How to Monetize Free Video Games

There are many free video game sites that are available online. If you do video Game Development and would like to make web-based video games available online, you should know that even if the games are free to play, you can still make some money from them. However, in order to ensure that your website is profitable, there are certain things that you need to do.

· Make the site easy to navigate
This is something very important for any website and is especially important if you want to make money from your site. You will need to be sure that your site is easy to navigate and that it is neatly organized so that your users can quickly find the games that interest them. While Video Game Testing is a process that demands a lot of time and effort, you should also invest a considerable amount of time in designing your website well.
· Use pay per click ads
One of the easiest ways to monetize a site that offers video games for free is by participating in a pay per click advertising program as a publisher of ads. Google AdSense remains one of the most popular of these programs, but there are plenty of other ones as well. You will get paid every time someone clicks on one of the ads and is redirected to the advertisers website.
· Use a CPA network or affiliate programs
Another way to monetize a free site would be to advertise some affiliate offers on it. However, for this to be profitable, you will need to select offers that will appeal to your audience. The way that you can make money from affiliate offers varies. Some pay you a percentage of every sale that you have referred to a merchant. On the other hand, some affiliate offers do not require you to sell anything at all, just that the person clicking the ad completes a certain action on the merchant's website, such as filling out a survey or signing up for a free website. Offers related to video games, such as those promoting participation in-game QA could work well for you.
· Don't go overboard on the ads
While your objective is to make some money from your website, you must remember that it is important to put the needs of your users first and provide them with a good experience when they visit your website. Nobody would want to visit a website where ¾ of the content on the page consists of ads and where users have to close 4 annoying pop up ads every time they click on something on your website. If users are simply flooded with ads, then it is likely that they will not come back to your site either, which will reduce the number of overall visitors that your site gets each month.

Gina Kraft is a video and mobile game enthusiast. Gina is very interested in the process of Game Development. She thinks that game QA are very important in the mobile industry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6486345

How To Become A Beat Maker

Do you want to make beats online?

