Scott Spiro Blog

After using the iPad for the past 24 hours, I can safely diffuse some of the rumors that have been floating around about the iPad:

1. That it’s just a big ipod touch. No, not exactly.

2. It’s simply a consumption device. Again, not true.

3. You cannot use it as a phone. Yes you can.

I’ll address those first two points in separate posts. For now, let’s talk about point number three.

Obviously more options for making phone calls will appear soon for the iPad, but as of today (one day after release) there are two options:

First, there’s Truphone. Truphone has released an iPad optimized app that not only allows you to call other Truphone customers for free, but also allows you to call regular land line/cell phones worldwide for a small fee. The system also plugs you into AIM, MSN, and Gtalk if you want- so you can consolidate these services with Truphone while it’s running.

Your second option is to use the existing iphone/ipod touch Skype app. It’s not yet optimized for the iPad but it will also allow you to make phone calls.

You can make calls with either service using the built in iPad microphone, or plug in a headset that also has a microphone. I tried setting up the Apple bluetooth headset with the iPad, but alas I was not able to make the connection.

Do you know any other iPad apps that allow you to make calls? Let me know!

A special thank you to my friends at Autotask for choosing me to be their member of the month. The Autotask Community site sets a benchmark for IT service community sites in general, and I am pleased to be a part of it. I also value the friendship of many of the folks on who visit the site regularly. Since the Autotask Community Site is a members only site, I have reposted the interview below.

Featured Member: Scott Spiro

Posted Nov 02 2009, 01:53 PM by Mark

1. How long have you been working in the IT Industry?

I’ve been in the industry for about 14 years.

2. What did you do before getting into the IT Industry?

I was a Theater major at UCLA, so most of my time was spent working in the theater. I was also a competitive Tap Dancer too. So computers were always something that I did as a hobby, but never actually intended to make a living at it!

3. What would you say your IT specialization is?

CSG focuses on managed services for B2B SMB’s – say 15-80 workstations. We work with multiple demographics (including non-profit groups which I particularly enjoy working with). Our goal is to provide IT solutions that start with our ISP service and stretch across the network to individual user support. We also enjoy working closely with our MSP partners. For example, we help MSPs and IT Service Companies provide additional co-lo and internet connectivity services to their customers utilizing our Green IT data center. I’d say that our company doesn’t just look at our customer s from an IT standpoint but also from a business aspect as well. This helps us become part of the business process, and a trusted advisor to the customer.

4. What was your worst IT/work related moment, and what did you learn from it?

That’s a good question. There’s probably a few to be honest. But one that comes to mind was an incident that occurred about 7 years ago when we hosted Exchange ourselves. I was out to dinner with a friend when an engineer unplugged our Exchange server by accident and corrupted the data stores. After spending all night and most of the following day at the data center, I decided to outsource our Exchange hosting. One of the smartest moves I ever did.  I learned the value of outsourcing.

5. What is your favorite IT related product?

It has to be my iphone. If you think about it, the “phone” portion of the iphone is really just a small part of what the platform can achieve. Aside from the integration with Exchange, I utilize applications such as logmein ignition, and WinAdmin to connect to servers- as well as a plethora of other apps that allow me to do my job and also have fun.

6. How long have you been using Autotask?

I believe we started with Autotask in Summer of 2007.

7. What do you like most about Autotask?

The consolidation of the various parts of our company. Being able to adjust contracts and track billing is really handy for MSPs. And the sync with various MSP tools is also very cool. And after a year we finally have a cost field for services, not just for products. As a company that mostly sells services this was key for us.

8. If you could change one thing about Autotask what would it be?

I would request that it be cross platform. It would be great to run it in safari and Firefox. We also need an iphone app in a big way. The iPhone app will be huge for Autotask.

9. What do you wish someone would have shared with you when you first started using Autotask?

Looking back, I think it would have been nice to have someone from Autotask understand how our business worked to point out a couple of things that were missing at the time that could really slow down our true value of Autotask (for example, that cost for services issue). The migration folks did tell us to take it slowly because Autotask was a large application. They weren’t kidding! It did take time and we are still learning how to best use the application. Every IT Firm is different and so you don’t necessarily need to utilize everything in the product.

