ad unit and it works on any modern web browser including mobile and tablet devices.
Very clever! I love it.
2013: The Year of the Cloud?
I have never been much for predictions, but this one is a sure bet. People are outsourcing server technology to the cloud and to data-centers world wide. They are also outsourcing computing power to the cloud. Both capabilities have never been more powerful and easier to arrange. Futurists believe that the Cloud will become more intelligent because we are beginning to harness the power of the data. All this points to an ever-increasing reliance on Cloud technology. What will all this mean? Here are some things to consider as reported in Yahoo News:
- Cloud adoption will move from an option to a "must have."
- Custom software will hit the cloud in a big way!
- Integration will become the pièce de résistance!
- India and other outsourcing countries will continue to thrive!
- Innovation and entrepreneurship will hit overdrive!
All this points to a very busy year for all of us at TRI. Software development, data integration and harnessing different technologies will require diligence, clarity of purpose and a great deal of thought and patience. We have always been attracted to all things new and the cloud and all that it offers is no exception. We welcome the opportunities with open minds and excitement.
If you are interested in learning more about the Cloud, please email us at info@trif.com.
Have Yourself a Merry-Merry Christmas
From all of us at TRI, may your Holidays be filled with family, friends and much happiness.
If any of the information here is of interest to you, please drop us a note. If you would like to see specific information on technology issues that affect you and your business, please let us know.
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Email: support@trif.com
Call: 747-333-8743
TRI
50 Leominster Road
Suite #3
Sterling, Massachusetts 01564
877-253-2379
rmj@trif.com