New software programs and services available via the Internet pop up daily. Here are a few of the more intriguing and even helpful ones for your growing business.
Top secret secrets
Encrypting computer data is like throwing down the gauntlet at the feet of a hacker-a double-dog dare challenging them to unlock the mystery in your files.
Steganos, a new software program, goes a step beyond basic cryptographic methods that merely make data unreadable; it hides the existence of data through a process known as steganography.
Jim Tyer of CenturionSoft, the company marketing the new software, says it’s important to use both methods for certain types of data.
“If your data is only hidden and not encrypted, someone could search all suspicious carrier files for hidden data and, perhaps, find your sensitive information.”
Steganos can be ordered through the CenturionSoft Web site www.centurionsoft.com for $49.95.
Low budget national advertising
Want to reach a national audience but don’t have an ad agency to do it for you? Contact The WorkShop Inc. for its recently released set of CD-Rom programs. The software offers ready-to-run databases of more than 10,000 daily and weekly newspapers, 3,000 magazines and 2,000 e-mail newsletters.
“Our listings include the name of the publication, all their contact information, e-mail, Web site, circulation and frequency of publication,” says Carol Wadell, spokeswoman for The Workshop. “All this information allows just about anyone to create smart, highly effective ad campaigns based on just about any size budget. Business owners can get stronger results by better targeting their ads to the right publications.”
“Newspapers ’98” and “Magazines and E-zines ’98” are available for $40 per CD.
How to reach: The Workshop www.workshopinc.com
Scheduling with ease
Need to set-up a conference in another state? How about another country? No long distance calls are necessary with Facility Master II. The new COMSEC Scheduling Software makes on-line reservations as easy as clicking a mouse-if the facilities you’re after offer on-line scheduling.
Company headquarters, hotels, conference centers as well as various equipment, food service and key personnel can all be scheduled through the system.
COMSEC has developed and distributed the software since 1983. It’s not cheap, but Bob Taylor, sales manager, says the company has never charged for upgrades and provides free technical support. The software ranges in price from $489 to $1,289.
How to reach: COMSEC www.comsec-llc.com