10. Other interests/hobbies?

Well most recently I’ve gotten more into social media (check out my blog at http://blog.scottspiro.com) and I’ve enjoyed that. I’ve enjoyed twitter too (http://twitter.com/scottspiro). Probably my main interest is music composition and song writing.  I have just completed setup a new studio that I’ll be utilizing to record some new material. I’ll be documenting this process on my blog. Also, my wife is English so I have made it a point to take up Pheasant hunting!

11. What is the coolest thing you’ve ever done?

I’ve gotten to do a lot of cool things and it’s honestly hard to pick just one thing. Winning 1^st place at a national dance competition in the Caesar’s Palace Sports Arena back in ’87 might be near the top though!

Ah yes, this will be a labor of love. To name my iphone app picks in a blog post! Truthfully folks, I have had quite a few iphone enthusiasts ask me “what are your top iphone app picks?” I’m dedicating this post to James Kernan of www.kernanconsulting.com who actually asked me this question and then listened while I described my entire iphone app library to him while we shared some beers at CompTIA Breakaway. Indeed, most folks are interested in my top business app recommendations, while others want to know the game pics, etc. So here they are, my top iphone app picks:

Yes, this is my iphone home screen.

Business Apps:

1. Omnifocus: This is a great app for keeping track of things, and it’s geared specifically for users of David Allen’s “GTD”. But it works just as well on its own too. The app syncs with the mac desktop version of Omnifocus via a webDAV enabled drive like Apple’s Mobile Me. I use it to keep track of client information, meeting information, etc. and then utilize the “contexts” feature to know exactly what I need to be doing when I’m in front of my computer, or in the car, or running errands, etc. Actually, I recommend all of David Allen’s books.

2. Logmein Ignition: If you utilize Logmein this is a great app that allows you to access servers, desktops, etc. from anywhere. Works great over a 3G connection.

3. Amazon Kindle for iPhone: I’m not sure if this qualifies as a business app, but I use it. A lot. I’m always learning more about business and it’s extremely handy to pick up new books while on the go and be able to read them anywhere. Plus, the books sync with my Kindle. So I’m always up to-do-date. My notes and book marks from the Kindle also carry over too.

4. WinAdmin: Great app that allows you to connect to servers using RDP. ‘Nuff said.

5. Evernote: Evernote is a web based service that also has a Windows, Mac, and iPhone app. The service allows you to take notes including pictures and send them up to evernote where OCR is utilized to organize your info. I use the app to take pictures of presentations so I can go back and watch them again later (among other things).

6. NetNewsWire – Syncs RSS feeds with Google Reader. Handy.

7. Flight Track: I use this to track flights all the time. I’m writing this while stranded at McCarren Airport in Vegas (thanks a lot Southwest!). Very handy.

8. LiveATC: Although apps like “flightrack” are great for finding out the status of flights they can sometimes be delayed. That’s why I use LiveATC. When I am tracking someone’s flight I can listen into the tower communications at the selected airport and as long as I know their flight number, I know EXACTLY when they take off or land.

9. Apple Remote: If you use iTunes and have a single or even multiple sound systems in your home or office you must try this app. Even better if you have one or more Apple TV’s. Apple Remote is like a remote on steroids or  even what Logitech’s Harmony would like to do if it could. You can control playlists, songs, artists, genious lists, and even a DJ list that can be “voted on” and play this stuff through one or more audio systems utilizing apple tv or an airport Express. For example, I can play music in my living room via an Apple TV and also in my kitchen through an airport express plugged into a small mixer and a 600 watt Craftsman DJ amp. Either way, it will work. For apple TV’s the surface of the iphone becomes a black control surface that you can “gesture” to navigate the Apple TV menus. Check it out.

Games:

1. Monster Pinball: This game is freaking AWESOME. There’s even a lite version so go try it out. If you like pinball, this game just takes it to the next level. Aside from the game play itself, it has what could be the best sound design on any iphone app. Essentially the game has multiple game boards. There’s not much as far as help is concerned so you pretty much have to figure things out on your own. Go have fun.

