Posted by J.Wessier

We will cover the five basic types of business sites. Calling cards, those that sell products, those that sell services, affiliate marketers, and a mixture of the middle three. The type of business you have dictates what services you need from your web hosting provider.

Calling Cards

If you are going to use your site only for a calling card; a few pages that introduce you and/or your company and its services or products, a basic website with a maximum of three pages, no shopping carts or extra site tools, and just 10MB of storage space and a 100MB data-transfer limit each month is probably all you need. If you are a writer, for example, all you need is a few pages for blogging and showcasing your novels, with links to where those novels are sold. If you are a family and marital therapist, all you need is a page displaying your credentials, specialty, mission statement, services, contact information and perhaps a map. Most web hosting companies offer a simple plan with services they offer at an affordable rate, which will meet your needs.

Selling Services

The first thing you need is 1 – 100 GB Bandwidth. Think of your bandwidth like the size of your building. The more products and traffic you have, the bigger the building you need. The more traffic, files and video you have, the more bandwidth you need. A higher amount of information being transferred from your site to the visitors’ computers equals a higher amount of bandwidth needed. 1 GB of bandwidth a month is enough for many small businesses and 100 GB will surely meet the needs of most small business websites without them ever reaching the 100 GB cap.

Service-based sites don’t usually use Shopping Carts or take credit cards over the Internet. Payments are made in person at the time of service. Given this, eCommerce solutions like a Secure Sockets Layer and Shopping Cart Support are not needed. This will be discussed at length under “Selling Products”.

If you plan to use a content management system, such as WordPress, you’ll need a minimum of one SQL database. A database is created by a bunch of tables, consisting of rows and columns like a spreadsheet, with each one holding its own information/data. This database of organized information has the ability to perform complex functions.

A web server has limited space available for use. However, most small business websites rarely exceed 500MB of space which is usually the minimum offered by web hosting companies in their basic, and inexpensive, plans. If your website requires more pages, it will need more space. In addition, if you are selling digital products you will have large files which also require more space. Discuss the type and volume of products you plan to sell with your web hosting service provider. Also, discuss your growth plan. It is important to plan for not only your current business needs, but your future needs. Changing web hosting service providers is not a simple task. Ask about larger plans and upgrading to more space.

You will need FTP (File Transfer Protocol) accounts. This will allow you to easily upload files to your small business website and make changes when needed.

Whether you are responsible for maintaining your site or you hire someone to do that, you need an easy-to use control panel that allows access to functions like backing up your website, installing software, and installing virus protection. cPanel or its equivalent is preferred by many for it’s user friendliness, but do not be quick to dismiss vDeck as this is a powerful and versatile control panel.<

Email accounts are very important as good communication is the foundation of all successful businesses. You will need a personal account and a business account that matches you website. You will also need Spam Control to block spam before it hits your email accounts.

Selling Products

As with small business websites that sell services, websites selling products require 1 – 100 GB Bandwidth, a minimum of one SQL database and a minimum of 500 GB of space, FTP accounts, cPanel, and Email accounts. A few other things are needed as well.

If you plan to accept credit cards you will need a SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) Certificate. An SSL helps protect sensitive information and credit card transactions made on your site. Information is encrypted and sent over a private channel to protect it from the public and potential hackers.

In order to sell products, your small business website will need a Shopping Cart. This is a program that allows you to add, delete and edit products in your online store. It also makes it possible to track sales and inventory. All web hosts don’t provide this in packages. Talk to the web hosting service provider to ensure Shopping Carts are available.

Affiliate Marketers

Affiliate Marketers can range from promoting digital downloadable products to services and physical products from other companies. The best web hosting service is one that allows you to create as many affiliate sites as you need and keep them organized. Marketers need to present their products and services professionally. Each product needs its own domain and its own site. A web hosting service that provides these technical aspects of affiliate marketing and also makes it easy for the marketer with little technical know-how to maintain the website is the best web hosting service.

