Brandon Cross Technologies Blog

In today's massively connected world, almost every facet of your business will have an IT element. For that reason, it's more important than ever to keep your sensitive data safe and secure. Quality security systems are a critical part of this – threats can come from multiple sources, and it's vital to meet and deal with them as quickly and effectively as possible. But there's more to keeping data secure.

If you're asking yourself, "What are legacy systems anyway?", then read on. The term refers to any equipment or technology you're using that's outdated or no longer current. It can mean computer hardware that's no longer in production and is impossible to replace if it goes wrong. It can mean software that's been superseded by newer packages. It can also mean systems that don't comply with the latest standards for things like data security.

Project management can sometimes get sidelined, or seen as too expensive and time-consuming to be worthwhile. In fact, the truth is the opposite: it's neglecting project management that is costly. Effective project management keeps everyone singing from the same hymn sheet, brings together employees and clients, and unites a team under a vision for success. It leads to a lean, focused team that encourages efficiency and direction from all employees. Let's have a look at some specific tips:

Charities will have different requirements for software from commercial businesses, as financial reporting requirements differ in this sector. For example, it's vital for a charity to keep track of which donations to its cause have made use of Gift Aid and so know how much it can claim, and to report accurately on how restricted funds are being spent. Charities also need to know how much specific fundraising events have raised.

Gamification is the art of applying concepts and mechanics found in videogames and boardgames to applications designed for another purpose. Gamification in a business setting often takes the form of incentivising competition, attainment, and productivity. Users are encouraged to meet goals and beat challenges to receive rewards. While the rewards might be superficial or cosmetic (such as points, achievement badges, or customisable options for the program), gamification has been proven to help boost employee productivity and competitiveness.

The General Data Protection Act (GDPR) is a European Union-wide legal directive that applies a solid working framework to all digital data collection, storage, and disposal in the EU. If you're developing or licencing any piece of software for use in or with the EU, you need to be aware of the GDPR's strict data safety and user consent requirements. This often requires direct communication with the user and behind-the-scenes work to make sure their data stays secure.

The famous Turing Test was first proposed by British computer scientist and codebreaker Alan Turing in 1950. Turing suggested than any flowchart-based digital artificial intelligence of sufficient complexity and detail should eventually be able to mimic behaviour and speech in a way that is indistinguishable from that of a human being. If the two responses from a computer and a human were anonymised, a third human should be unable to tell the difference for the machine to pass.

Do you really need a chatbot? It's a more complicated question than you might think. While chatbot technology might look exciting at first glance, it's always tempting to jump straight to the 'next big thing' without thinking it through. As with apps, there's no real point to having your own chatbot simply because the business next door does. It's worth applying a bit of logic first before you decide to part with your money. There are some key points you should consider before commissioning or purchasing any chatbot software.

Chatbots are fast becoming the must-have accessory for any company website. Useful, efficient, and customer focused, chatbots are also valuable information gatherers. However, as anyone who has encountered one of these little bubbles of helpfulness will know, there is a big difference between a mediocre Chatbot and the intelligent, hard-working, and polite alternative. Brandon Cross has put together a complete guide to getting it right.

Here’s what’s included:

An electronics manufacturing company had an in-house developed information management system to support their entire business from the initial quotation and account acquisition process, through material supply and production planning, to manufacturing, quality assurance and product delivery. The system had been incrementally developed over several decades, with significant changes in staff over that period. While they had managed to upgrade the system to work in a more modern IT environment with a graphical user interface, the in-house team had been struggling to support the system which had significant defects and usability issues.