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Greetings!
 August...from what I remember of my childhood ( Oh, Michael Nesmith...you were always the real musician of the Monkees), August was the month where you relaxed, took it easy, and figured out why dogs got day for this month, but none other.
Not for us. Nope. Uh-uh. We're having our monthly Lunchinar, plus 5 other events this month. Yup. That's a total of 6, for those of you who were still trying to remember which one Michael was (Hint: hat with fuzzy ball on top).
In partnership with DeVore Technologies, we're adding a total of four additional events this month featuring Microsoft's new Windows 7, which was just released to Manufacturing in late July. And for the DeVore events, we're talking hands on, baby. So if you're interested in Windows 7, look no further (Next month we'll be repeating this, but looking at Windows Server 2008 R2).
Or if you're just hungry. Hungry for what, I hear you cry? Hungry for interesting conversation, knowledge...oh, yeah, and burgers and/or brats. Yup, it's that time again. August 19th is our second annual Picnic/BBQ/Networking event/whatever. C'mon out and have a brat.
Anything else? Oh, yeah! We're sponsoring the monthly meeting of the Streetsboro Chamber of Commerce!
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| The curious case of Windows 7 and the Killer App |
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Bob here.
Let's start this show by setting the stage. Come October 22nd, Microsoft is releasing its latest version of Windows, named Windows 7. Can you say "Buh-bye, Vista?" But not everybody is racing to embrace the new product. Let's break down the responses by pigeon holing people into stereotypes. C'mon, it's fun, it's easy, and it doesn't create carbon emissions! > IT folks: "Wow, Windows 7 looks really cool! I really hope they don't install it throughout the company where I work!" > Business Owners: "Wow, Windows 7 looks really cool! I really hope they don't install it throughout the company where I work!" > Home Users: "Wow, Windows 7 looks really cool! I really hope they don't force me to buy it if I buy a new computer!" > MS Partners: "Wow, Windows 7 looks really cool! I'm not going to try to sell it to my customers!" > Hardware Manufacturers: "Wow, Windows 7 looks really cool! Can I still sell systems with XP installed?" > Microsoft: "Wow, Windows 7 looks really cool! Where is everybody? Hello? Hello??" > Apple: "I'm a Mac. I'm a PC. We've still got it, baby!" Want to read the rest? Go to our Biz Blog by clicking here.
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| Join us for Lunch - We're opening Windows! |
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Windows 7 from the User's Perspective
Well, August is upon us and we're going strong with our monthly Lunchinars. These events are fun, informative and FREE! Dan, who attended our July Lunchinar said 'I always learn something!' Brendan commented, 'It was a nice way to be introduced to more of that you do.' Come on over and see what all the buzz is about...and enjoy Streetsboro's Pizza Pan Pizza too!
It's new and improved....or so they say. Microsoft is introducing their latest release and our techs have already looked into it. What does Windows 7 offer? What great new features can you look forward to? From the user's perspective, how can you fully benefit from and utilize this new release? Calling all techs and non-techs - join us and find out!
When? Wednesday, August 26th, from 11:30am to 1:00pm
There is unlimited information but not unlimited space. Be sure to RSVP by contacting Julie at 234-380-1277.
We hope to see you there! Oh - did we mention that we give things away? |
| The Blog goes on... |
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Julie here again...just wrapping up our Lunchinars on business continuity. Check out my blog to read a recent survey on backup/recovery. How does YOUR company rank among the statistics?
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| Simplex-IT and DeVore Technologies present: Sneak Peak! (Windows 7 for the End User) |
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Hands on Events!
Microsoft's next desktop OS, Windows 7, will be generally available on October 22nd. The Release Candidate is available today. But will Windows 7: · Handle XP applications without complaining? · Make it easier to remotely connect to office networks? · Be secure, without being a pain! Join DeVore Technologies and Simplex-IT for a two hour "Sneak Peak" of Windows 7, focusing on end user functionality. Not only will you have a chance to see Windows 7 in action, you'll also get an opportunity to test drive Windows 7 yourself! As added incentive, Windows 7 Release Candidate CDs will be given away to ten lucky Sneak Peek attendees.
