In my previous article Scaling Drupal, I discussed the concept of SCS (Sites Community Server)* but my main focus was the application of the concept in the field of scalability, real-time performance and IR (intelligent Replication) where DCMS (drupal Cluster management server) playing dual role as Sites Community Server and Cluster Server but in today’s article I would primarily focus on SC (Sites Community).To help readers understand the model clearly I would again be using SCS (Sites Community Server)* to illustrate some practical applications.SCs can be thought of a content sharing platform where different sites can share content with other sites but as we know most of these sites have their own unique content schema and it evolves independently of any other site. In order to effectively share the contents there has to  be a CS (common schema) across the community.SCs can develop their on CWCS (Community Wide Content Schema) in accordance to their area of interest or content type. The  CS resides on SC Server providing a platform for content sharing.The design of schema is primarily influenced by two major elements; the type of content and area of interest. For example there could be a standard schema for advertisement content; the schema design will be influenced by the content type on the other hand a community of sites focusing on open source software development may develop their on schema to share information; the schema design will be influenced by area of interest.While the SCS (Sites Community Server) hold the CWCS (Community Wide Content Schema), the schema of individual sites or nodes can evolve independently so individual sites can maintain their own identity.For security and management the community wide roles should be defined these roles can then be mapped to individual site roles; in other words a role on Sites Community Server is just an aggregation of roles defined in individual sites but of course new set of roles or permissions would be needed to govern and enforce CWR (community wide rules).*Site Communities will surely provide us with numerous opportunities and new unique challenges specially in the area of community wide rules and security.Below I’ll try to give some examples of how SCs can impact the web.
SCs can consolidate the web (right now its just a collection of thousands of sites)

Web consolidation will keep surfer more focused on their area of interest.

Advertisement can be more focused.
Less time searching the web.

SCs will make web more dynamic.
Different regional channels can share their news to provide user consolidated news that is more dynamic
SCs is a consolidated efforts of individual sites means any site updating the content is contributing to community making the community as a whole more dynamic.

SCs means more influence on the web.Once your SC grows in popularity with more sites willing to become member. It will be enhancing the community influence as a whole benefiting individual members as well.
While individual sites have their own interest; there can be COs (Community Objectives) that will benefit the community as a whole. so all individual sites or nodes will combine their efforts to achieve COs.SCs community service (CS)
A community of 10 sites receive 100k hits per day; a community wide Ad space means that any site can promote there service to 100k users free of cost.
Community members referring to other members sites for service in other words strategic partnership within community.

SCs can be used to establish brand names (An entire article will be coming on this).There can be different CMs (Community Model)* as well like open communities in which you just have to adopt a community schema and agree to the community terms in order to join or closed communities govern by strategic and business interest of the community creator.In the above few paragraph we’ve discussed SCs as a concept now I’ll give a few highlights on the technology side.

SC Server is used to hold CWCS (Community Wide Content Schema).
SC Server is used to hold CWC (Community Wide Content)
SC Server can also hold complete schema of individual nodes so that it can be used as a content publishing platform means you can login to SC Server and can publish content to any individual site or group of sites (nodes).
SC Server is used to enforce CWR (Community Wide Rules).
SC Server can be used for organization of the community like defining COs (community objectives) and also providing technological assistance if possible to achieve CO.
There are other closely related concepts
Distributed Content Management System
Content Clusters (with Intelligent Replication)
Enterprise Content Management System
In the end I would suggest an open source Sites Community Server because this idea requires more innovation and study and its well proven that community based development is much more innovative and dynamic than any proprietary solution. Note:* Readers can think of SCS as DSCS (Drupal Sites Community Server) a piece of software that is used to control a group of drupal installations; why drupal in every concept its the community spirit.* In future I’ll be writing an article on how to manage sites community by defining community rules and security guideline.* I’ll be writing an article on “Community Model (CM)”* Why use so many acronyms; because each of these acronym represent an area of study or represent a topic.

