Blog Posts
For the longest time, I never thought I would have a career writing. I've always loved it, especially creative writing, but I saw it as a hobby. Sometimes, it's good to be wrong.
I have been active within Boston's tech space writing stories about startups, Q&As with prominent entrepreneurs, profiles on particular sectors, and retrospectives on tech-focused organizations. In addition to that, I have created guides involving cybersecurity and how-tos when it comes to using consumer electronics.
Those are just a few types of writing I have done, but email marketing and copywriting, social media management, and PR outreach and analysis are other projects I not only excel at but thoroughly enjoy doing.
In short, I love writing and I'm grateful to be in a space where I have been able to use, and expand upon, my skill set.
Blog Posts
Progress WhatsUp Gold users have spoken! G2 declares the WhatsUp Gold solution a leader in the Network Traffic Analysis Grid Report.
By the end of 2023, the Women in Tech Network found that women held 35% of technology jobs in the United States.
A Domain Name System helps convert your domain names into accessible IP addresses, and it's crucial to know how to monitor activity on a DNS server.
Any IT pro worth their salt knows all about adopting cloud computing and its benefits, from faster innovation cycles to flexible deployment.
Understanding a network's performance across multiple devices can make or break an application's performance, affecting the application experience.
In March 2021, Commander of the United States Cyber Command General Paul Nakasone testified before the U.S. Senate, summarizing a key organizational challenge, "It's not that we can't connect the dots; we can't see all of the dots."
For those unfamiliar with New England, many villages and cities began as fishing towns. These communities still do business on the sea, with multiple companies shipping out their products on massive boats. How do these boats gain access to the towns to continue doing business in them?
Understanding how to check your bandwidth speed can make all the difference when your Internet connections appear slower than usual. Sometimes, not everything works as expected. A video conference takes too long to load everyone's cameras; downloading a vital document starts at a snail's pace; webpages present the visitor with a low-resolution HTML version of their website.
Learn about the ways Progress Professional Services deploys CI/CD to help OpenEdge customers and how they can help your organization. Ask any software or application developer to describe what it's like to deliver software changes and updates to legacy platforms. Their answers will be "overly complex," "too labor-intensive" or something along those lines.
The Progress Developer Community is always ready to help. Read and watch a collection of lessons shared by several members of the community at DevReach 2022.
"Doing inventory" is probably one phrase retail and hospitality workers loathe. For many workers in these jobs, physically counting items can sometimes be an overnight job. For others in similar positions, it can make for an arduous all-day task while tending to customers' needs. However, despite the time it takes, it is still essential.
135,000 is the average number of endpoint devices connected to an enterprise network. The estimate is in a joint report from Adaptiva and the Ponemon Institute, along with several other surprising statistics: 61% of respondents' distribution points have increased over the last two years. However, only 33% are confident they can minimize the amounts of devices.
From awards showcasing product expertise to exciting .NET Core features, Progress Sitefinity DX has its share of news stories to go around the community. Unique news stories consistently come out of our Progress® Sitefinity® community nearly every year. 2022 is certainly no different.
A customer for over 30 years, proALPHA leverages Progress OpenEdge to continue serving the manufacturing and trading market in the DACH region with innovative ERP+ solutions. In April 1992, near Kaiserslautern, Germany, three men working together in the software industry sat in a kitchen. A coffee machine actively brewed a fresh pot.
Progress Plus Raises $4,500 for The Trevor Project and Reflects on Pride Month 2022 Progress Plus co-leaders, Mariyan Vasev and Todor Totev and Inclusion and Diversity Program Manager Courtney Gagné share their thoughts on how Progressers empowered the LGTBQIA+ community, including our first Pride Walk around our Burlington HQ, resulting in over $4,000 raised for The Trevor Project, not only at the company but across the world.
When two businesses collaborate, especially in the startup world, the results can be incredible, and the collaborationpartnership between Techstars Boston and GSVlabs is no exception. For the second year in a row, GSVlabs and Techstars Boston are teaming up for the Techstars Boston 2020 accelerator
Cofounded by Ben Pleat, makes it easy for residents to connect with their neighbors and neighborhood, turning apartments into homes. The company completed the accelerator program in 2020. Too often, living in an apartment complex can be an isolating experience. Despite living just a wall or a floor away from many other people, residents don't connect.
Chatbots are a growing trend in the marketing space, but how useful can it be for B2B marketers?
Build.One is one of Progress’ longest-serving OpenEdge and Corticon partners. Learn more about our partnership with the company, how they use Progress products, and what this means for the future.
