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Hubbard Digital is a leader in visual and information technology. We invent, and invest in businesses that do the same. Our mission is to promote aesthetic and technological advancements in the U.S. and beyond.

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We hope this post helped you learn how to make sticky posts in WordPress. You may also want to take a look at our list of 6 cool things you can do with sticky posts in WordPress.
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Hubbard Digital is a leader in visual and information technology. We invent, and invest in businesses that do the same. Our mission is to promote aesthetic and technological advancements in the U.S. and beyond.

Filed under: Tech

Bridging Visual and Information Technology

Today’s dependency on Information Technology (IT) has made it a household term.

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At least one computer with Internet access resides in over 70% of American homes (Economics & Statistics Administration, 2011).  The advent of mobile technology is even more staggering!  According to Nielson (2012), nearly half of U.S. mobile subscribers use smart phones; WebProNews (2012) reports that a whopping 57% of pre-teens use tablets for educational purposes!

When our children discuss their career aspirations, Information Technology is as much welcomed at the dinner table as Law, Medicine, or Business Administration…and for good reason!  For the past 10 years, the U.S. Software and IT Services Industry alone has grown by 4 percent, accounting for over $550 billion in revenue (SelectUSA, n.d.).  Information Technology is a smart career choice in the 21st century economy.

But iPhones and apps weren’t always the cool faces of Information Technology.  In its infancy, the industry was the domain of “computer geeks” that spoke in encrypted code.  Their devices were beepy and bulky machinery called mainframes that usually remained hidden from the general public.  No one person can take credit for “visualizing” information technology, but a certain mogul by the name of Steve Jobs is often regarded for his strong sense (and advocacy) for design.

A general rule of thumb suggests that any product sold to the masses must first be beautified.  This is where visual technology comes into play; it makes raw data sleek, cool, and easy to use.

Visual technology is a type of engineering that has everything to do with modernism and visual representation.  Animation, graphics, and video have long been classified as forms of visual technology.  But the boom of the Internet and mobile technology have spawned several new genres, including web design, user interface design, drag and drop apps, digital imaging, and online gaming!

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The moral of the story is romantic—not much different from the intellectual movement that originated in Europe toward the end of the 18th century.  In our own age of reason, society continues to be reformed through the promotion of science. The balance is art, or, visual representation.  Now more than ever, visual and information technology go hand-in-hand.

At Hubbard Digital, we combine the best of visual and information technology.  Our goal is to produce rich content and applications, while working alongside industry leaders in all things innovative and technological.  Be sure to sign up for our email updates to receive company and industry-related news.

REFERENCES

Economics & Statistics Administration (2011). Exploring the digital nation – computer and internet use at home. Retrieved from http://www.esa.doc.gov/Reports/exploring-digital-nation-computer-and-internet-use-home

Neilson (2012). Smartphones account for half of all mobile phones, dominate new phone purchases in the us. Retrieved from http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/online_mobile/smartphones-account-for-half-of-all-mobile-phones-dominate-new-phone-purchases-in-the-us/

SelectUSA (n.d.). The software and information technology services industry in the united states. Retrieved from http://selectusa.commerce.gov/industry-snapshots/software-and-information-technology-services-industry-united-states

WebProNews (2012). Nielsen: 70% of kids in tablet-owning households use them. Retrieved from http://www.webpronews.com/nielsen-tablets-kids-2012-02

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Open Education Resources

Education forms the basis of any society. Studies show that when quality education is made accessible, the alternatives of crime and poverty are greatly reduced. Education, regardless of locale, plays a significant role in personal and socioeconomic development.

Hubbard Digital believes that education is a human right. The Gainful Employment Act of 2010, as well as the increasing popularity of online education, are positive signs that many are subscribing to this ideology. Online education, in particular, has proven to be as viable as it is a reflection of the global economy, where sharing and collaboration are done from remote locations.

This similarity, coupled with an unprecedented cost-efficiency, makes online education both practical and attainable. Educators and students alike benefit from reduced costs, as well as a constructivist learning environment. Additionally, the absence of international barriers enhances the online learning experience and knowledge is applied in a global context. Materials with open licenses further this cause.

These freely available materials are collectively known as Open Education Resources (OER). Adopted in 2002 by UNESCO, an international co-operation, OER has since evolved into a humanitarian effort which seeks to balance information with accessibility. The concept is gaining momentum due to its potential for wide distribution and ability to engage students from impoverished or remote communities.