Making your own beats can put money in your pocket, a ticket to your dream home and got it made lifestyle. But you need to be good. You also need to get your music out to people, so they can buy it!
When you watch a music video, you have no idea how much hard work it takes to make. Getting whatever you desire takes hard work and lots of persistence. You need to be able to focus and work hard.
People who don't succeed, are those folks who are happy to make music just for themselves. You need ambition and talent to make it. If you don't have what it takes... so long.
When you are not signed to a label or producer, you get to keep 100% of what you earn. Involve a producer and others and they get their significant cut!
Here is the secret to succeeding, now pay attention...
Why become a beat maker?
Your tired of having no money, no life, no dream car or lifestyle. Your greatest difficulty is the shortage of money you need to buy equipment to create that quality studio-like sound. Costs can easily spiral up to $50,000.
Where in the hell are you gonna find that much disposable income? Most adults barely make that every two years! You want to make beats, you want to get paid for those beats, just how on earth do you come up with the funds?
The cost of using a studio even for a few hours could end up costing an arm and a leg. So, how are you legally going to generate the sort of income you need?
It seems that every where you turn, there is a roadblock erected to stop you succeeding. Fortunately, there is an answer. A low cost way to create that studio sound at a small price that will finally set you on the road to successful music promotion.
How does the sound of making studio quality beats, professionally made with a fantastically, easy to use, software that you can install on your desktop computer? It is possible. Every day could be your ideal day. You get up and make your own beats. You do it all day if that's what you want.
Not only that, we will show you the easiest way to make money from your beats in the shortest time possible.
One thing to avoid, is online beat maker programmes. MP3 beat makers online are rubbish. The sound quality is tinny and amateurish.
You really do not want to go down this route. Potential success can soon turn into despair when how poor the quality can be. Unless your WAV files are of the highest quality, no professional studio will go near them.
Good quality beats, made with the right software, will sound even better after they have been compress a couple of times. Typically, the software used to convert mp3 to wav is poor quality and will not sound great at all. We're after quality here.
On the market, there really is only one professionally made software, that is cheap and excellent quality. True, there are loads of excellent beat loopers at affordable prices, but these only make samples.
It's impossible to make as much on a beat sample. Your require a full bar beat. You need to find new beats by playing around.
A desktop software available at the press of a key is an essential piece of kit. You can do this in the privacy of your own home. You can focus, feel the music, create the best beats you are capable of. Don't worry if your initial beats aren't perfect, a good software will alow you to go back over what you've created and clean it up.
Easily learn the secrets of creating great beats that will make you a great income. So, you have the greatest beat making software available to you. Your sound is crisp and professional.
Your beats are refreshing and will earn you the respect of your peers and none is every not going to take you seriously again. Now, it's time to start making some serious money...
Work hard, day and night. Use your passion for music and lay down as many quality beats as you can. The best, most professional of all music producers own hundreds upon hundreds of top end tracks. You need to be the same. Think of how you'll feel when going to work isn't like going to work at all. Think how you'll feel for getting paid for doing the thing you love? That really is the golden ticket...
Never stop creating you beats. Never give up. If it really is your life's passion, you don't need me to telly you to eat, breath and sleep your music and beat making.
You have your beats, what next?
You need to upload your beats to as many music selling sites as possible. Exposure is the key to succeed. One of the most popular places to sell your beats is Soundclick. You can also lease your sounds here.
The two distinct ways to sell your music is: Lease your beats or sell them exclusively to whoever wants them. Leasing your music can become a real money spinner. If a rapper wants a beat, he will quite easily pay up to $100 a month for the privilege. You can lease the same beat over and over again, if you wish.
You could easily charge four figure sums to sell exclusivity rights for your beats to one artist. The only downside is that once you have sold exclusivity rights, you have no hold over your beats.
Whether you decide lease or sale, remember leasing songs can bring you in a consistent monthly income whereas selling your rights will bring in one payment and you lose your own rights to the beats. Dubturbo is by far the market leader in the beat making software department. Apart from its low price tag and ease of use, it has the ability to churn out top quality, professional beats. The features it has are a must for anyone who wants to be respected as a top level producer.
For creating quality, studio sounds, Dub turbo cannot be beaten. It's ability to make 16-32 bar full length beats cannot be beaten. This is not a simply, low end beat looper.
This is real, professional created software for the wanna-be professional music makers out there. Dub Turbo gives you the hidden knowledge that will allow you to create the beats that people really want and need.
This great software will also show you the way to sell or lease what you produce. Your life doesn't have to be dead-end, low paid jobs for the rest of your life. You wanna lay down beats, you can do it!
This is the way. No ludicrous studio costs, no time limits on studio time. Do it now from your own home with beat making software at a fraction of the price of studio equipment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6483173

How to Build an Efficient Home Recording Studio

Choosing the right place in your home to build a recording studio:
If you are married and have children, forget it! (I'm just kidding babe). No, really, if you can afford it get a wood or metal shed and put it in your backyard! Finding the right spot should not be that hard to do; you already have one in mind. It might be as simple as an unused closet (if there is such an animal), or a spare bedroom. It should be quiet and away from the outside air conditioning unit. The electrical wiring needs to be properly grounded to prevent that 60 Hz hum. Your chosen area should be large enough that after installing sound dampening materials it is still large enough to comfortably accommodate all the equipment, musicians, engineer, and instruments you plan on recording.
An important factor to consider before building your studio is finances. Finances will determine the options available to you, not the quality of your product. Take into account equipment you don't currently own, but will need. Cables, USB sound cards, microphones, external hard drives, or extra RAM are a few items often overlooked.
Things you won't need, but thought you couldn't live without are a mixing board, external hardware such as equalizers, compressors, gates, limiters, and effects, MIDI synths, and giant speakers. Everything in the modern recording environment can be done using software; with the exception of inputs. That's the reason for the external sound card.
The most simple set up for recording is a laptop using its built-in mic and DAW (digital audio workstation) software. If this is your situation, great. You can record anywhere in the world for as long as your battery will last.
Some Materials You Will Need:
The most easy and cost-effective way to get good recordings is to make your room dead. You should be recording everything dry to begin with anyway and placing effects and processing on your tracks afterwards. Making a room dead means that the room has no sound of its own. There is no ambient sound being reflected off the walls, ceiling, or floors. To do this go to Wal-Mart and get the king-size egg crate foam pads for beds and hang them on the walls and ceiling. It does not have to be perfect. In fact, the less perfect and the more bumps, the better.
Required Equipment:
If you are going to be recording electric instruments you will need an external USB sound card with a pre-amp. This will give you low latency with the ability to listen back in real-time. It's a good idea to have plenty of good quality cables and connectors. If you're a do-it-yourself kind of a person cables are simple to make. Get some 1/4" to 1/8" (3.5 mm) headphone connections also. They are cheap and come in handy.
If you are just recording vocals and composing the rest of the instruments in the virtual environment, then you don't really need anything else. If your built-in mic just does not do it for you, then I would suggest buying a quality USB condenser mic.
Software Suggestions:
Selecting a DAW is a very personal decision. You will be spending a great deal of time in front of it, so you need to be satisfied with its performance and the companies support. Most have a demo version, or a trial version available for download. Send out emails to find out how quickly they respond and the depth of the response. Personally I use Sonar X1 Producer from Cakewalk. They are the pioneers of digital audio workstations and I have used them for close to 17 years. But I suggest going to Amazon and searching for DAWs. Read all the customer reviews with filters on. Keep a list of those which impress you, then go to their websites and download demos or trials and put them to a test. There's a big selection of them. I would also recommend doing the same when seeking out plugins.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6496334

