Category Archives: Useful Tips

What is the Difference Between RedHat OpenShift and Kubernetes?

RedHat OpenShift and Kubernetes are containerization tools that many businesses use to become more effective, agile, and scalable. Containerization is a word for a single software package containing an application code and the configuration files, libraries, and dependencies necessary to run it. Having everything bundled together in one “container” allows the software to run without issues on any system platform or cloud.

Aside from this beneficial portability, containerization enables you to avoid the errors and bugs that occur when you transfer code developed in one computing environment to another. You can also create and deploy the software applications faster.

What is Red Hat OpenShift?

Red Hat OpenShift is an open source containerization software product from the Red Hat software company that runs on the Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating system and Kubernetes. It is a cloud-based platform that operates as a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) on public and private clouds and works on hybrid cloud and multiple cloud deployments. You can choose between managed and self-managed options and get various services with OpenShift for your enterprise business. These include the Kubernetes platform, Docker container images, and many exclusive OpenShift enterprise features.

Cloud platforms like OpenShift can help developers to create, innovate, and deliver software applications faster. They also enable operational consistency and efficiency since you can operate clusters and automate the software life-cycle management across architectures and frameworks. Additionally, with Red Hat OpenShift, you can get increased security.

What is Kubernetes?

Kubernetes is an open source containers-as-a-service (CaaS) platform that Google designed and developed. It enables developers to automate containers and use container-based virtualization to upload, run, organize, scale, and manage applications. It uses nodes—real or virtual machines— and a collection of processes known as a control plane to form clusters that work together as a single server. The control plane decides which applications to run and container images to use and assigns the tasks of running the applications and workloads to the nodes. Each node operates in its own Linux environment and runs pods that contain several containers.

The pod clusters—a pod is a group of containers assigned to one node— of Kubernetes have the same number of resources, perform in the same network, and are replicable. That gives them powerful processing capabilities. You can replicate any container in a pod to make it work like another, and that lets the containers produce simultaneous updates and support load balancing for applications. With Kubernetes, you can also get more space, consistent and faster processing speeds, and application isolation.

What are the differences between RedHat OpenShift and Kubernetes?

Some of the main differences between the RedHat OpenShift and Kubernetes tools are as follows:

• OpenShift is a containerization software product that offers a paid platform service. Kubernetes is a containerization project, and you can download its open source code for free from GitHub.

• The OpenShift platform contains the Kubernetes platform and features. Kubernetes is a stand-alone service and does not contain OpenShift services.

• OpenShift is a paid platform service and comes with a subscription that you have to renew periodically for your cluster. The price goes up as the cluster expands. Kubernetes is a free service that you can download from GitHub.

• You can install OpenShift only on select operating system platforms, such as the Red Hat Enterprise Linux operating system, Red Hat CoreOS, and CentOS. On the other hand, it is possible to install Kubernetes on almost any Linux distribution operating system such as Ubuntu, Debian, and others since it is an open source framework.

• OpenShift updates pods with DeploymentConfig, which does not allow concurrent updates. It is possible to make concurrent updates with deployment objects in Kubernetes.

• You can use router objects for external access to OpenShift. For external access to Kubernetes, you can use ingress objects.

• OpenShift has stronger and stricter security policies than Kubernetes. You cannot run a container as a root and also many simple container images in OpenShift. The security level is easier to maintain with Kubernetes.

• OpenShift has fewer software releases every year than Kubernetes, which can generally have around four releases per year.

• You can use native networking solutions in OpenShift. For Kubernetes, you may find it necessary to use third-party plug-ins for networking.

How to Get Started with Apple Pay

Mobile wallets are a secured and quick method of payment. Now, the majority of people prefer using mobile wallets instead of cash or cards. Apple Pay is among one of those mobile wallets. 51% of the world’s population is now considering contactless payment methods, consist of mobile wallets.

While you register with Apple mobile wallet, make sure your device is suitable. Apple mobile wallets can only work on iPhones, Mack books, iPads, and Apple watches and will not support old gadgets such as iPhone 5s.

