Monday, September 28, 2009
Why RIM’s App World Is Key to Its Long-term Success
Research In Motion shares took a beating on Friday and several analysts cut their ratings on the stock after the company posted disappointing sales for its fiscal second quarter and ratcheted down expectations for the current one. But while increasing competition and ever-dwindling price points may make for a rough few months in the smartphone market, RIM’s long-term prospects will hinge on the success of its new app store.
Smartphone manufacturing is becoming a cutthroat business as the space heats up. Verizon Wireless — which has provided a huge boost to BlackBerry sales with its buy-one, get-one offer — is slated to launch several competing devices in the coming months, and the iPhone appears to be making substantial headway into the enterprise. In the meantime, margins are thinning as carriers look to target data-hungry customers with high-tech handsets that sell for less than $100. Those factors don’t bode well for RIM, whose products aside from the Storm are “largely unchanged from a year ago,” Deutsche Bank analyst Brian Modoff wrote in a research note released today:
“We see several dozen new smartphones coming on stream in the next six months. This includes solid offerings from Motorola, Palm, HTC, Samsung and LG. Our checks with carriers indicate that they are looking to drive smartphone prices to subsidized levels below $100. RIM may be able to manage its bill of materials down in this environment, but we think price declines will have an impact on gross margins. And this transition will likely be a painful process.”
The BlackBerry has deftly morphed from a business-focused handset to a more consumer-friendly device, and sales have been impressive even as Apple’s iPhone has taken consumers (and the entire smartphone industry) by storm. The Curve actually outsold the iPhone in the first quarter of the year, and RIM claims that more than 80 percent of its new customers last quarter were non-business users who chose the BlackBerry over devices such as the iPhone, Palm Pre and Android devices. But with a slew of attractive new smartphones coming to market and pricing continue to fall, I think that kind of momentum will be impossible to maintain, and I expect RIM to lose ground over the next few months.
Which is why RIM’s app storefront will be key to the firm’s long-term success. Just as Apple’s App Store and iTunes drive sales of the company’s hardware, App World — which has received generally positive reviews — must be attractive enough to lure users away from all the other smartphones on the market. And while Apple has built its empire largely on the strength of free or cheap gimmicky apps, I think RIM has a real opportunity to market App World as a high-end retail for on-the-go users — allowing the company to polish its image as it creates a lucrative new revenue stream with premium mobile applications.
That won’t be easy in the fiercely competitive space, of course, especially when carriers like Verizon Wireless are trying to elbow it off the app distribution playground (GigaOM Pro, sub required). But if RIM can continue to attract developers and build out an attractive storefront — and if it can churn out sexy, user-friendly handsets — it will fare well in the superphone era.
Smartphone manufacturing is becoming a cutthroat business as the space heats up. Verizon Wireless — which has provided a huge boost to BlackBerry sales with its buy-one, get-one offer — is slated to launch several competing devices in the coming months, and the iPhone appears to be making substantial headway into the enterprise. In the meantime, margins are thinning as carriers look to target data-hungry customers with high-tech handsets that sell for less than $100. Those factors don’t bode well for RIM, whose products aside from the Storm are “largely unchanged from a year ago,” Deutsche Bank analyst Brian Modoff wrote in a research note released today:
“We see several dozen new smartphones coming on stream in the next six months. This includes solid offerings from Motorola, Palm, HTC, Samsung and LG. Our checks with carriers indicate that they are looking to drive smartphone prices to subsidized levels below $100. RIM may be able to manage its bill of materials down in this environment, but we think price declines will have an impact on gross margins. And this transition will likely be a painful process.”
The BlackBerry has deftly morphed from a business-focused handset to a more consumer-friendly device, and sales have been impressive even as Apple’s iPhone has taken consumers (and the entire smartphone industry) by storm. The Curve actually outsold the iPhone in the first quarter of the year, and RIM claims that more than 80 percent of its new customers last quarter were non-business users who chose the BlackBerry over devices such as the iPhone, Palm Pre and Android devices. But with a slew of attractive new smartphones coming to market and pricing continue to fall, I think that kind of momentum will be impossible to maintain, and I expect RIM to lose ground over the next few months.
