January 30, 2010 by brainsparkmedia
Dear Google Apps admin,
In order to continue to improve our products and deliver more sophisticated features and performance, we are harnessing some of the latest improvements in web browser technology. This includes faster JavaScript processing and new standards like HTML5. As a result, over the course of 2010, we will be phasing out support for Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 as well as other older browsers that are not supported by their own manufacturers.
We plan to begin phasing out support of these older browsers on the Google Docs suite and the Google Sites editor on March 1, 2010. After that point, certain functionality within these applications may have higher latency and may not work correctly in these older browsers. Later in 2010, we will start to phase out support for these browsers for Google Mail and Google Calendar.
Google Apps will continue to support Internet Explorer 7.0 and above, Firefox 3.0 and above, Google Chrome 4.0 and above, and Safari 3.0 and above.
Starting next week, users on these older browsers will see a message in Google Docs and the Google Sites editor explaining this change and asking them to upgrade their browser. We will also alert you again closer to March 1 to remind you of this change.
In 2009, the Google Apps team delivered more than 100 improvements to enhance your product experience. We are aiming to beat that in 2010 and continue to deliver the best and most innovative collaboration products for businesses.
Thank you for your continued support!
Sincerely,
The Google Apps team
Email preferences: You have received this mandatory email service announcement to update you about important changes to your Google Apps product or account.
Google Inc.
1600 Amphitheatre Parkway
Mountain View, CA 94043
Posted in BrainSpark Media, Web Technology | Tagged BrainSpark, BrainSpark Media, BSM, Denver web design and development, Google, Web Design, interactive agency, Web Technology, Web Design Award, Web 2.0, Web and Database Hosting, Web Sites, Internet Explorer 6, IE 6, it's about time | Leave a Comment »
November 6, 2009 by George Gastis
BrainSpark recently teamed up with long-time client and friends Hyde Park Jewelers for a full site redevelopment, completed and launched this week. Hyde Park approached BSM to explore a redesign in late summer and the project was formally initiated by early fall with an aggressive goal for completion in time for the holiday shopping season.
HydeParkJewelers.com
The first objective for the project was to bring the visual design and messaging up-to-date to coincide with a number of supporting branding initiatives underway for the holidays. Additionally, an evaluation and overhaul of the web site’s information architecture and content presentation was conducted to showcase the wide variety of product collections, better serve the needs of Hyde Park’s target audience and improve overall site usability. Functionality enhancements were also a priority, with a focus being the implementation of a site-wide content management system to empower Hyde Park’s marketing team to manage the majority of graphic and textual content throughout the web site.
We are excited to reintroduce Hyde Park’s new web presence and welcome your feedback. Happy shopping!
Posted in BrainSpark Media, Marketing, Web Technology | Tagged BrainSpark, BrainSpark Media, BSM, Denver web design and development, Web Design, Denver, interactive agency, Web Technology, Social Media, Web 2.0, Web Sites, Hyde Park Jewelery, HPJ, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Jewelry, Diamonds, Watches, Timepeices, Luxery Jewlery | Leave a Comment »
October 20, 2009 by George Gastis
It’s been a busy summer and fall on a number of project fronts. This time of year also marks a big push for one of our favorite clients, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area. In the annual “Race to Open“, the folks at the Basin have been working hard in preparation for opening day. In addition to preparations on the mountain, the marketing team along with their AOR, Adrenalin and BSM have been jamming on a few projects in anticipation of the 2009-2010 ski and riding season. First steps included the implementation of a website face-lift. Even more exciting was the release of A-Basin.mobi, a version of the website optimized for mobile devices.
A-Basin.mobi | Get Your Snow On The Go
The project was on-track for mid-October, the anticipated target for opening day at both A-Basin and Loveland. When the race escalated following early snow fall and colder conditions in the high country, opening day was moved to October 9th. The night before, final preparations were completed and the mobile site was deployed. Site traffic immediately swamped the mobile site and is increasing by the day; so far so good.
While some aspects of mobile technology are simplified to balance the range of mobile browsers in use, the challenges transparent to most reside behind the scenes. To streamline content management, BSM’s development team integrated the mobile site with a pre-existing content management system (CMS). This resulted in an upgraded CMS that enables A-Basin content owners to manage content in one source, but deliver to both the main and mobile site versions. Another priority in doing this was to add the necessary customization to tailor the delivery of content to mobile device users but not interfere with the user experience for main site users. Pretty slick if you ask me…
Other aspects that few will appreciate is the detection and routing of users to the appropriate site, based on browser. Arapahoe Basin is now promoting a mobile-specific URL, A-Basin.mobi, but has long-standing URL’s that had to be dealt with. All existing domains were re-wired to direct users to the respective site version, based on browser detected. Also cool, in a nerdy sort of way.
In the end, a big win for all involved, including you the next time you’re crawling in I-70 traffic and jonesin’ for pow. In addition to Snow Conditions and Web Cams, the mobile site also features Runs Open, Events, Season Passes, Tickets, Media and Contact information.
