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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): Decoding the Differences

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The terms Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have become common, influencing various aspects of our lives. 

The most common examples are personalized recommendations on streaming platforms and voice assistants in smartphones. AI and ML technologies are undoubtedly reshaping the world around us.

Let’s see in detail the key differences between  Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML):

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): Explained

In the past few years, technology has moved forward really fast. This has brought a lot more Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into different parts of our lives.  Now let’s take a closer look at both these technologies:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

Artificial Intelligence, often referred to as AI, originated as a concept in the 1950s when scientists aimed to create machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. John McCarthy, along with other pioneers in the field, laid the groundwork for the development of AI technologies.

 Machine Learning (ML) 

Machine Learning is a specialized area of Artificial Intelligence that concentrates on developing algorithms that enable computers to learn from data to make decisions without explicit programming. The term “Machine Learning” was popularized in the 1950s by Arthur Samuel, an American pioneer in the field of computer gaming and AI. Samuel’s work paved the way for the development of ML algorithms that could improve their performance over time through experience.

In simple words, AI is when machines act like humans, thinking and doing things like us. ML is a part of AI that’s about making computers learn from the information they get so they can get better at things without people having to tell them what to do each time.

Key Differences Between AI and ML:

 

Aspect Artificial Intelligence (AI) Machine Learning (ML)
Definition Simulates human intelligence in machines. A subset of AI that involves training algorithms on data
Approach Focuses on replicating human intelligence across various tasks Utilizes algorithms to learn patterns and make predictions
Data Requirement May or may not rely on vast amounts of data Relies heavily on labeled data for training
Decision Making Makes decisions based on predefined rules or learns from data Primarily focused on learning from data.
Examples Text editors or autocorrect Siri, Alexa, Google Now
Application Used in a wide range of fields like robotics, healthcare, finance, etc. Applied in tasks like spam filtering, recommendation systems, and image recognition.

Key Takeaways:

  •  AI encompasses a broader scope of technologies aimed at replicating human intelligence, while ML specifically focuses on algorithms that learn from data.
  •  AI systems often involve complex reasoning and decision-making capabilities, whereas ML algorithms rely on statistical techniques to analyze and predict outcomes.
  •  AI technologies have diverse applications in areas such as robotics, natural language processing (NLP), computer vision (CV), and gaming. On the other hand, ML is commonly used for tasks like classification, regression, and clustering.

 

AI and ML are two technologies that are continuing to advance. Their applications across various industries are reshaping how we work, communicate, and live. With ongoing advancements in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, we can surely unlock new opportunities and drive positive change in our society.

What makes Kerala the top choice of the major IT companies?

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Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, two tier-II cities in Kerala, are attracting major IT companies. Several prominent IT companies are seeking space in technology parks in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. A number of existing firms are also expanding and recruiting, including Nissan Digital and Ernst & Young. Graduates and experienced professionals in the state will surely benefit from this move.

The new Taurus Embassy tech zone in Technopark Phase-III will also be home to several big companies. In addition to TCS’s proposed research hub and development center within Technocity, this will also boost the state’s IT industry. Technopark and Infopark are emphasizing the importance of setting up businesses in the state. They are seeking to attract new companies.

Why do major IT companies choose Kerala over other states?

Among the most prominent IT sectors in the country, Kerala has a thriving IT industry. Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram are considered potential locations for major IT companies for future investments. Companies are attracted to Tier II locations because of their strong supply chain networks and engineering resources. Other noticeable reasons are its ample talent pool and excellent research facilities. Likewise, Digital Hub, set up by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), indicates a robust tech ecosystem in the state.

Despite the pandemic, the IT industry in Kerala has made good returns and grown significantly. With 181 new companies opening in IT parks in Kerala in the midst of the pandemic, the information-technology industry had demonstrated impressive growth. To assist employees in continuing their work in the midst of a pandemic, Kerala State IT Parks offered work-from-home options and transportation. Similarly, the employees after working from home for almost 2 years, now prefer to work in their own state. 

