New Open Source student information system software

7 Media Web solutions, LLC has started their revolution by creating a crowdfund campaign for their first open source project called eduTrac. eduTrac is an open source SIS/ERP that helps educational institutions manage Faculty, staff, students, courses, course sections, as well as other features found in your typical educational student system. However, 7 Media branding eduTrac as being unique among the predecessors proprietary.

Unlike other proprietary systems, 7 Media States that eduTrac is different for four reasons:

One, most of the big name SIS/ERPS out there is closed source and is under a strict commercial license. Not so with eduTrac. It is open source, so that the community can get involved and make it even better.

Two, most of these proprietary systems must be adapted to fit an institution's way of doing things. Which means that if the core code has changed, upgrade can be a pain, and even a nightmare. eduTrac will have an extension system that will make it possible for programmers to write code that can hook into the Edutrac's functions without having to modify or hack the core functionality. Now, there may be some small adjustments needed here and there, but it is the hope that these adjustments will eventually go into the next version, which makes it easier to upgrade to new versions without fear of breakage.

Three, with eduTrac, institutions can install it on their servers and use their own database, or they have the option to use Edutrac's secure database data warehouse, which is hosted in the cloud for scalability.

And four, eduTrac comes with a SQL Terminal. It is a secure interface to data stored in the database, which will allow users (with appropriate permissions) to create ad hoc reports on the fly. This is unique, because they do not have to use some sort of Query Builder, but instead, the user will retrieve exactly what he or she needs because of the relational data, and the user will become proficient with SQL syntax (training available).

This is what 7 Media coined, "EduTrac difference." 7 Media pushing for eduTrac to stand out and become the most coveted after student information system in the world. The fact that it is open source gives it a chance to become just that with hopes of a strong community contributes to its core. In addition, opens the door to the eduTrac internationalization function to be translated into other languages.

For more information, you might want to check out eduTrac campaign on Bountysources website: https://www.bountysource.com/fundraisers/455-edutrac. Come and be a part of the difference!

About 7 Media Web solutions, LLC
7 Media is a PHP development and consulting firm specializing in open source PHP web-based applications for educational institutions.

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Software Takes Command

Software has replaced a diverse array of physical, mechanical, and electronic technologies used before 21st century to create, store, distribute and interact with cultural artifacts. It has become our interface to the world, to others, to our memory and our imagination - a universal language through which the world speaks, and a universal engine on which the world runs. What electricity and combustion engine were to the early 20th century, software is to the early 21st century. Offering the the first theoretical and historical account of software for media authoring and its effects on the practice and the very concept of 'media,' the author of The Language of New Media (2001) develops his own theory for this rapidly-growing, always-changing field.

What was the thinking and motivations of people who in the 1960 and 1970s created concepts and practical techniques that underlie contemporary media software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Maya, Final Cut and After Effects? How do their interfaces and tools shape the visual aesthetics of contemporary media and design? What happens to the idea of a 'medium' after previously media-specific tools have been simulated and extended in software? Is it still meaningful to talk about different mediums at all? Lev Manovich answers these questions and supports his theoretical arguments by detailed analysis of key media applications such as Photoshop and After Effects, popular web services such as Google Earth, and the projects in motion graphics, interactive environments, graphic design and architecture. Software Takes Command is a must for all practicing designers and media artists and scholars concerned with contemporary media.

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MLD/Mel Lim Design Wins 'Best in Class' from Interactive Media Awards

MLD/Mel Lim Design empowers brands and designs experiences that shape the stories of culture. MLD is a multi-platform business innovation and design firm based in San Diego, CA. MLD creates tangible solutions that position businesses both large and small, to become leaders in their marketplace. MLD creates ideas, products and partnerships with dimensional thinking, holistic design and aspirational intensity, today announced that it has been awarded Best in Class by the Interactive Media Awards™ for its work on the Carolyn Dempsey Design Website. The honor recognizes that the project met and surpassed the basic standards of excellence that comprise the web’s most professional work. The site was honored specifically for excellence in Bridal/Weddings.

The judging consisted of various criteria, including design, usability, innovation in technical features, standards compliance and content. In order to win this award level, the site had to meet strict guidelines in each area — an achievement only a fraction of sites in the IMA competition earn each quarter.

Mel Lim, Principal and Creative Director of MLD / Mel Lim Design, said, "It is truly an honor to win this award. A lot of effort was taken to make sure that each page tells a story. To make each page of the site successful, each photo was strategically and carefully selected,cropped, and then paired with the copywriting. It's an amazing feeling to see all of our hard work has paid off!"

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