Held at DeVore's new location, 23240 Chagrin Blvd, Commerce Park IV Suite 525 (in Beachwood, 44122) Dates: Tuesday August 4th -Evening 6:30- 7:30 ( RSVP) Thursday 6 August -Lunch 11:30 - 1:00 ( RSVP) Food and beverages provided by DeVore. Content provided by Bob Coppedge.
Seating is limited (especially seating with a workstation to play with), so RSVP today!
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| Had Enough? Tough! Simplex-IT and DeVore Also present Sneak Peak: (Windows 7 for the IT Pro) |
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Hands on Events!
Microsoft's next desktop OS, Windows 7, brings some new features and functionality, especially when coupled with Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Release 2. Features like: · New Group Policy Features! · Improve Branch Connectivity with BranchCache · Secure Remote Connectivity with DirectAccess Join DeVore Technologies and Simplex-IT for a two hour "Sneak Peak" of Windows 7, focusing on IT Integration. Not only will you have a chance to see Windows 7 in action, you'll also get an opportunity to test drive Windows 7 yourself! As added incentive, Windows 7 Release Candidate CDs will be given away to ten lucky Sneak Peak attendees. Dates: Tuesday August 18th -Evening 6:30- 8:30 ( RSVP) Thursday 20 August -Lunch 11:30 - 1:30 ( RSVP) Food and beverages provided by DeVore. Content provided by Bob Coppedge.
Held at DeVore's new location, 23240 Chagrin Blvd, Commerce Park IV Suite 525 (in Beachwood, 44122)
Seating is limited (especially seating with a workstation to play with), so RSVP today!
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| Mark your Calendar! |
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The Second Annual Simplex-IT BBQ!
Simplex-IT welcomes you to join us for our annual barbeque. Sure we'll have burgers and bratwurst and wonderful summer atmosphere. We will also feature demos, ideas, tech talk and networking.
You can simply stop by to relax and grab dinner. But we'll also offer demos about things such as backing up your data, establishing business continuity, Windows 7, Hyper-V, and how Simplex-IT is using tools like Constant Contact and LinkedIn to get and stay connected. You can pick the brains of IT professionals, our vendor partners and members of the community.
Whatever the case, we welcome you to our humble 'world-wide international headquarters' on August 19th from 4pm to 8pm. We are located at 5225 Darrow Road in Hudson. Please RSVP to Julie by calling 234-380-1277 or emailing her.
We look forward to seeing you on August 19th! |
| WMIC and Automated Management |
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| Sam here.
As a network engineer I have to manage a large number of systems on a regular basis. Obviously it behooves me to have many technical shortcuts under my belt lest I spend all my time right-clicking and "properties"ing everything. This means having a lot of commands and utilities in my virtual toolbox. Very often utilities for certain administrative tasks aren't included with the operating system (because of lack of foresight or because the company wants to make an extra dime) and must be downloaded either 1st or 3rd party. However, sometimes they are included - and this is one of the cases where they are.
In this article, I'd like to discuss Windows Management Instrumentation, WMIC - the built-in utility used to access it, and how I was able to use WMI on a remote server without having to have physical access to collect physical memory information. Hopefully this information will lead you to easier and more automated management for your systems. Microsoft defines this technology as "Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) and it is the infrastructure for management data and operations on Windows-based operating systems." (1) and this is certainly true. For the most part, using WMI for managing systems means writing programs or scripts that use the Windows interfaces that expose WMI. Sound complicated? Well, it can be - especially if you've not spent any time programming. Luckily, there is a little documented yet very powerful tool that comes with Windows called "WMIC". WMIC can get you just about every single piece of information Windows keeps internally for itself, which is pretty great. Let's look at how we do some basic tasks with this tool.
For the rest of this blog entry, click here. |
| Responsiveness |
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My career in IT was initially focused on the personnel side. In both a collegiate and recruiting setting, I was constantly helping IT professionals revamp their resumes, tweak their interviewing skills and be on their way toward a position in the world of IT. I suppose to a degree, one can say that I am still a "recruiter" however now, my responsibility lies in ensuring the IT success of an entire organization versus that of one specific individual.
