Mediaboss Marketing

Six years ago, The Linux Foundation launched its first free online class: Introduction to Linux. Today, The Linux Foundation, announced its freeIntroduction to Linux training course on the edX Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) platform and had more than a million enrollments. Not bad for what Linus Torvalds called "just a hobby" operating system.

Of course, now, that little operating system runs the web, rules supercomputing, powers the cloud, keeps Android smartphones working, and even shows up on a few desktops. What really brings people to this class, though, is good old filthy lucre.

A recentDice technology job study database found that Linux engineers and systems administrators' salaries are paid more, on average, than their competitors. An Indeed job survey showed that the top operating system employers are looking for is Linux. A similar study by Burning Glass, which tracks millions of job postings from across the US, also shows that companies want staffers who know Linux far more so than any other operating system. If you want a job in tech support for the rest of your life, learn Windows. If you want a career in tech, learn Linux.

This class along with The Linux Foundation entry-level certification, the Linux Foundation Certified IT Associate (LFCA), can help you get started. This gives you a good working knowledge of Linux using both the graphical interface and shell across the major Linux distribution families. No prior knowledge or experience is required. Oh, and did I mention it's free?Introduction to Linux has helped many individuals launch their IT careers. Jules Bashizi Irenge, for example, completed the course. He then took the intermediate Essentials of System Administration training and received a Linux Foundation Certified SysAdmin (LFCS) certification, and now is a Ph.D. candidate who has contributed over 200 patches to the Linux kernel. Fabian Pichardo also followed the introductory course with Essentials of System Administration and an LFCS. He's now employed full time as a software developer.

System administration is an excellent career path for Linux-savvy people. With the rise of DevOps and the cloud, both of which are almost entirely Linux-oriented, this makes perfect sense.

Not everyone will do this well, but if you don't try, you'll never get anywhere. This class is a great first step.

Linux Foundation Executive Director Jim Zemlin agrees: "To have introduced over a million individuals to Linux is a tremendous milestone. One of our primary goals is to bring more talent into the open-source community and offering free, high-quality training that is accessible to anyone who wants it is essential to achieving that goal. We look forward to training the next million!"

Anant Agarwal, edX's Founder and CEO, acknowledges that the Introduction to Linux has been "A true blockbuster. It's one of our top 10 most popular courses of all time. We're thrilled to congratulate Linux Foundation on reaching 1 million enrollments and look forward to bringing accessible high-tech education to countless more learners, together."Introduction to Linux remains open for new enrollments. There is no cost to complete the course, and verified certificates of completion are available for $99. The Linux Foundation offers two dozen free training courses on open source projects including Linux, Kubernetes, Hyperledger, and more in partnership with edX.

The rest is here:
A million students and counting have learned Linux - ZDNet

The 8th gen iPad may share a 10.2in screen with its 7th gen predecessor, but it's a whole different story under the hood.

Powered with a new A12 Bionic processor, the new iPad 2020 promises 40% better CPU performance, stronger graphics, and is the first iPad to integrate Neural Engine Apple's AI and machine learning software that allows better image processing and AR (augmented reality) support, along with a smoother Siri experience.

To top it all off, the iPad 8 is also cheaper than last year's model.

The device went on sale on 18 September and is available to buy from Apple, and from a number of other retailers (and network carriers) though not everyone has it in stock. In some cases, you may need to wait weeks to get your hands on one. But not if we can help it.

Here we're looking at pricing as well as which retailers have the new 10.2in iPad in stock with quick delivery turnarounds.

Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices

The iPad 2020 is 20 cheaper than the 2019 model which started at 349 which means there's no reason to pay full price for the 7th gen iPad, which is still available to buy widely, though now at slightly reduced prices.

Our advice remains clear though: if you're choosing between the 7th generation and the 8th, go for the 8th. You'll get a stronger processor and much better value.

Don't forget, you can also get money off the new iPad (2020) if you trade in your old iPad. Unfortunately, Apple won't offer trade-in discounts on non-Apple tablets, in which case you might be better off trading in via other retailers (listed below).

For everything there is to know about the newest iPad, including design and software updates, see our dedicated article.

The iPad (8th gen) is available buy directly from Apple, along with a few other select retailers in the UK.