As with small business websites that sell services and products, you will require 1 – 100 GB Bandwidth, a minimum of one SQL database and a minimum of 500 GB of space, FTP accounts, cPanel, and Email accounts.

Communication is key to choosing the best web hosting service provider for your small business website needs. Your service or product plus your anticipated traffic dictate those needs. Talk to the web hosting company’s support team; define your company’s service, products, expectations, projected traffic, and growth plan. They should provide you with a viable web hosting plan, at a manageable cost, that will allow you to operate your online small business successfully

Posted By C.Lucia  7/23/12

You do not have to purchase a Windows hosting plan simply because your personal computer runs on Windows. It makes no difference what operating system your computer runs on as it has no effect on your website. What you need to decide is what type of OS (Operating System) you want your server to run on. This is paramount when looking for a web hosting provider. There are two main OS used by hosting companies today, Linux and Windows. They both have their pros and cons. Which system will be the better fit depends on your personal and/or business needs.

Supporting Features for Linux & Windows OS

Linux and Windows servers both will run HTML pages and JavaScript. Linux servers use files named *.html while Windows servers use files named *.htm, There is no real difference between them. Linux and Windows will also run CGI, JavaScript, and MySQL databases. If you use PHP scripts then Linux is the better choice as it comes with the advanced PHP scripting languages. Windows uses ASP scripting. If you need ASP, ASP.NET, or ASP.NET 2.0. choose Windows.

Although both use MySQL databases it is more common in Linux servers.  Access, the other popular database, is found on Windows servers. Though FrontPage is one of the main reasons why many choose Windows, it should be pointed out that both operating systems run smoothly with this Microsoft product.

Linux, Windows & The Servers

Depending on your choice of server, you will have either a control panel or FTP access to your server. Control panel and FTP access are offered by both Linux and Windows operating systems.  Commands may vary, but basically the two operating systems are comparable when it comes to server accessibility.

Security

Linus and Windows operating systems have equivalent security. Given this, the security provided by the web host you choose outweighs any security risks by either OS. Be vigilant when it comes to security and focus on web hosting services that excel in that area. If you are covered securely by your hosting provider through 24/7 network monitoring, intrusion detection,etc., chances are slim anything will ever get as far as your website undetected.

Where Do We Go From Here?

Linux is more widely used for several reasons; among them are: the hosting is less expensive – Linux is open source and there is little to no cost to the hosting companies – and The PHP scripting of Linux allows for access to a lot of scripts and PHP based platforms such as WordPress, Joomla and Drupal installs. However; Windows has gained popularity and is now adopted by many hosting providers to meet the demand. They both offer a capable OS with various options. Which operating system will serve you best ultimately comes down to your personal and business needs and preferences. Keep in mind; regardless of what OS you eventually select, it is meaningless if you do not have a strong, secure web hosting company behind you.

Posted By C.Lucia 7/09/12

Use of video content is key to enhancing your presence in today’s online market. The current trend of consumers viewing, creating and editing video on their mobile devices is generating a preference pattern of video over text. Having an organic marketing campaign that implements the use of on-site video in a way Google can easily recognize, and has consumers returning simultaneously, is a step ahead of most. There is information available online on ways to get Google to display a video thumbnail as part of your company’s search results. The focus of this article is strategic video techniques and overall importance of video as part of your business’s way of communicating with consumers.

Consumers today need more than to merely engage with their online experiences. For your online video content to be a proficient tool it needs to focus on the consumer and how they will perceive your company. As we know, the consumer experience begins and ends not with the product or service they are purchasing, but with the company that stands behind it. Bottom line, you want online media that forms the delicate balance of presenting valuable information and consumer validation in an entertaining, original format; leaving the consumer with an overall feeling of satisfaction.

Online video has become a profitable advertising strategy for businesses of all sizes. Using effective retargeting by researching past behavior patterns provides your business the opportunity to deliver a compelling message through video, with a personal touch. This strategy can be applied to engage customers and increase chances of conversion. Ultimately, business ads want to drive new consumers to their site while maintaining the balance of maximizing ROI and a positive consumer experience.