We have identified some of the key factors, which make Kerala, as a top choice for major IT companies:

  1. Skilled Workforce: Kerala boasts a highly skilled and educated workforce in the IT sector. The state has a strong focus on education and produces a large number of engineering and technology graduates every year. This pool of talent provides a skilled workforce that meets the demands of IT companies.
  2. Quality Education: Kerala is home to prestigious educational institutions and engineering colleges known for their quality education. These institutions emphasize technical knowledge, innovation, and problem-solving skills, nurturing a talent pool capable of taking on complex IT projects.
  3. Government Support: The Kerala government has actively supported the growth of the IT industry by offering incentives, subsidies, and a favorable business environment. It has implemented policies to encourage investment and create IT infrastructure, such as technology parks and special economic zones.
  4. Infrastructure: Kerala has well-developed infrastructure, including world-class IT parks, office spaces, and connectivity. IT parks in cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode provide state-of-the-art facilities and a conducive environment for IT companies to operate.
  5. Quality of Life: Kerala offers a high standard of living with its beautiful landscapes, excellent healthcare facilities, and social amenities. The state’s pleasant climate, rich culture, and diverse cuisine make it an attractive destination for professionals seeking a good work-life balance.
  6. Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Kerala has witnessed a surge in innovation and entrepreneurship in recent years. The state promotes start-up incubators, accelerators, and initiatives to foster innovation-driven enterprises. This ecosystem encourages collaboration and supports the growth of IT companies.
  7. Connectivity: Kerala has excellent connectivity, both domestically and internationally. It has well-connected airports, seaports, and a robust network of roads and railways. This connectivity enables easy access to global markets and facilitates seamless business operations.
  8. Sustainable Development Practices: Kerala is committed to sustainable development practices, making it a responsible choice for IT companies concerned about environmental impact. The state’s initiatives in renewable energy, waste management, and eco-friendly infrastructure align with the values of many tech companies.

These factors collectively make Kerala an appealing choice for major IT companies, providing them with a skilled workforce, government support, infrastructure, a favorable business environment, and a high quality of life.

Recently, the state of Kerala was recognized as a top performer, for the third consecutive time considering its excellent start-up ecosystem. According to recent news, it is proposed by Kerala IT Parks that nearly 100 acres of land in and around Kochi be set aside for IT parks. Furthermore, Technocity and Knowledge city at Technopark are among the other attractive tech spaces attracting the tech giants to the city of Trivandrum. Also other IT parks in Kerala, such as Infopark in Kochi and Cyberpark in Kozhikode, are paving the way for a bright future. There is no doubt that all of these factors contribute to the overall growth of Kerala’s IT industry, attracting more global IT giants to the state.

Kerala’s highly skilled workforce, quality infrastructure, government support, strategic location, quality of life, innovation ecosystem, and commitment to sustainability make it the top choice for major IT companies looking to establish a presence in India. So, the next time you hear about Kerala’s booming IT sector, you’ll know exactly why it’s the top choice!

In the dynamic IT landscape of Kerala, Schneide Solutions Pvt. Ltd. plays a vital role, contributing custom-built applications and IT services to educational institutions and corporations globally in the evolving domains of cloud and digital platforms. Established in 2014, our firm is headquartered in Trivandrum, Kerala, with a strategic presence in the United Arab Emirates. 

How the IT Industry is Shaping the Future of India

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India’s IT industry has emerged as a global powerhouse, playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s economic landscape and future trajectory. 

From humble beginnings, it has transformed into a dynamic ecosystem, driving innovation, fostering inclusivity, and propelling India onto the global technological map. 

Understanding how the IT industry is shaping India reveals its potential and opportunities.

  1. Driving Economic Growth:

According to Statista, the IT industry has become a significant contributor to India’s GDP, accounting for 7.5% of the GDP in the financial year 2023.

The IT industry has become a significant contributor to India’s economic engine. It acts as a major job creator, generating high-paying employment opportunities for millions of individuals. 