How to Promote Your Music: Building a Fanbase

For any individual choosing to become involved in the music industry, it is of the utmost importance that he/she establish a strong network of fans and develop deep relationships with them to ensure long-lasting success as a musician.
Often times when aspiring artists ask for advice on promoting their music, they get very general instructions on how to gain exposure in the music industry. The following will seek to provide you with the opposite. Here are some direct, working, and effective methods to promote your music.
1. Start Performing Shows
Assuming that your music quality is already up to industry standard, the first step an artist should take to begin gaining a following is performing shows. If you don't have a lot of resources, start by performing at small venues in your local area. Gradually build your fanbase. You may need to perform multiple shows at the same venue in order to begin building deep connections with the "regulars" at the venues, but it will be well worth your time. Word of mouth marketing is the best form of marketing.
As you continue to build your local following, branch out to surroundings cities and perform at their venues. Work on building your name and brand within your city, region, and then nationally.
2. Give Out Free Samples
Giving out free downloads or free sampler CDs of your music is a great way for fans to get familiar with your work. When you give out a sample of your work, DO NOT JUST GIVE IT TO PEOPLE AND LEAVE. Whether you're handing your music out online or offline, you want to try to establish some sort of connection with your fans. Fans want to feel like they can relate to you.
3. Create A Blog Or Website
Creating a blog or website around your music is an excellent way to build your brand and fanbase online. Be sure to post a biography, discography (if available), links to your music & social networks, relevant videos, and ways to contact you. If you can write about music related articles, reviews, or your opinions, that will also be helpful to you.
 4. Get Social On Social Networks
Whether you are utilizing social bookmarking websites or just have a simple Facebook profile, get actively involved in your social networks. If you are performing at a show be sure to tell your audience to add you to their social networks. Be open to conversation. Try to build strong relationships online. When you add friends to your network be sure to target people who may take an interest in you and your music. Also look for professionals within your genre of music to see if you can get advice or network with them.
5. Hire A Publicist
If the resources are available to you, hiring a publicist is a great way for you gain further exposure for yourself and music. A publicist can help generate press coverage on your behalf as well as serve as a liason between you and the media/public.
6. Start An E-mailing List
Having an e-mailing list to update fans and subscribers about your music is a very powerful tool! Be sure to establish one to keep your fans informed about upcoming shows, new album releases, media publicity, and more. Do Not Spam!
7. Survey The Public
This could be called a musician's "secret weapon". Feedback is an often overlooked aspect of music promotion. Utilize surveys and polls to get an idea of how the public likes your music and whether or not your current promotion methods are effective. Perform surveys and polls offline and online. Also, try surveys in areas where you've performed out of town.
Hopefully these tips will help you begin gaining more exposure for your music and brand!