We have reached the marketing personalization era. Consumers want to interact, feel empowered and be offered choices as well as find exactly what they want when they want it. It’s all about the consumer in today’s market and understanding the need to connect with them throughout every aspect of the shopping experience; by using personalized videos. This type of consumer focused video is a new technology called SmartVideo.

SmartVideo is not the wave of the future, it’s the here and now. businesses adapting this technology will allow them to realize the full potential of online video. Personalized videos can be used on and off site by relating to the consumer in real-time during the entire course of their shopping experience. There are various methods to implement personalized videos and you will find one or several methods that are best suited for your company. Relevancy and individuality of the videos presented is based on the use of real-time data and rapidly produced videos. This is the formula for success SmartVideo provides you with. Using specific information geared toward each individual consumer and presenting it just at the right moment.

Bottom line, video has the potential to get your business attention. The growing use of videos on mobile devices is important to remember as well. Personalized videos are not simply a means to an end to create a higher profit margin. Personalized videos will provide your consumers a fulfilling, interactive, simplified experience they will associate with your brand or service. This will build a larger base of return consumers and only as a result of that will you see a higher ROI. The consumer, that’s what it’s all about for successful businesses today.

Posted By C.Lucia 5/18/12

Website backups are often provided through reputable web hosting companies as part of their hosting plan. It is important to know that while these backups are beneficial, it is vital you do your own backups as well. The web changes constantly and so does your website. The smallest things, such as a plugin not working properly, can cause your site to crash. There is also the constant threat of viruses – and what would you do if a hacker accessed your site? These are all reasons to have your own backup; for security and peace of mind.

When choosing a web hosting service you should pay attention to when and how often they complete their backups. You also need to take into account the technology they use and if it will protect you if a server crashes. In today’s market, any reliable web host uses what is referred to as “multi-cluster” servers or a “pooled environment.” What this means is your site will not be affected if a server should go down as you will be live on another and experience no downtime as a result. Some web hosting companies will host your website on completely separate data centers as an added precaution. Keep in mind that the web hosting provider you choose should definitely include: backup generators, cooling systems, and excellent quality fire protection, all backed up by a diesel generator supply to provide reliable power for all systems.

If you run an online business and have client files on your website it is imperative to back up those files. When backing up, you have several options. First, you may use FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client to manage your files such as FileZilla. Not only is it free, but it works on all versions of Windows. Next, if your web hosting company uses cPanel, backing up your website is a simple process. It usually just takes two clicks, depending on what version your hosting provider is using. cPanel also comes with a Backup Wizard that will walk those who need it through the process. Finally, external hard drives are always a great idea and there are online backup companies if you want to go with off-site storage. If you have WordPress here’s a tip, BackupBuddy is a great paid plugin that backups, restores and migrates your site.

In conclusion, if you run an online business and are in possession of client files, etc. backups are a must. Loss of data could potentially mean serious harm to your online survival. If you have a high traffic site automated daily backups are your best bet. If you have a personal or less busy site you may prefer weekly or even monthly backups. Online businesses are already pressing enough; why add to it by not being protected. Remember the basics: start with your web hosting company, see what type of security they offer, and go from there. When it comes to protecting your website, backing up now will save you from re-building later.

Posted By C.Lucia 5/08/12

Whether you are in the decision-making process of finding a web host or have already purchased a hosting plan, it takes a lot of incentive and effort to get from the thought process stage to a professional looking website. For the purpose of this article, it is understood that you already know what you want to promote, focus on or sell on your website. Whatever your product, it should be something you are passionate about because the time and effort it takes to keep up an online presence and be successful is unrelenting.

You will find that many of the top web hosts have tutorials on Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Within the tutorials, you should research “keywords”. Keywords play a dual role; they are used as search terms for search engines and are also words that determine the content of the website. You will discover the importance of keywords as you go along. Keep this in mind; if you are writing about something you know well and truly enjoy, keyword placement should occur naturally. Never build a site around SEO! Always create your site first and then work on marketing it.

