Mynt in Print @PRDaily - 23 Smartphone Apps Perfect for PR Pros

Honored to be published in PR Daily today for 23 smartphone apps perfect for PR pros… to view the article in its entirety, please visit http://bit.ly/ztTih7 

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There are more than 1 million applications available for smartphones and tablets. Among the first applications that everyone probably downloaded was Facebook, Angry Birds, or Pandora. 

With more business-oriented applications become available, I was curious to know which apps my fellow PR professionals use on a daily basis and can’t live without. So, I reached to colleagues and sent a query through Help A Reporter Out (HARO). 

The most common answers were apps that many of you are probably already using—Facebook, Twitter, TweetDeck, HootSuite, LinkedIn, StumbleUpon, Mashable, Google, and Yelp—so I wanted to focus on the applications that fell outside of this group, some of which were new to me and I have since begun to use. Most of these applications are multi-platform with Android and iPhone, I have listed which are iPad only. 

Click here to view the list!!

San Diego’s NextLevel Internet Delivers 2011 Year in Review

NextLevel Internet, Inc., a leader in mission-critical Internet access and hosted voice services, is pleased to deliver a 2011 year in review and 2012 technology forecast.

“2011 was our most profitable and successful year to date. Not only did we see double digit growth in revenue and client base, but we also increased our number of employees by 26 percent,” said Jerry Morris, founder of NextLevel Internet, Inc. “We are continuously adapting and evolving our service offerings to make sure we are providing our B2B clients with the best privately managed voice, Internet, and cloud based data services available in the market. As we look forward into 2012, we see this trend to continue as we will be offering new services to remain ahead of the ever changing needs of our clients.”

Customer Satisfaction — In 2011, NextLevel Internet received the highest recognition for the company’s customer service and support. The company scored a Customer Excellence rating of 98 percent in a survey to the company’s existing client base. Conducted by Strategic Business Communications, Inc. (SBC) during a three month period from February through April 2011, the outside blind survey asked respondents to rate interactions, transactions and satisfaction levels between themselves and NextLevel Internet.

California Power Outage — Further expanding on NextLevel Internet’s mission-critical offerings; during the massive power outage on September 8, 2011, the company’s NextLevel Voice(TM) and Co-location services provided uninterrupted service to emergency organizations and first responders. The power outage, which was the largest recorded in the region’s history, lasting more than 10 hours left roughly eight million people and thousands of organizations in parts of Southern California, Arizona and New Mexico without power, Internet, and phone access. This disruption of power and the associated loss of connectivity could have resulted in the loss of life, money, or reputation for many of those affected.

NextLevel Voice Adoption Rate — Introduced as a new service in 2008, NextLevel Internet’s flexible hosted voice service, NextLevel Voice saw an increase in revenues of 65 percent during 2011. Clients have installed and retained NextLevel’s voice solutions because of the quality, reliability, affordability and disaster recovery (DR) attributes.

NextLevel Voice provides organizations with 10 to 500+ employees the advanced features and security of a sophisticated Private Branch Exchange (PBX) system for a fraction of the cost, with unsurpassed ease of use and zero system maintenance fees.

Data Center Expansion — In 2011, the company increased access to its new, secure, 88,000 square foot, SAS 70 Type II compliant data center in Rancho Bernardo, CA. The expansion to the new World Trade Drive Data Center followed the relocation of NextLevel Internet’s headquarters to North County San Diego in September 2010. SAS 70 Type II compliance certifies that NextLevel Internet’s data center has adequate controls and safeguards in place when hosting and processing data for the company’s clients.

Managed Internet Infrastructure — NextLevel Internet’s privately managed Clear Channel connectivity options allow businesses with 10 to 500+ employees the ability to control the quality of service (QoS) and class of service (CoS) to include its hosted voice service offerings. NextLevel’s mission critical Internet access and 24/7 NOC services are designed to give businesses everything they need to maximize company uptime and headquarter all remote sites.

