Friday, December 30, 2011
Zillow offers Real Estate and Mortgage data for individual sites and now-- QiSoftware offers API and software support..
Zillow provides a number of options for those wanting to add Real Estate related information to their site, including:
- Home Valuation
- Neighborhood
- Mortgage
- Property Details
- Postings
The following is a chart example of the type of information that is offered under the Home Valuation API. The chart shows the property values for a specific property over the course of a year.
In researching selling points for Real Estate related information-- I searched on "What are home buyers looking for online?". I found the following response on the "realestate forum":
In the near future, I will probably provide interactive examples for uses of this powerful API via the QiSoftware Products & Services catalog. In the meantime, if you would like to investigate using this type of data on your site-- you can contact me here.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Installed the YouTube Music Search Interface on the Arts & Entertainment page of WiredPages.
Here is a screen shot.
Two issues came up that helped with my decision to install the interface at this time:
One, a potential client wanted something similar and requested a demonstration of other work I had done. I gave him this link. He claimed it did not work. Worked perfectly when I tried it. In any case, I now have two separate versions running online. Either he wanted me to load a non-secured version or he did not want to give me the opportunity. In the latter case-- I am not sure why he simply did not ignore my bid. This leading me to believe-- he wanted to see if I would load the non-secured version.
Two, when I developed the original version-- I did not use my API Key to pull the music video search requests. Last night, I noticed it appears someone tried to link my YouTube account to another service. It was done incorrectly and almost hidden in my Youtube account settings. I added the YouTube service to my main Google account in August of this year. Last night, I linked my Google Adsense account to my "new" YouTube account-- {both Google services} and I am using my key with this version of the interface-- to see if I get credit for the music video requests via the Google Adsense account [under the same account name]. So it was also installed to test the Adsense/Youtube linkage.
I should probably also note-- the reason I did not append my API Key to the first YouTube Search Interface, insofar as the requests-- was because it was my understanding the only way to generate revenue was through videos uploaded by the user [in this case, me]. I have no videos on YouTube nor does my interface update their database or attempt to retrieve private data.. so I really did not need to sign up with YouTube for the searches and requests my interfaces are performing. I continue to believe this [Adsense ads on your own videos] is true- but I decided to test anyway.
This interface is a Java Servlet that uses Google's GData and the YouTube API.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Installed my new personal blog- "It's Personal". Here is a screen shot--
Features include:
- Thingamablog
- Blogger Calendar -- no server side Java required.
- Archives
- No comments.
- Fast loading
Q's Wire- will remain online for the foreseeable future, however will not be updated on a regular basis-- other than the current updates I am providing concerning a business issue.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
I have been working on any number of projects today, including:
- a new page for the QiSoftware Products Catalog page.
- a minor bug fix to one of the Fashion news magnets on the WiredPages Style & Events page
- new logo for Hosting-Q not sure if the colors will stay as they are
- and a new Thingamablog template for a new personal blog I am working on.
Here is a screen shot of the new look of the personal blog--
I like the idea of using Thingamablog as a blogging platform-- because it does not require the same resources as a WordPress or MovableType blog and the database is maintained entirely offline on my hard drive. Because of legal issues-- I always like controlling as much of my online material as possible. Even if I do not need to switch to this new Thingamablog in the near future- once I have a resolution to some of my problems, I will probably remove Q's Wire.. from qisoftware.com-- and maintain a less known personal blog.
I have been busy today.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Over the weekend I contacted Expedia to inquire about a direct partnership insofar as advertising for WiredPages, specifically the Dining & Travel page.
You will recall, I had an affiliate relationship with Expedia until last Spring when I decided to discontinue my association with Commission Junction, under whose oversight the relationship existed. Because Expedia has its own API, which I used to create the original CJ/Expedia interface- the interface still works -- as illustrated in the graphic on the right, ran standalone from NetBeans just a moment ago, so the deals are in effect as of the date of this blog post.
