Our Services
With over two decades of expertise, Urbane Digital delivers tailored solutions across a wide spectrum of industries, specializing in production and scalable software systems. Urbane Digital excels in cloud infrastructure, API development, and high-performance architectures, crafting robust and scalable applications designed for growth. Their comprehensive services include end-to-end software development, systems integration, and continuous support to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies and industry best practices, Urbane Digital empowers businesses to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. From startups to large enterprises, Urbane Digital is committed to delivering innovative, reliable, and scalable software solutions.
Contact Us
We'd love to hear from you! Whether you have a question about our services, need a consultation, or just want to get in touch, please feel free to reach out. Use the contact form below or connect with us via phone or email.
Phone: 303-478-0837
Email: jballard@urbanedigital.com
News and Trends
Generative AI in Software Development: The Next Leap in 2024
Generative AI tools, like ChatGPT and DALL-E, are revolutionizing software development by automating code creation, bug fixes, and even UI design. In 2024, developers are adopting AI to rapidly prototype applications, optimize codebases, and enhance collaboration across teams. With advancements in AI, the line between human and machine-driven development is becoming increasingly blurred.
Quantum Computing: Preparing for Disruption
Quantum computing is no longer a futuristic dream. In 2024, tech companies and research institutions are investing heavily in quantum technologies to solve complex problems that classical computers struggle with. From encryption to drug discovery, quantum computers are expected to disrupt industries, and businesses are now preparing for its widespread impact.
AI-Driven Cybersecurity: Protecting Against Evolving Threats
As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, AI is playing a crucial role in bolstering cybersecurity defenses. In 2024, AI-driven systems are detecting anomalies, identifying zero-day vulnerabilities, and thwarting cyberattacks in real-time. Organizations are turning to AI to secure their networks and safeguard sensitive data from the increasing number of cyber threats.
Understanding Linear Regression: The Foundation of Predictive Modeling
Linear regression is one of the simplest yet most effective tools in data science. It is a statistical method that models the relationship between a dependent variable and one or more independent variables. By drawing a line that best fits the data, linear regression helps in making predictions and understanding the impact of each variable. This fundamental technique forms the backbone of many advanced machine learning models used in industries ranging from finance to healthcare.
Automation and AI: Redefining the Workplace
In 2024, AI and automation are transforming the workplace, streamlining processes and improving efficiency. From HR to finance, companies are leveraging AI to automate repetitive tasks and make data-driven decisions. The rise of AI-powered platforms is allowing employees to focus on higher-value work, reshaping the future of the workplace.
Sustainability in Data Centers: A 2024 Priority
With environmental concerns rising, data centers are focusing on sustainability in 2024. Companies are adopting energy-efficient technologies and reducing their carbon footprint by leveraging renewable energy sources. Major cloud providers are committing to green initiatives, ensuring that their operations are aligned with the growing demand for environmentally conscious business practices.
The Edge Computing Boom: Driving Innovation
Edge computing is entering a new phase of growth in 2024, as more companies deploy distributed networks to process data closer to the source. From smart cities to industrial IoT, edge computing reduces latency and enhances real-time decision-making. This trend is set to revolutionize industries by enabling faster and more reliable data processing at the edge.
The Metaverse in 2023: Beyond Hype and Into Reality
As the metaverse moves from buzzword to tangible platform, 2023 has seen significant advancements in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies. With immersive experiences in gaming, social interaction, and virtual workspaces, companies like Meta and Microsoft are leading the charge. The metaverse is shaping up to be the next frontier for digital engagement and interaction.
AI-Powered Healthcare: Transforming Diagnostics in 2023
Artificial intelligence is reshaping healthcare by enhancing diagnostic accuracy and speed. In 2023, AI-driven medical tools are empowering doctors to detect diseases at earlier stages and predict patient outcomes with greater precision. From AI-enabled imaging to predictive analytics, the healthcare sector is witnessing a transformation that could save millions of lives.
AI in 2023: Automating Business Workflows Like Never Before
In 2023, businesses are increasingly relying on AI to automate workflows, from customer service to supply chain management. AI tools are being used to optimize processes, improve decision-making, and reduce human error. This trend is helping companies scale their operations more efficiently while delivering better customer experiences and cutting costs.
