We just wanted to write a quick blog entry today to let everyone know how much it meant to us to have such a great turnout at our open house last week. In all, we had over 100 people show up, including the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, to whom we are extremely grateful for the wonderful ribbon cutting ceremony. We were truly honored and overwhelmed by everyone's attendance.
If you were able to come to our event, you know that cloud85 is coming very soon. It's been in the works for some time and we're just around the corner from being able to offer a Cloud solution to everyone. In the meantime, check out our sister sites, www.85under.com and www.cloud85.com.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
The 5 Biggest Gaps in SMB IT
Let's face it: when it comes to IT, your business is going to be good at some things and bad at others. So what are some of the most glaring gaps in IT for businesses like yours? Take a look at this list and see how you stack up.
1) Backup and Disaster Recovery
Joshua Liberman, president of a systems integrator in Albuquerque tells a story of a $10 million company who had a server crash and they lost everything. Their goal was to save on the $150/month backup contract that they were running and, since the crash, they've gone out of business. This is a little close to home for all of us living in the Joplin, MO area. What is backup / disaster recovery worth to you?
2) Security
The typical employee today has a relatively large amount of access to their own computer, making an easy path for viruses. Unfortunately, many businesses today don't get security for their computers or the security they do have isn't very high quality. The difference between a $40 Linksys router and a $4,000 Cisco firewall could mean the difference between uptime and downtime. How secure is your business?
3) Old Equipment
We at PCnet are somewhat frequently recommending new PCs to our customers. Many businesses these days are running on 7-10 year old computers with old software that has long since been replaced by new and better technology. A $2,000 CAD workstation nowadays has the possibility of finishing a job in 10 minutes that could take as long as 48 hours on an older machine. Work performance isn't just based on your personnel - it also has to do with your IT. How can you improve your performance?
4) Mobile Devices
It used to be that a typical SMB would have 1, maybe 2 smartphones in the office. Today, smartphones are prevalent and they can store a lot of business-related data. As harsh as it sounds, many businesses today are having their employees sign an "acceptable use" policy and considering a remote wipe option when necessary. When you have a worker leave, do you really want him taking your customer data to the next job?
5) Strategic IT Thinking
Many of our customers don't see their network holistically. When an old PC dies, they buy another one; when new software comes out, they replace the old one. We ultimately want to help you save money - please let us consult you on your next IT decision and help you see the bigger picture in your computer network. We can be your trusted advisor.
So how'd you do? Give us a call today if you have any concerns - we're here to help!
1) Backup and Disaster Recovery
Joshua Liberman, president of a systems integrator in Albuquerque tells a story of a $10 million company who had a server crash and they lost everything. Their goal was to save on the $150/month backup contract that they were running and, since the crash, they've gone out of business. This is a little close to home for all of us living in the Joplin, MO area. What is backup / disaster recovery worth to you?
2) Security
The typical employee today has a relatively large amount of access to their own computer, making an easy path for viruses. Unfortunately, many businesses today don't get security for their computers or the security they do have isn't very high quality. The difference between a $40 Linksys router and a $4,000 Cisco firewall could mean the difference between uptime and downtime. How secure is your business?
3) Old Equipment
We at PCnet are somewhat frequently recommending new PCs to our customers. Many businesses these days are running on 7-10 year old computers with old software that has long since been replaced by new and better technology. A $2,000 CAD workstation nowadays has the possibility of finishing a job in 10 minutes that could take as long as 48 hours on an older machine. Work performance isn't just based on your personnel - it also has to do with your IT. How can you improve your performance?
4) Mobile Devices
It used to be that a typical SMB would have 1, maybe 2 smartphones in the office. Today, smartphones are prevalent and they can store a lot of business-related data. As harsh as it sounds, many businesses today are having their employees sign an "acceptable use" policy and considering a remote wipe option when necessary. When you have a worker leave, do you really want him taking your customer data to the next job?
5) Strategic IT Thinking
Many of our customers don't see their network holistically. When an old PC dies, they buy another one; when new software comes out, they replace the old one. We ultimately want to help you save money - please let us consult you on your next IT decision and help you see the bigger picture in your computer network. We can be your trusted advisor.
So how'd you do? Give us a call today if you have any concerns - we're here to help!
Monday, June 20, 2011
The Exploitation of Trust: Cybercriminals’ Most Powerful Weapon
People by nature are inclined to trust others, and criminals use this to their advantage again and again. Take the case of the fake social networking profiles established earlier this year for “Robin Sage,” supposedly a young, attractive woman working in the national security arena. A security expert created the fake profiles as a test to see how many security professionals might be fooled by Sage’s persona and share information with her. About 300 people within the United States military and government, as well as security companies, connected with “Robin.” If even sophisticated security experts fail to think twice before exposing personal and corporate information to strangers, imagine what the average employee might do with your proprietary data.
