Here we go! Another rich-APP from semYOU is completed and is now available from our APP-Store

Today I want introduce to you another free Cloud APP for your desktop PC: semMAIL. semMAIL is not a usual Cloud mail program, but it offers the same functionalities as Outlook or Thunderbird, without having to be installed as it can be accessed directly via the internet. It was our goal to develop a software to manage your email, that doesn't need to be installed, can be accessed directly via the web, while being different than other web-email-services and offering similar functionalities you are used to from other standard email programs.

 

 

Cloud Email functionality with Office character

As with all riAPPs from semYOU the user interface of semMAIL is similar to known email programs and therefore enables you to start right away. An assistant [wizard] guides you through the first steps when setting up your email accounts. Experienced users can do this manually of course. Emails are not just downloaded via semMAIL, but are directly saved and processed in semYOU guaranteeing smooth and fast searches, filtering and grouping.

Using semMAIL works like with all other riAPPs from semYOU: either directly in the web browser or via a direct link to the local desktop. The true added value of von semYOU // semMAIL really materializes when semMAIL is linked to the local desktop, as the Cloud APP without the web browser can be accessed and used just like any other software. It will feel like using a locally installed software while actually it is in the Cloud.

 

Functionality overview:

• · Management of multiple email accounts
• · Set up individual folder structure
• · Indexed searches
• · Integrated address book
• · Grouping of emails
• · Management of attachments
• · Clearly arranged tab design
• · Direct live preview

 

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Desktop- vs. web-browser usage

As previously mentioned semMAIL can be accessed and used in two different ways. In the following screenshots I have shown both variants.

 

The link of a semYOU riAPP on the local desktop is shown in detail in the following screencast.

 

Screencast

Linking semYOU–riAPP to Desktop

 

 

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Here are a few screenshots of semMAIL

 

Grouping & Preview

    

 

 

Toolbar & Navigation

     

 

Create emails & search

      

 

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Usage

In the first BETA of semMAIL, there are a few functions that are not yet self-explanatory:

• · Moving several emails to a folder only works while holding Ctrl-button
• · All emails are kept in their version on the respective servers and are not deleted after the download to semMAIL
• · As there are a large amount of different formats, we have tried to cover the most popular ones.
  Nevertheless this can lead to problems displaying some emails.

 

Cloud computing made easy: Free applications for Windows PCs and Macs draws great interest.

Los Angeles, 04/04/2011. Just three weeks after the launch of semYOU, the demand for the new app computing system shows no signs of slowing. According to semYOU, more than 10,000 users have already registered for the platform and are using the free applications for Windows PCs and Macs.

The unique semYOU app computing system's recipe for success is gaining an increasing number of fans: over 10,000 users are already taking advantage of the easy-to-use applications available from the free semYOU app store, which make using software as intuitive as on a smartphone. Based on the principle of "click and use," dozens of free applications are only a mouse click away, with only a single login required. The apps can be easily run from any computer in the world over the internet without any installation.

The semYOU app store already offers a number of free applications for every type of user, from home to business. Many free apps, covering all the major applications areas such as office, communication and entertainment, are available free of charge at www.semYOU.com. The apps were designed as useful and easy-to-operate tools to improve everyday productivity. Their biggest advantage over previous software: no installation is required to use the programs.

"With semYOU, we're opening the door to simple cloud computing for every computer user," explains Volker Jahns, CEO of semYOU LLC. "Nevertheless, we did not count on this much success in such a short time. It seems that web users have been waiting a long time for an app computing platform like this."

Press Release semYOU, Cloud Computing, APP Computing

The semYOU riAPP “semDrive” is a kind of an online storage whereby you can store your local files directly in the semYOU cloud. The benefits is that you have access to your data everywhere and do not need to install any software for it. So you can store your music, images or documents online and manage these over semDrive. To use semDrive there are two different ways: You can use semDrive direct over the semYOU Store in the browser mode or you can create a desktop link which is more user-friendly.

 

 

 

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semDrive over the browser

 

 

semDrive over a desktop link

 

 

 

In the following video I give a little overview about semDrive and the different ways to use it.

semYOU, semDrive, riAPP, APP Computing

Thank you to everybody who sent us a feedback about semYOU. We have created a new riAPP just for your feedback. You can find this riAPP now in our semYOU riAPP-Store under the category “Feedback”.