Which is why RIM’s app storefront will be key to the firm’s long-term success. Just as Apple’s App Store and iTunes drive sales of the company’s hardware, App World — which has received generally positive reviews — must be attractive enough to lure users away from all the other smartphones on the market. And while Apple has built its empire largely on the strength of free or cheap gimmicky apps, I think RIM has a real opportunity to market App World as a high-end retail for on-the-go users — allowing the company to polish its image as it creates a lucrative new revenue stream with premium mobile applications.
That won’t be easy in the fiercely competitive space, of course, especially when carriers like Verizon Wireless are trying to elbow it off the app distribution playground (GigaOM Pro, sub required). But if RIM can continue to attract developers and build out an attractive storefront — and if it can churn out sexy, user-friendly handsets — it will fare well in the superphone era.
Amazon Goes Shopping, Picks Up a $807M Bargain Called Zappos
Amazon said this afternoon it’s agreed to buy specialty shoe e-tailer Zappos for $807 million in cash and stock. It’s a smart move as it will allow Amazon to become even more synonymous with e-commerce. Funnily enough, it was just a few weeks ago that I was wondering if Amazon would be launching any more specialty stores. Indeed, they are going vertical — though I didn’t expect them to spend so much money to buy Zappos. Under terms of the deal, Zappos employees will get about $40 million in cash and restricted Amazon stock, and the entire Zappos management team will stay on.
Zappos, while in the commodity business of retail, has carved itself a nice (and fast-growing) niche by focusing on shoes. According to the Las Vegas Sun, Zappos’ hometown paper, the company reached its goal of a billion dollars in sales in 2008, 10 years after it was started by Nick Swinmurn. The sale is yet another smash hit for white-shoe Silicon Valley venture fund, Sequoia Capital. Zappos’ customer service reputation reminds me of Nordstrom, the big department store chain.
“We are joining forces with Amazon because there is a huge opportunity to utilize each other’s strengths and move even faster towards our vision of delivering happiness to customers, employees and vendors,” said Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos. “We will continue to build the Zappos brand and culture in our own unique way, and we believe Amazon is the best partner to help us do this over the long term.”
I am a big fan of both Jeff Bezos and Tony Hsieh, because they belong to that rare breed of company CEOs who put the needs of the customers (and their happiness) above everything else. Hsieh has been a fixture at various tech industry events but I’ve never met him, I’ve just enjoyed his talks and his posts on the Zappos blog. In an email to his employees today, Hsieh says something that all startup founders — myself included — would be well-advised to remember: “What happens to our culture is up to us…we are in control of our destiny and how our culture evolves.”
Zappos, while in the commodity business of retail, has carved itself a nice (and fast-growing) niche by focusing on shoes. According to the Las Vegas Sun, Zappos’ hometown paper, the company reached its goal of a billion dollars in sales in 2008, 10 years after it was started by Nick Swinmurn. The sale is yet another smash hit for white-shoe Silicon Valley venture fund, Sequoia Capital. Zappos’ customer service reputation reminds me of Nordstrom, the big department store chain.
“We are joining forces with Amazon because there is a huge opportunity to utilize each other’s strengths and move even faster towards our vision of delivering happiness to customers, employees and vendors,” said Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos. “We will continue to build the Zappos brand and culture in our own unique way, and we believe Amazon is the best partner to help us do this over the long term.”
I am a big fan of both Jeff Bezos and Tony Hsieh, because they belong to that rare breed of company CEOs who put the needs of the customers (and their happiness) above everything else. Hsieh has been a fixture at various tech industry events but I’ve never met him, I’ve just enjoyed his talks and his posts on the Zappos blog. In an email to his employees today, Hsieh says something that all startup founders — myself included — would be well-advised to remember: “What happens to our culture is up to us…we are in control of our destiny and how our culture evolves.”
