Tired of paying for software licensing? Tech support? Server use?

There is a better way because every business is unique, but one thing remains the same. In today’s ever-changing business world, businesses need to stay connected to their customers and in-tune with their preferences. People, partners and suppliers have to work effectively and efficiently together to keep the business running smoothly and successfully. Find out how to:


• Simplify the way your people, your partners, and your customers work together

• Increase confidence and trust by working more securely across organization boundaries

• Improve productivity with easy access from anywhere, anytime, to anyone

As a trusted Microsoft partner, we bring the expertise and service to help you integrate powerful Microsoft solutions into your infrastructure today and keep the productivity of your business running smoothly in the future.

Start saying "No Problem" to Microsoft Exchange!

Attention Windows Mobile 5.0, 6.0, 6.1, and 6.5 Users: Be sure to download and install updated certificates to your device.

Subscribe to Agency Technologies Hosted Office and receive:

• Unlimited Computer Support - no more hourly charges

• Set monthly service fee - no upfront costs or unexpected break-fixes

• Automated remote backups - data is secure and your company is disaster ready

• Advantages of a big company computer network without the expense and headaches

How do we compare to traditional IT?

Before, a complete business computer network required multiple vendors along with upfront costs and unexpected break-fix expenses. Now, Hosted Office makes IT simple with one trusted partner and a fixed monthly cost.

Let's look at a real-life example for a business owner with 25 employees:
Yearly Cost Comparison: 25 users


Hosted Office Professional 25 users Hosted Office offers significant savings over traditional on-site computer networks. To prove this, we have listed price comparisons of our service versus a duplicate of our services as an internally deployed system. Note that there are definite ways to reduce some of the internally deployed costs, but then it wouldn’t be a fair comparison to the high quality and level of service you get from Hosted Office.

Bottom line

Hosted Office:

$ 29,700 / year

versus

Internal Deployment:

a minimum of $ 144,250 / year

Internal deployment has an initial year cost of all items. Second year and beyond includes subscriptions, hosting charges, and personnel only.

Unlimited file storage SPAM filtering

Daily backup Unlimited support

User security Low-bandwidth access

Windows anywhere Near zero maintenance

Virus protection Secured Hosted Data

Office 2007

Access 2007 Excel 2007

Outlook 2007 PowerPoint 2007

Publisher 2007 Word 2007

Secure Instant Messaging / Remote Assistance

Microsoft Exchange Corporate Email Account

Yearly costs $29,700

Pricing INCLUDES: minor and major upgrades of software; hardware maintenance; hardware upgrades; performance monitoring tools; security monitoring and analysis tools.

Qty Internally Deployed System (Hardware, Software and Personnel) Unit Total

1 NAS Data Storage—PowerVault 745N - Intel® Celeron® processor, 2.4GHz/128K Cache/400MHz FSB, HW RAID, Windows Storage Server 2007, Express w/ HW RAID, PV745N $2,000 $2,000

4 Enterprise Rack Server—PowerEdge 1850 - Intel® Xeon™ processor 3.0GHz/1MB Cache, 800MHz, Windows 2007 Server, Enterprise Edition & 25 CALs $5,000 $20,000

25 Office 2007 Professional Edition—Upgrade version only (full copy = $499) $329 $8,225

1 Backup Software—SQL Server, Exchange Server, Open Files $5,000 $5,000

1 Exchange Enterprise Server Software & 25 CAL $3,700 $3,700

1 Live Communications Server Software—1 Processor $3,100 $3,100

25 Live Communications Server CAL $35 $875

25 Terminal Server CAL $80 $2,000

1 SQL Server Enterprise Server Software & 25 CAL $10,000 $10,000

1 ISA Server 2004 Software—1 Processor $1,200 $1,200

25 Anti-SPAM Software Subscription—Mail Server protection $40 $1,000

25 Anti-Virus Software Subscription—Mail and File Server protection $50 $1,250

5 Data Center Computer Hosting Charges—Power, Protection, Redundant Networks, Cooling $1,400 $7,000

1 Administrators / Support Staff—Capable to Administer all Systems and Support 25 users. $135,000 $135,000

1st Year Costs $200,350

2nd Year Costs $144,250

Pricing does not include: major upgrades of software; hardware maintenance; hardware upgrades; performance monitoring tools; security monitoring and analysis tools.