Over this riAPP you can send us direct your feedback regards bugs or features.

Here some photos from our first conference in L.A

semYOU Agenda

- semYOU 2011 Keynote with Volker Jahns

- Session 1 – What is semYOU with Volker Jahns

- Session 2 – The riAPP-Store with Volker Jahns

- Session 3 – Technology and Architecture of semYOU with Andy A.

- Session 4 – semYOU // Enterprise Suite with Volker Jahns

- Session 5 – The Roadmap for semYOU

 

Some screens

 

 

 

 

semYOU, Volker Jahns, Conference, Presentation

Also MAC – User can use all semYOU – riAPPs over the Safari Browser or over a direct desktop link. Here some screenshots …

 

 

riAPP, semYOU, Mac OS, Silverlight, OS

The innovation for tomorrow's internet: app computing with applications for local computers

It's finally here: semYOU sees the virtual light of the digital day!

It’s time to change: It’s not time to go online – it’s time to semYOU!

After an extremely demanding development phase, the semYOU app computing system is now available to the entire world free of charge. I'd therefore like to offer you some background information regarding the first version of the product.

semYOU is not just an idea – it's a new type of system

semYOU can be described through the following key points:

- app computing

- free software for all important areas of application

- always accessible

- resides on the internet

- around-the-clock access to personal data from anywhere in the world

- innovative solution.

Our goal in developing semYOU was to create a unique system that can be easily used over the internet without a single local installation. Its easy to use applications are just a click away. The focus of the product is on storing data in the "cloud" – true cloud computing with maximum security. At the same time, semYOU brings two worlds together: the flexibility of the internet and the functionality of power applications.

semYOU quickly and easily meets all computing and internet needs:

- one log in for everything.

- Free apps for desktop computers.

Behind semYOU lies a unique concept: when you need a software, you simply use it. After all, with semYOU, it's already at your fingertips. Free of charge, from anywhere in the world. Need a mind map with business graphics? Just run the corresponding program from the semYOU riAPP store. Want to have access to your emails anytime, anywhere? Just use semMail. Another 24 or so apps are there, too, to help you manage your business tasks, word processing, music or vacation pictures.

Flexible use options.

Using semYOU is easy. The app computing system is composed of two areas:

1.) The semYOU web desktop. This lets you access semYOU riAPPs as well as your personal data directly from any computer, anywhere in the world.

2.) The semYOU riAPP store. This is where you'll find all the new apps and use them directly at no cost. In the app store, each user can select precisely the application he or she needs at that moment. No installation is required. The semYOU principle stands for powerful, desktop-like functionality packaged in a unique cloud system.

The current semYOU version: The RC.

Today, we're launching our semYOU release candidate. We're quite proud of it, actually. That's because we've been able to turn many new ideas into reality. Nevertheless, the current version isn't perfect or bug-free – we're aware of that.

This is because we're just a handful of honorary developers. Due to the complex development process, we haven't yet been able to program every application down to the very last detail as we imagine it. We realize there are still a few things that can be improved – and we're working on them every day.

That's why we appreciate your help: If you've found an error or have an improvement recommendation, we'd love to hear your feedback [feedback@semyou.com]. And if there's still a few things wrong, we kindly ask for your understanding.

The technology: Silverlight

We haven’t shifted like Microsoft. We‘re believing in Silverlight.

semYOU is based on Microsoft Silverlight. Many readers are probably not familiar with this technology yet – for a number of reasons. Let me explain: Silverlight is a plug-in for web browsers or operating systems that can be used to develop and display rich internet applications. It differs essentially from well-known RIA technologies like the Flash Player plug-in in two key ways: it's not a script language and it comprises the entire .NET Framework 4.

Silverlight lets you develop powerful applications that can be easily accessed via the internet with no installation. In fact, we think Silverlight is so ingenious that we chose it as the basis for developing semYOU.

Until just a few weeks ago, Microsoft also considered Silverlight THE future technology of the next generation of the internet. But at the 2010 Microsoft Professional Developer's Conference, this strategy was modified slightly: although Silverlight will continue to be developed and used in Microsoft software, in the future Microsoft's internet products will use HTML5.

