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According to IBM Research: “Software development refers to a set of computer science activities dedicated to the process of creating, designing, deploying and supporting software.” Software itself is the set of instructions or programs that tell a computer what to do. It is independent of hardware and makes computers programmable. There are three basic types: System software to provide core functions such as operating systems, disk management, utilities, hardware management and other operational necessities. Programming software to give programmers tools such as text editors, compilers, linkers, debuggers and other tools to create code. Application software (applications or apps) to help users perform tasks. Office productivity suites, data management software, media players and security programs are examples. Applications also refers to web and mobile applications like those used to shop on Amazon.com, socialize with Facebook or post pictures to Instagram.1 A possible fourth type is embedded software . Embedded systems software is used to control machines and devices not typically considered computers — telecommunications networks, cars, industrial robots and more. These devices, and their software, can be connected as part of the Internet of Things (IoT).2 Software development is primarily conducted by programmers, software engineers and software developers. These roles interact and overlap, and the dynamics between them vary greatly across development departments and communities. Programmers, or coders , write source code to program computers for specific tasks like merging databases, processing online orders, routing communications, conducting searches or displaying text and graphics. Programmers typically interpret instructions from software developers and engineers and use programming languages like C++ or Java to carry them out. Software engineers apply engineering principles to build software and systems to solve problems. They use modeling language and other tools to devise solutions that can often be applied to problems in a general way, as opposed to merely solving for a specific instance or client. Software engineering solutions adhere to the scientific method and must work in the real world, as with bridges or elevators. Software developers have a less formal role than engineers and can be closely involved with specific project areas — including writing code. At the same time, they drive the overall software development lifecycle — including working across functional teams to transform requirements into features, managing development teams and processes, and conducting software testing and maintenance.3 The work of software development isn’t confined to coders or development teams. Professionals such as scientists, device fabricators and hardware makers also create software code even though they are not primarily software developers. Nor is it confined to traditional information technology industries such as software or semiconductor businesses. In fact, according to the Brookings Institute, those businesses “account for less than half of the companies performing software development.” An important distinction is custom software development as opposed to commercial software development. Custom software development is the process of designing, creating, deploying and maintaining software for a specific set of users, functions or organizations. In contrast, commercial off-the-shelf software (COTS) is designed for a broad set of requirements, allowing it to be packaged and commercially marketed and distributed.

Forex is an abbreviation of foreign exchange, that came into existence in the 1970’s and its sole purpose was to evaluate the rate of one currency to another. The foreign exchange market is an example of a decentralised market that is used specifically in trading currencies. The forex market is subject to no financial controls and is a free to trade market. Out here you could trade in any currencies of the world; however the major currencies to be constantly traded are the Sterling Pound, US Dollar, Japanese Yen and the EURO (Euro zone). The forex market is actually one of the biggest market in terms of its financial turnover , with daily volumes of approximately US $3.5 - $4 trillion . Large financial institutions and banks serve as a bridge to cater to purchasers and sellers all over the world. Evolution of the Forex Market Major currencies of the world initiated the process of starting their free trade currencies in 1970 but it was only 1973 when countries that formed a part of the industrialised world decided to make their currencies freely available to trade. With this came the immediate need of establishing the exchange rate in terms of the value of one currency when pitted against the other. This further led to the establishment of the currency prices being quoted on a daily basis. With the inset of the computer revolution foreign exchange transactions were made possible in most parts of the world and swiftly. Due to the forex exchange markets, the world today is truly a Global village and it is possible to do intercontinental business transactions from any corner of the world. What is Forex all about? Forex market is based on pure currency trading; the functioning of the market is based on currency price determination. The forex market is like and other trading market, for example equities or commodities. The only difference is the medium of transaction, which is currency. You would find large business enterprises, individuals and financial institutions all buying and selling currencies and trading with them for profitability in terms of exchange rate fluctuation. Central banks of many countries could also use the forex markets as an option to off load excess reserves of a foreign currency if required and vice-versa. Some Interesting Statistics of the Forex Market: Close to US$ 4 trillion in daily transactions Approximately $45 billion in currency exchange is executed per day $1.75 trillion in foreign exchange swaps Growth rate of approximately 20% per year $475 billion in outright forwards $200 billion plus in currency futures and options Determination of Exchange rate: Exchange rate is the main factor that determines profitability in trading. Exchange rate is subject to constant fluctuation and is determined on the basis of the demand and supply phenomenon. The exchange rate difference between two currencies is basically trading value and the size of the very currency. Currencies have a tendency to get stronger when the demand is more than the availability and vice-versa. Other factors that influence the demand of a currency are a speculative action or an increase or decrease in business activity of the country. Purchasing Power Ration: This the determination of the number of one units of a currency in comparison to another. For example, if you are to buy goods from country A, the purchase power ration would be the difference in the number of extra units you would have to spend or save in terms of the conversion in order to facilitate the purchase. Advantages of trading in Forex Markets: Forex markets are volatile but comparatively more stable as compared to the stock market. It is not obligatory to make a purchase to facilitate a trading action in the forex market. Some of the world’s biggest financial investors have made billions just trading currencies, for example George Soros. You will find most currencies of the world to trade out here. Easier to monitor the forex market in comparison to the stock markets, this is because of the limited number of components to track or monitor. Markets are more independent from factors that affect the financial markets.Forex market volumes are smaller than transactions that occur on stock markets, however the risk factor in forex trading is lesser. Changes in interest rates also have little or no effect on forex exchange rates. However in terms of volume of transaction, the forex market offers a lot of potential to earn profitability.