It's easy to see why a hosted solution in today's business market and climate may make sense for your business...with outstanding ROI.  Keep your money where it belongs:  In YOUR pocket!

LED vs. LCD - What's all the confusion? Plenty.

If you thought all LED TVs were created equal, you're underestimating the power of confusion as a marketing tool. In their continuing efforts to compete against the picture quality advantages of plasma-based flat-panel TVs, makers of LCDs TVs have introduced numerous new technologies. The most successful in our opinion is full-array LED backlighting with local dimming. When you see the words "LED TV" in an ad, it definitely refers to an LCD TV with an LED backlight, but what type of LED backlight and how it's configured make all the difference.


Below we've gathered reviews of six different "LED TVs" that provide examples of all four LED backlight configurations, but first we'll provide a bit of context. All LCD-based TVs rely on a backlight of some kind to illuminate the liquid-crystal panel itself. The most common use fluorescent backlights, known as CCFL, but a growing number feature LED backlights instead. LEDs use somewhat less power, can enable thinner flat-panel cabinets, and--crucially for TV makers--provide a great excuse to charge more money. But make no mistake: despite the misleading marketing, LED TVs are just LCD TVs with fancy backlights.

Unfortunately for TV shoppers, the confusion just increases from there. To help cut through the clutter we're going to lengthen our descriptions beyond the "LED TV" shorthand, and tell you how picture quality generally compares with standard LCD. More details are available in our LED TVs: 10 things you need to know companion piece as well as the individual reviews.

Full-array without local dimming: The rarest of the bunch but the most familiar in concept. These models are just like standard LCD-based TVs aside from the fact that the CCFL backlight is replaced by LEDs. The "full-array" means that the LEDs themselves are arranged behind the entire LCD panel, not just along the edge.

Picture quality impact: No difference compared with standard LCD.

Example below: Sharp LC-46LE700UN

Edge-lit without local dimming: The most common today. Chances are if you see an "LED TV" advertised, it's this variety, which was first widely introduced by Samsung in 2009, then imitated in 2010 by just about everyone else. It's characterized by thin cabinet designs--around just an inch or even less in depth--that lead to decreased weight in shipping and wall-mounting, along with increased bragging rights (although we fail to see much practical appeal versus a standard, 3-to-5-inch-deep flat-panel TV). Unlike full-array models, the LEDs on these sets are arranged only along the edge of the LCD panel, and can illuminate the center and other areas of the screen using so-called "light guides."

Picture quality impact: No major advantage over standard LCD, and can have even more uniformity problems, such as brighter edges compared with the middle.

Example below: Samsung UNC6500 series

Full-array with local dimming: The original and still the best. There are exceptions, but in general, TVs with this LED backlight configuration are the best-performing LCDs you can buy. They're similar to full-array models, but the individual zones of LEDs can be dimmed or brightened independently.

Picture quality impact: Can have significantly better black levels and uniformity than normal LCD, but will also exhibit "blooming," or stray illumination, to some extent.

Examples below: Vizio XVT3 series, Sony XBR-HX909 series

Edge-lit with local dimming: A new innovation for 2010, currently available on select models from Samsung, LG and Sony. The idea is to allow some dimming of the screen in independent areas without having to place LEDs behind the LCD panel, just along the edge.

Picture quality impact: In our tests, the Samsung preformed relatively well and the LG did not, although neither matched the picture quality of full-array with local dimming and both exhibited more blooming.

Examples below: Samsung UNC8000 series, LG LE5500 series

Credit CNET full article: http://reviews.cnet.com/2795-6482_7-399.html

Twitter is over capacity? Too many Tweets?

Have you seen your twitter page show like this? “Twitter is over capacity. Too many tweets! Please wait a moment and try again.” Are you frustrated? Don’t worry, you are not alone. This is one of the hottest discussion in web.


In Technical Term: You are getting this message because you are being redirected to Twitter’s 503 page (503 Service Unavailable page).

