paid search trends for halloween: hillary vs trump halloween costume paid ads

 The above data are from paid search trends compiled by Kantar media on the ranking of the top 20 costumes by text ad and product listing ad spend on Halloween costume keywords on U.S. Google desktop search.

With nearly $159,000 in paid search spent on Poison Ivy costume keywords over the past 2 months, the character has generated around $58,000 more in paid search ad spend than the next two most popular costumes, Pirate and Ninja Turtle, searches which each generated $101,000, respectively, during the period.After some (brief) online research, we believe the apparent popularity of Poison Ivy costumes this year may be due to two factors—recent pop culture relevancy and a dual appeal to children and adults. First, Poison Ivy is featured in the “DC Super Hero Girls” comic, video and merchandise line, which debuted in October 2015 and is aimed at young girls. Second, we suspect the character has gotten swept up in the same zeitgeist that propelled another somewhat obscure Batman villains, Harley Quinn, to the top of Google’s Halloween costume searches in 2015.

Not to be left behind were this years US Presidential candidates  Hillary Clinton Halloween costume keywords and Donald Trump costume keywords .Hillary Clinton Halloween Costume keywords  generated a total of $2,981 in paid search ad spend from August 1 through October 4 compared to $1,909 generated by ads served on five similar Donald Trump costume keywords during the period. That’s a difference of 56 percentage points.

Best bargains for Back to School Items

August is the  season for back to school and  for those who are reay lookif for some great discoungs ... dont miss this post   specially when students and sparents alike are looking  for deals Global News decided to head online to compare prices between various Canadian retailers, tallying up the cost of basic school supplies.

Windows 8 launch - only hours away

It’s been a long count down; with several teases along the way... we got a preview of Server 2012, Windows 8 mobile and all the beta's.

But it is finally moments away. Microsoft will reveal all to us at the special launch event taking place in New York at 4:15pm (11:15 EDT).

The launch event will be followed by its official release at midnight.

Follow this link to watch the launch of Windows 8 live.

Want an in depth review of Windows 8? Well you've came to the right place. Last week Firebrand's Commercial Director wrote an in depth review of his experience with Windows 8 during his trip across Europe: Don’t look back in anger - a week with Windows 8

CompTIA EMEA Member and Partner conference 2012

CompTIA’s annual EMEA conference is only four days away, giving thousands the chance to gain great networking and educational experiences.

This year will hold several interesting sessions including a seminar from Olympic Gold Medalist Chris Boardman.

There will be endless networking opportunities with leading IT solution providers, VARs, vendors, distributors, training companies and academies from across the country.

There will be many inspiring keynotes giving great insight into the latest technologies and business trends, tips on how to improve and grow your business and will also talk about cloud computing and how its being adopted by small and medium sized businesses in the U.K.

The conference will be taking place in the Lancaster London Hotel, on 22 - 23 October.

Use Firebrands very own Voucher code, which will get you a seat for just under £100, saving you over £100.

Voucher Code: ‘'EMEAFIRE'

To register click on the following link: http://www.comptia.org/events/emea/registration/register_form.aspx?pc=EMEAFIRE

Here are five reasons why you cannot miss this event...

WIN a $20,000 American Express Travel Voucher + many other prizes

Windows Server 2012 has officially been released and to celebrate, Microsoft set up a competition; The Launch Game.

The game consists of earning points by consuming and sharing content. “Every action that allows you to earn points is labelled with that action’s point value. The more you learn and participate, the more you can earn! Earning points moves you up the leader board.”

“Actions include but are not limited to: downloading Windows Server 2012 trial, enabling your Facebook and/or Twitter account in your Profile settings, liking the Windows Server page on Facebook, following the Windows Server Twitter account, watching keynote videos and technical sessions, submitting questions and comments, attending Ask the Experts sessions, and more.”

