The (Re)Rise of Assembly

Well, I never.

In days long ago when I first started out in IT, the language of choice for any serious developer had to be Assembly, whether it be Z80, 6510 or 6502. In-machine memory was small and expensive and developers needed to produce code that was tight, efficient and compact. Things progressed, memory became cheap and newer, ’easier’ programming languages took hold.

Now, with the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) the demand for Assembly language skills seem, to be once more, on the rise. According to Tiobe's programming language index, Assembly just cracked the top-10.

It is no surprise that the languages most in demand are still C, C++ and Java, but this blogger, for one, never imagined a time when Assembly would once more appear in the top 10. 

The most likely reasons that we are seeing this trend is the growth in small devices that, by nature of their size, have a need for the compact coding footprint of that once popular form of programming. Plus, Assembly code for a set chip-set can run on just about any device that makes use of that chip-set.

As IoT technology evolves we may see a reversal in the ‘rise from the ashes’ of Assembly, new technology may once more allow the use of looser, bigger foot print languages. But for now, as a developer, you could do a lot worse than dusting of your old Assembly skills.

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Will Hogarth

CTO @ VGS Media

Will Hogarth is a long time geek, writer and long distance triathlete, with extensive experience in most areas of the IT World. Will is a former games developer, DBA and project manager, but unlike most geeks he has a passion for the outdoors and a life of adventure.

Links

media.vgs.global || www.willhogarth.com

Throwing Business Away

In our technological age, data is king. We all look to grow the quantity and quality of the data we hold on our respective CRM systems. 

The way we can collect this data can vary: mailing lists, logins for free downloads or subscription benefits. Whichever way you collect your data, one thing that is almost certain is that you/your business will be making use of on line forms.

This brings me to my point. There are so many companies, including some of the larger organisation, throwing away this opportunity.

How?

The problem is they use an email validation routine within their forms that only copes with the tradition Top Level Domains (TLDs). This means it is OK if your perspective customer trying to give you their data, uses a ‘.com’ or a ‘.co.uk’ email address. However, if they use one of the newer TLDs,  (such as '.global') their email address will be rejected as being invalid. 

The Result

They will then soon become fed up and go to one of your competitors. All this means you have lost out on valuable data, and moreover: the prospect of a new customer.

In Wrap Up

In order to make sure you and/or your organisation does not lose out, the answer is simple: Make sure any data capture forms validate any email addresses against the latest list of Top Level Domains.

Talk to VGS Media about your Web App needs

Will Hogarth

CTO @ VGS Media

Will Hogarth is a long time geek, writer and long distance triathlete, with extensive experience in most areas of the IT World. Will is a former games developer, DBA and project manager, but unlike most geeks he has a passion for the outdoors and a life of adventure.

Links

media.vgs.global || www.willhogarth.com

Home AND Away

In the year ending December 2015, government figures show there were over 713,000 domestic burglaries in England and Wales. Averaged out, that is one burglary ever 45-seconds. This figure can be further split down to 499,000 burglaries in a dwelling and the remaining 214,000 in a non-dwelling.  (Non-dwellings include the likes of sheds and other out buildings.)

While this is a drop of almost 10% on the previous year, steps can be taken, to reduce your risk of being part of these statistics.  

The recent advancement on Smart Home security technology has taken residential security to a whole new level.

From basic motion sensors and sensors that detect open windows and doors, through to remote monitoring CCTV solutions, through again to the latest in smart, motion detection CCTV solutions.

  

It is now possible to set up a CCTV system that has specific zones for motion its detection. Then only if movement is detected, in the specified zone, will the alarm be raised. This allows users to set up the system so nearby tree movements etc. can be ‘zoned-out’ so to reduce the number of false alarms.

However, in the modern Smart Home, you do not have to stop there. Think about it. A CCTV motion sensor could trigger a chain of other events. A bedroom light could come on. Followed by a landing light. Then an audible alarm could be sounded if further sensors are triggered and messages sent to anyone on a predefined contacts list. All-in-all, making the home owner a less attractive target.

But what if I am away?

This is where the latest range of Smart Home equipment come into their own.

At one time consumers were limited to an alarm and a set of simple timers to switch lights on and off and pre-set times. Now, smart homes can be set up to ‘learn’ the habits of its occupants. What is learned can be stored and used as a pre-defined program to run when the home owner is away. This program can also be randomised to some level to give the prospective burglar more to think about.

