Working together, e-inbusiness was tasked with the design and build of bespoke online management system that combined high levels of functionality along with advanced content management and customisable facilities to meet client and business needs. The development of LiveHire is the most significant incarnation to date of HSS’s commitment to bring the hire industry in line with modern business service practices. The system is being rolled out over the coming months, with additional statistical functionality to follow.

Built on the leading eibCommerce, combining Microsoft Commerce Server with best of breed technologies including Omniture web analytics & EPiServer advanced content management, the new site will seek to provide complete transparency and control of the whole hire process for its corporate accounts, whilst creating an exceptional, yet easy to use first class online experience .

The UK’s original tool and equipment hire company, HSS Hire has over 50 years experience and knowledge. With over two thousand staff dedicated to providing Hire, Sales and Service excellence, they have over 250 branches.

Steve Pape, IT Director, HSS Hire comments, “e-inbusiness has been excellent and very thorough. They have delivered what we requested, whilst being very flexible to meet the changing requirements.”

Nigel Corp, e-inbusiness Chief Operating Officer said: “It’s fantastic to see the HSS website go live. This is a very exciting development for HSS Hire and we are proud to work with such a professional team. Although a complex project to implement, we have delivered it to both the timescales and expectations set.”

-ends-

For further information please contact Emma Gannon, Marketing Manager, e-inbusiness on 0845 863 0520 or email emma.gannon@e-inbusiness.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

Since its acquisition in 2007 by Welcom Software, e-inbusiness has seen significant growth and has made huge investments in the development of its eibCommerce platform which offers best of breed functionality with a proven fast track implementation approach.

About e?inbusiness:

Founded in 1999, multi-channel full service eCommerce agency e-inbusiness specialises in providing fully integrated, next generation eCommerce sites which combine high impact creative design with best of breed technology to build an effective online user experience.

e-inbusiness invests in strategic partnerships to provide a robust multi-channel eCommerce platform that supports Web2.0 technology. These partners include: Microsoft, Omniture, PayPal, EPiServer, QAS, Google, Scene 7 & Cheetahmail.

With a passion for brand and proven expertise in online marketing, e-inbusiness designs, builds & delivers integrated eMarketing strategies that maximise online revenue opportunities and deliver measurable results. 

e?inbusiness has developed over 100 eCommerce sites with high profile clients including: Harrods, New Look, Rohan, Slaters, Farrow & Ball & the Jacques Vert Group. www.e-inbusiness.co.uk

Working together, e-inbusiness was tasked with the design and build of bespoke online management system that combined high levels of functionality along with advanced content management and customisable facilities to meet client and business needs. The development of LiveHire is the most significant incarnation to date of HSS’s commitment to bring the hire industry in line with modern business service practices. The system is being rolled out over the coming months, with additional statistical functionality to follow.

Built on the leading eibCommerce, combining Microsoft Commerce Server with best of breed technologies including Omniture web analytics & EPiServer advanced content management, the new site will seek to provide complete transparency and control of the whole hire process for its corporate accounts, whilst creating an exceptional, yet easy to use first class online experience .

The UK’s original tool and equipment hire company, HSS Hire has over 50 years experience and knowledge. With over two thousand staff dedicated to providing Hire, Sales and Service excellence, they have over 250 branches.

Steve Pape, IT Director, HSS Hire comments, “e-inbusiness has been excellent and very thorough. They have delivered what we requested, whilst being very flexible to meet the changing requirements.”

Nigel Corp, e-inbusiness Chief Operating Officer said: “It’s fantastic to see the HSS website go live. This is a very exciting development for HSS Hire and we are proud to work with such a professional team. Although a complex project to implement, we have delivered it to both the timescales and expectations set.”

-ends-

For further information please contact Emma Gannon, Marketing Manager, e-inbusiness on 0845 863 0520 or email emma.gannon@e-inbusiness.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

Since its acquisition in 2007 by Welcom Software, e-inbusiness has seen significant growth and has made huge investments in the development of its eibCommerce platform which offers best of breed functionality with a proven fast track implementation approach.