Based on your final leader board position, you can be entered to win the Grand Prize ($20,000 American Express Travel Voucher + 2 Tickets to any TechEd 2013 Event) or a prize in Tiers 1-3 which includes a number of prizes such as 6 Month Windows Azure Plan, $5,000 American Express Travel Voucher, HP ENVY TouchSmart Ultrabook 4 with Beats Solo HD Headphones, Windows 8 Tablet, 4GB Xbox 360 Console with Kinect Bundle and more.

The contest ends on October 8, 2012. Good luck.

Windows Server 2012 Q&A

Ed baker’s one hour live Windows Server 2012 Q&A was a success. It offered an overview of all the new features and enhancements that come with the new Windows Server 2012. Hundreds of attended the Google hangout and got their questions answered.

 

Here is summary of the questions answered: 

• Are there any improvements/changes in DFS?
• In Windows Server 2012 has the best practice analyser been updated? If so what are the improvements?
• What is the main feature that would make companies decide to buy server 2012?
• How Long Does Migrating From 2008 Take?
• Has there been any improvements in exposing the API for DHCP as this has also been problematic to pro-grammatically administer.
• Have Microsoft announced pricing for Charity customers?

Visit @BeAFirebrand to see all of today's questions and feel free to +1 us for future Q&A’s.

Windows Server 2012 Q&A now LIVE

Firebrand's very own Ed Baker is now hosting a free live Windows Server 2012 Q&A. 

During the next hour, all attendees will have all their Windows Server 2012 questions answered with Ed Baker - Firebrand's Windows Server instructor.

The live video feed is on the Google+ page. To join, just follow Firebrand on Google+ (plus.google.com/107980348326548394993?prsrc=3), and click on the link to the hangout

Ed Baker, as mentioned in the previous post, is currently in the top three UK Microsoft professionals on the MVA (Microsoft Virtual Academy). He has earned an impressive 4001 points and a Platinum medal.

You can also ask questions via Twitter (@BeAFirebrand) - include #server2012 and they will be answered live. You can also ask your questions on the Facebook page.

Free Windows Server 2012 Q&A with Ed Baker

Firebrand Training is hosting a free live Windows Server 2012 Q&A. It will be a one-hour Q&A session with Ed Baker - Firebrand's Windows Server instructor.

The live video feed will be hosted on the Google+ page, on Thursday 6 September at 11.00am. To attend, follow Firebrand on Google+ (plus.google.com/107980348326548394993?prsrc=3), then sign-up for free on the following link:

server-qanda.eventbrite.com

Ed Baker, as mentioned in the previous post, is currently in the top three UK Microsoft professionals on the MVA (Microsoft Virtual Academy). He has earned an impressive 4001 points and a Platinum medal.

Don't forget to ask Firebrand all your Windows Server 2012 questions below, or on the Facebook page.

You can also ask questions via Twitter (@BeAFirebrand) - include #server2012. Ask questions before, and on the day.

Official First Look: Microsoft Windows Server 2012

Windows Server 2012 has been released to manufacturing and you can be one of the first to see all the new features and learn how to use them. 

Ed Baker from Firebrand Training will be hosting the seminar at the University of Westminster at 9.30am on Thursday 4 October.

Ed Baker, as mentioned previously in a blog post, is currently in the top three UK Microsoft professionals on the MVA (Microsoft Virtual Academy). He's earned an impressive 4001 points and a Platinum medal.

The Tech Showcase will cover the following modules:

• Module 1: Server Management in Windows Server 2012
• Module 2: Storage, Networking and Availability in Windows Server 2012
• Module 3: Hyper-V in Windows Server 2012

The event includes official Microsoft First Look material - which gives you an overview of the new features of Windows Server 2012. Get more details and sign-up here.

The event is only £50, and restricted to just 50 people. So act fast, tickets will sell out.

Click on the following link for more information and to buy your tickets:

http://firebrand-windows-server.eventbrite.com/

Webinar: How to reduce cost of network security by 30-70%

Sapphire and Altimate are hosting a webinar to demonstrate the increased security, productivity and cost savings that an organisation could achieve by installing Stonesoft network security.

