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Apple WWDC 2012 Announcement Analysis

June 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Apple WWDC Announcements

A little over a week ago, Apple made quite the splash with the following announcements (and some direct availability) of new products. Some of these include:

  • An updated MacBook Air and MacBook Pro line
  • The all-new Next-Generation MacBook Pro
  • The impending release of OS X Mountain Lion
  • iOS 6 and all its goodness for the iOS platform

Let’s talk a little about each…

Apple MacBooks & the Next Generation MacBook Pro

The updated MacBook Air and MacBook Pro were not the biggest part of the announcement last week. Really, they are minor speed bumps with some new enhancements (for example, USB3.0 support). The big announcement was the Next Generation MacBook Pro! Wow. This is a monster of a release. Apple really decided to take a foothold in the ultra-powerful yet incredibly light notebook market by delivering this computer. The specs are pretty incredible:

  • The device weighs about 4.6 lbs.
  • It has the latest and fastest Intel Quad-Core processors
  • No more DVD drive
  • USB3.0 and Thunderbolt connectivity
  • But the biggest item: the new Retina Display (2880×1800 resolution)

To highlight the resolution, here are some screenshots (there is quite a difference):

 

Standard Display

Retina Display

 

OS X Mountain Lion

OS X Mountain Lion

With the release of Apple‘s new OS, we can expect to see a real “finishing of the job” from OS X Lion. What does that mean? More congruency with the iOS Platform (naming of Apps, features and more). Apple has done a fine job of defining the features on their site. The best part of this release for both the client and server is the price: $19.99 for each. That is an amazing achievement and will definitely help the purse strings for those looking to upgrade. Of course, we’ll provide a real analysis of the cost in a future post.

However, from what we have seen so far OS X Mountain Lion will be a real improvement in stability and simplicity for users of the Apple platform. Some of the key business features we see include:

  • Improved Apple Mail with VIP support (smart email system for your most important contacts)
  • Dictation. Yes, you can now speak to your Mac and it will handle your tasks (or text) with ease.
    • In case you were wondering, we are guessing that this is part of Siri coming to the Mac.
  • GateKeeper. More secure app management – meaning – you won’t run apps that aren’t truly secure and come from a known/good source.

Apple iOS 6

Finally, we have the latest operating system for the iPad and the iPhone. There are many, many new features. Of which we’ll highlight the most important:

  • All new Maps. Yes, buh-bye to Google Maps.
  • Do Not Disturb. Imagine, airplane mode for when you don’t want to take calls, yet you can still receive emails.
  • Passbook. All of your itineraries and mileage plans in one convenient App.
  • Facebook everywhere. Yes, we just can’t get enough sharing.

There is much more, although most of the features are consumer based. We’ll wait and see what new features are specific to business as more details from Apple is released.

Summary

We see many of these new releases from Apple as being a real improvement for business. And, when the new software (Mountain Lion, iOS6) is ready, Blacktip will gladly be there to help you update your systems. Feel free to contact us to discuss your options.

Filed Under: Business, Hardware, Solutions

QuickBooks for Mac and why everyone needs an IT budget

July 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

QuickBooks for Mac

Yesterday, Intuit announced that it would not support QuickBooks for Mac v2009 or v2010 on Mac OS X Lion.

Intuit had already announced that Quicken 2007 for Mac would also not be supported on OS X Lion, as Quicken requires Rosetta translation (being able to open older PowerPC apps on the Intel architecture), and OS X Lion no longer supports Rosetta.

Why you should upgrade QuickBooks for Mac and other software

The software industry is constantly moving forward whether we like it or not. Change occurs so frequently that keeping up with that change is challenging for most small to medium-sized businesses.

Nevertheless, whether it is Intuit’s QuickBooks for Mac, Adobe’s Creative Suite, Microsoft’s Office for Mac or other applications, these businesses should plan in their IT budget to upgrade software products at least every three years.

In the case of QuickBooks for Mac (or any product from Intuit), the requirement to upgrade every two years has been established for quite some time. Intuit only supports the past two versions, and with QuickBooks for Mac 2012 due this fall, it stands to reason that v2009 and v2010 would no longer be supported.

Why you should have an IT budget

Ah, here comes the sticking point. Most small businesses don’t have an IT budget. They plan technology expenses from their “Office Supplies” or “General” fund. This is not a strategic way to conduct business planning in the new millennia.

Because of the aforementioned technology changes, businesses need to plan for it. It just isn’t viable to say that the business is on a four or five-year upgrade “cycle”. That might apply to hardware, although for software, it isn’t plausible.

