My idea is to have an online site where people can place orders for a grocery delivery service. Once a user joined the website, they would have a page they would log into every time they came back to place another order. The page would have a record of past orders as well as suggestions based on the products they selected, and recipes to go along with the foods they ordered. The main focus of the idea however was to promote the delivery service.
Many students on college campuses do not have cars to easily go to the grocery store. And even if they do live close enough to one to walk, they would have to carry all of their purchases back to their apartment or dorm. By making this idea based around a convenience factor, I believe many students would be drawn in.
As far as how this idea has progressed over the semester, the most changes have occurred with the actual website. Before this class, I did not know much about many of the topics we have discussed that have helped to evolve my idea like cloud computing, operating systems, and the importance of system security.
Cloud computing would enable users to gain access to their profiles no matter which computer they were logging into or even where they were. All of their information would be saved in the cloud and ready for use at any time. Operating systems was something I did not think much about in terms of this idea before, and now realize how important they are. I would need to make sure that the website I created would be compatible with any operating system. I could also create a mobile app for this idea by use of working with the operating systems on mobile devices. And finally with system security, I would need to make sure the users of the website new that the information they were entering would not be shared so as not to cause identity theft.
To make this idea a reality, I would need to do a few things. First, I would need to take into consideration the competitors in the market, One Click Grocery and the many other restaurant deliveries in the area. These other companies are all competing in the same market and would make starting up my idea that much more difficult. I would also need to work closely with someone to work on the actual website. I have no knowledge of how to create a working website, especially with all of the difficulties that this one would include such as user information and all of the lists of the products being offered. And finally, I would really need to sit down and figure out the logistics of making this idea come to life. I would have to figure out how to take the users orders from a website, actually going to the store to pick up the items and then finally delivering them. There are many different ways that I could go about doing these things and I would need to figure out the best option.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Security!
Overview: My idea is to create a delivery service that delivers groceries to college students with a website that keeps track of what they have previously ordered as well as provide ideas for recipes they can use based on what is ordered.
In terms of system security, there are many things to be worried about- hackers, script kiddies, viruses, worms, trojan horses and many other potentially risks that could potentially harm a computer. Hackers and script kiddies use codes to hack into another person's computer to take their information and mess with their computer. Viruses and worms are malicious programs that cause harm to the computer, however worms can move throughout a computer on their own where as viruses need the help of other programs to leverage their maliciousness. Trojan horses are programs that are downloaded and look like any regular program, however once they are opened and run they download other malicious programs or viruses to cause further harm of the computer.
The internet is a great place for these programs and hackers to gain information and spread. My idea, being mainly internet based, poses some added caution for potential clients. How will they know that my site is legitimate and won't send a virus or worm to their computer? How will they know that myself or any of my employees will not take their personal and credit card information to hack into their computer or go on a shopping spree?
If my clients are like most, they have antivirus software on their computers to safeguard against any potential threats. They could also have implemented IDS or IPS systems to detect and work on risks that enter their computer. However, my clients should be smart and look for statements made by the company that assure them that the web site will not send anything harmful to their computers and that the employees that work their will not take advantage of their personal information. People that tend to worry a lot could potentially decide not to use my service, and could take their business elsewhere, and hurt my overall business. I would need to ensure my clients that the web site is secure and can be trusted.
In terms of system security, there are many things to be worried about- hackers, script kiddies, viruses, worms, trojan horses and many other potentially risks that could potentially harm a computer. Hackers and script kiddies use codes to hack into another person's computer to take their information and mess with their computer. Viruses and worms are malicious programs that cause harm to the computer, however worms can move throughout a computer on their own where as viruses need the help of other programs to leverage their maliciousness. Trojan horses are programs that are downloaded and look like any regular program, however once they are opened and run they download other malicious programs or viruses to cause further harm of the computer.
The internet is a great place for these programs and hackers to gain information and spread. My idea, being mainly internet based, poses some added caution for potential clients. How will they know that my site is legitimate and won't send a virus or worm to their computer? How will they know that myself or any of my employees will not take their personal and credit card information to hack into their computer or go on a shopping spree?
If my clients are like most, they have antivirus software on their computers to safeguard against any potential threats. They could also have implemented IDS or IPS systems to detect and work on risks that enter their computer. However, my clients should be smart and look for statements made by the company that assure them that the web site will not send anything harmful to their computers and that the employees that work their will not take advantage of their personal information. People that tend to worry a lot could potentially decide not to use my service, and could take their business elsewhere, and hurt my overall business. I would need to ensure my clients that the web site is secure and can be trusted.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Operating Systems
Overview: My idea is to create a delivery service that delivers groceries to college students with a website that keeps track of what they have previously ordered as well as provide ideas for recipes they can use based on what is ordered.