Isaac Hughley seeks to provide helpful tips to producers and artists as they try to make a living in the music industry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6515196

Microsoft Navision and Crystal Reports - An Overview

 Microsoft Business Solutions - Navision is an integrated solution for small and midsize companies looking to expand their business operations without much interruption to its existing processes. Microsoft Navision enables businesses to alter as much or as little of its existing system, integrate add-ons and vertical segments of its development. It integrates every aspect of your organization, from customers to suppliers, from accounting to supply chain, increasing your productivity and competitive edge. Microsoft Navision has an open environment architecture making it fully customizable and easy to use and maintain. It can also be implemented rapidly so that there is only a minimal disruption to business operations.
Microsoft Navision was originally written by Denmark-based Navision Software in its own proprietary language C/SIDE (Client/Server Integrated Development Environment). Both European and North American markets have benefited from its use. Its launch in the global market will help organizations scale up their development and add value to their business.
One of the primary reporting tools used today is Crystal Reports. With its ability to call up information from SQL commands, using Crystal Reports adds extensive functionality in your reporting procedure. The following is an overview of Crystal Reports as it relates to Microsoft Navision:
C/SIDE
C/SIDE is Microsoft Navision's graphical integrated development environment that provides customization tools for developing customer specific solutions to be applied to a business process.
Inside Crystal Reports, use C/ODBC to create a connection to the database needed for report generation. Links are done inside Crystal Reports. However, this connection technique tends to be inflexible if you want to modify your database mapping or links inside the report. You may want to redo the database mapping of that report or use a Crystal Report query.
Microsoft SQL Server
Using Microsoft SQL Server in Microsoft Navision will help a great deal since SQL has the ability to integrate Navision to third-party products. SQL Server has a virtual table that you can access to minimize the complexity of looking at links in Crystal Reports itself. By referencing the view name in a Transact-SQL statement, a user can access this virtual table and retrieve the data for future selection to be applied into Crystal Reports. You also have the option of creating Stored Procedures to execute a number of Transact-SQL statements into a single command. Furthermore, SQL Query Analyzer can copy existing database objects and locate, view or work with these objects within the database.
Reports on Heterogeneous Database
If Microsoft Navision sits in an SQL Server, you have the ability to create a link from your database server to another third party database (Oracle, DB2, Unidata, Ingress, Sybase, Pervasive, Ctree, MS Access) for report creation in Crystal Reports. For example, if you are on a C/SIDE Database, create a link server to it with C/ODBC. You then create additional linked servers to your legacy database. These links will serve as your pool for creating one Crystal Report using a number of databases. Knowledge about OPENROWSET keyword in SQL Server is useful for this kind of execution.
Microsoft Navision is a powerful analytical tool for your business performance. Adding Crystal Reports to its functionalities will provide a more systematic way of measuring your organization's competence.

 

 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/12653

ERP Navision - Microsoft Dynamics NAV ERP Software Review

In 2000 Navision software merged with Damgaard to form Navision Damgaard A/S which was later named as Navision A/S, this company was taken over by Microsoft and released ERP solution branded as Microsoft Dynamics NAV in 2005. Apart from Dynamics NAV, Microsoft has three other ERP solutions GP, SL and AX and a CRM solution. Microsoft took up an ambitious project to unify all the four ERP solutions to give one compact single solution which has been called off recently due to disappointing results, now Microsoft is supporting and enhancing all the four solutions.

