Techies and web hosting industry experts are at odds over the definition of ‘cloud computing’.

Earlier this month, Orcon announced the launch of a cloud computing service for small to medium businesses, claiming it was the first locally developed service in the New Zealand.

Cloud computing or hosting refers to scalable and virtual web hosting options, where servers, including virtual servers, were created and used ‘on demand’. This allowed customers the freedom to pay only for what they used, with added data storage capable of being added without needing new computer infrastructure.

Iconz chief executive Sean McDonald disputed Orcon’s claims and said his company entered the market in October 2008. Iconz did not specifically offer ‘cloud’ computing, but Mr McDonald said the service it provided was essentially the same thing.

He said ‘cloud’ computing or hosting was one of the buzz phrases currently receiving industry hype, but could be misinterpreted. He believed that one of the problems was that anyone with a reasonable size server could state they were a cloud provider.

Xero founder Rod Drury said local cloud services had been available in New Zealand since around 2000 from companies including Datacom and Abacom. He believed the trend would become more mainstream as broadband continued to develop and improve, but conceded the use of the term was also “probably a bit of cheeky marketing”.

Orcon spokesman Duncan Blair said the company was standing by claims and the definition of cloud computing as ‘dynamically scalable and virtual servers’.

If you’re a customisation geek, Google is offering to further satisfy your appetite for styley backgrounds even more with its newest range of Google Chrome themes

With Google Chrome themes from designers like Anna Sui, Donna Karen and Kate Spade (pictured), as well as a range of cool cartoon and pop culture inspired motifs to choose from, you can be sure your Chrome browser will never look less then geek-a-liciously gorgeous again.

Google Chrome is currently only for Windows Vista/XP SP3 users. A Mac-friendly version is said to be on the way.

Do you know your Firefox from your Safari? Your Chrome from your Opera? Do you know what web browser you use when you use the Internet?

A link was sent to me today to this cool little website, brought to us by ‘some folks at Google’. The back story is that when Google launched Chrome they did a survey in Times Square in New York, asking more than 50 passersby of different ages and backgrounds one seemingly simple question:

As you’ll see if you check out the video footage the results are pretty embarrassing, and the What Browser? website offers a quick snapshot and overview of what exactly a browser is for anyone too embarrassed to ask…

I’m happy to admit I actually learned a thing or two myself!

Get ready to crack out your fatigues and black face paint, because Search Engine Boot-Camp is right around the corner.

Okay, it probably won’t be completely necessary to get army-styled up for the workshop, hitting Auckland October 2. But those attending will be given all the tactical knowledge they’ll need to survive and thrive in the virtual jungle that is search engine marketing.

This will be the third year Search Engine Boot-Camp has been held in Auckland, programmed with marketing executives in mind and aimed to help you understand why you need to be directing your marketing budget towards the all powerful world of search and web promotion.

The one-day Boot-Camp held at the Auckland Hilton will give you all the tactical know how to put a paid search campaign into action, optimising you company website for organic search traffic.

Search Engine Boot-Camp will be divided into 12 sessions throughout the day, covering all the important search engine optimisation and pay per click search marketing techniques.

Highlights will include keyword research, search engine optimisation content creation, link building fundamentals, paid search optimisation, link building fundamentals, paid search optimisation, landing page optimisation, and more.

Also being held in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne in 2009, the Auckland even will be the only Search Engine Boot-Camp run in New Zealand.

Enlist now for a full day or a half day at the Search Engine Boot-Camp.

Chrome fans rejoice: Google has released several new features for its open source free web browser.

Chrome marked its one year anniversary earlier this month, and users can now personalise their browser with themes and wallpapers, and order and change the selection of website favourites that appear when they open a new tab.

Google has also tweaked its ‘omnibox’ feature, which combines the website address and search bar and adds icons to help users differentiate between suggested sites, searches, bookmarks and sites from their browsing history.

Product manager director Brian Rakowski says more than 30 million people worldwide use Chrome regularly. Chrome holds just under 3 percent of the global browser market, in comparison with Microsoft’s Internet Explorer which holds around 66 percent.

For developments coming up, the company plans to release beta versions of Chrome for Mac and Linux operating systems.

Plans to allow software developers to create applications for the browser are also scheduled to be in place by the end of the year.

Enviro-friendly Kiwis can safely dispose of their old PCs, computer bits and bobs, mobile phones and digital cameras at eDay this weekend.

eDay is a free computer recycling event being held in over 40 centres throughout New Zealand on Saturday, September 12. The event is expected to divert more than 1,000 tonnes of electronic waste (e-waste) from New Zealand landfills.