An HTTP status code 503(503 Service Unavailable) indicates that twitter Web server is currently unable to handle the request because of a temporary overload or maintenance of the server.

Why Twitter server is overloaded?

Sometimes twitter traffic is very rapidly and its Web server is unable to handle rapid amount of request in very short period of time (server temporary overload). Hence you a re getting “Twitter is over capacity. Too many tweets!….”.

So, why twitter server is overload? Twitter has become the SMS of the Internet. Because of its restricted 140 characters per post, It has become the hottest thing in social networking. Every one from big companies, to CEO’s (@ExecTweets) to youngsters’ uses Twitter. According to Forrester estimates around 5 people use Twitter, this causes overload.

What is the Fix?

Ultimately Twitter has to fix it’s overload issue. Till then, relax for few minutes before start tweeting (hopefully no server temp overload at that time).

Follow us at @chrishammondit on Twitter

What about your technology keeps you up at night?

Recently a number of the prospects I've called on have indicated that there are several things that keep them up at night. Since I've been keeping track, I decided to provide some useful real world data and see if others would be willing to help me in my collection and results. At the end of this post is a very simple, ONE ANSWER poll. I would appreciate your feedback. There is absolutely nothing for you to fill out and it's not a goofball gimmick of any sort (you remain completely anonymous!)

Server Crashes:

Server failure can be one of, if not THE largest interruption of business and production flow for any company. Talk about undue stress, unexpected expenses, and unforseen downtime. If a company has 40 employees, working at a rate of $10 per hour...it's conceivable that a company could then be losing $400 per hour in hard money...not to mention incidentals, and countless other indirect but real expenses like lost revenue and lost productivity.

Reliable Data Backup:

In today's world (especially with the ever increasing government regulations, e.g. healthcare) the need for offsite backup has skyrocketed. Hard drives die, buildings burn, and theives steal...but if you can get your precious data stored offsite, it puts you in a better position to recover and recover quickly from a disaster. Be very cautious of offsite backup that is "cheap" in price. An increasing number of companies tout the unbelievable deal of "only $55 per year for unlimited offsite backup!" This is very misleading since they charge an arm and a leg (sometimes a firstborn) to do your data "restore." Oh, and if you are a business...yeah...that $55 per year just went out the window...they forgot to mention the unlimited $55 per year was for home users only.

Security:

Isn't it funny how hackers love to hack? Yep, well it's kinda funny...almost like they enjoy doing it. So what keeps them at bay in your office? Are your systems being monitored on a 24/7 basis? Who is watching and do you trust them? If you are compromised by...oh..say...a virus or malware...does your provider offer basic remediation of your systems for free? What type of planning do you do with your IT person or IT vendor each quarter? How about semi-annually or annually? Are they proactive or reactive? Just a few things to consider.

Not Utilizing Full Potential Of IT

Information Technology or IT was created to make your life easier and work faster...not harder and slower. So many companies struggle and get frustrated trying to get employees to use the technology they have, and use it efficiently. I had a client who was a restoration company and they were spending HOURS hand writing items on paper, then taking them back to the office, typing them into a computer on a spreadsheet, then cutting and pasting from the spreadsheet for the project into a database...and all while having no way to track the progress of the work in the project as it moved from department to department. The fix looked like scanning in pre-printed barcodes on a hand scanner and sticking it on the item. Once scanned, the system automatically sync'd up with the web upon return to the office and everything was where it needed to be, complete with tracking numbers, current department location and a client portal to track the project internally and externally from the interet. Talk about ROI! Hello more billable hours! Hello more restoration projects per week!

Staying Current With Patches/Upgrades

Ever try to do something on your computer, but can't until you run a "patch" or an "upgrade" to a piece of software or your operating system? While you go to get your coffee and take a nap, that computer is still ticking away and costing you precious time, resources and productvity in your day. Is there a better way? Yep. How about running those patches and upgrades at night when no one is in the office and the internet traffic is off-peak and can pull those patches and updates faster. Oh and don't forget that you MAY be installing things you DON'T want...maybe you are installing a patch that a later patch fixes because of security loopholes or worse...a mistake. Use a vendor (like us) that has knowledge of these things and experience under their belt, that can make that a reality by managing CORRECT patches, updates and upgrades as well as control the data flow so as not to slow you and your business down.

