QR Codes – How can your Company Benefit from Using a 2D Bar Code?

Steve Demby — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:33:47 +0000

QR Codes – What are they?

Quick Response (QR) Codes are two dimensional bar codes that are read by QR barcode readers. Though they are similar to the standard barcode that we’re used to seeing when making purchases, QR codes can hold thousands of alphanumeric character information versus standard bar codes that can only hold up to 20 numerical digits. The codes can be used to display information such as text, images, URL’s and can also create text messages or emails.

So Why Do Businesses Like Them?

Many businesses like QR codes because they are extremely inexpensive to create yet can help enhance the customer experience. There are many websites that create URL encoded 2D codes for free. The only expenses incurred would be for printing and distributing the code.

There are many mobile apps available for iPhone, Android and Blackberry phones that can scan/read these codes. Examples are NeoReader, Optiscan, AT&T Code Scanner and Tap Reader.

How are companies using them?

Originally created by the Japanese company Denso-Wave in 1994 for the purpose of tracking vehicle parts, the popularity of QR codes has increased in recent years because of the many different ways you can use them.

Here are a few examples how companies currently use QR codes:

Popular magazine companies display QR codes on their front covers, that takes readers to a mobile webpage where they can read additional articles and information that’s not contained the print version.
Major Airlines are now using QR codes for mobile boarding passes.
Construction companies such as Volvo Rents (one of our clients), are starting to place these codes on their equipment. Users can scan the code to view installation instructions, equipment specifications documents, videos, or to begin the rental reservation process.
They are a quick way to send users to mobile Customer Feedback forms
The codes are an easy way to provide directions to your business
Many companies are adding QR codes to their websites, where you can scan the code to download their mobile applications
Companies take users to pages where they click LIKE buttons for Facebook, Twitter, Google+.

How can QR Codes Help your Business?

As shown above, QR codes can be for a variety of purposes to help you get information quickly to your customers and their feedback.

Successfully gaining users to LIKE your social media pages or click the Google+ button for your website, can greatly increase your companies online presence, and help your website to return higher in search engines.
Use QR codes to assist with marketing campaigns and present them with Call to Actions that result in profits to your business.

Whenever you use a QR code, make sure you explain the purpose of the code so non-technical uses understand their purpose.

What is OpenID and should I use OpenID on my website?

Steve Demby — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:39:09 +0000

OpenID is an alternative to the traditional way users log into a website. It is an open, decentralized means of authentication and access control, which allows users to log into several websites using the same credentials. These credentials come in the form of a unique URL. (e.g. myspace.com/username). This id is then authenticated by the user’s OpenID provider (here is a list of OpenID providers) which returns a message back with the result of the authentication. A few well known OpenID providers are Google, MySpace, WordPress, Yahoo, and AOL. Unfortunately, Facebook has yet to become an OpenID provider, however they do have their own authentication API, Facebook Connect, which allows users to log into your site using their facebook credentials. Based on Facebooks recent adoption of usernames, it is likely they will become an OpenID provider in the not too distant future.

Businesses benefit from using OpenID because it facilitates reduced cost for password and account management. It gives the user more control over their login, which can increase a sites visitor registration conversion rates. Users can also rid themselves of the hassle of needing multiple usernames for each website they visit, improving their productivity online. Most sites provide users with the option to login regularly with a username/password or with their OpenID. In this case, the user must first associate themselves to this id by adding their openID to their user account.

Originally developed in May 2005, OpenID has been gaining in popularity and usage. There are currently over 500 million OpenIds on the web. Sites such as Google, Myspace, AOL, WordPress, Yahoo, Sears and Facebook all allow OpenID authentication. Users can then use their Myspace credentials or myspace OpenID (myspace.com/username) to log in to 3rd party sites that have the OpenID capability. Many sites such as MySears.com allow for users to register via OpenID by authenticating them against their favorite social networking sites’ user credentials. See image below. Relevant user information (i.e. address, phone number) can be retrieved from the OpenID provider during this process.

If you’d like more information on OpenID or would like a estimate on integrating OpenId or Facebook Connect into your website, please contact us.