This, in turn, fuels domestic consumption and drives overall economic growth. The sector also attracts significant foreign investment, further bolstering the national economy.

  1. Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship:

The IT boom has ignited a spark of innovation across the nation. Many tech-savvy people are available. It’s easy to start online businesses. This has spurred the growth of many startups. 

These ventures are not just creating cutting-edge products and services, but also disrupting traditional industries and propelling inclusive economic growth.

  1. Bridging the Digital Divide:

The IT industry plays a crucial role in bridging the digital divide, a critical challenge for a nation as diverse as India. Initiatives like “Digital India” are bringing the internet to remote areas. They are backed by the government and include broadband access programs. 

This digital inclusion empowers rural communities. It enables them to access education, healthcare, and essential government services online.

  1. Transforming Governance:

The IT sector is transforming the way India governs. E-governance initiatives are streamlining government processes, making them more transparent and accountable. 

Online portals offer citizen services, tax filing, and grievance redressal. They boost efficiency and access. They also foster more citizen participation and strengthen democratic values.

  1. Skill Development and Empowering the Workforce:

The IT industry has emerged as a major driver of skill development in India. Software companies invest in various training programs. They give people the technical skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the digital age. This empowers people to get good jobs. It also builds a skilled and flexible workforce. 

This is crucial for India’s future prosperity. Besides, the rise of the IT sector has opened opportunities for women. It has promoted gender equality and inclusivity at work.

  1. Shaping Global Collaboration and Trade:

Indian IT companies are reliable and cheap. They have become partners for businesses worldwide. This has helped global collaboration and trade. It has showcased India’s skills and strengths on the world stage. 

The IT industry is a bridge between India and the global economy. It attracts foreign investments and fosters cross-cultural understanding.

Challenges and the Road Ahead:

Despite the significant progress, the IT industry faces some challenges that need to be addressed:

  • Bridging the Skills Gap: Technology is evolving rapidly. It requires continuous upskilling and reskilling of the workforce. They need to meet the ever-changing demands of the industry.
  • Ensuring Fair Access: Uneven internet penetration worsens inequalities. It also limits tech access in rural areas and hinders inclusive growth.
  • Data security and privacy are a top priority. India is becoming a data powerhouse. Strong security is crucial to protect citizens’ privacy and data.

Conclusion:

The Indian IT industry is not just an economic powerhouse; it’s a transformative force shaping the nation’s future trajectory.

By fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and empowering individuals, the IT sector is laying the foundation for a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous India. 

As the industry continues to evolve, addressing the challenges and embracing new technologies will be critical to unlocking India’s full potential as a global leader in the digital age.

What Is a CRM System? (Types, Features, and Benefits)

Conquer Customer Relationships with a CRM System!

A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is your secret weapon for building and nurturing strong customer relationships. It’s the central hub for managing all your interactions with customers, from leads to loyal fans. Think of it as a digital brain that remembers everything about your customers and helps you interact with them in a personalized and effective way.

Types of CRM Systems:

  • Sales CRM: Focuses on managing the sales pipeline, tracking leads and opportunities, and closing deals.
  • Marketing CRM: Helps plan and execute marketing campaigns, manage leads and contacts, and measure marketing performance.
  • Service CRM: Streamlines customer service interactions, tracks support tickets, and improves customer satisfaction.
  • All-in-one CRM: Combines sales, marketing, and service functionalities into a single platform.

Key Features of a CRM:

  • Contact Management: Store and organize customer information, including contact details, preferences, and purchase history.
  • Lead Management: Track potential customers through the sales pipeline, from initial contact to conversion.
  • Sales Automation: Automate repetitive tasks like sending emails and quotes, freeing up your time for selling.
  • Marketing Automation: Schedule and deliver targeted marketing campaigns, track results, and measure ROI.
  • Customer Service: Manage support tickets, track issues, and resolve customer queries efficiently.
  • Reporting and Analytics: Gain insights into customer behavior, sales performance, and marketing effectiveness.