About e?inbusiness:

Founded in 1999, multi-channel full service eCommerce agency e-inbusiness specialises in providing fully integrated, next generation eCommerce sites which combine high impact creative design with best of breed technology to build an effective online user experience.

e-inbusiness invests in strategic partnerships to provide a robust multi-channel eCommerce platform that supports Web2.0 technology. These partners include: Microsoft, Omniture, PayPal, EPiServer, QAS, Google, Scene 7 & Cheetahmail.

With a passion for brand and proven expertise in online marketing, e-inbusiness designs, builds & delivers integrated eMarketing strategies that maximise online revenue opportunities and deliver measurable results. 

e?inbusiness has developed over 100 eCommerce sites with high profile clients including: Harrods, New Look, Rohan, Slaters, Farrow & Ball & the Jacques Vert Group. www.e-inbusiness.co.uk

When you talk about emergency lighting, you think about warning devices, which are visually powerful, structurally safe and stable and technologically advanced. There are plenty of variations too, like steady burning light, flashing lights, strobe lights and gyratory lights. Each of these lights is used for a different purpose. Your requirements could vary from informing fellow motorists on the road about your emergency, requesting for a free path or to inform other drivers about an impending danger. Hence, there are certain characteristics of emergency lights which cannot be ignored, considering the nature of their usage.

emergency lighting equipment should be ideal for use in both indoor and outdoor conditions. Although this isn’t always the case, especially with dash mounted lights, it is important considering that you may need emergency lights to alert others when the emergency vehicle seeks assistance or needs to pass on a warning message. Hence, it is important that emergency lights are weatherproof as well as resistant to dust, corrosion and excessive vibration. High impact, thermally efficient materials are used for this purpose by reputed manufacturers.

It is important to note than emergency lighting equipment should not only be resilient to heavy duty handling but also to unfriendly conditions, like a tough terrain, where the equipment has to operate in spite of all the vibration. Operational ease is another important characteristic that cannot be ignored. The last thing you need during an emergency is lighting equipment that you are not sure, how to operate or a warning signal that wouldn’t flash in spite of your best efforts. Operational ease is enhanced by the use of illuminated switch panels, simple user interfaces for selecting and locking flash patterns and LED indicators for diagnostics. All these features make usage easy ensuring that there are no technical glitches and there isn’t a steep curve when it comes to operating the lights.

emergency lighting equipment that is relied upon heavily by law enforcement vehicles, tow trucks or heavy equipment carriers need to have a high degree of visibility too. Your emergency lights will not be effective if they cannot be viewed in foggy conditions or if they cannot be spotted from a long distance. Slide in Fresnel lenses, optic spreading filters and TIR LED technology are all in place for exactly the same reason. The light beam has to travel far and wide.

In some cases, flash patterns like sequential blinking; random flashing and rapid alternate flashing can increase the visibility of lights by drawing attention to them. Quad bursts stand out because of high energy output. emergency lighting equipment also needs to provide reliability, where you have back up during most times. The use of LEDs and configuration of multiple segments solves this problem. While LEDs are known to provide ample warning before they go out, the multiple segments make sure that you have at least one operational module at all times. Lastly, you have to pay special attention to the warranty, the servicing and upgrades that the equipment requires.

Extreme Tactical Dynamics is a one-stop shop for Emergency lighting units and many other items like Flashlights, Deck Lights, police lights, etc. Please visit the site for more details of various items available – http://www.extremetacticaldynamics.com/

Protecting them from physical attacks

Physical attacks can occur in the home or away from home and there are several things you can do to enhance the personal safety of family members:

1. Consider self defense courses for all family members;
2. Install a home security system that can keep unwelcome visitors out;
3. If it’s legal in your state, consider purchasing personal protection sprays for family members who go out at night or work in high risk areas like the city.