We welcome feedback too, so let us know how it works for you or if you have suggestions for future releases.
See you on the slopes.
Posted in BrainSpark Media | Tagged BrainSpark, BrainSpark Media, BSM, Denver web design and development, Arapahoe Basin, A-Basin, Montezuma, Montezuma Bowl, Web Design, interactive agency, BlackBerry, iPhone, Web Technology, Web Design Award, Social Media, Web 2.0, Web and Database Hosting, Web Sites, mobile devices, mobile technology, mobile, mobile browser | 1 Comment »
October 17, 2009 by brainsparkmedia
BSM sends big congrats to client and friends, 21c Hotel for being voted #1 in the US (#6 in the world) in Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for 2009. This is a deserving honor for a spectacular hotel which features an equally stunning contemporary art museum, 21c Museum, within the common and surrounding areas of the property and a 5-star restaurant, Proof On Main, right next door.
21cHotel.com | Louisville, KY
In 2007, BrainSpark Media designed and launched their multi-site web presence and continues our working relationship with 21c Museum Hotel to date. The award-winning websites provide a glimpse of the unique properties, yet still do only moderate justice to just how cool this place is.
Check it out if you ever find yourself passing through Louisville, KY. Well done 21c, from Denver, CO.
Posted in BrainSpark Media, Marketing, Web Technology | Tagged BrainSpark, BrainSpark Media, BSM, Denver web design and development, interactive agency, Web Technology, Web Design Award, Davey Awards, Social Media, Web 2.0, Davey Aw, 21c Museum Hotel, Proof On Main, Louisville, KY | 1 Comment »
October 6, 2009 by brainsparkmedia
BSM is currently working on 4 different mobile web site projects and find ourselves wondering why more web entities don’t have mobile site offerings, considering the number of users that are increasingly using mobile devices as their primary web browsing tool. Perhaps it’s user demographics or budgetary issues, but the reality is that it can be quite feasible to deliver mobile-friendly content. Following our internal discussion on this topic, we’ve asked ourselves a question and are curious how others would answer this, so here goes…
Of the many web sites you frequently utilize, which one do you most strongly wish was mobile-device friendly?
Responses so far range across the board and include banking sites, favorite take out dining joints, ski resorts and pediatrician offices. While the technology for mobile web sites is neither new nor overly complex on a basic level, we’ve seen a surge in client interest surrounding mobile devices as the technology rapidly evolves and our on-the-go world seems to be doing more while on-the-go.
We welcome and thank you in advance for your feedback.
PS – In an effort to drink our own Kool Aid, one of the 4 projects currently in progress is a mobile web site for BrainSparkMedia.com, coming soon to a mobile web browser near you. Cobbler’s kids…but it’s finally underway.
Posted in BrainSpark Media, Marketing, Web Technology | Tagged .mobi, A-Basin, Arapahoe Basin, BrainSpark, BrainSpark Media, BSM, Denver web design and development, interactive agency, iPhone, m.dot, mobile devices, mobile technology, moble browsers, Social Media, Web 2.0, Web Sites, Web Technology | 4 Comments »
August 28, 2009 by brainsparkmedia
Interactive Media Awards have been announced; BrainSpark Media wins Best in Class for TopSchoolInc.com, in the Computer Software category. (Sweeeeeet!)
TopSchoolInc.com | 2009 IMA Awards, "Best in Class" | Computer Software Category
The Interactive Media Awards™ recognize the highest standards of excellence in website design and development and honor individuals and organizations for their outstanding achievement.
Created by the Interactive Media Council, Inc. (IMC), a nonprofit organization of leading web designers, developers, programmers, advertisers and other web-related professionals, the competition is designed to elevate the standards of excellence on the Internet and offer winners a boost in marketing and exposure. IMC serves as the primary sponsor and governing body of the Interactive Media Awards™, establishes the judging system and provides the judges for the competition.
Posted in BrainSpark Media, Marketing, Web Technology | Tagged BrainSpark, BrainSpark Media, BSM, Denver web design and development, Web Design, interactive agency, Web Technology, Web Design Award, Web 2.0, TopSchool | Leave a Comment »
July 18, 2009 by George Gastis
Anything more than 140 characters these days seems to compete with everything else going on. For this reason, we have a new approach. We’ll continue to share selective specifics on projects and other happenings under the hood at BSM, but in the spirit of the micro – blog we present 10 recent highlights of potential interest. Since we last met, in chrono order…
- Clothes to Kids of Denver: BSM will be providing pro bono social media consulting and supporting services for our friends at CTK of Denver. A fairly new entity, they’re doing great things in the Denver community. Check them out at www.clothestokidsdenver.org. This may be the inspiration to clean out your closet or storage area and donate some “gently used” clothing to a good cause. Stop kidding yourself, those jeans will never fit you again.