However, this change of heart in Redmond hasn't shaken our faith in Silverlight. We continue to believe in the advantages of this fascinating technology, even for the internet. We want the semYOU app computing system and the riAPP store to serve as proof of Silverlight's enormous potential. That's why we're leaving it up to you as end users to decide which technology should become the standard in the future.

Semantics and apps

In its first version, semYOU is initially available only as a riAPP store. All semYOU riAPPs are free and can be used by simply logging in to the system once. Unfortunately, we need a bit more time to finish developing the semYOU web desktop.

Here's another tip: power users can very easily create a link to any riAPP on their local desktops (Windows or Mac). The advantage is that all apps can be conveniently operated with no browser or login.

THANKS ! THANKS ! THANKS!

Oh Cloud – Oh Cloud – Oh Cloud.

Finally, I hope you have a lot of fun with semYOU and will ask you once again: please don't be too critical of our first version. J We're investing quite a lot of time in semYOU and financing its development exclusively with our own money. For this reason, it's not going as quickly as we'd like. But we've got our goal firmly in sight: to provide you with a unique app computing system and first-class apps free of charge – just like in the current version. And that's only the beginning...

We welcome your support!

Want to help us develop semYOU? We've still got over 200 new riAPPs on our list to be developed and many new, exciting ideas. That's why we look forward to your support! At the moment, what we need most is:

- translations into other languages

- investors and sponsors for our servers

- partners for services that we can incorporate into semYOU.

Interested? We look forward to hearing from you! [feedback@semyou.com]

Just do it!

Volker Jahns

Synchronization made easy

The semYOU // FileExplorer is a Windows-based program that must be installed just like regular software. The software comprises numerous functions to help you better integrate semYOU into your daily routine.

semYOU // FileExplorer is above all a synchronization tool that lets you easily integrate local files such as photos, videos, music or documents into semYOU through a simple drag-and-drop procedure.

Its second primary function is Microsoft Office integration. When you install the FileExplorer, a semYOU toolbar is also installed in all Microsoft Office products, allowing you to edit Office files directly from semYOU. This seamless integration lets you save Office documents directly to semYOU or edit documents saved within semYOU.

semYOU, Office Integration, WPF, Cloud Computing, Cloud Store

How it all began...

In this blog entry, I'd like to share with you a little bit about the history of semYOU, its development and the hurdles that we've had to overcome.

The name...

semYOU represents the semantic linking of a user's internet identity. All services, functions and tasks are associated with a person's identity, which is naturally the focus of their everyday life. With semYOU, I wanted to take this focus to the digital level and create a service/system where personal identity is automatically the focus. An example of this would be the single sign-on principle, which allows all services in semYOU to be used with a single login. Entries and activities are carried out in a personalized manner and differ from riAPP to riAPP.

The idea

behind semYOU has been around for several years. However, there hasn't been a qualitative technology to bring such a system to light in this way until now. The idea was born out of the inadequate solutions that we were confronted with daily on the internet. HTML is well and good. But because I had started my career in the area of rich client applications, I wanted to offer this powerful functionality via the web. Tedious installations of rich client applications, specific operating systems and constant requests for changes made developing RCA never boring J.

The rising popularity of the internet and the millions of portals naturally fueled the idea of a better system. Technically speaking, all of the portals I've used involve storing and displaying data. So I thought about where the problem might lie and began putting my ideas into action.

My goal was to develop a system that would make rich client functionality available on the web, one that wouldn't require cumbersome registration for multiple services or software installation and that would offer a number of free services to meet a variety of needs.

The technology

For a long time I had followed the development of different technologies like HTML, ASP, Java, PHP and Adobe Flash/Air, thinking about which technology seemed most suitable for my project. But I always ended up back at the beginning, as every technology I looked at had some features that made executing my project impossible. Then, a new technology known as Silverlight from Microsoft emerged on the horizon. The first, imperfect version was quickly superseded by the next version. It became clear very quickly which direction Microsoft would take with this technology and what potential the technology actually harbored. I now had a vision in my mind of what I hoped my project would look like, with a technology that could overcome all hurdles with certainty.

