Working from home office and putting together strategy to start a small business.

If you are like most people, you think about becoming an entrepreneur as some kind of fanciful dream.You go to work everyday but imagine yourself creating a company especially if you work for people that you feel are holding you back.But you dont start a company. Why? Most people cite fear as the number reason but closely behind is that quite a few people dont think they have the magic bullet idea that will set the world on fire. The flaw in that thinking is that you dont need a crazy good idea. You just need to find a problem and tweak one thing that no once else is doing in that category or industry.

And its actually simple iteration or innovation that is needed, not crazy breakthrough innovation as most people would believe. It may be counter intuitive to think that just a simple few degrees of innovation would matter most but people are resistant to radical change. Most things that succeed in the marketplace are incremental innovations.

So many companies have tweaked an existing product or service to enter the marketplace and then improve or expand.Google did it with just better search. Chobani did it with Greek yogurt. DropBox did it with simple cloud storage of content. Ebay did it by providing a simple marketplace platform for buyers and sellers. None of these was lightening in a bottle. So, dont think big.Look for the one small thing you could launch a company around that customers see as a problem.Here are some thought starters.

Focus on a niche. No matter the industry, there are a remarkable number of niches in that marketplace.Cosmetics? How about organic and green face wash?Toothpaste? How about toothpaste for kids with sensitive teeth? And it could go on and on. The key is to focus on a large industry, identify the sub-segment of the large customer group and start studying what they buy today.Examine the current products or services very closely and look for problems that people are tolerating.Slightly improve it and see if that can become the beginning of a company.

Innovate simply with a critical degree of difference.One way to innovate is to select an industry and look for a problem that most businesses are ignoring.Taxis ignored delivering a consistent service on a local/national scale and Uber stepped in. Petco ignored the Direct To Consumer trend for dog food and Chewy stepped in. Dollar Shave Club delivered a more inexpensive standard razor with a new subscription business model. The list here is rather long of companies who innovated just so slightly to give customers what they wanted. And thats the key.Its not about your innovation being critical; its what customers actually need.

Start lean but scale big. What I mean here is to start the company with a lean but current/future bent as regards technology and process. You can be a small startup but use the latest cloud ecommerce technology that would scale if you took off.Utilize Shopify early and if you are successful, the platform will allow you to scale. Use any type of lean technology or process that will allow you to scale easily. Dont hire employees early on.Use freelancers or even remote employees until you can justify full time positions.

You dont build a company, a team does. Its hard for me to understand why so many wannapreneurs think they alone need to create a company. And yet they played on teams as children, traveled with others, perhaps did group projects in college and work on collaborative teams at work. The lone wolf entrepreneur is a rare breed. Better to surround yourself with a strong network and crazy good group of associates and peers, that if you united 3-4 of them, it would be the nucleus for an amazing team.

Right now, you are probably working remotely based on our situation regarding the coronavirus. Take some time and really think about what potential customers are struggling with in terms of problems. Also, dont forget B2B. What are small and medium companies tolerating? Use online video to connect with people you have not talked to in a while, rebuild that network. Its no coincidence that most companies are started coming out of chaos. Leverage your time well in our current scenario and perhaps you just might find a problem that is worth starting a company.

Originally posted here:
You Dont Need A Big Idea To Start A Company. Four Thought Starters On How To Start Small And Grow - Forbes

The coronavirus pandemic is now nothing short of a humanitarian crisis. Healthcare systems are buckling as thousands more people become infected, governments and policy-makers rush to respond, and world trade comes to a grinding halt.

The impact and disruption the virus is having on businesses is unprecedented, creating significant challenges for supply chain management, business continuity and risk management. In the face of the worst global crisis in recent memory, security professionals need to be proactive.

A flexible, prepared and resilient security function, like other elements of the business, will be required to withstand the stress the coronavirus is causing. The security function must take the following actions:

Pure risk or force majeure events divide security professionals. Is a pandemic an information or cyber risk? In short, yes. If the availability of information is threatened then security professionals need to prepare.

Organisations that scenario plan, threat model and understand their risk landscape will be better prepared for the impact of a pandemic. Those that run table-top exercises to formulate response plans, business continuity arrangements and crisis management procedures will be in a stronger position.