Benefits of Implementing a CRM:

  • Increased Sales: Improve conversion rates and close more deals by managing your sales pipeline effectively.
  • Improved Customer Satisfaction: Deliver personalized service and resolve issues quickly, leading to happier customers.
  • Enhanced Marketing ROI: Target the right audience with relevant campaigns and measure their effectiveness.
  • Boosted Productivity: Automate tasks and streamline workflows, freeing up your team to focus on high-value activities.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Gain valuable customer data and use it to make informed business decisions.
  • Data Centralization: All customer-related information is stored in a centralized location, promoting easy access.

Ready to take your customer relationships to the next level? Consider investing in a CRM system and watch your business flourish!

Learn more about our Education CRM.

For further exploration:

  • Explore different CRM types and features to find the perfect fit for your needs.
  • Compare popular CRM providers and choose one that matches your budget and requirements.
  • Ask for demos and free trials to experience the platform firsthand before making a commitment.

A CRM system serves as a comprehensive solution for businesses to manage customer interactions effectively, improve internal processes, and drive overall growth. Remember, a well-implemented CRM system can be a game-changer for your business. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to build stronger customer relationships and drive growth!

Website Homepage Design Checklist

When the first time a user visits a web page the thing that will catch the eye are elements of design attractiveness and navigation. If the first impression they are going to get is bad then chances are that the visitors will go back to the search result or close the web page. There are many elements on the home page that can have impact on the customer and design is one of the first element which creates the first impression. There might be several reasons for putting up a website home page and like attracting visitors, educating visitors, converting the website browsers into customers etc.

Establishing the Identity
It is through the home page that the visitor comes to know about what the company is about and who are the key people in the organization and what are the main services and products of the company. While doing the design for home page it should be taken care that the website should be able to introduce the visitors to the details of the company and at the same time provide an idea about the brand. Creating a unique logo and design that are matching will have tremendous impact on the visitor.

Simplicity
Complexly designed website home page will make the visitors confused and this will lead them to abandon the web page. Multiple widgets and Multiple Call to Action usually will overwhelm the first time visitors. It is also be taken care of the factor associated with fonts and the fonts used in the website should be easy to read. Labelling different sections on the home page is also essential in creating a smooth flow to the eyes of the visitor.

Above the Fold
While doing the design of the home page another factor that should be taken care of is keeping relevant information above the fold. Without scrolling the web page the visitor should be able to see the major features of products or major services. The home page also need to be tested to make sure that the home page design loads the necessary parts above the fold in multiple browsers.

Use of Color
As far as possible keeping the color theme of the website aligned with the official logo is good. Using colors that are not matching with the overall theme of the website will have negative effect on users. While choosing colors it should be taken care of that the visual impact on users is emphasized with appropriate distribution of colors. Color contrast also should be checked for creating appealing designs.

Essential Elements for a High-Performing Homepage:

1. Compelling Content:

  • Value Proposition: Clearly communicate your website’s purpose and unique value to the target audience within the first fold.
  • Engaging Messaging: Craft concise and impactful headlines, taglines, and body copy that inform, educate, and persuade visitors to take action. Provide a brief explanation or tagline that supports the headline and highlights unique selling points (USPs).
  • Call to Action: Provide clear and actionable prompts that guide visitors towards desired conversions, such as subscribing, contacting, or purchasing.
  • Credibility Boosters: Utilize testimonials, case studies, client logos, and awards to build trust and establish expertise.

2. Optimal Visual Design:

  • Brand Consistency: Maintain visual coherence throughout the homepage with consistent use of logo, colors, fonts, and design elements.
  • Minimalistic Layout: Prioritize clarity and user experience by prioritizing content hierarchy and avoiding cluttered visual overload.
  • High-Quality Visuals: Utilize professional photographs, illustrations, and videos that align with your brand and resonate with your target audience.
  • Responsive Design: Ensure seamless functionality and optimal viewing experience across all devices, from desktops to tablets and smartphones.
  • Accessibility Compliance: Adhere to accessibility guidelines for color contrast, alt text for images, and keyboard navigation to cater to diverse users.