The development process

As anyone can imagine, developing the concept was anything but easy. In the first year, the technology, with its constant changes and releases, took everything out of us. Developing such a major, complex system in a new technology that was itself still in development/discovery, was probably the greatest challenge. There were no analogies and synergies to work with, so we took our knowledge from tutorials and blogs. Any changes made on the Silverlight side had to be tediously implemented into the application. The biggest changes came in Versions 2-3, followed by an even bigger transition from Version 3 to Version 4, where we were forced to practically redevelop everything from scratch due to changes in fundamental functions or new options like RIA services, which did, however, end up making some things easier and faster. In addition to these barriers, we were constantly struggling to find solutions to problems, since no one before us had ever had the same issues. I would say we spent more than 50% of our time finding workarounds for implementing the desired functionality. With the release of Version 4 in April 2010, we again began to have hopes of meeting our tight schedule and releasing the first beta version that same year.

The beta phase

In August of 2010, it finally happened – semYOU was released to the general public. The release also marked the beginning of the closed beta phase of the system. Demand was so high that we couldn't keep up with it and could only handle a fraction of the beta requests. I would like to thank all of you who expressed an interest once again, and I apologize for not being able to provide every single one of you with a beta account.

We've received well over 10,000 requests.

Support and financing

The success of such a project naturally depends on financing as well, as we're not just talking about a single product but a system of multiple products. I decided to present the idea to several large international companies in hopes of finding investors or sponsors. Unfortunately, I was not able to convince any of these firms to offer support, as the technology was still too new and the future too uncertain. Only two options were left: either drop the project entirely and wait for a large company to take it over or find a way to finance the project ourselves.

As you can probably tell by the go-live date, I took the second route and financed the project with my own personal funds. We depend on donations to fund further development and hope to find companies that will now be willing to support us financially. With the semYOU platform now completed, the risk should be minimal. Support us here

The future

Without speaking too soon, I'd like to say a few words about how the semYOU project is proceeding. I have big plans and still over 200 riAPPs to be developed on my list. There are lots of new ideas out there about how to reorganize the digital social life. As always, all riAPPs will continue be available in our riAPP store free of charge.

Besides this development, we're working full-speed on an SDK to allow developers to develop their own riAPPs. Parallel to this, the development of the semYOU // Enterprise Suite for businesses is underway and will likely be available in 2011. In developing the Enterprise Suite, we've placed a great deal of value on security and specific business requirements.

Out of a vision came a product. The path wasn't just rocky – in fact, we had a mountain of challenges in front of us.

Volker Jahns

semYOU, Volker Jahns, Founder

riAPPs see the light of day

Today, I can finally introduce to you the first riAPPs from semYOU, a mix of entertainment and productivity tools that are sure to make day-to-day tasks on the internet and at home a whole lot easier. As already mentioned, this is still the first version of theses riAPPs and they do contain some bugs that we either haven't found or haven't been able to fix yet. Of course, feedback regarding bugs and functionality is always welcome (feedback@semyou.com).

 

Let's start with the productivity tools:

 

semNote

 

semTaskPro

 

semSale

 

semMindMap

 

semSedCard

 

semLunch

 

semFreelancer

 

semTask

semYOU, riAPP, Cloud Computing, APP Computing, Future

Free and only a click away!
Cloud-based photo management with semPhoto

semPhoto is a new riAPP from semYOU that lets you manage your photos online. Unlike traditional online photo management programs like Picasa from Google or Flickr, semPhoto has the same power as a locally installed application but with much greater functionality than previous online services. With semPhoto, you can manage, categorize or share photos with friends. The built-in sharing function even lets you post photos on other systems.

 

 

Interactive Book View

semPhoto, semYOU, riAPP, Cloud Photo Manager, Photos

Free and only a click away!
Cloud-based task management with semTaskPro

semTaskPro is a free riAPP from semYOU for managing tasks and to-do's. It's the professional version of the semTask riAPP and lets you manage multiple task lists at the same time.

 

 

 

 

 

On the left side is a list of all task lists, allowing you to quickly switch back and forth between lists. The toolbar contains all important functions for editing tasks and setting statuses. Filtering and grouping functions can be configured directly via the task table.

 

 

In the first version of semTaskPro we have focused on the basic functions of task management. And there's already a long list of additional functionalities in store for the next version.

semYOU, semTaskPro, riAPP, Cloud Task Manager, Cloud Computing, APP Computing

Free and only a click away

semTunes is a new riAPP from semYOU that lets you manage your entire music collection online. Let's take a closer look at semTunes. The desktop is clearly structured and reminds one of other well-known music programs. On the left side, you'll see the navigation bar, while songs, including all song details, are listed in table form in the middle.