My goal-- to put some sort of advertising interface on each of the WiredPages-- where there is currently an open area in the lower right corner. To date- many of the pages already have an existing tool in the area I have designated for this purpose-- and those tools will not be replaced-- with the exception of iTunes on the Arts & Entertainment page. The reason, there are currently two iTunes interfaces on the page.
I like the idea of understated advertising-- and since my goal is to also promote my services insofar as implementation of tools and interfaces that provide data or advertising, these interfaces provide example. Understated. Consistent, without being too "in your face".
Also over the weekend-- Friday, I tweaked the new Amazon Web Services interface making it more narrow to fit in the lower right area of the WiredPages. Shorter pages will have a version of the Amazon interface that only returns one result while pages with more dead space in the designated area- will have an interface very similar to the one illustrated on the right.
I have toyed with the idea of limiting the search categories, to only those consistent with the page where the interface will be installed. For instance, the Sports page's interface offering only Fitness, Exercise and Outdoors category searches. I am still thinking about this.
Time frame for all of this? Spring 2012, unless I get news from DOJ/FBI earlier. Oh no.. she has started discussing the FBI over here too? Yes. Not only am I trying to promote neat things that can be done with web sites, but I also need big time fraud--- that cannot be ignored by the FBI. In that my personal blog, at this time is unavailable for this type of discussion-- I am providing the information here.
Why so far out? Currently, I believe there are outside parties who are interested in taking over QiSoftware and the interfaces. The problem? The interfaces only work with my sites. The only way around this is to take it over. FBI- owes a cease and desist to those parties. I have no plans of handing over my hard work to filth I do not owe. I think part of the reason I am having a banking/hosting legal issue at this time. I reported the problem. I have shown the theft. Other than asking the FBI to intervene, not much else I can do. Go to my bank.. then I run the risk of negating what was said would be done in the first place... vicious circle.
If the legal issue I am currently a bit distracted with is not cleared up by this Friday, I will start a new personal blog for posts like this. The blog name-- New Day.. after a song I like by George Benson.
One way or another- I plan to have all understand- I said no. Get out of my business and off of my sites.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Last week, I replaced a graphic on the ".. this justin" InStyle Java Applet I use on the WiredPages Style & Events page.
It took me awhile to come up with something I liked as illustrated by the Microsoft Image Composer file {shown below}.
This is how the image looks as part of the applet-- on the Style & Events page.
I was so pleased with the graphic, that this morning when I started the process of creating a new logo for QiSoftware, I finally ended up using the same graphic I used for the Style & Events applet, except of course-- changing the colors.
That was when I decided-- the new QiSoftware logo for everything would be similar to this:
I still need to create the logo {decide on the colors} for the Hosting-Q site, however that should be relatively easy.
I also created a logo for the QiSoftware customized FlashPlayer I have been playing around with, however changing the alpha channel for purposes of this illustration. In actuality, the graphic is a bit lighter {transparent}.
What prompted my desire to create a new logo for QiSoftware? When I completed the Amazon Web Services interface- I wanted to add my company to those listed on the Amazon site that offer custom software solutions for their web services. The other company logos looked so professional, I decided not to investigate further insofar as what I needed to do to apply to be listed. I put a new logo on my "to do" list and happy to report-- this morning I found something I like.
That said-- I do not offer graphic design work as part of my service offerings, though I would love to find a great design shop to team with.
Friday, December 09, 2011
Lately, aside from worrying about a business banking issue, and implementing updates to some of the WiredPages interfaces and programs, I have been playing around with HaXe and an Open Source Flash player I recently found.
I am pretty excited about this Flash player because it gives me an opportunity to look into ActionScript3 and Flash in terms of a development vehicle.
I have a Flash Integrated Development Environment (IDE) installed on my Netbook-- and have found it relatively easy to come up to speed with the concepts. It does not hurt that Flash concepts are similar to Java GUI [the Flash backend- is Java].
Why am I not providing links for this Open Source Flash Player? It is not that I think it will hurt my core business to provide the links. I promote services like Java GUI, JDBC and J2EE-- it is more, I am too noticed and feel too many already feel they have a reason to be angry with QiSoftware and its business interests.
