I just added the iPhone to my iMac. Since I raved about the iMac in an earlier post, you might expect some ranting on the iPhone from me. Well, This post is not about the iPhone. I am saving that for a later more detailed post on iPhone apps. This is about a service offered by Apple called MobileMe. I had an opportunity when I got the iMac to subscribe, but I just couldn’t see any reason. Today, I can.

MobileMe is one slick system, if you have ever had a problem with getting several PCs on the same sheet of music. I work on an iMac, HP Media Center PC, Laptop PC and my new iPhone. Before that I had a Microsoft Mobile Smartphone or PPC. I fretted about how to get my 700+ contacts from my Windows PCs, iMac and iPhone consistent on each machine. With MobileMe that is not a problem. Once the devices are set up to sync via MobileMe cloud, no other effort is required to keep them consistent or current. With MobileMe, what I enter on my PC or iMac get automatically updated or changed on the others. That is some lofty computing.

I kept my contacts on my PC, because I used my iMac mainly for photos and video. When I bought my iPhone, I decided to buy MobileMe to provide backup for data rather than buy another external harddrive. Once I subscribed, I discovered I could also use it on my PCs. I installed the small app on my PC and selected what I wanted to sync. The application began syncing the contacts, bookmarks, calendar events, and asked me to resolve any conflicts. It put the conflicted entries side-by side and asked me to select. I resolved the multiple conflicts by deciding to use as source the MobileMe entries made via the iMac for photos and music and from the PC my contacts, calendar and bookmarks. It quietly went about pushing and pulling data until they were all consistent with the MobileMe cloud.

For $99 a year, I get 20GB of storage at www.me.com and an email address. Storage is sliced into 10GB each for email and 10 GB for iDisk (file storage). I can sync my contacts, calendar, photos and files on my PC (XP), iMac and iPhone. Now this is slick. For example, I add an event to my calendar using my iPhone and it shows up on my PC in Outlook.

The product is even more integrated on the iMac side. When I load photos or videos to my iPhoto program, they are backed up to MobileMe and can be configured in MobileMe as galleries accessible to the public or to friends you designate. The generated galleries are well designed and professional looking. You can set them as slideshows using a variety of effects. My Mexico trip is at available via password to family.

The last feature is the iDisk. I can quickly backup document to the cloud or document storage area on MobileMe. There is a public file area that can be used for Web sites that you build using iWeb. Using iWeb, I can quickly built a Web page from templates and my iPhoto galleries. Then click the publish button and it is on MobileMe with the page in http://web.me.com . MobileMe still has me in the clouds. Thanks Apple.
MobileMe

Just completed a proposal this week for a Web site that needed to be revamped. I got another one to do early next week. When I first started this business, I hated doing proposal. I just wanted to sit down with the client and ask about 50 questions. It was a pretty self-centered approach on my part.

This week's proposal was almost fun. Why, what was the difference? I have most of the support verbage worked out in a document template, so I don't have to waste time on getting all the support materials together or writing from scratch. I used to have to assemble my resume, statement of qualifications, etc. With the template that is all complete and I can focus on the client and the problem.

The problem: Out-of balance content. Almost every Web site that I see for redesign or revamping has the same problem. The Web site has become hard to manage with all the various added applications and sections. Web sites grow like bushes and sometimes they grow in odd directions. A redesign is time to cut back the odd branches, consolidate applications and balance out the content.

Problem two: Initial purpose. Most Web sites were started with the clear goal of saving time and money for the operation. "Oh, we can just put those documents on the Web site," says the perky and ambitious marketing person. Sounds good, but then someone has to update it or add the new updated document. You think your closet is cluttered - you should see most Web site's main file area.

One client has a Human Resources intranet with all the HR documents from the last five years. Even with the hundreds of PDF files, I know the problem is not a concern because of the number of files, but the degrading of the site performance by all those obsolete files.

Most Web sites admins focus on the site itself and forget that the initial purpose was to network in the industry and build links with others. With almost every proposal, I encourage the client to do a Launch campaign and get out there and network with others sites that can help them achieve their initial goals.

Problem three: proprietary applications. Many Web site developers choose proprietary applications and only later discover that the functionality they need costs more and more with every update. I am a proponent of open-source applications. From a programmer standpoint, I can make changes without having to finance the national debt of some third world country. Also open-source applications work well together more often than proprietary applications where programmers are seeking unique code not commonality.

Just my thoughts to keep you in the loop. Now get out there and Webify!

(EAGLE, Idaho) – Compton Communication announced today the launch of the redesigned Idaho Mining Association Web site - http://www.idahomining.org.

The redesigned site provides a wealth of information about the association, its policies and members in an attractive and functional design.

“The site is designed to aid the spread of association information to members and key groups in Idaho” said David Compton, president of Compton Communications. “It provides a feature that allows IMA members to update their own information and add photographs to the site.

“Providing information in text or video quickly to association members and the public is the driving force behind developing a new Web site,” said Jack Lyman, Idaho Mining Association Executive Vice President.

Compton added that his firm provided the applications, content planning and hosting while Rave Communications of Pocatello provided the design.

“The design is intended to make it easy for visitors to the site to navigate and find what they need,” said Greg Gunter, President of Rave Communications.

About the Idaho Mining Association: The Idaho Mining Association (IMA) was set up in 1903 to support the interests of the state’s mining and mineral production industry. Members are actively involved on environmental, land reclamation, water quality, transportation and tax issues. The association also conducts an active education program with teacher training programs for K-12 teachers. Jack Lyman is Executive Director.

About Compton Communications: Compton Communications is an Internet communications and Public Relations agency that specializing in Web projects. Compton Communications began in 1995 as a public relations firm focused on high-technology clients. The firm provides targeted communications programs directly using email, newsletters, and the Web. David Compton is the president of Compton Communications. He previously was Senior Technology Strategist at MicronPC, Nampa, Idaho and Senior Administrator, Air Force Web Information Service in Washington, D.C. Website is http://www.comptoncoms.com .

About Rave Communications: Rave Communications offers a complete menu of advertizing and marketing communications support services. Greg Gunter is president. The firm is among the best in Web design in Idaho. Offices are in Pocatello.

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Contact: David Compton, Compton Communications, 208 939-3457

Inside the loop is a term used in the Air Force to meaning "turn hard to get the enemy in your gunsights or you're a goner".

I always thought it was most applicable to public relations. Because if you cannot see the problem you are likely to suffer the consequences.