2. The Deep: Another cool pinball game from the makers of Wild West Pinball. Great effects and game play. Plus a bit of a story line. Go check it out. Do it. Now.

3. Pocket God: If you are an iphone gamer and haven’t played pocket god then shame on you. Pocket God isn’t so much as a game but an experience. Yes, as you may have guessed you are the “pocket god” and you can yield your supreme powers on these helpless pigmies. The creativity in this game cannot be measured and it keeps getting better.

4. Sally’s Spa: My sister is an esthetician so I know just a little about spas. This is probably my favorite of the time management games (i.e. Cooking Dash, Dining Dash, Ranch Rush) and it literally robbed me of an entire weekend of my life. If you decide to play this game (or any of the others I listed above) prepare for lack of sleep.

5. Space Invaders Infinity Gene: A remake of Space Invaders by Taito Corp. Awesome.

6. Tap Tap Revenge: Any of the versions including the original, Tap Tap Dance, Tap Tap Revenge Lady Gaga, and the newest version. Great games for music lovers.

7. Blackbeard’s Assault: This is my favorite of the “shoot the colored balls” games (Bonsai Blast, StoneLoops of Jurassica, and Luxor also are runners up).

8. Trism and Galcon: Must haves.

9. Lightsaber: Turns your iphone into a lightsaber. Limitless Fun. Also, you can create your own lightsaber.

There are many more, but those are a few you should check out.

Social Media

1. TweetDeck: The iphone version of the top rated desktop twitter app.

2. Facebook: This is a new version of the original app. Greatly improved. And free.

3. Skype: Yes, does everything the desktop version does. Almost.

4. WordPress: Blog on the go, you know?

Travel and Entertainment

1. DLP Walkee: This is for Disneyland lovers. This app gives you the park map and allows you and the rest of the Walkee community to update the ride line wait times for everyone else to see. Tons of additional info and trivia right on your iphone.

2. Zagat to go: You know what this does right? Access all of Zagat’s reviews right on your iPhone.

3. OpenTable: This really works. You can really make reservations on your iphone!

4. Lonely Planet: The best city guides around.

5. Tripit: Yes, Yes, Yes! Access your Tripit Account!

Shopping

1. Grocery Gadget: This app is the bomb. I can be at the store and my wife can be adding items to the list. I actually took pictures of most of the items I buy a Costco, and insert them in the app.Yes, this might surprise you but for those who really know me it probably doesn’t.

2. Amazon.com: Let me tell you how cool this is- you take a picture of an item you want and a few minutes later the app gets back to you with the item at the amazon store. Freakin’ awesome right?

Music

1. iDrum: Bitchin pattern drum machine.

2. BeatMaker

3. Melodica: Kinda a Tenori-On device..

4. Guitarist: great guitar tools

5. Ocinara: A virtualized 12,000 year old flute that not only allows you to play for yourself but also lets you plan and listen to thousands of other users world-wide.

Apps I’d like to see:

1. Autotask for iPhone: If you are an MSP or Outsourced IT Service Provider you might use Autotask. It’s a great SaaS app. Where is the iPhone App? This would be EXTREMELY useful.

2. iChat A/V for iphone: Ok, so it’s far fetched. But c’mon Apple! We want to video chat from our iphones!

Are there some apps that YOU like? Let me know by writing your comments below.

It would appear that Neil and Chris have taken their theatrical brand of pop show to another level with the Pandemonium tour. Although it’s not the sheer size or scale of 1991′s “Performance” tour, I’d say “Pandemonium” rivaled or past up 2006′s Fundamental Tour (Cubism) and certainly 2002′s “Release” tour on grounds of pure creativity alone.

Since June I’ve done a good job of not reading much about this tour on the web. I did not want to know the set list before I was saw the show. I did not want to see any of the videos on youtube. I did not want to be influenced by other reviews. I just wanted to enjoy the experience without knowing what was coming. I have only lightly browsed the tour program that my friend Mike Lowe (no relation to Chris Lowe of PSB but he DOES have a brother named Chris Lowe who is a fan) gave to me as a gift from the June 19th UK show. It all paid off folks!