When choosing a title for your web page it is important to keep it to the point and relevant to what your keywords are. When choosing a domain name, do research. Find out what’s available to you and then choose something people will remember. The shorter the better. It should also definitely be related to your online business product.

Many great web hosting providers offer website builders as part of their hosting packages. Some of the more popular ones are: Dreamweaver, Soholaunch and Concrete5 (which uses in-context editing). All of these website builders are straight forward and user-friendly, so knowledge of Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) or Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) is not necessary to use them. Although this knowledge is not required, HTML is the building block of web pages and CSS is the foundation that determines how pages look. Given this, learning how to use both HTML and CSS is a good idea. W3schools is a great resource for that.

Whether building a business website or a personal one, people have different design preferences, so I will mention a couple of the top Content Management Systems (CMS): Joomla and WordPress. Yes, that’s correct; WordPress is way more than a blogging platform today. In fact, it makes a great platform for a website. You can easily remove all blogging content from WordPress and make it a static site, but I would think twice about doing that. Posts are much more versatile than pages. They can be easily put in different order, where pages are more difficult to rearrange.

With WordPress all you need is a sub domain and you can have a blog separate from your site, but still within your site, so you can have it all in one package. As with the site builders, no HTML/CSS knowledge is required with WordPress although you may find you will pick up some basic HTML along the way without even realizing it. There are tens of thousands of free plugins for WordPress from SEO to tables to specialized menus. You can do just about anything you want on your site.

Regarding the skill level required to build a professional looking website, Joomla is similar to WordPress. It was launched a couple of years after WordPress, but has gained a lot of popularity. Joomla comes feature packed, but there are five types of extensions available if you want extra features for your website. Both WordPress and Joomla are open sourced CMS. If you decide to take the CMS route you want to make sure the web host company you choose offers 1 click installs of the platform you wish to use. This will save you time and effort.

Whatever path you take to build your site, take your time and research topics you aren’t clear about. Find a web host that meets your needs and offers a money-back guarantee in case you’re not satisfied. Use different browsers to view your site as it will appear differently in the main three. Graphics are big, but be careful and don’t overdo it. Stick to one font for your text and one for your titles to have a neat appearance. Use of a quality feature comparison and review site can help you make an informed decision. Remember, you have limitless potential when you are facing a blank web page and there is nothing stopping you from turning it into a remarkable and marketable website.

Posted By C.Lucia 4/14/12

When looking at a potential web host, consider the type of control panel the hosting provider uses. The control panel is one of the most important components and determines your ability to maintain your website. Control panels are the roots of all hosting plans. They are a web-based control interface that helps you manage email accounts and domains, backup your website files, and much more.

There are many different control panels out there; however, the three used most by major players in web hosting are: cPanel, vDeck and custom control panels. The more you know about these control panels the easier it will be for you to decide which one is right for your business.

Since its release in 1996, cPanel has become the most widely used panel among shared and reseller hosting. Its user friendly interface and easy to read modules make it very attractive to small to medium-sized businesses. With its simple yet effective design, people find they can adapt to cPanel quickly. On the other hand, although known for its easy to navigate interface, some find it limiting as far as customization. For this reason it is not the top choice of eCommerce businesses.

The newest version of cPanel & WHM (web hosting manager) 11.32 has the latest features and now supports MySQL 5.5. It includes Logaholic Web Analytics (a powerful log file processor) that will help you efficiently monitor your website traffic, content, keywords and marketing strategies.

One example of cPanel’s simplicity is setting up an email account using your domain name for your business email. When chosen, the MX entry module directs you to a simple form where all you do is enter the correct web addresses, in their proper order as provided by your chosen mail provider, and your business mail will be sent to your web server, and then your account. It’s extremely simple and done in 3 easy steps.

With cPanel you also get add-ons like Fantastico that enhance functionality. Fantastico is a script library free to anyone who signs up for a web hosting package that has cPanel. Fantastico consists of over 50 free scripts that can be installed onto your website with a few quick clicks. Some of the more well-known scripts are: Joomla, WordPress, Drupal, b2evolution, phpBB, MediaWiki, Mambo, Noah’s Classified’s, Moodle, and ZenCart. Access to this script library allows you to create anything you want on your website.