Let’s face it: Dating at any age can be a bit daunting, but once you’ve hit your 40s, you’re dealing with a whole new set of challenges. At this point your baggage might include a divorce, a couple of kids in tow, and a rewarding but stressful career. Where, then, do you find the time to fit in love? Or, perhaps you’ve delayed marriage, and now, well-established in your career, you don’t want to miss out on finding a companion (and maybe even a child). Whatever your situation, no doubt you have a pretty full life. Yet that someone special remains elusive. So, what do you do? We gathered a panel of three dating and relationship experts to help answer that question. Expert 1: Meredith Goldstein’s advice column “Love Letters,” a daily dispatch of wisdom for the lovelorn, has been running online and in print in The Boston Globe since 2009. Goldstein, who also hosts a “Love Letters” podcast, has published several books including “Chemistry Lessons,” a novel about a young woman who uses science to manipulate her love life. Expert 2: Neely Steinberg is a dating coach, image consultant and founder of “The Love TREP,” a service and website, that, says Steinberg, “teaches women how to be the CEO and entrepreneur of their dating and love lives.” Expert 3: Dating and women’s empowerment coach Sandy Weiner is a TedX speaker and the founder of two websites: LastFirstDate.com, which offers coaching and other services for women looking to find love, and TheWomanofValue.com, which includes lectures and workshops to help women build their leadership and communication skills. Put all three of these ladies together in conversation and you get a lot of advice about the best way to navigate the complicated field of dating, midlife in the 21st century. Here’s what they had to say. … Dating in Your 40s v. Your 20s. “PEOPLE SHOULD NOT THINK [LOVE] IS NOT A WORTHY INVESTMENT. WE INVEST IN THINGS THAT MAKE OUR LIFE BETTER..” – MEREDITH GOLDSTEIN Goldstein kicks things off. “Our needs are crystallized by time we’re in our 40s,” she says. “When we get a little older, we might have a more specific list of wants: Perhaps we are sure about wanting (or not wanting) children; we are sure about where we want to live. It can feel more limiting, but it can also streamline choices. Steinberg agrees, adding, “When you are older, you do become more set in your ways, a little bit less flexible and compromising as to what you want in a partner. You know yourself better, so you are less likely to settle for a match that is simply not good for you. The trick is, how do you find balance?” “I think the balance lies in being specific about the values and character traits that you share,” interjects Weiner. “For example, your religious and ethnic beliefs might have become more flexible, or you might be OK with a long-distance relationship because you might be open to moving somewhere else. Values such as kindness, generosity of heart, someone who loves to learn, might have become very important to you. Someone who states, ‘Sorry, but this is the way I am,’ can become a real turnoff.” Digital Dating: Minefield or Opportunity? “YOU DO BECOME A LITTLE BIT LESS COMPROMISING AS TO WHAT YOU WANT IN A PARTNER. YOU KNOW YOURSELF BETTER, SO YOU ARE LESS LIKELY TO SETTLE.” – NEELY STEINBERG All three experts believe that dating websites and apps can be beneficial in looking for a love match, if used in the right way. “You have to look for the good in technology. It has a lot to offer people,” says Steinberg. “But it doesn’t have to be an ‘either or’ situation: You can both try to meet someone organically, and use the technology. When you feel burned out from one, then lean more on the other.” Weiner agrees, “Maximize those [digital] opportunities. Make sure you have great photos and a good profile, and limit how often you go online so you don’t get burned out. But, also, when you are out and about, connect with people. Chat with someone at the drugstore. Try to be playful and conversational. Learn how to flirt again, and ask friends for setups!” Goldstein adds, “For a single mother who lives in the suburbs and has no options beyond a setup, [online dating sites] has opened a lot of doors.” As for which sites and apps are the best, Goldstein says, “I tend to not recommend a specific platform, except to say there are sites for people over a certain age.” Steinberg thinks signing up for a traditional site like Match.com, “which has the largest pool,” she notes, and one app, like Bumble, is