Guarding against theft and property damage

There are some simple steps you can take to protect your home and property from theft and damage.

1. A  – whether it’s a state of the art system or an inexpensive one – will help. If you’re on a budget you can consider inexpensive wireless systems or fake cameras.

2. External lighting – good motion detection lighting outdoor is a great deterrent. Potential intruders don’t want to be visible to either passers-by or the house occupants.

3. Keep any shrubs or trees near your front doors and windows trimmed – bushy sections might make your home feel more private but they also offer cover for

burglars.

4. If you’re going to be away for a few days or more, ask a neighbor to clear any mail from your letterbox, put your bin out on rubbish collection day and collect any delivered newspapers. Thieves notice unoccupied homes.

Financial Losses

You may not think of financial loss when you think of home security but you should. Here’s why:

Identify theft
Lack of or insufficient insurance

Invest in a shredder to destroy any documents you are discarding that contain personal, credit card or banking details. It’s very easy for identity thieves to rifle through rubbish bins under cover of darkness. While banks might cover your losses, it could take weeks for them to return funds to your account. Having your identity stolen can also wreak havoc with your credit rating and result in people chasing you for money for several years.

Make sure you have adequate insurance on your home and its contents. Consider it part of your home security strategy. Review your policy annually and make sure you have any particularly valuable items (like special collections or jewelry) scheduled on the policy or separately insured – otherwise you might find they’re not covered in the event of a burglary. When it comes to home insurance policies always check the exclusions and when you receive any letters from an insurer advising of changes to the policy read them carefully.

Living in fear is no fun at all but ignoring potential dangers is asking for trouble. Take a common sense to home security and personal safety – put preventative measures in place, exercise due caution and have good insurance!

The obvious benefit of buying prefabricated is, of course, the speed in which you actually have a new home to live in. If you are buying a custom home, it will take about 12 weeks for delivery, but a previously built home takes only as long as delivery and set up! Building a home on-site can take much longer due to weather conditions, contractor scheduling, and availability of materials or workers.

A less obvious benefit to mobile and prefab homes is that they’re environmentally friendly. Because they are built in a climate controlled assembly line factory environment, there is less waste generated and less building materials ruined by weather or vandalism than you would find with on-site building. Many companies also give you the option to choose more energy efficient options for your custom built home, saving you even more money in the long run.

Having your home built in a factory setting is also more efficient for the workers building your home, which in turn helps lower the price of your home. Since all the building materials are at the factory where your home is being built and the construction process is done on an assembly line, the work is completed more quickly. The set up of your new home on the building site is also much quicker because your home will be mostly completed when it arrives.

You might think that buying a prefabricated or mobile home will let result in a home that’s a cookie cutter version of all the other prefabricated or mobile homes out there; in reality there are many options that you can choose from when arranging to have your home built. Take a look at the builders that are available to you and see what your options are. Shop around for floor plans that appeal to you and fulfill your particular needs.

Whether you require a cozy bungalow or a more spacious design, rest assured that there are mobile or prefab designs out there that will suit you. And once you’ve picked out the best plan and customized the details to your tastes, you may just change the way that your friends view modern prefabricated or mobile homes!

Economic and environmental realities are driving homeowners to look at how to maximize resource usage and to decrease the waste stream generated by construction projects. More of us are asking if there are better ways to remodel that can enhance health, reduce energy consumption, lower maintenance costs and minimize environmental impact. There is. It?s called green remodeling.

What is green remodeling? Essentially, it is the convergence of three basic principles:

? Increasing energy efficiency

? Improving indoor air quality

? Conserving natural resources

Perhaps the best way to describe the philosophy of green remodeling is that it is a form of applied common sense. Remodeling and renovation projects offer myriad ways to reduce, re-use and recycle. Salvaging and re-using materials can result in lower cost of materials and in the reduction of environmentally damaging waste disposal and lowering disposal-related fees. As a bonus, the use of salvaged materials, such as wood flooring, doors and antique fixtures can also add beauty and style to a newly remodeled space.

