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| Issue: # 19 |
September/2009 |
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Greetings!
 Ok, so it's September. Note to self: What did we do in August? Oh, right. We:
- Had four events featuring Windows 7 Partnering with our buds at DeVore Technologies;
- Were featured in a major Microsoft Partner communication;
- Had 60+ people scarfing down Burgers and Brats at our BBQ/Picnic/Networking event;
- Had our monthly Lunchinar featuring Windows 7;
- Sent out almost 1,000 postcards talking about the physical environment of networks;
- Sponsored the monthly meeting for the Streetsboro Chamber of Commerce.
And somewhere during that, we remembered to breathe once or twice. Ok, no rest for the wicked! For September:
- Our free monthly Lunchinar will feature Windows 7 for the IT Pro;
- There was so much interest in our Windows 7 for the End User Lunchinar, we're going to do it again!;
- Run 2 free Hands On sessions introducing Windows Server 2008 R2 to folks, partnering once again with DeVore Technologies;
- Present a one day dive into Microsoft SharePoint Services 3.0 (again, with DeVore). Price hasn't been set yet for this, but the tentative date is September 23rd (if interested, contact me for details);
You'll notice that we've got some additional folks joining us for this edition of the eNewsletter. That's no accident. Our goal is to try to provide you (yup, you!) with usable information. And we've got some partners that have some pretty useful information to share. So this seems to be a no-brainer for us (we'd love to hear some feedback from you, of course!)
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| Our eNewsletter hits the Big(-ish) Time! |
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Microsoft Recognizes Simplex-IT
Bob here. Microsoft (you may have heard of them?) relies, like so many companies, on their Partner program. Simplex-IT is proud and happy to be part of that network, as a Small Business Specialist Community (SBSC) Partner.
Well, Simplex-IT's monthly eNewsletter is featured in this month's SBSC newsletter from Microsoft, delivered to the 15,000 or so SBSC participants. Here's what they had to say:
"Take a look at the great newsletter recently put together by Bob Coppedge, CEO of Simplex-IT, an SBSC from Ohio (and a former member of the U.S. SBSC Advisory Board). This tremendously inspiring newsletter is exactly the type of engagement and communication we encourage SBSCs to drive right now in the marketplace. A huge thank-you to Bob Coppedge."
We didn't ask for this recognition. Click here to read more. |
| Bike Rides and Backups |
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Bob here.
When I was a kid, riding a bike was a simple process. You got on the bike, you rode it. If you fell, or hit something (or something hit you), well, that was part of the game. Skinned knees, elbows and egos were all par for the course.
Now, of course, it's different. It seems nobody gets on a bike without helmets, kneepads, elbow pads and wrapping themselves into 6 inches thick of bubble wrap.
Why? Yeah, I can understand folks who are inspired by Mountain Dew commercials, riding bikes off of cliffs into alligator pits. But kids who ride around the neighborhood? Nothing's changed that drastically.
Yeah, yeah, I know...I'm supposed to write about technology here. Don't worry, I'm getting there. right about now!
Back in the "good ol' days" of IT for Small-Medium businesses, it was similar. Yeah, we had backups. But backups were quirky, approximate copies of systems and data.
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| Join us for Lunch
We're STILL opening Windows! |
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Windows 7 from the IT Pro's Perspective
Our Lunchinar for September will focus on the Tech side of Windows 7...things such as changes to Security Policy and support roles. Tips and tricks, quirks and how to get past them, features you can share with your users. Bob will provide the basics but this round-table discussion will certainly open itself up to critiques and words of wisdom.
Calling all IT Professionals....please join us as we investigate Windows 7 from the inside perspective and walk and talk our way through the basics.
When? Wednesday, September 16th, 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 you can join us. Oh, and we're always good for a raffle of some sort, so come on out! |
| Sneak Peek #3: Simplex-IT and DeVore Technologies present Hands on with Windows Server 2008 R2 |
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Hands on Events!
Along with Windows 7, Microsoft is also bringing out the next release to their Server OS. Windows Server 2008 R2 will be generally available on October 22nd.
Simplex-IT and DeVore Technologies continue their monthly series of free hands-on events. Bob Coppedge (hey, that's me!) will lead a demo/discussion of Microsoft's new Windows Server 2008 R2 (release date: Oct 22). And we'll have over a dozen machines loaded with Server 2008 for you to play along! Features like new virtualization tools, Web resources, management enhancements, and Windows 7 integration will be discussed. And don't forget Internet Information Services (IIS) version 7.5, updated Server Manager and Hyper-V platforms and Windows PowerShell version 2.0.
