O.M.S. Newsletter - May 2008

LOCAL BUSINESS SELECTED AS SEMI-FINALIST FOR $1,000.00 SMALL BUSINESS GRANT FROM IDEACAFE.COM

Margaret V. Austin of Outer Montana Systems (O.M.S.) has been selected from over 700 applicants as a semi-finalist in the running to receive a $1,000.00 small business grant from Idea Cafe.com, a top-rated website for small business.

IdeaCafe.com, online since 1995, is known for its "Fun Approach to Serious Business" and popular CyberSchmooz community forum to help small businesses get informed, network and thrive.

Francie Ward, CEO of IdeaCafe.com, explained that the semi-finalists for this grant, Idea Cafe's Small Business Grant in Honor of Longtime Business Expert, Kent Capener, "demonstrate an inventive approach which will inspire others who come to IdeaCafe.com seeking advice on starting and running a business. Plus they've shown us they have a plan to reach out and help others in some way."

The field of semi-finalists for this grant will be reduced to finalists and the winner will be determined by the vote of IdeaCafe.com's 32,000 members worldwide and announced online on June 24, 2007 on www.IdeaCafe.com

New OSUL version upgrade

O.M.S. is pleased to announce a version upgrade of its OSUL software. OSUL is a time saving website management tool that allows website owners to easily add or change adjunct website pages using the automatic HTML writing features.

There were two main changes in the new version of the software. One change enhanced digital photo management tools, improving the method with which photo information tags are entered. The descriptions are now entered through the main screen rather than through time consuming prompts during the upload preparation process. Another benefit included in this upgrade is that all the data is saved before the upload occurs. There is even a new button that allows the user to save data any time during the session. This helpful feature prevents the loss of data when people leave the project in the middle and plan to finish it later.

The second primary change relates to the backup process. Users can now select full directories for backup rather than only individual files. This process makes it much easier to ensure that all important active files are being updated. This feature allows for huge time savings, making the backup function even more valuable.

Announcing Free Upgrades to Existing Users

In an effort to further support our customers, O.M.S. announces free upgrades of the new version of OSUL to all existing customers. Free upgrades will ensure that all customers are using the most current version of OSUL.

To upgrade your product, contact businessoffice@omsweb.com

Idea Café Profile – June 2008

O.M.S. is proud to announce that its business profile has gone live on Ideacafe.com as of 5/30/08. Idea Cafe selects those businesses who meet their strict standards and who demonstrate excellence in their industry. O.M.S. appreciates their vote of confidence and looks forward to working further with Idea Cafe.

Personal Corner

Family websites are becoming increasingly popular as individuals realize the flexibility of the Internet. As VeriSign, an Internet research organization predicted a few years ago, personal websites are gaining ground, though they are not as prevalent as business sites. Domain name ownership has become more affordable over time and many families are purchasing a domain name that includes their last name, “jfranks.com” or name and city “smithslondon.com”, or other creative combinations. Having a unique domain name allows families to use their domain name in their email address, jfranks@msi.com, for example, or even to create their own website.

As individuals become more knowledgeable about the Internet, they recognize that the Internet has much to offer families. Having your own website can be useful in many ways. Most families have other family members that do not live in the same area. A family website allows family members the opportunity to post pictures of all kinds: activities, awards, art projects, report cards, etc. This information can be extremely rewarding to the distant family who views them. Seeing aspects of their loved one’s personal day to day life can help the viewer feel closer to the sender and facilitate communication about various related topics. Living far away from loved ones is often very alienating. The ease with which photos can be uploaded to a personal website will likely result in more frequent interaction and connection. Easily viewing pictures, without the cost and delays of printing and mailing them, can help bridge the distance gap.

Photos are not the only option for website storage. Blogs, files and personal information can be easily shared and protected. Having a family website means that you are not subject to the often frivolous rules and restrictions present on so many email servers. In addition, privacy is assured since the website will be available only to those with the exact address and not to those who search a system based on a related word. The value of a frequent connection between children and distant older family members cannot be overstated. Family websites provide a needed tool to help facilitate this communication and intimate connection. OSUL provides Internet management tools that can enable even family members who are inexperienced with the Internet to come up to speed quickly and enjoy the benefits of more frequent connection with loved ones. Owning your own website is more versatile than other options, for example, it can be used for both sides of the family, or used for any number of purposes: for hobbies, pets, sports, etc. Your own website can be used for whatever you want to communicate with others about.

For those individuals who believe that running their own personal family website seems a little challenging to start with, there are services that provide a system for families to utilize in establishing their own website. One interesting and reasonably priced service option is: https://www.thefamilypost.com/

Another website with similar options for family websites is http://www.myfamily.com/Welcome/Default.aspx

Both of these sites provide sound options for those families who are not the do-it-yourself types.

Business Corner

Summary of business uses:

According to previous VeriSign research, businesses register domain names for the primary purpose of:

• Sending and receiving email, (a task which could be related to either personal or business use);
• Establishing a professional image for their business;
• Brand protection;
• Reaching out to the global market; and
• Establishing Web sites.
• The same research indicated that businesses value Websites because:
• Websites make it easier for customers to find them (customer service);
• More effective communication with their customers, vendors, and suppliers;
• Establishment of a professional image;
• Extending a global reach;
• Improving local appeal, or
• Protecting their business or personal name;
• Easier for prospective customers to find them  

Bloomberg Marketing examined Internet business strategies that utilize a web site. These strategies include:

• Advertising: banners, email, websites
• Partnerships with other companies
• Networking: listserves/discussion groups, bulletin boards, blogs;
• Customer service: email, FAQ, online chat;
• Viral marketing;
• Public Relations: website press room, email releases, blogs;
• Creating a professional image by the “look & feel”, navigation/usability of websites;
• Online events: webcasts, promotions or contests, website content, blogs;
• Loyalty programs;
• Security/privacy policy;
• Research: website & email;
• Building Leadership/Credibility: web content, white papers, articles, blogs, RSS, discussion groups, webcasts
• Coupons;
• Online samples;
• Customer communication: email, newsletters, alerts

These detailed results highlight many of the valuable aspects to owning a domain name and a company website. Even locally based companies can benefit from many of these strategies. Whatever your field, a website is fast becoming a necessary aspect of conducting business in today’s marketplace.

Feedback and Sharing

In today's society, it is far too easy to become isolated, especially while using the Internet. We welcome your ideas, thoughts, and experiences about our product and services. It is our objective to design and create an effective system that is error free and meets your needs in the best way possible. You can contact us at:

CustomerService@omsweb.com