There is a growing shortage of Chromebooks which is further complicating remote learning and hybrid learning classes.
"There is a strong bias in Boston towards solving hard problems," said Techstars Boston Managing Director, and Techstars alum, Clement Cazalot . "Regardless of what they are, there is an intellectual appetite of asking, 'What are the hardest things out there to complete?'" On April 16, Techstars Boston, the first spin-off in the Techstars network of accelerators, celebrated a milestone: 10 years of giving back to the greater tech/entrepreneurship community and assisting founders in the Boston...
Every tech company with a successful piece of hardware that will eventually be copied. As Agent Smith said to Neo in The Matrix, "That is the sound of inevitability." In Las Vegas, attendees at this year's CES were treated to seeing tons and tons of exercise machines that absolutely bring Peloton to mind.
There was an excellent segment on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver about the overall increase of robocalls in the country. It's a funny bit on a consistently funny show, no doubt, but it is concerning that it is happening. Thanks to caller ID on nearly every smartphone, it's a good indicator of which one is a scam phone call.
A New Jersey-based cryptocurrency startup called BitClub Network allegedly scammed $722 million out of its investors. The founders of the company are being federally indicted for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to offer and sell unregistered securities. They also created an enormous scam where they exploited a still somewhat unruly tech sector.
Apple made a jaw-dropping announcement they are keeping customers' private information that is on their various products safe. The extended protection comes from Apple's encryption software that is made to defend any hacking or breaking into. This comes as an astonishing statement, because of the requests from the FBI to break into one of the San Bernardino shooter's iPhone, as reported by USA Today.
Founded in 2012 by Joe Kinsella , Dan Phillips , and Dave Eicher , CloudHealth Technologies is a company that has created a cloud management and analytics platform for enterprise and MSPs. The company has grown substantially over the past six years to have just under 300 employees and have raised $85.7M to date.
In the final part of the Blockchain & Cryptocurrency in Boston Tech series, Colin Barry compiled the interviews from various entrepreneurs, investors, as well as others involved with the cryptocurrency and blockchain sector on what they think will come next.
Picture this; it's 2010/2011 and there is this new currency on the Internet that seems to be only available through somewhat sketchy means and is used by equally sketchy people. Users are using this type of coin to purchase illegal goods on something called the Silk Road through the Deep Web .
If you've read Part 1 of our series, then the next time you are at a family gathering and your not-so-tech-savvy family member asks, "What is Bitcoin/blockchain/'this magic Internet money'/etc.?" you can be an unofficial guide for their journey into the cryptocurrency-space.
The investors have given their two (probably blockchain/cryptocurrency-based) cents on the blockchain and cryptocurrency sector in Boston in Part 2 and a handful of them spoke about industries and companies that are getting involved. But, what else is going on? And, more interestingly, who are the other startups and entrepreneurs getting involved with this space here in Boston?
Editor's Note : Due to global circumstances, Demo Day information indicated in this blog post may be inaccurate. As definitive demo day dates and information are determined, updated info will reflect on the main program page . We are excited to introduce the 10 companies joining Techstars Boston in 2020 - the first class of the second decade of Techstars Boston!
AirDog is a brand new gadget produced and designed by Helico Aerospace Industries US LLC.The AirDog is made specifically for the popular GoPro handheld camera. In fact, it is the first autonomous drone that is used for the GoPro camera. The AirDog does not need controlling, unlike other products that currently use the GoPro for filming sports and such.
Case Studies
The Seminole County Public School District consists of 37 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, nine high schools, six special education centers, a virtual school and four charter schools. The district required a reliable infrastructure that could keep things running smoothly for administrators, teachers, students, and parents.
Volkswagen Slovakia's relies on Flowmon to execute on new strategies tied to security monitoring, detecting security anomolies and enforcing its Zero Trust Policies.
Foundever is currently working to connect drivers who may have car problems via a Telerik-powered website.
Twitch is a massively popular streaming platform that features more than 40 million users creating streaming content, ranging from video game playthroughs to video podcasts. With so many unique content creators on the platform, it can be difficult for new users to discover a streamer they like.
Payworks is a Canadian HR software company focusing on payroll and workforce management services for companies of all sizes. Setting itself apart from other companies, Payworks wants to provide all customers with a seamless experience with a dedicated service model. It's this company trait that led Payworks to notice a market opportunity.
Apero Solutions is an Edmonton, Alberta-based software developer that specializes in supplying wholesale distributors with adaptable ERP cloud-based solutions. Their most noteworthy one is Latitude ERP, which is made up of a suite of character-based applications that help distributors and manufacturers manage their businesses more efficiently.
