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
Friday, September 17, 2010
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
Monday, August 9, 2010
Is it True That the Internet Could Slow Down?
There are several stories circulating on the Internet regarding bandwidth (the speed at which you access the Internet) and how it is going to begin to reach capacity very soon unless something is done. This will render the Internet almost completely useless for everything but the simplest and slimmest of applications.
The reason given is because the demand for high-speed Internet access is growing at a rate of 60% each year. Estimates tell us that by as early as 2010, we could begin to see excessive slowdowns in Internet response based purely on the amount of traffic that is traversing the web around the world.
In addition to the mammoth demand growth factor is the fact that bandwidth-hogging applications like YouTube and other multimedia streaming sources are causing bandwidth to slow down as well.
What does all of this mean? It means that the Internet would not be fast enough for much beyond maybe checking email. Feature-rich web pages would churn slowly on your screen. It would take many minutes to log onto your online bank account to check your balance. In effect, it would be like the days when we had to use analog modems to connect to the Internet. One potential concern resulting from eventuality would be that operating system (Microsoft Windows, Mac, etc.) and other business and home application patches and updates would be slowed down, as would be antivirus definitions, etc.
How else could it affect you? If you are now enjoying the high speed of your Internet connection, enjoy it while you can. But beyond that, businesses that have begun to depend on the Internet could be forced to do business the old fashioned way using snail mail, faxing and other resources to send and receive information around the world. Imagine a world without the ability to download movies or music and where the act of researching information on Wikipedia would be slowed to a crawl. All of this and the other myriad of website applications that you enjoy now would be challenging to view.
What is being done? There are several options being looked into right now. US companies and those in the UK are busy right now in an effort to upgrade infrastructure, cabling and supercomputers to expand the capabilities of the Internet. There is also talk about planning a very fast parallel network called "The Grid." Other consultants are conferring on the idea of creating systems for "caching" (storing frequently requested information) on servers in the cloud rather than having the Internet deliver information on demand as it is needed.
The bottom line - there is nothing for the average user to do at this point. Keeping informed as to the possibilities that might occur will help you understand the 'whys' behind any major slowdowns that you might face in the near future. Technology has accomplished amazing feats in the last 20 years, and the hope is that something will be devised and implemented quickly to maintain the instant, any time access to information and entertainment that we all need and desire. That is what makes the Internet such an important resource for us all.
Content by Managed Services Provider University
The reason given is because the demand for high-speed Internet access is growing at a rate of 60% each year. Estimates tell us that by as early as 2010, we could begin to see excessive slowdowns in Internet response based purely on the amount of traffic that is traversing the web around the world.
In addition to the mammoth demand growth factor is the fact that bandwidth-hogging applications like YouTube and other multimedia streaming sources are causing bandwidth to slow down as well.
What does all of this mean? It means that the Internet would not be fast enough for much beyond maybe checking email. Feature-rich web pages would churn slowly on your screen. It would take many minutes to log onto your online bank account to check your balance. In effect, it would be like the days when we had to use analog modems to connect to the Internet. One potential concern resulting from eventuality would be that operating system (Microsoft Windows, Mac, etc.) and other business and home application patches and updates would be slowed down, as would be antivirus definitions, etc.
How else could it affect you? If you are now enjoying the high speed of your Internet connection, enjoy it while you can. But beyond that, businesses that have begun to depend on the Internet could be forced to do business the old fashioned way using snail mail, faxing and other resources to send and receive information around the world. Imagine a world without the ability to download movies or music and where the act of researching information on Wikipedia would be slowed to a crawl. All of this and the other myriad of website applications that you enjoy now would be challenging to view.
What is being done? There are several options being looked into right now. US companies and those in the UK are busy right now in an effort to upgrade infrastructure, cabling and supercomputers to expand the capabilities of the Internet. There is also talk about planning a very fast parallel network called "The Grid." Other consultants are conferring on the idea of creating systems for "caching" (storing frequently requested information) on servers in the cloud rather than having the Internet deliver information on demand as it is needed.
The bottom line - there is nothing for the average user to do at this point. Keeping informed as to the possibilities that might occur will help you understand the 'whys' behind any major slowdowns that you might face in the near future. Technology has accomplished amazing feats in the last 20 years, and the hope is that something will be devised and implemented quickly to maintain the instant, any time access to information and entertainment that we all need and desire. That is what makes the Internet such an important resource for us all.
Content by Managed Services Provider University
Monday, June 21, 2010
Benefits of Outsourcing for Technology
Most business entrepreneurs have great talent and the means to run a very successful business. The snag they most often run into is the belief that they can do it all. This mindset can be detrimental to the overall success of their business. Trying to do it all can lead to hindered growth, lower profit margins and in some cases failure.