3. Enhanced Functionality:

  • Intuitive Navigation: Make navigation simple and intuitive, including primary links to important sections like About, Services, Blog, and Contact. Consider a sticky navigation bar for easy access. Implement a clear and user-friendly navigation system that allows visitors to easily find the information they need.
  • Fast Loading Speed: Optimize website performance to ensure quick loading times for an uninterrupted user experience. Use a reliable hosting service and consider a Content Delivery Network (CDN).
  • Search Functionality: For larger websites, provide a search bar to help visitors locate specific content efficiently.
  • Easy Contact Methods: Offer multiple contact options through forms, email addresses, phone numbers, or social media links.
  • Social Media Integration: Leverage social media buttons and feeds to encourage visitor engagement and community building.

4. Strategic Optimization:

  • Data-Driven A/B Testing: Experiment with different homepage elements and content to identify what resonates best with your target audience and optimize conversions.
  • Personalization: Implement dynamic content or tailoring based on user data to deliver a more relevant and personalized experience.
  • Mobile-First Approach: Prioritize mobile optimization and design decisions to cater to the ever-growing mobile user base.
  • Search Engine Optimization: Incorporate relevant keywords and meta descriptions throughout the homepage content. Optimize meta tags, alt text for images, and URL structures to improve organic search visibility.

5. Content Presentation:

  • Content Hierarchy: Use headings (H1, H2, H3) to create a clear content hierarchy and ensure important information is placed above the fold.
  • Key Benefits and Features: Highlight the main benefits of your products or services using bullet points or icons for easy scanning.
  • Consistent Branding: Use consistent colors, fonts, and design elements that align with your brand identity. Ensure your logo is clearly visible and clickable.
  • Social Proof: Include testimonials, reviews, or logos of trusted clients to build credibility. Showcase case studies or success stories.
  • Contact Information: Display contact information prominently, including links to social media profiles.

Creating a high-performing homepage involves blending compelling content, optimal visual design, enhanced functionality, and strategic optimization. By focusing on these essential elements, you can ensure your website effectively engages visitors and converts them into customers. Harnessing the power of advanced technology, these platforms are transforming education, making it more accessible, engaging, and personalized than ever before.

Remember, your homepage is the primary gateway to your online presence. By incorporating these essential elements into your design and strategy, you can create a high-performing homepage that engages your target audience, converts visitors into leads, and ultimately empowers your website to achieve its goals.

Software Developers vs. Software Engineers: What are Their Differences

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Do you think that the terms “Software Engineer” and “Software Developer” can be interchangeable? You’re not the only one who might be confused about what the difference between software engineers and software developers is. No, they aren’t the same. In the dynamic landscape of technology, the roles of software developers and software engineers often overlap, yet they entail distinct responsibilities. Software Developers and engineers generally handle different tasks when creating applications, which is why aspiring software professionals sometimes mistake them.

How do software engineers differ from software developers? Read on to understand the differences between a software engineer and a software developer and their roles in detail.

Software Developers vs Software engineers  : The key differences

Software developers: Those who develop software for various platforms are known as software developers. By focusing on the development project, software developers create things through ideas, patterns, and practices. Software Developers are the hands-on technicians who translate software requirements into functional code. They possess a deep understanding of programming languages, algorithms, and data structures. Their focus lies in meticulously crafting features and functionalities that meet user needs and adhere to design specifications.

Software engineers: Software engineers design, develop, maintain, test, and evaluate computer software using principles of software engineering. Typically, they work with nontechnical stakeholders, software developers, and end clients. They act as the architects, envisioning the entire software system and ensuring its stability, scalability, and maintainability. Their expertise encompasses not just coding but also software design principles, system architecture, and testing methodologies. They bridge the gap between business requirements and technical feasibility, ensuring the software is built on a solid foundation.