Shipping is free from Apple, though delivery will take between 7-10 business days in the US and 3-4 weeks in the UK.

For faster delivery we'd recommend the following retailers:

These network carriers break the cost up into monthly payments if you don't want to pay in one go, but they do have longer wait times:

These retailers are currently out of stock but check back often if they're your preferred retailer:

The new iPad qualifies for an Educational Discount, so you can pick it up for even less. The Apple Education pricing applies to university students, parents of university students, and teachers or staff of all levels. The discount knocks up to 80/US$100 off a new iPad.

Read more about Apple Education Discount here.

You can also head to Apple's UK Education Store, Apple's US Education Store or Apple's AU Education Store to explore the discounts for yourself.

We're separately looking at the best iPad deals of the month if you want to save on a different model.

Link:
Where to buy the 10.2in iPad 2020 (8th generation) - Macworld UK

Microsoft is starting to take preorders for its 85-inch Surface Hub 2S today. The large screen device, originally unveiled in April 2019, will now go on sale in January 2021, just missing Microsofts initial target of releasing the hardware at some point in 2020. Microsoft is pricing the 85-inch model starting at $21,999.99.

A $21,999.99 collaboration display might not seem like the type of device that businesses are rushing to buy in 2020 as a pandemic has kept a large number of people working remotely. Microsoft acknowledges that reality and claims the Surface Hub 2S has helped bridge remote teams and central response locations for hospitals, health care providers, and even in education.

Weve seen schools and educational institutions accelerating their digital transformation driven by the need to offer equitable remote or hybrid learning for students, says Robin Seiler, Microsofts corporate vice president of devices. To increase engagement, many institutions are replacing older technology including projectors and whiteboards with digital collaboration solutions like Surface Hub.

Microsoft believes Surface Hub could act as a way to ease the transition back into the office or as part of a hybrid environment. As many parts of the world move back to the office or plan for new hybrid and satellite work environments, Surface Hub will be there to ease that transition even with new considerations in space planning like the need for social distancing, says Seiler. One benefit to a larger screen that Hub provides is that it can help implement social distancing for people to stay six feet apart while working together.

Im not sure how many businesses will agree that Surface Hub is a priority for returning to offices, but the devices have certainly been popular, with reports from a few years ago suggesting the devices were selling out at one point.

It was supposed to be a big year for the Surface Hub 2S, and Microsoft had planned to use a special process cartridge to upgrade the smaller 50-inch devices internals. Microsoft scrapped those plans back in February, just weeks before the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. At the time, Microsoft promised a software update for Surface Hub 2S owners instead.

That software update is now arriving in October, dubbed the Windows 10 Team 2020 Update. It includes support for the new Microsoft Edge browser, dual-pen inking, passwordless sign-in using FIDO2 security keys, and the ability to quick transition a Microsoft Teams call to the larger display. There are also a bunch of security and management improvements for IT admins to better manage these displays in workplaces.

Finally, Microsoft is also allowing owners of the 50-inch Surface Hub 2S to use a full version of Windows 10 on the device. Surface Hubs ship with a variant of Windows 10 thats designed for the bigger screens, and theyll now be free to use the full version of Windows 10. This will also include sign-in support with Windows Hello through the fingerprint reader on the Surface Hub 2S.

Here is the original post:
Microsofts giant 85-inch Surface Hub 2S will arrive in January 2021 for $21,999.99 - The Verge

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Behavioral/Mental Health Software Market - Growth, Trends and Forecasts (2020 - 2025)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The key factors propelling the growth of the market is the increasing stress conditions requiring for mental health management, government funding and initiatives toward EHR adoption in behavioral health organizations and improved health reforms during the forecast period.

Increasing work stress is found to be the major reason for the requirement of mental health care management. As per the data published on February 2019 by American Psychological Association, 75% of adults have reported experiencing moderate to high levels of stress in the past month and nearly half of them reported that their stress has increased in the past years.

Companies Mentioned

Key Market Trends

Electronic Health Record Segment is Expected to Grow Fastest During the Forecast Period

The demand for EHR built specifically for mental health is increasing due to increasing incidence of mental disorders like Parkinsons's Disease, especially in developed parts of the world. As per a 2018 report by the Parkinson's Disease Society of the United Kingdom, the incidence cases of the disorder are expected to increase from 145,500 in 2018 to nearly 168,600 by 2025.