Let’s talk about the set itself. Es Devlin did an amazing job designing a stage that is made up mostly of boxes, lights and projections. There were some great effects as entire walls of boxes came crashing down with video projections on top of them. Chris Lowe spent his time behind a booth covered with “Versa Tiles” which were very interesting. The box theme that runs throughout the show is of course inspired by the art of Gerhard Richter which in turn inspired the “Yes” album cover art. Or is that all the other way around? Either way, the sets and video projections did well to accentuate the music of the PSB themselves. So let’s get to the music..

The songs and musical styles of the show harkens back to the 1999′s Nightlife tour where some radical reinterpretations of songs and sped up beats took the place of the original arrangements. Elements of this year’s Brit Awards came through in a “Suburbia” mix for example. The show moved forward almost like a DJ set with hints of songs intertwining with full versions of others: For example, Domino Dancing’s “All day All day” line intermingled with Coldplay’s “Vida la Vida” or “Can You Forgive Her” popping into “Pandemonium”. But it’s the creativity in Stuart Price’s arrangements and Pete Gleadall’s programming that allow these musical transitions and arrangements to be so amazing. Johnny Marr’s harmonica from “Pandemonium” is singled out as a lone instrument to represent “Pandemonium” as CYFH’s orchestra hits play in the foreground. Truly, much work went into the musical direction of this show. Back in 2006, I spoke to Pete Gleadall backstage at the Fundamental LA shows and we discussed the challenges when lifting original musical elements from the backing tracks of these older songs (many of these recorded with the Fairlight) to flush out the new live sequences.

The show was divided up into multiple sections and it was the “NYC” section that I liked the most. It contained a few tracks from PSB’s first album that have never been played before including “Two Divided by Zero” and “Why Don’t We Live Together”? What was most interesting about the first track was an instrumentation from “In the Night” (b-side of the original domestic release of “Opportunities”) mixed with a heavy drum beat from Shannon’s “Let The Music Play”. This was genius folks. Pure genius because the Pet’s have enough sense to leave their original instrumentation in place but add/enhance it with these new musical elements. And yes, Chris even comes out to “dance” with the dancers for a few bars.

PSB perform “Two Divided By Zero” and “Why Don’t We Live Together”

The next section of the show opens with Chris playing a piano solo of “Do I Have To?” (a classic and beautiful track) released as the B-side of Always On My Mind and being covered by such groups as Inga Humpe. I wasn’t expecting the full track to be performed but Neil and Chris delivered the joy before going directly into King’s Cross leaving the backing beat of “Do I Have To?” playing throughout the second track. I would never have guessed this combo to work- but it did.

Closer To Heaven/Left To My Own Devices

Other highlights included a verse and chorus from “Closer To Heaven” (from 1999′s Nightlife album and of course a highlight of the musical “Closer To Heaven”) giving way to “Left to my own Devices”.

The dancers and their costumes in this show were also well received by the crowd. Having cubes on their heads was a novel idea, but also on their arms and legs? Yes it’s true and it works. The choreography by Lynne Page utilized robotic head movements that made these head cubes appear to move separately from the dancer’s bodies (it’s what the Flight of the Conchords “robots of the year 2000″ should have looked like if Murray had hired a professional crew to design them).

It’s A Sin

There was a great opening with “Heart” and “It’s a Sin” closed out the set. An encore included “Being Boring” and the signature song “West End Girls”. It’s true we missed “What Have I Done To Deserve This?”, and “Love Comes Quickly” (which appears to be performed at other tour dates) but there’s only so much you can do in 2 hours. And there’s always next time. I’ll be in England this December to visit family. Conveniently PSB will be back at the O2 Arena on the 21st of that month. Hopefully I’ll be there for round 2.

For more information and tour dates visit the official Pet Shop Boys website here.

