Between cell phones, televisions and computers, our kids are spending an average of 7 and ½ hours a day in front of some type of electronic media.  TV…iPod…cell phone…computer.  For some kids, that’s as much if not more time than they spend in school!

The Kaiser Family Foundation just released a fascinating study on the interaction of kids and media…and (hopefully) to no one’s surprise, media consumption growing.   In 2004, kids were averaging 6 hours and 21 minutes per day…so in the past 5 years, consumption has grown 18%. Quite a jump.

One surprising statistic is that most parents don’t seem to realize how much time their kids are spending staring at some sort of screen…keep in mind that 7.5 hours/day is the average…heavy media users peak at 16 hours/day with light media users around 3.  This amount of time seems crazy, but if you take a minute and think about it…the time adds up quickly…think of all the time you spend on your Blackberry…from calls…to email…to texting…to photos…it is amazing and needs to be managed.

Some other numbers really jumped out at me…71% of kids have a TV in their room and 64% watch TV during dinner.   The number one recommendation for reducing the “over consumption” of media is to pull the TV out of the room.  Duh!  Of the 7.5 hours, TV amounts to approx 4.5 hours, with music at 2.5 hours, computers at 1.5 hours, video at a little over 1 hour and the cell phone at 49 minutes.  This is interesting to me…I have always thought my family was a little odd…but these numbers don’t reflect my family.  My kids are on computers over 2 hours/day doing homework – this may be because their school uses an online learning management system so they have to be online to get homework assignments and/or for online tutorials.   They also spend way more than 49 minutes on their phones (especially if you count texting!)  Lastly, TV time for my family is WAY below 4.5 hours as well. 

Here is some other interesting data…at least for parents…47% of heavy media consumers (16 hours/day) reported having lower grades in school compared with only 23% of light media users (3 hours per day).  So there appears to be correlation between too much media and not studying…who would have guessed…LOL.

So jump out and take a look at the study yourself…and see how your family stacks up.  I found it fascinating and it confirms that my family isn’t normal!  At last I have proof!

Good news and bad news…the good news is that new ideas on how to connect and communicate are still coming…enhancements to Facebook, Google Buzz…lots of good ideas.  The bad news is that folks seem to have forgotten that there are a lot of bad guys out there and you need to protect your social networks just as much as you need virus protection software for your pc and a firewall for your network.

Keep in mind that hacking has taken on a new strategy whereby the hacker gets in and keeps their presence quiet so that they can pick my opportunity to take advantage…no longer are they just attacking…hackers are in stealth mode and your social network is a great target.  Also note that hackers post successes for others to read…so that when one gets in, the rest can follow.

Social networks are the new big “Greenfield” opportunity for hackers.  People are forgetting that your network has a ton of info about you and a ton of info about your friends.   I have been seeing reports of Facebook hacking scams where a hacker gets in to your page, changes the password so that you cannot get in and then scams your friends by telling them you are trapped in some foreign country and need money.   Your friends respond by sending you money…only problem is that you don’t get the money…the hacker does.    Facebook has a form that must be filled out if your account has been compromised.   Make sure that you know where to find it on their site as it might come in handy some day.

Other tips include limiting the info that is on your page…don’t have your complete birthday (just the month and date are good enough) and don’t put your full name or address or cell number on the page.  Also watch out for information that you unwittingly include…such as your schools name on a sweatshirt or a license plate on a car.  Hackers are smart people…don’t forget that…and your friends already know how to get in touch with you.  Also make sure that you review the privacy settings…don’t just go with the default.

Google Buzz…you have to love the notion of using your email list to automatically create your social network.  I think that this is a great idea because the people that I email all the time are great candidates for my social network.  Only problem is that my contacts could become publically available.  Don’t worry as Google is fixing the issue, but this is a great example of a well meaning company making a mistake.  Google is getting real serious about social networking and Buzz won’t be the last we hear from them.

So what is the bottom line…for me it is that you have to pay attention to the details and make sure you information is protected no matter where it is stored.

The worst of the recession looks to be over and companies are starting to hire again.  Great news.  So if you are in the market to find a new job or career – then where do you look?  The same is true if you are just coming out of college and are looking for employment that might not be in your main field of study.   Since I have spent the last 20 years in tech, I may be biased, however I recommend technology.