The event was launched in Wellington in 2006, when 54 tonnes of unused computer hardware was collected. The event has grown exponentially over the past three years, with communities jumping on board to dispose of their e-waste sustainably.

Recycling e-waste enables the recovery and reuse of valuable materials and ensures toxic materials are not buried in landfills.

E-waste items that can be disposed of include computer hardware, monitors, networking equipment such as modems and routers, scanners, keyboards, mice, speakers, laptops, printers, game consoles, toner and ink jet cartridges, mobile phones, fax machines, and digital cameras.

For more information on eDay and to find your nearest eDay drop off point visit the eDay website.

Some of Wellington’s most innovative technology companies and local industry stars are showing their skills at today’s Gadgets, Games and Geeks techfest.

The event offers an exciting opportunity for the public to see both the latest innovations, and catch-up on industry trends, developments and expertise.

Organised by Wellington IT networking association Unlimited Potential, Gadgets, Games and Geeks has established itself as the premier showcase and networking event for Wellington’s IT sector.

Local speakers at today’s event include Andy Satterthwaite – the executive producer of Sidhe, New Zealand’s only games maker with a high international profile. Sidhe’s latest release, Shatter, is one of the highest rated downloadable games for PlayStation.

Gadgets, Games and Geeks will be showcasing the latest gaming technology, software and other technologies and services.

Wellington companies featured include Instinct Entertainment, which has developed the world’s first ‘point and click’ mobile game creator, and Virtual Expos, the first mass market virtual event software to offer the ‘real-world’ feel of a live expo.

Gadgets, Games and Geeks is a free event and will run today from 4.30pm at the  St James Theatre, Courtenay Place.

So what’s new on NZS.com this week? Well, if you’re interested in advertising your website or business on social networking sites such as Facebook, read about the benefits and pitfalls in our latest Website Resource, Targeted Ads on Social Networks.

The latest featured sites showcasing New Zealand businesses include designer streetwear from 21 Grams, medical insurance brokers Medical Direct, Neuservice plumbing, and sexual health supplement providers Herbal Ignite.

Recent businesses to claim their websites and make the most of their Site Profile by adding contact details, links and marketing descriptions include Brightspark Consulting and Perfect Venue.

To claim your own website and add your business details visit the Website Resources section.

I’ve become obsessed with Professional Flossie this week, having stumbled upon the new Flossie channel after spotting a Twitter tip from editor Tee Twyford.

There’s been a shift in online communities and e-zines over the past couple of years, and websites and their spin-offs solely dedicated to professional women are on the rise. And they’re not the boring business related websites of yester-year. These online communities are for young, smart women who can run their own companies while donning fabulous designer heels.

Inspiring and engaging, while still maintaining an air of style, ProfessionalFlossie.com is designed to act as a one-stop-shop for female targeted career, business, personal development and money advice. Throwing in information on technology and trends, executive style, and interviews with real-life professional women for good measure, Professional Flossie incorporates hand-picked feeds of content from the Professional Flossie family to ensure fresh content daily.

Websites such as Australian Women Online, Career Mums, Entrepreneur-ette and savings guide offer some great advice and inspiration for business minded women, but my favourite site from the Professional Flossie family so far has got to be Snobs.

What can I say? The title speaks to me…

Snobs (an acronym for Social Network for Opportunistic Businesswomen) is an online magazine, social network, and resource for news, information and advice. With a fun 50’s style inspired twist, it’s a website that doesn’t take itself too seriously while still dishing out great advice.

As Professional Flossie editor Tee Twyford writes, you’ve only got one moment of coffee inhalation, so don’t waste it trawling the web or reading bad articles. These no-fluff, no bore, no ball-breakers websites are just what professional women everywhere have been looking for.

Want to join the rest of the 21st century and start selling your products and services online? There are now more e-commerce and retail management solutions available than you can shake a stick at, but how do you pick the payment gateway that’s right for you?

And with so many ways to accept credit card payments via your website, how can you ensure you’re getting a fair deal?

Choosing a payment gateway that’s right for you and your business can make or break your e-commerce venture. One of the main traps to avoid is getting locked in to excessive fees, so think about the long term costs and do your research to decide which payment gateway is going to be most cost effective and beneficial for your business over time.

Payment gateways can open up a whole new world of potential clients and customers, but choosing the right payment gateway from the get-go will ensure you see real returns