Software Developer vs. Software Engineer: Unveiling the Distinct Roles

Software Developer: The Code Craftsman

  • Focus: Software Developers are the meticulous artisans who translate software requirements into tangible functionality. They excel in crafting clean, efficient, and well-documented code that adheres to established specifications. Their expertise lies in meticulously implementing features, meticulously unit testing individual code blocks, and troubleshooting any errors to guarantee flawless operation.
  • Skills: Adept Software Developers possess a robust proficiency in various programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, JavaScript). Their keen understanding of algorithms and data structures empowers them to construct efficient and scalable solutions. Beyond technical prowess, strong problem-solving and analytical skills are paramount for dissecting complex requirements and devising elegant solutions.
  • Education: While a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field is often preferred, some organizations recognize the value of exceptional talent and may consider candidates with alternative backgrounds, such as rigorous bootcamps or demonstrably strong portfolios showcasing relevant skills and experience.

Software Engineer: The System Architect

  • Focus: Software Engineers take a broader perspective, envisioning and meticulously constructing the entire software system. Their primary concern lies in crafting a robust, scalable, and maintainable architectural foundation. They assume responsibility for overseeing the entire software development lifecycle, encompassing design, development, testing, and ultimately, successful deployment.
  • Skills: While proficiency in programming languages remains essential, Software Engineers delve deeper, possessing a comprehensive understanding of software design principles like object-oriented programming. Their expertise extends to various testing methodologies and tools, enabling them to meticulously evaluate the software’s functionality and performance. Beyond technical mastery, exceptional communication and collaboration skills are crucial for effectively bridging the gap between technical feasibility and the evolving needs of the business.
  • Education: Software Engineer positions typically require a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, often with a specific focus on software engineering principles, ensuring a strong foundation in the theoretical and practical aspects of software system design and development.

Which Career Is Right for Me : Software engineering or Software development? 

Software engineers and software developers are two of the most confusing careers in the software development field. Companies offering software development services have a lot of vacancies for both positions these days. 

Which will you choose as your future career? You’re better suited to software development if you have more task-oriented mindsets regarding product development and troubleshooting. A career in software engineering might be perfect for you if you think you are creative, have conceptual thinking skills, and have technical abilities.

Is software development easy? No, learning software development isn’t that easy – especially if you don’t have any programming or coding experience. A strong logic, sequential thinking, and problem-solving ability are also required in both career paths. Programming languages, development environments, frameworks, libraries, and frameworks are all core skills of both software engineers and developers. In order to land a good job in a software development company, you’ll need to learn and refine these skills.

Generally, software engineers work on product design and system development. Developers, on the other hand, are primarily responsible for bringing theoretical concepts and designs to life through technical tasks.

 

To conclude 

Software developers and software engineers play equally important roles in software development. Although the jobs are similar and the titles are often interchangeable, the skills required for these roles differ greatly. Developers focus on implementing software based on specific requirements, while engineers take a strategic approach, solving complex problems and designing scalable systems. Together, they form the backbone of the technology industry, driving progress and innovation in the digital age.

How small businesses can benefit from custom software development?

Small and medium-sized businesses are looking for ever-more ways to stay ahead in today’s highly competitive business environment. A custom software development project is one of the widely adopted strategies by SMEs. It involves developing, designing, deploying, and maintaining customized software to meet the needs of the business. Custom software development is an excellent investment since it will ultimately save the business money.

Let’s dive more into the benefits of custom software development for small businesses!

  1. Budget-friendly

    Software products of small-scale companies might have limited functions which might not be flexible for the enterprise’s growth. In such circumstances, custom software development would be a budget-friendly solution. Customized software is flexible, scalable, and of course, cost-effective.

  2. Helps your business to grow and succeed

    Custom software development gives you the flexibility to prepare a solution that is tailored to the specific needs of your business. With this, you would not have to compromise on any feature or function without digging a big hole in your pocket.

  3. It is highly secured

    With the help of custom software development, all your business needs would be fulfilled in one place. This ensures productivity and better results in business. 

  4. Streamlines manual business proceedings

    There are ample tasks required to run a business but they are time-consuming. With the help of custom software development, you can automate some of your tasks and this would streamline the work in your business. This way you will be able to allocate time for other important tasks as well.

