SiteVision News & Tips November 2014

Windows OS: A Long, Slow Slog To Perfection?

win10previewIt’s really hard to get excited about an OS that has failed consumers and business in so many ways. But maybe there’s hope. Windows 8.1 got a boost in adoption from 6.7 percent in September to nearly eleven percent in October. And, yes, soon there’s to be a leap – not to Windows 9 – but to Windows 10.

As should be expected, however, most consumers are holding on to their version of Windows until the dust settles or the cows come home (whatever happens first). Windows 7, for instance, still has a whopping 53 percent share, followed by XP at 17 percent – down from nearly 24 percent in September – when Microsoft cut off support for that version.

Shutting Down The XP, VISTA Win 7 Lifeline:

A look at the numbers might suggest that the Win 8.1 increased market share had more to do with a Microsoft power play. MS is virtually forcing XP, VISTA, and Win 7, 8 users to adopt Win 8.1 as they begin to cut off consumer retail sales and mainstream support for Pre-8.1 OS versions. With the earlier lifelines shutting down, there’s really little choice for desktop Window users, other than to hold on, or move to 8.1 (aka Windows 10).

So It’s On To Win 10:

The Win 10 Technical Preview (9841) tells us a bit about what the expected 2015 release will sport, with substantial tweaks and additions, no doubt. In fact there’s already an update build called 9860 promising some 7,000 changes and additions. While the Technical Preview is exactly what it says – it’s geared to technical users, both techies and regular users can view a Microsoft video that illustrates expected features and tweaks for Windows 10.

Since the Microsoft OS commands a whopping 91 percent (plus) desktop market share, it’s likely you, too, will soon be running Windows 10. Enterprise users, however, will probably continue to resist embracing an operating system with a pretty dismal record to date. You can read more at Microsoft (lifecycle), Forbes, CNET, TechRadar, and Computerworld

SiteVision Certified As SOC-1 SSAE 16 Type II Compliant.

Alt text hereWe’re proud to have achieved this certification! It follows a robust, independent third party audit that performed a rigorous assessment of SiteVision company controls that included administration, human resources, management, development, hosting, security policies, procedures and practices, as well as training and contracting. The compliance standards are those developed by AICPA (American Institute of Certified PUblic Accountants).

Regular customers, as well as those with sensitive security and document requirements, can outsource multiple needs knowing that SiteVision is compliant. You can read more here.

iphone6-smThe Best Smartphones Right Now

If you’re looking ahead to the holidays and to treating yourself or a significant other to a new Smartphone, there are a few that consistently rise to the top.

It probably comes as no surprise that the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are hands down winners with almost every reviewer we checked out. Others that were consistently found in the top tier were Samsung Galaxy 5, the new Moto X, The LG G3, the Sony Xperia Z3, and the HTC One M8. You can check them out at: CNET, TechRadar, ZDNET, Business Insider.

Just Introduced: The Nexus 6

N6-smThe hot, new Nexus 6, gets a good first take from reviewers who also note that this phone is a top tier offering with a price to match. Great specs, a 13-megapixel phone, “buttery smooth operation,” and the new Lollipop operating system make it an intriguing contender late in the year according to CNET’s first take. It is slated to be available off or on contract as preferred. Last we heard it was already backordered, or as Google prefers to call it available for “preorder”! Expected shipping mid-November?

Nexus9_smAnother Newbie From Google: The Nexus 9 Tablet.

Just out, the new Nexus 8.9” tablet gets a positive take over at TechRadar. Strong specs, the new Lollipop operating system, great speakers for a device of this type, a 2,048 x 1,536-pixel-resolution with a decent, but not cheap price point, make it a contender to be considered. Pricing starts at $399 for a 32GB model. Current Competitors include the Samsung Tab S (in 10.5” and 8.4”), the iPad Air 2, and Sony’s Z3.

Drupal Warns Users: Apply Latest Security Patch Now.

drupal logoFor users who have not deployed the latest patch released on October 15, Drupals says consider yourself compromised, and restore from a backup now!

“Automated attacks began compromising Drupal 7 websites that were not patched or updated to Drupal 7.32 within hours of the announcement of SA-CORE-2014-005 – Drupal core – SQL injection,” the Drupal security team said.

“You should proceed under the assumption that every Drupal 7 website was compromised unless updated or patched before Oct 15th, 11pm UTC, that is 7 hours after the announcement.”

This is a biggie for Drupal users. Intrusion is very hard to detect, and the compromise is massive. Drupal considers the patch highly critical.
Read More Here

SiteVision Certified As SOC 1 SSAE 16 Type II Compliant

AICPA Roanoke, VA October 30, 2014:  Following a robust, third-party audit, SiteVision Inc., a Virginia-based web hosting and development firm, has been certified as SOC 1 SSAE 16 Type II compliant.  The compliance standards developed by AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) are a rigorous assessment process that audit internal controls with regard to security, trust, service and processing protocols.

The audit covered a wide swath of company controls that included administration, human resources, management, development, hosting, security policies, procedures and practices, as well as training and contracting.

Patrick Maddox, President, noted that SiteVision’s investment in the external audit represents “our total dedication to meet and exceed both our internal commitment to excellence and that of customer expectations.   While all customers benefit from such compliance, those with sensitive requirements can feel confident that SiteVision has been assessed as compliant with these important industry standards.  They can outsource areas like web hosting, cloud and co-location services knowing that we already meet SSAE 16 requirements.”

The auditing firm added: “Congratulations are in order as SiteVision has received a favorable opinion on the design and operating effectiveness of your control environment. This is a significant accomplishment and is an indication of the sound control environment you’ve established. . .”

“You have been a very responsive and professional client to work with and we absolutely appreciate all your efforts. We realize the audit process has been a major undertaking and we hope the process itself and the results of the audit prove to be beneficial going forward” (Jack Moore, CPA CITP President The Moore Group, CPA LLC)

SSAE 16 is an enhancement to the current standard for Reporting on Controls at a Service Organization, the SAS70. Among refinements to SAS70, the changes made bring US companies current with new international service organization reporting standards, the ISAE 3402.

While a Type I audit tests internal controls at a specific point in time, a Type II is time-based auditing that provides results of extensive testing over a defined period of time (at least 6 months) to determine how effectively the processes and controls are achieved.  The SOC 1 Report (Service Organization Controls Report) is a secondary report relevant to internal controls over financial reporting.

SiteVision, Inc. was found compliant with both SOC 1 and SAE 16 Type II standards.

SiteVision, Inc. (www.sitevision.com) is an Internet application development, consulting, design and hosting firm providing solutions for a broad spectrum of markets and industries, as well as for state, federal and international entities. Expertise includes custom, back-end dynamic applications, consulting to achieve unique goals, geographic information systems (GIS), content management systems, hosting services including, map and GIS application hosting, as well as custom and dedicated hosting solutions.

SiteVision, Inc. participates in, or is available through, the following state and federal contracting vehicles:

  •  Virginia VITA CAI Supplier, Managed Staff Augmentation Services Contract (VA-051123-CAI)
  •  Virginia VITA Supplier, Hosting Services Contract
  •  Virginia eVa Procurement as a sub-contractor to various state and federal private contractor entities
  •  State and Federal Sole-source Contracting

The firm has its home office in Roanoke, VA, with sales offices in Charlottesville, VA and Miami, FL.

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