Operating systems are an integral part of every computer. It is essentially what enables the computer to run programs and delegate usage between programs that are running. Say a certain program needs a lot of attention, the operating system will recognize that and make sure that enough usage is being delegated to run that program correctly. For example, not much attention needs to be paid to running a word document, however much more usage is taken up when playing a video game. Operating systems also allow for communication between programs that are running and enables them to interact correctly.
In terms of how operating systems relate to my web site based idea, it doesn't matter which operating system my client chooses to run, they will be able to access and use my site. That is one of the great thing about operating systems- as long as the user is using one (which they would if they are using a computer) they will be able to access my site. Another great thing about operating systems is that they are becoming more popular in everyday life. They are not only used in computers but also being put into mobile devices such as Ipads, tablets and smart phones. This would enable my customers to access the website at anytime if they are not able to use a computer yet still want to make an order on the site.
Operating systems are an integral part of every computer. It is essentially what enables the computer to run programs and delegate usage between programs that are running. Say a certain program needs a lot of attention, the operating system will recognize that and make sure that enough usage is being delegated to run that program correctly. For example, not much attention needs to be paid to running a word document, however much more usage is taken up when playing a video game. Operating systems also allow for communication between programs that are running and enables them to interact correctly.
In terms of how operating systems relate to my web site based idea, it doesn't matter which operating system my client chooses to run, they will be able to access and use my site. That is one of the great thing about operating systems- as long as the user is using one (which they would if they are using a computer) they will be able to access my site. Another great thing about operating systems is that they are becoming more popular in everyday life. They are not only used in computers but also being put into mobile devices such as Ipads, tablets and smart phones. This would enable my customers to access the website at anytime if they are not able to use a computer yet still want to make an order on the site.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Cloud Computing
Overview: My idea is to create a delivery service that delivers groceries to college students with a website that keeps track of what they have previously ordered as well as provide ideas for recipes they can use based on what is ordered.
As an internet based business, my idea would use cloud computing to essentially work. Cloud computing would first enable people to be able to access and use my site. Users would not have to worry about where they were when they were trying to access the site because of cloud computing, essentially the internet. Because of cloud computing, my clients would not have to download anything onto their computers to be able to use my service. Having access to the internet is all that they need to be able to use my service.
Cloud computing would also enable my clients to make an account and have their information be saved to their profile so that each time they came back it would still be there. It would be very annoying if every time a user logged into the site they had to reenter their information, address, email address and credit card numbers. People would find it unnecessary and annoying and would choose to take their business elsewhere. Additionally, I could eventually create an app to go along with my website and cloud computing would enable users to have access to the app. As most internet sites do, my site would use cloud computing. Without it, I do not think my idea would be able to work as well.
As an internet based business, my idea would use cloud computing to essentially work. Cloud computing would first enable people to be able to access and use my site. Users would not have to worry about where they were when they were trying to access the site because of cloud computing, essentially the internet. Because of cloud computing, my clients would not have to download anything onto their computers to be able to use my service. Having access to the internet is all that they need to be able to use my service.
Cloud computing would also enable my clients to make an account and have their information be saved to their profile so that each time they came back it would still be there. It would be very annoying if every time a user logged into the site they had to reenter their information, address, email address and credit card numbers. People would find it unnecessary and annoying and would choose to take their business elsewhere. Additionally, I could eventually create an app to go along with my website and cloud computing would enable users to have access to the app. As most internet sites do, my site would use cloud computing. Without it, I do not think my idea would be able to work as well.
How the Pros do it- The Verge
The Verge (http://www.theverge.com/) is a blog that focuses on the topic of technology. They discuss anything and everything about new technology products, companies, conferences and news relating to technology. They are the place to go for a review of a product or a major technology company. And their knowledge doesn't seem to be limited, they discuss products from cellphones to cameras to headphones and speakers. Their articles range from regular text and picture articles to galleries and video clips. One video clip series is what The Verge calls their show "On the Verge." The show is run like a talk show where guests can come on and talk about technology. The latest episode featured Jimmy Fallon who vented about his dislike for a camera that he had purchased to use at the Super Bowl and at the White House. The camera he bought ended up having some flaws and the host and Fallon discussed them. I thnk this aspect of the blog is a very interesting and unique one. I also think it is very informative to watch video rather than reading articles all the time.
