Today we are in the process of getting a new main server set-up for 83, This new machine will be utilised to get our shiny new control panel up and running in the coming months… Whilst our core support and management style is concierge based we feel that some of you out there would like the option to ‘self manage’ services hosted with us from time to time.

We have been busy bee’s this weekend moving DixonBaxi’s hosting services over to us. All done and time for a coffee. You can check them out here: DixonBaxi.com

Working away in preperation for this weekends big mail system upgrade… The update should be live for you all Monday morning.

Here is some of the new features to expect:

Updated Webmail

The 83 webmail client has been improved to provide a new fresh look with additional features that enhance the overall experience for a user accessing their mail.

A new skin called Oceano has been added to complement the existing Mondo skin. This skin is better suited for low bandwidth connections, providing a passive blue backdrop.

Version 6 webmail also includes an array of improvements, particularly for the iPhone/iPad and mobile devices.

Cloud Storage (WebDAV Support)

It is now possible to use 83 as a cloud storage provider. Mailbox owners are able to access their “My Files” folder as a network drive over the WebDAV protocol. Mailbox owners can store photos and documents from their computer or phone (using products like NetDrive™ and other WebDAV clients). For example, a person can take a photo with their iPhone and immediately save it to MyFiles.

Inline YouTube Player

Now when users receive mail that contains YouTube video links in the message, webmail detects that they’re YouTube videos and will show them as selectable thumbnails. Users can select and watch those videos right there and then, within the message body!

Users don’t even have to go to the YouTube website in order to watch these videos, and yet still have full control over the player (i.e. play, pause, adjust volume, view in fullscreen, etc.).

Stream MP3 Files

Webmail has been enhanced to allow interactive/inline streaming of audio files (MP3). Messages containing MP3 file attachments can now be streamed inline within the webmail client.

Webmail users are also able to stream MP3 files directly from within their “My Files” storage folders.

The audio player responsible for playing the MP3 file appears in an unobtrusive place to all the user to go about their work and continue to use the webmail client to do other things, such as viewing/composing new messages, appointments, contacts, tasks, etc.

This feature requires the Adobe® Flash® Player be installed on the client machine.

Export Contacts

Users can now export all their contacts to a file (Outlook compatible CSV format) with a simple click of a button. Extra fields are also now supported for imports.

Send a Contact Card as a vCard Attachment

Webmail users can now send a contact card for one of the contacts in their contacts list.

This can be done by simply right-clicking on a contact in the Contacts list and selecting the corresponding action to send as a vCard. This will then open up a new message compose screen with the vCard already attached to the message.

Add New Contacts On Send

Webmail users now have the ability to add new contacts to their Contacts list after sending an message.

When the option is turned on (under webmail’s “Mail” Options section) webmail will prompt the user to add any new contacts to their address book after a message has been sent.

Users have the ability to select which e-mail addresses to add and also specify first/last names for the new contacts.

Enforce Spellchecking Before Sending

Webmail now has the ability to enforce spellchecking for every e-mail before it is sent.

When the option is turned on (under webmail’s “Mail” Options section) the “Send” button on the message compose page will be changed to “Check Spelling”.

Only when the spellchecking process has completed will the user be able to send off the e-mail.

Everything else

Were in having a nose at cable routes and discussing the best positioning of repeaters to get that sweet, sweet wifi coverage….

Link to our WWDC profile is here

Click on the write / edit review button at the top adjacent to our logo.

Thanks..

Good website copywriting captures your audience’s attention, draws them further into your website and makes them more likely to return in the future.

Research shows that people read websites differently to the way they read leaflets or other handheld collateral; visitors want to find information quickly online and pages will be skimmed swiftly with attention paid to headings, bold text, underlined links etc. These features may not transfer easily from existing offline company literature, and so all text should be checked for web compatibility before it is placed on your website.