For organizations that would like to request more information on NextLevel Internet’s business-to-business co-location, Internet, hosted voice, and managed data services, please visit www.nextlevelinternet.com .

2012 PR New Year’s Resolutions

Taming the inbox

“This year, my New Year’s resolution will be to keep my email inbox tame and highly organized throughout the entire year. Right now it’s like an angry pit bull, but I would rather have it be a happy puppy.” - Ronnie Manning, principal, Mynt Public Relations, @RManning_Mynt

Ad-Monetization in a Changing Online Landscape

October 27 is the birthday of the first time banner ads were seen on a website. Hotwired.com was the first company to run these ads in 1994 and they were the beginnings of what would become a $24 billion business and generate a CTR of 78%. They were simple ads, created for AT&T and Volvo—the latter’s banner didn’t even send the consumer to the company’s website but rather to a questionnaire of what type of automobile they’d be interested in. It’s been 17 years since then and online advertising has grown tremendously, but the average CTR of banner ads today is only a fraction of a percent: a measly 0.1%. So how does one generate ad revenue in a world where online consumers have adapted to ignoring banner advertising?

We must ask ourselves why the CTR of banner ads drop so much. This has a two part answer; banner ads are ignored, consciously and subconsciously, and when they aren’t ignored, they don’t convert at a high rate because the ads are not delivered at a relevant time. The solution to these issues is to reach online consumers where their attention is and when they want it. In-content advertising allows advertisers to accomplish this.

In-content advertising is much like the product placement that you see in movies and television. This advertising technique is contextually relevant as well as tightly integrated and works for two reasons: Consumers see and interact with these advertisements and they experience the advertisements while they’re actually looking for the information. The easiest way to reach your viewer is with in-content advertising with link insertion. Link insertion allows users to scroll the mouse over a word that then pulls up a pop-up to link to the relevant site.

This article was a guest post from Murray Newlands, to learn more about in-content advertising and link insertion, please read his most recent eBook,”Content Monetization” or “INTENETclick“:In-Text Advertising Secrets.

Devicelock Endpoint DLP enables businesses to control Google+ usage on corporate computers.

DeviceLock, Inc., an international leader in endpoint data leak prevention solutions, today announced that its DeviceLock® Endpoint DLP Suite software can now be used by corporate IT to control the use of the Google+ social network on endpoint computers including content filtering of their data exchanges via Google+ services. As Google+ has become one of the fastest growing social networks, its uncontrolled use in corporate environments presents the risk of data leakage for IT security departments in organizations of various sizes and industries.

DeviceLock 7 Endpoint DLP Suite gives IT security administrators the ability to control which users on protected computers are allowed to access, read or post information on the Google+ site, even the days and times access is allowed. If needed, filtering of file and message content flowing between the protected endpoint and Google+ can be enforced to block the posting of unauthorized information. DeviceLock provides a full log of user activities and optional shadow-copying of data transferred for use in compliance auditing and forensic investigations.

“Many of our customers are worried about potential data leakage when employees communicate through Google+ with the outside world from their corporate computers. Even prior to the release of Google+, our customers had access to a recent DeviceLock version that enables them to control which corporate users can access Google+ from protected endpoint computers,” said Vince Schiavo, CEO, DeviceLock, Inc. “DeviceLock controls when and how users can access Google+ and the software can monitor and filter information considered by the organization to be confidential or sensitive. The speed of implementing this unique DLP capability is a tangible confirmation of DeviceLock’s dedication to its mission of providing proactive endpoint data security.”

Prior to the release of Google+, DeviceLock could already control the use of other popular social networks like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and Live Journal along with common webmail solutions like Gmail, Live Mail (Hotmail) and Yahoo Mail. In the latest version, DeviceLock’s Endpoint DLP Suite also adds contextual and content-aware controls over several regionally popular social networks and webmail systems, including XING.com, Studivz.de, Meinvz.de, and Schuelervz.net, as well as AOL Mail and Yandex.Mail. User access to mobile versions of social networks and popular webmail applications from endpoint computers is now also controlled by DeviceLock.