The stress induced during times of crisis can compel individuals to act differently, causing them to take risks they wouldnt normally or disregard security risks. Coupled with misinformation spreading online, the panic induced by the coronavirus will have a significant impact on personal lives, disrupting schools, travel arrangements and holidays.

Risk perception of traditional security threats will be devalued in the face of a real threat to life, meaning that organisations are likely to experience a number of security incidents from their employees making more mistakes, trusting phishing emails or being less aware of other threats.

Opportunistic attackers are posing as health professionals in phishing attacks, and healthcare and travel websites are experiencing watering-hole attacks. To mitigate the damage of these attacks, security awareness campaigns will need to move swiftly by creating short, digestible, contextualised content.

Governments are enforcing measures to prevent the spread of the virus and many individuals are being advised to self-isolate. To navigate this turbulent time, employees must be empowered to work flexibly. Technical solutions such as cloud storage, virtual private network (VPN) access and online meeting facilities must be tested and implemented. Organisations must move to cross-pollinate employee skillsets, so the security workforce is agile and resilient.

In the midst of chaos, organisations have an opportunity to proactively improve security. Although the challenges are far-reaching, concerted innovation and agile security solutions may make the difference between an organisation failing or succeeding.

Dan Norman is an analyst at the Information Security Forum, the leading authority on cyber, information security and risk management. He is the project lead on the Human-Centred Security research series and author of the Threat Horizon series, which forecasts future threats to information security.

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Security Think Tank: To tackle Covid-19, be prepared, flexible and resilient - ComputerWeekly.com

Containers are sweeping the datacentre. Theyre a lightweight method of virtualising applications and allow for rapid scaling and contain all thats needed to run processes in a multitude of environments with few dependencies.

But they need storage. And while containers were originally conceived of to have storage as stateless as themselves, it soon became apparent that containerised applications needed to retain data for longer.

So, a variety of ways of achieving persistent storage for containers largely represented by Docker and the container orchestrator Kubernetes, though there are others available have been developed.

First, lets recap on the basics of Kubernetes storage and its key methods of defining and calling on storage.

We have previously looked int detail at persistent volumes, which define available storage volumes by a variety of parameters that include performance and capacity; storage class, which groups persistent volumes available and the method of connection to Kubernetes; and persistent volume claims, which are the requirements of the developer or application and which are bound to persistent volumes as required.

Then we looked at Rook, which runs in the Kubernetes cluster and exposes and orchestrates persistent storage across a range of storage types. Rook is essentially software-defined storage, built within Kubernetes and using a containerised architecture to provide the storage in something like a hyper-converged or hyper-scale infrastructure.

Rook isnt aimed at using mainstream storage arrays as capacity they come with controller capability built in, and its not the aim of Rook to provide that. Instead, it focuses on managing capacity from a range of storage types that span Ceph file, block and object, some parallel and NAS file systems and some database data services.

In this article, well drill down into the container storage interface (CSI) drivers that allow storage makers to expose their products to Kubernetes as persistent storage.

CSI is the container storage interface. It is a plugin for Kubernetes and other container orchestrators that allows storage suppliers to expose their products to containerised applications as persistent storage.

At the time of writing, there are more than 60 CSIs available for a wide range of file, block and object storage in hardware and cloud formats.

CSI is essentially an interface between container workloads and third-party storage that supports the creation and configuration of persistent storage external to the orchestrator, its input/output (I/O) and advanced functionality such as snapshots and cloning.

CSI replaces plugins developed earlier in the Kubernetes evolution, such as in-tree volume plugins and FlexVolume plugins. Without going into detail, the advantage of CSI is that it has been designed to provide a simplified set of specifications to which storage suppliers can write their plugins, and that they are not dependent on the Kubernetes release cycle.

Once you have deployed a CSI to a Kubernetes cluster, it is available for use with persistent volumes (PV), storage classes and persistent volume claims (PVCs).

For example, you can create a storage class that points to external storage defined by a CSI plugin. Then, dynamic provisioning could be triggered by a PVC that specified a storage class. Subsequently, when that claim invokes the creation of a volume, it is carried out by the external storage via the CSI and that PV is bound to the PVC. Alternatively, it is also possible to expose a pre-existing volume via a PV.

