Another story demonstrating the benefits of using cloud computing. This time told from the perspective of the old HTC Magic phone lost on Tuesday.

I had to spend an hour speaking to Vodafone customer service, trying to discover if they would provide an existing customer with the deal only for new customers. Eventually the right person was found and they sorted things out with the phone delivered the very next morning.

Straight away all contacts, calendars, applications from my old phone were installed instantly on my new shiny phone.

This is the amazing power of Android mobile devices. Android constantly synchronises with the internet (cloud) to backup your data whether that is emails, documents, calendars or contacts. What this means for you is that when bad things happen to your phone all of your data is still safe and ready for retrieval.

At PC Brigade we use Google Apps to hold all of data so that we can view files, contacts or emails from any device.

The new digital media format that is currently evolving is known as “UltraViolet”. In the near future movie fans will have the ability to play all the movies and shows they enjoy almost anywhere including TV’s, PC’s, smartphones and Blu-ray players. Not only will this new concept allow viewers to access their favourite films from anywhere but it will also allow them to share the experience with family and friends.

When you purchase UltraViolet media, you don’t just receive a single file or disc, you gain the right to access your content on any registered device in your household account. This is one of many great advantages of the UltraViolet concept- you gain all rights to the film you purchase.

UltraViolet content will be able to be downloaded from most online stores or you can even access them via gaming platforms such as Xbox Live and Playstation Network.

Some of the organisations that are closely involved with this new innovative idea are Blockbuster, LoveFilm, Sky, Tesco, Motorola, Samsung, Paramount and Fox.

UltraViolet is expected to launch this summer and will overcome the daunting experience of struggling to download videos and stream formats.

PC Brigade are very much looking forward to the introduction of this exciting new innovation.

Today, our developer Martin has a nasty cold and rather than risk others becoming infected we have allowed him to stay at home. This was because we utilise our remote working infrastructure with every document and file is stored online. This allows us to continue our work remotely even in the event of fire, flood, illness or theft of devices. This remote work is possible at any time of the day all year long. The only requirement is any phone or computer with an internet connection.

Other benefits:

• You can share things instantly – No need to attach files for emails and send to multiple users.
• You don’t lose files – No more duplicate copies scattered across computers.
• You have versioning – Roll back to any previous version of the file.
• You can work collobratively – See live what others are editing in the same document.

If you are interested in this system and want to know more please call 01772 896200.

PC Brigade are on the lookout for individuals based in Preston with knowledge of both business and computer systems. We want the right people to send out the PC Brigade message. We want to fight back against the economic downturn by providing income to those who have the right attitude to achieve success.

PC Brigade want to send out the message to businesses that the first place to start in improving your cash flow is by reducing the amount of time wasting and inefficiency. This can be achieved through automation of simple repetitive tasks and even much larger jobs.

PC Brigade provide you with services to slash your bills. This is the first process that your business should be performing  before you try to take on more customers, otherwise you will not maximise your income from your new relationships.

Please visit our vacancies page to see our job listings.

Preston technology business PC Brigade has won the Northern Lights Business of the Month Award for April. PC Brigade are computer network and hardware specialists who have worked with local businesses including Blackpool FC, Lancashire Magazine, Worthenshaws in the two years since inception. The business has become well established in the Preston area and utilises the talents of students from UCLAN.

27 year old owner Steve Hilton was celebrating again a few days later. Six years of part time study finally finished last week to earn his degree in Computing. “While the degree has enhanced and benefited the business it gives PC Brigade more credibility which is hard to come by as a young business owner.

With over 2 years of trading we are delighted to announce that PC Brigade is now trading as a PC Brigade Limited and our company number is 07635878. We have become a limited company in an attempt to take on employees in the near future.

PC Brigade has won the Northern Lights Business of the Month competition for April. Founder Steve Hilton was delighted to receive an oversized novelty cheque for £250 at a star studded event featuring TV stars Kirsty Henshaw of Dragon’s Den and Adam Hosker from the Apprentice.

“The £250 will go towards technology to help the team work smarter and faster” Steve said. “There is always room for improvement in business and we have to keep innovating”.