Playlists, etc.

In semTunes, individual playlists can be created in order to more precisely categorize the music collection. Songs can be easily dragged and dropped into a selected playlist or moved from one playlist to another.

Uploading music

Music is uploaded through an assistant. Simply start the assistant, select locally stored music and click "Upload." After the upload is complete, the song will be displayed directly on the main screen.

Editing songs

Every song can be assigned attributes. So-called MP3 tags are automatically read upon import, but these can be changed later if desired.

Go directly to the semYOU riAPP store

and start semTunes

semYOU, riAPP, semTunes, Music APP, Cloud Computing, Cloud Music

The way computers are used will change fundamentally.

The semYOU concept and the set of tools available thus far from the riAPP store demonstrate the first step toward this new type of internet use. Its focus is initially on the private user sector and not business users, in order to first show the broad variety of application options.

The desktop computer is very common and supports the user with a variety of options for taking care of personal and business tasks. The way computers are used has not changed much in the last 25 years: software must still be installed and online services can be accessed and used through software (such as browsers). The software buying process, at least, has changed in the last several years: today, software can be purchased and downloaded online, which is a major advantage.

With semYOU, the software you need is only a click away. There's no need for cumbersome registrations or downloads – you simply use the software directly via your mouse button. The semYOU riAPP store serves as an ideal platform and represents the framework for future app computing. App computing in this context defines the method of using developed riAPPs.

With this new type of functional use, users can manipulate their data and programs from any computer without installing software – no more cumbersome synchronization of multiple user computers, regardless of whether data is accessed from the computer in the living room or from the laptop while sitting on the couch, with no installation or license issues.

Businesses, however, will still have to wait...

The app computing concept will naturally change the business world, too, but it's going to take some time. We're currently working full-speed on a complete enterprise tool suite based on the same framework but geared toward businesses. This means that in the future any business will be able to create its own private cloud via semYOU and use only the software in the store that it really needs. Software on demand is the key and will facilitate access to the cloud.

This makes cumbersome installation/distribution a thing of the past, as employees simply click on the software directly to run it – from any cloud they need. In addition to business access, it is of course also possible to access software products and business data easily and conveniently from home as well. VPN or similar security concepts are unnecessary, as every company has its own private cloud with authenticated riAPPs.

In the fist version of the enterprise suite, we will focus on basic business functions, such as HR, CRM and SCM, as well as critical operations such as task management, time tracking, etc. An administrative console will make it possible to control and configure the entire IT system of the business.

semYOU, Future, APP Computing, Cloud Computing, Volker Jahns

Free, one-time registration and many possibilities

Hi, my name is David. As one of the first users of semYOU, I was selected to provide initial feedback from a user's perspective. I was able to test semYOU for a period of two weeks and was able to get a pretty detailed view of the system.

semYOU and its riAPPs offer many advantages and make using the internet much easier, including reading emails, creating a presentation, sharing vacation photos with friends or searching for apartments or jobs. riAPPs are intuitive and don't contain unnecessary text or advertising elements that would limit their usability. The focus is on the primary functionality of the application, which is made clear in every riAPP thanks to a logically arranged menu. And it's not like your typical internet portal – it makes you feel like you're working on locally installed Office software, even though it's actually on the web. After first clicking through the various riAPPs, I took a closer look at a few of them. I got the impression that this is a self-contained, well-rounded system in which the right solution (riAPP) for any task is only a click away.

Cumbersome software installations and multiple registrations on different portals are a thing of the past. That's because semYOU stands for high user-friendliness, cloud computing, flexibility and privacy. A good example is the creation of a mind map graphic. Let's say it's Sunday evening and I have some ideas I'd like to outline, but I don't have the necessary software. A single click takes me to the semYOU // riAPP store, where I find a riAPP named semMindMap that I can use for free. I click the "Start" button, which launches the software, and I'm ready to go. Then print and save, and I'm done creating the visual. This example illustrates how easy it is to use semYOU. A few months ago, I purchased a mind map software that was not only expensive ($500), it had a 300 MB installation file that only came with one installation license... but what about my laptop?!