CSI gained general availability (GA) status at version 1.13 of Kubernetes, which was at 1.17 at the time of writing.

Beta functionality likely to make it to future GA versions include the ability to expose raw block storage to the container, awareness of where storage is provisioned in terms of cloud zone and region, and volume snapshots.

More information on Kubernetes overview of CSI can be found here.

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Container storage 101: What is CSI and how does it work? - ComputerWeekly.com

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Zoom

With more and more people working from home, you might be wondering what the best way is to communicate with your colleagues. Thanks to web-based tools, there are plenty of options for communicating online, ensuring that you can work from home and still easily stay in touch with your co-workers.

Two of the most popular online workplace communication tools are Google Hangouts Meet and Zoom, which are used by teams around the world. Both services provide the ability to interact with co-workers through video conferencing, enabling businesses to conduct video meetings through a variety of apps and devices.

But which of these tools is ultimately better? And which might work best for your needs? We put Google Hangouts Meet and Zoom head to head to find out.

Google Hangouts Meet and Zoom are both video conferencing services, and at their core, they offer similar features. Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, however, and one service may be a better fit for your needs depending on the size of your team and what other applications you plan to use.

When it comes purely to video conferencing features, Zoom has the edge over Google Hangouts Meet, offering a comprehensive assortment of options at various price points. Zoom's most expensive plan provides support for the largest amount of participants, and the company also offers a free plan that could be useful for smaller teams.

With that said, if you're looking for a larger collection of applications to use in tandem with your video conferencing service, then Google Hangouts might be a better fit. It's important to note, however, that Google Hangouts has actually been split up into a few different services recently including the new Google Hangouts Meet, which is a video conferencing tool, and Google Hangouts Chat.

We'll only be including Google Hangouts Meet in this comparison, but if you're looking for a platform that you can also use to chat, then it may be worth considering the fact that Chat and Meet integrate with each other pretty well since they are both bundled with other helpful Google services as part of the company's G Suite subscription. Google is also currently offering a helpful promotion that allows all G Suite members to take advantage of premium Google Hangouts features regardless of what plan they use.

Steven Cohen/Business Insider

Google Hangouts Meet is available as part of Google's G Suite subscription. Google

Google Hangouts Meet and Zoom are both available in a variety of plans for different monthly costs, with certain features only available via certain packages.

The most basic version of Zoom is available for free, but there are some limitations to this option. Notably, you can only host meetings of up to 100 people, and group meetings can only be up to 40 minutes. That said, those limitations may not be a problem for many smaller teams.

Pricing for Zoom can get a little complicated if you need more than what the free version has to offer. The step up from the Basic plan is the Pro plan, which costs $14.99 a month per host and allows meetings of up to 24 hours, personal meeting IDs, and more.

Next up is the Business plan, which comes in at $19.99 a month per host with a minimum of 10 hosts. This option allows up to 300 participants, and adds some advanced administrative features that only some will need.

Last but not least is the Enterprise plan. This option is also $19.99 a month per host, but it requires a minimum of 50 hosts. The Enterprise plan offers support for up to 500 participants and includes even more advanced features, like dedicated customer service and unlimited cloud storage.

When it comes to Google Hangouts Meet, you also have a few different options to choose from. Hangouts Meet technically isn't available for free, as it's a part of Google's G Suite services. G Suite is available for as little as $6 a month per user, and as much as $25 per user a month as part of the Enterprise plan.

The Basic version of G Suite, which comes in at $6 per month, allows video calls of up to 100 participants, while the $12 per month Business plan allows up to 150 participants, and the Enterprise plan offers up to 250 participants. Enterprise also offers support for other advanced features, like recording meetings and livestreaming.

With that said, Google is now offering a special promotion in response to the current health crisis related to the spread of coronavirus. To help businesses and schools communicate during the emergency, Google is now offering all G Suite subscribers access to the Enterprise edition of Hangouts Meet at no extra cost. The additional features will be available until July 1, 2020.

Even with the helpful promotion, however, you still need a base $6 per month subscription to use Google Hangouts Meet. As a result, smaller teams are perhaps better served by the free version of Zoom unless they want other services that are offered as part of G Suite.