The reason is the cascade effect – whereby one new piece of purchased software (an Operating System, for example), will then cause the requirement of additional software purchases. We discussed this in a previous post.

One other key item is support. Software vendors (like Intuit), shut off support for older software. Generally, only the most recent versions (or version) are supported. Otherwise, businesses are on their own for support, which in fact can be more costly (specialized consultants, etc.).

What to do?

As we mentioned, plan for the expense of upgrading your software to stay current. Keep in mind what are the core pieces of software that your business needs to remain in business.

If you need assistance with setting up an IT budget, we can help you. Just contact us and we’ll help make it easy for you to manage the expenses. In the case of Intuit’s QuickBooks for Mac, we recommend purchasing 2011 now, or plan for 2012 this fall.

Filed Under: Business, Consulting, Hardware, Software

MagicWand by Twelve South

February 17, 2011 By 2 Comments

MagicWand

The MagicWand – what is it?

We don’t usually promote gadgets, although the MagicWand device is quite clever. If you want to integrate your Apple Wireless Keyboard and Magic TrackPad together, you will be very interested in this tool.

Check out the introductory video. You can purchase the MagicWand directly from Twelve South. We do not resell the device, although if you want to learn more about the MagicWand, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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Xerox: The Power of Copying, Faxing, Printing

February 13, 2011 By 1 Comment

Xerox

Xerox provides fantastic printing solutions

Yes, in our ever growing certifications and services, we have now become a Xerox Peak Silver Reseller. We evaluate many hardware products, including printers, multifunctions and more. BlackTip IT Services decided to partner with Xerox as we believe their products are a cut above the rest in terms of performance and value.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us about how we can help you choose the right Xerox device for your Apple Mac Business.

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ActiveSAN announced by Active Storage

January 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Today, at 9am ET, Active Storage announced a “replacement” to Apple’s Xserve – it is called the ActiveSAN.

ActiveSAN

ActiveSAN - What it looks like

The ActiveSAN has a beautiful user experience (typical to all Active Storage software utilities). Here is an example of the primary app window:

ActiveSAN Setup User Interface

You can read the details about the ActiveSAN here, although here are the official Specifications:

  • 1U rack-optimized enclosure
  • Intel Quad-core Xeon processor
  • 8GB 1066MHz DDR3 memory
  • 1 available 16 lane PCI-e slot
  • Dual port 8Gb Fibre Channel Card with SFPs
  • Mirrored hot swap 1TB Hitachi Enterprise Class SATA hard drives
  • Redundant hot swap 600W auto-sensing power supplies
  • Locking power cords
  • 4x USB 2.0 ports (2 front, 2 rear)
  • 2x GbE ports
  • 1x Serial port (for UPS support)
  • VGA graphics port
  • Rack rail kit with hardware
  • Lights Out Management via Active Viewer
  • Active Viewer and ActiveSAN Admin Software suite

You can also watch a video of the product introduction here.

ActiveSAN Summary

  • The ActiveSAN cannot run OS X Server. It runs Linux (non-specified version) and the Quantum StorNext SAN file system.
  • It is an Xsan enhancement and can be used as an MDC (metadata controller) within the Xsan environment.
  • It’s fast, with complete fibre-channel support.
  • It will probably be spendy – no word on pricing yet.

Overall, the ActiveSAN looks to be an incredible device. It is not a complete Xserve replacement as it cannot run OS X Server (or any variant of OS X), so please consider that if you plan to make a purchase.

Filed Under: Business, Consulting, Hardware Tagged With: , , , , ,

Apple Xserve reborn?

January 28, 2011 By 1 Comment

Apple Xserve no more

We were shocked. Last fall, Apple announced that effective Monday, January 31st (yes, this coming Monday), they were no longer selling the Apple Xserve. Apple provided a transition guide and replacement options including the Mac mini or a Mac Pro.

Well, a little birdie whispered something into our ear last night. We then found a link that presented us with this little tidbit from Active Storage:

Apple Xserve

Now, all of us at Blacktip IT Services are not ones to propagate rumors, although this one seems pretty darn real and could be an excellent alternative solution for those looking to replace aging an Apple Xserve (or purchase rack-mount based Mac Servers).

Of course, we’ll need to wait until Monday morning to confirm, so this weekend will be an anxious one indeed to see if there is a new Apple Xserve from Active Storage. Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Of course, don’t hesitate to contact us and talk more about this potential Apple Xserve replacement.

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Intuit GoPayment: All new Credit Card Reader

January 21, 2011 By 3 Comments

Intuit GoPayment just got easier

Last week, we wrote about moving forward with Intuit’s GoPayment service. When we published that post, we used a stock picture of what the GoPayment credit card “sled” would look like.

