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| Issue: # 12 |
February/2009 |
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Greetings!
Now we're in February. Change is here. Unfortunately, it involves quarters, dimes and nickels. As I'm writing this, 70,000+ job layoffs were announced the day before. And nobody's naive enough to believe that that will end there.
But there are glimmers of optimism. Companies we talk to are finding ways to work with their customers. Some are making painful choices as to their staff. Others are reevaluating their Marketing and branding, or looking for ways to cut their expenses.
And we're right in there with them. We've had several dialogs with customers, partners and just plain friends talking about ideas and strategies. Because we're not alone in this.
And that's where my optimism flows from. There's a sense of cameradery that I haven't heard in a long time. We're in this together. Sharing opinions, strategies and ideas with companies (even our so-called competition). We're blatently stealing ideas, making them our own. We're watching our ideas being used by others, eager to get feedback as to how they fared in their new homes. See the article below what local IT company (and partner) DeVore is doing. They're arranging some special computer training for unemployed folks.
And it seems to be working. 7 people attended our first Lunchinar that Julie put together, chomping down some pizza and learning about some tricks that Outlook can do for you. We're giving Twitter a try.
This month's topic is "An Introduction to Security." More details of that elsewhere in this newsletter.
And we're also playing with the next version of Windows (to succeed poor, maligned Vista). And our newsletter, which now reaches about 600 or so people, is core to our communication strategy.
How's it working? We'll let you know. All you have to do is ask<g>.
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| Secure Lunch...Secure Topic...Secure your spot! |
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| Simplex-IT's Monthly Lunchinar Series Continues...
We invite you to join us for free pizza, tech talk and more on Wednesday, February 18th, at 11:30am. It's not a sales pitch!
This month's topic will be:
Introduction to IT Security
We hear about this happening to everyone from big players in Corporate America to the 'mom and pop shop' down the street - a company's network becomes compromised, sensitive data is taken, viruses erase critical information, company knowledge is leaked.
Feeling insecure yet??
Rest assured that there are ways to protect your network, your customers, your data and your company. Join us as we present a non-technical overview of IT Security.
Space is limited (10) so be sure to RSVP by contacting Julie at 234-380-1277.
We hope to see you there! Oh, and bring a business card to put into our drawing a free copy of Windows Vista Ultimate. With a limit of 10 people, your chances for winning are pretty good! |
| Sam on Hardware Virtualization |
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Sam here...
You know what I don't like about Hardware Virtualization? Nothing.
Hardware virtualization is the future, my friends. It's the here-and-now. Let me paint you a picture (I always like writing in the second person)... You are a network technician who has been charged with testing software. This software is, say, an update for your accounting package. You have users who are running Windows 2000, Windows XP, and a few folks running Vista (save the comments, please). Unfortunately, just last Saturday all those desktops you thought you were going to purchase for testing? You know, using the imaginary excess money in your imaginary budget? The $ went missing - weird.
So what do you do? (There will be a pop quiz later!)
Option 1. You use a single workstation, test on it, format it, reinstall the next version of windows, rinse, repeat. Eh, not so great an option.
Option 2. You just install the update and hope to all things holy that the worst doesn't happen (like the accounting software just stops working - because reinstalling is a slow, painful process). Also not a good option...
Option 3. You download Virtual PC (which is free) and install it on your computer. You then use this tool to create "Virtual Machines" (Machines that are emulated on your computer but completely functional) for each of the versions of windows you need to test. You then install windows on these virtual machines and do all the testing you need. Hey ... that's not too bad - not too bad at all.
Now you are testing this update on all versions of Windows... on one PC... at the same time - Nice. Hey, look at that, Windows Vista isn't compatible (Vista? Not Compatible? Oh puh-lease). Good to know, we cannot install this update on Vista... at least now we can come up with some kind of a game plan for rollout, but whew... good thing we didn't go with Option 2. And boy didn't we save a lot of time instead of going with Option 1. Yay for Option 3!
You know what else you can do? Microsoft has another free product (Virtual Server 2005) that allows you to virtualize an instance of Windows Server 2003 (or any other version) to use as a real server. So, you could have one piece of hardware hosting, let's say three servers. You might ask yourself why this is something folks want to do. The reason is isolation. You keep software from 'bumping into each other' for instance...or because of operating system requirements, or software requirements, or any number of other things.
Actually - Virtual Server 2005 (and uhm, Ahem... VMWare) were so popular in the Hardware Virtualization marketplace, that Microsoft has created and released the next generation of (Microsoft) software... It's called Microsoft Hyper-V™. It is also a free product that is included with Server 2008 and it's actually a hypervisor (Wikipedia it, people) based solution... so performance is great. In fact, we ourselves at Simplex-IT and some of our clients are using Hyper-V in production.