The lesson of this experiment for security experts and all employees is that within social networks, even users who think they are exercising caution by locking up information against people who aren’t members of their social networks can be put at risk by the careless acceptance of connection or friend requests.
** Excerpt from Cisco 2010 Annual Security Report
The lesson of this experiment for security experts and all employees is that within social networks, even users who think they are exercising caution by locking up information against people who aren’t members of their social networks can be put at risk by the careless acceptance of connection or friend requests.
** Excerpt from Cisco 2010 Annual Security Report
Monday, June 13, 2011
PCnet expanding corporate office
PCnet is in the process of expanding our office. When all is said and done, we'll have about twice the space that we've been using and everything will be updated and improved. You'll love the look of our new office!Thanks to Williams Construction, American Glass and Pinnacle Sign for helping us with our major facelift!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
April Newsletter
We just put out a new edition of our PCnet newsletter.
In it, you'll learn how we've been bowling for kids' sake, attending conferences to get ready for our new Cloud85 offering and getting excited about products like the Barracuda Web Filter. Also, meet some of our new staff and learn how one of our own is in the running for a NASA competition!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Proactive IT Services Save Small and Medium Businesses Thousands of Dollars Yearly
Every dollar a small business spends needs to have an immediate and quantifiable return. This is especially true for critical services such as I.T. support. If you are one of the millions of small businesses that depend upon your technology to keep your business running, proactive Managed Services will save you money, improve your efficiencies and reduce your downtime.
The Solution
With the advent of new monitoring tools and the ability to remotely deliver help desk services to small businesses all over the world, Managed I.T. Service Providers have developed proactive maintenance plans for their clients that maximize their uptime and reduce I.T. costs over time. By implementing newly available automated processes, systems can be patched and updated overnight without the need for onsite visits, or disrupting an organization's work day.
In addition, remote help desk tools and technology allow Managed I.T. Service Providers the ability to react immediately and assist users when they experience day-to-day problems, without forcing them to wait for an on-site service call.
Forward-thinking Managed I.T. Service Providers are also implementing proactive remote Network Monitoring tools and services, which evaluate the performance of systems 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and alert these Service Providers of potential issues before they become work-stopping problems for their clients.
The Details
Implementing and receiving the benefit of these solutions is painless for the Small Business Owner, as Managed I.T. Service Providers can begin delivering these cost-saving and efficiency-improving services soon after deploying specialized software agents on all managed equipment. These agents report device health, service pack and operating system, anti-virus and anti-spyware update information back to the Managed I.T. Service Provider's monitoring systems, allowing real-time analysis and proactive management to occur.
Specialized software applications installed at the Managed I.T. Service Provider's location also track all problems reported by their monitoring systems and end-users, and are used to document all steps initiated for resolution. These applications provide a ready knowledge-base of information which grows over time, allowing swift resolution for issues that have been previously documented.
The Benefits
Benefits from Managed I.T. Services enjoyed by Small Business Owners are many, and include increased operational efficiency, the ability to reduce and control their operating costs and gain access to Enterprise-level support. In addition, these Small Business Owners are now able to focus on running their businesses, and not their networks, and receive the peace of mind that comes with the knowledge their networks are being monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Content by Managed Services Provider University
PCnet provides:
Computer Networking, Network Security, Managed IT Services, Computer Hardware and Software, Wireless Networks, VOIP, Disaster Recovery, Hosting Services, and more. Now featuring Pulse Managed IT Services!
We are located in Springfield, MO
The Solution
With the advent of new monitoring tools and the ability to remotely deliver help desk services to small businesses all over the world, Managed I.T. Service Providers have developed proactive maintenance plans for their clients that maximize their uptime and reduce I.T. costs over time. By implementing newly available automated processes, systems can be patched and updated overnight without the need for onsite visits, or disrupting an organization's work day.
In addition, remote help desk tools and technology allow Managed I.T. Service Providers the ability to react immediately and assist users when they experience day-to-day problems, without forcing them to wait for an on-site service call.
Forward-thinking Managed I.T. Service Providers are also implementing proactive remote Network Monitoring tools and services, which evaluate the performance of systems 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and alert these Service Providers of potential issues before they become work-stopping problems for their clients.
The Details
Implementing and receiving the benefit of these solutions is painless for the Small Business Owner, as Managed I.T. Service Providers can begin delivering these cost-saving and efficiency-improving services soon after deploying specialized software agents on all managed equipment. These agents report device health, service pack and operating system, anti-virus and anti-spyware update information back to the Managed I.T. Service Provider's monitoring systems, allowing real-time analysis and proactive management to occur.
Specialized software applications installed at the Managed I.T. Service Provider's location also track all problems reported by their monitoring systems and end-users, and are used to document all steps initiated for resolution. These applications provide a ready knowledge-base of information which grows over time, allowing swift resolution for issues that have been previously documented.