Quality Management Software in Healthcare Industry

Managing quality is an important element among healthcare industries. Giving focus to the patients is the primary criteria for any hospital quality management systems. For this several standards need to be implemented inside the hospitals. Everyone in the hospital from physicians to supporting staff should be aware of the critical elements inside the hospitals. At every stage of the treatment a patient should be care with utmost care to maintain the quality of the treatment. There are several process that can be implemented while taking care of healthcare management system.

Healthcare Quality Management Software Benefits

  • Manages quality indicators, committees, meetings, trainings, licenses and SOPs
  • Helps improve the clinical auditing, incident reporting and RCA procedures
  • Helps sharing of best practices
  • Monitor against benchmarks and compare with the best using dashboards
  • Mitigate risks by maintaining ongoing compliance. Identify and correct nonconform-ance immediately with notifications
  • Continual performance monitoring & optimization
  • Reduction in administrative burden & costs
  • Reduction in duplication & manual processes
  • Improves inter-departmental communication and support activities

The Journey of Customer through Website to Online Purchase

There are mainly three parts through which the customer pass to make the online purchase. It is essential to know what people search for and what people intend to buy is as important as how the customer is going to use the website they found through search engines. These four phases are Awareness Interest Desire and Action.

Awareness
In the case of Business to Customer websites the number of videos, graphics and content views are important in creating the awareness. In the case of Business to Customer it is mainly in depth articles which creates awareness in the customer about the company. The use of various media platforms including Infographics is useful in creating awareness about either the product or services.
Interest
In the case of customers who are looking for products on websites the content they signed up shows the interest. This can be either in the form of blog or news letter subscription or in the form of followers on social media platforms. Downloading gudies for buying products as well as downloading of product brochures also can be tracked as a measurement of interest generated among customers. In the case of people looking to do business with the website it will be the number of whitepapers read and forms filled up in the form of enquiries that matter most.
Desire
Once the customer is showing interest in the product it will be good to send trial offers. Request for call back or calling through the phone cane be seen as the level of desire inside the mind of customer. At this stage customers go and read about the review about the products and services about the company and products in various media.
Action
Final stage is the action the customer takes either in the form of purchasing the product. The purchase of the product can either be online or through the stores. The selling of products and services occur only in the final stage of the marketing process.

Difference between Exit Rate and Bounce Rate during Website Visits

Bounce Rate and Exit Rate are two commonly used terms in Internet Marketing. These two can be calculated from Google Analytics Management Dashboard.

Bounce Rate is defined as the percentage of visitors who have left the web page immediately after landing on the page.

Even though high bounce rate is bad for the website the percentage varies upon the keywords being searched. Sometimes if the answer for the query is short the visitor may leave the page immediately after reading the answer. In such cases bounce rate can not be interpreted as bad. The source keywords are often the starting point in finding out the effect of bounce rate in normal cases. In certain cases the bounce rate for some keywords will be higher and for some it will be lower for the same page.

Exit Rate is defined as the percentage of people who have left from a particular page. These people might have visited other pages on the website but due to some reasons they have exited from that particular page. These visits might have come through either navigation or through other links inside the web page. In the case of paginated articles or tags and category pages the exit rate from the last page will be much higher which doesn’t mean that the page is having poor seo parameters.

Only through trying various User Interfaces and Designs one can reach at the conclusion that which page is going to have low bounce rate and low Exit Rates.

