Afghan Girls Coming to U.S. for Robotics Competition!

We just wanted to drop a quick note and say that we’re so happy the Afghan girls robotic team was allowed to come to the U.S. for the competition.

Anything that can be done to help further women in STEM fields is an amazing thing! #girlpower #whoruntheworld

How to Register a Domain Name: The Basics

There are a lot of people out there who have thought about registering a domain name, but haven’t actually taken the time to do it. They sit around with a great idea in their mind or the desire to build an awesome website, but they don’t do anything about it and then sometimes someone else registers the name and they never even get the chance. To help all the ladies out there who may be thinking of registering a domain name but haven’t yet, we’ve created this brief guide on how to register a domain name.

Brainstorming

The first step in preparing to register any type of domain name is brainstorming. You have to think of an idea, and then a name that is unique, not copyrighted, and available. There’s a great GoDaddy ad about the “next big idea” that humorously shows how important it is to register an idea once you get one, because you just never know who might have the same idea! You can see that ad here:

The point is that brainstorming is easy, but taking action is another thing and this is often something that people put off, so don’t do that!

Checking Availability

Checking availability of a domain name is pretty easy. You can do that by going to GoDaddy.com and typing your name in their search box. They’ll tell you right away if your domain name is available, and if it’s not, you’ll need to think of a different idea.

There is the option to approach the current owner of a domain name that is already taken and see if they’re willing to sell it, but this typically doesn’t work well as most people see this as an opportunity to cash in and try to ask a lot of money for their name and are usually unreasonable. This is a situation where it’s just easier to think of another domain name and go on from there.

Registering Your Name

Once you’ve come up with a great idea and made sure it’s available, your next step is to go ahead and register your domain name. This is an easy process and can also be done on GoDaddy or another domain name registrar. It’s usually a good idea to register for more than one year because it goes by pretty quickly, and sometimes you can get better pricing.

Because of their pricing increases after the first year, some people have published lists on the best alternatives to GoDaddy, in order to give people an idea of some of the other options out there. For example, Namecheap is frequently listed as one of the top alternatives to GoDaddy While GoDaddy isn’t a bad registrar, they certainly aren’t the only option and sometimes not even the best option.

Maintenance

After your domain is up and running, you just need to make sure that it renews each year, which can be done automatically. However, if you don’t set the domain to automatically renew, it’s possible that you could lose your domain, so make sure this is something that you do! And that’s it, the basics of how to register a domain name from start to finish!

Other resources:

https://www.icann.org/registrar-reports/accredited-list.html
https://instructify.com/godaddy-alternatives
https://webhostingbuddy.com/alternatives/godaddy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_name_registrar

Stress Testing Is Important And Every Website Should Have It Done

Stress testing is important for a computing machine if someone wants to know all that it can take. By doing the stress testing, they will see how much it can handle, and they will feel great if they find that their device is better than they had thought. But, even if they find that their device can not handle a lot of stress, they will still be glad that they had this testing done because they will now know what is going on with their device and how good it really is.

Some devices do really well during a stress test, while others will let their owners down. It is all about the device itself and how it is built. The stress test will give the device’s owner a good feeling for what is going on, and they will know whether or not their device can handle all of the things that they want to put it through thanks to the results of the test. So, anyone who wants to know what is going on with their computing device should put it under a stress test to see how well it performs. And if it does really well during that time, then they will know that they have a good device on their hands.

There are many things that can be done to a computer to see if it is good enough for the things that one wants to put it through, but there is nothing better to determine all that a computer can take than a stress test. So, anyone who wants to make sure that their computer is working in the right way, and that it will be able to take on all of the things that they want it to do, should have the stress test done soon. The sooner the better for something like this, as they will be glad if they see that their device is working just as well as it should be.

If you’re like to learn more about load testing, check out these resources:

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb924372.aspx

https://loadview-testing.com

https://www.visualstudio.com/en-us/docs/test/performance-testing/getting-started/getting-started-with-performance-testing

www.loadtesting.co

APM Requirements on the Java Platform

One of the most common questions circulating throughout the IT industry revolves around what the best application performance management solution is on the current market? Unfortuantely, there’s not a single answer to this question. The only way to determine what the best APM solution for your Java platform may be is to clearly define your system/application requirements. This being noted, there are several qualities the ideal APM solution for your business must contain if your enterprise primarily uses the Java platform.