While not an “accredited” solution for learning, more than 60 recognized institutions from around the world have begun implementing OER curriculums (D’Atoni, 2007). With the continued spread of Internet access, D’Antoni (2007) acknowledges the traditional classroom establishment, but argues that “education for all” is inevitable. She cites the community efforts of IIEP and the Hewlett Foundation, which resulted in OER awareness in 98 countries (60 of those countries described as “developing”) to back this claim.

Other big names behind the OER movement are the Yale Law School (Yale ISP), New York University, and Hewlett Packard (HP), all of which have sponsored the University of the People, the world’s first tuition-free online university dedicated to the global advancement and democratization of higher education.

Hubbard Digital is an advocate for Open Education Resources. We support open educational schools and entities by providing rich advertisement and content at no cost. Knowledge is the commonwealth of humankind, and we endeavor to make education attainable to learners and educators without any accompanying fees.

To learn how we can assist your open educational project, call us today at (404) 903-9076.

References

D’Antoni, S. (2007). Sharing content: Access to knowledge. International Institute for Educational Planning Newsletter, 25 (2), 3. Retrieved from http://www.iiep.unesco.org/fileadmin/user_upload/pdf/apre07.pdf

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Competitive Intelligence and Knowledge Management (CI/KM)

Competitive Intelligence and Knowledge Management (CI/KM)

The key to success in any given business environment is the ability to rise above the competition. With the right tools and information, businesses are able to set gauges, improve performance, and thrive in today’s dynamic and technology-driven market. However, all this is useless without knowing how to manage it.

Knowledge Management (KM) is the administration of human, relational, and structural capital, and the leveraging of internal assets. When conducted properly, knowledge management is mutually beneficial; the Employer remains competitive in its respective industry, while employees enjoy career satisfaction and equal opportunity.

Competitive Intelligence (CI), on the other hand, is a unique and critical subset of Knowledge Management that involves the study of the external environment. Competition and market trends are analyzed and converted into business strategy. This information is then integrated with internal processes to give a business its best competitive advantage.

The combination of Competitive Intelligence and Knowledge Management (CI/KM) creates modularity and increases the likelihood of long-term survival. The business environment may be constantly evolving, but information is not always available from open sources. Competitive Intelligence, unlike industrial espionage, represents the legal gathering and analysis of information regarding market competition. The research and validation of this information, which is often in the public domain, requires sound Knowledge Management.

Hubbard Digital applies Competitive Intelligence and Knowledge Management to remain a leader in Visual and Information Technology. We employ modern, ethical business practices, and strongly oppose industrial espionage and other illegal activities. We also realize that intelligence, both inside and out, remain a timeless principle. CI/KM is not only an indicator that reduces costs while increasing profitability; it’s an ongoing task which enables a business to compete strategically while employing and promoting the best talent.

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Green Technology

Green Technology is a relatively new concept. Commonly referred to as Green Tech, and used interchangeably with Clean and Environmental Technology, the idea is to promote sustainable resource management through environment-friendly methods. Simply put, it is one of many ways of protecting Mother Earth against the evolution of modern technology.

Working to conserve our natural resources is a civic duty that must be championed individually. Green Tech bridges that awarenesss with innovation, enabling the discovery of alternative resources that, when applied, can reduce Global Warming and other hazardous and undesirable effects on our ecosystem.

But for Green Tech to really make a difference, it must be accessible to every individual and organization. As such, manufacturers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs have begun encouraging their patrons to “go green.” New technologies are being implemented every day, while older ones have undergone makeovers for the sole purpose of superseding their predecessors. Even the packaging for these products employ biodegradeable or reusuable materials. These practices have spawned green preferred purchasing, or, a way for consumers to shop responsibly by opting for green and environment-friendly products.

While the influence of Green Tech can be seen in recycling, waste management, and air and water purification, energy remains its most significant area. Renewable energies, like wind, water, and solar power, are becoming increasingly popular in federal and private markets. As a result, Green Tech has greatly impacted the future of transportation and architectural design. Green homes, in particular, not only involve environment-friendly paint and construction materials, but window and floor coverings that prevent outgassing as well as the actual selection real property.

Our Contribution to Green Technology

At Hubbard Digital, we are committed to the healing of our global environment. We strongly believe that everyone should do their part–not just to stop the depletion of natural resources, but in order to bequeath an efficient planet to future generations. We lead by example, and encourage our patrons and colleagues to go green. We also patronize companies with green purchasing policies.

Our headquarters (just north of Atlanta, Georgia) makes use of energy-efficient power strips and fluorescent bulbs. We also use digital solutions to communicate, reducing paper and clutter. All unwanted products and furniture are donated, and we recycle our paper and office supplies.

Green Tech is constantly evolving. As sustainable designs and inventions are executed, Hubbard Digital is dedicated to implementing them as an advocate for Green Technology.

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