Microsoft Dynamics NAV ERP is more suitable to distribution and wholesale industry which needs industry specific solutions for efficient working. For distribution industry it comes loaded with latest features like item tracking and automated data capture system. It is also suitable for companies in cross-border business with facilities to handle multi-currency transactions, multi-language support and features in financial management for consolidation of data of different divisions and subsidiaries.
Business analytics for Navision ERP supports online analytical processing services with interactive graphical representation of key performance indicators and trends and patterns of the market. Navision ERP software's system management application provides facility to design forms, customize access to menus and other functionalities according to the roles and responsibility, it also allows the administrator to specify rights to access for subsidiaries and employees for smooth functioning and data security. Even internet access can be monitored by the administrator.
It uses SQL server as a database but can also work with a native database server called as classic, however SQL is more capable in handling large data and comes with advanced facilities for writing procedures. ERP Navision comes with a solution set which is for enhancing its capabilities and applications can be written in Pascal like language, this makes Navision ERP easily customizable software. There is no need for separate procedures for handling the database, the application itself can handle the interface and the database which reduces the time in customization compared to other ERP solutions.
Apart from distribution and wholesale this ERP product of Microsoft family has features for Financial management, Human capital management, supply chain management, supply chain analytics, customer relationship management, E-commerce, manufacturing and flexible reporting and analysis tools. These features make it a complete ERP solution and suitable one for mid sized companies. Navision ERP comes with more economical licensing offers as compared to other ERP software's with similar features and facilities. Its scalability has been appreciated by its users too and can grow according to the growing needs of the organization, upgrades are well supported by Microsoft.
Like other Microsoft ERP solutions Navision too is tightly integrated with other Microsoft products like MS-office and Excel which makes it easier to use. As well as Navision ERP integrates easily with other non-Microsoft products and popular software which are commonly used by the companies for specific solutions. Microsoft provides vertical solutions to many industries by means of its other products, easy and smooth connectivity of Navision ERP with such products now and in future also makes it more useful ERP than others.

 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5576225

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)

The emergence of the Internet, evolving customer demands, pressure to accelerate business process, and the need to establish more collaborative relationships with key suppliers and business partners are all pushing organizations towards ERP solution. So, what is ERP?

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is described as an "information system package that integrates information and information based processes within and across functional areas in an organization" [1].
Traditional stand-alone applications were designed for specific customers, with limited functionality, and isolated from other applications. On the contrary, ERP is a business tool that integrates all the applications required by an organization as a whole, and connects the organization to other enterprises in a network form. It is usually compromised of several modules such as: a financial module, a distribution module, or a production module. Today, ERP have added new functions such as supply chain management, product data management, electronic commerce and warehouse management. Thus, ERP opens a window of opportunity for businesses to compete globally, respond to competitive pressures, and increase revenue.

ERP Characteristics & Basic Operations:
ERP facilitates company-wide Integrated Information System covering all functional areas like Manufacturing, Selling and distribution, Payables, Receivables, Inventory, Accounts, Human resources, Purchases etc.
- ERP performs core business activities and increases customer service satisfaction.
- ERP facilitates information flow across different sections or departments of the organisation.
- ERP bridges the gap between business partners allowing ongoing collaboration.
- ERP is a good solution for better project management.
- ERP is built as open system architecture, meaning it allows automatic introduction of the latest technologies such as: Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT), Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Internet, Intranet, Video conferencing, E-Commerce etc.
- ERP not only addresses the current requirements of the company but also provides the opportunity of continually improving and refining business processes.
- ERP provides business intelligence tools like Decision Support Systems (DSS), Executive Information System (EIS), Reporting, Data Mining and Early Warning Systems (Robots) for enabling people to make better decisions and thus improve their business processes.
- ERP tracks a wide range of events in an organisation, and plans for future activities based on these events.
ERP driving forces:
1. The need to increase supply chain efficiency.
2. The need to increase customer access to products or services.
3. The need to reduce operating costs.
4. The need to respond more rapidly and flexibly to a changing market place.

Global ERP Implementation:
Historically, most international companies have managed their systems on regional basis, because there was no single solution that was globally acceptable.

In today's dynamic business environment there is a strong need for the organisations to become globally competitive. The key for success lies in customer satisfaction, through understanding customer needs, and providing quality goods and services in the shortest time possible. To support a global outlook, many firms implemented or are in the process of implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems, in order to improve level of coordination among national entities of the same firm, and also with business partners. However, to achieve this level of coordination it is important to have a global market strategy, a common IT infrastructure, and business processes in place.
An analysis of past global ERP projects, highlight on the importance of aligning organisation structure with business process and business strategy with IT strategy in order to compete in the international market. 'Threads' is a good example of an international company that replaced its legacy system with ERP. 'Threads' had a national organisation structure that operates on country by country basis.
To obtain a global view 'Threads' decided that its time for change by transforming the company from a local to a global geographical perspective. Hence, making Europe as one market for their business operations, and also ensuring competitiveness through a focus on the quality, price, and customer service. The intended organization structure and supporting global ERP is shown in [2].
Enabling Technologies:Traditional ERP systems required sophisticated and expensive information technology infrastructure such as, mainframe computers. Nowadays, with the advancement of information technology and the cost reduction of computers it becomes possible for SME's to think about ERP Systems. Moreover, the power of Three Tier Client Server architecture and scalable relational data base management has made it easier to deploy ERP Systems in multiple locations.