DeviceLock Names Vincent Schiavo as Chief Executive Officer

DeviceLock, Inc., a leading developer of endpoint data leak prevention software, is pleased to announce the appointment of Vincent M. Schiavo as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. In this role, Mr. Schiavo will focus on the global expansion of DeviceLock endpoint data leak prevention software and the execution of the organization’s vision and strategic direction.

A veteran of the computer industry for more than 30 years, most recently Mr. Schiavo served as the Executive Vice President of Worldwide Sales for LogLogic, a San Jose-based security information and event management provider.

Prior to LogLogic, Mr. Schiavo was the Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Marketing for Secure Computing, a San Jose-based web information security company which was acquired by McAfee in 2008. During his six-and-a-half-year tenure at Secure Computing, Mr. Schiavo built a worldwide sales team that drove the company’s billings from under $36M to over $300M per year.

“Vince brings an impressive resume from both a business perspective and depth of technology expertise,” said Ashot Oganesyan, founder, DeviceLock, Inc. “We look forward to using Vince’s strong business background to continue to expand our global reach.”

“The introduction of employee-owned devices such as smart-phones, digital cameras, iPads and other USB-attached devices has dramatically increased the risk of data loss and information theft in the enterprise,” said Vince Schiavo, CEO, DeviceLock, Inc. “DeviceLock has positioned itself as a premier enforcer against data loss and as an integral part of a successful security strategy. As we continue to grow our company, we are committed to maintaining our technology innovation leadership in this important industry segment.”

For organizations of any size and industry, DeviceLock software proactively protects endpoint computers against local data leaks and malware infiltration resulting from insider negligence, accidental mistakes or malicious actions. It enables IT security personnel to precisely control, log, shadow-copy and audit end-user access to all types of local ports and peripheral devices, including personal mobile devices such as smart-phones, iPads, iPods, digital cameras and other dockable devices.

(Source: Yahoo!)

23 Smartphone Apps that PR Professionals Can’t Live Without

by Ronnie Manning

At last count, I think there are around 45 billion applications available for our smartphones and tablets.  The first application that everyone probably downloaded was either Facebook, Angry Birds or Pandora (Facebook was mine and I even downloaded a virtual pet, which I forgot about, and sadly, the poor guy went to virtual pet heaven).  But as more business oriented applications are developed and become available, I was curious to know which apps my fellow PR professionals use on a daily basis and can’t live without.  (I should state that I have no affiliation with any of the apps listed, just looking to share some good info)

I received great responses with the most common answers being the most common apps that many of you are probably already using – Facebook, Twitter (TweetDeck, HootSuite), LinkedIn, StumbleUpon, Mashable, Google, and Yelp – so I wanted to focus on the applications that fell outside of this common group, some of which were new to me and I have since begun to use.  Most of these applications are multi-platform with Android and iPhone, I have listed which are iPad only. Enjoy!

Location Based Services / Social Productivity Applications

• Around Me - AroundMe allows you to quickly find out information about your surroundings - find ATMs, drug stores, restaurants, coffee shops, etc.

• Ban.jo – Ban.jo is a social discovery service that harnesses social updates happening across multiple networks and delivers them into one integrated view.  

“I work a lot with local venues and restaurants and use the app to see who is physically near; as the app aggregates all of my social media profiles - collecting my friends geotags - and allowing me to see their proximity to mine. When needing to recruit bodies in the door - in real time - you can open up the app to see what friends are near you and invite them to the venue or event within the app by tweeting them, etc.” – Kinsey Shoefield

•  Foursquare – Foursquare is a location-based mobile platform that makes cities easier to use and more interesting to explore.  Clients and brands leverage the foursquare platform by utilizing a wide set of tools to obtain, engage, and retain customers and audiences.

• myBantu – myBantu provides highly personalized assistance in matching desirable travel, entertainment and lifestyle queries based on individual preferences and social network. 

• Plancast – Plancast lets you know about the events your friends and colleagues plan to attend as well as other events in your area.