So...What about your technology keeps you up at night? Take a 10 second poll & see your results: http://polls.linkedin.com/p/90082/bwtjf

Top 7 Security Threats to Your Business, Network, and Information

Top 7 Security Threats to Your Business, Network, and Information

1. Email Attachments -- Workers opening an attachment could unleash a worm or virus onto the corporate network, and a new evolution of viruses means that they can propagate themselves even without a user double-clicking on them. You can avoid most problems by setting your Virus Scanner and Spy-Ware Scanner to update late Tuesday evening/early Wednesday morning (when patches are released nationwide). This ensures you have the latest definitions and are protected.

2. VPN Tunnel Vulnerabilities or Firewalls -- A hacker who worms his way into the VPN or firewall has free and easy access to the network and all of its computers and information. Be sure to have these addressed by your network administrator.

3. Downloads from Web Sites -- Workers frequently misuse their Internet access in the workplace, downloading games, movies and music and even pornography. It opens the network up to attack and sucks up valuable bandwidth by decreasing productivity and traffic flow. A quick fix is to allow your network administrator to restrict either the websites that CAN be downloaded from, or restrict the download themselves in the work environments.

4. Peer-to-Peer Applications -- In a peer-to-peer environment there is an implied trust between servers. That means if a user has access to one server, he automatically has access to another if the servers share trust. I like to point out that hackers or rogue employees can gain access to one server and move freely throughout the network. This is important when considering their permissions and levels of security on your network.

5. Music and Video Browsers -- These are browsers that automatically will connect the user with related web sites -- all without the user's permission. A music browser, for instance, may note that the user likes jazz so will connect the user to other jazz sites and executable applications, putting the network at risk and potentially using up huge amounts of bandwidth. Again, restriction of the music or video browser’s functionality will decrease your risk significantly.

6. Wireless Networks – Users, hackers and criminals can gain access to company and personal information at their discretion, copy files and sell or distribute them from the safety of their home or car next to your home or office. Have your wireless network secured with MAC address filtering if possible, as this is the MOST secure and hardest for hackers to imitate. You may also want to use WEP or WPA encryption with a password for access, and lastly you can “hide” the signal broadcast that your wireless network broadcasts by choosing not to broadcast your SSID.

7. SPAM and/or Phishing Email – This is cleverly disguised and directed to appear as if a legitimate source has sent this email to you soliciting personal information or verifying your personal information on behalf of a known vendor such as EBay, PayPal or Amazon.com. One dead giveaway is that it will ask you to click into a website to “verify” your information. Another give away can be that it does not address you by name. Rather that is will say something like “We’ve noticed that your account has had recent activity…” So in essence they may appear to be trying to “help” you.

Chris Hammond, A+, Net+, MCSA

To "B2B" or not to "B2C"? That is the question...

Business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) business strategies are different. Some people think marketing is marketing and whether you are marketing to consumers or marketing to businesses, you are still just marketing to people, right?

Well, yeah they are people, but a person buying a product for themselves verses buying for their company is a very different, emotional experience. In fact, there are profound differences that you must remember when developing your marketing activities. B2B depends on relationship building marketing efforts. Using consumer-focused strategies to market your B2B business will, at best, just cost you money. And, in some cases, it may cost you customers.

What is B2B and B2C Marketing?

 

These terms were coined in the early 2000's to differentiate Internet commerce businesses that sold to primarily to consumers verses those whose market are other businesses. These terms have expanded their definitions to refer to any business who sells primarily to the end customer (B2C) or to other businesses (B2B), both online and offline. Although the marketing programs are the same for each type of business (events, direct marketing, internet marketing, advertising, public relations, word of mouth and alliances), how they are executed, what they say, and the outcome of the marketing activities differ.

 

The first step in developing your marketing strategy for B2B is similar to the first step in a B2C strategy: identify who the customer is and why they need to hear your message. From there, the marketing activities diverge.