In adjusting to working with Simplex-IT, I became aware of the fact that I needed to better understand what the business entity expected from their IT department as a whole. Ramping up from a single personality to that which runs the entire infrastructure of an organization took some time and adjusting! In an effort to grow and learn, my first goal was to determine what the one trait is that business owners expect, but often fail to get, in their IT department or managed services company.
Responsiveness (or a lack thereof), is the top complaint that organizations have with their current IT initiative. Given that every organization is absolutely dependent upon this quality in order to keep business practices going, it is very difficult for me to fathom how this can then turn around and be the number one complaint.
The evolution of Managed Services software allows us to constantly monitor our clients' systems, so that we are on top of any pending issues as well as privy to things that, as time goes on, will cause problems. The ability to receive text messages and emails the moment that something with our clients' networks looks 'off', not only saves time but money and resources. Being proactive versus reactive should be the top methodology of any IT firm or department. Being responsive should be easy. It should be a guarantee.
Ironically enough, when I looked up the word 'responsiveness' on Wikipedia, the subheading stated 'this article is about responsiveness in human computer interaction'. That word has become synonymous with what is expected in the world of Information Technology. In my career, I've coached people on how to dress, helped with their verbiage on resumes and prepped them for the 'what is your worst quality' interview question, but now it's on to larger things....like guaranteeing to business owners that our team is dedicated, extremely talented and, most importantly, responsive!
-Julie |
| Want to find out about this stuff quicker? |
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| Blog updates from Simplex-IT over the past month
Remember to check out our blogs:
Getting started with WMI(C)
Wanna know about Windows 7? Got 9 minutes?
The Buzz about Windows 7
Backing up and being sure
Office 2010. From Microsoft. Free.
How Secure are You?
The curious case of Windows 7 and the Killer App |
Simplex-IT Customer Spotlight 
Life Equity |
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Insurance needs fluctuate - financial requirements are shifting - estate tax laws are being re-introduced. Let's face it - life is a change. Similarly, a life insurance policy once set to meet specific financial goals may no longer be needed or may no longer be effective. That's where Life Equity comes in.
Life Equity offers Life Settlements which are an alternative to the surrender of, borrowing against or cancellation of a life insurance policy. Life Settlements provide policy owners the ability to receive a present value lump sum cash settlement for a life insurance policy that is greater than the surrender value. Life Settlements have created liquidity options and new financial planning opportunities for many individuals, businesses and estates.
Simplex-IT works with Life Equity via our Silver Managed Service Plan, where we provide IT services and monitoring support by working in conjunction with their in-house IT staff. Ann Gross, Project Specialist comments; "Your prices were extremely competitive and you seemed willing to work with me as the in-house IT person. I'm one of those people who want to know 'how' and 'why' and Bob and Sam have been more than helpful for me and they explain everything in as much detail as I ask them for. I send these guys an email and figure they'll get to it sometime that day, and usually within 20 minutes to half an hour, I've got some sort of response. Bob and Sam, in addition to being really knowledgeable, are genuinely nice guys and that makes it easy to work with them." You can reach Life Equity by calling 330-342-7772 or check out their website for more information. |
| Lunch with the Streetsboro Chamber |
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We're beginning to think that August is all about FOOD! We've got our BBQ and our Lunchinar...but wait, there's more!
Simplex-IT is teaming up with the Streetsboro Chamber of Commerce in August and we hope you can join us! We will be sponsoring their monthly luncheon, which will be held at Hattie Larlham. Food will be provided by HoneyBaked Ham & Co. of Streetsboro and representatives from Hattie Larlham will be on hand to speak about recent events and additions as well as providing information about their services. They will also be offering complimentary tours after the presentation. The Luncheon will take place on Thursday, August 13th. Networking begins at 11:30am. Please RSVP by calling the Chamber office at 330-626-4769 or emailing them.
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| Plain Funny #9 |
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| The IT Crowd
Bob here. I'm glad to hear that IT Helpdesk issues aren't limited to this side of "the pond."
England has their own issues as well, although they seem similar to ours (I mean, not here at Simplex-IT, of course<g>). Click here for more info about the "the IT Crowd." | |
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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