Anyway - Virtualization is a great technology that, if designed and implemented well, can create highly flexible, cost effective solutions. As with anything, there are considerations that must be taken... there are risks that have to be assessed. But all-in-all - Virtualization is an option that is hard to ignore.
Sam |
| Julie comments on what some companies are doing with their IT dollars... |
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I was reading an article in a recent issue of Information Weekly and found that it nicely supports Sam's write-up on Virtualization as well as dilemmas that the field of IT is currently facing. The article described how one 'company' is dealing with downsizing and cost cutting. The State of Pennsylvania chose to spend their IT dollars on virtualization and a way to restructure and centrally localize data. They have gone from working off of 13 mainframes to just four. The centralized existence provides flexibility to IT on a corporate-wide level. Managers across the board have more ammunition when making decisions affecting every department. Check out the article in its entirety here.
Overall, IT managers are finding their 2009 budgets to be nearly one-third that of years past and IT staff numbers decreasing by more than half. Companies are switching to PCs with virtual desktops that access information and software from a centralized data center, resulting in fewer repair and system support costs. CIOs and business leaders are in positions where they must add value to the company's cash flow while combining cost cutting with driving revenue. IT management personnel have to face revenue issues which normally that side of the company never had to 'globally' address.
In an age and economy where every part of a company is being looked upon to cut costs yet improve the overall revenue, IT Managed Services has proven to be quite an asset. Managed Services provides support and maintenance for IT - and goes beyond to ensure business continuity and forward, beneficial planning for efficient operation of the company as a whole. Managed Services can be implemented and operated at costs far below the salary and overhead expenses incurred by a full time staff, and can provide closely connected support and a dashboard look at the system, whether in times of smooth sailing or eminent issues. Things can be remedied quickly in this realm, without a hint of disruption. After all, disruption costs time...and money.
To see a more detailed snapshot of what IT execs around the nation are facing and how they are dealing, download Information Week's report here. To read about an example of how Simpelx-IT has helped one local company save a bundle on their IT costs, see the profile of Dove Die and Stamping Company elsewhere in this newsletter.
To learn more about Simplex-IT's Managed Services program, call or email me!
Stay well,
Julie
234-380-1277
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| Cary talks about new Microsoft Releases |
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Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 RC1 and Windows 7 Beta are Out!
Cary here... I just wanted to give a quick review of some really neat things that Microsoft has just released. First is the IE8 RC1 (Internet Explorer 8 Release Candidate 1). It should be noted, that even though it's not the final end product it has been extremely stable during my week of testing. I can honestly say that for the first time, I'm feeling extremely comfortable using Internet Explorer. (I'm an avid user of FireFox)
Microsoft has really enhanced and added new features that make navigating and finding what you're looking for on the internet a much more enjoyable experience. They have added features such as "accelerators" to help find information extremely quickly. Accelerators are a quick shortcut feature of IE. Here's how it works. A user highlights words on a website. Then they right click the highlighted word or words, and then find information regarding those words. An example would be you highlight an address, right click to find a map for that very location. Or right click on a word to find the definition for that word. You could even use this technology to link your word(s) to videos on YouTube. Finally, a way to efficiently link "Cat being weird" to YouTube!
Microsoft also greatly improved upon the multi-tab functionality. One of the cool new features is that, when you click a link in a webpage which opens a new tab, both of the tabs will be color coded the same color. Colored tabs make it very easy to see which tabs are related to each other if there are multiple tabs opened at the same time.  IE keeps a history of recently opened websites (tabs) so that you can quickly open it again if you accidentally close it. If you are interested in learning more you can go here. There are quick links to all the new features, as well as video tutorials on how to use and configure them. Another "future" product we've been playing around with at Simplex-IT is the new version of Windows, simply called Windows 7. So named because it is the 7th version of the Windows Operating System. Microsoft has been listening to the suggestions of Vista users and has really improved upon the interface.
I was a beta tester for XP and for Vista, and I am far more impressed with Windows 7 than I was with either of them at this stage. I have been testing Windows 7 for three weeks and it has been quite stable and impressive. Windows 7 also includes support for multiple monitors (keyboard shortcut keys let users switch between monitors without the need for using a mouse).