Zoom offers an advanced assortment of video conferencing features. Zoom

Zoom is a dedicated video conferencing service built by a company that is mainly focused on building the Zoom service. As such, the platform is a little more comprehensive than Google Hangouts Meet. Sure, Hangouts Meet scores some points because of its seamless integration with other Google apps, and the fact that it comes bundled with a host of other services, but if you're really only looking for a video conferencing platform, those other services won't matter all that much.

Notable added features include things that may help make video calls a little more productive. For example, you'll get the ability to conduct polls, the ability to share a whiteboard that participants can collaborate on, the option to add support for up to 1,000 participants for an extra fee, and more. Not everyone will need these features but for some teams, these abilities could be the deciding factor between signing up for Zoom and signing up for Google's G Suite.

Both Hangouts and Zoom also offer some features that you would expect, like call encryption. That said, apart from the other services you get with G Suite, Hangouts Meet itself doesn't offer many features that Zoom doesn't also provide.

Google Hangouts can integrate with other services. Google

Perhaps one of the most important things to consider is how each platform integrates with other services. Notably, Google Hangouts Meet allows users to integrate meetings with other teams using Skype for Business, and other video meeting systems based on the SIP and H.323 standards. Hangouts Meet also integrates with additional apps, including other Google services. For example, the service integrates well with Google Calendar

Zoom offers some great integrations too including some Google apps and services. For example, Zoom integrates with Facebook Workplace, Skype for Business, Salesforce, Microsoft Outlook, Google Drive, Google Calendar, and more. Safe to say, while Hangouts Meet may make integration with Google services a little easier, Zoom still allows many of those same integrations as well.

Zoom is the more comprehensive service for dedicated video conferencing needs. Zoom

Ultimately, Zoom is the more comprehensive platform, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it's the right option for everyone. If you simply want the best video conferencing platform, then Zoom is the way to go.

That said, if you don't need all the features offered by Zoom, and instead want the other G Suite services included with a G Suite subscription, then Hangouts Meet will be more than good enough for your needs.

You can get Google Hangouts Meet from the G Suite website or sign up for Zoom at the Zoom website.

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We compared Google Hangouts and Zoom to see which is better for working from home and Zoom is the more comprehensive video conferencing tool -...

Cloud computing has become a part of everyday life. Each of us participates in the cloud every day, whether its using a cloud-based email service at home or work or buying a cup of coffee using the Square at your favorite coffee shop. But what is the cloud really?

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services remotely. Instead of relying on a server that is physically located locally, cloud computing uses servers hosted in other locations. If that environment is owned by a third-party, it can be referred to as a public cloud. If that environment is owned by an organization for its exclusive use, it can be referred to as a private cloud. Many organizations use combinations of public and private clouds, as well as some on-premise computing. These environments are often referred to as hybrid clouds, and they offer flexibility to use each type of environment according to its strengths.

The state of Alaska has been using both private and public cloud environments and has recently embarked on an effort to migrate significant additional computing and storage requirements to the cloud. By increasing the use of cloud environments, the state will be able to achieve significant cost savings by paying for what we actually consume instead of buying significant excess capacity to handle spikes in usage. The state also will be able to create storage and computing capability without buying new hardware, provide dynamic disaster recovery by locating backups in diverse locations, and secure data in environments that maintain the strictest compliance to federal security standards. Additionally, a public cloud-based environment removes the burden of maintaining and patching hardware for the systems that are migrated.

An increased focus on cloud computing also produces a skill lift for state of Alaska information technology professionals. The use of hybrid cloud environments is commonplace in the modern world and allows professional growth and skill development among the state of Alaska workforce. Our IT professionals will continue to manage and maintain our servers; they also will develop a skillset in cloud storage, application, networking, and management solutions.

A modern technical environment provides an attractive place for skilled technologists to work and grow, attracts new talent, and helps develop technical skills that can potentially be applied in many businesses throughout Alaska. Creating a more modern, efficient, and effective information technology environment not only helps us serve Alaskans but also provides an appealing place to work for Alaska technical talent.

Modernizing our information technology infrastructure in a thoughtful, planned manner will allow us to leverage technology in many ways that greatly benefit the state of Alaska.

Bill Smith is chief information officer at the state of Alaska Office of Information Technology.

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What does the cloud mean to the state of Alaska? - Fairbanks Daily News-Miner