a good idea. Weiner agrees that Match, Bumble and Tinder are good choices for older daters. Money Can’t Buy You Love — Or Can It? “CONNECT WITH PEOPLE. CHAT WITH SOMEONE AT THE DRUGSTORE. TRY TO BE PLAYFUL AND CONVERSATIONAL. LEARN HOW TO FLIRT AGAIN, AND ASK FRIENDS FOR SETUPS!.” – SANDY WEINER On the tricky subject of money, all three experts agree that some sort of investment is inevitable, if you are serious about dating. Goldstein remarks, “It’s a bit like gambling. You have to know what is reasonable for your situation, but one thing I have learned is that people should not think it is not a worthy investment. We invest in things that make our life better.” Weiner agrees that the financial investment, including a coach to support you, is a wise choice. “Women invest in clothing, getting their hair and nails done. I honestly see women spending too much time getting ready for a date. Don’t drain the bank account spending so much money ‘looking good.’ It’s better that you learn to be comfortable with your looks and who you are, and just show up on a date as themselves, something I see women learn as they get older.” Steinberg feels you need to get real with your priorities. “There is a stigma, and maybe even a sense of disappointment, that you have to hire someone to help with your love life. I have also worked with a lot of older women who at first say they don’t have the money to invest, but in fact, they really do. If you are making finding someone a priority, you will find a way to make the money situation work. There comes a time when you have to put a stake in the ground and make the investment.” Dating sites like Match.com run about $25 a month; dating apps like Tinder and Bumble are free, but offer premium upgrades. Personal, one-on-one dating coaches can run the gamut from $75 to $300 or more per hour, and also offer specific, all-inclusive packages. First Date Ground Rules You’re not in your 20s anymore, and you have no idea what proper etiquette — or expectations — entails. When first dating, at what point do you invite someone to your home? How long do you keep the dating spots public destinations? How long should the first date be? Goldstein thinks it’s something you can feel your way through. “I hate to be vague, but I love to tell people to go with their gut. Sometimes, after six dates, you still don’t want someone to know where you live. We are all trying to figure out when it’s appropriate to trust someone. With some people, you feel emotional intimacy rather quickly, with others it takes time. First dates should be in a public meeting place; I suggest coffee or drinks. Be honest with yourself. You might feel it’s easier to do that as opposed to committing to a full meal for that first date.” “Pick a place that is in a different neighborhood than your usual favorite place,” she adds. “That way, you don’t run the risk of running into someone you know, which can be awkward on a first date, or, conversely, turning your date onto your favorite spot, if things don’t work out.” Steinberg urges, “Look at your dating history. What has felt good and right in the past, what has felt wrong?” “Someone once invited me to box seats at the opera for our first meeting,” Weiner remembers, “but, I told him, ‘No, let’s just meet for coffee.’ That first time is really more of a meet than a date. I’d suggest keeping it to an hour, or 90 minutes maximum.” … And What About Sex? Again, all three experts say this is about knowing yourself well. “Sex on a first date might have worked, although even that is not always true,” reflects Goldstein. “But, look at your pattern here, too, and if sex early on hasn’t worked well in the past, change that pattern up.” “If you were a woman who could compartmentalize sex and be OK with sleeping with someone on a first date, I would say more power to you,” says Steinberg. “But if you look over your dating history and honestly answer, it didn’t feel good to sleep with someone early on, then it just didn’t work for you. It would be great if we could be Samantha from ‘Sex and the City,’ but you have to do what feels good to you!” “It’s almost impossible to be Samantha from ‘Sex and the City,’” interjects Weiner. “We can’t take control of the hormones that get produced during sex; they are bonding hormones. We really need to take care of ourselves in this regard. Be dignified, own your value, know what you want and speak up clearly and often. People who respect you will continue to be in your life.”