The layout of the blog is very organized and easy to navigate. The home page is similar to a magazine in that the headlines and latest articles are highlighted. You can click on the picture and title of the article and you will be brought to the full page. On that page, there are links for Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and a place to leave a comment if you log in or create an account with The Verge. Additionally, the articles are easy to read and use a language which the average consumer would be able to understand. All along the top of the main page is an header with different tabs that further organizes the website. Tabs include the latest articles, different products and reviews as well as a place to search the website. Overall, I think this blog is very professional and informative. It is organized and is up to date. I would use this site as part of research if I were going to buy a product and wanted to get a professional opinion on it.
The layout of the blog is very organized and easy to navigate. The home page is similar to a magazine in that the headlines and latest articles are highlighted. You can click on the picture and title of the article and you will be brought to the full page. On that page, there are links for Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and a place to leave a comment if you log in or create an account with The Verge. Additionally, the articles are easy to read and use a language which the average consumer would be able to understand. All along the top of the main page is an header with different tabs that further organizes the website. Tabs include the latest articles, different products and reviews as well as a place to search the website. Overall, I think this blog is very professional and informative. It is organized and is up to date. I would use this site as part of research if I were going to buy a product and wanted to get a professional opinion on it.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
The Competition
Overview: My idea is to create a delivery service that delivers groceries to college students with a website that keeps track of what they have previously ordered as well as provide ideas for recipes they can use based on what is ordered.
After doing some research, I found two companies that are in the same market as my idea. One is Campus Food and the other is One Click Grocery.
Campus Food
http://www.campusfood.com/campus.asp?campusID=117
Campus Food is not exactly the same as my idea, however it taps into the same market. Campus Food specializes in delivering meals from local restaurants to students. Their website offers links to menus from many restaurants in the Syracuse area. From Chinese and Japanese to pizza and Italian, as well as other local restaurants such as Alto Cinco. Their website provides convenience for the customer in that they only have to make an account with Campus Food to be able to order from the multiple restaurants on the site, as well as many discounts and specials only available to those ordering through the site. The website also gives information about when the restaurants are closed, or are about to open to make the decision making process a little easier for users. Campus Food also gives an incentive to ordering through the company with their idea of "Foodie Points." Each time you make an order, depending on the amount of food and price, you are awarded so many Foodie Points. After you have gained so many points, you can redeem them for discounts or coupons. My idea focuses more on the delivery of actual groceries to students, not so much meals. I have thought about incorporating my idea with the local Meals on Wheels to donate groceries to the elderly that receive meals from the Meals on Wheels service. I have also thought about being able to deliver hot meals to students who would like them in a way like Campus Food does with restaurant delivery. The obvious difference is the fact that Campus Food coordinates restaurant delivery and my service would deliver groceries.
One Click Grocery
https://www.oneclickgrocery.com
One Click Grocery would be a direct competitor to my idea. They specialize in delivering groceries to homes, apartments, dorms, and offices. Their website is very interactive and they have many great ideas. They have pre-made lists with different themes, Italian, Breakfast, Fiesta, Football Sunday and a Dorm Food list to name a few. They have also targeted parents by giving parents an option to put money in an account for their son or daughter to withdrawal from throughout the year or semester while they are at school. They have frequent sales, many delivery times and a recipe tab to look up recipes based on what you order, or to help you decide on what to order. This company would be a fierce competitor with my idea because they very similar. I would definitely have to look more at what they offer if I was to put my idea into action.
These two businesses would definitely be competition for my business idea. Although Campus Food coordinates the delivery of local restaurants, that could potentially take away clients from my idea if they just wanted the convenience of meals being delivered rather than groceries. One Click Grocery has a lot of the aspects that my idea has, and is already in existence. it would be very hard to compete with them, and I would have to think of different ways to make my idea better and different to attract customers. Overall, this market of food and grocery delivery has many companies and ideas already and it would be challenging to get into a market such as this.
After doing some research, I found two companies that are in the same market as my idea. One is Campus Food and the other is One Click Grocery.
