 In this Issue..
Introduction and News
Welcome to the first issue of our newsletter.
After 20 years in business, we thought it was about time to let you all know what we can offer to help you succeed in business.
Many of our customers have been relying on our expertise to help manage their network and computer needs. Others have been using our training services, and still others have known us only as a retail store.
This newsletter is designed to keep you informed about updates and news, to provide Computer Tips and Tricks, New Services, Client Profiles and more.
For example, Micro Market is now offering Website Design, Marketing, and Search Optimization. What good is a website if your clients can’t find it? Let us help! Joining us is Mike Campbell, who brings 10 years experience to our team. Mike's ability to create compelling functional designs, coupled with his vast knowledge of Internet marketing, will ensure the success of your website, and our new division.
We would also like to introduce you to OnServe, our IT Management division. This service has developed out of 20 years of solving network and computer issues in hundreds of different businesses. It delivers all of our expertise to your organization and provides unparalleled service in a cost effective manner. OnServe monitors your systems in real time to spot problems before they become critical, thus keeping downtime and outrageous costs to a minimum. Call us to learn more.
Our first issue takes a look at Windows Vista and tackles the question of whether or not to upgrade. We’ll also show you a few time-saving tips and tricks while using windows.
We will also be featuring different clients in each issue and have picked Randy Cleary of Matrix Financial to be in our introductory edition. You can learn more about Randy below.
Last, but not least, Micro Market has earned the Microsoft Gold Certified Partner status. We are very excited because only the top 1% of Microsoft Partners have this status! It is even rarer to have this status in three different competencies: Security Solutions, Advanced Network Infrastructure, and Learning Solutions. And did you know that our staff holds more certifications than any other company in our area? More than the other companies combined?
We hope that you’ll find these Newsletters informative and encourage you to send in suggestions for useful tips or articles you’d like covered. Thanks again from the staff at Micro Market for your continued support!
Our next issue we'll take a look at Managed Services, and will arrive in your inbox May 10th 2007.
Windows Vista - Timing is Everything
By Ken Reid, President - OnServe
As an IT professional and president of OnServe Inc., my clients are asking me about Windows Vista, and whether they should consider migrating to this new operating system. Like the Windows XP release in 2001, the question is not about whether you should upgrade, it’s when should you upgrade?
If you are like most companies you rely on the Microsoft platform for your network operating system and the Microsoft Office suite of software for your desktop applications. And like everyone else, you rely on Microsoft to issue updates and service packs aimed at fixing security issues and improving functionality. As new Windows Operating Systems are released, support for previous versions are reduced. Now that Vista has been released, Microsoft will slowly decrease the available support for your current Windows XP or NT computer, until they stop supporting them entirely. Windows 98 is an example of this, and has not had any support for security fixes or updates since July of 2006.
If you want to protect your network, improve your growth, and increase your productivity, then migration to the latest OS, in this case Windows Vista, is inevitable.
Avoid Common Pitfalls
Here are some of my thoughts and recommendations about timing your upgrade.
The timing for the migration will be different for each organization, and must take into consideration the current network and hardware infrastructure, as well as the knowledge available to install and support the new OS.
Many businesses will migrate to Vista through attrition, and as they replace computers by necessity, they will purchase those replacements with the new Vista pre-installed. Companies that follow this method are likely to face more challenges and greater costs than companies that have a strategy for equipment replacement in place. Because there is no real plan or timing for these upgrade events, these businesses will experience compatibility issues, skills gaps, and productivity loss. In real terms this means frustrated customers, aggravated staff, and higher support bills.
Some Recommendations
The more progressive users of IT will understand these pitfalls and will plan their migration to coincide with other business strategies. This might include the planned upgrade for some of their other business software to coincide with the scheduled replacement of their desktop and server hardware, or simply be a step they are taking in a new direction. Whatever the key contributors are, these companies treat IT expenditures as an investment that will build and grow their business, and not as a necessary evil. Furthermore, with a planned strategy, companies have an opportunity to design, test, train and deploy new software so as to minimize any negative impacts that can result from an impromptu implementation method.
Call for Help!
To answer the original question, the upgrade will be inevitable. Having a well thought out plan will make the upgrade to Windows Vista run smoothly, and will minimize disruptions. Call us and we’ll help you plan your migration.
Client Profile: Randy Cleary - Matrx Financial
http://www.randycleary.com
Randy is the owner of MatRx Financial Group, a boutique full service investment firm in Kingston. Here he develops strategies to grow and protect the net worth of small business owners, professionals, and senior managers. His goal is simply to make more money for clients than they could make at any other place. This is accomplished through personally designed portfolios and a unique economic planning model. Randy relies on the old fashion methods of hard work, integrity and pay for performance.
The Need
The MatRx staff depend on computer systems to carry out everyday operations. They use the internet extensively to coordinate all aspects of the wealth management process. If their network goes down, Randy might as well close the office until the problem is identified and resolved. Downtime is not an option. In business today you cannot afford to lose connectivity. This would instantly mean lost time and an unpredictable amount of money.
How did Micro Market Help?
We introduced Randy to our OnServe IT Support program. Our OnServe team now monitors Randy's computer systems and network to spot problems before they become critical to his daily operations. If a problem should arise, Randy can take comfort knowing that the OnServe program offers unlimited onsite and remote support at no extra cost. Randy told us how he now enjoys the dependability, and consistency which OnServe delivers, and that ensures his business success.
For More Information about OnServe, Click Here.
Tips and Tricks
Every month we'll include some tips and tricks which will enhance your Windows experience.
- Open files and folder with a single mouse click!
First, click "Start", then open "My Computer". Once My Computer is open, at the top click "tools" and select "folder options". The first tab that appears is called "general". At the bottom of this tab, click the button which says "Single-Click to open an Item". Now click "OK" and you're all set! Remember, if you don't like this new way of opening files, you can follow the same steps to change it back.
- Do you have ads popping up on your computer all the time? Chances are you have "Spyware".
Spyware invades your computer, and then "spy's" on what website's you visit, and what you do on your computer. Then it will popup ads based on what you are interested in. Sneaky eh? Head over to http://www.lavasoftusa.com, and download the free version of AdAware. Let it run through your system, then delete the Spyware it finds. The software is easy to use, and support is offered through LavasoftUSA.
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