Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/65232
Computers? EDITOR'S NOTES Nancy Estes, MBA, CAE Executive Director/Editor A s IDA progresses through the maze of converting data, moving to a "cloud" and updating the capabilities of the IDA computer system, there are moments when this Texas girl is ready to pick up a shotgun. Have any of you ever been there? Still, no matter how frustrat- ing, I have to admit that we are living in exciting times. James Stevenson, vice president of UK, Ireland, South Africa for Citrix Systems, a fi rm that specializes in cloud computing, networking and virtualization, says this about today's technological revolution: Over the last few years, we have become more and more "connected" and are now living in a world with more wireless network coverage than power grid coverage. Currently, 85 percent of the world's population is covered by wireless networks, while just 80percent is covered by the elec- tric grid. With a new generation emerging that has interacted with technology from an early age and grown up with an inherent understanding of its capabilities, we are taking control of our digital lives by increasingly customizing our connections with people and tools. For example, Google is modifying its search algorithms, so that it can take account of tags, likes/dislikes and other contex- tual information. Th is is radically altering the way that we interact and is delivering a new experience in which data, applications, people and activities follow us across devices and places. Th e rise of a context engine means that the devices we use are 4 getting smarter and imitating life by mirroring human interactions. We are witnessing the evolution of an invisible computer that is con- trolled naturally through gestures, voice and touch from wherever we are. We can expect things like mood and smell to form the context of everything we do on mobiles in the future. " For these reasons, one is forced to keep up or get leſt behind. Several lifetimes ago, I remember a terrible year at the corporation where I worked. Th e mainframe was being updated to an AS 400. Although extremely painful during the process, when it was done, we were set for the next several years. Now, technology update costs are a permanent expense item in the annual budget. IDA is constantly evolving to better serve you. Let's discuss this. To ensure greater accuracy and timeliness of information, IDA is providing you, the mem- ber, with the ability to update your member profi le, register for convention and make payments online. Th e system feeds the text or funds you input directly into IDA's database. More changes are coming soon. Th is technology enables IDA to keep staffi ng requirements to a minimum. Speaking of staff , I' d like to recognize a few individu- als who help to serve you. Tiff any Cabral, who has been our book- keeper for the last three years, has been a tremendous asset in accounting and in the manage- ment of our new computer system project. Her company has really taken off , and sadly, she is no lon- ger able to provide the necessary hours with IDA. Now, IDA has a new book- keeper. Her name is Larisa Rouhani. Originally from Rus- sia, Larisa, her husband and two children live in the Dallas area. She has a degree in Accounting and her CPA designation. IDA is truly fortunate to have her join us. She prefers a part-time position, so that she can be available to her family. It seems a perfect fi t! Some of you might have spoken to Alice Morris, who sometimes supports IDA by contacting members and assisting with convention. And, I cannot forget to men- tion our graphic designer, Bonnie Hickman. Th e IDA offi ce com- piles all the raw material for our publications, and then Hickman Design works the magic to make them attractive and readable. Enclosed with this magazine is the 2012 Convention Brochure and the new Media Kit. Please review these, and also try out our new version of the online option for the Universal magazine, and let us know what you think. I' d like to fi nish by sending my sincere appreciation to all members who have updated your company profi les online. More importantly, I thank you for your patience as we transition systems. Th e process should be fi nalized by July of this year. All the best to you and yours! Nancy IDA UNIVERSAL May-June 2012