A specialty-specific EHR makes a difference to the medical staff and the patients associated with the management of behavioral/mental health as it provides the advanced capabilities that include practice management and a patient portal among other integrated benefits. Its integrated EHR suite includes patient records, documentation, scheduling, practice management, and an online patient portal. Hence the focus on better continuity of care, various advancement in terms of technology and growing adoption of these products are likely to contribute to the market growth in the future.

North America Holds the Largest Share in the Market and is Expected to Follow the Same Trend over the Forecast Period

The market in North America accounts for major share in terms of revenue and is expected to maintain its position over the forecast period. With the increasing burden of depression and stress due to work-life or personal life, the adoption rate of behavioral/mental health is also rising.

The web-based EHR, medical billing, and practice management presently are used by thousands of physicians across the United States and thus the adoption rate has been increasing year-on-year. Hence, with the rising acceptance and improved healthcare infrastructure, increasing mental health awareness is also driving the overall market across the North America region.

Key Topics Covered:

1 INTRODUCTION

2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4 MARKET DYNAMICS

4.1 Market Overview

4.2 Market Drivers

4.2.1 Increasing Stress Conditions Requiring for Mental Health Management

4.2.2 Government Funding and Initiatives toward EHR Adoption in Behavioral Health Organizations

4.2.3 Improved Health Reforms

4.3 Market Restraints

4.3.1 Data Privacy Concerns

4.3.2 Usage of Traditional Paper-based Systems

4.4 Porter's Five Force Analysis

5 MARKET SEGMENTATION

5.1 By Function

5.1.1 Clinical Functionality

5.1.2 Administrative Functionality

5.1.3 Financial Functionality

5.2 By End User

5.2.1 Community Clinics

5.2.2 Hospitals

5.2.3 Private Practices

5.2.4 Other End Users

5.3 Geography

5.3.1 North America

5.3.1.1 United States

5.3.1.2 Canada

5.3.1.3 Mexico

5.3.2 Europe

5.3.2.1 Germany

5.3.2.2 United Kingdom

5.3.2.3 France

5.3.2.4 Italy

5.3.2.5 Spain

5.3.2.6 Rest of Europe

5.3.3 Asia-Pacific

5.3.3.1 China

5.3.3.2 Japan

5.3.3.3 India

5.3.3.4 Australia

5.3.3.5 South Korea

5.3.3.6 Rest of Asia-Pacific

5.3.4 Middle-East and Africa

5.3.4.1 GCC

5.3.4.2 South Africa

5.3.4.3 Rest of Middle-East and Africa

5.3.5 South America

5.3.5.1 Brazil

5.3.5.2 Argentina

5.3.5.3 Rest of South America

6 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

6.1 Company Profiles

6.1.1 Accumedic

6.1.2 Askesis Development Group Inc.

6.1.3 BestNotes

6.1.4 Cerner Corporation

6.1.5 Credible Behavioral Health Software

6.1.6 Netsmart Technologies

6.1.7 NextGen Healthcare

6.1.8 Qualifacts

6.1.9 Valant Medical Solutions Inc.

6.1.10 Welligent Inc.

7 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/hw7v0w

Go here to read the rest:
Worldwide Behavioral/Mental Health Software Industry to 2025 - North America Holds the Largest Share in the Market - ResearchAndMarkets.com - Business...

Sep 19th 2020

IN TROUBLED TIMES people take comfort in the familiar. Covid-19 has upended many things, but tech-stock prices have proved impressively invulnerable. The Nasdaq, a tech-heavy stock index, has leapt by 25% since the beginning of 2020, taking its total rise over the past decade to over 400%. Were it not for a handful of tech giants like Apple and Microsoft, the S&P 500, another share-price index, would be down so far this year. Not since the boom of the late 1990s have technology firms inspired such exuberant trading. For punters the comparison should be a sobering one; after a peak in March 2000 the Nasdaq crashed, eventually losing 73% of its value. But the economic differences between the two eras should be more unsettling than any market similarities.

