Category: News

Live Webcam Feeds of Iowa City Now Available

by Greg Johnson, posted in News

(Source: MetaCommunications.com)

Iowa City, IA – March 3, 2014. MetaCommunications has installed two publicly viewable webcams at the Park@201 building, its soon-to-be new headquarters. One of the webcams is capable of high-definition viewing, and will be moved to the rooftop when weather permits, providing a 360 degree panoramic view of Iowa City’s skyline. “At fourteen stories up, it’s going to be amazing watching incoming storms and the stunning view of the city’s skyline day or night.” says Robert Long, President & CEO of MetaCommunications.

The cameras were installed for the enjoyment of anyone with an interest in Iowa City and to help create additional excitement about the area. MetaCommunications hopes that viewers locally and nationally will help drive online traffic to it’s Careers page, where a list of currently open positions is available.

“We have a lot of high tech job opportunities available right here in Iowa City, but unfortunately it’s not well known.” said Long. “We think this is a fresh approach to increasing interest in the community and hopefully increasing the candidate pool, both locally and nationally. The goal is to make sure graduates know of the opportunities and for alumni, that may have left the area after graduation, to get reengaged.”

The cameras have several preset fixed locations for viewing and the hi-definition camera has viewer controllable zoom. MetaCommunications will not record the webcams. To access the webcams, visit www.MetaCommunications.com/webcam

About MetaCommunications

MetaCommunications develops productivity apps for marketing, creative and production. With over 1000 customer sites worldwide, MetaCommunications has the solid experience and range of solutions to quickly help any organization take their productivity to the next level through improved processes, workflows and communications. For more information about MetaCommunications, please visit www.metacommunications.com.

Press Contact

Brian Miller
MetaCommunications
Phone: (319)337-8599 ext 211     Fax: (319) 337-3635
Email: bmiller@meta-comm.com
Web: www.metacommunications.com
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One Coin for All of Your Cards – Digital Card Device

by Greg Johnson, posted in News

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Coin is a credit-card size device similar to the Proteân Echo that retains multiple cards in its memory. As of November 2013, it’s currently in the crowd-source funding phase, but is reported for availability in 2014.

There are many card storage apps for the iPhone and other mobile devices. These will keep track of your card numbers and details. At many retail stores, the clerk will enter your number by hand (if you have it stored with these apps for easy retrieval), or bring it up by your phone number.

However, credit cards and some rewards cards need to be scanned. That’s where this device will be useful. Apparently it can mimic your cards through a dynamic magnetic strip. It’s programmed by scanning existing cards in the same way some smart Universal Remotes can learn from the original. After the Coin smart card is programmed, it can be swiped in a reader.

Security Risk

A potential security risk of this and other devices is that it may allow people to capture physical credit card data and then reuse it without the owner knowing their card has been stolen (since they will still have the original card in their possession. This could happen any time the card is out of someone’s possession for even a moment (at a drive through or restaurant for example). Most credit cards have a number of ways for merchants to know it’s the original card and you are the original owner (photo, signature, and computer chip).

Video

Watch the video below for more details.

Further Reading

Iowa City Tech Support and Services – A Preventative Approach

by Greg Johnson, posted in News

History

The Technology Services Resource Group was founded in Iowa City by Greg Johnson in the early 1980s as Public Interest Computer Consulting (PICC). In the early 1990s, the name was changed to PC-DOC. By the year 2001, the name was changed to Technology Services Resource Group (TSRG) in an effort to convey the broad range of support available. Although services are provided beyond Iowa City, having a familiar domain name of Iowa City Technology Services helps to identify TSRG as a local resource.

Prevention Services

The term “tech support” is generally used to convey hardware repair or some other kind of computer help.

A “tech support” mindset is generally reactive rather than proactive in responding to computer problems. When something breaks, you call tech support.

However the term “technology services” can include not only problem fixing, but problem avoidance by offering services such as user training, implementing data backup plans, and installing antivirus and security software. Technology services can include integration of different devices (mobile, desktop, and other).

By contrast, tech support is usually there for you when things go wrong. Proper setup, support, and training should help avoid problems.

So, deciding on the name Technology Services, seemed to be a better fit.

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