First, you have to download the newest version of ios, watchOS, or macOS according to your device to register your Apple mobile wallet. Finally, you must check if your credit card is registered to the Apple Payment Application. Verify if your card issuer has a contract with Apple. It will not be a problem as Apple mobile wallet remains a partner with various topmost card issuing companies. But it will not harm to verify twice.

Here is detailed guidance on how to get started with Apple mobile wallet on your Apple device.

1. Process of Setting up Apple Payment App on iPhone

Your Apple mobile is a gadget that you can carry with you everywhere, so you must set up the mobile wallet in it first.

• Download the Wallet application on your device.

• There is a + button on the screen’s top right corner. Click on it.

• Therefore, click on “Continue”.

• Select your card type if it is a credit or debit or Apple card. If you have an Apple card, then you do not have to select the choice.

• This step is for those who have a new card. Scan the upper portion of the card with your device’s camera, or you can enter details of the card such as name and card number manually. After, click on “Next”.

• Add the card’s security number and expiry date. Then click on “Next”.

• Go through the terms and conditions cautiously and agree to them.

• Verify the entire process by email or text, or call. Add the verification code when asked. Then tap “Next”.

• Your data will get verified by the card-issuing company or the bank. After completing the verification process click on “Next” to use Apple mobile wallet.

2. Process of Setting up Apple Payment App on your iPad

• Start by opening the settings on your iPad.

• Scroll through the options and click on “Wallet & Apple Pay”. Then tap “Add card”.

• On the pay set up a display, click on “Continue”.

• Scan the upper section of the card with your gadget’s camera, or enter the card information such as name and card number physically. After that, click on “Next”. This step is only for new cards.

• Enter the expiry date of the card and security number. After that tap “Next”.

• Read the terms and conditions and tap to agree.

• The app will verify by sending an email or text or making a call. Enter the verifying code which the app just sent when asked and proceed to “Next”.

• The card issuer or the bank will authenticate your data. After authentication, click on “Next” to make payments with your card.

3. Process of Setting up Apple Payment App on your Apple Watch:

• Open your iPhone’s Watch application. Move to the My Watch option.

• Click on “Wallet & Apple Pay”. Therefore “Add card”.

• There, on the pay set up a tab, click on “Continue”.

• In case of a new card, scan the front part of your card with your Apple device. You may also enter your card description, like name and card number, manually. Then proceed to “Next”.

• Enter the card’s validation date and security numbers. Then click “Next”.

• Go through the terms and conditions and then agree.

• Choose an authentication process either by email or call, or text. Enter the authentication code when asked. Then go to “Next”.

• Your data will get justified and confirmed by your bank or the card-issuing company. Then proceed to “Next” to begin with your Apple mobile wallet.

How Important is Networking for Consultants?

Consulting Networks – A Perfect Way to Boost Up Your Business

Networking is the modern way of making friendships and fruitful connections. Devoid of a perfect professional networking system, almost all modern businesses will go lacking. Networking will enable you to connect to like-minded entrepreneurs and professionals. Thus you will be able to update yourself regarding the latest developments in your niche business and promote your career. In our time, there are exclusive and inimitable matching platforms, which make use of the effectiveness of the proprietary algorithm. These are operative and swift platforms. By using such an innovative online platform of consulting networks, it will be possible for you to connect with your friends, colleagues, or similar professionals easily.

How Important Is Networking for Consultants?

Many business consultants and business managers overlook the power of professional consulting networks even though the same is highly vital in the contemporary business world. Business consultants will have to build up a good client base to combat and survive the piercing competition. Market competition is par for the course as far as the modern consulting arena is concerned. Consultant firms face a tough challenge, as is the case with all present-day businesses. Networking is all about developing relationships with peers, and these connections will brighten your business activities. You can rightly say that this is a give-and-take arrangement. You will be able to get apt recommendations, and you can give the same for your connections. These referrals practically mean the adding up of your clientele. That is why it is highly significant that as soon as you launch your business, you must start your networking. On the whole, you can segregate matching networks into three types. By prudent participation, you can leverage your business activities and accomplish your networking objectives. These are operational networking, personal networking, and strategic networking. Remember, it is the right connections that will become beneficial for you. You will have to make the right connections at the right time to achieve positive results regarding your consulting profession.