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Myth or Reality: The Recession-Proof Career
Although there's no such thing as a recession-proof career, some jobs may offer more job security than others. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that by 2016, three out of 10 jobs in this country will be in education and in health care. If teaching or working in a hospital doesn't appeal to you, professional and business-related jobs will provide the second largest area of growth.
If, like many Americans, you want or need a new career, check out these six in-demand careers. With an associate's or bachelor's degree and some career training, you may be well on your way to enjoying peace of mind and job stability, even in this economy.
Computer and Information Scientist
As our need for technology grows, so does our need for computer scientists. Working as researchers, computer scientists solve technological problems and develop successful solutions. Many computer scientists work on teams in industrial settings or at universities, exploring new and innovative technologies. According to the BLS, computer scientists made over $100,000 a year on average in 2007. An online bachelor's degree in computer science may be able to give you the traction you need for this fast growing career.
Computer Systems Analyst
We know computers are important, but consider this: without computers, most American businesses would not be able to run. Computer systems analysts work for companies and businesses, identifying their technological needs. As a computer systems analyst, you will choose and configure hardware and software in order to meet your company's goals. Keeping up to date with current technologies is key. A bachelor's degree in a technical field, such as computer science or management information systems, can give you the career training you need for this rapidly growing, much sought after career. According to the BLS, computer systems analysts made an average yearly wage of $75,890 in 2007.
Employment Recruiter and Placement Specialist
As the job market tightens, more workers are drawn to temporary, seasonal, and part-time work. Employment recruiters have the important job of matching these employees with jobs. As an employment recruiter, you may work for a company looking for new hires or for a local job placement agency. Your duties will probably consist of meeting with prospective employees, interviewing them, and extending job offers. Armed with an online or on-campus degree in human resources, as an employment recruiter and placement specialist you may be able to make an average of over $50,000 a year.
Health Care Technician
Don't like the idea of working with patients but are still drawn to the medical field? Become a health care technician. Since you'll be compiling patients' charts and records and keeping their health information up to date, you'll need to be well organized and have an eye for detail. An associate's degree in health care management or a related field can prepare you for this rapidly growing field. Many employers prefer technicians who are also registered health information technicians (RHITs), which requires attending an approved program and passing an exam. The BLS estimates that medical records and health information technicians made an average yearly wage of $31,450 in 2007.
Registered Nurse
Approximately 587,000 new nursing jobs are projected within the next eight years, making nursing one of the largest job markets in the United States. According to the BLS, nurses made an average annual salary of $62,480 in 2007. An online program can give you the training you need for a nursing career as you earn your associate's or bachelor's nursing degree. As a registered nurse you will tend patients, providing them and their families with much needed emotional support and education in a doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. You can choose to specialize in one of medicine's many exciting fields, such as oncology or neonatal care.
Special Education Teacher
Within the next eight years, an estimated shortage of special education teachers will coincide with a rise in the anticipated number of qualifying students. Special education teachers work closely with students who have handicaps and disabilities. As a special education teacher, you will modify your students' lessons and help them and their families set and achieve goals. In order to become a special education teacher, you need a bachelor's degree in an approved program. Special education teachers in the United States made over $50,000 a year in 2007, according to the BLS. Plus, along with the good feeling that often accompanies helping others, you may get a portion of your summers off.