In other words- "real" Flash developers might consider it a serious problem for their core businesses. I will let the group doing the development work take all of the credit. Sorry, I think the product is great, actually too good for open source and I already have too many wanting to blame me for things I had nothing to do with {an apology of sorts to the group offering this work}. That said, it is my belief-- HTML5 is going to hurt a lot of core Flash development efforts.
The other issue I am kind of concerned with about Flash? Security, de-compilation, unauthorized usage and the ability to change [or replace] software once installed on servers. In my opinion, Java gives me more security options insofar as these issues. And yes, it does appear a little hypocritical that I would want to prevent others from using customized players I develop using this open source resource.
If you want to learn more-- use my contact page
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
After signing with Amazon's Associates program in August 2010 I did little or no research into integrating their web services on my sites, however did feel-- if a client wanted this type of service, I could come up to speed with a little research. Work I had done with Commission Junction's SOAP offering and Facebook's API determining factors in my confidence levels.
At the time-- I had done extensive work with Commission Junction, Linkshare and a myriad of other online retailers insofar as integrating money making ads on sites via their respective API offerings-- and at first glance, the Amazon web services looked more complicated than I wanted tackle at the time.
Saturday, December 3rd 2011 while perusing Freelancer gigs-- I noticed an Amazon web services project that looked interesting-- so I decided to do more research. I spent the better part of Saturday afternoon, Sunday and Monday coming up to speed and now feel-- I can support Amazon offerings with ease.
Here is a screen grab of an application I developed using Amazon's Product Advertising API.
The interface is currently installed on qisoftware.com, however will be removed today. The installation was about 24 hours and only for testing and to see the type of statistics being reported via my Amazon Associates account. I will not have the stats until sometime after 9:00 am this morning.
The interface is a Java servlet and uses an authorization signing process.
I also integrated the "add to cart" feature which is a big deal to affiliates insofar as getting credit for their visitors' clicks. In this case-- the "add to cart" button generates a popup window for potential buyers to confirm their purchase-- as illustrated below.
In that there will be no online demonstration of this interface-- private demonstrations will be available for potential clients wanting something similar.
QiSoftware offers custom tools for almost any platform using most forms of provider data. See my contact page for more info.
Sunday, December 04, 2011
QiSoftware provides extensive support to those requiring Web Services or API integration on their sites.
Web Services definition provided by Webopedia:The term Web services describes a standardized way of integrating Web-based applications using the XML, SOAP, WSDL and UDDI open standards over an Internet protocol backbone. XML is used to tag the data, SOAP is used to transfer the data, WSDL is used for describing the services available and UDDI is used for listing what services are available...
Popular users of web services include:
- Amazon
- PayPal
- ebay
API definition provided by Webopedia:
API, an abbreviation of application program interface, is a set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software applications...
Well known API sites include:
- Mashery {API Development & Management Provider}
- ProgrammableWeb {Reference}
- APIFinder {Reference}
Web Services and APIs that QiSoftware currently supports-- include the following [links are online demonstrations or discussions]:
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Web Services [Have Access-- Supported]
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The TemplateMonster API integration listed above, is not a Java J2EE offering. The rest are.
This support is mainly within the Java J2EE realm. Access to MySQL databases is also supported through JDBC. Though I do not like offering PHP services, especially where ecommerce is concerned-- QiSoftware also supports this scripting language within the realm of API and web services integration.
Server side Java is quick and more secure than scripts. As a matter of fact-- server side Java is so quick-- I have to find work arounds to ensure some of the API providers do not return errors believing limits have been exceeded.. This is an easy fix.
Friday, December 02, 2011
Beta testing a new interface which provides consumer reviews for products and is powered by GoodGuide.
Temporally removed from server-- illustration provided instead.
Please keep in mind-- I am still beta testing. The tool will eventually be installed on the WiredPages Shopping page. At this time, I am simply trying to check several things on different platforms using the platform dependent browsers.
This interface is a Java Servlet that uses the GoodGuide API.