Compared to cPanel, vDeck is relatively new to the web hosting control panels market. Due to cPanels widespread popularity, people are either unaware of or overlook vDeck and its unlimited potential for businesses of all sizes, especially large businesses. Its latest version, 4.0, has been a big hit and taken care of a lot of previous issues with the panel. This newest version has an easy to use interface making it more appealing to beginners than previous versions.

Search engine optimization tools and submission tools found on vDeck control panel are necessary for a successful online business. The advanced website management system allows you to promote and market your site without hassle. Version 4.0 has a top navigation bar with drop down menus for each heading and each item can also be found on the control panel home page. The Quick Start Tool guides you through the process of adding a domain, creating a mailbox and building your site.

Rather than Fantastico, vDeck uses 1 click installs mainly through Simple Scripts. With the 4.0 version there are nearly as many scripts available as with cPanel, so you have access to the same (or similar) scripts. vDeck offers more customization than cPanel. You may add modules and change the interface of the control panel to give it a custom touch. vDeck helps manage and promote large businesses with ease. v4.0 has a completely separate section for eCommerce, with a tab in the upper navigation bar, and modules of all the entries in the drop down menu in the control panel homepage.

The last type of control panel I want to touch on is the custom control panel. Some very reputable web hosting providers have chosen this option. Custom control panels are often not understood, but can be good business choices.
If you find a reputable web host, and it has a custom control panel, see if they offer a demo. I have seen some well put together custom control panels that are easy for beginners to navigate, but also allow for customization like vDeck. It’s a great option for those who wish to expand and be creative with their websites.

cPanel is, of course, the most popular. Some think its popularity will diminish as new control panels rise up on the scene. I think there will always be a place for a basic control panel that is easy to use and manage for those who are not computer savvy. Whether it’s cPanel or not, this need will always be met. vDeck 4.0 is on the rise now that it is no longer difficult to master and offers an easy to use interface; allowing customization for those who complain cPanel is too basic. With vDeck, large sites are easily managed as you get more power and control. That is something cPanel can’t offer as it’s not set up to handle extensive sites.

Bottom line, it comes down to your business needs and your computer skills. Don’t forget custom control panels. They may offer the best of both worlds and you may find everything you’re looking for. Those with little computer skills or who have small to medium-size businesses would most likely do better with cPanel. vDeck is for those looking for a powerhouse control panel. It offers more for larger businesses and those who want more versatility with their site(s). Evaluate your computer skills, evaluate your business needs, demo several control panels, and then make an informed decision. The perfect control panel for you and your business is out there.

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Posted By C.Lucia 3/22/12

Microsoft states, “With Windows 8, the whole experience of Windows has been re-imagined” – and they’re not aggrandizing. This isn’t your daddy’s Windows. This is the first version of Windows designed as much for tablets as it is for laptops and desktops. It will work on everything from touch-enabled tablets, to laptops, to desktops and all-in-ones. They’ve designed it so you can move between Windows 8 PCs easily and access your files and settings from virtually anywhere – and that’s the primary difference between Apple’s iPad strategy and Microsoft’s Windows 8 approach. Apple makes complimentary devices, while Microsoft’s Windows 8 software is designed to make the user experience across devices compatible. So, let’s take this new model for a drive around the block and see what it has to offer.

Less browser, more web: Microsoft does this by making the desktop itself into an app. The PC boots to the Metro interface, which serves as the “start screen” and main backdrop for Windows 8. With Windows 8 your entire screen is dedicated to your sites. There when you need them, tabs and navigation controls appear at the swipe of a finger – or click of your mouse. It works just as well with a keyboard and mouse as it does with a touchscreen. The stunning “Metro” interface just whispers “touch me, interact with me”. Beautifully designed apps, ultra-simple navigation, and instinctive commands make it engaging and easy to use.