As our copywriting service intends to boost your website conversion rates, we aim to present your business message in a way that personally addresses the needs of your potential customers, instead of simply itemising the features of your products or services. The language and vocabulary will, when possible, mirror the language and vocabulary used by your target audience, giving them all the information they may need before they make a decision.

Depending on your requirements, you may want to provide testimonials, portfolio examples, client lists, features and reviews, celebrity endorsements or press releases which can all be copy-checked as part of our service.

Websites with unclear wording can be as frustrating as those with unclear navigation! Above all, your visitors want to establish whether your website is trustworthy and well written copy demonstrates credibility and authority.

To enquire about our copywriting service for your press release, mailer, new or existing website contact us here

Here at 83, we are making some important changes and I just wanted to take a moment to let you know how these changes will affect you!

We are completely revamping our support procedure with a new ticket-based system built into our existing billing and services structure. This will create a more streamlined system where you can access ALL your account information, ensuring a quicker response to all support enquiries and a faster turnaround time.

Introducing my.83.io (the new place to go for ALL billing and support needs)

The old billing system has been completely overhauled to include a support portal; this entire billing and support system will now be known as My 83.

It is important for all clients to visit http://my.83.io and check that their contact details are all up-to-date. If you cannot remember your details, please use the ‘forgot password’ link to receive a new temporary password.

How the new support procedure works:

From now on, your first port of call for ALL support enquiries should be support@83.io, which will automatically email you back AND create a support ticket on your account. All correspondence relating to your enquiry should then have the support ID in the title; this will allow a history of the issue to be saved on your account, enabling the engineers to work through your enquiry.

All support tickets created are linked to your account through your email address; this means that any tickets created are stored on your account and a history can be built up. This can be accessed at any time and will aid future support.

Should you need to, you can add a back up email address to your account (hotmail or yahoo, for example). To do so, simply click ‘Add Contact’ once you are logged onto my 83.

HOWEVER – you can still give 83 a call for support enquiries, and we will create a ticket for you.

The site is a bit of a beast in terms of scale but rained in by good use of a CMS (Drupal in this case)

Check out the site here: Inition.co.uk

The site will be in our portfolio soon

When your email is hosted with 83, you can also take advantage of our option to synchronise and share your calendar with our advanced mail system.

This means that, as with your email, all data held in your calendar is backed-up and can be instantly restored in the event of a system failure.

Appointments can be synchronised across all mobile and desktop platforms, and accessed from our webmail interface. All calendars can then be shared and managed from within the same domain.

A unique password is set up for each account, and sent to you once created. We keep a secure record of your password, and so please contact us should you need it to be re-issued.

General Calendar settings:

Account Type: Cal-DAV
Server address: mail.83.io
User Name: youremail@yourdomain.com
Password: password
Advanced / Use SSL: SSL OFF
Port: 8008

Open iCal and from the menu choose ‘iCal’ then ‘Prefrences’.

In the accounts tab click the + symbol to add a new calendar.
You can use Automatic type or CalDAV.

Refer to setting above to complete the process.

iPhone and iPad set-up instructions:

Requirements

Syncing via CalDAV is only available for Apple devices running software version 3.0 or above.
Learn more about checking the software version on your device.

Getting Started:

To sync with your device, follow these steps:

• Open the Settings application on your device’s home screen.
• Open Mail, Contacts, Calendars.
• Select Add Account…
• Select Other.
• Select Add CalDAV Account.
• In the Server field, enter mail.83.io
• In the Username field, enter your full email address.
• In the Password field, enter your email password.
• In the Description field, enter the name that you’d like to appear on the account.
• Select Next at the top of your screen.

After you’ve completed setup, open the Calendar app on your device and syncing will begin automatically.

View your calendar on the go:

Just log into webmail and click on Calendar in the top menu

URL: http://webmail.83.io
Username: youremail@yourdomain.com
Password: password

View and manage colleges and other calendars:

To add another account calendar to your desktop application or device follow the same instructions again swapping the details for the particular account that access is required to.

