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Corporate IT Update, Dec 12, 2008

CORPORATE IT UPDATE-(C)1995-2008 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Camrivox Ltd, a British developer of computer telephony integration software, and snom technology AG, a German developer and manufacturer of VoIP telephones, are now offering the snom Flexor CTI software for Microsoft Outlook as a free download.

The companies said that snom Flexor CTI for Outlook delivers more efficient and convenient telephony by managing all call activity from within Microsoft Outlook. The integration features click-to-dial enabling phone numbers to be dialled straight from Outlook, on-screen call control, contact screen pop-ups for incoming calls and simple call reporting. Furthermore, users are able to record notes in Outlook Journal entries during a call and have these saved against each contact record to generate a structured call log for each contact.

The snom Flexor CTI software is also available to integrate snom VoIP telephones with solutions for Customer Relationship Management (CRM) such as Microsoft Dynamics CRM, NetSuite and Salesforce.

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Cattleman, The, Jun 2009 by Fears, Robert

Selection of ATV size should be governed by how it will be used.

“We are replacing horses with all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on many ranches,” says Nick Hamilton, general manager of Hoffpauir Polaris in Goldthwaite. “ATVs cost less to operate than maintaining a horse. If an ATV is not worked, you do not feed it.

“ATVs require very little maintenance,” Hamilton further explains. “We recommend changing the oil every 100 hours of operation or every 12 months, whichever occurs first. Change fluids in the front and rear differentials and transmission every two years. Check the coolant often and air filters once a month. Replace air filters about every six months, unless the machine is being operated under extremely dusty conditions. If this is the case, then replace the filter every three months or when it becomes dirty.

“Spark plugs very seldom go bad unless the operator fouls them. Fouling is starting the engine, driving the ATV a short distance and then turning the engine off before it has time to warm up.”

Ranchers use ATVs for many tasks. They use them to go to the mailbox, fix fences, feed cattle and complete various other chores. Cattlemen have learned that livestock and pastures can be checked more economically from an ATV than from the back of a horse or from a pickup.

Working cattle

“Many of our customers herd cattle with their ATVs,” says Hamilton. “If an ATV is to be used to drive wild or hard-to-handle cattle, we recommend purchasing a model with a 500 cubic centimeter (cc) engine. This engine provides faster acceleration than 300 or 330 cc engines. If your cattle are easy to handle, then one of the smaller models will do the job very well.”

“If at all possible, cattle should not be handled in a wild state,” says Dr. Ron Gill, Texas AgriLife Extension Service. “Handlers and livestock should be trained to work under low-stress conditions. Time spent in developing low-stress handling techniques is rewarded with better herd health and nutrition, increased conception rates and increased weight gains. With low-stress handling, there will be less wear-and tear on fences, corrals, equipment, cowboys and livestock.”

If ATVs are to be used to drive cattle, then ride them around and through the herd until the animals show no concern at the noise and sight. While building familiarity, never ride the ATV close enough to cattle to make them run. If they become disturbed, back off and give them more space. Gradually, you will be able to ride closer and closer to the cattle and, eventually, you will be able to ride through the herd without causing a disturbance.

“To start a herd moving, ride the ATV back and forth in a figure-eight pattern outside the herd and opposite the desired direction of movement,” recommends Gill. “Keep performing this routine until one or more animals start to move, which usually initiates movement in rest of the herd.

“As cattle begin to stir, ride through the herd to move an individual animal,” continues Gill. “Ride the ATV perpendicular to the cow and move slightly toward her point of balance, which is behind her shoulder. The approach should be timed so the animal will move forward, allowing you to pass behind her as you move to the next animal.”

“To keep cattle moving, drive the figure-eight pattern behind the herd,” Gill further explains. “To change direction of movement, lengthen the figure-eight on the side of the herd opposite the direction you want them to turn.

“On an ATV, it is very important to turn away from the herd when you change directions. If you turn toward the herd, you can actually turn the cattle to the opposite of the intended direction.

“Once you get the herd close enough to corrals where there is not enough space to maneuver the ATV, dismount and work on foot,” concludes Gill.

Spraying brush

One of the most common uses of ATVs on ranches is spraying brush. They are ideal for individual plant treatment (IPT) and are recommended by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service for applying leaf sprays anywhere brush density allows an ATV to be driven through.

“The leaf spray method is also known as a high-volume foliar application,” explains Dr. Allan McGinty, Texas AgriLife Extension Service. “For effective control, each plant must be thoroughly sprayed, almost to the point of dripping. Terminal ends of all branches should be thoroughly wet.”

McGinty recommends, “Buy ATVs with four-cycle engines in the 300 to 330 cc range and then mount a 25 gallon tank on the rear rack