I'm not going to go into detail on all the features of Windows 7 because features change between the Beta and Final Release. Microsoft has made this release available to EVERYONE until February 10th (read Bob's Blog about it here). So if you would like to see a little bit of what Microsoft is doing for the future of Windows, I encourage you to download and test it out for yourself. Remember, if you do, it's a beta product, so there are no guarantees that it will function perfectly. If you decide to test it out for yourself, you should make certain that all of your data files are backed up. There was one issue where Windows Media Player deleted several seconds of music from each MP3 that was played. The MP3 file was permanently damaged (this problem has been corrected, but some people were upset that their files were ruined). Windows 7 is only beta and is meant to be tested. Do not use in a working environment. To download Windows 7, click here. If you don't want to test it but are curious to learn more, please visit the Windows 7 Home Page here. |
| Want to find out about this stuff quicker? |
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| Blog updates from Simplex-IT
Here are some Blog updates we've made over the past month:
Cary talks about the "DownAdup" Worm
Bob tells you about the availability of the Beta version of the next edition of Windows (7)
Bob talks about Google's new "Goog-411"
Bob talks about Twittering
Julie talks about our first Webinar
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| Plain Funny #4 |
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What if Microsoft owned the iPod?
Bob here. Between Vista, "I'm a Mac", Jerry Seinfeld and the like, Microsoft's marketing folks have taken a beating. But it's good to see they've maintained their sense of humor. Click here to see how Microsoft would have handled the marketing and packaging if Apple's iPod were a Microsoft product. And keep in mind, Microsoft marketing people actually made the video.
(hint: Can you say "iPod 2005 XP: Human Ear Professional Edition?")
And yeah, it's safe for work.
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Simplex-IT Customer Spotlight - Dove Die and Stamping Company |
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Dove Die and Stamping Company is a tool and die, metal stamping facility that first opened their doors in 1952, in a small garage on Dove Avenue in Cleveland. Five years later, they relocated to their current facility on Brookpark Road in Cleveland. This site continues to serve as their home office and manufacturing location. They currently operate with 25 employees.
Dove Die uses steel coils (and various other metals) which they form into various parts, based on customer specifications. Their product distribution contributes to a very diverse customer base, ranging from automotive to plumbing to electronics. Of their products, approximately 95% are utilized by their customers to create something further....rather than serve as the finished piece. They use CAD software to facilitate the initial die creation process, making sure the tooling matches the requirements of the customer.
After the company lost their computer expert, Dove Die enlisted the help of Simplex-IT. "Simplex came in, diagnosed our network, and made it easier for us to concentrate on what we do best, producing metal stampings", explains Jim Wagner, Manufacturing and Production Engineer. Simplex-IT replaced Dove's full time IT personnel, at a much lower cost, saving his company money. Jim has coined the phrase 'Simpler-IT' to reiterate how he feels about Simplex-IT and our service. "You guys ...have really done a great job for us during a time when we just can't worry about network issues or staff an onsite IT person. We have a great rapport with all the guys there and look forward to that continuing. I can trust you."
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| DeVore to Provide Free Computer Training to Unemployed |
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DeVore Technologies, Inc. today announced a program to provide free hands-on computer training to Northeast Ohio's unemployed. The program will run from February thru April at DeVore's corporate headquarters located in Bedford, Ohio. DeVore will offer a modified schedule of courses specifically aimed at enhancing core business computing skills of the end-user. The number of people seeking unemployment benefits is at a 26-year high, and those recently laid off are finding they need broader and stronger skills in order to secure new jobs. Jennifer Hughes, Training Manager with DeVore, says "We view unexpected downtime resulting from layoffs as the opportunity to invest in professional development, enhance your basic technology skills and build your resume." She continues "Here in northeast Ohio we have a strong Healthcare and IT presence, two industries that continue to hire despite a downturn in the economy, and both require strong computer skills." The modified schedule is available for viewing online and classes will begin immediately based on class enrollment. DeVore is committed to supporting the Northeast Ohio business community during these challenging economic times. | |
| Simplex-IT at Hudson Biz Event in March |
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Hudson Community Expo
Not to pass up an opportunity to be seen in public, Simplex-IT will be one of the exhibitors at the upcoming Hudson Community Expo on Saturday, March 14th from 10am-4pm.
"Explore Hudson," is a biennial community expo sponsored by the Hudson Chamber of Commerce. Over 90 exhibitors from virtually every sort of business in Hudson will be on hand to introduce themselves and their products to visitors from Hudson and the surrounding communities. Representatives from the schools, city departments, clubs, non-profit organizations and civic groups will also be there. The day-long event will take place at East Woods School. There will entertainment, demonstrations, free samples, drawings and all sorts of give-aways. Admission and parking are free, making it a family and wallet-friendly event.
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We'd love to hear feedback about this! Send comments to Bob@Simplex-IT.com, or call us at 234.380.1277!
Sincerely,
Bob Coppedge
Simplex-IT LLC |
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