Formed in 2001, Inition is a pioneering creative 3D technology and production company. Specialising in experiential 3D production, 3D technology sales and creative services including 3D filming, 3D printing and 3D scanning.

Being the second project we have completed for Inition, this full ground up rebuild of their site includes an extensive CMS, some rather advanced Database stuff and a couple of cleaver goings on behind the scenes.

Need I say any more?

• Download ‘Classic FTP’ for MAC
• Download ‘Classic FTP’ for Windows

Please avoid using either Firefox’s or any other browsers built in FTP application!

Below are the default settings for connecting to any FTP acount created on 83.

Server Address: ftp.83.io
User Namer: yourdomain.com
Password: accountpassword

At 83, all our email hosting accounts use IMAP4 technology.

IMAP’s most important feature is its ability to automatically synchronise emails on all your devices; this means that you can send an email from your phone and instantly see the same sent message on your desktop.

The second important feature of IMAP is its ability to save a copy of all your emails on our servers, and back them up daily. This means that if you were to lose your phone, or if your desktop crashes, all you need to do is long onto webmail from any PC, and instantly have all your email to hand.

A unique password is set up for each account, and sent to you once created. We keep a secure record of your password, and so please contact us should you need it to be re-issued.

Incoming Settings:

Account Type: IMAP
Incoming Mail Server: mail.83.io
User Name: youremail@yourdomain.com
Password: password
Advanced / Use SSL: SSL OFF
Port: 143

Outgoing Settings:

Server Name: mail.83.io
Advanced / SSL: SSL OFF
Port: 25 / 465 / 587
Use security for outgoing mail: YES
Authentication Type: Password
Username: youremail@yourdomain.com
Password: password

Webmail:

URL: http://webmail.83.io
Username: youremail@yourdomain.com
Password: password

At present were being busy beavers on two very fresh projects. One big and one small, but both equally as awesome (If we do say so…)!

Id love to show them off but youll all just have to wait. Watch this space.

Visit the live site snapshot here.

Screengrab Gallery:

Working with our fiends at both 16oz and Inition we were commissioned to build a brand new site from the ground up. were pretty happy with the results…

See the live site here.

Screenshot gallery:

WeAreSeventeen:
We have a great long lasting relationship with 17. Since their creation back when we were just fledglings ourselves, we have hosted, built and maintained their website, not to mention email & FTP hosting and support. They’re also brilliant designers and have created some wonderful things. Check them out here.

Testimonial: 83 exceeded our expectations we had for our site in terms of ease of use and functionality. It looked exactly as we had envisaged and it works like a dream. Working with Phase83 was a really good experience, we were listened to, advised, looked after and always felt a strong sense of partnership during the project and also beyond – their aftercare is second to none.
George Alexander – Managing Director – WeAreSeventeen Ltd.

We hope you like the fresher us and welcome any comments (see below to leave a comment)

See a snapshot of the live site here.

Snapshot Gallery:

As a warmup to our new site we thought we give you all the gift of short URL’s….. Similar to other URL shorteners available, the only difference with ours is, if your currently hosted on our servers, we can implement the service on your domain, meaning you can send out neat and tidy, short URL links to clients whilst looking that little bit more ‘pro’…
As and example, here is a short link to the longest domain name in the world… http://83.io/60

We were first introduced to Michael and his team at 16oz a couple of years back. I was going to write here about how talented Michael and is ‘crew’ are but I strongly recommend you see for yourself and watch their reel here. It was a privilege for us to be able to build the website for you.

Screenshot gallery:

Current superseded by Version 3.

Screenshot Gallery:

We were involved with the site from its inception with no visitors and built it up to a sellable and highly valued SEO rich site.

Bruce Dunlop & Associates: We have a lot to thank BDA for, they gave us the kick we needed in the very beginning to get ourselves startind in business. Cheers Bruce, Honor, Paul, Chris. Since way back we have helped BDA on some projcts and cant wait for the opotunity to lend a hand in the future.