Pundits can predict where the rough economy will go within the next few years, but nobody knows for sure. An in-demand career could be one way to ride out the storm.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
रमायाण (Ramayan)
रमायाण (Ramayan)
http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=2983900490118814460 ,Episode 3: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-8632230591016308755 ,Episode 4: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=3754332505726976384,Episode 5: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-822346458640266603,Episode 6: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=7083782643819270973,Episode 7: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=6419949619331502891 ,Episode 8: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-6485496822074161416,Episode 9: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=8532939850426744082 ,Episode 10: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-4524142962307022433 ,Episode 11: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-4048676619511639258 ,Episode 12: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-8032959545572477449 ,Episode 13: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-3236484565003317313 ,Episode 14: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=1460657552606436975 ,Episode 15: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-1115170855474986908 ,Episode 16: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=2653076510989726513 ,Episode 17: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-675378142037869002 ,Episode 18: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-6924074152714026343,Episode 19: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=9121617331450637804 ,Episode 20: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-4809913810397027250,Episode 21: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-1060309245153308597,Episode 22: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=8275167409820730836 ,Episode 23: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=3567897245205958454 ,Episode 24: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=2369572631170731021 ,Episode 25: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-7975089038889844737,Episode 26: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=4733755026851396848,Episode 27: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-5333954717086967854,Episode 28: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=3791061730716174094 ,Episode 29: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-6932325406295905123,Episode 30: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-5609180966612449471 ,pisode 31: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-6637936776200520339 ,pisode 32: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-1264373103563941964 ,Episode 33: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-6025719344509074028,Episode 34: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-319812592117314537 ,Episode 35: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-2106443754720587373,Episode 36: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-7020103071652534238,Episode 37: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-6988388114179511391 ,Episode 38: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=4885496312294725690 ,Episode 39: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-901104403993199702 ,Episode 40: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-1678791728022046872,Episode 41: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-2788735995423346170 ,Episode 42: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-1812849085031223708 ,pisode 43: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=9076588879619499109 ,Episode 44: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=2682223395894296962 ,Episode 45: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=6155962348387201175 ,Episode 46: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-7198635114964280072,Episode 47: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-1733494503444063701 ,Episode 48: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=5008288472585648791 ,Episode 49: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-8363434539430702156 ,pisode 50: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=3308584639443472379 ,Episode 51: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-1708816100038002349 ,pisode 52: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=291052587655519865 ,Episode 53: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=2827880252340782173,Episode 54: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-1656304542841893672,Episode 55: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=7965233634767378704 ,Episode 56: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=1288972917987098611 ,Episode 57: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-3482196228098749186,Episode 58: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=1109696387731999277 ,Episode 59: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=3112192298946261624 ,Episode 60: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-619750467507609900,4,pisode 61: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-2828406326321319004 ,pisode 62: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=70926647587541664 ,Episode 63: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=8140819294202555848,Episode 64: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=974801033830628280 ,Episode 65: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=4838971026600136379 ,Episode 66: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=7034520491181486421 ,Episode 67: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=2821696856853094142 ,Episode 68: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=8871451054060903877 ,Episode 69: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-8293567176986529209 ,pisode 70: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-3635080888302166856 ,pisode 71: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=677757649037501885 ,Episode 72: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=7757564742481027479,Episode 73: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-5519753795402654320,Episode 74: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=5847220043709944441,Episode 75: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=8681416068435833401 ,Episode 76: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=1930558433063503717 ,Episode 77: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-7433346377671403814 ,Episode 78: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-1462654532296767910,