The bullets summarize the differences between B2B marketing and B2C marketing. Your marketing plan needs to take into account the differences and ensure you are developing the right types of activities for your particular market.

Businesses that Sell to Consumers
B2C

• Product driven
• Maximize the value of the transaction
• Large target market
• Single step buying process, shorter sales cycle
• Brand identity created through repetition and imagery
• Merchandising and point of purchase activities
• Emotional buying decision based on status, desire, or price

The ultimate goal of B2C marketing is to convert shoppers into buyers as aggressively and consistently as possible. B2C companies employ more merchandising activities like coupons, displays, store fronts (both real and Internet) and offers to entice the target market to buy. B2C marketing campaigns are concerned with the transaction, are shorter in duration and need to capture the customer’s interest immediately. These campaigns often offer special deals, discounts, or vouchers that can be used both online and in the store. For example, the goal of an email campaign for a B2C company is to get consumers to buy the product immediately. The email will take the consumer to a landing page on the web site that is designed to sell the product and make purchasing very easy by integrating the shopping cart and checkout page into the flow of the transaction. Any more than a couple of clicks and the customer is likely to abandon the shopping cart.

   

One interesting aspect of B2C marketing, however, is that many companies have realized the importance of loyalty. Amazon, Best Buy, and Staples combine merchandising and education to keep customers coming back. Add great customer service, and you get a winning combination.

 

 Businesses that Sell to Businesses

 B2B 

•  Relationship driven
•  Maximize the value of the relationship
•  Small, focused target market
•  Multi-step buying process, longer sales cycle
•  Brand identity created on personal relationship
•  Educational and awareness building activities
•  Rational buying decision based on business value

Although the goal of B2B marketing is to convert prospects into customers, the process is longer and more involved. A B2B company needs to focus on relationship building and communication using marketing activities that generate leads that can be nurtured during the sales cycle. B2B companies use marketing to educate various players in the target audience because the decision to purchase is usually a multi-step process involving more than one person. For example, the goal of an email campaign for B2B is to drive prospects to the web to learn about your products and services. The e-mail to a business must contain contact information for offline communications and the landing page should contain information on features, benefits, and possibly pricing. This marketing activity is usually the first step in a longer, integrated touch campaign that may include direct mail, telemarketing, Web casts, newsletters and follow up by sales representatives who will discuss the businesses requirements in more detail and move the prospect through the sales cycle. Content is king for B2B marketing and white papers, newsletters, and coverage of your products and services by the media helps companies educate their prospects.

  

The B2B Buyer vs. the B2C Buyer

 

The business buyer is sophisticated, understands your product or service better than you do, and wants or needs to buy products or services to help their company stay profitable, competitive, and successful. Marketing copy must talk to a sophisticated audience. Your typical reader has a high interest in – and understanding of – your product (or at least of the problem it solves). Therefore, writing marketing copy is more complex and requires research to ensure you deliver the necessary information to the buyer.

 

 The B2C buyer is usually looking for the best price and will research the competition prior to shopping. Another factor that does come into play, however, is whether the buyer trusts the retail outlet, either the store front or on the Internet. Although you can find the products on the Internet at many different price points, many consumers will still buy from a trusted source. In that respect, B2C marketing needs to convince the person to buy and build trust and loyalty with their customers.

 

Both buyers are interested in quality customer service. B2B customer service comes into play prior to ever making that first sale and begins with a customer’s very first contact with your company, whether you call them or they call you. B2C customer service helps build customer loyalty where customers will be willing to pay a slightly higher price to know that they can return the product easily and can trust the source they are dealing with. In other words, customer service is critical and although may not be considered “marketing”, bad customer service can render all of your marketing efforts useless.

   

Importance of Brand

 

A strong brand is important to both the B2B and the B2C markets, but for different reasons. With B2C, a strong brand can encourage the consumer to buy, remain loyal and potentially pay a higher price. In B2B markets, brand will only help you be considered, not necessarily chosen.