The many advantages of a semYOU // user account

Registering and creating a user account in semYOU can be done quickly and easily from the semyou homepage. Once the confirmation email is sent and the account is activated, you can log in to the semYOU // riAPP store directly by clicking on the link. The highlight is that you only have to log in once to use all of the software from the riAPP store. For example, if I want to manage and share my photos online or look for a job or an apartment, I can do all of this by simply logging in once. This makes not only using the different services/portals easy, it lets me try out new portals/services or applications without having to register with a hundred separate providers. This is a major difference and a huge advantage over the Google Apps Marketplace, which is actually just a list of web applications.

Using software for free

As mentioned above, all software developed by semYOU and available in the riAPP store is free. You can recognize this type of software by the prefix "sem" in the riAPP's name: e.g. semTasks, semNotes, semCalendar or semMail.

In several conversations with the founder of semYOU, Volker Jahns, I learned that other use options are planned, one of which will allow users to buy or lease software via the riAPP store. However, details regarding this and other similar services have not yet been released.

Access your files from anywhere

I began by taking the "semDrive" riAPP for spin, which is a type of online hard drive. semDrive reminds me of a Windows Explorer for managing files. It actually represents semYOU's file explorer. semDrive lets you save and manage your local files online. Whether it's documents, PDF files, music, videos or photos, semDrive gives you access to all of your files, even as an amateur with no knowledge of FTP or http. For music, videos and images, semDrive offers direct support and can play or display these types of files in its own player/viewer.

You can then access the files from anywhere in the world, and you even have several options for doing so. As usual, you can access the files via the riAPP store // semDrive or through a proprietary software called "FileExplorer" (Windows only), which also has a synchronization feature.

No more software installation

After about a week of using several different riAPPs from the riAPP store, I realized how elegantly everything had worked: the right riAPP for everything I needed was only ever a click away. A good example of this is the semTimer riAPP which lets you calculate the amount of time you spend on work, sort of like a digital time clock. As an IT freelancer, I was able to easily and conveniently calculate and manage the amount of time I spent on different projects using this riAPP. What I found really elegant was the ability to use the riAPP directly at the client site and then run the reports at home.

If this was a regular software that was installed on my laptop, it would have been more complicated, as not all clients allow personal laptops in the workplace.

In a second meeting with the founder of semYOU, Volker Jahns, in L.A., I was able to delve deeper into the issue of software installation – after all, it's one of the core functionalities of the product and represents an incredible advantage. Jahns used the semTimer riAPP, which I had been very impressed with, as an example. He explained that semTimer was just a small riAPP and that a semTimerPro version would become available in a few weeks, which would allow entire teams/companies to manage their time digitally. It became clear during our conversation that the current riAPPs represent only the first version of the apps. That's because the capacity of the developers had been exhausted, limiting some of the functionality of the system.

Several times in our discussion, Jahns also emphasized the merger of the desktop computer with cloud computing, defining the overall concept as "app computing", which semYOU would adapt completely.

"We're certain that upon the release of the semYOU SDK, the number of riAPPs from external developers in our store will grow exponentially, as consumers appreciate the value and convenience of this type of use."

This and other statements made me realize more and more what the real goal of semYOU is and where the journey will lead. During the conversation, I grew fascinated with the sense of innovation and had the feeling of being witness to a technological revolution. Through more and more riAPP examples, Jahns demonstrated the possibilities offered by semYOU and named a list of future riAPPs that are currently in the planning stage. I must say that I was truly impressed by how simple but ingenious some of these riAPPs will be and how much value they'll ultimately bring to the user.

Closing words

I hope I was able to explain my first experiences with semYOU clearly, even though I didn't go into a detailed comparison to other systems in this article. The system is new and is based on a completely new, innovative concept and must naturally grow along with its users – that goes without saying. Nevertheless, I was very impressed with its ease of use and high degree of flexibility.

David S.

semYOU

It's not always easy to decide between Windows OS or MAC OS, and that applies to both consumers and software firms. But what if the question of which operating system one uses never had to be asked again? What if there were a software that worked on both operating systems, without compromising functionality?