News and Media Applications

• Flipboard (iPad) – The application turns your Facebook, Twitter and other social content into a digital magazine inspired by the beauty and ease of print media. 

• Pulse – Pulse News that takes your favorite websites and transforms them into a colorful and interactive mosaic.

• Taptu – Taptu lets you add your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and the content from your favorite web sites and blogs via RSS and transforms them into visual streams. 

“Since discovering Taptu, I check it even before my emails each day.  I can create custom news streams for any topic and add any feeds or sites that I want to check daily.” Angela Neal

•  Zite (iPad) – Zite scans over half a million web domains to find specific reading material that would be of interest, according to your social network and online reading behavior.

Business and Productivity Applications

• Dropbox – Dropbox is a free service that lets you bring your photos, docs, and videos anywhere and share them easily via mobile/desktop. 

“The ability to instantly access, update, save and share files at the touch of a button is a godsend, especially at times when multiple collaborators are working on a single project or presentation.” Mike Lesczinski 

• Evernote - Evernote makes it easy to remember things big and small from your notable life using your computer, phone, and the web. 

“I use Evernote for dictating notes to myself (e.g., if hit with a brainstorm while walking the dog) as well as keeping permanent track of handwritten notes I take in Noteshelf and keyboard entry. Love that it syncs automatically and is available from every device.” Roger Friedensen  

• Harvest - Harvest lets PR professionals track time and send invoices from one integrated application.

• Instagram – Fast, photo sharing and editing.

• JotNot Pro -JotNot uses your smartphones camera to be a multi-page document scanner.  

“We like JotNot Pro for scanning and e-mailing items when we’re on the go. It’s fast and convenient and the resolution is good.” Marisa Vallbona 

• Noteshelf (iPad) - A handwriting app for the iPad that allows you to take notes and export.

• OfficeTime – For Billing on the Go - Office Time is an intuitive and full-featured time tracking application. 

“OfficeTime is great for PR folks who primarily bill by the hour, keeping good track of time and tying that work to specific projects and clients is essential.” Kevin Doel

• Springpad - Springpad makes it easy to save notes, products and places you want to remember – it automatically organizes and enhances what you’ve saved to help you be more productive.

• Square – Square gives businesses the ability to accept credit and debit card purchases anywhere, anytime. 

“Get the free tiny accessory that attaches to the microphone port on your phone and take charge cards with your phone. Nice for events and it’s free—-transaction fee applies but no monthly merchant fees.” Toni Antonetti 

• Teuxdeux – TeuxDeux is a simple and nicely designed to-do list.  

“Teuxdeux is my favorite to-do list app ever, which says a lot because Ive tried out a number of them. . Teuxdeux is by far the cleanest and most simple task management app I’ve used.” Stephanie Stadler 

• Toodledo - a task and note manager that helps organize your to-do list and notes, and make you more productive.

• WorldCard - WorldCard Mobile uses OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology to instantly transfer information from business cards to the your contact list.

• Wunderlist – an integrated task manager, your to-do lists sync automatically over the internet and you can even share your lists with friends and colleagues

Personal Applications

• White Noise - While traveling, use this app in hotel rooms that sometimes can be less soundproof than one would like.

It’s exciting to see the variety of available applications and how they help PR professionals on a daily basis, I look forward what the future brings.  If there are any applications that you use regularly and you would like to add, please feel free to leave in the comment section!

Thank you to all who provided input!

Pew Internet - Twitter Update 2011

The Pew Internet and American Life Project recently released its updated statistics on Twitter use.  The report found that as of May 2011, 13% of online adults use the status update service Twitter. That represents a significant increase from the 8% of online adults who identified themselves as Twitter users the first time they were asked a “stand-alone” question about Twitter adoption in November 2010.