The demand for tech is continuing to grow with many tech jobs remaining in demand during even the bottom of the recession.    AND…technology jobs are going to be one of the first to return…I have already seen this to be true with IT job demand since the January 1!

So if you aren’t a techie, but want to be…or at least think about it…what positions are the most in demand?

Well, the folks at Network world did some research and came up with the following listing…I am only going to directly discuss the first two and add one that is not on the list.  The entire list can be found at www.networkworld.com.

First on the list is Security specialist/ethical hacker.   Most websites are Swiss cheese and hackers are having a fun time hacking in to everything they can.  There are even websites that list sites that are vulnerable and how to break in.   Want to be surprised…go to YouTube.com and search on “hacking how to” videos…there are plenty of them.  This is going to be a major field, so get in now, with the Wash/Balt region becoming the epicenter for IT security for the world – you can’t go wrong.

Next on the list is Virtual Systems Manager.  If you aren’t familiar with the concepts of Software as a Service (Saas) and Cloud technologies, take a few minutes and read up on these topics.  Predictions are that more than 50% of all software will be purchased using a Saas model – meaning that you will pay as you go.    Cloud technology and virtualization allow for companies to significantly reduce their risk and costs by using technology computing resources that are “in the cloud”..you no longer need to know where your servers are…let someone else worry about it and cut your costs by 50%.  Amazing.

Other positions on the list include Capacity Manager, Network Engineer, Open Source Specialist, Service Assurance Manager, Electronic Health Records Manager, Sourcing Specialist, Service Catalog Manager and Business Process Engineer.  All good jobs and worthy of some research should you be interested in choosing a new career.

Also give some thought to a Social Media Analyst.  These folks are very much in demand as everyone works to grapple with the best way to utilize Facebook, Twitter and FourSquare to create and maintain communities of friends, clients, customers, prospects, vendors…Being able to do a little HTML will dramatically raise your price tag for this position.

So the good news is that companies are starting to hire and tech positions are one of the first to gain momentum.    Do some research and jump in…a bright future awaits.  If you want more information on what the Baltimore business community is looking for in IT positions, feel free to visit www.g1440.com and check our list of positions that businesses are looking for.

Ever heard the term…”it takes a village”…well, Mark Randall, a local entrepreneur has launched The Athlete Village.  If you haven’t heard about this site, I believe you will.

Launched on January 19^th, www.theathletevillage.com was built to create an online community of swimming coaches and swimming enthusiasts for the purpose of making you a better swimmer and building community.  Cool idea and joining the village is free.

Let’s face it…most folks are competitive and we all love to win.  What is the major difference between many successful athletes and many unsuccessful athletes?  Professional experienced coaching.

Athlete Village solves this issue by offering online technical analysis of your swimming stroke…and for only $49.   All you need to do is upload a video on the site, and you get access to some of the best coaches in swimming…they will give you feedback, advice and pointers on how to improve.  Now, the really good coaching that used to be only available to the top swimmers is now available to everyone!

The Athlete Village is really an online “village”…and provides an online meeting place for athletes and coaches to share experiences, knowledge, guidance, and just to get together with other villagers with similar interests.   Athletes love to hang out and learn/chat with others of similar interests.

“There is a large community of swimmers out there – a community that includes beginners, kids looking for better times to get college scholarships, masters swimmers, recreational swimmers, and triathletes –and they are looking for ways to improve,” said Scott Riewald, performance technologist for The US Olympic Committee and Athlete Village coach. “We don’t intend on replacing existing coaches or swim camps but rather want to provide access to other resources and a greater number of experts than is readily available to most swimmers along with a community site to host the exchange of information”

And swimming is just the beginning…many sports will fit in to this model…so stay tuned and keep checking out as Mark and his team continue to roll out new sports.  I can’t wait for golf…because I could certainly use the help!  Come on Athlete Village…what is wrong with my wedge…it IS my wedge right…and not me…right?   It has to be the club…couldn’t be me…right?

Baltimore, MD, January 4, 2010 – G.1440 today announced the completion of an agreement to be acquired by Constellation Software, Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary Constellation HomeBuilder Systems. The talent and technology of G.1440 will remain in Baltimore, where the company will continue to operate under the same name and management team. With a portfolio of over 20,000 customers in over 30 countries, Constellation will help solidify G.1440’s position in the market and help it grow as Baltimore’s technology leader.