Yesterday, we received the Intuit GoPayment credit card reader and to our delight, the device did not match the original. To refresh our reader’s memory, here is a picture of the original:

Intuit GoPayment Card Reader

Now, here is what we received in the mail:

Intuit GoPayment

Intuit GoPayment Card Reader for iPhone 4

Intuit GoPayment compared to Square

As you can see, the device is significantly smaller, works similar to the Square (yet is more robust than the Square device) and comes with a fancy lanyard. To refresh your memory, here is a picture of the Square reader:

Square Card Reader (iPhone 4)

Now, where Intuit GoPayment is still lacking is in the user interface of the iPhone app. Further, Square also supports the iPad natively, whereas the GoPayment app is not optimized for the iPad.

Update: the Intuit GoyPayment App now supports both the iPhone and the iPad, and the iPad interface is beautiful.

Regardless, the usage of the device will be determined by your current business. At least now you have a better understanding that these devices are much more competitive both in price and design.

Ultimately, we prefer the Intuit GoPayment offering because of the real merchant account service combined with the less restrictive payout options (please see the original post for more information). However, the choice is up to you.

Filed Under: Consulting, Hardware Tagged With: , , , , ,

Intuit GoPayment: Better than Square?

January 12, 2011 By 9 Comments

Intuit GoPayment

Intuit GoPayment is now a reasonable offering

This morning, Engadget reported that Intuit lowered the barrier to entry with its GoPayment Service. The benefits are now:

  • A free card reader for your iPhone
  • No monthly fee
  • Reduced transaction fee (.15 vs. .30)

The reduced transaction fee is for those with low volume transactions (less than 1000 transactions/month).

Our thoughts on Intuit GoPayment

As a user of the Square service (a competitor to Intuit GoPayment), this is an interesting proposition from Intuit as they are now being more aggressive in the mobile payments space. Intuit’s addition of a free card reader and removal of the monthly fee makes their offering very competitive to Square, with some distinct advantages:

  • A merchant account from an established payments company, rather than working with a Startup.
  • A card reader designed to work with the iPhone or other mobile devices. The Intuit GoPayment reader is quite sturdy compared to the Square reader (see pictures)
  • Competitive pricing (finally).

Let’s look at the two readers:

Square Card Reader (iPhone 4)

GoPayment Card Reader (iPhone 4)

The Intuit GoPayment reader is bigger and bulkier, although it is also much less flimsy than the Square reader. Ultimately, it depends upon your workflow and which Service Provider you trust.

What about pricing?

Well, here is where it gets interesting:

Intuit GoPaymentSquare
Monthly Service$0/month ($1000/month or less)Free
Swipe Rate2.7%2.75%
Keyed Rate3.7%3.5%
Transaction FeeZeroZero
Card ReaderFreeFree
Monthly MinimumNoneNone
Setup FeeNoneNone

Which service does Blacktip IT Services recommend?

We believe that both services are quite compelling. However, the one limitation to Square is that if you receive more than $1k of payments, they will hold the monies for 30 days before depositing the transactions to your account. Frankly, this is not reasonable and makes their service truly geared to inter-personal transactions rather than business transactions.

We are signing up with the Intuit GoPayment Service because we believe it offers a better value to Apple Mac Business users.

Contact us to learn more how we can help you deploy this service.

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iPhone on Verizon: Analysis

January 11, 2011 By 2 Comments

iPhoneToday, Apple and Verizon announced the availability of the iPhone for Verizon’s network. It’s scheduled to be available on February the 10th. It’s exciting to see that there is now more consumer choice for those who want to use the iPhone.

For those who have had lackluster service with AT&T, then this will be a viable option. However, before you go and pay the fee to break your contract with AT&T, understand what the change brings:

Verizon iPhone Positives

  • More choice, no longer restricted to one carrier.
  • The reputation of a more solid network (Verizon).
  • A new feature – built-in WiFi hotspot for your other data devices (MacBooks, etc.).

Verizon iPhone Negatives

  • The Verizon iPhone is CDMA only. This means either data or voice, not both (unlike AT&T where you can place a call and look up something in an app at the same time).
  • The Verizon 3G network is slower than AT&T. A lot slower.
  • Pricing for the service is not announced yet.

The outcome of this is that we’ll see about 5-6M AT&T customers migrate to Verizon. This means more bandwidth for AT&T customers, which in turn means better service.

So, the choice is yours to migrate. However, Blacktip IT Services is staying with the AT&T iPhone.

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