Speaking of the new Metro apps: Some of the apps are pre-installed and others are available in the Windows Store. The highlighted apps included Xbox Live Games; Video and Music stores; a People app that integrates contacts, social media and mail; Bing Finance; Cut the Rope; USA Today; and iCookbook, a recipe app.

The Windows Store: The Windows Store is part of Windows 8 and the distribution point for Metro style apps. They incorporated it in the hopes of making the user experience of finding new software even easier. The Windows Store has all the features of typical app stores including featured apps, lists of top paid and free apps, and user reviews.

Built for speed:Internet Explorer 10 platform preview 5 brings you a faster web. Whether you’re loading sites, sharing sites, or going from sites to apps, it all runs at a speed comparable to apps on your PC.

More security, more privacy, more peace of mind: Building on innovations like SmartScreen and Tracking Protection, Internet Explorer is designed to give you greater control over your personal info and help keep you safe from the latest online threats.

Type to search function: Windows 8 has no search box at the bottom of the Start menu. Actually, it doesn’t even have the trademark Start menu! That doesn’t mean there isn’t a search function available. All you need to do is to type anything, and a search box will appear from the right and give you the results. The search capability is even stronger this time, displaying all the matching apps and files instantaneously.

Windows 8 is “charmed”: “Charms” is a new implementation of the traditional Windows start bar. Charms can also be used to quickly configure settings for individual apps. The charms sidebar offers five sets of options, supporting both app-specific settings and system settings such as volume and brightness. The options include Start, Search, Share, Devices, and Settings. The Start option returns the user to the home screen. The Devices option presents a list of connected devices. Under the Share option, users can see social network sharing apps.

Cloud connected: Your entire PC is cloud-connected. You’ll have new Mail, Calendar, Microsoft SkyDrive, Photos, People, and Messaging apps that are connected to the services you use, just by adding them to your Microsoft account.

There you have it: Metro apps, the Windows Store, Internet Explorer 10 platform preview 5, the integration of SkyDrive cloud services, Charms, and type to search function – Windows 8 is a chip off the Windows 7 block, but “re-imagined” to the nth degree. Microsoft touts Windows 8 as “Your Windows, everywhere” – and they aren’t talkin’ trash, brother. They promise you can connect across devices to SkyDrive, Facebook, Flickr, and other services, so you can smoothly get to all your photos and files – and they deliver.

Posted By C.Lucia 3/16/12

Technology is an amazing phenomenon. It takes on a life of its own as one idea feeds the next – and the evolution is getting more rapid. It encompasses our lives and makes it possible for us to do the things we need to do with ease and swiftness. It touches us all; big, small, young and old. The effects of technology far outreach just pleasure and productivity. Massive high-tech manufacturing areas (especially where tech growth is high) have experienced decreased unemployment, higher housing values and even increased job salaries. This correlation between high-tech growth and economic growth gives hope to a nation still reeling from the recession of Dec. 2007.

Silicon Valley, the granddad of US high-tech venture capital, is experiencing a rapid rise in home values and job salaries and a steady decrease in their unemployment rate. Encompassing all of the Santa Clara Valley (including San Jose), the Peninsula to the south, and the East Bay, it has long been a haven for high technology companies including: Adobe, Apple Inc., eBay, Google, HP, Intel, Symantec, and Yahoo! 42,000 jobs were added in Silicon Valley and the unemployment rate dropped 1.4% since 2010 to 8.8% in 2011. California, as a whole, has an unemployment rate of 10.9% and is about average with the US across the board. Additionally, Houses in Silicon Valley are selling for 40% above market value and the housing crisis there is the battle between buyers to outbid each other on real estate.

Austin, Texas, not as elite as Silicon Valley, is reaping the same rewards. The surge in high-tech has found its way to Texas as Apple completes an expansion in Austin, the main receiving point for the chips for its iPad. Other big companies such as AT&T, IBM and Advanced Micro Devices also reside in Austin. This revenue, along with additional revenue generated from services needed by existing military bases in places such as San Antonio, resulted in Texas businesses filling 1 out of every 5 jobs in the US from June 2010 to June 2011.