Stonesoft Mass Security is a range of network security products that offer:

• Multiple security functions
• Comprehensive, centralised and easy to operate administration

Stonesoft solutions are said to reduce network operation expenses and total costs from 30% to 70%.

• Lowest total cost of ownership on the market with Stonesoft
• Administration cost savings
• Save up to 50% on appliances with our competitor trade-in scheme

The webinar will be taking place on Monday 24 September and offers a unique insight into how Stonesoft operates within an organisation

For more information, follow this link:

http://www.sapphire.net/events.html?event_id=312

To register for the event, follow this link:

http://www.sapphire.net/event_register.html?event_id=312

Cisco offered Government Agencies IPv6 Training

Cisco hosted it’s free one hour webinar yesterday which was designed to help government agencies meet the September 30, 2012 deadline for compliance with the latest IPv6 Internet protocol.

The World IPv6 was launched more than a year ago, officially released on June 8 and the deadline is about soon to arrive. Despite this, according to data by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), only 1% of federal websites are supporting the IP on their email, web services and DNS.

Cisco Marketing manager, Amy Blanchard stated that “We at Cisco understand the urgency and difficulty of this change, therefore have partnered with the Digital Government Institute to host a free one-hour webinar on Aug. 30 (2 p.m. ET) that will give attendees the tools, as well as outline five steps, to help your agency move quickly toward compliance as the clock ticks down”.

The Webinar, called “5 Steps to Meet the September 30 IPv6 Deadline,” included the following topics: 

• How to get your agency on the road to compliance
• Where to find agency help in the federal government
• How to get the best services from the GSA schedules
• About the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) IPv6 standards and how IPv6 has been integrated into a long list of USGv6-certified products
• How five federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, have already made the transition.

Hacker Halted 2012 | Information Security Conference

Hacker Halted is an Information Security Conference presented by EC-Council. It puts together the world’s top information security experts in order to raise awareness towards increased ethics and education in IT security.

This years conference will take place on the 25^thto the 31^st of October at the Intercontinental Hotel in Miami, Florida. The conference is looking to be one of the best information security conferences of the year. The Keynote speakers include:

·         Winn Schwartau (Top expert on security, privacy, infowar, and cyber-terrorism)

·         Richard Thieme (Acclaimed Infosec speaker and author)

·         Philippe Courtot (Chairman - Qualys)

·         Matt Watchinkski (Expert vulnerability researcher)

·         Jeremiah Grossman (CTO - WhiteHat Security)

·         Jeff Bardin (Renowned Cyber Jihad expert)

·         Jack Daniel (Expert on network security)

·         Among many others…

“This event will feature presentations that revolve around topics into various security issues plaguing the world today. In addition to highlighting current digital security threats, renowned speakers and industry experts will also discuss the various means of protection and countermeasures in dealing with these threats. This global conference is the perfect platform for information security professionals to enhance knowledge and exchange views, as well as network with other security professionals.” 
 - EC-Council.

The event is now on its 14th year and in addition to the conference, it holds workshops and training programs led by the EC-Council trainers. Among the courses will be the well-known CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) course, and many other Infosec and advanced security training courses led by world class instructors.

EC-Council is also offering a free iPad3 to all conference or academy registrants. Click here for information on this amazing offer: http://www.hackerhalted.com/2012/Registration.aspx

Register here: http://www.rsvpbook.com/event.php?461523

BCM World Conference and Exhibition 2012

The BCM World Conference and Exhibition 2012 is looking to be one of the premier events in the global calendar.

It is said to be the ‘must attend’ event for anyone who is serious about Business Continuity Management and recognises that BCM is key to achieving organisational resilience. Firebrand Training are pleased to be able to offer their contacts a 5% discount on the cost of attending as a delegate by using the code FT12.

It will be taking place on the 7th and 8th of November in Olympia, London and will provide you with the knowledge tools and skills in order to support professional development in business continuity and drive important and critical organisational change. The conference is designed for Business Continuity Management (BCM) newcomers and for the experienced BCM Practitioners.