   

Business buyers are using more rational thought when selecting a product or service for their company. They are motivated by saving money, increasing productivity or raising profitability. Consumers are motivated by desire, style and prestige. For consumers, brand plays into the equation since we are more apt to buy “status” brands, such as BMW, Lexus, Rolex or Nike even though we most likely will pay more for the brand. In businesses today, however, the adage “no one ever got fired for buying IBM” no longer rings true. This is not to say that a professionally developed brand is not important for a B2B business. A quality brand is needed in any business in order to make a good first impression, but putting excessive marketing dollars into building brand awareness is not what counts in your B2B marketing plan.

  

Plan Before You Begin to Market

 

The bottom line is that the difference between B2B and B2C marketing comes down to the buyers’ emotional perspective about the purchase. Consumers make buying decisions based on status, security, comfort and quality. Business buyers make buying decisions based on increasing profitability, reducing costs and enhancing productivity. If you are a B2B business offering products and services to other businesses, put your marketing dollars into marketing programs and materials that offer your target what they need to make a rational buying decision. Help them determine the value of the product and service you offer through quality materials, testimonials, and other activities that build credibility. If you are a B2C business, understand what motivates your buyer and the emotional aspect of the buying decision. Create compelling materials that build awareness for your brand, enhance their comfort in buying from you, and project quality service and best price. As you create your marketing plan for the coming year, remember what is important to your target audience and create your marketing programs to speak to them.

 

credit - Deb Murphy

Business Code of Ethics. A new (old) approach to trust in networking.

I am not only amazed, but downright proud of organizations like this: The TriState Business Network. In a day of trusted advisors, business relationships and aquaintence/friendships...it's nice to see that some people (and business organizations) still care about their word and what it means.

The information age and social media have ushered in a new era of speed as it pertains to research, credibility and volitility. I see so many people offer advice that don't know what they're talking about, or worse endorsing someone without knowing the content of their character. So when I stumbled onto this group 2 years ago...I was amazed to see what they stood for, how they operated and what they were about. I was further impressed that they HAVE a Code of Ethics! Here's a sample from the latest blog, where the founder (Clayton Hicks) puts his standards right out there. There's something to be said about a person that is willing to publically declare their standards.

From the TBN blog:

"Tri-State Business Network is made up different business types that come together face-to-face and online, to network and build relationships. We are made up of business owners, entrepreneurs, and sales reps from many different companies in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area. Though we are not absolute for every company in the area, we do guarantee to “Focus on what we GIVE”.

With all that being said though, we do have a Code of Ethics we should use.

1. Focus on what you GIVE

2. We will delete any negative comments/discussions on any online groups, period…DO NOT have the word “no” or “not” or “can’t”, keep ALL discussions in a positive light.

3. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

4. Help whomever you can.

5. No SPAMMING. This means when you are walking out of a meeting don’t try and squeeze one last statement about your business, use the time permitted in your commercial. This also means, don’t talk about your own business during testimonials about someone else and what they have done to help YOU.

6. If you can’t say something nice, don’t say it at all.

7. Refer others you have built relationships with whenever you can. Don’t always refer business when you have a FEE in it for yourself.

8. Don’t just do things RIGHT, do them the RIGHT WAY!

9. Keep extra cards of other members around whenever you can so that you can hand them out to those who may need their services.

10. Turn your cell phone to vibrate during the networking meetings so that those doing commercials don’t get distracted.

11. Come early and stay late whenever you can so that you can build relationships for your business."

- Clayton Hicks, Founder - Tri-State Business Network

http://tristatebusinessnetwork.ning.com/profiles/blogs/tbn-code-of-ethics

What the heck are the Nuts and Bolts of SEO, SEM and SER?

Clients are always asking me about SEO, or search engine optimization. They want to know what it is, how it works, and what they need to do.

I tell them this: SEO is comprised of three main components:

● Content
● Code
● Inbound Links

Content is still “King,” not so much because great content creates sticky sites (think usability), but because great content does more to help your search engine rankings than many of the other tactics that SEOs use.

Knowledgeable SEOs must first and foremost be great writers who can incorporate the right ratio of keywords within content.