Operational Network: This one is for building connections for taking your organizational activities to the next level. Here, you can reach out to individuals who belong to your organization itself and the related social circle. This sharing will be handy for making your organizational routines perfect and in tune with the overall basic structure that prevails. By making use of effective consulting networks, you can make these working relationships work better.

Personal Network: This networking will give you a deep perception regarding the personal viewpoints of like-minded professionals or business executives. Such connections will take you beyond the present routine works of your business. You can become more aware as regards the novel concepts of consultancy management. You will get a broader vision as regards the latest management methods. Besides, you can make use of these personal relationships with peers to get positive referrals. When you recommend the network friends, they will also do the same for you. This mutual collaboration will yield positive results for your organization.

Strategic Network: This method is the way to build up your connections strategically. Here, you must give due significance to your overall organizational objectives and use operational and personal networks for the growth of your consultancy business. By using the contacts prudently, you can promote your professional proficiency as regards consultancy. Such a promotion means the augmentation of your clientele.

The primary thing that you must ensure while looking for a functional platform for networking is the overall easiness of navigation. Time is precious, and there must not be any wastage of time while you use your networking platform. It will be practically wise to include some specific categories of people in your network. The first category to mention is your peers. You will get the ground knowledge as regards the current status of consultancy by connecting with your peers. You can include your colleagues and partners in the group so that it will be possible for you to have detailed discussions with them about the numerous issues as regards your profession. It will be beneficial to connect with your sympathizers also as they will spread the news about your perfection and the other positive things regarding your consultancy business.

What Is an Asset Register & Why Accuracy Is Important

Most businesses depend on pen and paper or spreadsheets for managing their inventory and assets. Even when companies have an effective Asset Management Software solution, there is a tendency to export asset data into spreadsheets. As a result, there is a significant increase in inventory write-off. Large businesses have teams of auditors and accountants who help them leverage the value of their physical assets. Small companies always tend to take the matter into their hand, especially when it comes to managing assets that can impact cash flow, debt, and financing avenues. Small businesses often do not appreciate that their assets help them produce income, yet they do not keep an accurate record of all their assets.

In its simplest form, asset registers are a detailed list compiled of all business assets. It includes details such as location, condition, and owner. The purpose of an asset register is to enable businesses to know the status, procurement date, price, location, depreciation, and current value of each asset. An accurate asset register has an overall positive impact on a business’s bottom line and can increase business revenue and cash flow by 5 – 18%.

Different Types of Asset Registers

The type of asset register that a company builds depends on the size of its operations. Not only can registers be in the form of paper, spreadsheets, or specialized asset register software, they can also be specific to the type of asset. Small businesses have just one asset register that consists of the data of all purchases. Typically, when companies have only one register, it is called an asset register. But, depending on a business’ capitalization policy, this also includes fixed assets that are movable too. For example, if a register contains all assets worth more than $2,000, company vehicles are also counted for in a fixed asset register. Depending on the industry, Larger firms have up to three different types of asset registers that include their IT and digital assets. In this instance, the stored asset data will vary depending on the register, such as Data Found in an Asset Register, Data Found in an IT Asset Register, and Data Found in a Digital Asset Register.

Why is Accuracy Important?

Complete Information

When you are maintaining a fixed asset register, you have all the details about assets that are helpful in decision-making. You are aware of which assets need to be disposed of, asset status, how frequently it is used, and where it is located for audit trial purposes. When you know asset whereabouts, it is helpful for the audit team to verify assets physically. Complete information about assets provides you with necessary information on the asset’s average life, utilization of the asset, and asset expenses. These sorts of information help in setting future goals.

Compliance

If your reports are not accurate, then your company may end up paying the penalty for a rule violation. No organization wants these problems, right? For maintaining accuracy, IT asset registers can help by providing precise information. With the IT asset register, you can eliminate all the compliance-related issues as well. Take, for instance, your organization is using software & got expired recently. The auditor discovers it and penalizes the organization. But with this software, it will alert you in advance that software is about to expire, and you can renew it.