Founded in 1998, G.1440 provides a range of technology services, including web design, online marketing, custom application development, and IT staffing. The Baltimore company’s depth and range of services made it attractive to CSI.

“By bringing expert teams in web design, marketing, development, and tech staffing together, G.1440 offers a hybrid solution unlike any we’ve seen,” says Dexter Salna, President of Constellation HomeBuilder Systems. “With a 12 year history of growth fueled by repeat business from an impressive client list that includes many of Maryland’s premier companies, G.1440 was a natural fit for the Constellation family.”

“With Constellation we’re in an even better position to empower our clients through technology,” said Larry Fiorino, G.1440’s President and Founder. “We’re excited that CSI has recognized what our clients have experienced – the immense value that our design, development, marketing, and staffing teams bring when they work together. This acquisition is great news for Baltimore!”

Financial details of the acquisition are not being made public.

About Constellation Software, Inc.

Constellation Software Inc. is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “CSU”. Constellation is an international provider of market leading software and services to a number of industries across both the public and private sectors. The Company acquires, manages and builds vertical market software businesses that provide mission-critical software solutions to address the specific needs of its customers in those industries. Constellation Software, Inc. is in no way affiliated with Constellation Energy – a Baltimore based energy company.

About G.1440, LLC.

G.1440 is a 12 year old Baltimore based technology firm that provides End-to-End IT solutions that Get IT to Work for leading companies nationwide. With services including custom web application development, web design, online marketing and tech staffing, G.1440 stands out by offering hybrid IT solutions – the right mix of technology, the people, and price – working with clients however clients need us to. G.1440 was founded by Larry Fiorino in 1998 and was previously a subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group.

Media Inquiries
Tim Kassouf
marketing@g1440.com
(410) 843-3823

Yanni & I, the Marketing Interns, have posted our second episode of Intern1440, our behind-the-scenes video series.

Check it out below or on the G.1440 Facebook page, leave some comments, and let us know if there’s something or someone you’d like us to dig into here at G.1440!

“More than 100,000 apps — downloaded more than a million times a day — are now available through Apple’s iTunes store for the iPhone and iPod touch,” according to Ryan Sharrow of the Baltimore Business Journal in his recent article, “Going App”.

I have to wonder what I’m missing out on…my cell phone consists of a purple Motorola MOTO W755, a standard flip phone from Verizon. I can text, send pictures, and take basic video — up until recently, that was enough for me.

Now with the craze of mobile technology, it seems as though cell phones are expected to double as a mini laptop in your pocket!! Sigh…like grade school recess all over again, I am the outcast.

So what does this mean for business marketers? — They to are now craving creative convenience, entertainment, and information at their consumers’ fingertips.

In his article, Sharrow discussed the explosion of mobile apps and how companies are using them to offer convenience and immediacy to consumers. First Mariner Bank, UMBC, and UMMS are just a few of the examples Sharrow touched on. From locating a nearest branch location, guiding a student around campus, or simply driving traffic to websites – you name it, there’s an app for it.

I found UMBC’s future expectations of apps to be the most intriguing. The campus portal architect, B. Collier Jones, visualizes future UMBC apps to go as far as helping a student find a parking spot on campus!! — Any Towson University student would probably cry tears of joy if this were to come to our campus. It’s truly amazing the direction that mobile technology is taking!

As a G.1440 intern, I am learning from the steps the company is taking to stay above the curve on this trend. With our mobile site recently launched, Marketing Manager, Tim Kassouf, is constantly stressing that strategy is key.

G.1440 is capable of mobile site & app development, as well as text sms marketing – aside from technical expertise, the most important aspect to keep in mind is strategy. Companies need to start by figuring out why & how going mobile would benefit their consumers. The key is using the technology to appeal and suit your customer base, and don’t limit yourself to iPhone apps!

Tim has also pointed out that he believes the trend of software downloads like mobile apps may steer more towards immediate web log-ins as faster connections become available and technology develops — the need for actual downloads may dwindle…

I guess I oughta’ start keeping up with technology — as a loyal Verizon patron…perhaps I’ll go try out Tim’s new Droid while he’s in a meeting ;-]

Great news! G.1440 partnered up with The Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA) to deliver web security solutions that current standards such as firewalls and anti-viruses cannot deliver.