Testemonial: We would highly recommend Phase 83 for web design, hosting and management. As a small business starting out they took a huge weight off our minds. Listening carefully to our vision and looking in detail at our design, they created pixel for pixel everything we had hoped for.
They are always a helping hand via email and phone no matter how big or small the query. They deliver a very friendly and personal service. We intend to remain with phase 83 for as long as our company is running.
Emma Hopkins and Ian Macklin

Here at 83, we are prepared to deliver combined online marketing strategies, such as Pay Per Click (PPC), Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) or email marketing and banner campaigns. We can provide specific and tailored strategies, using your business and organisational needs; we can respond to your target market, generate targeted traffic and create overall brand awareness to enhance your online presence.

Easily maintain your website, If your site requires updates on a regular basis, then take control of your website with our flexible content management system.
You can change the content on your website whenever you want. Intuitive interfaces mean that no technical knowledge is necessary.

Web

We have built a lot of sites and were very proud of them. Today its seems everyone and their brother can design and build websites, however we pride ourselves on the level of quality we insist on for all sites we design and develop. In addition we can comprehensively streamline your website for the best results in search engines (SEO). Why not take a look at our

Is my website is professional looking, fresh and easily updatable?
How easily can I update it with latest news, new products and services?
Is my website a good representation of my business?
What is the feedback of my friends/family/channel partners and customers on the look and feel of my existing website?

The core of 83’s technology is to create, develop and maintain intuitive websites that are easy to navigate; your customers can arrive where you want them in as few clicks as possible. We make sure that all your key information is where it should be, and create confidence in you and your products or services.

Much of our work is directly generated through personnel recommendation; for examples, please view our portfolio.

83’s Web Design and Development Process:

• Consultation

A free consultation process will take place to identify the time frame and scope of your project, and the best communication channel for you will be identified .

• Analysis

Using this identified consultation channel, we will discuss with you the aims and objectives of your website. The core needs for your website, such as target markets/audience, unique selling point etc, as well as your business and competitors will be detailed thoroughly  and your input and suggestions taken into account. The most appropriate web development technologies will be taken into account.

• Website Proposal

Based on this analysis, 83 will put together a design proposal for your approval detailing what we will do, how we will do it and the total cost for you.

If you accept our proposal, we will issue you an invoice for a deposit of 50% of the cost and will begin work on your site upon receipt of your deposit.

• Planning and Application

83 will assign you with your own project manager to communicate with you whilst your site is being designed. This project manager will update you with all progress as the process goes on. The first stage of planning and application is the development of the branding for your site; this includes a logo (which you will choose from a selection), before an initial screenshot of your site is designed which aims to show you how the site will look once it is finished.

Once this is agreed with you, the development of coding begins (in accordance with the original proposal).

• Website Testing

Once the website has been completed, it will be tested on our local web server. Our developers and your project manager will test and check for any errors.

• Final Testing

Your project manager will meet with you to go over your site in detail; every single step of how  to manage the site yourself will be explained to ensure that you are happy with the results.

• Website Launching

After final testing, and once you are fully satisfied and happy with your website, we will send you the final invoice. Upon payment of this final invoice, your site will go live on its own domain name and will be ready to use.

Website Re-Design

In today’s web world, it is not enough to merely have a web presence. Your website should be reliable and properly convey the benefits that your products and services offer.

Website visitors should be convinced to take positive actions, such as making purchase decisions, completing a contact form to get in touch, requesting product or signing up to your newsletters.

If your current website does not fulfill these needs, or is not generating leads or business for you, then it could be time for you to look for a redesign.

At 83, you can work with website redesign experts to help you meet your goals. This could include a more sophisticated and elegant look, updated content, an enhanced layout, search engine optimization, more functionality, all of these or many more…

At 83, our creative web design team offers the best redesign service that will not only improve the graphic look, but also the overall usability and creditability of your existing online presence.