Cleco is an electric power company serving nearly 300,000 customers across Louisiana. The company's website utilized an older CMS that made the website difficult for users to navigate and challenging for the team to update. Cleco utilized Progress Sitefinity CMS to simplify content and improve navigation for an improved user experience.
USA Rice represents all segments of the U.S. rice industry and, as a global non-profit, they require a consumer-focused website to promote the many benefits of U.S. rice. The Think Rice website is a simple and engaging Sitefinity-powered site featuring content about sustainability, recipes for consumers and foodservice professionals, farmer profiles, videos, and much more.
Conway Regional Health System serves seven counties across Northern Arkansas, providing patients with a variety of health services. To provide the best possible digital experience for its users, Conway wanted to improve the quality of its website. By implementing Progress® Sitefinity® to replace its older CMS, the healthcare organization created an easy-to-navigate website ideal for the patient experience.
Challenge While Argo Ventures Digital was actively hard at work helping their clients build websites, they found themselves falling behind their own digital strategy. In fact, Argo's website did not receive any substantial updates for nearly four years, and the agency saw this as an opportunity to give it a well-deserved refresh.
Technical and Further Education South Australia, or TAFE SA, is a provider of vocational education programs and job training classes for those seeking further development in their careers. TAFE SA is one of the largest organizations of its kind, with locations spread out across South Australia, enrolling 65,000 students annually.
XTRA Lease was looking to implement a new, easier-to-use CMS platform. After partnering with Progress Sitefinity Partner, Americaneagle.com, they were able to leverage Sitefinity to improve upon the site's design and functionality, resulting in an overall better experience for customers.
Life insurance provider Legal & General America (LGA) teamed up with AmericanEagle.com to leverage Sitefinity's personalization capabilities. LGA utilized segments and personas to enable customers to protect their loved ones and to equip advisors with the tools they need to grow their business.
Whitepapers
Whitepaper detailing the ins-and-outs of what lead scoring and predictive lead scoring is, along with marketing attribution models.
Public Relations (Press Releases, Strategies, etc.)
A report on what messaging companies are displaying to their stakeholders during the coronavirus pandemic. In it are some examples and suggestions for companies who may be struggling with conveying their messaging.
The COVID-19 global pandemic is heightening everyone's awareness of keeping surfaces clean and disinfected: Kitchen counters, coffee tables, and, of course, electronic devices. After all, a device like a smartphone, tablet, or laptop will accumulate bacteria that could cause the coronavirus. Unless someone is wiping the device down properly, the virus could spread through a house or office.
Guides/How-To Blogs
Because of application dependencies and possible technical debt, any migration project is going to have its fair share of challenges. Anyone who has undergone a migration project will have stories to share: some good, some not so good, some even humorous. While each project is unique, there is overlap.
It seems that everyone from your coworkers to your kids to your grandparents are hopping online to do their holiday (and non-holiday) shopping. It's also literally no surprise that online shopping continues to dominate the retail sector with brick-and-mortar stores having to constantly adapt to stay even somewhat competitive.
Alternative title: What to do when you get the “macOS Disk Utility Can’t Repair This Disk” message.
Using everyday household products to clean your MacBook and other devices can cause liquid damage.
How to check on your device’s battery health, maintain its life, and learn about its life cycles.
On May 6, 2020, Microsoft will be no longer supporting the to-do list app, Wunderlist. The team behind it will begin to work on Wunderlist's successor, Microsoft To-Do. Microsoft also confirmed that the same features that populated Wunderlist will be on its replacement.
Q&As
Venture Lane's Founder Christian Magel had a chance to speak with us about the organization and how they are assisting early-stage startups. Magel also touched upon his own career as a serial entrepreneur and what led him down the path of helping other entrepreneurs.
Meenta's Co-Founder and CEO Gabor Bethlendy connected with us to talk about how the company's technology is solving the problems involved with this particular part of life science. He also went into detail about the startup's time at Techstars last year.
Augury has created an IoT and AI-enabled device that allows people to monitor machines within large facilities with a smartphone. The company's Co-Founder and CEO Saar Yoskovitz had a chance to speak with us about how the technology works and who some of their clients are.
LinkSquares developed an AI-oriented platform to help legal and finance teams review contracts and hopefully give them the right information from the agreement. Co-Founder and CEO Vishal Sunak discussed with us how the platform works and named a few of the company's clients.
Tufin is pioneering a policy-centric approach to security and IT operations. The company's global headquarters are based in Tel Aviv, Isreal, but it counts Boston as its North American headquarters. Today, the company reaches a major milestone with an IPO. They are now trading under the symbol "TUFN" on the NYSE.