Visit www.bcm2012.com for more information and to book your place

A free to attend Exhibition showcases the latest BCM products and services from over 50 BCM suppliers around the globe. The Exhibition also plays host to a free seminar programme that will be running throughout the two days. If you don’t have the budget or time to attend the whole Conference, book to attend Exhibition for free by clicking here.

EC-Council - Ethical Hacker Conference

The TakeDownCon security conference by EC-Council is currently taking place. The conference is 2 days long and will take on the challenges of securing intellectual property. 

The issues discussed and presented by industry insiders will focus on the many issues of the IT security professional. The conference will also discuss the “most common ways critical infrastructure can be compromised, how security systems are being breached and what methods are being deployed to hijack or steal your assets”.

The presentations will be available live online while they happen so you can fully immerse yourself in the discussion. All you have to do is click attend on all webcasts you wish to view. Click on the following link: http://www.brighttalk.com/summit/1871

Keynote voted number one at WPC

During the WPC (WorldwidePartner Conference) conference this year, Microsoft Learning keynote was rated the number one value keynote. During the event, Microsoft learning staff received “consistently positive, supportive, upbeat, and enthusiastic feedback”

Watch the presentation here: http://www.digitalwpc.com/Media/Pages/wpc2012

CompTIA announces new certifications at Breakaway 2012

The leading non-profit association for the IT industry CompTIA, had its annual Breakaway 2012 event this week at ARIA Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. In the span of three days, it got to see some of the latest releases in IT training, certification and showed how to steer through the channels of education, training and networking to gain new partnerships.

Among the highlights of the event, CompTIA announced its latest training programs on cloud computing, mobility and emerging technologies and trends.

CompTIA Senior vice president stated that “Each Executive Certificate course is designed to help IT solution providers enhance their current businesses with successful niche practices,” Kelly Ricker added that “attendees will learn best practices from an expert instructor and experience ample opportunities for interacting with and learning from their peers.”
 
They announced the release of the following certifications and courses:

• Cloud Computing Essentials

• Advanced Cloud Computing
• Data Recovery and Business Continuity
• Healthcare IT
• IT Security
• Mobility
• Social Strategies
• Unified Communications

The certification courses were developed by members of CompTIA and experts in the IT industry. It has been the latest addition to the association’s portfolio in IT education and training.

Breakaway 2012 had more than 1,000 IT industry executives attend, all gaining new insights into the education and certification market, and emerging technologies, which are all having an effect on the IT world today.

Did you attend CompTIA? What did you think of it?

Microsoft WPC Day 3: It's a New Era

Jon Roskill opened up the keynote and explained how partners and Microsoft will work together in the coming year. Kevin Turner talked about Microsoft’s vision of the cloud service for every person, every device, and every business.


Some of the big announcements of the day were:


IDC Study: A recently commissioned study by IDC issued a report showing that a 50-person Microsoft partner organization with approximately US$5-10M in revenue and 2-5 competencies can realise US$320,000 in value directly attributable to MPN benefit utilisation.


Tools to Compete and Win: Kevin Turner shared Microsoft’s commitment to helping partners succeed by delivering solutions above competitors in the market including growing virtualization growth at twice the rate of VMWare and outdueling Google Apps with Office 365.

MPN Competency Updates: Some of the updates to the MPN Competency include a new Application Development competency, a new Collaboration and Content competency, an evolved Desktop competency, and a revamped Digital Marketing competency. 


New MPN Branding: Microsoft has announced new partner strategy and programs. These enhancements are implemented with partners in mind.


Microsoft Translator: Commercial availability of the Microsoft Translator Hub is now available.

Windows Server 2012 Innovations Showcase:
Over 20 partners showcased applications and hardware supporting the new capabilities of Windows Server 2012. This ecosystem of partners ranges from OEM, IHV, ISV and ODMs supporting technologies in networking, storage, virtualization and application developers. 

Watch live stream and the day’s talks on DigitalWPC