http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=2983900490118814460 ,Episode 3: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-8632230591016308755 ,Episode 4: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=3754332505726976384,Episode 5: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-822346458640266603,Episode 6: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=7083782643819270973,Episode 7: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=6419949619331502891 ,Episode 8: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-6485496822074161416,Episode 9: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=8532939850426744082 ,Episode 10: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-4524142962307022433 ,Episode 11: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-4048676619511639258 ,Episode 12: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-8032959545572477449 ,Episode 13: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-3236484565003317313 ,Episode 14: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=1460657552606436975 ,Episode 15: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-1115170855474986908 ,Episode 16: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=2653076510989726513 ,Episode 17: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-675378142037869002 ,Episode 18: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-6924074152714026343,Episode 19: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=9121617331450637804 ,Episode 20: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-4809913810397027250,Episode 21: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-1060309245153308597,Episode 22: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=8275167409820730836 ,Episode 23: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=3567897245205958454 ,Episode 24: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=2369572631170731021 ,Episode 25: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-7975089038889844737,Episode 26: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=4733755026851396848,Episode 27: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-5333954717086967854,Episode 28: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=3791061730716174094 ,Episode 29: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-6932325406295905123,Episode 30: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-5609180966612449471 ,pisode 31: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-6637936776200520339 ,pisode 32: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-1264373103563941964 ,Episode 33: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-6025719344509074028,Episode 34: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-319812592117314537 ,Episode 35: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-2106443754720587373,Episode 36: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-7020103071652534238,Episode 37: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-6988388114179511391 ,Episode 38: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=4885496312294725690 ,Episode 39: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-901104403993199702 ,Episode 40: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-1678791728022046872,Episode 41: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-2788735995423346170 ,Episode 42: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-1812849085031223708 ,pisode 43: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=9076588879619499109 ,Episode 44: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=2682223395894296962 ,Episode 45: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=6155962348387201175 ,Episode 46: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-7198635114964280072,Episode 47: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-1733494503444063701 ,Episode 48: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=5008288472585648791 ,Episode 49: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-8363434539430702156 ,pisode 50: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=3308584639443472379 ,Episode 51: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-1708816100038002349 ,pisode 52: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=291052587655519865 ,Episode 53: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=2827880252340782173,Episode 54: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-1656304542841893672,Episode 55: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=7965233634767378704 ,Episode 56: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=1288972917987098611 ,Episode 57: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-3482196228098749186,Episode 58: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=1109696387731999277 ,Episode 59: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=3112192298946261624 ,Episode 60: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-619750467507609900,4,pisode 61: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-2828406326321319004 ,pisode 62: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=70926647587541664 ,Episode 63: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=8140819294202555848,Episode 64: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=974801033830628280 ,Episode 65: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=4838971026600136379 ,Episode 66: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=7034520491181486421 ,Episode 67: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=2821696856853094142 ,Episode 68: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=8871451054060903877 ,Episode 69: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-8293567176986529209 ,pisode 70: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-3635080888302166856 ,pisode 71: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=677757649037501885 ,Episode 72: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=7757564742481027479,Episode 73: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-5519753795402654320,Episode 74: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=5847220043709944441,Episode 75: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=8681416068435833401 ,Episode 76: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=1930558433063503717 ,Episode 77: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-7433346377671403814 ,Episode 78: http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-1462654532296767910,
Sunday, September 20, 2009
The Recession-Proof Career
Although there's no such thing as a recession-proof career, some jobs may offer more job security than others. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that by 2016, three out of 10 jobs in this country will be in education and in health care. If teaching or working in a hospital doesn't appeal to you, professional and business-related jobs will provide the second largest area of growth.
If, like many Americans, you want or need a new career, check out these six in-demand careers. With an associate's or bachelor's degree and some career training, you may be well on your way to enjoying peace of mind and job stability, even in this economy.
Computer and Information Scientist
As our need for technology grows, so does our need for computer scientists. Working as researchers, computer scientists solve technological problems and develop successful solutions. Many computer scientists work on teams in industrial settings or at universities, exploring new and innovative technologies. According to the BLS, computer scientists made over $100,000 a year on average in 2007. An online bachelor's degree in computer science may be able to give you the traction you need for this fast growing career.
Computer Systems Analyst
We know computers are important, but consider this: without computers, most American businesses would not be able to run. Computer systems analysts work for companies and businesses, identifying their technological needs. As a computer systems analyst, you will choose and configure hardware and software in order to meet your company's goals. Keeping up to date with current technologies is key. A bachelor's degree in a technical field, such as computer science or management information systems, can give you the career training you need for this rapidly growing, much sought after career. According to the BLS, computer systems analysts made an average yearly wage of $75,890 in 2007.