Held at DeVore's new location, 23240 Chagrin Blvd, Commerce Park IV Suite 525 (in Beachwood, 44122)
Dates:
Tuesday September 15th - 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Thursday September 17th - 11:30am - 1:00pm
Snacks 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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| Simplex-IT BBQ Revisited....... |
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Well, the grill has been turned off and the remainder of the pasta salad has been eaten. We are proud to say that our Second Annual Simplex-IT BBQ was a BIG hit! The weather was perfect, the food was delicious, the networking was valuable and there was even a game or two of corn hole in the mix!
Our sincere thanks to all 60+ folks who came out to join us. Here are a few comments from those in attendance....
Janet of Artsysites said, "Thank you for hosting and coordinating the Simplex-IT BBQ event. I really enjoyed myself, the food was great, and I met some people and became more acquainted with your organization and facilities. I hope to be more involved with functions like this in the future, and I appreciate the value they bring to my business and profession. Thank you again for a successful event."
Ken and his wife, both with Allied Printing Solutions joined us. He commented; "Debbie and I enjoyed the event and thought it was a nice idea. We did meet several people and did some networking of our own. Thanks for inviting us." Bill of Weisinger Engineering and Sunday Oldies Jukebox mentioned, "It was a nice time...a good turn-out.... and good food! My 'Thanks' to all at Simplex-IT."
Streetsboro Police Chief Richard Taiclet emailed, "Hey, great "outing" Wednesday. Thanks again for everything." Cindy of Akland Printing commented; "It was fun and the food was great! --and I didn't have to make dinner! I loved the atmosphere of the office/house and yard. Everyone was very friendly and I was able to make some nice contacts. I appreciated the chance to network...Thanks again. I look forward to next year's party!"
Dave wrote, "It gave me a chance to connect with people in a social environment. And the event was one of the better events I have attended. Your efforts are appreciated."
Leah of Mary Kay Cosmetics said, "I met so many wonderful people and the food was delicious! You definitely know how to throw a party!"
Many thanks to friends and family who helped out, and also to the Streetsboro Area Chamber of Commerce for assisting us with both spreading the word about our BBQ and being there to help. It was GREAT to have their support!
Stay tuned for next year! |
| It's All About Partnering! |
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Networking seems to be a big buzz word these days. There are things such as BNI groups, B2B meetings and Chamber of Commerce events. Recently, society has thrown on-line networking such as LinkedIn and Facebook into the mix. We have webinars and 'virtual' meetings. The avenues for connecting people to people to businesses can be overwhelming! From my perspective, it is important that we don't fall too far from the norm and assume that networking is happening and business partnerships are developing, when, in fact, they may not be. Have you ever walked away from a networking event, business cards in hand, promising to your new acquaintance that you will be in touch? How quickly did you reach out to them after the event - if at all? I think we all have to dedicate more effort to creating results and making things happen out of these promises.
An example of this and a way in which Simplex-IT is reaching out is by establishing firm partnerships with those companies with whom we've networked and shared ideas. For example, we have recently formed an 'internal' group consisting of us as the IT presence, a SQL database guru, an SEO expert and a LinkedIn connoisseur. Each one of us has skills, ideas or references that might help the other and it's been a great culmination of thoughts. As of this issue, you will start seeing articles written by our partners...by folks with whom we've met and shared ideas and KEPT IN TOUCH. That is the key...
What is important about this is that we are trying to do something. After meeting someone, it is so easy to say 'email me' or 'we'll have lunch sometime' but looking back, how often do those words actually come to fruition? Simplex-IT is really trying to make those post-meeting promises become something. Let's make sure that we understand one another's business so we can act as advocates. Let's do networking and not only listen for what may help our company, but what might help our partners' companies as well. Simplex-IT has already made strides in this methodology and ultimately, networking in such a fashion will add great value to our company and to the companies of others.
Try reaching out and make it work for you!