In their book, ?Green Remodeling?, co-authors David Johnston and Kim Master refer to green remodeling as ?Changing the World, One Room at a Time? (available at http://www.amazon.com), According to the authors, you can do this by employing green building processes and materials in remodeling projects, because going green ?is more energy-efficient, more resource-conserving, healthier for occupants and more affordable to create, operate and maintain?.

Many products and practices used in remodeling a home can have negative effects on the environment. Green remodeling requires that thoughtful attention is given to minimizing or eliminating products or practices that could cause environmental damage or that could harm occupants during construction, or after the remodeling project is complete.

Since 1993, The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) http://www.usgbc.org/ has developed and administered a Green Building Rating System. USGBC provides practical information on applying green building standards to building projects. The adoption of green practices is seen as a way homeowners can meaningfully contribute to efforts aimed toward reducing global warming. There are many green alternatives to standard practices that USGBC recommends:

? Use wood alternatives like engineered lumber, or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood harvested from managed forests (http://www.fscus.org)

? Employ renewable products like bamboo for flooring

? Reduce the use of paint and cleaning products containing high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC?s)

? Use natural fiber rugs and fabrics

? When available, use recycled or high recycled-content materials

? Plant trees to provide shade and wind protection, saving money on heating and cooling costs

? Green up your yard using native plants that are adapted to local soil and weather conditions, thereby lowering maintenance and reducing the use of chemical pesticides, fertilizer and irrigation

? Shop locally. When practical, use locally produced products to reduce carbon emissions caused by long distance transportation

When planning a remodeling project, bear in mind that it is both easier and cheaper to incorporate green materials and strategies in the early stages, rather than adding them piecemeal, or as an afterthought, when in the thick of the project.

Here are some green remodeling strategies to consider.

Energy Conservation

Ways to increase energy efficiency can range from simply adding an insulation blanket to your water heater and insulating hot water pipes to replacing older appliances with new Energy Star-rated appliances. Replacing a standard storage water heater with a so-called tankless water heating system can result in increased efficiency and significant monthly utility savings. Additional savings can be achieved by simply switching from incandescent to fluorescent lighting, which reduces energy consumption for lighting by up to 75 percent. Thanks to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, homeowners who choose green alternatives when updating their homes could be eligible for tax credits to offset some remodeling costs. For details on available credits, go to the following website: http://www.energystar.gov.

If your remodeling project includes new exterior siding, consider having a professional evaluate the insulation in your exterior wall cavities and the energy efficiency of your doors and windows. If deficiencies are found, insulation materials such as cellulose, rock wool and some forms of foam can be installed from outside, without damaging interior wall surfaces. Adding a house wrap under new siding will markedly reduce air infiltration and exfiltration, saving on both heating and cooling costs. Tests commonly performed when evaluating the thermal efficiencies of your home can diagnose the ability of your wall, window and door systems to prevent heat loss and air infiltration. A primary technique to evaluate energy efficiency involves the use of ?blower doors? to test air inflow and outflow. http://www.homeenergy.org.

Replacing old single pane windows with insulated glass can save up to 25 percent on heating and cooling costs. The highest level of savings can be achieved by using so-called low-e glazing (for low emittance). Low-e coatings are microscopically thin, metal or metallic oxide layers deposited on window or skylight glass primarily to reduce radiative heat flow. Low-e glass units are available that promote high, moderate or low solar gain, depending on your climate.

Indoor Air Quality

When an older home is tightened up to promote greater energy efficiency, it?s imperative to assure that adequate ventilation is available in order to assure healthy indoor air and to prevent interior moisture build-up.

Current research indicates that our indoor air is often more polluted than outside air. This increased concern is prompted by the realization that most people spend 80-90 percent of their time indoors.

