Microsoft Developer Training Conference Emphasizes Windows Communication Foundation for Service-Oriented Applications

By Jim Kropa, Senior Application Developer

Of course, we expected to imbibe in a certain quantity of “the Microsoft Kool-Aid” when six Geonetric software developers traveled to Orlando for the three-day Microsoft DevConnections conference, but after the first day’s sessions in which Microsoft executives described the new features in forthcoming versions of their products, we were able to see how those new innovations match the larger trends in software delivered over the Internet, and how to prepare for further innovations.

Optimizing Code Reuse Between an Application and Database

By Jason Adams, Senior SQL Developer

Every good developer strives to reduce the amount of repeated code.  One area that has been difficult to tackle is the sharing of code between the application and the database.  Certain pieces of logic are typically repeated in the database. But when SQL Server 2005 was released, the ability to write .NET code in the database became a possibility, thus reducing the amount of repeated code. 

An often repeated code between the application and the database are enumerations, a set of related name constants.  Enumerations can be used to define a piece of data’s current state.  For example, in a system with workflow, a page can be in one of many states: submitted, approved, published or archived.  In VitalSite, Geonetric’s content management solution, we maintain the meaning of the state in two places: an enumeration in the code and a table in the database.  The problem arises when the list of possible states changes; at that time, both the application and the database must be updated. If negelected, issues can arise.

Geonetric’s Second Quarter Webinar Series: The guidance you need right now.

By Ben Dillon, Vice President & eHealth Evangelist

Layoffs. Hiring freezes. Budget cuts.

You can’t turn on the nightly news without being inundated with the latest economic woes. And there’s no question, it’s bad out there. We talk to healthcare marketers every day that have to do more with fewer resources. 

And do you know what we tell them? You can.

Tools to Help You Improve SEO

By Angie Toomsen, Content Strategist

In one of our recent Webinars, we highlighted methods to improve organic search engine placement. At the end of the Webinar, we provided a list of tools to help attendees with their search engine optimization efforts. We thought you might find these tools helpful as well. 

On the road again…

By Ben Dillon, Vice President & eHealth Evangelist

Healthcare Web sites are failing to live up to consumers expectations.  I talk about this regularly as part of the presentations I give, and I find that the thought resonates more when I provide some context:

“Consumers are managing every major aspect of their lives online today.  They book travel online, do their banking online, manage their retirement accounts online…they even use the Web for dating. And then they want to make an appointment with their doctor, requiring a phone call sometime between 9 and 4…”

It resonates better that way.  Attendees nod and seem to understand.  However, when I talk to some attendees after the presentation, I often find out that they get the concept, but haven’t embraced the Web in that way.  And because they’re casual Web users, they don’t feel the pain their consumers feel.

What is an Empowered Health Consumer, Anyway?

By Ben Dillon, Vice President & eHealth Evangelist

So much of what is done in the eHealth space has a fuzzy value proposition attached to it. One of the recurring themes that I hear for healthcare providers and many healthcare vendors is that they are trying to empower health consumers (or patients). It’s a theme that’s receiving attention from a great many sources – the government, insurers and employers.

Geonetric Unveils Videos Used at Awards Ceremony

By Michael Deeter, Marketing Media Specialist

Geonetric was recently nominated for two 2009 Prometheus Awards from the Technology Association of Iowa: CEO of the Year and Technology Company of the Year. All nominees were asked to provide a 30-second video to play during the nomination announcements – much like you see at the Grammys or Oscars awards ceremonies.  

Physicians Gagging on Social Media

By Ben Dillon, Vice President & eHealth Evangelist

An Associated Press article brings to light a new trend amongst doctors panicked over online ratings by patients – gag orders.  According to North Carolina-based Medical Justice, a company that provides standard waivers and social media monitoring services for physicians, “Published comments on Web pages, blogs and/or mass correspondence, however well intended, could severely damage physician’s practice.”  Undoubtedly true.  In fact, that’s that point.

Bittersweet

By Eric Engelmann, President & CEO

Tuesday night I had the honor of being awarded “CEO of the Year” by the Technology Association of Iowa. Though the title of the award is aimed at me, I think it’s really just a reflection of my ability to build a team of really smart, passionate people that do great work.  The Technology Association of Iowa is a fabulous organization that works tirelessly to help build the IT industry in Iowa and encourages math and science skills in Iowa schools. Several of our team members are involved with TAI, especially working with students – in fact, I just met a friendly high school junior who is touring our office to learn more about becoming a Web designer. The team at Geonetric really is an amazing group, and this award is recognition of our cumulative efforts.