The Benefits
Benefits from Managed I.T. Services enjoyed by Small Business Owners are many, and include increased operational efficiency, the ability to reduce and control their operating costs and gain access to Enterprise-level support. In addition, these Small Business Owners are now able to focus on running their businesses, and not their networks, and receive the peace of mind that comes with the knowledge their networks are being monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Content by Managed Services Provider University
PCnet provides:
Computer Networking, Network Security, Managed IT Services, Computer Hardware and Software, Wireless Networks, VOIP, Disaster Recovery, Hosting Services, and more. Now featuring Pulse Managed IT Services!
We are located in Springfield, MO
Monday, August 23, 2010
What is Different About Ford’s New WiFi?
When corporate America realized that they could save money by having their sales force work from home rather than occupy expensive office space, the world changed for sales across the country. If you are on the road a great deal for your company, Ford will soon make your job a little easier. In December 2009, Ford announced that they will be turning some select Ford Vehicles into “WiFi hotspots.” If you have ever been on the road and needed to send off a quick email to your boss or client, finding a business with open WiFi isn’t always so simple. Other car companies such as BMW, Mercedes, GM, and Chrysler all have mobile WiFi for their cars, but Ford has created WiFi with a bit of a twist for their vehicles.
According to Ford’s website, SYNC, Ford’s voice-activated communications and entertainment system created in collaboration with Microsoft, will be expanding to create in-car connectivity. The first generation SYNC system featured voice-activated calling, music, text messaging, as well as the ability to allow drivers to connect to news, business, and real-time traffic. The new SYNC system will utilize SYNC’s current capabilities plus make WiFi available to all of the car’s occupants. Ford has stated that they will only install SYNC in select vehicles, but they have not yet specified which models.
Users will be able to plug their USB mobile broadband modem or air card into the USB port provided in their vehicle. Using WPA2 or WiFi Protected Access 2 as the default security, Ford states that SYNC will be very secure. The user will be asked to enter randomly chosen passwords in order to be allowed access. Each device must be given permission by the driver in order to connect, which will prevent others outside of the car from connecting without permission.
Ford’s SYNC system has some distinct advantages over the other car company’s systems. Most other systems require additional hardware to be installed and then a contract with a third party, but Ford’s SYNC system is installed in the factory. Another unique feature of the SYNC system is that the business traveler will be able to plug in their business air card right into SYNC’s USB port while other systems require an additional monthly service fee. These features make WiFi not only more convenient but also more affordable.
Ford has also made their SYNC system upgradeable. This will allow for software updates in order for the system to keep up with current technological advancements, as well as allow the system to adapt to newer devices. Because technology is changing so quickly, other WiFi equipped-vehicles risk being quickly out of date. This means the systems would need replacement, which could be costly, in order to maintain the pace of current technology.
Ford has been diligently working to create marketable cars with the latest technology that are within the mainstream driver’s budget. With this latest addition, Ford just made in-car connectivity more flexible, as well as more affordable.
Content by Managed Services Provider University
According to Ford’s website, SYNC, Ford’s voice-activated communications and entertainment system created in collaboration with Microsoft, will be expanding to create in-car connectivity. The first generation SYNC system featured voice-activated calling, music, text messaging, as well as the ability to allow drivers to connect to news, business, and real-time traffic. The new SYNC system will utilize SYNC’s current capabilities plus make WiFi available to all of the car’s occupants. Ford has stated that they will only install SYNC in select vehicles, but they have not yet specified which models.
Users will be able to plug their USB mobile broadband modem or air card into the USB port provided in their vehicle. Using WPA2 or WiFi Protected Access 2 as the default security, Ford states that SYNC will be very secure. The user will be asked to enter randomly chosen passwords in order to be allowed access. Each device must be given permission by the driver in order to connect, which will prevent others outside of the car from connecting without permission.
Ford’s SYNC system has some distinct advantages over the other car company’s systems. Most other systems require additional hardware to be installed and then a contract with a third party, but Ford’s SYNC system is installed in the factory. Another unique feature of the SYNC system is that the business traveler will be able to plug in their business air card right into SYNC’s USB port while other systems require an additional monthly service fee. These features make WiFi not only more convenient but also more affordable.
Ford has also made their SYNC system upgradeable. This will allow for software updates in order for the system to keep up with current technological advancements, as well as allow the system to adapt to newer devices. Because technology is changing so quickly, other WiFi equipped-vehicles risk being quickly out of date. This means the systems would need replacement, which could be costly, in order to maintain the pace of current technology.
Ford has been diligently working to create marketable cars with the latest technology that are within the mainstream driver’s budget. With this latest addition, Ford just made in-car connectivity more flexible, as well as more affordable.
Content by Managed Services Provider University
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