Campus Food
http://www.campusfood.com/campus.asp?campusID=117
Campus Food is not exactly the same as my idea, however it taps into the same market. Campus Food specializes in delivering meals from local restaurants to students. Their website offers links to menus from many restaurants in the Syracuse area. From Chinese and Japanese to pizza and Italian, as well as other local restaurants such as Alto Cinco. Their website provides convenience for the customer in that they only have to make an account with Campus Food to be able to order from the multiple restaurants on the site, as well as many discounts and specials only available to those ordering through the site. The website also gives information about when the restaurants are closed, or are about to open to make the decision making process a little easier for users. Campus Food also gives an incentive to ordering through the company with their idea of "Foodie Points." Each time you make an order, depending on the amount of food and price, you are awarded so many Foodie Points. After you have gained so many points, you can redeem them for discounts or coupons. My idea focuses more on the delivery of actual groceries to students, not so much meals. I have thought about incorporating my idea with the local Meals on Wheels to donate groceries to the elderly that receive meals from the Meals on Wheels service. I have also thought about being able to deliver hot meals to students who would like them in a way like Campus Food does with restaurant delivery. The obvious difference is the fact that Campus Food coordinates restaurant delivery and my service would deliver groceries.
One Click Grocery
https://www.oneclickgrocery.com
One Click Grocery would be a direct competitor to my idea. They specialize in delivering groceries to homes, apartments, dorms, and offices. Their website is very interactive and they have many great ideas. They have pre-made lists with different themes, Italian, Breakfast, Fiesta, Football Sunday and a Dorm Food list to name a few. They have also targeted parents by giving parents an option to put money in an account for their son or daughter to withdrawal from throughout the year or semester while they are at school. They have frequent sales, many delivery times and a recipe tab to look up recipes based on what you order, or to help you decide on what to order. This company would be a fierce competitor with my idea because they very similar. I would definitely have to look more at what they offer if I was to put my idea into action.
These two businesses would definitely be competition for my business idea. Although Campus Food coordinates the delivery of local restaurants, that could potentially take away clients from my idea if they just wanted the convenience of meals being delivered rather than groceries. One Click Grocery has a lot of the aspects that my idea has, and is already in existence. it would be very hard to compete with them, and I would have to think of different ways to make my idea better and different to attract customers. Overall, this market of food and grocery delivery has many companies and ideas already and it would be challenging to get into a market such as this.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Computer Forensics and the Grocery Delivery Service
Overview: My idea is to create a delivery service that delivers groceries to college students with a website that keeps track of what they have previously ordered as well as provide ideas for recipes they can use based on what is ordered.
Computer Forensics and the Delivery Service:
This idea is primarily based through a website that users can sign into when they would like to make an order. Users will have to create something similar to a profile to use the service. This way, all of their past orders will be kept track of and be easily readable for review. However, with the creation of a profile, privacy becomes an issue, especially when using the internet to purchase something. Many people have become very good at stealing people's credit cards and other information from the internet and profiles. As a company that uses online purchasing and some sort of a profile, I would have to utilize some sort of privacy for my customers so that they know I am taking steps to ensure their personal information not be available for anyone who wants it.
To ensure the customers that their information will not be available for anyone who wants it, I will utilize software and other protection to keep their information private. I would hate to buy something off the internet only to find out a few days later that my credit card number has been stolen because of an unsecured website. And as a business, it would not be good credibility if one of my customers had their credit card number stolen.
On the other hand, if there was an issue in which case the government contacted me about on of my customers, I would be obligated to give that information away. But i would make sure my customers know that their information will be kept confidential and that the service and website is a safe and secure one.
Computer Forensics and the Delivery Service:
This idea is primarily based through a website that users can sign into when they would like to make an order. Users will have to create something similar to a profile to use the service. This way, all of their past orders will be kept track of and be easily readable for review. However, with the creation of a profile, privacy becomes an issue, especially when using the internet to purchase something. Many people have become very good at stealing people's credit cards and other information from the internet and profiles. As a company that uses online purchasing and some sort of a profile, I would have to utilize some sort of privacy for my customers so that they know I am taking steps to ensure their personal information not be available for anyone who wants it.
To ensure the customers that their information will not be available for anyone who wants it, I will utilize software and other protection to keep their information private. I would hate to buy something off the internet only to find out a few days later that my credit card number has been stolen because of an unsecured website. And as a business, it would not be good credibility if one of my customers had their credit card number stolen.
On the other hand, if there was an issue in which case the government contacted me about on of my customers, I would be obligated to give that information away. But i would make sure my customers know that their information will be kept confidential and that the service and website is a safe and secure one.
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