If, like many Americans, you want or need a new career, check out these six in-demand careers. With an associate's or bachelor's degree and some career training, you may be well on your way to enjoying peace of mind and job stability, even in this economy.
Computer and Information Scientist
As our need for technology grows, so does our need for computer scientists. Working as researchers, computer scientists solve technological problems and develop successful solutions. Many computer scientists work on teams in industrial settings or at universities, exploring new and innovative technologies. According to the BLS, computer scientists made over $100,000 a year on average in 2007. An online bachelor's degree in computer science may be able to give you the traction you need for this fast growing career.
Computer Systems Analyst
We know computers are important, but consider this: without computers, most American businesses would not be able to run. Computer systems analysts work for companies and businesses, identifying their technological needs. As a computer systems analyst, you will choose and configure hardware and software in order to meet your company's goals. Keeping up to date with current technologies is key. A bachelor's degree in a technical field, such as computer science or management information systems, can give you the career training you need for this rapidly growing, much sought after career. According to the BLS, computer systems analysts made an average yearly wage of $75,890 in 2007.
Getting a cheaper car insurance quote
Fit an alarmFit an approved alarm and immobiliser, such as a Thatcham 1 or Thatcham 2. All improvements to security should help to lower your car insurance costs. Some insurers could even insist on sophisticated tracking devices before they will insure expensive cars.
Change your excessChange the excess you are prepared to pay on any claim to reduce the premium. With voluntary excess the more you are willing to cover yourself in the event of an accident the lower your premium.
Check your mileageCheck your mileage to make sure you are not paying extra for miles you are not covering in your car. If, for example, you change jobs and have a shorter commute to work you could be saving money. Try and work out how many miles you will genuinely cover - but don't get it wrong as inaccuracy could jeopardise your claim.
Minimise your optional extrasOnly select to have a courtesy car or legal expenses if you really need them, as they may increase your premium. The less your motor insurance company has to provide in the event of an accident, the lower your costs.
Be careful where you parkKeep your car parked in a locked garage overnight if you can - this can help reduce the premium. More than 50% of vehicle thefts occur during the night so if your car is safely locked away it makes sense that your insurance costs will be reduced as a consequence. If you don't have access to a garage, then parking on a driveway is generally considered a lower risk than parking on the road. It's less likely that vandalism, theft or accidental damage will occur when you're off the highway.
Pass Plus
If you're a new driver looking to get your first car and car insurance we'd highly recommend that you take your Pass Plus in order to reduce your premiums. The Pass Plus certificate can only be obtained within the first year of passing your practical driving test.
Change your excessChange the excess you are prepared to pay on any claim to reduce the premium. With voluntary excess the more you are willing to cover yourself in the event of an accident the lower your premium.
Check your mileageCheck your mileage to make sure you are not paying extra for miles you are not covering in your car. If, for example, you change jobs and have a shorter commute to work you could be saving money. Try and work out how many miles you will genuinely cover - but don't get it wrong as inaccuracy could jeopardise your claim.
Minimise your optional extrasOnly select to have a courtesy car or legal expenses if you really need them, as they may increase your premium. The less your motor insurance company has to provide in the event of an accident, the lower your costs.
Be careful where you parkKeep your car parked in a locked garage overnight if you can - this can help reduce the premium. More than 50% of vehicle thefts occur during the night so if your car is safely locked away it makes sense that your insurance costs will be reduced as a consequence. If you don't have access to a garage, then parking on a driveway is generally considered a lower risk than parking on the road. It's less likely that vandalism, theft or accidental damage will occur when you're off the highway.
Pass Plus
If you're a new driver looking to get your first car and car insurance we'd highly recommend that you take your Pass Plus in order to reduce your premiums. The Pass Plus certificate can only be obtained within the first year of passing your practical driving test.
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