There are many sources that can negatively impact indoor air quality. These include pollutants from the outdoor environment, and the toxic chemicals used inside the home from a variety of sources. Indoor air is often further degraded by other pollutants introduced by occupants, such as tobacco smoke, smoke or particulates emitted by home appliances that burn wood, coal, kerosene, and propane (or natural gas). Other significant sources of toxicity come from sealants, cleaning products, paint, asbestos, damp carpets or fabrics, and certain pressed-wood cabinet and furniture products that release chemicals into the air. In some areas, radon (a naturally-emitted subterranean radioactive gas found in some regions) can cause serious health problems. http://www.dspinspections.com

/radon_facts.htm

Green remodeling seeks to remedy these problems with a combination of air filtration, ventilation systems and choosing to use the least toxic product options. An overview of the problem and possible solutions are available from the Environmental Protection Agency http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html

Reduced Material Waste and Resource Conservation

As a rule, remodeling is more eco-friendly than new construction, since fewer materials and resources are consumed to remodel an old house than to build a new structure. Since 30 percent of materials disposed of at landfills typically consist of construction debris, there is a lot of room for improvement in home improvement.

Even though remodeling generally uses fewer materials than new construction, it can generate a significant waste stream. This results in 136 million tons of waste annually. Planning how salvaged materials can be used or recycled can lessen the costs and the impact of construction debris disposal. Good planning can pay off. If you choose not to re-use your old claw foot tub, you may find a local buyer that will be very happy to take it off your hands. The same is true about sinks, cabinets, lighting fixtures, doors, etc.

When it?s possible, using local materials, building with engineered lumber, and hiring recycling companies to remove waste all help to maximize resource use when remodeling.

Perhaps most important of all when you are considering a remodeling project, get back to the basics. Consider the advice of Sara Gutterman, co-founder of Green Builder magazine http://www.greenbuildermagazine.com:

?In order to accomplish the most desirable sustainable outcome, it is important to begin the process of remodeling with the end result in mind. Understanding the personal impetus behind your desire to remodel is paramount so that you can optimize your new design. Think about how you live in your home. Consider which spaces you use and which ones sit dark and lonely for most of the year, waiting those few special evenings when partygoers enter and infuse them momentarily with life. Many modern designs do not actually fit the needs of the typical homeowner. They often contain formal living spaces that remain unused because of their size and lack of intimacy. When we can understand that interior space is a precious resource just like clean water, air, and soil, we can begin to think more sustainably about it.?

Landscape Architects: Background

Who are landscape architects? To become a landscape architect usually requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are two undergraduate professional degrees: a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) and a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA). Typically, these degrees entail four or five years of study in design, construction techniques, art, history, natural and social sciences.

For landscape architects seeking advanced degrees, there are two routes. Those who hold undergraduate degrees in landscape architecture can earn their Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) in two years. If you hold an undergraduate degree in a field other than landscape architecture and want to go into landscape architecture, the MLA usually takes three years of full-time study.

In 2007, 61 U.S. colleges and universities offered 79 undergraduate and graduate programs in landscape architecture that were accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).

Landscape Architects: Their Work Process

The first step for landscape architects in planning a project is to study it as a whole. First, they strive to understand the clients’ objectives and the available budget. At the same time, they take into consideration the natural elements of the property, such as the climate, soil, trees and other vegetation, and the slope of the land and resulting drainage issues. Additionally, they assess where sunlight falls during the different seasons and the different times of day. They also take into account the surrounding area-the neighboring homes and buildings, sidewalks, streets and utilities.

With studies and analyses in hand, landscape architects then draw up a preliminary design. This is the time when landscape architects consult with other professionals who may be involved in the project, such as civil engineers, landscape contractors or residential architects. This initial design takes into account any late-arriving changes that the client wants, as well as unforeseen requirements made by different governing bodies. In other words, changes, additions and adjustments are expected during this stage.