Six Amazing Features of Windows 10

As announced by Microsoft Windows 10 version has been released. Several users have been using the insider preview for months. The following are some of the features of Windows 10 Operating System.
1. Start Menu
In Windows 8 the start menu was eliminated with Start screen which was popularly called Metro Style Menu. In Windows 10 the live tiles have been added as regular app icons. Earlier it was easy to organize based on folders and it is replaced by organizing based on Favorites and Search. By typing as soon as the system starts one can search and launch an app by the name. It is also possible to pin the icons to the start menu along with other tile icons. The most used apps can be found as shortcuts in a separate list. Each and every app can be found in the All Apps list in Windows 10.
2. Cortan
Like Google Now and Siri, Microsoft has launched a Personal Voice Assistant in Windows 10 Desktop. By pressing the Windows Key and typing the question web searches can be performed to get quick answers. Cortana can also be used for creating reminders or adding events to the calendar. Similarly stock quotes and new stories from internet can also be read through Cortana. The full features can be integrated if the Microsoft Services are subscribed.
3. Microsoft Edge
The old Internet Explorer browser is being replaced by the new Microsoft Edge browser. The most important feature of Microsoft Edge is the text only reader. Microsoft Edge is having the annotation tool which can be integrated with Cortana. With the future addition of extensions it might also be likely that Microsoft Edge will dominate Internet Explorer.
4. Multiple Desktops
Running many applications inside the same desktop is an overwhelming experience even though running multiple applications is good in certain cases. Windows 10 by Microsoft provides multiple desktops which can be customised to move apps between different desktops from the Windows+Tab keyword combination. Those who run several applications will find this feature extremely useful.
6. Notification Center
Android iOS and Ubuntu have central notification area which is now available in Windows 10 too. Notification tray icon can be opened by clicking on the lower right side of the desktop. Most system notifications will be shown in this area. Windows 10 settings can also be accessed from the notification area and the facility to toggle locations and making quiet mode is also possible with it. Windows Touch screens have many additional features with te implementation of Windows 10.

4 Important Factors that determine Mobile Friendliness of a Web Page

With the introduction Mobile Friendly Testing Tool by Bing it is clear that search engines insists web pages to be mobile friendly.  Search Engines like Bing and Google analyze web pages through their algorithm to find whether the web page is mobile friendly in many ways. The following things are checked in the Mobile Friendliness Tool introduced by Search Engine Bing.

Mobile Friendly Tag
Those who have visited the search results on Google and Bing through speedy connection might have noticed web pages being labelled as mobile friendly along with the search results. This is an indicator for the visitor to decide which results to click in the Search Engine Results Page. It has been found through various statistics that visitors prefer to go to the mobile friendly web pages on search results on both Bing and Google.

Ranking Factors
Search Engines display the most relevant web pages in search results page and along with relevancy mobile friendliness is also taken as a ranking factor. Currently Search engines like Bing and Google display the most relevant web pages and there might be some of the results not being mobile friendly.  If the web pages are showing relevant information with respect to a query having quality content then search engines might not penalise them due to mobile friendly ranking factor.

There are a number of factors that determine the mobile friendliness of a web page. The following are some of the parameters that determine it.

  1. NavigationNavigation of a web page consists of the menu buttons and links should be able to touch easily on mobile devices. The navigational elements should not close enough to cause difficulties in clicking them. It is favorable to use easy to tap buttons  that can be distinguished on the screen. preventing accidental clicks from close elements can be omitted through such design
  2. ReadabilityIt is advised by search engines that the web page content should be easy to read without zooming into it. the size of the fonts as well as view port settings by the stylesheets should favor the readability of items in the web page. The size of the text elements should be clearly defined in the stylesheet of the web page.
  3. ScrollabilityIt should be noted that the content of a web page should fit inside the screen otherwise it will cause readers to scroll the screen to read content. Search engines prefers content to be scrolled vertically due to the easiness and horizontal scrollability along with vertical scrolling ability can cause confusion among users. It should also be noted that the web pages be visible both in portrait mode and landscape mode.
  4. CompatibilityThe content of the web page need to be compatible with the browsers on the mobile devices. Inclusion of flash elements hinders viewing on certain browsers. Playing of audio as well as video on the web page also should be compatible with the device and browser in order to make the web page mobile friendly.

Bing Mobile Friendly Testing Tool
https://www.bing.com/webmaster/tools/mobile-friendliness/

Google Mobile Friendliness Testing Tool
https://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/mobile-friendly/