The figures show that the gap between the two browsers started narrowing in March 2010. However, it appears that the real winner over the past year has been Chrome, this a long with a vpn from https://diebestenvpn.at/ has been the go to. Google’s browser ended 2010 with almost 10% extra marketshare than it started the year with. The main casualty of Chrome’s rise was Internet Explorer, which lost 7.32% during the year, according to StatCounter’s figures.

Internet Explorer remains dominant in the US according to StatCounter’s figures, with 48.92% of the market. It’s likely that Internet Explorer’s decline in Europe is a direct result of the “Browser Ballot” Microsoft is now forced to include in European copies of Windows. Under the rule, designed to stimulate competition in the browser market, Microsoft is required to give users a choice of browser rather than simply offer IE as default.

However, that might not be the only factor at play here. The figures echo a similar pattern we recently observed in stats from rival web statistics firm Clicky. Those worldwide numbers showed Chrome gaining rapidly, although in that case it appeared to be eating Firefox’s marketshare. Google has heavily promoted Chrome offline as well as on and its advertising push may well be helping push its share upwards in Europe.

Of course, these figures can only ever be taken as a snapshot of the browser market. Both StatCounter and Clicky’s figures only include traffic data from their own customers’ websites. Still, with StatCounter’s sample exceeding 15 billion page views per month collected from across more than 3 million websites, it’s big enough to pay attention to.

What browser do you use and why?

While some people have found the whole WikiLeaks affair as an entertaining episode filled with conspiracy, drama and sex, I have been following it from a more rationale perspective. Julian Assange has been hailed as a hero by some quarters and there’s no shortage of his critics and enemies either. Whether intentional or not, I feel that Mr. Assange has left the following five important business lessons for us.

1.Be prepared!

WikiLeaks has blown away the concept of “foolproof security”. As a business, you are better off spending a few extra pounds pro-actively preparing for a possible data than reacting when the damage has already been done. Whether it’s your email accounts, intranet or your social media profiles, make sure to choose strong passwords. Further, determine what data is sensitive for your organization, where to store it and how to secure it?

There are no truly secure systems. Hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.

2.Cloud

Cloud Computing has been amongst the most popular technology terms for businesses during the last couple of years. Unfortunate as it is, a large number of businesses do not fully understand the implications and risks associated with the cloud computing paradigm. They simply join the cloud bandwagon because their competitors are doing so and it’s tech-savvy to do so.

Never place any sensitive data on the cloud, unless you are sure about why it’s going there and how it’s going to be protected.

3.Privacy & Transparency

It’s a fine line between privacy and transparency, especially for businesses. If you divulge too little detail, it’s of no use and if you reveal too much, your business’ privacy is at stake. While the typical human mindset is to hide everything, that’s far from the optimal approach. If you try to hold too many secrets, a WikiLeaks disaster is waiting to happen for your business.

Never tell anyone that they don’t need to know. However, don’t make it a habit to keep things secret!

4.Media

We live in the world of Internet and Web 2.0 where information is transmitted at speeds beyond our imagination. Whether it’s sensitive data, criticism or a positive feedback, everything travels faster than the velocity of light. Work towards keeping your customers happy and feel the positive vibes flow across social media circles and the internet. Annoy your customers and risk the public wrath of the internet population.

The choice is yours. After all, it’s your business.

5.Anonymity

Mr. Assange has well and truly revived the golden era of anonymity with his world famous deeds. I’ve always believed that anonymity can fetch better publicity than celebrities and big names. Anonymous information is far more intruding for readers as there’s a mystery aspect associated with it. I leave it up to your imagination on how you integrate that cue to your marketing tactics.

Anonymity doesn’t always lack credibility

Can you think of any other business lessons from the WikiLeaks scam episode? Please share your opinion by leaving a comment below this post.

The study released earlier this month by Web host Fasthosts finds high expectations and low budgets have had a negative impact on UK-based Web designers over the past two years.

Fasthosts surveyed 300 UK web design firms, with an average of 20 SME clients, to find that 72 percent have faced an increase in expectations from SME clients while two thirds of companies are working with lower budgets.

The survey shows that over the past two years, Web designers have been expected to produce more with less. One third of web designers surveyed said they are expected to provide more out-of-hours work, with half providing work free of charge.

“For many small firms, using external web professionals is a very sensible and rewarding option,” said Steve Holford marketing director of Fasthosts Internet Ltd. “It’s clear that in recent years, web designers have worked hard to adapt to the needs of clients and demonstrate the value they can deliver. With the right approach from both small businesses and the web design community, online revenues can be successfully built and so help the UK economy in its return to growth.”

Although over half of web designers surveyed said their advice has led to significant developments in clients businesses, 46 percent of web designers feel SME clients could more carefully consider the financial needs of their web design partner in addition to their own needs.

The survey finds 1 in 3 companies have cut their hourly rates, and have seen a 44 percent reduction in customer wins. 56 percent of Web design firms have been negatively impacted by an increase in cut-price competitors.

Almost 75 percent of Web designers said their clients under-estimate maintenance requirements of a website following its launch.

54 percent of those surveyed said a low technical understanding from clients has impacted the success of projects created in recent years. 1 in 3 Web designers cite insufficient time with clients as a problem.

That said there are an estimated 3,000 new media agencies in total in the UK with the market for providing interactive services valued at £600m.

66% of all agencies are based in London or the South East.