Seattle, home to tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing, has reveled in consistent, sustained growth for the last ten years and it does not appear to be stopping. Greg Lamm, from Tech Flash, wrote in his 03/15/12 article, “One in three Seattle-based tech professionals said they had received a bonus; the average for 2011 was $9,892.” The average tech salary was up 5% in Seattle from last year.

There are many more cities that hold the promise of flourishing tech wise or are currently “big tech” areas, but I can’t cover them all. Those mentioned are the up and coming along with the old standby of Silicon Valley whose recent housing market surge may have something (or a lot) to do with Facebook’s IOP coming soon. The IOP will undoubtedly unleash a whole new league of millionaires into Silicon Valley causing home and property values to rocket. There will be a new surge of buying real estate as those people invest in their future. Technological growth does benefit the surrounding economy by providing jobs and rejuvenating the housing market. The new iPad will be released today (03/16/2012). It’s estimated that 1,000,000 iPads will be sold and packed off today. Now that’s my idea of an “economic stimulus package”.

Posted By C.Lucia 3/13/12

On March 12, 2012, Twitter bought Posterous, a microblogging service. What do you get when you cross a mammoth online networking service (Twitter) with a moderate microblogging service (Posterous)? No, it’s not a joke. At heart, Twitter and Posterous are both microblogging services. The difference is Twitter took it to a level Posterous never quite achieved. If Twitter and Posterous are comparable, in function at least, why would Twitter want to acquire it? The clues are in what has become of the Posterous engineers and product managers.

Posterous founder and CEO, Sachin Agarwal, will join Twitter as a Product Manager. He has a BS in Computer Science from Stanford and worked at Apple for nearly six years as a software engineer. His expertise is in sharing everything from videos to microblogs to photos.

Brian Frank was the Chief Product Officer at Posterous. He is now a Mobile Partnership Product Manager at Twitter. He’s working with OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), Operators & Platform providers to build high-quality Twitter experiences. After acquiring two BAs from Cornell, one in Computer Science, the other in Science and Tech studies, he worked at Adobe, Intel, Microsoft, and Palm; all Fortune 500 companies like Apple.

Adam Huda was the Director of Mobile Engineering at Posterous. He is currently an iOS Engineer at Twitter. He has an MS and BS in Computer Science from the University of California. In the past, he was a CEO at uApp and worked on core internal Apple systems.

Do you see a common component here – and is that component in the shape of an Apple?

The Posterous purchase was not about Twitter acquiring a company, it was about acquiring its seriously skilled, experienced, and creative staff – with an eye on syncing Twitter more deeply into Apple’s iPhone and iPad experience. Apparently Apple has picked a side in social networking, and it’s Twitter.

What makes Twitter attractive to Apple is both services are really about status — what people are doing, where they’re doing it and with whom. Twitter currently has workable tools for sharing photos and videos about social happenings and relationships. When integrated with Apple, Twitter setup will be part of iOS 5 settings and allow iPad, iPhone and iPod touch users to tweet from Google Maps, Safari, YouTube and other apps.

Twitter will become an important social status mechanism for iOS, offering integration between Twitter users and their Apple mobile devices. Sachin Agarwal, Brian Frank, and Adam Huda are part of a team that will make this happen. What do you get when you cross a mammoth online networking service with a moderate microblogging service? Twitter functionality built in to every single Apple iOS device by way of the new iOS 5 software by next fall.

As of this writing, Posterous is still alive and well, but the general consensus is it won’t survive another six months. The company’s product, Posterous Spaces, currently remains up and running, but Posterous has told users, “We’ll give you ample notice before any changes or disruptions to the service are made and we’ll provide specific instructions for exporting your content to another service”. This is an indicator of its pending demise. Another indicator is most of Posterous’ employees have joined Twitter. It seems Posterous is fading, but its key staff and employees will go on to create another day. The company’s chiefs did well. Give the Posterous boys an Apple!