Twitter usage by those ages 25-44 has grown significantly since late 2010
Although young adults continue to have relatively high rates of Twitter usage, the number of 30-49 year olds who use the service has doubled since late 2010—from 7% of such users in November to 14% in May 2011. This growth trend is especially pronounced among 25-34 year olds—Twitter use for this cohort roughly doubled between November 2010 and May 2011, from 9% to 19%—although growth in Twitter use among internet users ages 35-44 was notable as well (from 8% in late 2010 to 14% in spring 2011). By contrast, Twitter adoption over the same time period was stable among the youngest adults (those ages 18-24) who were the most likely to use the service in the first survey.

These findings come from national survey findings from a poll conducted on landline and cell phones, in English and Spanish, between April 26 and May 22, 2011 among 2,277 adults (age 18 and older). The margin of error among the internet users is +/- 3.7 percentage points.  To view the entire survey from Pew Internet, please visit here.

Public Relations and Social Media Twitter Chat Schedules

The Social Responsibility blog has published a great list of Twitter Chat Schedules focusing on Public Relations and Social Media.  I have included several listing direct from the schedule below, for the entire list please go here.  

#journchat – Conversation between journalists, bloggers and public relations folks

Monday from 8-9 p.m. EST

#LeadGenChat - A weekly chat on a variety of marketing and lead generation strategies and tactics. Topics may include media strategy, pay per-click, inbound marketing, social media, analytics, conversions, landing page optimization, lead nurturing, marketing automation, content marketing, marketing tools, and more.

Monday from 9-10 p.m. EST

#appchat - First Twitter chat to focus solely on the app market. The goal is to have app market leaders engage with one another in real-time to talk about industry trends, market growth or anything else affecting the current app landscape that drives the sector. As apps expand from our smartphones and into our living rooms, this weekly #appchat will be a place to discuss this shift and what it means for the digital lifestyle.

Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. PST

#measurePR - A bi-weekly chat on everything to do with PR measurement and yes, that includes social media. Featured guests will discuss every aspect - both loved and hated - of the measurement conundrum.

Tuesday from 12-1 p.m. EST (Every other Tuesday)

#pr20chat - Weekly discussion about public relations, social media and how technology is shifting the industry

Tuesday from 8-9 p.m. EST

#smchat -Exploring what’s possible with social media.  A discussion that’s sometimes technical but always lively. Launched innovative weekly Topic Series in 2010 focused on Marketing, Not for Profits, and SM Trends. Guest mod opportunities available. Join us!

Wednesday from 1-2 p.m. EST

To read the entire list - please visit Social Responsibility blog. 

“Everything you do or say is public relations”

Just heard the above quote today - so simple, so true - especially in today’s real-time broadcasts through social media.

PR hashtags for Twitter

A short list of Public Relations hashtags to follow on Twitter - please add any additional you may have!

• #PR
• #blogchat 
• #journchat 
• #PRpr 
• #PRintern 
• #PRjobs 
• #PRadvice 
• #pr20chat 
• #Solopr 
• #PRTips 
• #prstudchat
• #publicrelations

Follow Mynt PR on Twitter here!

ANX Nominated for 2011 Hot Companies and Best Products Awards

Network Products Guide has named ANX a finalist for the 6^th Annual 2011 Hot Companies and Best Products Awards in both the Hot Companies and Hot Technologies categories. These industry and peer awards from Network Products Guide are the world’s premier information technology awards honoring achievements and recognitions in every facet of the IT industry. Winners will be honored in Las Vegas on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 during the 6^th annual dinner and presentations.

ANX products and solutions enable over 16,000 organizations, scaling from SMBs to global enterprises, to secure and exchange information, while meeting complex compliance requirements. With the finalization of three major business acquisitions, ANX maintains strong momentum through customer and overall business growth. Through its most recent acquisition of governance, risk and compliance (GRC) solutions provider TruArx, ANX has also been selected as a finalist for TruComply, ANX’s flagship GRC technology. TruComply is an easy-to-use software-as-a-service GRC application. The solution enables organizations to quickly implement and continuously review control status to improve protection and reduce the cost of risk and compliance.

For more info click here.

(Source: marketwire.com)