Low Load (Overhead) Solution

 Generally, nearly every APM solution designed to be used with Java is a single piece of software, typically a JAR file, which is installed into the application. This file is designed to automatically gather various data metrics, which are then sent to the application server where they are processed into contextual information. It’s essential that this APM solution does not require an excess amount of data to execute its operations, as this may severly damage the functionality and performance of your application. While recommendations vary, the general consensus is a 3 percent CPU utilization overhead is acceptable.

JVM Memory Diagnostics and Monitoring

 Perhaps the most important metric you must monitor throughout your Java platform is the JVM Heap, as it determines the memory capacity of an application. If excess memory is utilized, then the dreaded “OutOfMemory” error is displayed, which results in significantly decreased performance, or even complete application stalls. When utilizing an APM solution, make sure the tool monitors:

  • Overall JVM Heap Usage
  • Duration of garbage collections – both major and minor collection actions
  • Frequency of garbage collections
  • Memory Pool Usage, such as: code cache, old gen, eden, survivor and permgen (or metaspace in Java 8+ versions)

The most important element to look for in a Java APM tool is its ability to identify areas of memory “leaks.” An effective APM tool is able to recognize what collection may be leaking memory, which is the first line of defense against the “OutOfMemory” error.

Backend Response Durations

 There are few things that can kill the reputation and conversion rate of a website than slow backend responses. A requirement for any Java APM tool is its ability to automatically monitor backend response times and alert administrators when these response times become too slow. Generally, Java web applications use traditional APIs to access backend resources. An appropriate APM tool identifies each server request and utilizes its diagnostic capabilities to determine where the slowdown is occurring and what steps must be taken to rectify this situation.

In the realm of digital eCommerce, it’s essential that your entire website run as swiftly and efficiently as possible. Even if the response time is only slowed by a few milliseconds, this wait time could result in a lost sale or decreased trust regarding the stability of your enterprise.

Tips for Maximizing and Monitoring Application Performance

Web applications have never been more popular among businesses in all industries. To provide fancy and new experiences for users, many webmasters are transferring their complex application to the client side rather than hosting them on back-end servers. While this provides smoother interfaces and higher quality interactions between a user and the website, the majority of web applications can encounter performance-draining instances that dramatically decreases functionality and overall user experiences.

While there are many techniques and tips capable of enhancing the performance of all web applications, several of these tips are universal across all platforms and applications.

Avoid Unnecessary Communication With Servers

Preserve the speed and performance of your web applications by limiting the amount of round trips between the client and the server throughout all events and processes. Perhaps one of the most effective ways to accomplish this goal is by implementing an Ajax UI. The idea behind this tip is to prevent a web page from having to fully refresh throughout multiple steps. By only allowing necessary portions of a page and application to refresh, there is less wait time for server response and the entire experience feels fluid and complete. Consider adding client side scripts to validate certain processes that require communication with a server in order to fulfill the request. Monitoring the performance of a website is one way to make sure that you don’t allow servers to use unnecessary resources or initiate unneeded communication with other devices.

Monitor Bandwidth Usage and Availability

When it comes to the performance of a web application, the amount of available bandwidth plays a direct role in how quickly the application operates. While you may have carefully planned for the amount of bandwidth an application will require, what happens when the application receives an unexpected amount of traffic? What if your site goes viral and thousands wish to access an application within a short amount of time? While there are many instances that are outside of your control, such as unexpected spikes in application traffic, you can help support continual high-performance by reducing the amount of unnecessary high resolution files, which include images and videos. When designing your web application, do so with the intention of having high bandwidth demands, which will automatically result in leaner, more functional applications.

Continually Monitor and Address Application Issues

Because of the dynamic environment most applications thrive in, it’s essential that you establish an application performance monitoring solution capable of continuously monitoring and addressing issues in all levels of an application. Remember, there’s no such thing as the perfect application code. Errors and issues will arise; however, it’s how you tend and repair these issues that truly determine its overall performance. Remain vigilant in regards to monitoring the performance of an application and establish set guidelines when it comes to addressing and correcting any and all errors.

Best APM Tools for the Cloud

 In years past, website operators and IT directors monitored applications on static servers; however, as enterprises became more complex to meet the growing demands of modern web users, the need for comprehensive and equally complex APM tools has increased. As data storage and server capabilities increased, so did the use of “The Cloud.” If your business currently operates in the cloud, but doesn’t monitor and manage applications with advanced-level APM tools, then you may be heading for disaster. The following APM tools are known not only for their ability to streamline performance monitoring, but also their capability of monitoring cloud-based and cloud-infused web applications.