The investment services industry can be daunting and ambiguous for individuals who seek a return on their capital. After working hard earning your wealth, it is important to understand the different services offered by professionals and what solutions fit you personally. One of the main questions we get asked here is:”What is the difference between investment management and stockbrokers?”Firstly, let’s discuss what stockbrokers are – we all have a much better, clearer, idea of what they do and who they represent. Stockbrokers are regulated firms that offer financial advice to their clients. A stockbroker buys and sells equities and other securities like bonds, CFDs, Futures and Options on behalf of their clients in return for a fee or commission. A brokerage / stockbroker will receive a fee on each transaction, whether the idea is profitable or not.A brokerage can specialise in any investment niche they wish for example:
FTSE All-Share stocks,
AIM stocks,
European Stocks,
Asian Stocks,
US Stocks
Combinations of the above
Straight equities,
Straight derivative trading (CFDs, Futures & Options)
The main reason why investors choose stockbrokers over any other professional investment service is simply down to control. Due to the nature of a brokerage firm, they can only execute a trade after you instruct them to do so. This means it is impossible for a brokerage to keep buying and selling securities without you knowing – known as churning for commission. This doesn’t however prevent stockbrokers providing you with several new ideas a week and switching your positions to a new idea.However, there are natural flaws with the brokerage industry is that because trading ideas can only be executed after being instructed to list a few flaws;-
you may miss out of good opportunities due to moves in the market,
you may get in a couple of days later because you were busy and not make any money after fees,
you may receive a call to close a position but unable to without your say so.
The above are examples that can happen when investing with brokerage firms, but this is due to the reliance of gaining authorisation from their clients. So if you are ultra busy or travel a lot then you could potentially miss out on opportunities to buy or sell.What are investment managers?Now we understand what stockbrokers / brokerage firms are about, let’s discuss what investment management services can do for individuals.Investment management firms run differently to brokerages. The core aspect to these services is that the professional investment managers use their discretion to make investment decisions. As a client of an investment management firm you will go through a rigorous client on boarding process (just like a brokerage firm) to understand your investment goals, understanding of the services being used, risk profile, angering to the investment mandate and allowing the service to manage your equity portfolio. The sign up with the service may seem long winded but it’s in your best interest to ensure the service is suitable and appropriate for you. In reality, it’s not a long winded process at all. Once you agree to the services offered then you will only be updated on the on-going account data and portfolio reporting in a timely manner. This means no phone calls to disrupt your day-to-day activities and allows the professionals to focus on your portfolio.Investment management firms usually have specific portfolios with a track record, into which you can invest your capital according to you appetite for risk. These portfolios will focus on specific securities, economies, risk and type of investing (income, capital growth or balanced). All of this would be discussed prior or during the application process.Another method used by investment management firms is different strategies implemented by their portfolio managers. These strategies are systematic and go through thorough analysis before investment decisions are made.The fees usually associated with investment management firms can vary from each firm. There are three common types of fees and are usually combined, fees can be;-
Assets Under Management Fee – This is where you pay a percentage of the portfolio per year to the firm, usually an annual fee. E.g) 1% AUM Fee on £1,000,000 is £10,000 per year.
Transaction Fee – This is a fee associated with each transaction made through your portfolio – similar to the brokerage firm’s commission.
Percentage of Profits Fee – This is where any closed profits generated over a set time will be charged to the firm. E.g) 10% PoP Fee – the firm generates you closed profit of £10,000 in one quarter – you will be charged £1,000.
The main benefits provided from investment management firms is that after the service understands your needs and tailors the service around you, it is their job to build a portfolio around you. It is also the job of the investment management firm to adhere to the investment mandate you agreed on, we’ll take about this later, so you understand of the time frame given what you should expect. Another bonus why high-net worth individuals choose investment management services is because they are not hassled by phone calls every other day with a new investment idea.The difference… The main difference between investment management and stockbroking firms is:
Investment Managers offers discretionary services; no regular phone calls about stock ideas.
Stockbrokers give you more control as you can personally filter out ideas you think won’t work.
Investment Managers offer an investment mandate; this is where the investment management service provides a document of what they are offering you in return of managing your portfolio. You will understand what exactly they are targeting over the year, based on what risk, and should they achieve it – then they have fulfilled their service. E.g) the mandate could state that the strategies used and based on 8% volatility (risk), they seek to achieve 14% capital return.
Stockbrokers do not offer an future agreements but look to deliver growth during the time you are with them. They are not bound by their performances like investment managers.
Investment management firms have a track record for all of the strategies and services used, stockbrokers do not.
Which to choose?Both services provide professional approaches to investing in the stock markets. Stockbrokers are chosen over investment managers by people who like to be in control and receive financial advice. Stockbrokers generally do not have a systematic approach to the markets but use selective top-down approaches to select stocks.Investment managers are chosen by investors who want an agreement on their performances over the year and understand the risk up-front. Usually more sophisticated investors that wish to take advantage of the track-record and gain an understanding of the systematic approach used by the investment management firm.Feel free to learn more.DISCLAIMER: The above is not considered financial advice or any endorsement to use any particular service. If you wish to use any of the services mentioned, please seek independent advice.RISK WARNING: Spread betting, CFD, futures and options trading carries a high level of risk to your capital and can result in losses that exceed your initial deposit. They may not be suitable for everyone, so please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved. Past performance of a managed service is not a guide to future performance.