The easy answer to this question is semYOU and its riAPPs. That's because semYOU // riAPPs can run on both Windows PCs and Macs. All you need is a simple plug-in from Microsoft called Silverlight (3 MB), and the gates of flexibility are opened.

For more information about Silverlight, visit:

http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/

Microsoft Silverlight 4 can be downloaded here:

http://www.microsoft.com/getsilverlight/Get-Started/Install/Default.aspx

The following OS versions are supported:

semYOU, riAPP, Cloud Computing, Marketplace, APP Computing, Mac OS, Windows

New wine in new wineskins

The word riAPP comes from the word app (for application) and is used to describe semYOU apps. The prefix "ri" in this context stands for "rich internet," which defines the power behind this new type of app. riAPPs combine the simplicity of apps as we know them from smartphone world with the functionality of local or mobile computers.

For years, the IT world has been wondering when and where rich client or web client software should be used and why rich client functionality can't be transferred to the web.

Java first made it possible years ago to offer functionality via the web that traditional programming (html, php, etc.) could not. But things have changed since then and alternatives to slow Java applications are urgently needed. riAPPs from semYOU are an excellent new alternative with a broad spectrum of possibilities.

OK, so let's get back to the "r" part of the prefix. This means that you now can now create the same functionality as rich client applications in web applications – without any restrictions. Isn't it great to have the same functionality offered by the Office suite over the internet – without having to install a DVD?

The "i" in the prefix represents the internet-based platform. We can also use the word "cloud" in this context, as this type of application is a service that offers both performance and functionality.

The term RIA (rich internet application) has been around somewhat longer than our self-coined term "riAPP" and also describes this type of software, which to date has been the subject of many attempts to create it using several different technologies.

A semYOU riAPP, on the other hand, describes not only the technology with which the riAPP was developed or the option of accessing it via the internet, it also includes the entire context of semYOU and its associated functions. The single login, the centralized database, the different access options – it's all part of the riAPP concept. All the riAPPs in the first version of semYOU are available only for local computers, laptops or tablets. However, we are working on additional options. Some of this is dependent on Microsoft, who is responsible for the flexibility and support for the plug-in's systems.

semYOU, riAPP, Cloud Computing

semYOU riAPPs can not only be run from the riAPP store in the browser, power users have another much more elegant option. Every riAPP can also be run directly from the local computer without opening a browser or logging into the riAPP store. This type of use is especially useful for applications that are used very frequently, such as semMail, semTask, etc.

If you run a riAPP from the riAPP store, you have the option of creating a local link to your computer's desktop (Windows or Mac). This link connects the desktop to the riAPP from the semYOU riAPP store and allows the riAPP to be used in the same way as a locally installed application. Visually, the application appears to be locally installed, but it actually resides online in the cloud and is automatically updated in the event of any changes.

Combining power applications with the cloud creates this type of flexibility.

Let's look at how to create a link to, say, the semNotes application from the riAPP store locally on the desktop:

 

1. Login

 

Click in the left navigation menu on “Tools” and start semNote

2. Start semNote

 

3. Install riAPP – Link on your local Desktop

Choose where the link should be installed

4. Start direct from your Desktop

 

5. Start the riAPP direct from your Desktop

 

Click & use

semYOU riAPPs can be used in several different ways. Generally speaking, there are three different ways of using riAPPs. All riAPPs can be launched via the semYOU // riAPP store. The riAPP runs inside its own browser window and can therefore be used autonomously. However, the data for all riAPPs is stored centrally, albeit separately. The riAPP store gives you around-the-clock access to all of your data from anywhere without installing software. You only need to log in to the riAPP store once to use all riAPPs in a personalized fashion.

Single local start

The second option for using riAPPs is through a direct start on your local desktop. This creates a simple link to the semYOU riAPP store, which allows the apps to be used locally. The best thing about this option is the out-of-browser mode, which lets you start and use the riAPP without a browser. The riAPP runs inside its own window and simulates an installed application, even though it actually resides on the web. Through this process, power users can quickly and easily access their data, which is stored centrally in the semYOU cloud, with no impact on functionality. If a new version of the riAPP is available, a message is shown upon startup and, since the riAPP resides on the web, the update is automatically applied.

semYOU web desktop

The third way to use riAPPs is via the semYOU web desktop. The web desktop is its own riAPP and emulates a computer desktop, from which all of the user's data and riAPPs can be accessed. Because the web desktop is not yet available in the first version of semYOU, further information regarding its use will be provided upon its release. The web desktop also represents the semYOU WebOS.