In order to create a business that is structurally sound, expandable and profitable, business owners should focus the majority of their time and energy on their personal talents and skills that are most important to the growth of their business and those skills that will most help in the generation of income. Instead of trying to do it all they can most benefit by outsourcing certain tasks.
Outsourcing has become very popular and with technology today like the internet, outsourcing is easy and accessible. Companies can find extremely qualified candidates from around the world right at their fingertips. Many highly trained individuals have left the corporate world and are available for hire as contractors. Expertise in just about any area a business may need is available. Examples include virtual assistants, graphic designers, IT specialists, accountants, marketers, Public Relation specialist, writers and so much more.
Some of the best tasks to outsource include those that are highly skilled tasks or those have that require trained expertise. For example if you have no knowledge of your IT needs or how to build and maintain a company website, hiring a specialist will be much more cost effective that you spending hours trying to teach yourself. Initially, your cost for this type of work might be a bit high, while the contractor helps to access your needs and builds your site. Down the road however, you most likely will be able to outsource our IT needs on a maintenance basis.
Highly repetitive tasks are also good ones to outsource. Data entry or accounts payable and receivable are jobs that you most likely can do, but they will only slow down your own productivity. Many times you can hire a virtual assistant to help you in these areas for just a few hours a week. This will not be overly costly and will inevitably free you up to work on other areas of the business that would most benefit from your attention.
Executive expertise is another area to consider outsourcing, especially if the business owner does not have great knowledge in this area. Someone that can take a hard look at your business plan, profitability margin and any ideas you have for expansion can be of great insight. Many times businesses will hire someone to come in and look over these items just once a month, quarterly or yearly. Their consultations can lead to new innovative ideas that could lead your business to new expansions, higher productivity and higher profit margins.
Most often,the cost advantage far outweighs what you will actually pay out to contractors. Most companies that rely on outsourcing do much better than their competitors.
Content by Managed Services Provider University
In order to create a business that is structurally sound, expandable and profitable, business owners should focus the majority of their time and energy on their personal talents and skills that are most important to the growth of their business and those skills that will most help in the generation of income. Instead of trying to do it all they can most benefit by outsourcing certain tasks.
Outsourcing has become very popular and with technology today like the internet, outsourcing is easy and accessible. Companies can find extremely qualified candidates from around the world right at their fingertips. Many highly trained individuals have left the corporate world and are available for hire as contractors. Expertise in just about any area a business may need is available. Examples include virtual assistants, graphic designers, IT specialists, accountants, marketers, Public Relation specialist, writers and so much more.
Some of the best tasks to outsource include those that are highly skilled tasks or those have that require trained expertise. For example if you have no knowledge of your IT needs or how to build and maintain a company website, hiring a specialist will be much more cost effective that you spending hours trying to teach yourself. Initially, your cost for this type of work might be a bit high, while the contractor helps to access your needs and builds your site. Down the road however, you most likely will be able to outsource our IT needs on a maintenance basis.
Highly repetitive tasks are also good ones to outsource. Data entry or accounts payable and receivable are jobs that you most likely can do, but they will only slow down your own productivity. Many times you can hire a virtual assistant to help you in these areas for just a few hours a week. This will not be overly costly and will inevitably free you up to work on other areas of the business that would most benefit from your attention.
Executive expertise is another area to consider outsourcing, especially if the business owner does not have great knowledge in this area. Someone that can take a hard look at your business plan, profitability margin and any ideas you have for expansion can be of great insight. Many times businesses will hire someone to come in and look over these items just once a month, quarterly or yearly. Their consultations can lead to new innovative ideas that could lead your business to new expansions, higher productivity and higher profit margins.
Most often,the cost advantage far outweighs what you will actually pay out to contractors. Most companies that rely on outsourcing do much better than their competitors.
Content by Managed Services Provider University
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Technology Increases Small Business Profitability
During times of economic struggle, most small businesses end up making cuts and changes to keep their businesses in the green. From laying off staff to decreasing business travel, reducing marketing efforts and ending bonuses and raises temporarily - there are a variety of ways small businesses look to cut their expenses. At the same time, they look for ways to increase profitability - especially when operating with reduced staff. Technology becomes even more useful as small businesses strive to increase productivity and efficiency.
There are so many gadgets and technology solutions out there that it can be easy to buy more than you need, or to buy the wrong types of products that just don't deliver the solutions your business needs. When deciding what types of technologies can help your business reach its goals, here are a few things to look for:
Communications
Technology is well known for its capability to improve the ability for people to communicate with one another. Whether you've got employees on the road or down the hall, virtual phone systems can route calls to cell phones and keep everyone in touch regardless of location. Instant messaging and email provide quick ways to communicate with the written word and keep documentation of these conversations for future reference. Social media and networking sites provide a way to keep in touch with co-workers, customers, and the competition at a glance.