Depreciation

Depreciation of assets is crucial for an organization. Most organizations commit some errors in calculating depreciation. As several factors need to be considered, which you will not be able to do manually. However, when your association is equipped with a software system, you won’t need to stress over depreciation computation as the software comes with several inbuilt deprecation techniques. In this way, you can save a good amount of time.

Maintenance

Maintenance is one of the invisible pillars that play a vital role in business growth. For keeping assets well maintained and avoiding sudden asset breaks down, you must emphasize asset maintenance.

In the long run, you will see a significant saving in your bottom line. A maintenance strategy is a never-ending procedure for calibration management, increasing efficiency, and asset’s productive life, safety, and reliability.

What is the Difference Between WIFI and Fixed Wireless?

51% of the U.S. population uses fixed wireless internet. Although fixed wireless internet has some similarities to WiFi in its usage but uses different technology.

If you are wondering what the difference is between the best fixed wireless internet and WiFi, read this article. We cover every point you need to know to make the right decision.

What Is WiFi?

WiFi technology transmits data from your routers to your devices. They include mobile, laptop, tablet, and TV. WiFi signal is local so you will have complete control.

Typically, WiFi is set up around a business or a home. It uses your internet service from an internet service provider (ISP) to connect your devices to the internet. Be careful while selecting a WiFI connection and only connect to a WiFi that you are aware of and trust.

What is Fixed Wireless?

Fixed wireless delivers internet via radio to a specific area or place. Most of the home internet users prefer such internet service. It is also good to provide internet service to rural areas because there is no wiring involved, unlike cable internet service.

If your area doesn’t have access to fiber running to your community, you will have limited internet service options.

A fixed wireless internet connection needs a transmission tower nearby and a fixed line of sight to that tower. Specific areas get coverage with fixed wireless internet.

You need to implement technology to receive data throughout the near-line of signals wirelessly. You don’t need to run internet cables the process is seamless.

Many rural areas do not have internet infrastructure due to a lack of investment. Fixed wireless internet is a boon for rural areas there.

You can install fixed wireless internet virtually anywhere a tower is available. Rural internet users have two options – fixed wireless internet or satellite internet. However, fixed wireless internet is much more reliable than satellite internet.

How Does Fixed Wireless Work?

Fixed wireless internet focuses on one location. It is stronger than broadcasts such as AM or FM radio.

Directional connection rival cable and DSL are on the lower side of the radio spectrum. They are high-frequency brands or EHG bands and broadcast over a high-frequency microwave.

This increases the signal strength and helps meet gigabyte speeds that are comparable to fiber internet connections when properly implemented.

Access to EHG frequencies has led tech behemoths such as Google and Facebook to invest in developing their own fixed wireless internet networks and technologies.

WiFi vs Fixed Wireless – Which Is Safer?

WiFi often comes with several security issues. There are a few steps you can take to make your WiFi connections safer. But often fixed wireless supersedes WiFi.

You can use WiFi with fixed-point wireless but fixed wireless doesn’t require WiFi to connect to the internet.

How Is the Performance of Fixed Wireless Internet?

The plans and speed vary between fixed wireless providers. Typically, you can compare a residential fixed wireless plan to DSL cable internet in terms of speed. The average is between 5 to 25 Mbps.

You can use fixed wireless internet for web browsing, gaming, or streaming similar to cable internet. It is the best option for rural users.

The best fixed wireless internet providers offer speeds as fast as 50 Mbps. Fixed wireless internet is also similar in other aspects such as reliability, speed of installation, and security.

Such speeds may not be lightning fast but they are a great option compared to DSL, satellite internet, or even no internet at all.

You can easily obtain fixed wireless internet in areas that have a low concentration of cable internet because of its flexibility.

Advantages of Fixed Wireless Internet

There are two primary benefits of the best fixed wireless internet – low latency and large coverage area.

Low latency makes internet conferencing, gaming, streaming all feasible options.

Also, its ability to cover large areas makes it available just about anywhere. Service providers do not need to invest in infrastructure or new cables. This makes fixed wireless an affordable option for ISPs which means extra savings for customers.

Do you still have any questions about the difference between WiFi and the best fixed wireless internet? Please feel free to leave your comments below.