So, lights can be set to come, dim, brighten and go off. TV and audio equipment may be programmed to play in different rooms. Blinds may be opened and closed, and even the vacuum cleaner can be set to do the rounds. All the time, the Smart Home owner can monitor their home from any internet connected location anywhere in the world.

At the end of the day it will seem to the casual onlooker that the home is occupied and busy. Again making it less likely to be just another statistic.

Is your home a Smart home?

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Will Hogarth

CTO @ VGS Media

Will Hogarth is a long time geek, writer, and long distance triathlete, with extensive experience in most areas of the IT World. Will is a former games developer, DBA and project manager, but unlike most geeks he has a passion for the outdoors and a life of adventure.

Links

media.vgs.global || www.willhogarth.com

Stand and Deliver

A switch back to security issues with today’s post. Specifically, a look at Ransomware, what it is and how to protect against it.

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malware (or virus) that can be installed on a computer without knowledge or the intention of the user. Typically, it takes the form of a Trojan, entering a system through, a downloaded file or a vulnerability in an online service. Its aim is to restricts access to the infected computer system in some way, sometimes completely. Then it will demand that the user pays a fee (a Ransom) to the perpetrators to have the restriction removed.

Have Ransomware attacks not ended?

Things did seem to quiet down, however there has been a measured increase in detection of new threats. Kaspersky Lab Detected a 14% Increase in New Ransomware Modifications in the first quarter of 2016.

Are only PCs at risk?

Originally, this was the case. However, it did not take long for attacks to migrate from traditional targets to mobile devices. These infections work in much the same way, locking out a user until a fee is paid.

What can I do to protect myself?

Vigilance is the key. Avoid sites where pirated content is provided. Pirated downloads may have been modified to harbour hidden viruses and malicious content.  Avoid sites that stream pay for view content for free. Again for the same reasons as above. And also in this vain, think before clicking on a link.

Next, ensure you keep your anti-virus software up to date. At one time there was little defence against Ransomware, but now most credible anti-virus systems deal well with legacy attacks. I say legacy attacks as new malware is always been developed and there is always the risk of attacks before fixes become available. 

Finally, take regular off line back-ups.  Ransomware plays on a weakness that we are all afraid of losing all our precious content. Knowing that many of us would rather pay than suffer that fate. Having a good back-up policy removes this risk. If you become infected you can simply ‘flatten’ a machine and restore from back-up. 

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Will Hogarth

CTO @ VGS Media

Will Hogarth is a long time geek, writer, and long distance triathlete, with extensive experience in most areas of the IT World. Will is a former games developer, DBA and project manager, but unlike most geeks he has a passion for the outdoors and a life of adventure.

Links

media.vgs.global || www.willhogarth.com

Layers of the Smart Home

The question I get asked most about Smart Homes is: “Can you quickly explain how it all works?” So today’s post is based on how I normally explain Smart Home technologies to those people.

I Hope it helps.

To understand the technology of the Smart Home, you need to think of it like any other technology stack. It is arranged in layers. For the Smart Home, this can be considered as a 3-layer set…

1) The Interface Layer.

This is where you as the smart home owner/user control, monitor and programmes the full range of Smart Home technologies within the Home. This interface layer may take on the form of a wall mounted touch panel. Or, as is becoming more common, a PC, tablet or smart phone, via an app or range of apps. 

The interface layer also allows, those with the relevant skill set, the ability to write macros and programme their smart technologies to enhance their functionality.

2) The Controller Layer.

In any Smart Home, the controller is the hub of operations. It is the consolidated solution for unifying any connected ‘Things’ and controlling them from a one simple application. Many of the larger Smart Home suppliers provide a Controller of some sort.

The easiest way of thinking about it is, as a small, highly connected computer that specialises in providing access to, and controlling things. In fact, in some instances where a dedicated Smart Homes Controllers are not used, a PC can be slotted into his layer.

3) The Things Layer.

Things, as in the Internet of Things (or IoT), are the fun side of the technology set. In traditional IT terms they are the peripherals. The amount and range of which, are increasing every day. Things include: Lighting, Security, heating, comfort control, white-goods, etc. etc. The list goes on and on. 

The level of integration each of these ‘Things’ brings to the smart home is device dependant. These could range from being pre-programmed, to controlled remotely, through to being set up as truly smart and being allowed to control themselves based on a set of pre-defined logic.

In a nutshell there you have it. A basic look at how Smart Home technology all hangs together.