Boundary

Designed to unify web-based application, Boundary provides users access to moment-by-moment performance management and infrastructure status across all cloud-based applications. When combined with its comprehensive solutions, this APM tool offers users a dynamic and agile application monitoring experience, capable of handling even the most dynamic of enterprises.

Key Features:

  • Continuous monitoring across server and cloud-based applications
  • Application infrastructure monitoring and performance management
  • Visibility into cloud-based applications
  • Continual monitoring of application error symptoms and health indicators
  • Streamlined integration into third party applications and tools

Opsview APM Tools

As large organizations and businesses begin integrating numerous web applications into their websites through the cloud, the ability to continually monitor and diagnose issue is almost impossible as technology stacks increase. While gathering data is one thing, being able to transfer data into a contextual guideline is complex and may prove to be far too time consuming for the average IT professional. Opsview streamline the monitoring and managing aspect of web applications by providing a sleek, unifed approach.

Key Features:

  • Continually track application health and immediately alert administrators of errors
  • Continual monitoring of cloud-based applications and cloud data flows
  • Complete historial analytics for each application
  • Predict application performance based upon trending customer behaviors
  • Assign pre-determined thresholds, which cause an automatic alert when activity nears these marks

OP5

Dynamic websites require dynamic monitoring capabilities. It’s with this belief that OP5 created its highly adaptable cloud APM management tool. OP5 provides a unified view into an entire network of applications to provide more detailed, and accurate, data analysis. With its ability to delve deep into cloud-based applications, you’ll receive a higher degree of problem identification and resolution, which translates to superior performance for users, according to the website Web Hosting Prof which offers a complete overview of this topic.. Due to its flexibility and agile nature, OP5 is ideal for startups who show true potential for growth and development as its structure is designed to handle a vast array of data and applications.

Key Features:

  • Intuitive interface for customized reports based upon activity and monitoring need
  • Effective monitoring of cloud, public, private and hybrid applications
  • Scalable to grow as your network infrastructure expands
  • Unified view to gain access to reports across all networks and applications

If you’re looking for a full list of tools that can help with website optimization, check out Monetize.info for a full breakdown of the top 35 tips and other awesome information to get your website tuned up!

Debunking Mobile APM Solution Myths

Mobile access to businesses is an exploding source of revenue and advertising for businesses across all industries. In fact, many of the world’s leading retailers have seen a significant increase, up to 80 percent, of revenue directly from mobile applications and site access. Because of the weight and importance mobile applications have in the modern digital marketplace, mobile APM solutions are swiftly becoming the go-to source to create a stable, functional mobile environment. While the importance of high-performing mobile applications is nothing new, when it comes to APM solutions for mobile platforms, there are several serious myths that deserve to be debunked.

Myth #1 – App Ratings in Marketplaces is an Unchangable Reality

 While there is not such thing as a completely error-free code, users are continually searching for well designed apps with as little performance and error issues as possible. Although it’s impossible to create a 100 percent perfect application code, the notion that negative app ratings in the marketplace is an unfortunate reality is nothing more than a myth. In many cases, mobile application developers may forego advanced-level APM solutions as they feel their code is decent and negative experiences are bound to happen; however, with an advanced-level APM solution, you’re given an opportunity to reduce performance issues while simultaneously delivering a stable application for all customers.

Myth #2 – Mobile APM Solutions Are Limited in its Insights

 An unfortunate reality in the realm of mobile application is the fact that most mobile-only APM tools offer visibility up to the point of a network request. Anything deeper than this surface-level request is unable to be tracked due to the limits of these constricting APM solutions. While this may be true, there are several viable options to encompass a complete monitoring solution: end-to-end APM tools.

An end-to-end APM solution delivers information regarding each transaction throughout its entire event: starting from the originating mobile device making a request, all the way to the backend database that follows through with this request. As our industry has expanded, so has our ability to monitor events from end-to-end. Take control of your mobile APM solution by adopting a tool that features end-to-end monitoring across all platforms.

Myth #3 – Understanding Users is Near Impossible

 This is one of the most common misconceptions regarding mobile application performance management, which is unfortunate. You’ll never fully understand your users unless you’re able to discover as much identifying information about them as possible. You must understand how users spend their time within the application and what processes they follow the most.

The modern mobile APM solution marketplace has expanded its capabilities to help you understand end-user behaviors and use. For example, you may inject timers at multiple points throughout an application event to measure how much time the average user takes to walk through the application. There are literally hundreds of customizable metrics set in place to monitor and observe the behaviors of mobile application users. It’s only when you’re armed with this information you can deepen your control and customization of an application based upon the specifications of users, not on the specifications of your test runs.