The two booms do share features beyond their stock-price trajectories. Both were sustained by inflows of new money. In the late 1990s discount brokerages and online-trading platforms drew in amateur punters looking to profit off the seemingly one-way market. Today, an army of small-timers trade shares and derivatives on new platforms like Robinhood. In the 1990s raging bulls justified high prices by declaring the dawn of a new economy, built on more powerful computers, fancy software and the internet. Todays optimists cite the potential of everything from cloud computing and artificial intelligence to electric vehicles and blockchain. At first glance the economic performance seems similar too. In the late 1990s the unemployment rate fell to 4% and pay soared. On the eve of the pandemic, Americas jobless rate stood at a half-century low and wage growth, after a dismal decade, had accelerated to its best pace since 2008. According to figures published by the Census Bureau on September 15th, real median household income grew by a very healthy 6.8% in 2019.

Yet in critical ways the two episodes look profoundly different. As the 1990s dawned economists were hunting in vain for the efficiency-enhancing effects of new technology. Robert Solow, a Nobel prize-winning economist, quipped in 1987 that you can see the computer age everywhere but in the productivity statistics. By mid-decade that was no longer the case. Output per hour worked in America rose by more than 3% a year in 1998-2000, a feat the economy had not pulled off since the early 1970s. Growth in total factor productivity (a measure of the efficiency with which capital and labour are used, often treated as a proxy for technological progress) rose by about 2% a year from 1995 to 2004, according to Robert Gordon of Northwestern University. That was a sharp pickup from the average pace of 0.5% in 1973-95, and nearly matched the rate achieved during the heady growth years of 1947-73.

Productivity in the 2010s, by contrast, looks pitiful. Annual growth in labour productivity has not risen above 2% since 2010. Growth in total factor productivity, according to data gathered by John Fernald of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, has been more dismal than ever: just 0.3% on average from 2004 to 2019. If you take the 2010s alone, the average falls to just 0.1%.

Strong labour productivity growth in the 1990s enabled wages to rise without squeezing corporate profits. While the dotcom boom is often remembered for the enormous valuations achieved by profitless upstarts with no clear path into the black, after-tax corporate profits during the decade rose from 4.7% of GDP in 1990 to 6.7% in 1997, before closing the decade at 5.6%. Corporate profits actually declined as a share of GDP during the 2010s, albeit from a much higher level than that prevailing in the 1990s: from 10.4% in 2010 to 9.0% in 2019. More telling, however, is the way in which firms responded to profit opportunities during the two decades. Investment in computer equipment, software and R&D leapt during the 1990s, by 1.5 percentage points of GDP over the decade. In the 2010s, despite the much higher level of profits, investment rose by just 0.7 percentage points of GDP.

The exuberance that powered soaring stock prices in the late 1990s, if in some cases irrational, occurred alongside tech-powered structural change. The uptick in productivity was at first driven by advances in computer-making. As prices tumbled and capabilities soared, other firms began investing in new equipment. Productivity gains began to spread across the economy, helping firms streamline manufacturing and transforming critical industries. These persisted, and even accelerated, for some years after the market crashed. Though many dotcom darlings disappeared, the digital infrastructure built during the boom remained. So did a number of firms that came in time to dominate the corporate landscape. In March 2001 The Economist grimly assessed the prospects of Amazon, a struggling retailer that had lost 90% of its market value in the crash, noting that even if such companies survive, they are unlikely to resemble the businesses they once were. (Holding Amazon through the crash proved a smart bet; its stock now trades at about $3,100, up a tad from under $10 in 2001.)

Some of todays high-flyers will in time prove to be good investments. Optimism about the real economy requires a bit more faith. There are grounds for hope. Some economists reckon that hard-to-measure intangible investmentsuch as time spent re-engineering business processestakes up a growing share of firms energies. If so, both investment figures and future economic prospects could be undersold.

Both output per hour and total factor productivity accelerated in 2019. Though it remained well short of the 1990s, this uptick might presage an economic transformation in the making. And the covid-19 pandemic has imposed constraints on business activity, which might in turn accelerate tech-driven restructuring. The possibility has probably contributed to the surge in tech stock prices since March. For now, technology valuations are based, to a far greater degree than in the 1990s, on what could be rather than what is. Invest accordingly.

This article appeared in the Finance & economics section of the print edition under the headline "Altered vistas"

Originally posted here:
How does todays tech boom compare with the dotcom era? - The Economist