The AI Revolution: Impact on Software Development in 2023
AI is transforming software development at an unprecedented rate. In 2023, AI tools like GitHub Copilot and OpenAI's Codex are revolutionizing code generation, testing, and optimization. Developers are leveraging AI to automate mundane tasks, write cleaner code, and accelerate the development process, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the software world.
Edge Computing and 5G: Unlocking New Possibilities in 2023
As 5G networks expand globally, edge computing is becoming a critical technology for reducing latency and enabling real-time data processing. In 2023, sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and autonomous vehicles are reaping the benefits of edge computing powered by 5G, allowing them to leverage cloud infrastructure without compromising on speed and performance.
AI-Powered Cloud Security: Trends to Watch
Cloud security has reached new heights in 2023 thanks to AI-powered threat detection systems. Machine learning models are now integral to identifying vulnerabilities, analyzing user behavior, and preventing data breaches. Organizations are increasingly adopting AI-based security solutions like AWS GuardDuty and Google Cloud Security Command Center to safeguard their infrastructures.
The Rise of Platform Engineering in DevOps
Platform engineering is emerging as a key practice within DevOps, providing developers with self-service tools to manage cloud infrastructure. By building internal platforms that automate processes like CI/CD and resource provisioning, platform engineering helps development teams focus on building and deploying software faster in cloud environments.
Web3 Development: How Blockchain is Shaping the Internet's Future
Web3, built on blockchain technology, is pushing the boundaries of decentralized applications (dApps). In 2023, developers are embracing Web3 technologies to build decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, NFTs, and distributed applications. With increased interest from tech giants and startups, Web3 is shaping the next iteration of the internet, promising more privacy, security, and user control.
AI and Data Science Convergence: A Powerful Duo in 2023
AI and data science have become inseparable, with AI algorithms heavily relying on vast datasets for accurate predictions and insights. In 2023, this convergence has led to new breakthroughs in personalized marketing, healthcare diagnostics, and predictive maintenance. Data scientists are increasingly using AI to process massive datasets and uncover valuable trends that drive business success.
Remote Work Security: How to Protect Distributed Teams
As remote work continues to be the norm in 2022, cybersecurity for distributed teams has taken center stage. With employees accessing company data from home networks, ensuring robust security practices, such as VPN usage, endpoint protection, and zero-trust models, is essential. Companies are increasingly adopting cloud security solutions to protect their remote workforce.
Automation in DevOps: Continuous Integration and Delivery
DevOps continues to evolve with a focus on automating every step of the software development lifecycle. In 2022, Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipelines are more automated than ever, from testing to deployment. Developers are leveraging tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI, and CircleCI to streamline their release processes and ensure faster, more reliable code delivery.
Sustainability in Cloud Computing: A Green Shift in 2022
Sustainability has become a key priority in cloud computing. Major cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure are committing to reducing their carbon footprints by optimizing energy usage and utilizing renewable energy sources. In 2022, businesses are increasingly choosing cloud providers that prioritize green practices to align with their sustainability goals.
Natural Language Processing: Unlocking AI's Potential in 2022
Natural Language Processing (NLP) has seen significant advancements in 2022, with AI models like GPT-3 leading the charge. NLP is revolutionizing customer service, content generation, and language translation, making interactions with AI more intuitive and human-like. Businesses are adopting NLP to enhance user experiences and automate communication tasks, from chatbots to sentiment analysis.
Automation in the Workplace: Post-Pandemic Trends in 2022
The post-pandemic shift toward remote and hybrid work models has accelerated the use of automation in the workplace. In 2022, businesses are leveraging automation tools for collaboration, project management, and workflow optimization. Tools like Asana, Trello, and Slack are empowering teams to maintain productivity and efficiency, no matter where they work from.
The Pandemic's Impact on Remote Work and Software Development
The COVID-19 pandemic has permanently changed the way software teams collaborate, with remote work becoming the norm. Development processes adapted to remote-first setups, relying heavily on cloud-based tools, asynchronous communication, and collaboration platforms like Slack and GitHub. As offices slowly reopen, hybrid work models are now common, blending in-office and remote work practices.