For many years I’ve seen images of the Space Shuttle: pictures, movies, sketches, blueprints, etc. But last Friday was the first time I had seen the Shuttle with my own eyes! My friends know that I attended Space Camp twice back in ’84 and ’85. Space Camp (located in Huntsville, AL) was an experience I have never forgotten. A full week of Astronaut training culminating with a very realistic Shuttle mission simulation complete with an Orbiter simulator, Mission Control, and Space Station. As great as the experience was, I have always wanted to see a Shuttle launch and landing (though I do follow the space station as it speeds by on certain nights here in SoCal).

Last Friday when NASA announced that they had made a flight plan adjustment (due to inclement weather in Florida) and were planning to land the Shuttle at Edwards Air Force base here in California I knew that I had a unique opportunity. I packed up a few things, called the NASA Dryden Flight Research Base to find out where the best viewing would be (Edwards was closed for public viewing however) and headed out. I reached the viewing area after a 2 hour drive, arriving at Boron, CA in 105 degree heat. Luckily, my iphone had 3G service and I was able to follow shuttle communications via NASA TV which was viewable using an iPhone app called NASA News. Approximately 47 minutes before the landing time, Discovery began it’s deorbit burn while rounding the tip of Africa.

There were approximately 40 cars parked along the road in this remote part of the high desert. Folks had their lawn chairs, binoculars and looked genuinely prepared for the landing. I’ve posted my video of the landing below- there’s only so much an iphone can see but you can definitely hear the sonic booms as Discovery hit sub-sonic speeds, approached the landing cone and began a steep landing onto runway 22. Honestly, I was surprised at how high the shuttle was flying as it approached, and I would recommend viewing the movie below full screen so you can see the orbiter as it glides overhead (and it is indeed a glider as it comes in for a landing).

If you have never been to a shuttle landing, I hope you do someday go see it. Since NASA only uses CA as required (it’s just too expensive flying the shuttle back home), it’s usually a last minute scheduling change. You just need to be ready!

PS. If you want to find out when the next International Space Station (ISS) viewing is in your area, visit the NASA viewing app located here.

The Guild producers just posted a hilarious new video on youtube. It’s also been quite successful on itunes. The video features characters from the web series “The Guild” and pokes fun at MMO Gamers that sometimes fall in love with other Avatars (characters that other gamers use while playing the game). If you are a gamer (or gamer at heart) you’ll get a real kick out of the video. Check out the series too.

Just saw a new article on IT Channel Planet called “VARs See No Signs of  Imminent Recovery”. I had been interviewed for the article a couple of weeks ago. I think it pretty much sums everything up: http://bit.ly/IKVSD

It’s been a great couple of days, with one more left here in Las Vegas with the folks at CompTIA.  I really needed this break as I’ve been hard at work with the CSG Team to complete our CompTIA Secure Trustmark Certification.

More bars in more places... Scott Spiro, Todd Thibodeaux, CEO of CompTIA, Justin Crotty VP Services Division Ingram Micro NA

CompTIA has done a great job on this event and I look forward meeting more members in the future.

A quick thanks to Joe Panettieri of Nine Lives Media Inc.’s MSPMentor.com for featuring my blog this week in his article “Managed Services: Using Video for Marketing”. Joe’s research and commentary is well respected within the IT/Managed Services industry. Not to mention the fact that Joe has got to be one of the fastest typers west of the Mississippi!

Joe and I got a chance to chat at the Seismic Partner Conference in Dallas, where I lead a most excellent focus session on new media marketing.

Leading "Un-Session" at the Ingram Micro Seismic Partner Conference.

Cali Lewis, Neal Campbell, Scott Spiro, Friends

I had a chance to meet Cali Lewis and Neal Campbell as well as some additional friends here at Pink’s this evening. It was great to talk tech over the best hot dogs on earth!

Yeah, that's right these are the best hot dogs on the planet!

Cali Lewis (host of Geekbrief TV) is on her way to Australia to compete for the “Best Job In The World”, hosted by Tourism Queensland.  In fact, Cali is one of 16 finalist picked from around the world from thousands who applied. As I finish up this blog post, Cali and Neal are one hour into their flight to Australia. I wish them both the best of luck and safe travels!