Still, the way your website is coded can have dramatic results when it comes to your organic positioning. (.php and template websites are usually aweful and very limited on what can be done to "fix" them...sorry) Make sure your designer knows what this means. If your web design and development company knows what they are doing, they will know how code affects your SER (search engine ranking). Your site should also be optimized, but that can sometimes have less of an effect on your SER than the structure of the code itself. SEM or search engine marketing is another developing field that incorporates several aspects of "marketing your website" to and through other websites.

Finally, inbound links are perhaps the most time-consuming and troublesome of the three keys to great organic positioning. Don't clutter your site with unrelated links that you trade with just anyone. Trading links does not have nearly the effect that inbound links do. Save your energy by increasing links. If you spend your time and energy on these three core tactics, you'll definitely increase your organic ranking.

The beauty of it is that these techniques will also improve the stickiness and performance of your site while building your reputation as an expert in your industry.

5 Important Differences Between Business Class and Consumer Class Computers and Laptops

A business class Computer or Laptop will have a longer standard warranty, which carries a significant value. Additionally, business class computers and laptops tend to feature matte screens and pointing sticks for usability - two things hard to come by in consumer class equipment. Reference the chart below for more differences.

Here are five tips to consider when upgrading to a Business class Computer and Laptop. You'll save the money over time:

1) Business class Computers and Laptops are built with better materials and generally last longer than consumer class equipment. Overall they carry a higher residual value.

2) Business class Computers and Laptops are designed to run continuously all day long.

3) Many times business class equipment still has the manufacturer's warranty remaining. It is possible to work with directly with the manufacturer for any warranty and repair information.

4) Business Class Laptops are able to run two batteries at once and will hook up to a docking station for the home or work environment.

5) With business class Computers and Laptops their built-in video cards allow higher video graphics and enable the quick switch between presentations. The advanced graphics are also ideal for graphic designers and gamers.

Business class systems can sometimes be found at retail and on-line stores; however, most of them have to be ordered via a sales representative directly from the manufacturer or major distributor.

Read more about life expectancies of Consumer class Laptops, support and updates at:
http://findtech.rutgers.edu/tmplt.php?pg=whybus&ss=inst

courtesy Michael Sutter - Budget Business Computers

What is a Managed Service Provider (MSP)?

A managed service provider (MSP) provides delivery and management of network-based services, applications, and equipment to enterprises, residences, or other service providers. Managed service providers can be hosting companies or access providers that offer services that can include fully outsourced network management arrangements, including advanced features like IP telephony, messaging and call center, virtual private network (VPNs), managed firewalls, and monitoring/reporting of network servers. Most of these services can be performed from outside a company's internal network with a special emphasis placed on integration and certification of Internet security for applications and content. MSPs serve as outsourcing agents for companies, especially other service providers like ISPs, that don't have the resources to constantly upgrade or maintain faster and faster computer networks.

An MSP can manage and integrate a range of activities associated with small, mid-size and enterprise networks. The range of outsourcing services includes basic transport and access, managed premises, Web hosting, VPN, unified messaging, video networking, or other more sophisticated services. The market for managed services is forecast to grow about 20 percent annually, according to The Yankee Group, due largely to the need for companies to be more flexible and timely in getting to market and communicating with customers and who have realized they cannot suffer the downtime of an outage or crash.

Some industry experts say managed service providers provide a broader range of services such as monitoring services for servers, routers, firewalls, websites, webtools, device security, email security and other applications. Managed service providers typically deliver infrastructure management services on a subscription basis, similar to the model used by application service providers (ASPs). This model allows the business owner to better control IT costs, plan for change rather than reacting to it, have the peace of mind to sleep at night, and have proactive support as opposed reactive support to which the extreme costs are associated with failures and downtime for a business.

Agency Technologies Inc. is one of the best-known companies that provide MSP services for the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region.

Want Microsoft Office 2010 for free?

If you currently own or buy a new copy of Microsoft Office 2007, Microsoft is offering you to get a copy of Office 2010 for free. No gimmicks, just sign up here:
http://office2010.microsoft.com/en-us/tech-guarantee/microsoft-office-2010-technology-guarantee-FX101825695.aspx

What makes your Technology Rock for you and your business?

This blog post is dedicated to finding technology solutions and systems that work and have benefited YOU...that YOU would like to share! So bring it on...