The Rise of Low-Code and No-Code Development Platforms
Low-code and no-code development platforms gained momentum in 2021, enabling non-technical users to build applications with minimal coding knowledge. These platforms, such as Microsoft PowerApps and Appian, democratized software creation, accelerating digital transformation and allowing businesses to rapidly prototype and deploy solutions without extensive developer involvement.
The Shift Toward Hybrid Cloud Infrastructure
Businesses are increasingly adopting hybrid cloud solutions to maintain flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Hybrid cloud combines on-premises infrastructure with public and private cloud services, giving organizations control over sensitive data while leveraging the scalability and innovation of cloud services. Key players like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud have expanded their hybrid offerings to meet demand.
Automation in Software Testing: The Key to Continuous Delivery
Automation has become critical in software testing, particularly for achieving continuous delivery. Tools like Selenium, Cypress, and Jenkins help automate testing across the CI/CD pipeline, reducing human error and increasing the speed of deployments. As more companies shift to DevOps models, automated testing is vital to maintaining product quality and shortening release cycles.
AI and Machine Learning in Healthcare During the Pandemic
AI and machine learning have played pivotal roles in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. From drug discovery to diagnostics, ML models have helped healthcare providers detect patterns, predict outbreaks, and streamline vaccine development. Notably, machine learning algorithms were employed in contact tracing, analyzing healthcare data, and predicting the efficacy of treatments.
Edge Computing and Its Impact on IoT Applications
Edge computing gained prominence in 2021, especially for IoT applications. By processing data closer to the source—at the edge of the network—edge computing reduces latency and improves real-time decision-making for connected devices. This has been particularly important for sectors like manufacturing, autonomous vehicles, and healthcare, where immediate responses to data are critical.
Securing Cloud Infrastructure Amid Increased Remote Work
The mass shift to remote work in 2020 created new security challenges for cloud infrastructure. As employees accessed critical systems from personal devices, ensuring robust security protocols became essential. Tools like zero-trust architecture, multi-factor authentication, and end-to-end encryption have become vital to protect cloud environments from increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.
Adapting to Work-From-Home Challenges in the Tech Industry
The rapid transition to work-from-home setups in 2020 posed both logistical and productivity challenges for the tech industry. Teams scrambled to adopt remote collaboration tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and GitHub for distributed development. Despite the challenges, many companies found that remote work was viable and productive, leading to long-term changes in how software teams operate.
Data Privacy in the Era of Increased Online Activity
The increase in online activity during the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns over data privacy. With remote work, virtual learning, and telemedicine on the rise, protecting user data has become critical. Governments and companies are pushing for stricter regulations, and businesses are adopting more robust data privacy policies to safeguard personal information.
DevOps: The Push Toward Full Automation
DevOps has continued its rapid adoption across the software industry, with a strong focus on full automation. Automation in CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure as code, and continuous monitoring has allowed organizations to deploy faster and reduce operational overhead. In 2020, DevOps teams are increasingly using containers and Kubernetes to orchestrate scalable cloud environments efficiently.
Serverless Architecture: 2020 and Beyond
Serverless architecture is gaining popularity in the cloud computing landscape, allowing developers to focus on code rather than infrastructure. With services like AWS Lambda, Azure Functions, and Google Cloud Functions, businesses can run backend code without worrying about provisioning or scaling servers. The trend is expected to accelerate in 2020 as companies embrace serverless for cost efficiency and agility.
Cybersecurity Trends to Watch
As cybersecurity threats continue to grow in complexity, 2020 will see organizations enhancing their security measures. Areas such as zero-trust architecture, AI-driven threat detection, and endpoint security are critical as businesses strive to prevent breaches and safeguard sensitive data. With the increase in IoT devices, ensuring security across distributed networks is also paramount.
Machine Learning Automation: The Future of AI in 2019
Machine learning (ML) automation is becoming an integral part of AI development. Automated ML platforms allow developers to deploy models more easily, enabling businesses to adopt AI faster. In 2019, tools like Google AutoML and Amazon SageMaker have streamlined the creation of machine learning models, opening doors for wider applications across industries.