Implementation of ERP
Implementing an ERP project is a process consisted of many phases. Following, a step by step approach will simplify the process and is more likely to yield a better result. The normal steps involved in the implementation of an ERP are as below:
o Project Planning
o Business & Operational analysis including Gap analysis
o Business Process Reengineering
o Installation and configuration
o Project team training
o Business Requirement mapping
o Module configuration
o System interfaces
o Data conversion
o Custom Documentation
o End user training
o Acceptance testing
o Post implementation/Audit support
In short, implementing ERP can transform the way an organization conducts business. It helps the enterprise link its resources, utilise and allocate them in the best possible manner and control them on real time basis. For instance, in the case of 'Threads' the transformation from Legacy system to ERP system resulted in a reduction of data redundancy, reduction of overheads, an increase in customer responsiveness and customer service levels throughout the firm. This has been facilitated by implementing a common global ERP system throughout its European operation.

Critical factors for Success of ERP:
The successful implementation of an ERP project requires management to plan carefully, and have all needed human and financial resources in place. Below is a list of the main critical factors for the success of ERP:
1- Top Management Support:
Among the most important factors for the success of ERP project is the top management commitment and support. The role of top management includes, developing an understanding of the capabilities and limitation of the proposed system, setting goals, and communicating the corporate IT Strategy to all employees [3].
2- Project Management:
Another important factor for the success of ERP is managing the project life cycle from initiating to closing phase. The Project Manager (PM) has sole responsibility and authority for planning and controlling the project scope to meet the deliverables in the given time frame and budget.
3- Selection of the appropriate package:
Selecting the appropriate package is an important managerial decision. Analysing and evaluating the organisation needs and processes help in taking the right choice that best suits the business environment. A careful selection of the right package results in minimum modification and successful implementation and use. On the hand, selecting the wrong software may mean a commitment to architecture and application that do not fit the organizational strategic goal or business process [3].
4- User training and education:
A quality implementation can de derailed by poorly trained employees who do not know how to properly operate the ERP system. The knowledge transfer to employees is arguably more important than the quality of the system. For that reason, companies should use consultants to run training sessions on how the system works, and how they relate to the business process.
5- Business Process Re-engineering:
Business Process Reengineering is a pre-requisite for going ahead with implementing ERP system. An in depth BPR study has to be done before taking up ERP. Business Process Reengineering brings out deficiencies of the existing system and attempts to maximize productivity through restructuring and re-organizing the human resources as well as divisions and departments in the organisation
6- Dedicated Resources:
One of the main critical factors for ERP success is determining the human and financial resources needed to implement the system. This should be done at an early stage of the project. Failing to commit the required resources often result in schedule and cost overdue.
7- Project Team Competence:
Another key element of ERP success or failure is related to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience of the project manager and team members. The project team should work in a coordinated way to achieve one goal. Hence, it is vital for team members to have technical and business skills to complement their work.
8- Clear goals and objectives:
Setting clear goals and Identifying the Objectives of the ERP Project is the third most critical success factor. The initial phase of any project should begin with a conceptualization of the goals and possible ways to accomplish these goals. It is important to set the goals of the project before even seeking top management support [3].
9- Ongoing Vendor Support:
Ongoing vendor support represents an important factor with any software package. ERP systems require ongoing vendor support to keep them up to date with the latest modules and version. In addition to this, vendor support provides technical assistance, and maintenance.
10- Interdepartmental communication:
Good communication is a key component for the success of ERP. Hence, it is essential to communicate effectively between team members and the rest of the organization, in order to keep everything working properly.
To conclude, ERP implementation could become a complex and risky process, if not managed properly. Organizations need to identify the critical issues that affect the implementation process. Such as: selecting the appropriate software package, securing commitment and support from top management, cooperation from business partners, having adequate knowledge among team members, training employees and keeping them informed. All those issues and other more can minimize the failure of ERP project and maximizes the success of ERP implementation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/799961