Data Storage, Warehousing and Search
If you find employees are spending a lot of time looking for certain reports, forms or other data that they need to perform their job responsibilities, investing in network hardware and software to keep track of the whereabouts of your data can be useful.
Telecommuting
Many small businesses also find that there isn't a need for all employees to work in the same office building in order to get their work done. Having employees who telecommute requires the technology to make that happen (a secure network for employees to access data they require to do their job; improved communication systems to receive incoming phone calls at their homes or on their cell phones and the ability to keep in touch with co-workers in different locations). Having employees telecommute can save you from needing a larger office space, which keeps your overhead costs lower, too.
Customer Relationship Management
Having some sort of CRM software to help you manage your database of clients and prospects is well worth the investment. Many businesses will tell you the "money is in the list"; meaning the amount of money a company earns is directly proportional to the number of people on their mailing list. Some companies use software like ACT, Goldmine or SalesForce to track their clients and leads. Others have custom-built software developed to handle unique needs that can't be addressed with existing software.
Technology makes it possible for small business to increase productivity and compete with larger businesses on a smaller budget, thereby increasing profitability. Efficiency and organization is improved through the use of appropriate data storage, search and mining, customers are better managed through customer relationship management systems, and it is possible for money to be saved when employees telecommute from home. Before investing in any new technology, identify the unique needs of your business and determine which technology will best meet your needs.
Content by Managed Services Provider University
There are so many gadgets and technology solutions out there that it can be easy to buy more than you need, or to buy the wrong types of products that just don't deliver the solutions your business needs. When deciding what types of technologies can help your business reach its goals, here are a few things to look for:
Communications
Technology is well known for its capability to improve the ability for people to communicate with one another. Whether you've got employees on the road or down the hall, virtual phone systems can route calls to cell phones and keep everyone in touch regardless of location. Instant messaging and email provide quick ways to communicate with the written word and keep documentation of these conversations for future reference. Social media and networking sites provide a way to keep in touch with co-workers, customers, and the competition at a glance.
Data Storage, Warehousing and Search
If you find employees are spending a lot of time looking for certain reports, forms or other data that they need to perform their job responsibilities, investing in network hardware and software to keep track of the whereabouts of your data can be useful.
Telecommuting
Many small businesses also find that there isn't a need for all employees to work in the same office building in order to get their work done. Having employees who telecommute requires the technology to make that happen (a secure network for employees to access data they require to do their job; improved communication systems to receive incoming phone calls at their homes or on their cell phones and the ability to keep in touch with co-workers in different locations). Having employees telecommute can save you from needing a larger office space, which keeps your overhead costs lower, too.
Customer Relationship Management
Having some sort of CRM software to help you manage your database of clients and prospects is well worth the investment. Many businesses will tell you the "money is in the list"; meaning the amount of money a company earns is directly proportional to the number of people on their mailing list. Some companies use software like ACT, Goldmine or SalesForce to track their clients and leads. Others have custom-built software developed to handle unique needs that can't be addressed with existing software.
Technology makes it possible for small business to increase productivity and compete with larger businesses on a smaller budget, thereby increasing profitability. Efficiency and organization is improved through the use of appropriate data storage, search and mining, customers are better managed through customer relationship management systems, and it is possible for money to be saved when employees telecommute from home. Before investing in any new technology, identify the unique needs of your business and determine which technology will best meet your needs.
Content by Managed Services Provider University
Monday, February 1, 2010
The best...and the research to prove it.
When it comes to anti-virus applications and protection from other web-based threats, it really only makes sense to use the absolutely very best platform available; after all, the information stored on your business's networks is some pretty crucial, sensitive stuff.
Fortunately, Trend Micro AV protection leads the pack. This is great news for PCnet, 85under and Pulse customers. Why? Trend Micro is the only AV product we use.
Why mess with anything else?
Read more about the recent real-world online testing right here.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
It's for the kids. Really.
When it comes time to cowboy-up and just outright ASK people for money, look no further than our fearless leader, Greg Clift...especially when it's for the kids. Really.
Greg is participating in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters "Bowl for Kids' Sake." He needs a good team, and a lot of help. Trust us.
Regardless of your bowling prowess level (or sub-level), please visit Greg's donation page and do what you can to help.
Big Brothers, Big Sisters is one of those organizations actively shaping the future. It needs you. Greg needs you.
Again, trust us on that.
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