Our experts will share your visions and achieve outstanding results from your goals.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Is my website professional-looking and fresh?
• How easily can I update the latest news, products and services?
• Is my website a good representation of your business?
• What feedback have customers and friends or family given on the look and feel of your existing website?

In many ways you could say our main product is customer support. It’s what we work on the hardest.

Beyond fast speeds, amazing technology, and great uptime records we realise that we must judge our success on how well we have supported our clients. It’s really what matters the most in business today.

We Promise:

• To be accessible, friendly, and helpful at all times.
• To never place you in a phone cue when you call.
• Reply to your emails and support tickets within 1 hour.
• To provide timely information regarding System Incidents.
• And lastly, we promise to listen.

We value customer feedback. Please give us a report card on how we’re doing.
We want to know the good, the bad, and everything in-between. We’re listening.

Should be ready in the next couple of weeks and more photos to follow….

We process over 18,000 messages per day for our clients and filter more than 6,000 spam messages. With access to all the latest e-mail protocols such as IMAP4 and a 100% uptime since we started out, your best bet to keep the mail flowing is to let us handle your mail server needs…. We will also support your mobile devices such as iPhones and set you up to send and receive mail on the go on almost any device, anywhere you may happen to be in the world.

Website Hosting

Hosting on Phase83 servers gives you two major benefits…
1: Probably the fastest browsing experience for your site available in the UK, with over 3GB/s bandwidth available to your site no matter how many people are visiting, there’s no hold up… This huge bandwidth also allows you to put greater quality video on your site and allow HUGE downloadable files if need be..
2: 100% uptime since our launch in 2005.

FTP

If you send and receive a lot of files to and from clients, we have an FTP system your going to love. Our clients regularly see up to 2.5MB/s true upload and even greater download speeds. With plans that cover unlimited storage and file transfer.

What We Offer

Kudos Web Design provides a professionally managed and intensive hosting solution based on Microsoft Windows or Red Hat Linux servers. Together with our hosting partner Rackspace™, Europe’s fastest growing hosting company with their Zero Downtime Network Guarantee and Fanatical Support™, we provide unequalled network and server uptime and network management services.

Together we provide the necessary superstructure – web, application and database servers, network devices, bandwidth and managed services – needed to run any hosted solution. You can have the confidence of knowing your website will be hosted in state-of-the-art, secure data centres, watched over by certified staff in a secure environment

You will benefit from incredibly quick responses to critical issues 24/7/365, guaranteed network uptime, unrestricted technical phone support and other business critical support features. You will also benefit from our daily back up routine that will keep a back up of your website for 2 weeks.

Just completed… See it here

Soon PHASE83 will become just 83, its not too exiting news but was well worth mentioning. This will follow with a URL change to the site and all our email addresses. New domain TBC. The old ‘phase83.com’ will of course still receive our email and redirect any sites and sub sites to the new URL.

Should be ready in the next couple of weeks and more photos to follow….

Superceeded by version 2 and then version 3.

LIVE from London fashion week, we helped bring you the Christopher Kane show…
In a network consultant role (to Grand Visual) we insured the event’s live stream actually made it out without a hitch.

With many A-Listers such as ????????? and ????????? at the event, not to mention nemerous amounts of press photographers, our aim was to keep low key at the event and stream live the catwalk event online without getting too ‘in the way’.

A couple of weeks of reccies and setting up days in advance we pulled it off… (Well I haven’t seen my mush in the background of any newspapers playing with cables… yet…

We would like to offer a thanks to the IT staff at Westminster University and Grand Visual who gave us the opportunity to help out with the live stream event.

With many A-Listers such as ????????? and ????????? at the event, not to mention nemerous amounts of press photographers, our aim was to keep low key at the event and stream live the catwalk event online without getting too ‘in the way’.

A couple of weeks of reccies and setting up days in advance we pulled it off… (Well I haven’t seen my mush in the background of any newspapers playing with cables… yet…

We would like to offer a thanks to the IT staff at Westminster University and Grand Visual who gave us the opportunity to help out with the live stream event.