Chris Howe, Director of Systems & Technology, states “Too many companies believe that their firewall, hosting company or even anti-virus software will protect them, but these vulnerabilities exist in the site code that is displayed on the web, and are not protected by network security measures.”

Over 90% of websites have Security Threats. Only 1% have a threat prevention plan. A clear solution that won’t interfere with your site, network, or operations, and security starts at around $1 a day.

Check out this article to learn more about the partnership.

Since its inception, web 2.0 has been all about giving users control and opening a two-way dialogue online. We’ve seen the popularity of sites that allow users to customize their experience, and now Coca-Cola is taking some of the same concepts that have made social networking popular and bringing them offline.

Starting this summer, in selected diners and fast-food chains, Coca-Cola will release its first software-driven drink dispenser. The Freestyle will be the first dispenser that allows customers to mix around with 30 different flavors and over 100 different drink combinations! In addition to all the loads of fun that customers can have with this dispenser, Coca-Cola has added some action packed high-tech features that will blow current business practices out of the market.

Each flavor cartridge is attached to a radio frequency ID chip which gathers data on how much and what kinds of drinks customers are consuming. At the end of each day, this data gets transmitted through a private network (provided by Verizon) to Coca-Cola’s headquarters in Atlanta.

In the past, Coca-Cola’s fast-food customers have struggled to keep their inventories stocked and balanced. Now with the Freestyle, Coca-Cola is able to efficiently track inventories and distribute beverage formulas to these customers.

The data also helps Coca-Cola and fast-food outlets decide what to serve and where to promote. Additionally, this data could help Coke recognize popular drink combinations, and in return Coke could opt to bottle those combinations through retail outlets, knowing that their investment will pay off.

In the world today, customization is a great way to appeal to customers and ultimately, Coke is looking to the Freestyle to help increase sales by giving customers more beverage choices. They are spending a pretty penny to track product interest, usage, habits and to give users more options and control. Almost every business can start doing the same sorts of things with a well executed web site and web marketing strategy. It’s cost effective and fast – and you’d get the same benefits.

Coca-Cola is raising the bar. Let’s just hope the lines aren’t too long while you wait to order your Peach Creamsicle Caffeine Free Diet Coke!

Surfing the internet is a part of our everyday life…..we turn to the “net” to get everything from information on our competitors to making dinner reservations……however, surfing has a new threat that you need to be aware of…..hackers are always looking for ways to wreak havoc on your computer and now they’ve found another strategy…..it’s called scareware and the things it could do to your computer should scare you.

Hackers are creating booby traps on the internet to infect your computer and then sell you bogus software to supposedly fix the infection. You will be stuck in a never ending series of pop-ups until you eventually click and buy the software they want you to buy. The software they sell you will not fix the problem, so you end up spending $40 to $80 dollars and end up with an infected pc. In many cases, clicking and buying just makes the pop-ups increase.

By late last year, more than 9,200 different types of scareware programs were circulating on the Internet, up from 2,800 at midyear, according to The Anti-Phishing Working Group.

You can pick up some scareware in many locations……on YouTube the bad guys are signing up and posting comments on videos with enticing links. You watch a video you like, click on the link to another video and bam….you have a bad case of scareware.

In a variation, the bad guys create Twitter accounts and begin broadcasting tweets with enticing links and when you click on the link, you get the same result.

To set a trap in search engines, the hackers post web pages that are optimized with popular key words. This is caused by websites that don’t do a good job of keeping their www sites safe. 91% of websites have vulnerabilities that can be exploited and only 1% have a prevention plan.

Last but not least, hackers buy ad space on popular websites. Generally, they will use an intermediary such as an agency. They mix booby trapped ads with clean ads.

Many of these schemes are originating overseas, however some start right here in the US. In 2008, Microsoft and Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna filed civil lawsuits against Branch Software and Alpha Red, both US companies, charging that they were marketing scareware.
The top-level suppliers, however, continue to operate with impunity, mainly based in Russia. And new affiliates crop up every day, full of fresh ideas to spread increasingly invasive promotions…

So what can you do? AVG’s free LinkScanner tool will help to prevent you from clicking on malicious Web links. AVG has a quality product and it is free.

What should businesses do? They need their www sites to be scanned to find the traps that have been set. Visit G.1440 to learn more about how to protect your business.