A proposal is then prepared, showing detailed plans of what the landscaping will look like. Most landscape architects use computer-aided design (CAD) in these technology-driven days and some firms even use video simulation to help clients better see the suggested ideas and plans. The final proposal may include written reports, sketches, models, photographs and cost estimates. These documents will be used both by the client and regulatory agencies.

Finally, landscape architects prepare working drawings to be used by the landscape contractors that show all existing and proposed features. Included is an outline that details the methods of construction and lists the approved materials. At this point, landscape architects usually move into a supervisory role, monitoring the project as the landscape contractors and their crews carry out the plans.

Landscape Architects: Finding One

In the state of Texas, the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners www.tbae.state.tx.us/Professions/Landscape.shtml regulates the practice of landscape architects. Only those individuals who have become registered as landscape architects may legally call themselves a landscape architect. The website provides a link to find a registered landscape architect.

The American Society of Landscape Architects (www.asla.org) is one of the leading industry groups for landscape architects. Founded in 1899, ASLA represents more than 18,200 members in 48 professional chapters and 68 student chapters. Its website offers a “firm finder” link.

Landscape Architects: Things To Do Before Interviewing

The ASLA offers these tips to better prepare yourself to find the best landscape architect for you:

Recycle Bin is a marvelous tool provided to Windows users. Now, it is up to the users how they take full advantage of this humble tool that saves the unwanted data files and folders that users decide to erase. But, until the user empties the Recycle Bin, the data items remain there and can be taken back from there.

An interesting thing to note is that the files in your computer system have three lives. One life is when they are first made existent and given a space in the system. After that, when the user decides to remove that file and press the “Delete” button, it goes into the Recycle Bin. That is its second life as the file is still safe there. Now, when a user empties the Recycle Bin, the file perishes from the system; the user cannot see it and to all appearances, the files existence is terminated. But, the file has one more life. It is not permanently gone and can be retrieved until it is overwritten by the Windows Operating System. That’s the third life of that data file. SysTools File Restore Software works towards gifting this third life to any data item.

The wonderful marvel called Recycle Bin does not completely perishes any deleted file from it. It just removes the access to it by eliminating its allocation information, location and other details. The file is still on the system but the user cannot view it. This marvelous tool also has its own limitations. The file can permanently perish if the Operating System overwrites the space to save any new file. But, until this space is overwritten, file recovery is possible. For this one can use a deleted file recovery software.

SysTools, a renowned name in data recovery, has many data recovery software products including the file restoration program that can be used to restore Recycle Bin and recover deleted items. It is a cost-effective, simple and smart way to restore deleted files from emptied Recycle Bin.

Well, this type of thinking only shows the lack of our basic understanding of our world. Everybody needs to be well-informed and educated when it comes to using solar power for generating electricity. Almost all of the electricity produced today is generated from fossil fuels, which is a non-renewable source of energy, which once finished is gone forever. Moreover burning of fossil fuels produces carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that are threatening the very existence of life on the planet, with the looming dangers of global warming it?s about time that we start looking for other renewable sources of energy and a great resource is to generate solar power using sunlight, which is one of the few things that is freely available and does not cost a dime to human beings.

Another very common myth that is doing rounds in society about solar power is that it?s costly to generate. Well, with the advancements in technology it?s not expensive anymore and you can make your own DIY Solar Power kit for less than $200 using the raw materials which are very affordable and readily available at local hardware and electrical stores. You can reduce your energy bills and save up to 80% on your energy costs and at times eliminate them completely. Being able to produce energy on your own and being self-sufficient in terms of energy is a great feeling by itself and by making your own solar power you will do your bit in helping to save and preserve the environment.

To start on the right footing and get a head start you need to find a good DIY solar power guide that will show you even the minutest details about how to set up a solar power plant in your home, the tools and the raw materials that you would need. Try to go for one that has videos inculded. A free lifetime online support and an online forum where you can chat with other DIY enthusiasts will be an added bonus.