Agile and DevOps: Bridging the Gap Between Development and Operations
Agile and DevOps methodologies have become essential for software development teams. While Agile focuses on iterative development and collaboration, DevOps integrates operations with development, enabling faster and more reliable deployments. In 2019, organizations are increasingly adopting both approaches to improve efficiency, speed, and collaboration across the software lifecycle.
Artificial Intelligence and Software Development in 2018
Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to make significant strides in software development. AI-powered tools are being used to optimize coding, testing, and deployment processes. In 2018, AI-driven code assistants and automated testing are becoming integral to the software development lifecycle, helping teams achieve faster time-to-market and improved quality assurance.
The Rise of DevOps and Continuous Integration in 2017
DevOps practices have become mainstream in 2017, with many organizations adopting Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD) pipelines to streamline software development. By automating the build and deployment processes, teams can ensure rapid, reliable releases and more effective collaboration between development and operations teams.
Blockchain Technology Revolutionizing Industries in 2017
Blockchain technology is revolutionizing industries in 2017, offering decentralized and secure transaction methods that are gaining popularity in sectors like finance, supply chain management, and healthcare. With its immutable ledger, blockchain provides transparency and security, making it a transformative technology for digital transactions and smart contracts.
The Impact of Machine Learning on Software Development in 2017
Machine Learning (ML) is no longer just a buzzword in 2017; it’s now a critical tool for enhancing software development processes. From predictive analytics to intelligent automation, ML algorithms are improving application performance and helping developers build smarter, more efficient systems.
The Expansion of Progressive Web Apps
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are continuing to gain momentum in 2017, offering a hybrid solution that combines the best features of mobile apps and websites. PWAs allow for faster loading times, offline access, and increased engagement without requiring users to install a native app, making them a popular choice for businesses looking to enhance their mobile presence.
Machine Learning: 2017's Game Changer for Software Development
Machine Learning continues to be a game-changer for software development in 2017, with AI-powered tools making strides in predictive analytics, recommendation engines, and automation. As machine learning frameworks become more accessible, developers are integrating these capabilities into everyday applications, reshaping the way software is built and used.
Cybersecurity: Emphasizing Data Privacy
With data breaches at an all-time high, 2016 saw a major shift toward prioritizing data privacy. Companies across various sectors are now implementing stronger encryption protocols, two-factor authentication, and enhanced security measures to safeguard user information from malicious actors and maintain compliance with evolving data regulations.
Adopting Cloud-Native Architectures
As businesses continue to migrate to the cloud, the adoption of cloud-native architectures has gained traction in 2016. These architectures allow companies to take full advantage of cloud environments, optimizing scalability, performance, and cost-efficiency. The shift to containerization and microservices is helping organizations build more resilient and agile systems.
Serverless Architecture Takes Off
In 2016, serverless architecture gained widespread adoption, particularly with the popularity of AWS Lambda. Serverless computing allows developers to deploy and scale applications without worrying about infrastructure management. This has significantly reduced operational overhead for companies and improved the time-to-market for new features and applications.
Cloud Storage for Mobile Apps: A 2016 Trend
As mobile apps continue to grow in complexity, the need for scalable storage solutions is critical. In 2016, many developers have turned to cloud storage platforms to handle the large amounts of data that apps require. From Amazon S3 to Google Cloud Storage, these services allow apps to scale effortlessly and deliver a seamless user experience, even as data requirements increase.
Web Hosting Upgrade
Urbane Digital has upgraded our web hosting servers for 2016! Existing clients will get a boost and new clients will experience top-notch performance guaranteed at 99.9999% uptime! Contact us if you are interested in learning more about our hosting options and to migrate your site today!
PHP Show All Errors
I have Googled this code snippet probably hundreds of times over the years. Here it is! Paste this at the top of a PHP page to see all errors on screen during debug: `error_reporting(E_ALL); ini_set('display_errors', '1');` This simple method will ensure you don’t miss any bugs while debugging your PHP applications.
Partnership – Orange Media Studios
Urbane Digital Consulting is proud to announce that we are partnering with Orange Media Studios, based in Miami, Florida. They’ve been leading web development in their region, and now we're excited to expand their reach westward while they help us in the Southeast. We are looking forward to an exciting collaboration and new opportunities.