The riAPP store in action

1. In order to use the riAPP store, you'll first need to register with semYOU. Registering with semYOU is free and requires only a few short steps. The registration page is located at www.semYOU.com/register.aspx.

2. Once you have a semYOU user account, you can log in with your user name and password at www.semYOU.com/riAPPs.

3. Once you're logged in, you'll be able to use any riAPP from inside the store. All information created within individual riAPPs is saved to your personal user account, so you can use it again the next time you log in.

riAPP, Cloud Computing, APP Computing, semYOU, Volker Jahns

What is the Enterprise Suite and when will it be available?

The semYOU Enterprise Suite (semYOU//ES) is a suite of software applications designed especially for businesses. In the first version of semYOU, we've begun by developing software products and tools for private cloud users to demonstrate the potential of semYOU. Enterprise Suite is much more complex and is currently in the planning and early development stage.

The goal of this solution is to bring cloud computing closer to businesses than ever before. Cloud computing is much more than just a PaaS (Platform as a Service) or IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), as publicized in the past by many large companies. The key focus of cloud computing, in my opinion, is on SaaS (Software as a Service), which is not based on simple web services or simple Java products, the functionality of which has not really gained acceptance.

The semYOU // Enterprise Suite thus combines cloud computing PaaS, IaaS and a complete set of tools into an SaaS. The suite will contain a series of business products to support business operations and help the company become a bit more cloud-based, in order to reap the corresponding benefits. Flexibility, security, centralization, context sensitivity and integrity are the focus here.

semYOU // Enterprise Suite eliminates the need for complicated software purchasing processes and highly time-consuming software installation. That's because every Enterprise // riAPP can be run directly from the riAPP store easily and conveniently. In addition to free riAPPs for businesses, we're also working on a series of very low cost, one-click enterprise riAPPs and larger systems that can be leased by companies for a specific period of time.

"Click & use" is the key!

Business on demand

"Business on demand" has been in the headlines frequently over the last few years and has been highly celebrated, although complex structures, processes and cultures have prevented it from gaining popularity. With semYOU // ES, we'd like to give it another try and firmly believe that the extreme user-friendliness and high flexibility of the semYOU // riAPP store will help make it a success. Our goal is to build a complete business infrastructure that includes not just the hardware side but a complete set of software products as well. Thus, each business can select only the software it really needs without long decision or other time-consuming processes. In other words: try it, take it or close and forget it.

This flexibility also will also allow businesses to quickly and easily create a virtual environment for joint ventures or other types of collaborations, without extensive planning or investment.

Quantity offers flexibility

Who hasn't heard this comment following a software presentation: "The software contains a lot more functions than we need. To what extent can we adapt the solution to our specific requirements?"

Naturally, many software manufacturers try to offer maximum functionality, particularly for their very large clients with complex structures. But is that really a good idea? What is a small business looking to acquire a CRM system supposed to do when the cost of adapting such a system greatly exceeds $100,000? Many companies shy away from custom software development due to the time and costs involved, even though in most cases it would be much more effective than using a standard solution. In fact, in most cases, the standard option offers no competitive advantages!

It's exactly for scenarios like these that we wish to offer several products in the Enterprise Suite with varying functionality, so that each client can use the product easily for its precise needs. From small CRM systems administered by the customer only to an enterprise CRM for managing complete campaigns that allow cross-references as well. With this wide variety of software products, the customer can quickly and independently test the product for suitability at no cost.

"Click & use" is the key!

 

Included riAPPs in the Enterprise Suite

semCalendar/2B

semDocs/2B

semNotebook/2B

semPlanner/2B

semSheet/2B

semShow/2B

semWriter/2B

semChat/2B

semDiscussion/2B

semMail/2B

semMeeting/2B

semProjects/2B

semWiki/2B

semAssist/2B

semCRM/2B

semPeople/2B

semRecruit/2B

semAPP/2B

semReports/2B

semInvoice/2B

semUserHelpDesk/2B

semSoftwareLifeCycleManagement/2B

semQualityCenter/2B

semBugManager/2B

semSoftwareTestCenter/2B