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ABC Computers eNewsletter                                                                                                             July 2011

 800-834-7700                                                                                                        www.ABC-Computers.com
In This Issue
What's the Difference Between Server Consolidation and Server Virtualization?
July 20th Webcast: How to Ensure Employees Work on the Right Tasks at the Right Time
7 Secrets To Finding Relevant Information Online
Complimentary Microsoft ERP Cloud Computing Report

   

Security Alert: Phishing E-mails On The Rise
A phishing e-mail is designed to fool the recipient into downloading a virus, giving up their credit card number, personal information (like a social security number), or account or login information to a particular web site. Many look exactly like a legitimate Facebook e-mail and even appeared to come from "Facebookmail.com."
ABC Customer Comment
"From the start, we were impressed by ABC's enthusiastic, friendly and forward-thinking approach."
  
Jim Niemuth, President
Shiny New Gadget of the Month
Twist it, Tie it, Reuse it 
Gear Ties  
Available in five different sizes (3", 6", 18", 24" or 32") and a rainbow of colors, Gear Tie Reusable Rubber Twist Ties are the perfect solution for organizing nearly anything from a small cord or cable to large sporting goods equipment.   
  

July Quick Quiz

 Enter our monthly Quick Quiz drawing for your chance to win an assortment of The Shiny New Gadgets of the Month, Gear Tie Reusable Rubber Twist Ties.

Question:
The word 'patriotism' comes from the Latin patria which means...
 a) Loyalty
b) Homeland
c) Pride
d) Freedom  
   
 Email your answer to Amy at [email protected]

June Quick Quiz Answer & Winner

 Question: 
 What inventor averaged one patent for every three weeks of his life?
a) Thomas Edison
b) Benjamin Franklin
c) Alexander Graham Bell
Answer:

a) Thomas Edison

Winner:

 David DeLuka of Stano Landscaping
  
Tips & Tricks
ABC Computers

Offices in Waupaca, Rhinelander and
La Crosse, WI, as well as South Bend, IN.

Staff located throughout the Midwest including Madison, Milwaukee and Chicago.

 Headquarters
1990 Godfrey Drive
PO Box 546
Waupaca, WI  54981
 
Phone
800.834.7700
 
Technical Support [email protected]

General Inquiries

Website
ABC-Computers.com 
  
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Greetings!  

 

A recent article I read about employee recognition in Inc magazine got me thinking. Annual awards are fun, but the best awards embody a company's core values and give a nod to role models. For instance, SurePayroll, a $23 million online payroll-processing company, encourages risk-taking with the "Best New Mistake Award" which carries a $400 prize.  (Note: The Company's president emphasizes the "new" part. There is no award for making the same mistake twice.)

 

While I am very proud of our Microsoft distinctions, I'd have to say the most meaningful recognition received by ABC team members is the Patriot Award from the Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR).  Scott Meisenhelder, one of our employees and a National Guard Reservist, nominated his co-workers for the support they provided when he was called into active duty.  While Scott was serving our country in Iraq, his ABC teammates watched out for his family back home in WisconsinAmong many things, they made sure the driveway was plowed after snow storms, set them up with Skype so they could communicate with Scott more easily, and sent care packages with his favorite snacks (and new software, of course).

 

Wow...I can't think of many things that would make a CEO more proud.  It is a perfect example of the core values we embrace at ABC Computers - Integrity, Empathy, Dedication, Teamwork, and Fun.  It makes my heart smile just to think about it.

 

Next time you want to recognize an employee, consider an award that will conjure the image not of a trophy or a check, but of the recipient behaving in a way that embodies your company's core values and makes him or her valuable to the business.

 

Sincerely,
Donovan's SignatureNewMicrosoftCompetencyLogo 

Donavan Lane, CEO
ABC Computers, Inc.  
What's the Difference Between Server Consolidation and Server Virtualization?

Servers are critical components of the IT infrastructure in any company with a network. They are usually considered "good things," but it is possible to have too many. Server Install

 

Multiple servers cause multiple problems. They make for an inefficient use of space; too close together they can overheat. Hide the cables in the walls or under the floors, and they'll be more difficult to reach should there be a problem. Maintenance, by the way, makes up 60% to 70% of most IT costs for a company. All these expensive issues for instruments that studies have shown are generally being used at less than 20% of capacity.

 

Server consolidation and virtualization are great ways to reduce costs and boost performance. Learn the difference between the two and which is your better option. The answer might surprise you.

July 20th Webcast: How to Ensure Employees Work on the Right Tasks at the Right Time

Optimizing Your Processes with agilesWorkflow for Dynamics NAV

 

What if there was a way to guide your employees through a process to ensure it was done the most efficient way possible -- and done right the first time?  Would your operating costs go down?  Would customer service improve?   Would you want to learn more?

 

Join us at 10:00 AM CDT on July 20th for an educational webinar on how you can identify, analyze, and optimize your business processes both inside and outside of Microsoft NAV.  You will learn how agilesWorkflow for Dynamics NAV can help your organization:  

  • Enforce procedures and adhere to industry regulations.
  • Identify bottlenecks and head off problems before they escalate.
  • Reduce training by providing your employees with step-by-step guidance through a process.
  • Gain an immediate ROI

There is no cost to attend, but space is limited.  Register now to reserve your seat and receive login instructions for the July 20th webcast.

 

Vacation Checklist: 7 Best Practices for Preparing to be Out of the Office

Ahh....Summer has arrived. What a great time to take a break, spend time with family and rejuvenate.

 

Whether you're taking a vacation or going on a business trip, there are a number of things you can do to prepare for being out of the office. Here are some best practices to see that your work goes on smoothly, even when you're gone

7 Secrets To Finding Relevant Information Online

Finding Information OnlineHave you ever run into a virtual wall when searching for information on the Internet?  With billions of websites, finding good, relevant information online can sometimes be akin to finding a needle in a haystack. But take heart!  Here are 7 little-known secrets that will help you find what you are looking for in no time at all. 

 

Complimentary Microsoft Cloud Computing Report

Realize More with the Power of Choice: Microsoft Dynamics ERP and Software-Plus-Services

 

When choosing an ERP solution that is right for your business, there are many considerations you need to make. What type of software? How much will it cost?  How much can I afford?  How much time will it take to deploy, streamline and learn the new system?

 

Today, with the emergence of software as a service (SaaS) --  "The Cloud" -- you must not only consider what software solution is right for your company, but how and where to deploy it.  The number of considerations can be overwhelming. 

 

This complimentary Microsoft ERP cloud computing report will help you better understand your options and why choosing a hosted ERP solution from Microsoft can benefit your business.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About ABC Computers 

ABC Computers has been providing a unique blend of business software solutions and computer support services to businesses - small and large - since 1984. Over the last 25+ years, we have earned a reputation for exceeding clients' expectations and developing lasting relationships by first listening - learning about your business - and only then suggesting solutions to help you achieve your objectives. 

 

With 3 locations in Wisconsin (WI), 1 location in South Bend, IN, and staff throughout the upper Midwest, ABC offers business consulting and IT services through two distinctly related teams. Our business management systems group specializes in financial management and enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions based on Microsoft Dynamics NAV (formerly Navision) and Microsoft Dynamics GP (formerly Great Plains). ABC's computer support services team specializes in troubleshooting IT problems that disrupt business operations and transforming technology from a burden into an asset.

 
Donavan Lane, as well as each team member of ABC, is dedicated to your complete satisfaction. Thus our commitment to implementing "Business Solutions...Your Way."