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Simplex-IT Customer Spotlight 
The Jason Finishing Group |
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Founded in 1887, as a unit of Jason Inc., The Jason Finishing Group, made up of Osborn International and JacksonLea, is the world's largest maker of industrial brushes, buffs, and compounds. They manufacture over 3000 standard products in addition to hundreds of custom engineered products for industrial and retail customers. Osborn brushes are sold in more than 90 countries with safety testing done in the U.S. to meet ANSI standards. They have more patents on products and processes than all other brush companies combined. With more than 2,000 employees with operations spread across 12 countries around the world, Osborn can leverage their global reach to source and manufacture products in different parts of the world, offering an optimized solution for company needs. Their strength comes from a team of engineers experienced in a wide range of brush application and design areas. They provide testing for end users who have specific applications in need of a solution. Osborn offers the broadest selection of brushes for the Metal Finishing industry. Their power brushes are used for hundreds of applications such as deburring, metal finishing, weld cleaning, honing and polishing. "Having worked with Bob and Sam on projects in the past, I was very comfortable with their level of knowledge and their ability to support our network." "The fact that the Simplex-IT staff is instrumental as a local advocate for the Microsoft Suite of operating systems and application software is very helpful to me. It allows me the ability to get knowledgeable answers regarding new versions of the software and to determine how the upgrades affect our organization." You can visit their site at www.Osborn.com. |
| 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:
Introduction to Databases
Your Online Local Business Listing
Bike Rides and Backups
Our eNewsletter hits the Big(-ish) Time!
Windows 7 Lunchinar Feedback
Windows Server 2008 Hands on Sneak Peek
Windows 7 Lunchinar Full...should we do another one?
Windows 7 for the IT Pro (Hands on Sneak Peek Part 2)
Windows Sneak Peek a Success!
Windows 7 Hands on Sneak Peek
Windows 7...Party too soon?
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| Your Online Local Business Listing
The Importance of Accurate & Consistent Info! |
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Over the years, as the owner and operator of a state-wide business directory, I have been amazed at the amount of incorrect information that companies provide. It is extremely important to submit accurate and consistent information about your business on all business listing sites such as major local directories, city guides, and internet yellow pages, as well as the data providers who supply many of the major search engines.
When given the opportunity to "Claim Your Site," it is vital for you to review and modify/update the existing data presented about your company. Claiming a listing means you are taking ownership of the data in perpetuity. Once you claim a listing, many search engines and data providers will stop relying on any other source for updates to your business - you have to make a commitment to managing your data.
For more, click here. |
| Anatomy of Social Media Marketing Success |
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Many people often ask me exactly how does social media/virtual marketing work? Why is everyone saying it's so great? It made me realize that I needed to sit down and diagram it out to make it easier to understand.
Patty Sadallah of Redwood Sisterhood recently had a tele-seminar on the "Anatomy of Leadership." While we were talking, she asked me about how important an email list was to her marketing plan. Of course, I answered that it was crucial - but then an analogy hit me that really made the importance clear. I shared with her that the email list is essentially the circulatory system/blood of your marketing efforts. It is what caries people to all of the different components of your social media marketing plan. Further, if you are using your email list effectively, you are actively encouraging your readers to forward the message on to others they know, which constantly brings "new blood" into your social media system. This method of email marketing is called "viral marketing" for just that reason - it allows your exposure to grow exponentially unlike any other communications method.
So that got me thinking...from an anatomy standpoint, how would I describe the rest of the key components in a social media marketing plan? Here's what I came up with. Please share with me in the comments section if the analogies help you!
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| Introduction to Databases |
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| By Douglas Tombow
Databases are everywhere around us. We use them daily, sometimes without even being aware.
Examples of databases include a shopping list, a mailing list and a collection of recipes. What each database has in common is they contain multiple items having a similar structure. That's one of the key characteristics of a database - structure. A collection of data that has no structure would be considered ... a mess J. These too are everywhere around us. Just look at the pile of papers on the typical desk.
The government and businesses use databases extensively to track data related to their operations. The IRS uses databases to track tax returns that have been filed, income taxes paid and so on. Employers use databases to track employees, customers, sales and other items of interest.
What is a database?
The term database typically means one of two things: · a structured collection of information · a program that stores and 'manages' structured data Click here to read more.
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| Plain Funny #10 |
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| The IT Crowd (again!)
Ok, usually the "Plain Funny" link is the most visited by our eNewsletter buds. For some reason, this last one was a dud. Not that people didn't like the link, but, heck, few people even tried it!
Well, that's just not right. If you're a fan like all of us at Simplex-IT are of " The Big Bang Theory" show, you'll get a kick out of "The IT Crowd" from BBC. We're all anxiously awaiting new adventures of Sheldon and the gang from "BBT," but this will tide us over for a wee bit.
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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