Empty Voices

It’s a toss up whether virtual or mobile will be the word of the new decade. They are certainly the words of the year for 2010. Everyone is doing everything they can to “go virtual” or “be mobile” and that applies to companies as well as individuals and organizations. In fact, companies are combining the two by investing in cloud computing technologies.

The cloud — which may be a close runner up for the word of the year — is cyberspace itself and more and more companies are locating their computer storage, processing and software programs in the cloud. This frees them from having to buy costly servers and storage space. It also cuts back on the costs of installing and upgrading individual software applications to each computer. All this also means that they no longer need to maintain large server rooms and IT staffs to keep everything in working order. Instead they rely on cloud collaboration enterprises for the products, upgrades and maintenance of their computing needs.

With all their computing infrastructure located in virtual space , companies are able to offer unprecedented flexibility to their employees. Anyone with the proper logins and passwords can access company servers, databases, and software using a laptop, netbook or even smart phone — depending on the processing speeds and memory required. Employees can work from home or on the road without losing access to a single file, program, or piece of data that would be available to them in the office. Virtual computing makes mobile work so much easier.

Remember when dreams of prom and weddings filled your mind with images of beautiful gowns and dreamy guys in tuxedos? Many adults think back on those times with nostaglia and wonder why the only excuses they have to dress up after college are usually associated with fund raisers or awards banquets. Unless you’re a movie star or other type of celebrity, the red carpet stops with graduation.

A great way to combat this feeling is to host an adult prom or other dress up night. This can be done just as a couple or by inviting a group of friends to join you. Pick a night and everyone agrees to dress up as if it were a red carpet event — or a high school prom. This can be a dinner party or event in someone’s home or even a night out at a fancy restaurant — just make sure there are enough people in your party so that it looks like a party. Someplace with a dance floor would also be a good choice.

Encourage those in attendance to go all out. If you’re not willing to invest in an expensive party dress, they can be rented from costume shops and most men will know where to get an affordable tuxedo rental . Women should schedule a day at the spa or salon so that their hair and make up are just so and men should be sure to pick up a coursage for their lady.

The best part of the evening is going to be seeing your significant other, and possibly your friends, not just looking their best, but feeling as good as they look.