CDS Office Technologies Achieves Microsoft Gold and Silver Competencies



CDS earns distinction through demonstrated technology success and customer commitment.

CDS Office Technologies, announced it has achieved a Gold OEM competency and the Silver Mid-Market Solution Provider/Small Business Specialist, Devices and Deployment, Hosting, Identity and Access and Server Platform competencies in the Microsoft Partner Network, demonstrating its ability to meet Microsoft customers' evolving needs in today's dynamic business environment.

To earn Microsoft gold and silver competencies, organizations must complete a rigorous set of tests to prove their level of technology expertise, submit customer references and demonstrate their commitment to customer satisfaction by participating in an annual survey.

CDS Office Technologies is a locally owned value-added reseller (VAR) serving Illinois and Missouri for over 40 years. CDS has seven locations with 115 employees specializing in information technology products and services, public safety equipment, office communications and wireless networks, multi-function copiers/printers, video conferencing, digital signage, managed print and network services and cloud data storage.

"The Microsoft Gold and Silver competencies differentiates us from the competition and establishes us as market leaders, further demonstrating our commitment to serving the needs of customers relying on Microsoft-based solutions," said Mark Watson, President, CDS Office Technologies. "We look forward to helping our customers realize their full potential by continuing to focus our areas of technology expertise in response to today's business needs."

"The Microsoft Partner Network is designed to empower solution providers to succeed in today's business environment. By achieving the prestigious gold and silver competencies, participating companies are provided with a rich set of benefits, including increased customer visibility and accessibility, training and support," said Jon Roskill, Corporate Vice President, Worldwide Partner Group at Microsoft Corp. "We are proud to put forth a program that provides the resources to help a company develop the expertise customers demand in today's competitive market and also provides the community and infrastructure that can connect them to one another, lowering costs for all parties."

The Microsoft gold and silver competencies signifies to the market that a company has demonstrated the highest level of skill and achievement within a given technology specialization. All of the Microsoft competencies are designed to help differentiate a partner's specific technology capabilities, helping customers find solution providers quickly and easily. Each competency has a unique set of requirements and benefits, formulated to accurately represent the specific skills and services that partners bring to the industry.

CDS Office Technologies is committed to total customer satisfaction. They deliver best-of-breed technology solutions designed to assist clients in building, expanding and optimizing their IT and office environment. CDS' goal is to provide solutions with the most cost efficient methods, while providing the highest quality products in the industry.

2013 Internet Trends

The latest edition of the annual Internet Trends report finds continued robust online growth. There are now 2.4 billion Internet users around the world, and the total continues to grow apace. Mobile usage is expanding rapidly, while the mobile advertising opportunity remains largely untapped. The report reviews the shifting online landscape, which has become more social and content rich, with expanded use of photos, video and audio. Looking ahead, the report finds early signs of growth for wearable computing devices, like glasses, connected wrist bands and watches - and the emergence of connected cars, drones and other new platforms.

Microsoft previews update to Windows 8

Microsoft is providing a first look at Windows 8.1, and among the new features in the update is the return of the Start button that was taken away in Windows 8.

Additionally, users will have more options for what they set as their Start Screen background. Users can select images with motion or select their desktop picture (a picture of their family, for example) as the background for the Start Screen. They'll also be able to further customize the Start Screen by arranging their apps using more tile size options.

Other improvements to the upcoming version of the Windows operating system include the ability to set the device lock screen as a photo slide show, improved built-in apps and a new search screen that will display results from the Web as well as local files.

Users will also have more options for multitasking. When users display two apps on their device screen at once, they'll be able to resize the view of the apps in more ways. Currently, one app takes up about two-thirds of the screen while the second app is relegated to what's left.

Heavy-duty users will also be happy to know that Microsoft plans to improve the settings in Windows 8.1 by putting all of the computer options on one page. Windows 8 settings are scattered throughout the device, with some options located in one settings application and the rest in the desktop settings menu.

Microsoft said it will keep blogging about upcoming features over the next few weeks. It plans to release a preview version of Windows 8.1 on June 26, timed to its developer conference, and roll out the update to Windows 8 to users later this year.

Fit Facts: Power Up for Healthy Living Help

When it comes to a healthy lifestyle, technology gets a bad rap. It's true that spending too many hours glued to a computer or TV screen can lead to weight gain. But used wisely, technology can power up your motivation to make positive changes.

Here's how:

Portable media players can almost double as personal trainers. Your playlist of high-energy tunes is just the start. There are also free, downloadable programs that talk you through a workout, step by step.
The National Institutes of Health offers interactive health tutorials where you can learn about disease management, surgeries, prevention and wellness.
Smartphone apps are available to help with a variety of health challenges. One notable example: The VA's National Center for PTSD has created a free app called PTSD Coach, which helps you learn about and manage the symptoms that often occur after a trauma.
Text messages can help you stay on track with healthy changes. In one large study, smokers trying to quit were more likely to succeed when they received automated texts of motivational messages.
Online support groups let you connect with others, anywhere, anytime. Web discussion boards and email lists are great for sharing emotional support. But don't rely on them for medical information. Talk to your doctor when you need medical advice.

Give Technology a Time Out

As great as technology can be, you still need some down time. The artificial light from TV and computer screens may cause us to miss out on deep, restorative sleep. Try turning off your TV and computer at least one hour before you go to sleep.

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