Short Stories
I remember the first time I walked out to the ring. There were more people in the back and locker rooms than in the audience. Most of the staff, fr...
Sharon Stanton is exhausted. And this time, it wasn't just the jetlag. Being a location scout for Athena Pictures had its perks: traveling, minglin...
I groan whenever I hear that old door burst open. It's a pair of wooden doors that were once painte...
On a lonely, cold, quiet night when the moon is full, the Wolf man of Boone’s howls can still be heard echoing through the night sky.
A local con man starts his day, but gets in over his head...
Pop Culture Related Content
March 31 st marks the grand finale of the Sony PlayStation 2, as the online servers for Final Fantasy XI were shut down, as reported by Movie Pilot . After almost two decades, the console is now officially deceased. Sony stopped manufacturing the console and discontinued it worldwide in 2013.
On December 3, 1994, a fresh new video game console was unveiled to the world. It wasn't from Nintendo or Sega. It was from an entertainment conglomerate named Sony that wasn't quite a household name. The console? The PlayStation and its laundry list of classic video series have left an impact on gamers around the world.
is the latest album from long time and extremely popular comedy musician "Weird Al" Yankovic. Much like any typical Yankovic album, it features more than several satirical versions of popular songs, the big single poking fun at Pharrell Williams' "Happy" called "Tacky." There are several broad and artist parodies too, as well as always apparent polka medley.
Castlevania is yet another game this year celebrating a milestone. Released in Japan in 1986 and in the US in 1987, Castlevania is now 30 years old. Simon Belmont's first daring adventure into Count Dracula's castle wowed NES owners back in the late 80s.
After three movies of declining quality, Michael Bay steps up once again to direct . Fans of the popular toy line about robots that transform into vehicles, often groan when talking about the film franchise and how it treats the toy line. Does anything actually change with this installment?
Without question, one of Sony's most popular, and bankable, video game franchises is Uncharted. Nathan Drake's pulpy-blockbuster film styled adventures have wowed gamers with its simplistic, yet tightly refined, gameplay, impressive action sequences, and overall consistently great stories. The four main games in the series have won a variety of awards including a few Game of the Year awards.
Kirby Super Star was one of many classic games celebrating a milestone in 2016. Along with Super Mario 64 and Crash Bandicoot, Kirby Super Star is now 20 years old. Released on the SNES in 1996, Kirby Super Star set itself apart from previous entries in the series.
Mario is a character that needs no major introduction. He is seen nearly everywhere, has starred and appeared over a hundred different games, and is the first thing most people think of when talking about video games. Much like Superman is with comic books and Bugs Bunny is with cartoons, Mario is synonymous with video games.
Ninja Baseball Bat Man is a truly bizarre concept...but a fantastic beat 'em up Ninja Baseball Bat Man may be one of the most truly insane ideas for a video game. The title alone should be enough to make someone's head spin.
is one of the better games on the PlayStation 3 Starhawk is a 2012 pulse pounding action game released on the PlayStation 3. The game is a spiritual successor to the PS3 launch title Warhawk. When it was released, Starhawk received average reviews and had very little to no marketing campaign.
Shadows of the Damned features a hilarious script, great gameplay and a superstar team behind it Shadows of the Damned brings together Suda 51, Shinji Mikami and Akira Yamaoka into one sublime horror action game. It's a gamers dream. The minds behind Killer7, Resident Evil AND the composer for Silent Hill?
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a unique experiment for the long running franchise. It is also one that works, and ultimately succeeds. Shedding familiar plot elements in favor of an incredible, pulse pounding original story about the Rebellion, Rogue One contains outstanding action and battle scenes fans of Star Wars will love.
Deadpool is one of the most popular characters Marvel Comics has ever produced, debuting as a generic bad guy who later developed into a sarcastic jerk in the 90s. Nowadays, Deadpool is best known as a fourth wall breaking, over-the-top violent anti-hero. Deadpool has had more than a few comic series, having been featured in...
In a sprawling urban landscape, people come from all different backgrounds and personalities. Sometimes, everyone has the ability to work together, but more often than not, citizens just don't get along. Disney portrays this situation of a metropolis, among other aspects of city life in Zootopia, its 55th animated film.
Batman and Superman are two superheroes who are ingrained into American pop culture. The two have fought multiple times in their respective comics, but never on the silver screen. While "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" is overstuffed, beyond complicated and filled with silly and stupid moments, but the action and character representations work exceptionally...