Will Hogarth

CTO @ VGS Media

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Bluetooth 5 and the IoT

As I write this blog, Bluetooth SIG are getting close to announcing Bluetooth 5, the latest standard for the omnipresent, short range, wireless technology. The first major upgrade since 2011. (although there have been iterative updates since.)

The last of those iterative updates in December 2014 was Bluetooth 4.2 which added a few features to allow it to work better with the up and coming technology: called Internet of Things (IoT). This time round though, the IoT is much more in the public’s eye and you can be sure Bluetooth 5 will place the relevant functionality front and centre.

So what can we expect from an IoT front?

1) Range

The new Bluetooth 5, will reach up to 4-times the current distance of Bluetooth 4.2. This means it will move beyond being a personal area, short range peripheral network, to a longer range, local area, low-bandwidth network. This puts it in more direct competition with existing IoT standards, such as Z-Wave and Zigbee, both of which are long-range low power network standards.

2) Speed

Bluetooth 5 will be twice as fast as Bluetooth 4.2. Not a massive impact, since long-range low power networks are normally positioned around smaller bandwidth traffic, yet the speed increase should not be dismissed as being inconsequential.

3) Location Services and Expanded broadcast messaging

Bluetooth 5 won't just be about having a longer-range and being faster than before, it will also help facilitate additional location-based functionality. In particular, it should boost the uptake of beacon technology, which will result in significantly improved indoors navigation. This is due to Bluetooth 5 having significantly more capacity to facilitate advertising transmission. This means that it will be able to convey much more information to other compatible devices without forming a connection. Bluetooth already does this in a limited way, in order to notify you about the name and nature of other open Bluetooth networks, but Bluetooth 5 will be able to do much more.

One disappointment is that Bluetooth SIG have made it clear that its new Bluetooth mesh initiative is separate from the new Bluetooth 5 standard.  However, they did indicate that mesh for Bluetooth is on its way. Maybe, within the year.

Another thing to bear in mind is your older devices may not be fully compatible with the new standard. Devices should still work, but they will not be able to make use of any of the new features. 

So what does this all mean for the IoT?

Bluetooth 5 is a huge step in the right direction, and the hope is that with Bluetooth Mesh, this could be a significant player in the up and coming IoT and Smart Home technologies. And, when it comes down to it, consumers are much more used to wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth than they are of Z-Wave and Zigbee.

So Bluetooth 5 … watch this space

Will Hogarth

CTO @ VGS Global

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Why do You Need a Strong Brand?

In short, Brand is everything. 

It is more than just a snazzy logo and a catchy strap-line. Good branding provides an organisation with an Identity.  A successful Brand can be seen as being a double edged sword. It should provide customers with an instantly recognisable and trusted front, but it should also provide staff with a framework within to operate.

Considering this statement, let us return to our opening question. “Why do You Need a Strong Brand?”

Recognition

Potential customers do business with companies they are familiar with. With Brands they know. If Branding is consistent and easy to recognize, it can help potential customers feel more at ease purchasing from an organisation. Organisations need to stand out from their competitors, and getting Branding right will help an organisation begin taking that crucial step forward, in any competitor line-up.  

Trust

There is a saying that states “Familiarity breeds trust.” And this is something that builds upon recognition. When customers are provided with a good experience, it is not just the service or product in question that benefits with an increase in reputation.  There is an added bonus is in the growth in trust for the overall Brand. For this free ride though, there must be a Brand in place to be trusted.

Representation

Brand also works within an organisation. It provides guidance on how members of a company conduct themselves. How they represent the company, how they dress, and how they use various lines of communication are all wrapped up in the organisational brand. Companies who get this right, deliver consistency to all who they deal with, building Recognition and developing Trust.

Sales

Ultimately, the purpose of a Brand is to increase sales. People love to tell others about the Brands they like. People are obsessed by Brands, and they’re constantly telling others about the Brands they love.  They can’t tell someone about a Brand they can’t remember. A strong Brand is critical if you want to increase sales via recommendations and referrals.

The most successful companies, no matter their size, have one important thing in common. They have established a strong Brand to build upon. It is something every member of the team can represent and every customer will recognise. A successful Brand is the foundation of a successful company. 

If you feel your company would benefit from Brand Review, no matter: if you are starting out or thinking of a re-branding exercise, feel free to get in touch with VGS Media.

Will Hogarth

CTO @ VGS Global