- The Thriller’s Gone: perhaps you’ve heard, but since our last update we lost the king of pop. While the passing of MJ and the details surrounding his lifestyle are more sad with each report that surfaces, is this really all that shocking given what we’ve come to learn about his world? Nonetheless, the world was moved by this man and we take a moment of silence and throw down this tribute to an incredible talent, like him or not.
- MHS Conference 2009: BSM recently completed the annual round of enhancements and redeployed this year’s conference registration system for McKesson Health Solutions. Registration is now underway.
- RIP, Charlie’s Finest Angel: while the media moon walked right past this story on the same day Jacko died, we want to note that young men who grew up in the 70’s will never be the same. I’m fairly certain I still have my red swimsuit poster tucked away somewhere in storage. Need to find that, but if not, it’s selling like crazy in re-print now.
- Mobile Envy: Erin got an iPhone but I only upgraded my Blackberry. At least I have a camera now…
- Speaking of Cameras: BSM is pleased to reunite with PENTAX Imaging for a multi-part packaging design project for 3 new Gameseeker scope products. First layout shipped to printer this week in fact, and two more kick off next week.
- Home Field Advantage: once again, the AL defeated the NL in the 2009 MLB All-Star Game. The Cleveland Indians continue to break my heart. Sigh…
- Where IT’s At: BrainSpark has partnered with IT experts, Syn Ack Fin, to provide network upgrades and ongoing support services for BSM HQ. These cats know their stuff and help us sleep better at night.
- World Sign Associates: BSM is pleased to kick off a new project for WSA, to design and construct a micro-site for sales promotion focused on membership benefits. Coming soon to a browser near you.
- And That’s The Way It Is: Sadly, these things do seem to happen in 3’s. Just today we learned that news legend Walter Cronkite passed away at the age of 93. At least we still have Katie Couric.
In retrospect, the new approach did not make this easier afterall. Until next time, good to catch up.
Posted in BrainSpark Media, Marketing, Web Technology | Tagged security, PCI, BrainSpark, BrainSpark Media, BSM, Denver web design and development, interactive agency, BlackBerry, iPhone, Web Design Award, Social Media, Web 2.0, Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Walter Cronkite, Current Events | Leave a Comment »
June 15, 2009 by brainsparkmedia
Hot off the traditional and virtual presses, BrainSpark team rolls out new image for TopSchool, Inc., the first SaaS (Software as a Service) provider of administrative technology solutions optimized for small to mid-size higher education institutions.
TopSchool, Inc.
TopSchool’s corporate re-branding consisted of project strategy and management, new logo, identity and collateral marketing materials, messaging, information architecture and content redevelopment for both print and online brand components. The centerpiece of the project and final component recently completed was a full redesign of the company’s web presence that included a Content Management System (CMS) built on ASP.NET technology.
> Visit TopSchoolInc.com
Posted in BrainSpark Media, Marketing, Web Technology | Tagged BrainSpark, Denver web design and development, Web Design, interactive agency, Web Technology, Social Media, Web 2.0, Web Sites, TopSchool, SaaS, Student Lifecycle Management, SLM, SIS | Leave a Comment »
June 8, 2009 by George Gastis
Today we learned that our work was recently featured in The Denver Egotist as a daily column. We are big fans and appreciate the recognition, endless insight and humor and for helping Denver suck less, daily. Thanks y’all.
Posted in BrainSpark Media | Tagged BrainSpark Media, interactive agency, Denver Egotist | Leave a Comment »
May 26, 2009 by George Gastis
So I continue to find myself spending a portion of my days on Smashing Magazine since I discovered it via Twitter a while back. Not sure who they are, but they clearly get it. In a world full of posers and content recyclers (which I’m clearly doing here) this site is a great source of information on all things Web. Among the gazillion Twitter bits, RSS feeds and other industry sources I subscribe to, this site continues to rise to the top of my daily info-intake / skim / delete or read / share routine.
In addition to sharing this great resource, this particular post was of interest to us as a good source of information for our own customers. While we pride ourselves in speaking plain English with our clients, and occasionally poke fun at those who abuse the biz-buzz-word-bingo (shh, don’t tell), there are some fundamental terms that are helpful for any player on a web site project to understand, or at least be familiar with. The folks at Smashing Magazine have done a fine job capturing the basics, and then some, in this post Web Design Industry Jargon: Glossary and Resources.
I learned a few things too and have already bookmarked this URL for future reference when working with new clients. The process can be overwhelming but this cheat-sheet of sorts can help even the tech-savviest customer. Understanding the lingo may very well OPTIMIZE your project experience, further help you MONETIZE your project OBJECTIVES or MAXIMIZE your chances for ROI on your next web design project. 
Posted in BrainSpark Media, Marketing, Web Technology | Tagged BrainSpark Media, Jargon, Lingo, Smashing Magazine, Social Media, Social Networking, Web 2.0, Web Design, Web Sites, Web Technology | 2 Comments »
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