AVG Weekend Deals
Weekend Deal: -30% off AVG PC TuneUp (2PC 2Y), AVG Internet Security (5 PCs 2Y), and AVG Internet Security Business (20 PCs 2Y). You can also enjoy a -20% discount on all AVG security products. Act fast to upgrade your protection with one of the leading names in the antivirus industry.
4 Hour Mini Consultation and Training Sessions
From 10/15/2013 through 12/15/2013, Urbane Digital Consulting is offering 4-hour mini consultation and training sessions at a discounted rate. Prices are $199 for remote consultation/training and $249 for on-site visits. Our developers and IT professionals will guide you through new technologies and get you up to speed.
We Partnered With AVG – Get Your Copy Here
We have been AVG users since day one on our Windows machines and it hasn’t let us down yet! That’s why we decided to partner with this top-tier company and offer their security solutions directly to our users. If you aren’t running AVG or using another solution, it’s time to upgrade your protection with AVG now!
WordPress – Contact Form 7 and Embedded Shortcodes
I found a great snippet of code in a forum shared by Takayuki Miyoshi, the developer behind Contact Form 7 for WordPress. This handy plugin allows you to run embedded shortcodes within Contact Form 7 forms, making it easier to create dynamic content. Here's the code to add this functionality to your WordPress site.
Saving Your iPhone From Water Damage
I can’t think of anything worse to do to your iPhone than putting it through a full cycle in the washing machine. Unfortunately, my wife failed to remove my iPhone from my pant pocket before washing them! But there are a few steps to recover your phone from water damage, and luckily I managed to save mine. Here’s what to do if it happens to you.
Spotify Client on Ubuntu 12.04
Ubuntu Linux is gaining popularity for both business and home use. It’s fast, reliable, and the user interface is intuitive. If you're running Ubuntu, you might miss out on some apps like Spotify. But don’t worry, here’s how you can install the Spotify client on Ubuntu 12.04 and enjoy your favorite music streams right from your desktop.
Apple’s Time Machine To The Rescue
I’ve been using Apple’s Time Machine for a while now, but I don’t really think about it much day-to-day. That was until my laptop started making strange noises, signaling a hard drive failure. Thankfully, Time Machine had all my data backed up, and I was able to restore everything without a hitch.
Upgrade to Windows 8 Pro On The Cheap
If you are ready to make the move up to Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 8, you still have a few days left to get it really cheap. Microsoft is offering their flagship OS for nearly nothing until February 28, 2013. I purchased a machine in December 2012 with Windows 7 Pro, which qualified me for a free upgrade.
Ditch The In House Email Server
Many businesses have opted for in-house email servers, with Microsoft Exchange being a popular choice. However, this requires significant IT resources and costly licensing. With growing internet bandwidth needs and the risk of server downtime, it’s time to consider moving to cloud-based email solutions for better efficiency and reliability.
FreshBooks Cloud Accounting
Accounting can be one of the biggest challenges for small businesses, especially during start-up and growth. FreshBooks cloud accounting simplifies invoicing, expense tracking, and more. We’ve been using it for a year with great results. Its intuitive interface is perfect for small businesses seeking a streamlined accounting solution.
Google Maps For iOS 6
When I upgraded to iOS 6 last month on my iPhone, I was disappointed to find that Google Maps was replaced by “Apple Maps”. Initially, I was impressed with the real-time voice guidance and new features, but after further use, I missed the accuracy and usability of Google Maps. Fortunately, Google has now released its own Maps app for iOS 6.
Google Apps Email and Voice For Small Business
Google provides a comprehensive email solution for small businesses at just $5 per user per month. This plan includes 25 GB of storage, calendar integration, Google Docs, and mobile syncing. In my experience, this solution is highly cost-effective and offers the tools necessary for smooth business operations.
Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2)
Amazon EC2 is my new favorite tool. It offers a flexible and scalable solution for running on-demand Linux or Windows instances. You can adjust the instance’s performance as needed, which makes it ideal for businesses looking to scale their server resources without long-term commitments.